Odin's Daughter

Rating:
Summary: Odin's Daughter, by Dawn Thompson
Review: I read Historicals almost exclusively, but they have to be good Historicals, well researched, and correct. This one delivers. It takes place at the end of the eighth century, and follows the journey of Corbin, a young monk from the isle of Iona, who liberates a 10-year-old slave child, Mai, of Celt and Norse heritage, from bondage in Scotland with intent to return her to her homeland. When the girl grows to young womanhood, it is discovered that she was taken from her home in Ireland, and the monk sets out to return her there. What ensues is an edge-of-your-seat adventure, replete with challenges to surmount on four shores, not the least of which are shipwreck, seduction, betrayal, and Viking raiders. A real page-turner.

Descriptions abound--not only of the locales, but of the costumes, and props, modes of travel, the mechanics of battles and raids, all woven skillfully into the story in such a way that I felt I had been transported back to this fascinating era. I learned so much without feeling that I had just been subjected to a history lesson.

The author's style is lyrical, and very easy to read, with a good deal of dialogue that captures the flavor of the times without making the reader struggle with dialects. The characters sparkle. They are alive. I will never forget them. That's importnt to me when I read a book. Memorable characters, like those of Mary Stewart, Anya Seton, and those who walk off the pages of Odin's Daughter never die.

This is a book for anyone who loves a good adventure spiced with romance. It is no means just a woman's book. My husband enjoyed it just as much as I did. I understand there is a sequel coming soon. I intend to be first in line.