The Norse Queen (The Norsewomen)
Norway, 9th century. Asa is only 15 when her father and brother are murdered by the vicious warlord Gudrod. She is forced from her home to become his bride. Asa attempts to escape but is found by Gudrod’s son, Olaf. If only it could have been Olaf’s proposal instead of Gudrod’s. Despite their shared feelings, Olaf’s duty compels him to bring Asa back to his father. Desperate to save her people from being punished for her actions, she consents to be wed. Because if Asa ever hopes to get retribution for her family and her people, she must become Gudrod’s queen.
The Norse Queen is an absorbing tale of sacrifice and courage. Asa is a strong, intelligent woman who’d envisioned becoming a Shield Maiden. She is a skilled warrior with a deep love for her family. The narrative switches between her and Olaf, a man who struggles to meet his father’s impossible expectations. I was riveted to the pages as each character fought against the constraints Gudrod bound them both with. The characters are complex and compelling.
Based on the real-life historical figure of Queen Asa, Wittenberg’s thorough and detailed research paints a vivid picture of early medieval Viking life. While there was sword fighting, skirmishes, and a forced marriage, the violence was thankfully never overly graphic. There are fantasy elements which mirror the strong religious beliefs, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative. This is a fascinating glimpse into what a strong woman’s life in Viking times might have looked like, and I eagerly anticipate more from Wittenberg’s The Norsewomen series.
