The Weaver and the Witch Queen

4.25 stars

This novel seemed equal parts historical and fantasy, with a strong grounding in the geography, religion, and stories of the Viking age, and an equally strong element of magic and invention.  The plot mostly moved along at a good clip, introducing new characters to keep things interesting without making the cast too big to keep track of.  Although I liked the characters and thought that several developed in interesting ways, I didn't have a strong emotional connection to any particular character.  I enjoyed seeing fully realized people against the backdrop of an historical era and culture in which people are often portrayed as one dimensional.  There were also several good plot twists and reveals that I really enjoyed.  Interesting, informative, and fun enough to keep me pulled in.

3.5 stars. Quick and enjoyable. Minor annoyance of decidedly contemporary language repeatedly snapping you out of the mood. ‘Meditation', ‘paranoid', ‘parse', ‘well, excuse me' (sarcastically). Every time it happened, I would find myself annoyed all over again. It was like the words were put in for a first draft and then a sloppy editor never went back to help bring the language into line. That said, an enjoyable woman-focused historical/magical story with some LGBT representation. Overall, recommend.

4.5 stars 



Historical fantasy set in 10th century Norway following two childhood friends, Oddny the healer and Gunnhild the witch as they try to rescue Oddny's sister who was kidnapped in a raid, each of them forging their own path while their bonds are being tested by supernatural and human threats. 

This was a really good historical fantasy ! I loved the main two characters, who were complex and compelling. I loved the emphasis on female friendships, on a woman's power and ambition. The plot was tight and moved fast so this was a page turner. Although some of the dialogue and banter between characters felt a bit too modern at times, the author did a great job showing the culture of Scandinavian countries of that time. 

It was also great to see Sámi culture being featured with 3 side characters (1 having a bigger role but the other 2 had just one appearance), also characters who had parents from beyond the northern lands (correctly showing that vikings were great travellers and developed relations with cities all over the world). There was even an LGBTQ representation for a side character that pleasantly surprised me (not saying what letter and who to avoid spoilers).