Le seigneur des runes

Viking Lords #1

by Sabrina Jarema

Erik Ivarson s'est retrouvé bloqué par les intempéries dans le village de Thorsfjell. Mais ce retard semble lui être bénéfique puisqu'en plus de l'amitié et du soutien logistique du seigneur des lieux pour la libération de sa famille, il a gagné le coeur d'une beauté rousse à l'allure sauvage.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Viking Romance, Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2018

Reviews

[Melann · Rating 3 out of 5]

On est plus sur de l'Aventure que de la Passion ! Même si finalement, l'aventure en Norvège l'hiver, il y en a peu mdr 😅
C'est donc une lecture lente, qui manque de fluidité, avec beaucoup de longueur dans la narration.
Le couple est sympatique, mais classique. Et même dans leur relation, c'est très long...

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of the Runes by Sabrina Jarema is a thrilling Medieval Viking Romance. # 1 in the new and exciting "The Viking Lords" series. WOW! This certainly promises to be a thrill ride of an adventurous series.

Well written with well-developed, engaging and captivating characters. The storyline is somewhat unique, masterfully written, with intrigue, treachery, brutal warfare, betrayal and the promise of vengeance and love. The secondary characters definitely help carry the story to completion. So many twists and turns, some, the reader will not see coming.

Eirik Ivarson is plunged into a brutal maelstrom of retribution and vengeance when his father, the Jarl, is murdered. He vows revenge, and seeks his cousins assistance for retribution. But, he gets lost in a blizzard, on his way to his cousin, where he is found, frozen and near death, by the beautiful shieldmaiden, Asa. Eirik is a man of valor, has the gift of reading runes,(rune caster) and is destined for greatness.

Asa Sigrundsdottir, is a spirited, feisty, young woman, whose brother is a Jarl. Due to a tragic event in her past, Asa becomes a shieldmaiden. Which is why her brother's teach her how to fight, and protect herself to never be vulnerable again.

Together, Eirik and Asa find love, friendship, comfort, acceptance and make powerful alliances. But will they be able to accept their fates, destiny and find their HEA? Or will the shadows of their past defeat them? Can Eirik prove to Asa she can trust him with her body and her heart? The journey ahead of them will be treacherous, dangerous and they will need each other's strength to survive.

A fast paced tale with many facets, dangerous intrigue, grief, and learning to let go of the past to find a HEA.

A well thought out story, where the reader can see how Eirik and Asa grow, become close and fight for what they want. Powerful, emotionally charged, compelling and captivating. I absolutely enjoyed, "Lord of the Runes"!

A page turner and a keeper! Viking Romance and danger, never a dull moment within these pages.

Fans of Viking Romance, Historical fiction, warfare, treachery and love, will definitely enjoy "Lord of the Runes". What a spell-binding adventure!

I can hardly wait for the next installment. Which, I hope will be Magnus, Asa's oldest brother, and Jarl and Silvia, Eirik's sister, who feels she she is fated to be alone and given to the church. Will the rInes change her heart?
Received for an honest review from Net Galley.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out really liking this story and then winter set in and it dragged like no tomorrow. I mean like longer then the winter in the north....boring.

The plot was very predictable. The terrible thing that happened to Asa was terrible, but not something that should have made her feel so damaged...but who am I to judge. I just didn't feel the pull between the H and h. There was little romance between them....insert yawn.....

I liked the mystical part it was interesting. The story was full of Norse history and culture.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Kusanagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une histoire qui se met en place doucement niveau romance mais qui nous plonge de façon réaliste dans la vie d'un village viking pendant l'hivernage. Oui quand il ne se passe pas grand chose, même si grâce aux proscrits on découvre les batailles à ski. Parce que oui, pour une fois les vikings usent enfin de ski.... pas très étonnant quand on y pense...

Niveau romance il y a d'un côté Eirik, jeune chef de clan qui a du chercher refuge dans un village au nord de chez lui pendnat un blizzard. Eirik qui doit aller chercher le renfort de son cousin pour reconquérir ses terres. Eirik est aussi un lecteur de rune, un don et une science hérités de sa mère Lifa, elle-même prêtresse à l'origine (et maîtresse des runes ce qui la protège dans leur village envahi).
Eirik est donc un combattant et un type plutôt calme et sensé qui m'a fait penser un Aragorn en blond.

De l'autre côté nous avons Asa. Asa est une guerrière. Elle a vécu un événement traumatisant et ses frères Magnus le jarl et Leif l'ont entraînée avec eux. Asa n'a pas envie de se marier, mais bon Eirik il est quand même intéressant...

Le côté le plus intéressant du livre, commr je le disais plusnhaut, c'est la description de la vie viking, des mœurs, des coutumes, de la religion. Ça apporte un plus à une intrigue en soi classique mais qui va au-delà de la romance viking classique (mode "les barbares qui font rêver "). Ne serait-ce que par le rôle joué par les capacités d'Eirik dans sa relation avec Asa.

