May 1, 2023
After a shaky start, this sprawling Viking adventure of sisterhood, love, and destiny from Gornichec (The Witch’s Heart) finds its footing in its second half. Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy have been steadfast friends since childhood. Though from a noble family, Gunnhild was unloved by her mother, while sisters Oddny and Signy grew up enduring the hardships of maintaining a farm but surrounded by love. When a seer marks their three futures as bound, “for better or worse,” it sets into motion an epic retelling of Viking age history and myth. Gunnhild runs away from home to become a witch, a path that eventually leads her into the company of Eirik, the future ruler of Norway. Meanwhile, Oddny and Signy are separated during a violent raid, leading Oddny and Gunnhild to reunite in search of Signy. The women will do everything in their power to find their blood-sworn sister, and Gornichec carefully weaves multiple story lines full of political upheaval, romance, and self-discovery into their quest. Though the plot occasionally feels rushed and the dialogue will be too modern-feeling for more historically minded readers, there’s plenty to enjoy in this lush, Norse mythology–infused world. Fans of Circe and The Book of Gothel will be especially enchanted. Agent: Rhea Lyons, HG Literary.
June 1, 2023
After a dark prophecy made by a wisewoman visiting their village, Oddny, Signy, and Gunnhild take a blood oath as young girls to always be there for one another. Gunnhild leaves her village and her cruel mother to study under the wisewoman and become a witch, while sisters Oddny and Signy stay on their family farm. Years later, when the farm is raided and Signy is kidnapped, Gunnhild searches out Oddny, and together they are determined to save Signy. Gunnhild is a strong witch, and she partners with King Eirik to fight the witches and people that took her friend. The women learn how to partner and put their powers to good use, but they also find themselves clashing and possibly severing their oath to one another. Gornichec presents a page-turner that gives readers a look into prejudices and what one can see when looking past them. It's a lesson in knowing someone truly to the core, creating bonds that cannot be broken. Friendship, love, power, and resilience reign in this historical fantasy full of witches, Vikings, raids, and braids.
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June 1, 2023
Gornichec's (The Witch's Heart) latest gives quasi-historical figure Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, a magical life and love story. As a child in 10th-century Norway, Gunnhild wants nothing more than to escape drudgery and the scorn of her mother. When a foreboding prophecy is revealed for Gunnhild's future, along with her friends, sisters Oddny and Signy, all three swear in blood to stand for each other. Over a decade later, Vikings destroy the sisters' farm, taking Signy and killing everyone but Oddny. Meanwhile Gunnhild--who disappeared years ago to learn to be a witch--finds that other witches are also involved in the raid. Gunnhild and Oddny reconnect in their pursuit to find Signy and will find their bonds tested by time, magic, and their own destinies: Oddny with one of the raiders and Gunnhild with Eirik, heir to rule all of Norway. These trials might prove too strong even for a bond made in love and blood. VERDICT Gornichec showcases her knowledge of Icelandic folklore and history, while her storytelling reveals the complex and engrossing lives and emotions of her characters.--Kristi Chadwick
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