The Viking

The Huntress #2

by Carrie Cotten

Will the loyalty that saved their kingdom destroy their hearts?

As a girl, Astrid washed up on the shores of the Picts, haunting memories of her homeland locked deep inside. She began a new life serving Queen Cyrene, ultimately becoming her dearest friend and the captain of her army. But when Cyrene’s unexpected marriage unites her people with the enemy realm of Tràigh, only Astrid’s dedication to the crown can help her battle her mistrust of these rival forces, especially their maddening captain, Eowin.

Trusted as a brother, Eowin can imagine no life other than serving his king. As Tràigh struggles to hold its place amid tumult, a mysterious Viking warrior and his men sail in with a claim that will change everything. Sent to far lands on an impossible mission, Eowin finds his courage, integrity, and wisdom stretched to the limits.

Will he sacrifice everything for this warrior maiden he can never have?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Historical

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Carrie is a Louisiana born, Texas transplant and recent North Carolina resident. She earned her BA in English from East Texas Baptist University where she met and fell in love at first sight with her hunky husband, Jeffrey Craig Cotten.

After a short tour in Alaska with the Army, Carrie and Jeff returned to Texas to start a family. Fifteen years and four kids later, they answered God's call to enter the ministry, embarking on a wild adventure that led them to the Appalachian mountains.

When Carrie isn't writing, you can find her cuddling a chicken, petting a pig or snuggling a sheep on their small family farm. She loves the freedom they've found in homeschooling and the unlimited opportunities to explore the mountains. Camping, farming, and watching movies are some of their favorite family activities. Carrie and Jeff serve together at a small church where Jeff is the youth pastor.

Her favorite thing to do is steal a quiet moment to sit on her front porch and take in the most beautiful view she's ever seen in her life.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

I’m still thinking about this book!

I nervously waited to start this one, worried that it wouldn’t measure up to the powerful series starter. Author Carrie Cotten blew me away with this one - something I couldn’t imagine. Dare I say that this one is my new favourite?! It’ll be up there with my top reads of 2025.

Cotten made it easy for me to slip between the pages and get transported to the Viking Age and the world of Astrid and Eowin. I loved the messages about the importance of trials in softening our hearts so that we have a chance at redemption, about risking heartbreak for the chance to love and be loved, about what it costs to sacrifice, and about the value in loving each other through the pain - through the bad decisions and broken stories.

Next time I struggle with telling someone about Jesus, I’ll remember what it meant for Astrid, Eowin and Ulf. It was good to be reminded that sharing the good news was never promised to be easy, just necessary.

Alliances mean survival. Let Cotten show you what she means!

Worthy of ALL the stars!

[Lila'sbooks]

5⭐ (thoughts and content notes below)

Book 2# of The Huntress


🐺⚔️What This Book is About (spoilers for book #1)⚔️🐺
"As a girl, Astrid washed up on the shores of the Picts, haunting memories of her homeland locked deep inside. She began a new life serving Queen Cyrene, ultimately becoming her dearest friend and the captain of her army. But when Cyrene's unexpected marriage unites her people with the enemy realm of Tràigh, only Astrid's dedication to the crown can help her battle her mistrust of these rival forces, especially their maddening captain, Eowin.

Trusted as a brother, Eowin can imagine no life other than serving his king. As Tràigh struggles to hold its place amid tumult, a mysterious Viking warrior and his men sail in with a claim that will change everything. Sent to far lands on an impossible mission, Eowin finds his courage, integrity, and wisdom stretched to the limits.

Will he sacrifice everything for this warrior maiden he can never have?"


🐺⚔️My Thoughts⚔️🐺
If a book makes me cry, it gains a star. If I cry while rereading it, I consider it a masterpiece.

Wow, wow, wow. I love this book and everything about it! I laughed, I cried (a lot and over several things), and I swooned. Oh my heart *clutches chest dramatically*. This book is so well written that I was reacting to it as if I was reading it for the first time when it was, in fact, a reread.

The plot twists were phenomenal and some of the best I've read. If you want to gasp in shock, read this book. It will really have you on the edge of your seat, praying that these characters will be okay. There's action and battles, while also having some incredibly sweet moments!

The romance is so beautiful and swoon-worthy. It had me giggling and gave me butterflies and then it would rip my heart out.😅 So much yearning, so much banter; I'm obsessed.

