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The Viking’s Sacrifice
Viking raiders destroyed Wilda’s home. She witnessed the murder of her mother and would have been killed herself if it weren’t for the Viking boy Einar, who saved her from his ruthless brother. The blood and murder left Wilda cold and shorn of feeling.
Eight years later, the heathens return for Wilda. As a captive in the Viking village, she finds protection and silent comfort in the man who once gallantly saved her.
Einar has been cursed to silence by his brother. With the dark net of his brother’s power cast over their village, silence is a small price to pay for his family’s safety. But Einar is immediately drawn to Wilda, and the need to protect her from his brother awakens his Viking courage. Can Einar break his brother’s curse in time to save the village and the woman he loves?
Eight years later, the heathens return for Wilda. As a captive in the Viking village, she finds protection and silent comfort in the man who once gallantly saved her.
Einar has been cursed to silence by his brother. With the dark net of his brother’s power cast over their village, silence is a small price to pay for his family’s safety. But Einar is immediately drawn to Wilda, and the need to protect her from his brother awakens his Viking courage. Can Einar break his brother’s curse in time to save the village and the woman he loves?
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First published January 2, 2012
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About the author
Julia Knight
41 books85 followersOooh let's see. Um, loved fantasy since that first King Arthur book when I was about 8. I love all fantasy but particularly Epic, and I like a strong romance element too ( which is probably why that's what I write!)
I love Pratchett, Cherryh, Gaimen to name but a few, but heck I'll give anyone a go.
I love Pratchett, Cherryh, Gaimen to name but a few, but heck I'll give anyone a go.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 16, 2012
They know but unsurely who sit within, what manner of man is
come.~ Hávamál: 133
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing. ~ Proverbs 18:22
Julia Knight's The Viking’s Sacrifice is one of those stories that you don’t come across often, but will stay with you for a long time. It takes place during one of my favorite periods, pre-tenth century, with the Anglo-Saxon and Viking battles, the back and forth invasions, vying for riches, land and power. Part of what makes this time period so interesting to me is how the growth of Christianity changed the influence of mythological and pagan gods and the lives of those who worshiped them. But while I enjoyed the story for the historical aspect alone, I loved it because of Einar and Wilda, whose struggles for justice and freedom made The Viking’s Sacrifice an emotional read.
From the cover:
Viking raiders destroyed Wilda’s home. She witnessed the murder of her mother and would have been killed herself if it weren’t for the Viking boy Einar, who saved her from his ruthless brother. The blood and murder left Wilda cold and shorn of feeling.Each chapter begins with a passage from either the Bible or the Hávamál - Words of Odin, the High One - and gives us a glimpse into what’s to come. For some, those passages might seem a bit preachy, but remember that during this time, and this story specifically, "religion" of whatever kind is a huge part of their lives, and if you keep that in mind, you’ll understand that the passages are more insightful than preachy.
Eight years later, the heathens return for Wilda. As a captive in the Viking village, she finds protection and silent comfort in the man who once gallantly saved her.
Einar has been cursed to silence by his brother. With the dark net of his brother’s power cast over their village, silence is a small price to pay for his family’s safety. But Einar is immediately drawn to Wilda, and the need to protect her from his brother awakens his Viking courage. Can Einar break his brother’s curse in time to save the village and the woman he loves?
The bottom line: This is a hard book to review because it doesn’t fit snugly into a single genre. It’s historical fiction for sure, but also historical romance, historical romantic suspense, mild Christian fiction, pagan beliefs … but in the end, for me, the labels don’t matter. What does matter is that this is such a poignant story. Heartbreaking, yet inspiring, and much more than a romance, The Viking’s Sacrifice is a wonderful love story. Wilda and Einar had to fight, not just to live, but to love, and so their happily ever after is a truly beautiful thing.
3.5/5 stars
My thanks to netgalley.com providing me with a copy of this ebook in behalf of Carina Press.
December 21, 2011
Wow. This sure surprised me. I expected alot less, and I'm so happy I was wrong. I guess I thought this was going to be all sex (nothing wrong with that) or all sweep-me-away romance but it actually had a very solid story line about the Vikings, about family, loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. It even dealt with curses and beliefs.
Wilda, and Einar were wonderful lead characters. Both were strong and compassionate. They balanced each other perfectly. It also didn't hurt that Einar was a big hunk of Viking love but that is besides the point!!!
