Winter Solstice Winter - A Viking Blood Saga: Norse Fantasy Viking Saga

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Oct 20, Arianne The Bookworm on the Loose rated it it was amazing. Allfather Odin is pleased to meet you. Now, let Odin take you a thousand years before… during the times when the Vikings roamed the world and where wolves and shape-shifters wreck havoc in the Northlandic Kingdom!

The story begins with Ailia having a mare dream. In her sleep, an evil empress was chasing after her. Ailia had no idea what the empress wanted from her but she was terrified. When she awoke from her dream, she told her aunt about it and was concerned. Truth is, Ail Welcome to Midgard! Truth is, Ailia was mocked and condemned by her own friends when she told them about her mare dreams. Soon, she no longer felt welcomed in her beloved town because they thought she was cursed.

In the Northlandic Kingdom, Lucia, sole heir to the throne was grieving the death of her Queen Mother. I actually found this scene quite intriguing, I don't know if this had been a Nordic tradition, but the mere thought of sacrificing oneself was beyond me. Anyway, the kingdom was under siege by the evil Eiess, and Lucia was taken prisoner, thanks to a traitor aunt.

It took her a long time before she was able to escape and learn about her twin sister. Ailia, on the other hand, woke up in a cave with no previous memory and soon she met Soren, who rescued her from shape-shifters. Soon thereafter, the three characters crossed paths and became entangled in a web of lies, deceptions, treason and secrets.

The main characters, Ailia, Lucia and Soren played vital roles in this magnificent tale. The scenes and the secondary characters were likewise rich. I adored Squires' writing style; rich, dreamy and action-packed. She unmistakably researched the setting, and definite delineations of Viking life. While I was reading the book, I felt like I was also a part of the story, I even imagined myself as one of Lucia's handmaidens! The story was a little long but I was so immersed with the characters that I was surprised I have already reached the last page.

I loved the idea behind this engrossing book set in Midgard, during the time of the Vikings of the Norse Mythology. This book had me running through a handful of emotions. I highly recommend this romantically historical tale to everyone who yearns to go back in time. Oct 09, Dini rated it it was amazing. The book takes us back into history - not just a few years but a thousand years. In a land where humans were not as modern as we are now and when they believed in most of the mythologies which we would dismiss today.

Eliminating Eiess is not an easy task. The Empress feeds off darkness and wants to conquer the seasons and let darkness rule all day long. The Great Sentinor has been given 3 lives to fight against the evil Empress and defeat her. Unfortunately she has failed twice and is being born for the last time. Her soul mate Soren is searching for the re-born Lucia, his eternal love.

The story flows ahead with amusement and grief, hopes and disappointments, courage and weaknesses and many more excitements at the right pace. Both were excellent in their own unique way. The language was clear and the content was easy to take in. The authors strength lies in that she is clear in her writing. Many of the science fiction books I read, are just a bunch of new concepts, which readers have to go through several times to understand. Though the book is thick, I found no fluff or ramblings in the text. The story was finely narrated, and did not get off track.

Since the main character was a female, it made me even more interested in the book. Also I appreciated the way the characters were developed.

Lucia, being a lonely princess, is presented in a realistic way, not like in a fairytale where the princess is only sweet and nice. Not only Lucia, but Soren, Ailia and every other character was well narrated and were appropriately portrayed for their own parts. Their characters seemed believable.

This is a story in which everlasting love, courage, brutality and many more emotions are blended finely to create a master piece. I invite all the fiction lovers to give this book a try. It kept me attracted like iron to a magnet all the way through! Oct 09, S rated it really liked it. I'd have to say reading this book is a daring move for me. I may have read a lot of books but never in this genre. And so, admittedly, the first few pages did come really confusing for me: I believe that the first few pages of a book are crucial to whether or not it'll keep your reader's interest.