Carrie Cotten writes the absolute best characters. I love these characters (except for the bad guys) and the character growth was done so well. Astrid is so strong and I love her. Her growth in her relationship with God was so nice to see. There's a certain character (that I'm not going to say the name of to avoid spoiling anything) who I'm so proud of and love so much! *Insert the character's name* went through so much hardship and lost so much but grew so much and I cried a lot for him. Also Eowin. Man, I love Eowin. If he walked through the door right now, I would propose to him (I'm kidding but also serious). He's so charming and funny and sweet and all the things. He's also so hot and I haven't even seen him with my eyes but he's attractive. I don't like the book boyfriend thing but I make an exception for Eowin; I love him. I loved him in the first book so I was and still am so happy that him and Astrid have their own book.

Another thing I absolutely love is the faith content. The portrayal of salvation, trusting God, His love for us, and how He provides for us was so beautiful and brought me to tears. The promise of Heaven for those that put their faith in God really pulls at my heart strings.

There's so much more I could say and I could literally rave about this book all day long. From the bottom of my heart, please read this series, I beg you.🙏🏻


🐺⚔️ Content Notes (possible spoilers)⚔️🐺

🤬 Language: none

🌶️ Spice/Sexual: no spice. Some kisses and embraces, flashback/recounting of past sexual assault (no explicit or graphic details; unwanted kisses and touches before the girl runs away), mention of not consummating a marriage.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBT: none

💀 Violence: war violence, battles, fighting (picture Lord of The Rings level). Death (from arrows, swords, axes, beheading, etc). Mentions and talk of taking lashes. Injuries. Kidnapping. Attempted murder.

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: parental death, past death of spouse, past child death, mentions of infidelity, SA, death, grief.

Age Rating: 14+

[N]

Gimme a minute. I think I did not take a breath for that whole third act. And I might’ve pulled something. I feel like I was rowing one of those longboats myself. Let’s all be thankful nobody’s fate was hanging on me getting an arrow on a bow.

I’m a Regency ballroom gal; I’m not used to this Medieval Viking savagery where “the cut direct” for sure means something different. Ah, but, yet again, Ms. Cotten weaves such a “How does she even do it?” tapestry. I absolutely loved the first book in this series with her effortless writing and such epic tension. And I have to say, I think she raised it even more for Astrid and Eowin’s journey to healing and love. So many threads, so many twists, such high stakes, such yearning and connection. Somebody get me some smelling salts; it was just under too much.

We have two rival army captains that had sparks flying from book 1, Brady-Bunching it now that their kingdoms combined. “Here’s the story of a moon-haired lady…” ok, I’ll stop. But they have to get warriors to unite and fight together without the unwelcome distraction of wanting to glare each other out of the training arena. All the promise of these two was fulfilled. And it’s the kind of second book where nothing goes the way you expected, but all is as it should be. Apparently it’s not enough that a girl can lead and train an army, now she also needs a TESOL certification. But if we’re getting that learn-to-play-along-well forced proximity, there shall be no complaints from this reader. The way these two have a common unshakeable foundation of loyalty and faith makes me just as giddy as all the banter and the fun training each other. You want a protective hero who will not stop, I mean, he will not stop, Eowin’s your Vestman.

Things got so dire and bleak and would just not let up, I’m scared to death of book 3 in the best way. But in the end it’s swoony beautiful happily ever after and the promise of an “even better” happily ever after.

Releases May 21 and on Kindle Unlimited!Grateful to the author for an ARC.

Content notes: Kissing Only. Predominant themes of Christianity. All content non-graphic descriptions. Mentions of grieving family deaths. Secondary character struggles with alcoholism. On page flashback to attempted assault. On page bloody battle violence. On page child in danger.

[Rachel Luke Parker]

Easily a new favorite book of all time. Astrid and Eowen are just fabulous MCs!

The danger, battles, mystery, suspense, redemption, hope, faith, tension, and all the highs and lows kept me turning page after page.

I love that these books can make my heart race during a battle scene, cry during the heartbreaking ones, and fill my heart with such hope and peace.

The banter between Astrid and Eowen was perfection. I loved how they could tease each other, protect each other and equally pine after each other. Together they were such an unstoppable force for not only strength but their faith as well.

Carrie definitely has nailed this series and I cannot wait to read The Raven next!

Physical Intimacy Level 2
Zero Swearing
Dual 3rd person POV

[Grace Soto]

4.5 ⭐Whatever you're looking for in Christian medieval romance, you'll find it in this series of connected standalones. Carrie Cotton is just undefeated in this category. Let's break down the stats:

🔹 Third-person, past-tense, dual-POV
🔹Vikings!
🔹Anti-hero with a redemption arc (SO GOOD!!!)
🔹Battle couple (they're both captains)
🔹She teaches him archery, he teaches her swordfighting
🔹Complex viking politics
🔹EPIC (and I mean epic) final battle scene
🔹Miraculous fighting abilities
🔹Deep, well-written faith content

I have little to add to the gushing that other readers have contributed in this series' reviews. This story is just a masterful handling of every (very ambitious) topic it tackles, from the historical medieval elements, to the character arcs (SO good), to the characters themselves, and the romance, and the faith... You get the idea.

That being said, I had a hard time making it through this one. Despite being on my Kindle (where i usually read faster), it took me several weeks to finish. I think this is because it's just a very intense story, especially that final battle. The pacing does feel kind of strange at times because of the time jumps, but every decision contributed to a really satisfying story overall, so I think this is just my own experience, no fault of Carrie's at all. And Eowin and Astrid are absolutely ADORABLE. I will still heartily recommend this story and can't wait to read the rest of the series!

🔻CONTENT NOTE: This book does include a flashback to a character's SA. I skimmed it because it was just very hard to read, but I do think it was handled carefully and written with a lot of intention and consideration. The battle scenes also include some occasionally gory stuff, since the characters are fighting Vikings with battle axes.

[Becky Fleming]

I am absolutely gobsmacked. This is book two in the series, and I am just as blown away as I was with the first one (which I honestly didn’t think was even possible!).

If I could give 10 stars, I would—without hesitation. the writing, the plot, the characters… and most of all, the way the Gospel is woven so beautifully and powerfully throughout the story—it deserves every single one of them.

Carrie Cotten, there’s not a doubt in my mind that the Lord has fully equipped and anointed you with a precious, beautiful gift as a Truth Speaker.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads|]

I loved this second book. I do think it added a lot to have known both main characters from the previous book. The plot, setting, twists & turns, and especially the faith content were FANTASTIC.

I’m taking a breather from the series to regroup—it’s definitely a different genre than I usually read though still Christian and still well written. There’s just a lot more violence, but I def can’t mark it down a star even for that. Highly looking forward to the next book 😊

Content: violence (some descriptions, some disturbing situations), murder, drugs, a character is attacked (hints at attempted SA but nothing happens), kisses only romance.

[Heather Wood]

For endorsement:
Travel back to medieval Europe in The Viking, Carrie Cotten's thrilling sequel to The Huntress. If you fell in love with Astrid and Eowin and the explosive sparks between them, you won't believe where she takes their epic, strongly Christian, twist-filled story or be able to put it down.

[(Katie) Paperbacks]

Wow! this series just keeps getting better and better! Bingeable, filled with action and romance. I really can't get enough of this series.
6⭐

[Nicci | The Purple Bookworm]

4.9/5 Stars (Tears and Triumphs!) ❤️

This book is a profound, action-packed, and emotion-heavy spiritual experience!

• The Core Lesson:

It opened my eyes to the fundamental priority of spreading the Word of God, no matter where life takes you. I was so blessed watching these imperfect characters struggle, learn, and ultimately choose obedience and grace over anger.

• Favorite Lesson: "Astrid offered grace when he only felt the flare of anger and vengeance." — A beautiful reminder that I need to be slower to judge.

> The story was gripping: it had a slow start, but the climax was thrilling—I couldn't guess the ending!
> I truly learn towards the lessons of humility this book inspires: recognizing I still have so much to learn about living a Christ-centered life. Praise be to Jesus for showing me what I need to improve!
> If you need a series that blends high-stakes action with deep biblical principles, Carrie Cotten is a must-read.

Action/Grief Warning: This story is heavy with emotion and action, so check for specific trigger warnings first!

God bless, everyone!

[Kalyn Hoffman]

Yes, yes, and yes. More of this Viking romance, misunderstood heroes, and valiant battles. I didn’t think it was possible, but I loved this even more than the first! Cannot wait to read book number three! Christian fiction that is a riveting story, glorifies God, and beautifully written. Well done, Carrie. Well, done!

[Joy Tiff]

This story took a turn I didn’t see coming… but boy was it good! Astrid and Eowin didn’t want to like each other, but I loved what Cyrene and Duncan forced them to do to get along. Ha! And the villain in this one… well, I love when an author writes one that I loathe with all my being. And I may have even shed some tears while reading this one.

[Morgan]

Wow I LOVED this one! Excuse me while I sob in a corner over the last 20%. Maybe one of these days I can write an intelligent review but for now just know I will be thinking about this book every day

[Ashton Dorow]

ENDORSEMENT: The Viking is Carrie Cotten’s best work yet! This enemies-to-friends-to-lovers tale will have you smiling one minute, screaming with rage the next, and probably shedding a few (or many) tears along the way. Full of shocking twists and surprising turns, you won’t want to put it down–even after the final page!

[Sarah Martyn]

Such a captivating story that I devoured! The themes of redemption and salvation were woven beautifully into the story and didn't feel jarring or out of place like in some other Christian fiction. Great character development and compelling friendships and relationships throughout. The only thing is, like the first book, I wanted some more descriptions of the setting.

[Jennifer Hunt]

Action-packed adventure, romantic tension at its finest, lots of shocks and surprises, and a beautiful redemptive arc make this a page-turner fans of medieval fiction will love!

[Lindy Leonard]

I have absolutely nothing in common with Astrid. I am not a fierce warrior, nor do I aspire to be (I had to sit down for a minute when I cut my finger slicing a bagel the other day). I have no deep trauma in my past. And I definitely would not go about teaching a language by naming different parts of my longbow. Thankfully you don't have to completely relate to a character to enjoy a book!

There are a handful of things I could critique (one of which is the speed at which Eowin became fluent in Astrid's language, honestly, I'm jealous) but I genuinely enjoyed reading The Viking. There were plenty of surprises, and be sure you have lots of time at your disposal when you get to the climax. I stayed up way too late reading because I didn't want to quit without knowing what would happen.

As far as the plot/romance goes, this felt a little less unique than The Huntress. It is classic enemies to lovers which is obvious from chapter 1, but it had depth and growth in both characters, and I was rooting for them. I especially liked her the way Astrid grew in making her faith her own, rather than being carried by the faith of others. I also really loved Eowin's unfolding relationship with... someone who I won't name because that's a spoiler.
Definitely worth a read!

Trigger warning: SA

[Samantha Bourke]

I enjoyed this more than the first one. Astrid and Eowin were so amazing to follow. Both of their backstories were tragic and shaped so much of who they are. The twists got me in this book. I also liked that we got to see Duncan and Cyrene in this book for a little bit as well. I really liked the setting and the way the charcters learned how to communicate with each other where they were the only ones who coukd understand each other. The growth the characters went through and also having to face the demons from their past were all great elements. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Esther]

I LOVED this book so much! The storyline was captivating. Especially towards the end. I couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend this book!

[Brittany]

I loved this even more than the first one!
I have never cried at a book so much!😭
I was hooked from the beginning but the last few chapters had me unable to put it down!!! Perfect balance of romance, action, mystery, faith, and history! I'm excited to read the next one, but also a little nervous because I don't know how i'll love it as much as this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5+ stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jeanine Reed]

Whatever this woman wished, he would give her. If she asked him to carve out his own heart and place it in her palm, he would gladly do so.

When I stumbled upon The Huntress last fall, I was immediately drawn into the world of Cyrene and Duncan, their loyal subjects, the world of royalty and uprisings, deceit and survival. That story was an exceptionally well written, engrossing enemies to more battle of wills and stubbornness (in the best way). So many characters became beloved favorites and each one begged for their story to be told. Once Cyrene and Duncan found their happy ending, I knew Astrid and Eowin would have to confront their feelings sooner than later.

The Viking is another triumph for Carrie Cotten. She brings us a spectacular story that takes us across the sea to the land of heartless Norsemen. When Astrid’s past stumbles upon her on the shores of Tràigh, her only chance to spare her kingdom is to leave behind all she has grown to love and protect and face the consequences of her long ago disappearance.

With twists and turns, danger and deception, The Viking takes you on an unforgettable journey of faith. There are new characters to love and some to despise. There are moments of terrific banter between Astrid and Eowin. The growth of their trust and admiration is wonderful. But the most remarkable moments are the ones of redemption, the powerful transformation in the hearts of the unbelievers after acceptance of the one true God and the desire to spread the gospel to a lost nation of people.

A must read!

Thank you Carrie for my advanced copy all opinions are my own.

[Megan Hucko]

This series is so good. I’m so grateful for a incredible historical fiction that is so woven together with the Christian faith and the truth of the gospel. What an epic tale for these two captains.

[Audrey Colman]

It was like a rollercoaster. One that goes upside down. But I would ride again.

I mean, the story line! What a journey you take! From Scotland to Norway, and how did Astrid even get there, you ask? Kidnapping! I mean, that’s really what it was. I can’t tell you who kidnapped her though, other than the fact that it was a Viking. You’ll just have to read to find out who.

Oh, but before she’s kidnapped and she Eowin, who she low key despises, are forced to spend a month in very close company. She’s teaching him her language. And he’s…

Eowin… a big skulled and sometimes big brained, troll of a man. And he’s in love with Astrid, but somewhat unwilling to admit that. And his duty is to the crown, so he can’t really have the girl, right? But, he’s promised the queen he’ll go after her!

But guess who comes along? The God above all gods. Who, as we know, is in control of all things. And works things out for our good and His glory. And oh, my. What a story line of redemption is woven throughout this story!

This is a page-turner, and a must read!

Thank you Carrie for an early copy!

[Emma | meadowroselibrary]

"𝙄 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩...𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝."

"𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙚."

This book has about put me in an emotional wreck. 😅 It's been so impossible to put down, soooo much to soak in, it's just incredible.
For one, this author really knows how to write a story! So much plot twists and feelings and fighting, what more could you want?
The first book in the series completely captivated me, but this book took my whole heart, broke it, then put it back together by the end. 🩷 Every single one of these characters are so full of feelings, good and bad, and they put all that towards fighting for what's right, for those they love. The friendships, close families, a wonderful reminder of what we need to always fight for in life. 🩷
A clean medieval/viking book that I highly recommend!

*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own

✨He did not give in to fear or anger or hopelessness. He remained.✨

[Mandy]

Carrie Cotten has woven together such a beautiful tale that will take you on heart-pounding adventure.
From beginning to end, I was captivated and couldn't put the book down.
The relationship between Astrid and Eowin is heartbreakingly beautiful. It doesn't unfold like your typical romance, and the characters truly want to honor God and do what is right.
I was on a roller coaster of emotions and loved every second of it.
The faith intertwined within the story, and the characters are refreshing and inspiring.
The battles and adventure will have you on the edge of your seat and is written in such a way that it plays out in your mind like a movie.

I can not recommend this book and this series enough. Carrie has created a medieval world with characters you will love.

[Gina]

Carrie Cotten has become one of my favorite authors! She creates amazing stories with romance, excitement and most importantly faith! Salvation and the life of a Believer is a strong element throughout all of her books and especially this one. I loved reading the conclusion to Astrid and Eowin’s story in the Viking. It was so much more than I expected. Like in all her books, the characters have so much depth and so many layers to them. The dialogue between the characters is so real and honest and the plot is so thrillingly unpredictable; there are so many twists and turns. The intrigue and turning of events is constant in this adventure for Astrid and Eowin. I can’t wait for the third in the series!!

[Lindsey IG: BookishlyLindsey]

Good night—so much to process. I’m attempting this review three days later.

There is so much to this story. From the prologue, working our way up to the exact moment Book 1 ends—and beyond—this story takes you on an absolute journey. A journey full of grief, battle, bravery, kidnapping, selflessness, heartbreak, grace, and so much more.

The banter and jokes between these two captains are top-notch and always made me smile. The last 80% had me in a chokehold.

This story is filled with many lessons, but the one that shines brightest is this: sharing the Word in any way creates waves.

This is Book 2 in the series and, in my opinion, should be read as such.

[Deanna Reynolds]

Loved this book just as much as the first. The storyline was so good and the development of the characters was great! I absolutely loved how she showed God’s undeserved mercy and grace in this story. It was beautifully woven in and not cheesy at all. It was also a very challenging reminder for me.

[Kysa]

This was so hard to put down! A wonderful sequel to The Huntress!

[Mace]

“I have never read a more beautiful piece!!” I literally said that to my mom while I was finishing this 😂
There were parts where I was completely heartbroken *cough cough* Astrid’s backstory
There were parts where I was so happy! I was rooting for these characters through the whole thing! And I was rooting for Astrid and Eowin 😏😏😏
When I get so many emotions in one book and know I’ll always remember this story, it 100% deserves and 5 stars! Well done Carrie Cotten! Thank you for sharing the gospel through your amazing stories!! 🙏😊