4 out of 5 stars and a big huge grin for the hunky Vikings!
Wilda, and Einar were wonderful lead characters. Both were strong and compassionate. They balanced each other perfectly. It also didn't hurt that Einar was a big hunk of Viking love but that is besides the point!!!
4 out of 5 stars and a big huge grin for the hunky Vikings!
February 10, 2012
A childhood meeting when a young girl Wilda is caught between a young Einar viking boy & his traitorous brother who kills one of their other brothers and tries to kill him. Einar saves Wilda.
Later Wilda is taken as a slave by the grown Vikings to find Eianr playing a simplton & a coward. They recognize eachother & Einar must break the curse to save Wilda & the village.
As far as historical fiction, it was really good. It did have me frustrated as intended I'm sure, with the back and forth wr of minds between Odin & God. I liked to see how the vikings truly were. I am a decendant.
There was very little romance to speak of, so I am still kind of under the impression it was a Christian romance, but because of Odin'd involvement it may have skirted that. I'm not sure. I only gave it a 3 stars because the Odin God war left me frustraed with all the praying & despite all of the true historical type of events & beliefs it seemed shallow throwing in a little paranormal at the end seemed unbelievable.
Later Wilda is taken as a slave by the grown Vikings to find Eianr playing a simplton & a coward. They recognize eachother & Einar must break the curse to save Wilda & the village.
As far as historical fiction, it was really good. It did have me frustrated as intended I'm sure, with the back and forth wr of minds between Odin & God. I liked to see how the vikings truly were. I am a decendant.
There was very little romance to speak of, so I am still kind of under the impression it was a Christian romance, but because of Odin'd involvement it may have skirted that. I'm not sure. I only gave it a 3 stars because the Odin God war left me frustraed with all the praying & despite all of the true historical type of events & beliefs it seemed shallow throwing in a little paranormal at the end seemed unbelievable.
January 2, 2012
The story starts off running. It's a prolonged flashback to explain why two people who don't know each other or speak the same language would trust each other, risk everything, and fall in love.
It just takes a terribly long time for this non-speaking happy couple to get there and finally meet each other again. I wish I'd marked the page but I just have a vague recollection of thinking about this around the 20% mark. Majority of the time leading up to their reunion is used for world building and selling the historical setting lock, stock, and barrel to the reader.
When Wilda and Einar finally meet, they don't speak. They just look at each other. The continued and somewhat forced silence is the bane of my existence, or so I thought for 95% of the time. I kept screaming–mentally–at the book for Einar to get his voice back. I wished for him to open his mouth, speak, and defy the power held over him. The fact that he didn't, mostly, ended up heightening the romance. Every look and touch gained in meaning the longer the words evaded them.
This book has the hottest (also the first) sex scenes I've read this year and it's not because of the explicitness.
It might not be news that religion in literature usually gives me the hives. It's not the case here. Both faiths, his and hers, have a justified and well defended place in the story and in the characters' lives. They're living in the 9th century after all. That's one thing I absolutely loved about this book. Although, both Wilda and Einar were deeply pious and devoted to their own gods, they didn't feel the need to change the other's beliefs. I think they even reached a point where they could joke about it.
What I didn't love however were the circular thought patterns. I don't care that it made sense character development-wise, both Wilda and Einar were too stuck on their ways of thinking, their own forms of self-sacrifice. It was especially noticeable when Wilda blamed Einar for her current hell, but a page later considered him her salvation.
Those thought patterns and Einar's persistent silence are the reason why the main confrontation in the story is delayed, repeatedly, to the point of reader exhaustion. Every time I was expecting Einar to end it with a well placed jibe, I was wrong. Until I wasn't. I must confess that the author gave me fair warning by comparing Odin's and Thor's different kinds of courage, but it was a small comfort while I was reading the book.
See, I'm not mad because the author can't write (she can), or because the sex scene descriptions (less is truly more), or because of the postponed confrontation (okay, maybe I am, a little). I'm mad because, although, the author didn't chose the path I wanted to see written, she did make me believe in her characters and her story. She made me want for their happy ending, even if it felt like a cop out. (Seriously, who lives through all that.)
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
It just takes a terribly long time for this non-speaking happy couple to get there and finally meet each other again. I wish I'd marked the page but I just have a vague recollection of thinking about this around the 20% mark. Majority of the time leading up to their reunion is used for world building and selling the historical setting lock, stock, and barrel to the reader.
When Wilda and Einar finally meet, they don't speak. They just look at each other. The continued and somewhat forced silence is the bane of my existence, or so I thought for 95% of the time. I kept screaming–mentally–at the book for Einar to get his voice back. I wished for him to open his mouth, speak, and defy the power held over him. The fact that he didn't, mostly, ended up heightening the romance. Every look and touch gained in meaning the longer the words evaded them.
This book has the hottest (also the first) sex scenes I've read this year and it's not because of the explicitness.
It might not be news that religion in literature usually gives me the hives. It's not the case here. Both faiths, his and hers, have a justified and well defended place in the story and in the characters' lives. They're living in the 9th century after all. That's one thing I absolutely loved about this book. Although, both Wilda and Einar were deeply pious and devoted to their own gods, they didn't feel the need to change the other's beliefs. I think they even reached a point where they could joke about it.
What I didn't love however were the circular thought patterns. I don't care that it made sense character development-wise, both Wilda and Einar were too stuck on their ways of thinking, their own forms of self-sacrifice. It was especially noticeable when Wilda blamed Einar for her current hell, but a page later considered him her salvation.
Those thought patterns and Einar's persistent silence are the reason why the main confrontation in the story is delayed, repeatedly, to the point of reader exhaustion. Every time I was expecting Einar to end it with a well placed jibe, I was wrong. Until I wasn't. I must confess that the author gave me fair warning by comparing Odin's and Thor's different kinds of courage, but it was a small comfort while I was reading the book.
See, I'm not mad because the author can't write (she can), or because the sex scene descriptions (less is truly more), or because of the postponed confrontation (okay, maybe I am, a little). I'm mad because, although, the author didn't chose the path I wanted to see written, she did make me believe in her characters and her story. She made me want for their happy ending, even if it felt like a cop out. (Seriously, who lives through all that.)
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 12, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
{Please note, full review contains minor spoilers}
Expected Release Date: January 20, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.juliaknight.co.uk/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
In the end, no matter how much I enjoyed Einar’s character, the language barrier between him and Wilda, and the intriguing mystical element of the curse, I couldn’t get past the historical accuracy. I simply find that historical books where women are treated horribly just don’t appeal to me. Unfortunately, the reality is that viking culture involves exactly that, at least when the author strives for accuracy as I believe Ms. Knight did.
While the romance was certainly satisfying, I do think that this might appeal more to fans of historical fiction than just historical romance.
For me, though, despite the fact that the story was certainly interesting, the slow-building romance between Wilda and Einar was beautiful, and the ending was absolutely lovely, this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
3/5 Stars
{Please note, full review contains minor spoilers}
Expected Release Date: January 20, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://www.juliaknight.co.uk/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
In the end, no matter how much I enjoyed Einar’s character, the language barrier between him and Wilda, and the intriguing mystical element of the curse, I couldn’t get past the historical accuracy. I simply find that historical books where women are treated horribly just don’t appeal to me. Unfortunately, the reality is that viking culture involves exactly that, at least when the author strives for accuracy as I believe Ms. Knight did.
While the romance was certainly satisfying, I do think that this might appeal more to fans of historical fiction than just historical romance.
For me, though, despite the fact that the story was certainly interesting, the slow-building romance between Wilda and Einar was beautiful, and the ending was absolutely lovely, this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
3/5 Stars
January 3, 2012
Einar thought that his first raiding mission would help make him a man. But the day he expected to show his strength and his courage, ended up ruining his life. He witnessed one brother, killing another. And he would have been killed as well, if it weren't for the actions of a brave young Saxton girl. Wilda was only 11 years old, but Einar spared her life in the raid... so she returned the favor, when she saw his brother Bausi attack him.
Even though Einar lived, his murderous older brother put a curse on him. Should he ever tell the village about Bausi's treachery, their two youngest siblings will be killed. And just to be sure no one ever put stock in his accusations, Bausi spread the word that Einar was a weakling and coward in battle. So now he is scorned by his people. He never speaks a word, in fear that he'll spill his secrets and activate the curse. For years he lives a lonely, miserable life. Until he crosses paths with Wilda again.
Now a grown woman, Wilda has been taken as a slave for Einar's youngest brother Sigdir. And when she sees Einar, she recognizes him instantly. She remembers the young man who fought so valiantly, not the coward his people see. Despite a massive language barrier, feelings develop between the two of them. Einar is torn between a yearning for a life with Wilda and the oath he swore to protect his younger siblings against Bausi... and he can't even tell Wilda about his struggle.