As for me, although a little confused, I kept an open mind while reading it and exerted effort on going back to some pages to keep trac I'd have to say reading this book is a daring move for me. As for me, although a little confused, I kept an open mind while reading it and exerted effort on going back to some pages to keep track of the book's progress. That worked for me. But I'd have to say, that wasn't really that difficult at all. There's this element that compelled me to review the pages to really see the line that it's drawing.

Out of habit, I write down good lines from a book. I have to say, I consumed two pages for this book. There are plenty of good lines really worth noting. And they don't sound forced to me at all. They are filled with ripe wisdom and they don't appear preachy. The plot is okay but there were times when I feel and imagine the author getting lost in the middle. I found it a little difficult to understand the "plan" behind Soren and Ailia's characters so I decided to read on, and saved my questions at the later part.

As for Characters, the main ones were fashioned and created reall well. I like the contrast of Ailia's character to Lucia's. I liked them both. All other characters contributed to the total package. Eiss did make a good antagonist and descriptions made on her are almost visual that I could picture her out in my mind. The story is good and the narration is good, that is despite some confusions I encountered and a few typo errors I noticed. I got educated on pagan practices and beliefs I have long ago forgotten and some I really have no knowledge of or whether or not they truly exist.

I can tell that the author holds a good future ahead of her. Squires can really write and could make it big in this field. Winter Solstice Winter is, all in all, a good book. The secret to really appreciating it is to keep an open mind. It is because of this book that I can see myself reading more of this genre in the future. Oct 15, Cheri Roan rated it it was amazing. All she knows for sure is what her father King Olav has told her that she is The Great Sentinor pre-destined to lead the battle of Ragnarok and now that she is to be queen she is to be in charge of the Aesira Jewel and the changing of the seasons.

She finds this out just before Eiess the Empress of Darkness storms the castle and locks her in the tower prison seeking the Aesira Jewel. Soren the Sentinor of spiritual and physical healing and is betrothed to Lucia, is the one who finds Ailia and attempts to return her to the home of her aunt and uncle. Lucia finds she is not as she has been told as there is another Ailia the Light who does not know as yet who she is.

Somehow Lucia, Ailia and Soren find out they are all connected as time draws closer to the Great Battle. The keys all lie in the scrolls King Olav gives to Lucia the night she must escape the castle. As we venture into Norse history we have early Christianity, shape-shifters, demons, Sentinors, Vikings, even a Nukkern and so much more! The author is no stranger to all the magic, mystery and mythology of the Norse region and the Vikings after growing up in Norway and is a direct descendant of the Vikings.

Superbly written with excellent character development and story details the imagination is enthralled in this unique fantasy tale.

Young and old alike will enjoy being whisked away to another time and place. For many years, the only fictional stories I read were mysteries and psychological thrillers. Winter Solstice Winter, being a Norse tale, appealed to me, as I was introduced to Norse mythology while taking an English course in college. I had enjoyed the reading and was fascinated by the gods and goddesses in the stories. Being a romantic at heart, the potential love story between Soren and Lucia also drew me. I was initially c For many years, the only fictional stories I read were mysteries and psychological thrillers.

You can immerse yourself in the story right from the start. After the first few pages, I was surprised to be already invested in both the love story and how they might overcome their obstacles to be reunited, but also their individual stories. She did conform at times, as well as, force others to bend to tradition and custom.

With a lot of books you know exactly where the story is going but I can honestly say I was surprised on more than one occasion when I thought I knew where the story was going. Oct 26, Michael Freer rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: If you want a book full of action and emotion, a book that you can't put down and end up reading until 3am even though you have work at 7am, or a book that sends your imagination into another world, then this is the one for you. From the very start, Winter Solstice Winter has an excellent pace that doesn't stop until the book is over the worst part.

You constantly meet new characters and immediately build an image of the surroundings. Other than mortals, you also come across Gods, demigods, qua If you want a book full of action and emotion, a book that you can't put down and end up reading until 3am even though you have work at 7am, or a book that sends your imagination into another world, then this is the one for you. Other than mortals, you also come across Gods, demigods, quartergods, and creatures, some good and some outright evil.

