Customer Reviews

The Swan Road

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am not sure what I was expecting out of this book, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. Tore is a fiercely strong, independent woman any modern feminist can admire. I loved the aspects of Norse mythology that were interwoven with the story and gave the journey a fantastical aspect. I also respect that the author freed herself from the canonical 'happily ever after' which so many books strive to contain. Overall, well written with engaging characters. I was immersed in the story, the land, and its people the entire way.

The Swan Road is a riveting tale packed with Vikings, Norse mythology, dragons and gods, and one woman's fight to survive in a world where men make the laws and women only follow.

Tore Nordahldatr and her brothers are home with their father, Nordahl, living their life under a cloud due to a tribal dispute. The Thorvaldsson family has accused Athelwold, Nordahl's brother, of having killed one of their kin in a drunken rage. The viking chieftain, Hablok Bloodaxe is far across the Swan road, as the sea is known, with Tore's older brother, Ulf. The Thorvaldsson's grow impatient in their wait for Bloodaxe's return to settle this dispute. Keeping with the ancient tradition of the wergild, they demand payment in blood and attack during the night. Tore's brothers hide her in a chest with a false bottom. When she emerges later, she finds her family dead. Knowing that the men are looking for her, a woman, she disguises herself as a young man to escape. On her flight she accidentally takes a sword from a grave sacred to the war god, Tyr. Seeking protection from the goddess of battle, Sif, a bargain is struck in which Tore agrees to prove herself worthy of the sword through battle and Tyr will allow her to live. Tore doesn't count on being adopted by another family, but it is necessary for her training. She assumes the name Eirik the Silent Graafell and knows she has to stay safe until her brother can return from sea. But then her secret is discovered. The man who holds her secret, also holds her heart. Soon she realizes she is pregnant. Ulf returns but only adds more problems to her already chaotic world. Right when she thinks all is lost, she finds hope through her perseverence.