I liked the love story between Wilda and Einar. I found it especially poignant, since it happened without words. Both characters were so broken, which made the refuge they found in each other all the more sweet. But it's difficult watching the way Einar is treated. He is so beaten-down, his self-worth is almost completely eradicated. I wish we would have had more time to see him redeemed, both in his own eyes and the eyes of his people. It's a little too miserable at times and I would have liked a few more moments of happiness... maybe more than one interlude between the hero and heroine.
I could have done with a little less prayer and religious reflection from Wilda. And a few details were a little hazy surrounding the curse, especially in how it altered Sigdir. But the book was different from a lot of the standard historical fare and I liked that. It wasn't quite a full length novel... about 150 pages... but it felt longer. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Even though Einar lived, his murderous older brother put a curse on him. Should he ever tell the village about Bausi's treachery, their two youngest siblings will be killed. And just to be sure no one ever put stock in his accusations, Bausi spread the word that Einar was a weakling and coward in battle. So now he is scorned by his people. He never speaks a word, in fear that he'll spill his secrets and activate the curse. For years he lives a lonely, miserable life. Until he crosses paths with Wilda again.
Now a grown woman, Wilda has been taken as a slave for Einar's youngest brother Sigdir. And when she sees Einar, she recognizes him instantly. She remembers the young man who fought so valiantly, not the coward his people see. Despite a massive language barrier, feelings develop between the two of them. Einar is torn between a yearning for a life with Wilda and the oath he swore to protect his younger siblings against Bausi... and he can't even tell Wilda about his struggle.
I liked the love story between Wilda and Einar. I found it especially poignant, since it happened without words. Both characters were so broken, which made the refuge they found in each other all the more sweet. But it's difficult watching the way Einar is treated. He is so beaten-down, his self-worth is almost completely eradicated. I wish we would have had more time to see him redeemed, both in his own eyes and the eyes of his people. It's a little too miserable at times and I would have liked a few more moments of happiness... maybe more than one interlude between the hero and heroine.
I could have done with a little less prayer and religious reflection from Wilda. And a few details were a little hazy surrounding the curse, especially in how it altered Sigdir. But the book was different from a lot of the standard historical fare and I liked that. It wasn't quite a full length novel... about 150 pages... but it felt longer. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
January 6, 2012
Wilda is a young girl who just wants to run free, and be allowed to do all the things her brothers can do. But this changes on the day that the Vikings invade her home and slaughter her entire family. Wilda only gets away because of a young boy named Einar, who saves her from his brother's axe after Bausi murders their older brother Arni. Bausi curses Einar to stay silent for the sake of the lives of his younger brother Sigrid and sister Gudrun. It's not until years later that Einar (now known as Toki because he is mute and thought to be simple) will meet Wilda again, when Sigrid brings her home with him as a slave; after he's killed Wilda's husband so that he can marry her for the lands that are now hers. Though they can't communicate because of language barriers, Toki and Wilda recognize each other and connect immediately when she's brought to his country. Will he help her escape from Sigrid and save his brother and sister from the curse? Or will he stay as Toki and keep his silence, ignoring the growing attraction between himself and Wilda? This novella was interesting and actually more than I was expecting. That said, the action did NOT flow very well. It took pages for events to finish and stuff to happen. Lots of prose that was out of control and began to bore me after the first couple passages. I found myself paging forward to get to the interesting parts. That said, I did love Wilda and Einar. They were both wonderful, strong heroes. The conflict between Bausi and Einar was full-blown 3-Dimensional and thought out. I also liked the character developments Knight managed in such a short space of time. That said, unless you're crazy about Vikings and history I wouldn't recommend it.
VERDICT: 2.5/5 Stars
*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*
VERDICT: 2.5/5 Stars
*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*
February 5, 2012
Publication Date: January 12th, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
ASIN: B00699QQ5Y
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction
Source: NetGalley
Lootability: ***
The Viking's Sacrifice is the romance of Einar and Wilda, kept apart by warring cultures and a terrible curse that hides the truth of Einar's brothers death. Wilda is a young Saxon girl when Vikings attack her village and Einar saves her when she is attacked for witnessing a devastating betrayal.
Eight years later the Vikings return for Wilda and she is taken to a Viking village as a thrall where she meets Einar again. Only Einar is now Toki, a pariah in his village, who has been cursed to silence.
