The Queen of War (The Norsewomen)
The epic Nordic saga, The Queen of War (Book 5 of The Norsewomen), continues the legendary tale of Queen Åsa from Tromøy, an island off the east coast of Norway. Sufficient backstory is provided so the book can be read as a standalone. The tale begins in 825 CE, a year after Åsa survived an odyssey to Hel to break a curse that unleashed a deadly plague in her kingdom. With her kingdom at peace, she arranges for her six-year-old son to be mentored by his biological father and her previous secret lover. However, her world turns upside down when she is captured by the Danish king, Horik, who is determined to make her his queen in his scheme to conquer and rule the Norwegian coast. Against all odds, Åsa has to find a way to escape imprisonment and warn her Norse allies of Horik’s threat. She must rely on her cunning and magic to thwart the Danish invasion and save her people.
Author Johanna Wittenberg is a masterful storyteller reminiscent of the oral traditions of skalds retelling mythological tales and legends. The author vividly describes battle scenes that are riveting and cinematic in scope. The fast-paced adventure races to a heart-throbbing climax where Norsemen and Danes ultimately clash. Mystical elements seamlessly weave into the historical backdrop of medieval Scandinavia. A sorceress, Åsa can cast spells and spiritually meld with a falcon to see through its eyes. A list of characters, maps, and glossaries of Norse terms, gods, and heroes help the reader to navigate through the story.
The Queen of War is an epic adventure that captures the battle tactics, religious beliefs, and culture of the seafaring Vikings. Highly recommended.
