Set in the late 9th century,
this well researched, well-written Viking tale does not disappoint. It is rich
in character development, rich in the customs of the Vikings and shows what
happened to many in England and Ireland whose unguarded villages were easy prey
for the marauders from the North.
On the day her brother was to
wed her good friend, Lenora’s East Anglia village was struck by the Norseman
Snorri Thorkellsson and his Danish Vikings. All the men were killed and she and
her close friend were taken as slaves back to the Vikings’ lair in Denmark,
where Lenora was given to the chieftain’s youngest son, Erik Thorkellsson.
Lenora hates them all but learns what she must to survive. Treachery and hatred
abound, as Snorri hates his half brother, Erik, and plots to take all that is
his.
As Erik's slave, Lenora
travels the trade routes to Constantinople (“Miklagard”), and we get to see
much of that ancient world. (“You must have Norse blood, Lenora. You have the
Viking passion for adventure, and the desire to see new sights, just as I
have.”) It’s interesting and at times intriguing. Lenora must face her growing
love for Erik even as she is repelled by the Vikings who stripped her of her
family and her old life.
This one held my attention
and I recommend it.
Buy on Amazon.
I dearly miss Flora Speer's work. Leaving the light on in my personal library, should she ever return. Wonderful storyteller.
ReplyDeleteI agree Anna. But readers can still grab her books used on Amazon for under $4.
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