What I Liked: Einar/Toki was cute; he began with all the brightness of youth and the way he was stripped of hope and colour made it very easy to feel for him. His reactions to Wilda were beautifully passionate as well. He was quite an endearing protagonist considering Wilda's point of view depicted him (initially), and his people, as violent heathens.
The story was great, I liked the idea behind Einar's curse of silence, and the inclusion of the blood runes. I would have liked a bit more information on them though.
What I Didn't Like: Wilda. She had this strange cross between being wide eyed and innocent, and cold and practical. She, and the other female thralls, almost had multiple personalities working for them. Everyone was crotchety, angry or completely despondent.
While I enjoyed the story, and the plot's progression, I wanted more background. It wound up being all about characterisations without any of the benefits of writing a historical fantasy.
The Viking's Sacrifice was published on January 12th by Carina Press. It's a good first step into historical viking fiction. For more Norse fiction I suggest Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier.
Publisher: Carina Press
ASIN: B00699QQ5Y
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction
Source: NetGalley
Lootability: ***
The Viking's Sacrifice is the romance of Einar and Wilda, kept apart by warring cultures and a terrible curse that hides the truth of Einar's brothers death. Wilda is a young Saxon girl when Vikings attack her village and Einar saves her when she is attacked for witnessing a devastating betrayal.
Eight years later the Vikings return for Wilda and she is taken to a Viking village as a thrall where she meets Einar again. Only Einar is now Toki, a pariah in his village, who has been cursed to silence.
What I Liked: Einar/Toki was cute; he began with all the brightness of youth and the way he was stripped of hope and colour made it very easy to feel for him. His reactions to Wilda were beautifully passionate as well. He was quite an endearing protagonist considering Wilda's point of view depicted him (initially), and his people, as violent heathens.
The story was great, I liked the idea behind Einar's curse of silence, and the inclusion of the blood runes. I would have liked a bit more information on them though.
What I Didn't Like: Wilda. She had this strange cross between being wide eyed and innocent, and cold and practical. She, and the other female thralls, almost had multiple personalities working for them. Everyone was crotchety, angry or completely despondent.
While I enjoyed the story, and the plot's progression, I wanted more background. It wound up being all about characterisations without any of the benefits of writing a historical fantasy.
The Viking's Sacrifice was published on January 12th by Carina Press. It's a good first step into historical viking fiction. For more Norse fiction I suggest Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier.
January 3, 2012
This book have two strong heroes. Wilda and Einar. Wilda was a young girl who enjoyed running along the beach and feeling the sand in her toes.Until one day a gang of heathens came a raid her town.
Einar wanted to go on his first raid and show a lot of bravery but instead he ended up witnessing his brother killed his other brother. Then Wilda witness her mother being killed and she called her name and told her to run. Einar told Wilda to run but she ended up helping him from being killed by his evil brother Bausi. Bausi then put a evil rune curse upon his brother. If he told anyone Einar and his younger siblings Sidger
As time went on Wilda was give into marriage by a Thane. Sidger (youngest brother) raid the town, killed her husband, and she became a slave. Staying strong in her Christian religion is all Wilda agreed to go. While working she sees Einar and they both become bewildered. He couldn't believe it was the girl who rescued him from a deadly fate. Wilda couldn't believe herself that it was Einar the young heathen boy.
This story is very beautifully written. This is so much then a typical romance story where the hero always show up to save the lady and whisk onto her feet into a happily ever after. It have a very deepen and heartfelt storyline. Especially how much they both are willing to sacrifice and endure just to keep each other safe.
Einar wanted to go on his first raid and show a lot of bravery but instead he ended up witnessing his brother killed his other brother. Then Wilda witness her mother being killed and she called her name and told her to run. Einar told Wilda to run but she ended up helping him from being killed by his evil brother Bausi. Bausi then put a evil rune curse upon his brother. If he told anyone Einar and his younger siblings Sidger
As time went on Wilda was give into marriage by a Thane. Sidger (youngest brother) raid the town, killed her husband, and she became a slave. Staying strong in her Christian religion is all Wilda agreed to go. While working she sees Einar and they both become bewildered. He couldn't believe it was the girl who rescued him from a deadly fate. Wilda couldn't believe herself that it was Einar the young heathen boy.
