About the Author

Focus on the Family Book Reviews — If your children have read these books or someone has read it to them, consider these discussion topics:

Raiders from the Sea gives a wonderful example of how the choices of one person affect others. Mikkel's desire for fortune is greater than his empathy for others. Several times in the story, Bree makes a remark about missing her home and her family. These comments seem to take Mikkel by surprise, as if it never occurred to him that his prisoner had a life and family.
Discuss how your decisions affect others.
Another theme throughout the book is that God is always with you, regardless of your situation.
If God were a physical being and you truly believed He was with you day and night, how might you act differently?
Discuss how easy it is to think that you are alone or that no one is watching.
What kinds of things can you do to remind yourself of God's presence?
The O'Toole family makes preparations for the Viking attack. They had to think ahead about what might happen. How can Christians be spiritually prepared for an attack from the Enemy?
What types of preparations can you do to make sure that you are ready?

What is Mikkel's goal in life?
At whose expense is he attaining his goal?
When have you overlooked or hurt others while pursuing something that was important to you?
What is Bree's crisis of faith?
What does she feel God wants for her life?
Do her circumstances reflect this?
Is God following through on His promise to her?
What happens when Mikkel prays to Bree's God?
Why does God answering Mikkel confuse Bree?
How does Bree need to respond to God?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God?
What is consuming Devin?
What is the only thing he can do to get rid of this hatred?
Does he have a right to dislike the Vikings?
What would have happened if Devin had chosen not to forgive them?
When have you had a hard time forgiving someone?
How did you change on the inside once you were able to forgive that person?
Is there anyone in your life that you still need to forgive?

Where has Mikkel turned his focus?
What does God's Word say about becoming what we serve?
What or who have you chosen to serve?
Does God still have control in difficult circumstances?
How have you seen God working through difficult times in your life?
How can you remember that God has a plan for you when things don't go the way you want them to go?
What are Bree's and Devin's views on making promises?
When you make a promise do you take it as seriously as Devin and Bree?
What promises have you made but have never followed through?
What does God say about making and keeping promises?

Who wants Bree to be released?
Who does not want Bree to be released?
Why would Mikkel refuse to release her?
Why is Bree unsure whether Mikkel's voyage will have God's blessing?
What motivates Mikkel to go on the trip?
Have you ever been motivated by greed?
Why does Devin want to return to Norway?
Why didn't he insist on getting his way?
Who has the final decision on whether Devin will return for Bree?
How are his parents making this decision?
Have your parents ever made a decision that went against what you wanted?
How did it make you feel?
Were you willing to trust that they were doing what was best for you?

Mikkel has found a new freedom in his walk with God.
Why does Mikkel want a new beginning with Bree?
What does he do to prove this to her?
How does Bree react?
How do you react when someone you know is trying to change for the good?
Why is it difficult to change your views about those you know who say they have changed?
What can you do to help instead of hinder people in their Christian growth?
With his newfound faith, how does Mikkel view his sinful past?
Even though God forgave him, what does he need to do from those he has wronged?
When Brother Cronan forgives him on behalf of the Irish people, how does Mikkel feel?
Have you ever felt that type of forgiveness?
How does Mikkel want to make things right?
How does he plan to undo the evil he has done?
What have you ever been forgiven for?
Is there anything in your life for which you need to make restitution?
What have Aiden and Mam O'Toole been praying for since Mikkel raided their countryside?
How can you trust that God knows His plans for you?
Are you willing to submit your life to Him even when things do not go your way?
How difficult is it for Bree's parents to pray for the man who has caused the hurt in their family?
Are you willing to pray for your enemies?