What do you think?
Rate this book
the viking hostage
Historical novel set in late 10th Century France and Wales. The story of three women living in turbulent times, a Norwegian slave girl, a French heiress, and a noblewoman who wants to marry against her family's wishes.
392 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Tracey Warr
25 books47 followersTracey Warr was born in London, lived in southwest Wales and now lives in southern France. The castles and landscapes of Wales and France inspire her historical fiction. She is the author of six historical novels set in medieval Europe. She draws on old maps, chronicles, poems and objects to create fictional worlds for readers to step into. Sign up for her quarterly newsletter for book offers, events, and articles on writing and publishing. https://justmeandering.substack.com
Her writing awards include an Author’s Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative, and a Santander Research Award.
She has also published books on contemporary art including The Artist's Body and Remote Performances in Nature and Architecture. She is the author of future fiction: Meanda (French edition) and The Water Age and Other Fictions. She has also published the workbooks: The Water Age Art and Writing Workshops and The Water Age Children's Art and Writing Workshops.
Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic. She teaches on MA Poetics of Imagination at Dartington Arts School, UK.
She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers Association.
Her writing awards include an Author’s Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative, and a Santander Research Award.
She has also published books on contemporary art including The Artist's Body and Remote Performances in Nature and Architecture. She is the author of future fiction: Meanda (French edition) and The Water Age and Other Fictions. She has also published the workbooks: The Water Age Art and Writing Workshops and The Water Age Children's Art and Writing Workshops.
Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic. She teaches on MA Poetics of Imagination at Dartington Arts School, UK.
She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 3, 2023
A good historical and fictional read quite ironically cardigan is twinned with brioude and cardigan castle was mentioned in her previous books
July 15, 2023
Historical fiction based on some real characters and some fictional ones too.
It’s refreshing to read a novel that spans the whole life of the main characters. Through a turbulent time in history - from power struggles with the nobility, of forced and arranged marriages for political and financial gain against the backdrop of the threat of raids from Vikings.
The three main characters start this novel from varied backgrounds and their lives intertwine through family connections.
This is a novel with strong themes of friendship, love, trust, heartbreak, sadness, kindness and secrets.
I enjoyed following the storylines and seeing the characters develop. And felt that the novel closed in a satisfying way without a rush to the conclusion.
I found the additional historical detail a little overwhelming at times and felt that the novel didn’t need this level of history - despite being well researched and described by the author.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend for any fans of female leads, historical storylines and Vikings.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s refreshing to read a novel that spans the whole life of the main characters. Through a turbulent time in history - from power struggles with the nobility, of forced and arranged marriages for political and financial gain against the backdrop of the threat of raids from Vikings.
The three main characters start this novel from varied backgrounds and their lives intertwine through family connections.
This is a novel with strong themes of friendship, love, trust, heartbreak, sadness, kindness and secrets.
I enjoyed following the storylines and seeing the characters develop. And felt that the novel closed in a satisfying way without a rush to the conclusion.
I found the additional historical detail a little overwhelming at times and felt that the novel didn’t need this level of history - despite being well researched and described by the author.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend for any fans of female leads, historical storylines and Vikings.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2017
4*: I really liked it.
I started reading this book several months ago and I don't know why I stopped at 38%. Probably because I got hooked on a television show or series. After finishing "I am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes 4 days ago, I didn't know what to read, so I checked my kindle's library looking for a new book and then I saw it. I picked it up again and got immersed in the story and I couldn't put it down until I finished it a couple of a hours ago.
I got to say, I am a bit hesitant about reading novels or books set in the middle ages, because of all the killing and torture. I got a bit nervous about Audebert's imprisonment, but I think in the end, the lives of these three women are fulfilling lives, not every thing is the way they want it to be, but they have found love, they have children and they are alive!!!!!! /something one cannot take for granted in medieval europe/
I would recommend this book and I think I may check up on what else the author has written.
I started reading this book several months ago and I don't know why I stopped at 38%. Probably because I got hooked on a television show or series. After finishing "I am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes 4 days ago, I didn't know what to read, so I checked my kindle's library looking for a new book and then I saw it. I picked it up again and got immersed in the story and I couldn't put it down until I finished it a couple of a hours ago.
I got to say, I am a bit hesitant about reading novels or books set in the middle ages, because of all the killing and torture. I got a bit nervous about Audebert's imprisonment, but I think in the end, the lives of these three women are fulfilling lives, not every thing is the way they want it to be, but they have found love, they have children and they are alive!!!!!! /something one cannot take for granted in medieval europe/
I would recommend this book and I think I may check up on what else the author has written.
November 13, 2016
Another very fine historical novel from Tracey Warr, this one had me nervously trying to figure out how it might end. The main storyline was provide by the monk Ademar of Chabannes in Limoges and Angouleme in 1028.
I am not sure who had the most vivid character in this novel, perhaps it was Guy of Limoges who seemed to rise to most occasions. In real life Emma of Segur was his betrothed, who was abducted by Olafr (later King Olaf ) and ransomed by Guy. His sister Adalmode also has depth as does Sigrid, the fictional character who has quite an exciting role.
This is a period that I cannot get enough of and I am so happy that at least one sequel is being written by the author. May I hope for more?
I am not sure who had the most vivid character in this novel, perhaps it was Guy of Limoges who seemed to rise to most occasions. In real life Emma of Segur was his betrothed, who was abducted by Olafr (later King Olaf ) and ransomed by Guy. His sister Adalmode also has depth as does Sigrid, the fictional character who has quite an exciting role.
This is a period that I cannot get enough of and I am so happy that at least one sequel is being written by the author. May I hope for more?
November 7, 2014
I was gripped from the start of 'The Viking Hostage', a richly detailed and compelling read. Whilst the author remains true to the detail of the medieval setting, her subjects are refreshingly contemporary in their perceptions. I couldn't put this novel down, and finished it in 2 days. Highly recommended. Now, I am going to read 'Almodis'.
February 2, 2017
This author whisked me away to another time and place so successfully I didn't want to come home. It is as if the three heroines Sigrid, Adelmode and Aina have somehow written themselves into this book. Tracey Warr is a writer of historical fiction to watch out for!
March 17, 2023
While this was a little difficult to get into at first, I did enjoy it. The characters are believable, the plot interesting. I liked how she wrote from different voices, some first person, some second or third.
January 5, 2026
The Viking Hostage is a richly textured historical novel that brings the brutal, hierarchical world of early medieval Europe vividly to life. Tracey Warr weaves together multiple intersecting narratives to explore power, freedom, identity, and resilience against the backdrop of Viking raids, feudal politics, and social constraint.
Set in late 10th-century France and Wales, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives are shaped and often shattered by forces beyond their control. Sigrid, sold into slavery far from her Norwegian home, clings fiercely to her pagan beliefs as an anchor of identity. Aina and Adalmode navigate the dangers of inheritance, unwanted marriage, and forbidden love in a society that treats women as assets. Guy, heir to power, must conceal his failing eyesight while asserting authority in a world that equates leadership with physical strength. Audebert’s imprisonment underscores how quickly destiny can be stolen and how fragile status truly is.
What stands out is the novel’s deep empathy for its characters. Warr presents early medieval society without romanticising its violence or rigidity, yet allows moments of courage, tenderness, and defiance to emerge naturally. The interwoven structure highlights how lives across class, gender, and belief systems collide within an unforgiving social order.
The Viking Hostage is especially compelling in its portrayal of women resisting constraint from within the system, using intelligence, endurance, and quiet rebellion rather than overt power. The historical detail feels grounded and purposeful, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
A powerful, immersive work of historical fiction that examines how people fight for agency and dignity in a world designed to deny them both.
Set in late 10th-century France and Wales, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives are shaped and often shattered by forces beyond their control. Sigrid, sold into slavery far from her Norwegian home, clings fiercely to her pagan beliefs as an anchor of identity. Aina and Adalmode navigate the dangers of inheritance, unwanted marriage, and forbidden love in a society that treats women as assets. Guy, heir to power, must conceal his failing eyesight while asserting authority in a world that equates leadership with physical strength. Audebert’s imprisonment underscores how quickly destiny can be stolen and how fragile status truly is.
What stands out is the novel’s deep empathy for its characters. Warr presents early medieval society without romanticising its violence or rigidity, yet allows moments of courage, tenderness, and defiance to emerge naturally. The interwoven structure highlights how lives across class, gender, and belief systems collide within an unforgiving social order.
The Viking Hostage is especially compelling in its portrayal of women resisting constraint from within the system, using intelligence, endurance, and quiet rebellion rather than overt power. The historical detail feels grounded and purposeful, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
A powerful, immersive work of historical fiction that examines how people fight for agency and dignity in a world designed to deny them both.
September 23, 2017
This is a well-written historical that pulls the reader along . I particularly liked the author's creation of ambiance and use of detail to create the feel of life in a more unusual time-period and setting.
The reason I awarded 3 stars instead of 4 is because I felt the focus of the story and the characters blurred in places.
The reason I awarded 3 stars instead of 4 is because I felt the focus of the story and the characters blurred in places.
February 4, 2015
From the very first page I was gripped. For a book to grab me I need to be won over on the very first page, The Viking Hostage certainly took me hostage! This book accompanies me everywhere, and I am transported into the world of the characters, the smells, the views, the feelings, Tracey has the ability to pull you into the time and world of the book. I can't rave about this book enough, read it, you won't be disappointed
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews