Erin S. Riley

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, Odin’s Shadow, and I was looking forward to reading more about Selia and Alrik’s journey together. At the end of Odin’s Shadow, Selia chose Alrik over his half-brother Ulfrik. Did she make the right decision?

This story is just as beautifully written as the first one. Erin Riley has the ability to transport her readers into the world she’s envisioned. The characters are strong and multi-dimensional, and you can really relate to them. We get to see more of Ingrid, Alrik’s spoiled, spiteful daughter. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She has not had the best of childhoods and now her adult life isn’t looking anymore promising. Will she find her HEA with Selia’s brother, Ainnileas?

As for Selia and Alrik, by the middle of the story I threw my kindle down in disgust with Selia. I couldn’t feel sorry for her any longer. Everything that happened to her in this story was her fault. She lied, and schemed, then whined when Allrik went berserk on her. I’m sorry, but she deserved what she got. Yes, she was in an abusive relationship, but back in that time period. women didn’t have rights, and were nothing more than a possession. Finding a marriage based on love was very uncommon back then. Women were nothing more than cattle to be traded for their dowry’s.

Regardless how I felt about Selia, though, this was still a riveting tale, especially when Ingrid and Selia fled Norway for their lives, along with their children. Anyone who loves historical romances set during the Viking period will enjoy this series. I give it 4 feathers, and look forward to reading the conclusion.… (més)

When I first started reading this book, it reminded me of the old bodice-rippers I used to read when younger. You know, the young girl that falls prey to the dashing bad boy, pirate, or in this case, a Viking. This tale doesn’t have the sexual tension and heat of those types of stories that got us all hot and bothered. No, this story has substance, an actual plot and relatable characters. I fell in love with Selia, and felt her dilemma of being married off to a man old enough to be her grandfather. But, her father had his own reasons for making that type of match. Because, you see, Selia has a huge secret that no one must discover. Actually, Selia and her twin brother, Anniileas, are both big secrets. Their adoptive father, Naill, found them alongside a creek, beside a dead woman. Who was the woman? Were these her children? Where did they come from?

This story has so many hooks built into the storyline, if just kept me turning the pages. Especially when we get to know Alrik Ragnarson and his dark past. Will he repeat the mistakes of his father? As Selia comes to terms with her rash decision to marry Alrik, she found finds herself attracted to Ulfrik, her husband’s brother. When Alrik’s dark nature emerged, I found myself on a roller coaster about the man she should be with. I liked Ulfrik, but there was a hidden side to him too. What are his true motives for Selia and his brother? All the ugly truths are revealed at the Gathering, and I don’t blame Selia for running. Ultimately, I feel she made the right choice. Time will tell.

I really enjoyed the adventure Riley took me on, and I’m so glad it didn’t turn into a bodice-ripper. If you love historical romances set during the Viking era, you will love this book. I give it 5 feathers, and I can’t wait to read more of this series.… (més)