This story is very beautifully written. This is so much then a typical romance story where the hero always show up to save the lady and whisk onto her feet into a happily ever after. It have a very deepen and heartfelt storyline. Especially how much they both are willing to sacrifice and endure just to keep each other safe.
January 12, 2012
Wilda, a Saxon girl, survives a Viking attack on her village. She watched as her mother was hacked down. The Viking that killed her mother then turned on own raiders. Wilda rescues one of the Vikings before running away. Einar returns from his first raid a broken boy. His older brother killed the elder brother and then attacked Einar, and is now demanding Einar's silence. Knowing his silence will buy his remaining sibling's safety, he stops speaking and becomes the village outcast. Fast forward a few years, and Wilda is again facing a Viking Raid. As the thane's wife, she watches as her husband is killed. She is taken hostage by Einar's younger brother. He intends to marry Wilda and inherit her land. But Wilda can't deny the growing attraction to Einar. Before giving into his passion for Wilda, Einar needs to break the curse and free himself.
This historical fiction romantic novel was a treat. I loved how Wilda was strong and made Einar into a stronger person. She gave him the will to try and succeed. The whole village seems to be in place and was beautifully written. The writing was great, making the novel even more engrossing. I felt like I was transported to the Northern Wilderness, struggling to free Einar from his curse!
This historical fiction romantic novel was a treat. I loved how Wilda was strong and made Einar into a stronger person. She gave him the will to try and succeed. The whole village seems to be in place and was beautifully written. The writing was great, making the novel even more engrossing. I felt like I was transported to the Northern Wilderness, struggling to free Einar from his curse!
January 28, 2012
A very intense story of kidnapping, curses, silence, revenge and piety. Not in that order. A subtle net of magic keeps a man from speaking aloud what would set him free from shame and the accusation of cowardice. He does it all for the love of his family. Sometimes, you want to smack him, but at the same time, you respect his trust in his god and the way he takes the shame heaped on him by the multitudes. A real page turner, and hot sexy-times as well.
January 8, 2012
A riveting, agonizing journey of one viking and one Saxon woman. The Viking's Sacrifice by Julia Knight is gut retching and hypnotizing. Einar and Wilda will pull you in every direction as their story is told in this poignant display of sacrifice. Beautifully written, The Viking's Sacrifice will resonate with readers. I am truly delighted with this book, it is my first historical romance of the year and quite memorable.
December 16, 2021
It isn’t a bad story, it’s just incredibly simple and slow with a lot of repetition. Honestly, the book could have been half the length and the content wouldn’t have been any different.
The one thing I found very frustrating was the way the author handled the language barrier between the Saxon and Viking characters. The dialogue consists of one or two words spoken to each other. It was like a first grade practice reading book…..”Wilda run, Wilda run” over and over. The lack of meaningful dialogue was a gaping hole.
The one thing I found very frustrating was the way the author handled the language barrier between the Saxon and Viking characters. The dialogue consists of one or two words spoken to each other. It was like a first grade practice reading book…..”Wilda run, Wilda run” over and over. The lack of meaningful dialogue was a gaping hole.
May 1, 2018
This really isn’t a romance but it was interesting enough to finish it.
December 7, 2012
This is the story of Wilda, a Saxon girl who witnesses the destruction of her village and murder of her mother by Vikings. As a Christian woman and a lady, the Vikings return, slay her husband and take her away to a life as a "thrall," a slave, in their cold, heathen village. Einar is a young Viking on his first raid and prevents Wilda from being slain along with her mother, but he is witness to a terrible betrayal by his own brother, and cursed to never speak of it. His people think he a coward -- the worst possible insult -- as well as a handicapped simpleton. He becomes an outcast who is abused at every turn. The Viking's Sacrifice is about how Wilda and Einar come together to break the curse and free themselves.
There are some supernatural elements to the story, but mostly this is a realistic historical romance. Not the kind of idealized view of history in some romance stories -- the life of a thrall or an outcast is not romantic. Captives are raped and beaten. Women know their place and if they want to survive, they must make the best of what they're given and accept that their fates are controlled by fathers, husbands and masters. Outcasts starve, suffer children throwing things at them, never know the touch of a kind hand. Wilda and Einar find tenderness with each other in the midst of tragedy, and ultimately triumph. I enjoyed their story, and the various ways the author portrayed courage. Bravery is not always about plucky heroines or heroes swinging swords and boldly facing monsters. Sometimes silence, survival and humility are what save lives. Sometimes endurance and patience are the ultimate sacrifice, and running away takes courage. Love is all the more beautiful when everything else is harsh and hopeless.
There are some supernatural elements to the story, but mostly this is a realistic historical romance. Not the kind of idealized view of history in some romance stories -- the life of a thrall or an outcast is not romantic. Captives are raped and beaten. Women know their place and if they want to survive, they must make the best of what they're given and accept that their fates are controlled by fathers, husbands and masters. Outcasts starve, suffer children throwing things at them, never know the touch of a kind hand. Wilda and Einar find tenderness with each other in the midst of tragedy, and ultimately triumph. I enjoyed their story, and the various ways the author portrayed courage. Bravery is not always about plucky heroines or heroes swinging swords and boldly facing monsters. Sometimes silence, survival and humility are what save lives. Sometimes endurance and patience are the ultimate sacrifice, and running away takes courage. Love is all the more beautiful when everything else is harsh and hopeless.
August 20, 2016
Set in Northeast England in 836 (the beginning) and Norway in 844, this is the story of Einar, who as a young man goes raiding with his brothers and sets upon a village in which Wilda, then 11, lives. Her mother is slain before her eyes by one of Einar’s brothers, Bausi, who then kills Einar’s older brother and tries to kill Einar. But Wilda saves him and then he saves her, telling her to “renn, renn” (run, run). Years later, they meet again when Wilda is captured in another raid and brought back to Norway.
Bausi, having been thwarted in his plans to kill both of his brothers, threatened Einar with a curse: he will kill their younger siblings if Einar speaks of what happened. To make matters worse, Bausi spreads a lie of Einar’s cowardice, which the whole village believes.
I thought the author’s research was well reflected and the story had an authentic feel. Her writing is excellent and she made good use of the language differences in giving us a picture of what life might be like for the thralls taken captive by the Vikings. And Einar’s feelings for Wilda were sweet and tender.
A few things kept me from giving the author full marks: There’s a fair bit of introspection, which at times slowed an otherwise absorbing story. The story was a bit depressing with Einar continuously the recipient of his people’s scorn and living on the edge of their society. (He was a whipping boy for most of the book.) Finally, he stood up and fought but it came very late. And, lastly, I had trouble visualizing what people and places looked like, including the hero and heroine, but then I’m very visual and like vivid descriptions.
Still, it was a well-told Viking tale of two young people who eventually cross their cultures to find love together. And it has a great cover!
Bausi, having been thwarted in his plans to kill both of his brothers, threatened Einar with a curse: he will kill their younger siblings if Einar speaks of what happened. To make matters worse, Bausi spreads a lie of Einar’s cowardice, which the whole village believes.
I thought the author’s research was well reflected and the story had an authentic feel. Her writing is excellent and she made good use of the language differences in giving us a picture of what life might be like for the thralls taken captive by the Vikings. And Einar’s feelings for Wilda were sweet and tender.
A few things kept me from giving the author full marks: There’s a fair bit of introspection, which at times slowed an otherwise absorbing story. The story was a bit depressing with Einar continuously the recipient of his people’s scorn and living on the edge of their society. (He was a whipping boy for most of the book.) Finally, he stood up and fought but it came very late. And, lastly, I had trouble visualizing what people and places looked like, including the hero and heroine, but then I’m very visual and like vivid descriptions.
Still, it was a well-told Viking tale of two young people who eventually cross their cultures to find love together. And it has a great cover!
October 4, 2015
Set roughly around 844/845 AD, this historical romance is more of a mixed bag for me in that I liked the premise where the hero is viewed as a coward and social outcast but must protect someone who is in a even more precarious social standing. While the circumstances leading up to Einar's injuries and his initial meeting with Wida were plausible, the subsequent story seemed really forced. For example, Einar/Toki (as he is now known to the villagers) is disabled and mute. His silence is due to wanting to protect his younger siblings but somehow I am led to believe that the addition of a cursed amulet worn by Bausi, the main villain, is also the cause of Toki's silence. Perhaps if would have been easier to accept if the author simply got Bausi to cut off Toki's tongue. In fact, I am still confused why Bausi did not kill Einar when he was injured. Equally perplexing is how Wida ends up being captured by the same Vikings who previously destroyed her village. I think the story would have been more plausible if she had been captured as a child and grew up in the Viking settlement. Equally implausible seems to be Sigdir's convoluted scheming to get away from Bausi's influence by marrying Wida.
