This is Riley’s first novel
and it’s a great one. It is a single story told in three parts… the Sons of
Odin trilogy. I recommend reading them in order and close in time or you might
lose track of the characters.
Set in Ireland and Norway in
876, this is the story of Selia who, along with her twin brother Ainnileas,
were found in the woods and raised by a kind Irish merchant. One day when Selia
is 15, she decides to go to Dubhlinn (despite her family’s wishes), hoping to
see the Finngalls, the warlike Vikingers and their ships. While Selia is
watching the Finngalls, one of them, Alrik Ragnarson, is watching her.
Alrik follows her home and tells
her father that she will come with him when he sails to Norway, either as his
wife or as his thrall. Though her father is distraught, he would rather see her
a wife than a slave and consents to the marriage. Alrik is a brute who at times
can be vicious, and at times tender—definitely a disturbed individual. His Norwegian
name is Alrik Blood Axe (sorta describes him well). Though Selia is small in stature
and not much of a match for the powerful jarl, she finds Alrik attractive and
thus endures his rough ways, trying all the while to avoid his temper.
On the way back to Norway,
she develops a friendship with his half
Irish brother Ulfrik, who teaches her the Norse language. Unlike his harsh brother,
Ulfrik has softer ways and seems more intelligent, more stable. He is aware of Alrik’s
seeming madness when angered and tries to protect Selia.
When Selia learns Alrik has murdered children in the past, she
tries to escape, unsuccessfully, and in the process, Alrik and Ulfrik learn a
secret about who she really is, but neither tells Selia. Meanwhile, Selia
suffers from spells where she remembers an attack that she and her brother once
experienced.
I found this story exciting
and captivating. I could not put it down. It is well told and obviously based
on solid research, which I so appreciate. Riley does not spare us the brutality
of the Viking warriors who were quick to kill to take something they wanted. And
her characters reflect her understanding of human psychology so there is great
depth here. It is unusual story in that the tale does not end with this book,
but continues on through the next two—so it’s a 3-book commitment.
Buy on Amazon.
The next review will be of both book 2 and book 3, A Flame Put Out and Oath Breaker.
Note: Erin Riley will be a guest on my blog on January 21st!
Do stop by to learn what’s behind her stories and comment to win book 1.
Thank you for this lovely review, Regan!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome!
DeleteOoh, this sounds really good, and I loooove the cover (long blond hair with beard...yesss please :-) Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDelete