Karen S. (BoysMom) - My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gloriously immersive tale of vengeance, romance, sacrifice, and destiny!
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is the second book in author Jennifer Ivy Walker's exciting Valiant Vikings historical fiction series, and while featuring characters from the previous novel, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. With honorable and selfless characters willing to do what they must as the trusted leaders of their people, the atmospheric Normandy setting, and its consuming and immersive narrative, I was absolutely hooked from the very first scene.
Lady Elfi Thorfinnsdottir unexpectedly becomes the Heiress of Etretat when her brother is killed defending their home from the attack of Alberic of Soissons and his Frankish army. She assumes the role of chatelaine of the Chateau Blanc when, during a second attack, the lord, her father, is taken prisoner and held hostage by the same man. The price of his safe return? Her hand in marriage!The marriage proposal is part of Alberic's political machinations to regain control of the Viking-held territory. Elfi is torn between saving her father, who will be executed should she refuse Alberic's terms, and causing her brother's ultimate sacrifice to be for naught. She calls upon the aid of the other Viking lords, who rush to her defense with men, arms, and another marriage proposal; this time, to the renowned sea-going warrior Njord Ivarrsson, also known as the 'Wolf of the Nordic Seas,' she accepts.
Elfi, trained as a shieldmaiden by her brother but protected by her father, chafes under the restrictions he enforces because she is female. The fact that her value resides solely in her marriageability, dowry, and now, the Chateau Blanc as its heiress is a hard pill for her to swallow. However, to safeguard her home and those who depend upon her strength and wise decisions, including her captive father, she readily sacrifices her future to secure their safety.Njord Ivarrsson had a rough start in life but has made the most of his opportunities to rise to where he is now. At the order of his king, he leaves this northern home to defend the Chateau Blanc and wed Elfi, removing her from her father's hostage equation. I loved that Elfi and Njord were both strong, matched characters, and they had an immediate connection with one another. However, a prophecy foretold that Njord would find his mate across the seas in a distant place, ushering in the magical, paranormal elements of the story.
What follows includes a political chess game of thwarted ambitions, treachery, vengeance, and a satisfying romance that transcends fate. I recommend WOLF OF THE NORDIC SEAS to historical fiction readers who enjoy a good slow-burn romance and a touch of paranormal elements in their stories.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.