I liked the characterizations of Einar/Toki and Wida but I was not in love with their romance. Too many forced plot devices were used to draw them together or apart that I felt the story was like a practice before another the author wanted to tackle the actual story between two other characters. That being said, I have to give this book a marginal 2.75 rating which means 3 stars for Goodreads--enjoyed it enough to read from beginning to end but will likely not read a second time.
I liked the characterizations of Einar/Toki and Wida but I was not in love with their romance. Too many forced plot devices were used to draw them together or apart that I felt the story was like a practice before another the author wanted to tackle the actual story between two other characters. That being said, I have to give this book a marginal 2.75 rating which means 3 stars for Goodreads--enjoyed it enough to read from beginning to end but will likely not read a second time.
March 31, 2012
Oh how I love historical romance! A damaged hero and a lady captured to be his brothers wife. Sounds like the makings of a good story right? Unfortunately this one wasn't that great. In fact I'd call this one mediocre.
I could not no matter how hard I tried and I did try believe me connect to any of the characters in this story at all. To me the writing was bland and predictable. I found the story to be one of those stop and go tales where there was no seamless flow in the writing, The author, I'm assuming thought it would be a splendid idea to add some non english words into the story in an effort to connect the story to the setting but I feel like it didn't work at all and that they were placed haphazardly. I also thing that the author tended to ramble in the writing and repeat certain words so it was hard to focus on the story.
I do appreciate what the author was trying to achieve however this one fell very short of my expectations. I will despite finding this book to be "just okay" that I will try the author's other work in an effort to give her a fighting chance to allow me to like her.
*I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
★ ★
I could not no matter how hard I tried and I did try believe me connect to any of the characters in this story at all. To me the writing was bland and predictable. I found the story to be one of those stop and go tales where there was no seamless flow in the writing, The author, I'm assuming thought it would be a splendid idea to add some non english words into the story in an effort to connect the story to the setting but I feel like it didn't work at all and that they were placed haphazardly. I also thing that the author tended to ramble in the writing and repeat certain words so it was hard to focus on the story.
I do appreciate what the author was trying to achieve however this one fell very short of my expectations. I will despite finding this book to be "just okay" that I will try the author's other work in an effort to give her a fighting chance to allow me to like her.
*I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.
★ ★
July 24, 2012
Good characterization; I especially felt for Einar. The odds were so stacked against Wilda and Einar I kept wondering how the author would pull off the happy ending (no fears, she did). Well-researched historical background, both in how the Vikings lived and how their religion contrasted with the Christian Saxon culture.
Quibble: I wish the fantasy element had been played up a bit more in the first half of the story.
Quibble: I wish the fantasy element had been played up a bit more in the first half of the story.
July 8, 2012
LOVED IT !!!!
I had credits left on audible. com and got this one didn't really know much about it but the wotd Viking was part of the tittle so I gave it a try.
And dont regret it at all.
Really great story good plot. And the narrator was excelent. A real nice smooth listening.
Wish I had a copy of it in paper.
I had credits left on audible. com and got this one didn't really know much about it but the wotd Viking was part of the tittle so I gave it a try.
And dont regret it at all.
Really great story good plot. And the narrator was excelent. A real nice smooth listening.
Wish I had a copy of it in paper.
July 12, 2012
A good story in the beginning, but particulary long and sad even if, theorically, was a love story.
Una storia che all'inizio sembrava anche particolare, ma alla fine si è rivelata troppo lunga e persino troppo triste per essere una storia d'amore!
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CARINA PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW
Una storia che all'inizio sembrava anche particolare, ma alla fine si è rivelata troppo lunga e persino troppo triste per essere una storia d'amore!
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CARINA PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW
October 4, 2013
It started out so good....I am really into Vikings right now. But the hero was such a freaking martyr, and I just couldn't. Then it got worse with his martyrdom, and I just don't know....I love a beta hero, I don't love a doormat! Still, some nice Scandinavian world building. Needed more Loki and less Thor.
January 22, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up . Stay tuned for the review to be posted on Booked Up's goodreads account and the Blog
January 27, 2019
I admire the author's choice to make the male romantic lead so unappealing and antithetical to the traditional hero, but unfortunately that's the novel's best quality. Less admirable was the author's choice to make the book tedious and ridiculous.
December 31, 2011
4.25 out of 5
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