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The Life and Times of Corban Loosestrife #1
The Soul Thief
They were one soul in two bodies, Corban and Mav, twins born to the lord of a Irish coastal farmstead. Mav had the second sight and was her father's delight; Corban, though, was a deep disappointment, finally exiled for refusing his father's command to go and take up a sword for the High King.
But on the night of Corban's exile, as he slept in the woods and brooded on injustice, the dreadful dragon ships of the Vikings bore down on his home with fire and the sword. The farm was plundered and burned; all the people were slain, save the young women--they were raped and dragged off to a life of slavery.
From the coast of Ireland to the occupied village of Dublin, across the Irish Sea to a Viking stronghold in Britain, and then across the North Sea to the Kingdom of the Danes. Corban is drawn in the track of his ravaged sister, fighting for his own life and to earn the influence and money he will need to buy her freedom. His quest is not hopeless, for Mav's second sight, made stronger by the dreadful fate that has befallen her, has brought her to the attention of the Lady of Hedeby. The Lady, wealthy and influential in the Kingdom of the Danes, has bought Mav; she intends to use the twins , and their link with each other, to extend that influence far beyond Hedeby.
But on the night of Corban's exile, as he slept in the woods and brooded on injustice, the dreadful dragon ships of the Vikings bore down on his home with fire and the sword. The farm was plundered and burned; all the people were slain, save the young women--they were raped and dragged off to a life of slavery.
From the coast of Ireland to the occupied village of Dublin, across the Irish Sea to a Viking stronghold in Britain, and then across the North Sea to the Kingdom of the Danes. Corban is drawn in the track of his ravaged sister, fighting for his own life and to earn the influence and money he will need to buy her freedom. His quest is not hopeless, for Mav's second sight, made stronger by the dreadful fate that has befallen her, has brought her to the attention of the Lady of Hedeby. The Lady, wealthy and influential in the Kingdom of the Danes, has bought Mav; she intends to use the twins , and their link with each other, to extend that influence far beyond Hedeby.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2002
35 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Holland
82 books211 followersPen name used by Elizabeth Eliot Carter.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 18, 2011
Rating: 2.25* of five
Ewww. Irish twins with a mystical bond are separated by a cruel and unjust fate. Girl raped, pregnant, held hostage by evil old woman who wants to abort her unborn child; boy free, homeless, wandering the Viking world searching for his Other Half.
I can't believe I actually read this ghastly twaddle. It's simply inexplicable to me that a talent like Holland's should be deployed in service of this trite, twee, oft-told tale. And then...I looked it up. It's one of her all-time bestselling books.
Barnum was right: No one ever lost money underestimating the {taste} of the American public. NOT recommended unless you like tedious, repetitious maunderings.
Ewww. Irish twins with a mystical bond are separated by a cruel and unjust fate. Girl raped, pregnant, held hostage by evil old woman who wants to abort her unborn child; boy free, homeless, wandering the Viking world searching for his Other Half.
I can't believe I actually read this ghastly twaddle. It's simply inexplicable to me that a talent like Holland's should be deployed in service of this trite, twee, oft-told tale. And then...I looked it up. It's one of her all-time bestselling books.
Barnum was right: No one ever lost money underestimating the {taste} of the American public. NOT recommended unless you like tedious, repetitious maunderings.
June 5, 2013
A few years ago I read several of her books. She does a good job recreating the history. That said, there is something of a melancholy undertone. Still, as a history geek I like her work. As someone who is highly interested in this time period I thought this book did a wonderful job of putting the reader into the era (the book's actions pretty much all take place in the year 954) and place, the Jorvik (York, England).
An example of her deft touch with history is when her protagonist encounters coins for the first time. He refers to them as "silver buttons". For a young man living on a farmstead near the early community of Dublin I thought his reactions were spot on. In many ways this is a coming of age book, at least for the main character.
The book does have a mystical/"wise woman" component to it. It's not a straight historical novel but rather historical/fantasy.
Still for someone interested in that time and place or someone who likes good characterization or just a touch a fantasy, I recommend
An example of her deft touch with history is when her protagonist encounters coins for the first time. He refers to them as "silver buttons". For a young man living on a farmstead near the early community of Dublin I thought his reactions were spot on. In many ways this is a coming of age book, at least for the main character.
The book does have a mystical/"wise woman" component to it. It's not a straight historical novel but rather historical/fantasy.
Still for someone interested in that time and place or someone who likes good characterization or just a touch a fantasy, I recommend
Read
May 19, 2010Holland has had a long, solid career writing carefully researched, realistic historical novels. In this novel, which kicks off a much larger story arc, she employs just enough fantastic elements to evoke the numinous, balancing that with her customary realism and complex characters.
The main character is a boy named Corban. He goes off to the hills to get over his anger at his father calling him a coward. While he’s there, the Vikings come and slaughter the inhabitants of his village and grab his twin sister, Mav. After the horror of discovering his dead family, Corban begins a journey to find Mav, who has second sight. She is being held by the Lady of Hedeby, a witch-queen who wants to use Mav’s power in order to bolster her own political power.
The rest of the book follows Corban on his journey as he meets all kinds of people, with a variety of belief systems and ways of life. Holland’s descriptions are intensely vivid, gaining power steadily; we also follow Mav on her adventures. This book resolves well, while setting up for the greater arc.
The main character is a boy named Corban. He goes off to the hills to get over his anger at his father calling him a coward. While he’s there, the Vikings come and slaughter the inhabitants of his village and grab his twin sister, Mav. After the horror of discovering his dead family, Corban begins a journey to find Mav, who has second sight. She is being held by the Lady of Hedeby, a witch-queen who wants to use Mav’s power in order to bolster her own political power.
The rest of the book follows Corban on his journey as he meets all kinds of people, with a variety of belief systems and ways of life. Holland’s descriptions are intensely vivid, gaining power steadily; we also follow Mav on her adventures. This book resolves well, while setting up for the greater arc.
March 3, 2009
Fair writing at best. The diologue between characters was drool. The plot was linear and inconsequential. If I had bought the book, I would have made paper airplanes out of the pages. I was pretty unimpressed.
February 2, 2012
Holland writes as if she is telling a story so one listens (reads) with the joy that comes from encountering a wonderful tale whether it's oral or written. It's a rare gift indeed. So many novels take pages and pages to draw me into it. Not Holland's Soul Thief. This is the first in a series of five and I plan to read all five. Others in the series are Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, Varringer and The High City. The series occurs over a period of fifty years with the Irish twins spending most of their time in Viking lands.
Corbin Loosestrife is a hero like one of us. He disagrees with his father. He doesn't know what he wants to do. He has little self-confidence in his abilities. He believes that he is good for little. His twin sister, Mav, has farseeing ability and is beloved by the family. The twins care for each other passionately.
When Corbin and his father have a terrible argument he is tossed out of the house. While he is gone, Vikings raid the home, killing everyone except his twin who they take with them. Grief-stricken, Corbin vows to find her but like many of us his courage waxes and wanes. Yet he persists even though he finds himself discouraged and distracted. The bond between the twins is so strong that it pulls him ever forward in his search. Whether you believe in magic or not the twin's bond compels Corbin ever onward in spite of his uncertainty about his abilities. His love is much greater.
Mav is held by the Lady of Hedeby, a witch who schemes to use the two to strengthen her magical abilities and her hold on King Eric Bloodaxe who rules Jorvik (York) as his name suggests. Corbin and Mav must cope with her sorcery in order to gain Mav's freedom. The book combines sorcery with ruthless pirates, romance, and heroism. It's a most entertaining read with well researched medieval background.
Corbin Loosestrife is a hero like one of us. He disagrees with his father. He doesn't know what he wants to do. He has little self-confidence in his abilities. He believes that he is good for little. His twin sister, Mav, has farseeing ability and is beloved by the family. The twins care for each other passionately.
When Corbin and his father have a terrible argument he is tossed out of the house. While he is gone, Vikings raid the home, killing everyone except his twin who they take with them. Grief-stricken, Corbin vows to find her but like many of us his courage waxes and wanes. Yet he persists even though he finds himself discouraged and distracted. The bond between the twins is so strong that it pulls him ever forward in his search. Whether you believe in magic or not the twin's bond compels Corbin ever onward in spite of his uncertainty about his abilities. His love is much greater.
Mav is held by the Lady of Hedeby, a witch who schemes to use the two to strengthen her magical abilities and her hold on King Eric Bloodaxe who rules Jorvik (York) as his name suggests. Corbin and Mav must cope with her sorcery in order to gain Mav's freedom. The book combines sorcery with ruthless pirates, romance, and heroism. It's a most entertaining read with well researched medieval background.
December 5, 2017
Plot: 3 (repetitive and unfocused)
Characters: 6 (believable but not always effective in their role)
Accuracy: 9 (magic aside, the account is strong)
Oh man, this book really lost me. It started off strong with a Viking raid on an Irish settlement and the young son setting out in pursuit of his captured sister but after about the halfway point it devolves into a bizarre fantasy with an evil witch and no real narrative purpose or momentum. I'm not going to say that it has no foreshadowing of this switch, the twins' otherworldly connection to each other is established from an early stage, but the switchover from historical fiction to generic fantasy is abrupt and unwelcome. And once it arrives, the narrative that drove the plot until this point (learn how to survive on his own, discover the wider world, find the girl) vanishes and we're left confused and unclear what is going on. After a string of adventures mostly set around the city of Jorvik (York) he sails off to Newfoundland and Denmark, getting further and further away from home. And then the witch sends him right back to Jorvik, which feels like a giant step back narratively and emotively. Only now he's posing as a wealthy trader for some ill-defined reason and has no real story to tell. Lameness of witches aside, it tears the pacing to shreds. The main conflict is resolved in about a page, and then the book ends.
Honestly, the first part was truly excellent. I loved watching this Irish farmboy discover the wider Norse world and all the dangers inherent in it. I enjoyed her descriptions of characters and the regular death-defying escapes Corban seems to get into. And the world itself is just fun. I truly wish that it had just stuck to that style instead of bringing in an unwelcome fantasy element.
Characters: 6 (believable but not always effective in their role)
Accuracy: 9 (magic aside, the account is strong)
Oh man, this book really lost me. It started off strong with a Viking raid on an Irish settlement and the young son setting out in pursuit of his captured sister but after about the halfway point it devolves into a bizarre fantasy with an evil witch and no real narrative purpose or momentum. I'm not going to say that it has no foreshadowing of this switch, the twins' otherworldly connection to each other is established from an early stage, but the switchover from historical fiction to generic fantasy is abrupt and unwelcome. And once it arrives, the narrative that drove the plot until this point (learn how to survive on his own, discover the wider world, find the girl) vanishes and we're left confused and unclear what is going on. After a string of adventures mostly set around the city of Jorvik (York) he sails off to Newfoundland and Denmark, getting further and further away from home. And then the witch sends him right back to Jorvik, which feels like a giant step back narratively and emotively. Only now he's posing as a wealthy trader for some ill-defined reason and has no real story to tell. Lameness of witches aside, it tears the pacing to shreds. The main conflict is resolved in about a page, and then the book ends.
Honestly, the first part was truly excellent. I loved watching this Irish farmboy discover the wider Norse world and all the dangers inherent in it. I enjoyed her descriptions of characters and the regular death-defying escapes Corban seems to get into. And the world itself is just fun. I truly wish that it had just stuck to that style instead of bringing in an unwelcome fantasy element.
February 7, 2017
2.0
Only made it halfway. By page 15, the lack of hard research was evident. A reference to bears: Ireland's great brown bear has been extinct for around 3000 years after the LGM ( last glacial max). Another error referencing a linen dress---just wrong for the peasant girl and the period and the style also. Also reference to a loaf of bread. Wrong, wrong,wrong.
Hugely wrong error to refer to hills turning brown in winter. ahhhh, NO: the hills and fields stay green all winter, thank you very much. That's one of the reasons Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. Again, this is all before page 15. Barely made it over 100. Writing just adequate.
Not to sound flippant, since this author is revered, but it isn't possible to churn out a masterpiece every year. Just does not happen. This item is another sad example of Tor Forge not vetting what it is publishing; anything for a fast buck.
Only made it halfway. By page 15, the lack of hard research was evident. A reference to bears: Ireland's great brown bear has been extinct for around 3000 years after the LGM ( last glacial max). Another error referencing a linen dress---just wrong for the peasant girl and the period and the style also. Also reference to a loaf of bread. Wrong, wrong,wrong.
Hugely wrong error to refer to hills turning brown in winter. ahhhh, NO: the hills and fields stay green all winter, thank you very much. That's one of the reasons Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. Again, this is all before page 15. Barely made it over 100. Writing just adequate.
Not to sound flippant, since this author is revered, but it isn't possible to churn out a masterpiece every year. Just does not happen. This item is another sad example of Tor Forge not vetting what it is publishing; anything for a fast buck.
October 25, 2011
Here's the thing I don't like about this book: that she has to go into detail on EVERY hunting trip the characters go on in this book.
It's like 'So they had to hunt their own food. But why does that mean we have to go through a blow by blow reenactment of every single animal's reaction to being hunted down and killed for food?'