The story revolves around two women - Ailia and Lucia, individually very different in their initial situations, but each on similar journeys and both of whom you will feel sorry for. Later on in the book, you also meet Soren, who turns out to be a key character. He is a kind and passionate soul but has a strong mind and body, someone you immediately like and want to know more about. Midgard, the land where the book is set, is striking and intricately described, at times the cold being so cold you begin to feel it. You visit various villages in Midgard, all different but with their own charm.

You also hear about other lands, which we are sure to visit in future books. There are many action scenes where nothing is left out, with Squires pulling you further into the story. There is no gore but blood is spilt and body parts are lost. There is fighting and magic as you learn about the contrast of the brutal mortals and the magical gods.

Squires has utilised her knowledge of Norse mythology to combine reality and theology, which is why we see hints of religion and tradition and mixed with dark creatures, evil spirits and magic. Winter Solstice Winter is a captivating novel, and extremely easy to get lost in making you forget what the real time is. It is just the start of what I expect to be an exciting, imaginative series of action, fantasy and ultimately, hope. Nov 11, Chelsea Brooke rated it it was amazing. Winter Solstice Winter has a strong story line and a thoroughly researched Nordic mythological back-story.

Squires uses both the ancient Nordic religion of the nine realms, of dark elves, huldras, smaller gods and other supernatural creatures from the Norse mythology and combats them against the new Christian religion. Often, Ailia and Lucia pit themselves against each other because of religious beliefs and the idea of the old religion being supplanted by the new religion.

The supplanting of the Winter Solstice Winter has a strong story line and a thoroughly researched Nordic mythological back-story. The supplanting of the Norse religion by the Christian religion is often used as a trope to show the difference between old and new ideas and revolutions the main characters must face. The story of this novel seems to be a well-combined recipe of traditional archetypes and themes, however, Squires twists these archetypes in just the right way so that the story remains unpredictable.

The betrayal of Ailia is both unexpected and breaks the archetypal mold of betrayal and redemption. The archetypal forest, fortune teller, the power of water, the orphan, the twins, the immortals, the antagonist, the mirroring of the physical and emotional journey, as well as other traditional fairy tale tropes are used well and correctly. Squires tastefully weaves a story that echoes the honesty of books such as the Game of Thrones novels.

The dialogue and inner monologues of the characters are reminiscent of works such as The Great Gatsby and works by Julia Alvarez and Toni Morrison.

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I was given a copy of this book by the author in order to provide the author with an honest review of her novel. Oct 31, Hera Shylla rated it it was amazing. As soon as I read that Winter Solstice Winter talks about Vikings, Norse mythology, and the battle of Ragnarok, it captivated my interest. I'm fascinated with Norse history since I play an online game which is about Norse mythology. I'm also a fan of a TV series which has a handsome Viking as one of the main characters. I like how the cover looks as well. It really entices potential readers as it illustrates something dark, mysterious, and artsy.

The story takes us back to thousands of years ago As soon as I read that Winter Solstice Winter talks about Vikings, Norse mythology, and the battle of Ragnarok, it captivated my interest. The story takes us back to thousands of years ago of Norse history, in the land where relentless Vikings, demons, shape-shifters and other creatures lived, in an epic battle between good and evil. Eiess locks her in one of the castle's tower. Ailia, a peasant girl, after having so many nightmares, went missing, and wakes up in a glacier cave without a clue how she ended up in there.

Soren, the Sentinor of spiritual and physical healing, and Lucia's soul mate, finds Ailia and tries to take her back to her home. Lucia, Ailia, and Soren form an alliance against the ruthless empress, Eiess. But somehow, they discover that their lives are deeply intertwined as the great battle drew nearer.

Winter Solstice Winter - Book I in the Viking Blood Saga

Winter Solstice Winter depicts diverse emotions such as love, hatred, jealousy, and betrayal. Squires did a tremendous job in the way she tells the story. It shows how true love can conquer everything; even death. I enjoyed reading it and have always looked forward to bed time, when I get the chance to read with no distractions.

I was excited to find out what happens in the next pages and very pleased with how things went. Too bad I got the book during the holidays, when so much is going on everyday. I would have finished reading it in one sitting, despite the volume. I enjoyed it so much that I'm looking forward to reading the next novel and highly recommend it to others!

Nov 19, Amber Pennington rated it it was amazing. Let me start off this review by stating that, although I am an avid reader, I am new to this particular genre. Vikings, to me so far in my life, have been nothing but a story in a history book and the mascot of the school where I teach. The story begins by introducing two seemingly unconnected girls - one the future queen and the other a pauper.

As the story unfolds, however, Let me start off this review by stating that, although I am an avid reader, I am new to this particular genre. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes apparent that their lives are very intricately interwoven. At first, the book moved a bit slowly for me. I was having a hard time following the two very different and separate experiences of Ailia and Lucia. Once their paths crossed, though, I found myself flying through the pages. The descriptions of the setting and the rituals of the time were described in fascinating detail.

I did find it a little odd how quickly Ailia fell for Soren. Towards the end of the book, I began to resent the fact that I had felt such pity for Lucia when her parents died and her world as she knew it began to unravel. I appreciated, in a world full of books that are both graphic and gory, that this book, which did contain a love story and violence , was neither even though the human sacrifices near the beginning certainly had me shuddering.

I was educated on the brutality of the Vikings as well as Norse culture, which I am now interested in learning more about. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely be getting the next one! Oct 15, Judy rated it it was amazing. Winter Solstice Winter By E. She was told that her parents had died of smallpox and she was brought to a childless couple who raised her. Lately things aren't so good. Because of her mare dreams and the feeling that she has lived before, her friends have deserted her.

After she's captured by Vikings and wakes up in an ice cave several months later, her life is and never will be the same simple life. The three of them together are all part of a greater plan to destroy the Empress of Darkness. Lucia is the heir to the Northlandic Throne.

After her mother dies she prepares to take over. Lucia struggles over many things.

Such as hatred for the Christian religion her mother had embraced and hatred for her father. When she finds out there is much more she never knew about, she begins to become a bitter young woman. To top everything off Eiess the Empress of Darkness comes in to take over. Lucia is determined to be the Sun Queen and wishes she were not the Great Sentinor This is a long book and the beginning may seem to start out slow but I encourage to stick with it.

Once the story took hold it became a page turner, seeing what would happen next. And not always things you wanted to see happen. This is a paranormal but is also based on the on how things were during the time of the Vikings. It takes place in the year Warning for the faint of heart; there are some gruesome deaths in this book, by the Vikings and others. The story closed one part of their lives but the next part will be continued in the second book, Summer Solstice Summer. Dec 03, Nichole Streeter rated it it was amazing.

A wonderful period romantic thriller that grabs your attention in the first few pages, and never lets up on its grip. As a young child I was always fascinated by tales of of ancient civilizations, and the world of the vikings was a world that never lost its thrill for me. The author does a great job of weaving the tapestry of this fictional world for her readers with the choicest of words.

At the beginning of each chapter I felt myself carried away into a far off world different from our own, but A wonderful period romantic thriller that grabs your attention in the first few pages, and never lets up on its grip. At the beginning of each chapter I felt myself carried away into a far off world different from our own, but no less engaging than this time and place.

I thought the author had an excellent balance in description and action, and I never felt myself getting tied down by the lengthy descriptions you sometimes find in other books of this genre. I may have been an anomally, but I did not like Lucia from the start. She was bratty, judgemental, spoiled, and arrogant from being raised as a princess.

She also seemed very harsh to me during the funeral of her mother to everyone who was only trying to help her get through the event. I have to admit the later twist her character [I wont include as its a major spoiler] came as a huge surprise to me. Ailia is a wonderful character. She might be a little naive, and a little fiesty, and she may need to grow up a bit, but she is a noble young woman with a lot of integrity. I thought her connection to Soren was well written, and a very important part of the story that was being told here.

The mare dreams about Eiess have me wanting to see more of this treacherous woman. Although I am not sure exactly what this woman is supposed to be, she seems like a personification of night and of evil itself. I cannot wait until the sequels are written and available to read. This book is well worth the time and the money, as this author is talented, and a force to be reckoned with in period romantic fantasy. Oct 29, Jacqueline rated it it was amazing.

Let's see, where to begin? There was so much I loved about this book that I hope I can do it justice by this review. First, although it's really long and it took me awhile to finish it, I finally did and I can't wait to read the following editions! I want to know what happens! I agree with what one reviewer said that at first you are introduced to so many characters and you really don't know what's going on. But, after a few chapters things start to come into focus.

I read the reviewer who gave Let's see, where to begin? I read the reviewer who gave this a 3 because I don't see how that is possible. I find it funny that he liked Lucia most of all because he felt that her emotions in this book were justified. I, on the other hand could not stand Lucia. I knew there was something off about her from the very beginning and I'm content with the path she has chosen because her actions def.

Winter Solstice Winter

Ailia is my favorite character and her relationship with Soren did not seem forced to me at all. Not for nothing but they were destined to be together. I can see how they are pulled to each other, yet they don't kiss until the end of this very long book. How can that be forced? In a story there is always conflict and I felt that all of the obstacles stopping Ailia and Soren were justified. I never once felt that the author overdid it. She is the Great Sentinor and Eiess is after her. Her job cannnot be easy! I've already decided I want to recommend this book to so many people. I already mentioned it to my husband.

And as I mentioned earlier, I cannot wait to find out what happens. Oh and I also agree with what one reviewer said about this becoming a movie. As I read the book I could picture certain movie scenes already! This story is amazing. Winter is a story of blood, ice and love. I love the way it's written- there are so many details and I could practically see images, characters, situations that were depicted in the book.

Every detail is carefully thought out, written in a nice and clear flow and the story grew on me very soon. First few pages were a bit difficult to follow, though - and these are the only slow paced pages. Everything else in this novel is dynamic and vibrant; there are many things happenin This story is amazing.

And even though some things were clear from the beginning, I am amazed how the author managed to make the story enthralling till the end. In some ways Winter Solstice reminded me of my favorite fairy-tale, Snow Queen , and this is one of many reasons I liked this book.

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The contrasts between characters, places and situations contribute to the dynamic of the novel and clarity of the story. It is very easy to like the characters, or dislike them and still understand them. Oct 25, Lucianne Carino rated it liked it. EJ Squires' Winter Solstice Winter revolves around two Sentinors or guardians who are tasked to restore balance to Midgard by taking down their treacherous counterpart, Eiess, also a Sentinor but of apparently much greater power.

Lucia, Ailia and Soren must find each other through Eiess' tumultuously cruel reign of the Northlandic Kingdom before they can hope to work towards overthrowing the powerful Queen. Although the story is straightforward despite a rather slow introduction to the protagonis EJ Squires' Winter Solstice Winter revolves around two Sentinors or guardians who are tasked to restore balance to Midgard by taking down their treacherous counterpart, Eiess, also a Sentinor but of apparently much greater power. Although the story is straightforward despite a rather slow introduction to the protagonists, with a plot that can be seen a mile away, EJ Squires manages to give an interestingly detailed and hopefully accurate glimpse into what life must have been like during the era of Vikings.

She has even incorporated the early introduction of Christianity to a land where the likes of Odin and Thor were worshipped as gods and fantastical creatures such as the Huldra roamed around. I also appreciate how a lot of the main characters were depicted as multi-dimensional characters, with both good and bad aspects, although the execution could have been better. All in all, Winter Solstice Winter seems to be a fairly original tale, at least for me, since it basically exposed me to more Norse mythology beyond that of Asgard, Midgard and the coming Ragnarok.

Despite its abrupt and somehow lackluster conclusion, I'm interested to see what volume two of this series will bring. Lastly, it could stand another round of proofreading and polishing as the number of typos seems too great to ignore. Oct 28, Kevin rated it it was amazing. Overall, I found Winter Solstice Winter to be a short but enjoyable read. From the very first chapter the pacing is very quick and efficient.

There are quite a few moving parts here and unlike most similar works there is little in the way of introductions to the world or the characters you are about to spend some time with. That said, after the first chapter it seems to come together and the pieces fall into place. For the uninitiated, the story takes place in the Northlandic Kingdom, which is se Overall, I found Winter Solstice Winter to be a short but enjoyable read. For the uninitiated, the story takes place in the Northlandic Kingdom, which is set squarely in Scandinavia. As such, be prepared for a healthy dose of culture from the area.

The only downside to what can only be termed a good read is the rather abrupt ending. Granted, I appreciate that this is part of a series, but other authors usually have each stand-alone work have its own story arc with a more or less self-contained storyline as the quest moves along. The upside of course is that now I have to get the next installment to see what happens to Ailia, Lucia, and Soren! Nov 05, Rebekah rated it it was amazing.

As a life-long book-lover, I have read many books with involved plots that keep you guessing throughout the story and therefore demand your attention again, and again. That is exactly what I found in Winter Solstice Winter. Just wh As a life-long book-lover, I have read many books with involved plots that keep you guessing throughout the story and therefore demand your attention again, and again. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I would turn the page and discover more mysteries with more unusual twists to the story developing.

Of course any storyline that keeps such a high level of interest from beginning to end has a complicated plot that you have to pay attention to in order to keep up with the twists and turns. Instead, I found myself going back to read a chapter again to see if I missed something and to help my temporarily dysfunctional brain remember the story. Nov 06, Gloria L. I am always happy to give them book gifts, but I especially love finding things I know they will enjoy. This book is going to make at least a couple of my granddaughters very happy with their old grandma!

I always read books before I give them to my loved ones in order to make sure they are suitable, and I have read more than a few that were either trashy or very unappealing. Not so with this book. Actually, the author has managed to write a novel that has broad appeal in all age ranges without having to resort to using bad behavior or actions in order to appeal to younger audiences. If you like fantasies, myths, creativity, and a book that remains enthralling from beginning to end, this book is a great purchase! Oct 17, Aliree Paul rated it it was amazing.

I was instantly drawn in to the story.

It is an incredible, amazing, and well written book. The story begins with Lucia a young noble who is to become queen after the death of her mother the Sun Queen. Lucia learns from her mean abusive father, King Olav, that she is a Sentinor and that she must fight to defeat an evil empress named Eiess. It belongs where it is, and since it unfolds in conversations, you get small bits and pieces at a time, so it is almost like unwrapping a puzzle.

The characters; Aillia, Lucia, and just to make it interesting a love interest for both girls, Soren; are well thought out and easy to get to know. I related to them and understood them. Of course at times I thought Lucia was a spoiled, rich-kid brat, but then again that really is what she is. The weaving of the characters, past and present into the story just makes it feel more like a tale you have heard over and over, not a book you are reading for the first time.

Although the book ends, leaving you on a bit of a cliff wanting to know more, and having to wait for the next book to come out; it does end at a very logical place. It is a natural break in the storyline that fits well with transitioning to another book. I applaud the author for that as well, because not many authors can do that, some leave you on a huge cliff and this was more a natural cliff.

Yes I am waiting for the next book, but I feel good about where the characters are at while I wait. If you are at all interested in historical fiction, viking lore, Nordic lore and the such this is a great book for you. The writing and weaving of the story is genuine and truly the work of a great author. Nichole Streeter on Dec.

A wonderful period romantic thriller that grabs your attention in the first few pages, and never lets up on its grip. As a young child I was always fascinated by tales of of ancient civilizations, and the world of the vikings was a world that never lost its thrill for me.

The author does a great job of weaving the tapestry of this fictional world for her readers with the choicest of words. At the beginning of each chapter I felt myself carried away into a far off world different from our own, but no less engaging than this time and place. I thought the author had an excellent balance in description and action, and I never felt myself getting tied down by the lengthy descriptions you sometimes find in other books of this genre.

I may have been an anomally, but I did not like Lucia from the start. She was bratty, judgemental, spoiled, and arrogant from being raised as a princess. She also seemed very harsh to me during the funeral of her mother to everyone who was only trying to help her get through the event. I have to admit the later twist her character [I wont include as its a major spoiler] came as a huge surprise to me. Ailia is a wonderful character. She might be a little naive, and a little fiesty, and she may need to grow up a bit, but she is a noble young woman with a lot of integrity. I thought her connection to Soren was well written, and a very important part of the story that was being told here.

The mare dreams about Eiess have me wanting to see more of this treacherous woman. Although I am not sure exactly what this woman is supposed to be, she seems like a personification of night and of evil itself. I cannot wait until the sequels are written and available to read. This book is well worth the time and the money, as this author is talented, and a force to be reckoned with in period romantic fantasy.

Peter Nicholas Farrell on Nov. Excellent book, stands up to comparison with Bernard Cornwell and his Warlord series. Good characters, good plot, will be very interested in how it all ends. Amber Pennington on Nov. Vikings, to me so far in my life, have been nothing but a story in a history book and the mascot of the school where I teach. The story begins by introducing two seemingly unconnected girls - one the future queen and the other a pauper. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes apparent that their lives are very intricately interwoven.

At first, the book moved a bit slowly for me. I was having a hard time following the two very different and separate experiences of Ailia and Lucia. Once their paths crossed, though, I found myself flying through the pages. The descriptions of the setting and the rituals of the time were described in fascinating detail. I did find it a little odd how quickly Ailia fell for Soren.

Towards the end of the book, I began to resent the fact that I had felt such pity for Lucia when her parents died and her world as she knew it began to unravel. I appreciated, in a world full of books that are both graphic and gory, that this book, which did contain a love story and violence , was neither even though the human sacrifices near the beginning certainly had me shuddering. I was educated on the brutality of the Vikings as well as Norse culture, which I am now interested in learning more about.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely be getting the next one! Silja Paulus on Nov. Squires may seem a lengthy book at first, but when you get into reading it the Viking world absorbs you so deeply into itself that you soon forget the time and reality while you set out on adventures with the fascinating characters. It is evident that the author feels at home with the Viking traditions and has done some research in order to convey a story that you may even start believing after a while and be quite surprised if you go outside and do not see any Vikings wandering around.

The setting is the exciting Northlandic Kingdom that is ruled by an evil empress after the good queen dies. Three young people, Ailia, Lucia, and Soren start their quest against the cruelty and crudeness encountering many paranormal creatures, such as shape-shifters. During all these adventures there is of course place for love and romance. As secrets unroll, Soren is drifting between two fantastic women, soon finding out which one was destined for him. Love is often accompanied with jealousy and this evil force may be even the most evil of them all because it blinds people and can lead to extreme betrayals.

However, in this book it also keeps the excitement alive at all times. I am always happy to give them book gifts, but I especially love finding things I know they will enjoy. This book is going to make at least a couple of my granddaughters very happy with their old grandma! I always read books before I give them to my loved ones in order to make sure they are suitable, and I have read more than a few that were either trashy or very unappealing.

Not so with this book. Actually, the author has managed to write a novel that has broad appeal in all age ranges without having to resort to using bad behavior or actions in order to appeal to younger audiences. If you like fantasies, myths, creativity, and a book that remains enthralling from beginning to end, this book is a great purchase! Grace Porch on Nov.

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