I'm telling you, I can handle the stresses of being a paramedic way better than I can stand to read about animals suffering even if their situation is brought about due to the law of the jungle, so to speak.
I wish she'd stop detailing every hunted animal's capture and demise at the hands of the hunters. That's all I'm saying.
Otherwise, I like everything about the book.
It's like 'So they had to hunt their own food. But why does that mean we have to go through a blow by blow reenactment of every single animal's reaction to being hunted down and killed for food?'
I'm telling you, I can handle the stresses of being a paramedic way better than I can stand to read about animals suffering even if their situation is brought about due to the law of the jungle, so to speak.
I wish she'd stop detailing every hunted animal's capture and demise at the hands of the hunters. That's all I'm saying.
Otherwise, I like everything about the book.
October 14, 2014
None character development whatsoever, the exposition was boring or confusing, and it is impossible to sail to and from America in a three weeks.
The worst part was, the main character wasn't even a Norse, he was Irish either pre-Celtic or Celtic (who knows? It's never explained!), it was supposed to be a Viking saga. The main female protagonist, Mav, was both boring and useless. Corban had almost zero character development, and what little he had was heavy "told-not-shown" writing.
Normally I am not so critical, but this book disappointed me greatly.
The worst part was, the main character wasn't even a Norse, he was Irish either pre-Celtic or Celtic (who knows? It's never explained!), it was supposed to be a Viking saga. The main female protagonist, Mav, was both boring and useless. Corban had almost zero character development, and what little he had was heavy "told-not-shown" writing.
Normally I am not so critical, but this book disappointed me greatly.
April 20, 2012
I feel like I'm alone in really liking this book. It was Holland's normal fare, but I really liked it. I found the characters interesting and the setting fun. I don't usually like historical fantasy, but I liked how unremarked the elements were.
June 21, 2022
After an awful dispute with his father, Corban is forced to leave his home. He’s had disagreements in the past but this time he fears the exile is permanent. The one person who cares is his twin sister Mav. Though physically they may be separated, spiritually they are always as one. As Corban travels away from home he feels that something is not right, the smoke rising in the distance appears to be a fire and as he races back, he realizes he’s too late. The Vikings have attacked, burning and killing everything in sight. His sister is no where to be found and it’s up to Corban to save her.
Part historical, part fantasy-I really enjoyed this book. The character development alone is perfection but it’s the writing, the author’s way of placing the reader deep into the scenes is what really made this story. Corban is at first uncertain, scared and basically wimpy but by the time he makes his way across the seas, he’s a new man. The relationship he has with his sister continuously reminds him of his duty to her and yet, he also just wants to discover who he was truly meant to be. A great adventure with the usual quest, villain and love story. Highly recommended.
Part historical, part fantasy-I really enjoyed this book. The character development alone is perfection but it’s the writing, the author’s way of placing the reader deep into the scenes is what really made this story. Corban is at first uncertain, scared and basically wimpy but by the time he makes his way across the seas, he’s a new man. The relationship he has with his sister continuously reminds him of his duty to her and yet, he also just wants to discover who he was truly meant to be. A great adventure with the usual quest, villain and love story. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2019
2.5 stars
Cecelia Holland’s series of Viking-era adventure novels have just been reissued in Kindle format and this proved a good excuse to make a start on them. I’ve had a mixed reaction to Holland in the past – enjoying her Byzantine Belt of Gold, but remaining unmoved by her Borgia-centred City of God. However, as many people have praised her to me, I’m determined to keep giving her new chances, especially as she writes about a fascinating variety of historical periods. This is one of the more familiar settings, of course, and I plunged with interest into Holland’s story of Corban Loosestrife – outcast, stranger, unwitting catalyst – on his quest to recover his kidnapped sister Mav. In doing so, he is drawn into the politics of Viking Jorvik and Norway; and, more worryingly, into the clutches of the enigmatic Lady of Hedeby, who has saved Mav from one kind of slavery, only to draw her into another...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2019/03/05/t...
Cecelia Holland’s series of Viking-era adventure novels have just been reissued in Kindle format and this proved a good excuse to make a start on them. I’ve had a mixed reaction to Holland in the past – enjoying her Byzantine Belt of Gold, but remaining unmoved by her Borgia-centred City of God. However, as many people have praised her to me, I’m determined to keep giving her new chances, especially as she writes about a fascinating variety of historical periods. This is one of the more familiar settings, of course, and I plunged with interest into Holland’s story of Corban Loosestrife – outcast, stranger, unwitting catalyst – on his quest to recover his kidnapped sister Mav. In doing so, he is drawn into the politics of Viking Jorvik and Norway; and, more worryingly, into the clutches of the enigmatic Lady of Hedeby, who has saved Mav from one kind of slavery, only to draw her into another...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2019/03/05/t...
March 19, 2019
Of Vikings, Vinland and Witches
I have enjoyed Cecelia Holland’s historical novels since I was a boy, but had not read any of this series written in more recent years. The Soul Thief is the first of a series set in the Dark Ages and centred around a pair of Irish twins, ne’er do well Corban and his prescient sister Mav. When Corban’s home in Ireland is destroyed by Viking raiders and his sister enslaved, Corban is doggedly determined to win her back and sets out on a long and difficult odyssey to recover her.
I enjoyed the novel a lot, so much so that I will actively seek out and read the others in the series (of which there are at least another four). Harsh realism and unexpected kindnesses (traits of Holland’s earlier novels) are here wedded to magical, fairy-tale elements. If the fantasy occasionally jars, the real temptations and difficulties Corban faces more than compensate.
I have enjoyed Cecelia Holland’s historical novels since I was a boy, but had not read any of this series written in more recent years. The Soul Thief is the first of a series set in the Dark Ages and centred around a pair of Irish twins, ne’er do well Corban and his prescient sister Mav. When Corban’s home in Ireland is destroyed by Viking raiders and his sister enslaved, Corban is doggedly determined to win her back and sets out on a long and difficult odyssey to recover her.
I enjoyed the novel a lot, so much so that I will actively seek out and read the others in the series (of which there are at least another four). Harsh realism and unexpected kindnesses (traits of Holland’s earlier novels) are here wedded to magical, fairy-tale elements. If the fantasy occasionally jars, the real temptations and difficulties Corban faces more than compensate.
June 26, 2022
Entertaining if not unforgettable. What I liked about this book was how it made the period come alive; the characters never sound like they were lifted straight from the present time and transported into the early Middle Ages. The hero is a traveller from Ireland who lands in Viking-occupied York and manages to become moderately successful there, and there's a fun part about a lady trader who's actually a witch stealing souls. The story is no longer very clear to me, but I remember the small details of the daily lives of the characters better (things like cutting pennies in half before paying, chewing an old man's food for him...). Felt like taking a trip to a cool location, snapping some pictures and going home.
October 29, 2020
I was trying to find another "historical fiction" title and a friend recommended this author. I put this down when one of the characters has "second sight". Example; her brother is doing something in another land and she can "Sense" he's coming to rescue her. If it was just her hope and I'd have been good with it. But for me? It just crossed into fantasy a scooch too far. Not really my bag when it comes to historical fiction. I want a story in a time past, historically accurate, but fictional. I do not want sorcery with my sword. I haven't decided whether or not to read another by this author or even to re-new this at my public biblio and try to get past this tiny detail.
June 4, 2017
I loved this book much more than I thought I would. It is written from the viewpoint of the starving, set upon villager in the midst of Viking raids and royal oppression. It has just a touch of mysticism to make it fun and to fit the beliefs of the times. Can't wait to read more books by this author now!
June 22, 2018
While this is regarded as historical fiction, the history part is lightweight. The author's writing is evocative and very readable. I thought she did a great job portraying what life was life at that time. I'm planning on reading the rest of the series.
Read
February 2, 2023so ganz weiß ich nicht, ob es mir gefallen hat oder nicht. Es war, vor allem am Ende, ein wenig überstürzt und holperig und irgendwie hab ich nie ganz in die Geschichte reingefunden - oder verstanden, was die Antagonisten so machen oder was sie antreibt.
April 11, 2019
This book was confusing regarding to places in the story. The characters were good and descriptions of the times were pretty good. I didn't like the magic but historically it was fun.
September 26, 2019
Another historical novel which left me wanting more.
February 23, 2020
I love everything Cecelia Holland has written and love this series so far!
May 28, 2020
Excellent. A brilliant evocation of Viking Yorvik and Dark Ages western Europe. The accidental side-trip to North America was a bit pointless but didn't detract from the story.
October 1, 2020
Easy, quick read. Fantasy marketed as historical. Meh
June 26, 2021
A nice short book set in an interesting time with some interesting, if not particularly deep or well rounded, characters.
January 1, 2015
Since I accidentally read book #4 in this series first, I came to know somewhat of Corban and Mav from the POV of someone close to them. (Not saying who to avoid spoilers) Reading The Soul Thief it felt like I was coming home to Corban, Mav and Benna.
I very much enjoyed this book. Once again my only complaint is that there is no map. Even a rough sketch of towns and how they were situated to each other would have been a great help. There was a lot of traveling in this book.
Corban Loosestrife. We see him grow from a young man, certain he does not want to be under any person's or god's thumb but still young and clumsy at life. He felt 100% like a very real person. He makes mistakes, has to learn and to grow into his own skin. The romance was light, sweet and strong. Though not overly expressed the reader gets the strong sense of passion Corban and Benna have. Perfectly done in my mind.
Grod, Arre, Ulf and Sweyn were very real side characters. Cecelia Holland gave every character enough attention that all felt like fully fleshed out people. Side characters don't often get that treatment, that aspect certainly made the book stand out.
I cannot wait to get my hands on book #2!
I very much enjoyed this book. Once again my only complaint is that there is no map. Even a rough sketch of towns and how they were situated to each other would have been a great help. There was a lot of traveling in this book.
Corban Loosestrife. We see him grow from a young man, certain he does not want to be under any person's or god's thumb but still young and clumsy at life. He felt 100% like a very real person. He makes mistakes, has to learn and to grow into his own skin. The romance was light, sweet and strong. Though not overly expressed the reader gets the strong sense of passion Corban and Benna have. Perfectly done in my mind.
Grod, Arre, Ulf and Sweyn were very real side characters. Cecelia Holland gave every character enough attention that all felt like fully fleshed out people. Side characters don't often get that treatment, that aspect certainly made the book stand out.
I cannot wait to get my hands on book #2!
June 23, 2011
** "The Soul Thief" by Cecelia Holland is an ancient witch, mighty with the power of innumerable others. She imprisons an Irish seer, taken and impregnated by Viking slavers, hostage to the brother who follows. The hero Corban grows from a homeless farmboy rejected by his father to a travelled warrior with loyal companions and magic bride who rescues his sister and revenges their slain family. Christ and Thor are worshipped in passing, but the witches have the powers. Corban fights pirates, raging sea storms, a corrupt greedy Norse king, his voodoo queen, and the aged super-villain. I like this clearer simpler story better than the sequel I read first, but feel sorry for bumbling good-hearted Corban rather than admire him, especially when I know his fate.
April 9, 2013
Such a great writer. Cecelia Holland obviously immerses herself in history and brings it back in her books so causally it seems like you are there. Her books have magic, but it's not wizards flying around on dragons shooting fireballs, it's a storyteller who can make her listeners "see" what she is talking about. It's a girl who has "the long sight," - she cannot predict the future, she just knows when something bad is going to happen.... advanced intuition. This distinction coupled with her mastery or writing and deep knowledge of the past makes her a cut above any of her peers. She is also a damn nice lady and has been kind enough o correspond with me on several occasions.
ANY book by her will be good and most are great. The Viking Saga is in the "great" category.
ANY book by her will be good and most are great. The Viking Saga is in the "great" category.
May 20, 2014
First off I want to say that I loved this book. It is everything I love about Cecelia Holland's word. Her history is spot on accurate, and a little vague. Some of these characters don't know about where they live, or what is money, ocean. Since this takes place in 1000 A.D., what to you expect of them? On the other hand, some of the people that I know... And then we move into witchcraft. Which seems to work, in 1000 A.D. Thank goodness that could never happen in the 21st century. Could it?
A touch of fantasy in a historic fiction? Maybe. Makes it all the more engrossing. A brief--all too brief--voyage to Vineland? Yes, and a promise to pick up this tread in book number 2---Which I have already reserved in my library.
I love this book, and hope for good things in the future.
A touch of fantasy in a historic fiction? Maybe. Makes it all the more engrossing. A brief--all too brief--voyage to Vineland? Yes, and a promise to pick up this tread in book number 2---Which I have already reserved in my library.
I love this book, and hope for good things in the future.
December 3, 2009
The writing style of the author grabbed from the the first several pages. Sparse but illustrative.
(update) after 75 pages of sparse mostly narrative action minutiae( ie, someone walked down the road) I am not loving this. Stay tuned.
It took almost 200 pages of a 300 page book for this to get to the meat of the story. What a disappointment! I will give this author another try with a different title.
(update) after 75 pages of sparse mostly narrative action minutiae( ie, someone walked down the road) I am not loving this. Stay tuned.
It took almost 200 pages of a 300 page book for this to get to the meat of the story. What a disappointment! I will give this author another try with a different title.
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