Ce qui me donne envie de lire le tome 2 qui va nous conter les aventures de Magnus et de Silvi, la sœur d'Eirik qui a un don aussi.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of the Runes is the first book in the 'Viking Lords' series by Sabrina Jarema. It is the first book that I have read by this author, and it definitely will NOT be my last.

This is the story of Eirik Ivarson, the son of a Jarl. After the loss of his wife and baby he spends 3 years away from his home trying to come to terms with his grief and guilt. He hasn't long returned home when 'outcasts' raid, fighting to take over his home and lands. It's an unexpected raid as it's so late in winter, and it's one that Eirik, his father, and men aren't prepared for. They lose the fight and Eirik has to watch his father being slain. He himself barely escapes capture when he kills the man who slay the Jarl. He is determined to avenge his father's death, to rescue his mother and sister who have been taken captive amongst the other villagers who didn't fight, and to take back his home. In order to do that he has to battle the dire winter weather, freezing temperatures and blizzards to reach his cousin who will have the man power and ships needed to return in the Spring to oust the 'outcasts'.

Before he can make it there he nearly dies in a blizzard but thankfully is found and taken into a stranger's keep. He is unconscious most of the time and it is up to the Jarl's sister Asa, to nurse him back to health. During his time unconscious they try to see what he has on his person that might explain who he is. They find a bag of Runes. People who can read the runes are revered and the Jarl is even more determined that Eirik recovers lest they are cursed for not helping him.

Asa is shieldmaiden, a female warrior. She's had something happen to her in her past that has made her realise that she will never be able to marry or have a relationship with a man. She is settled with that fact and is happy fighting with her family as and when necessary. She can't help however noticing that Eirik is a fine figure of a man, and once he recovers she finds that she is quite taken with him.

Eirik too feels the pull of attraction. Jarl Magnus watches quietly from afar, knowing that Eirik is a stranger and that he has secrets, also knowing that he won't be good enough for his sister because he isn't a Jarl or royalty. He should warn Eirik off, but it's a wonder for him to see Asa allow a man to even touch her hand, and he is willing for now to see how things progress between the couple. Eirik is to stay with them for the winter, until then he won't be able to make it to his cousin. So he settles in to life in their keep as best he can. His mother is a Mistress of the Runes, and she has taught him to harness their powers and to read them properly. As a way to earn his keep he offers to do readings for anybody who is interested. He also offers to help Asa carve some runes for protection in a Dragon head that is to be sold to be put on the prow of a ship. During their 'carving' sessions a magical bond forms between them both and Eirik is determined to marry Asa once he has avenged his family and takes on his official title and role as Jarl.

First he has to get to his cousin and fight the battle. Can he win back his home, save his people, and the heart of Asa. There are a couple of people in Magnus' home that will do everything in their power to stop him doing all three! Will they be discovered before it's too late?

This book really has the WOW factor for me. I couldn't read it quickly enough, I was hooked from the very first page. Eirik and Asa are both such strong characters despite having suffered heartache in the past. It was so lovely reading how their feelings for each other helped heal not just themselves but also each other. And of course apart from the romance there was the Viking raids and the excitement of the battle to enjoy, though not so much in the beginning when poor Eirik's father was slain. You definitely run the gamut of emotions reading this book. The magic of the runes was an absolute delight to read about and brought that added extra to the story. Making it not just a wonderful romance, but a mystical one as well. I loved this story and can't wait to read the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jewelrymuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC via NetGalley for a honest review
"Lord of the Runes" by Sabrina Jarema is the first book in the "Viking Lords" series.
This story is set in an era where Vikings set out on voyages to trade or capture fortunes, slaves and land. The action starts right off in the first pages.
Eirik watches his father's murder as a battle for his home rages around him by outcasts bent on taking what he holds dear.
Escaping capture after killing the man who murdered his father but not the one who planned taking his home, he promises himself he will stop at nothing to free his mother and sister and regain his legacy. In route to gain assistance from his relative he goes off course and nearly dies in a blizzard. When found, Eirik is nursed back to health by a jarl's sister and shieldmaiden, Asa.
It is discovered that Eirik has the ability to read the runes for divination and knows the protective runes that Asa has dreamed she needs for her dragon shiphead carving. These runes brings them together in magical ways neither expected.
As evil scheming rears its head, love, trust and honor are revealed in the course of regaining what was lost and new alliances are made.
A well written story of romance and action. The series should be a great read as the characters introduced in this first book seem to need their stories told.

[Julie Drucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Story line was well written and the characters were sharp! Love it when there is just enough description in a book that allows the reader to use their imagination to picture the scene, like a movie in your mind. Recommended reading to anyone looking for a Viking story with a splash of romance. Liked the ending because it didn't end in a cliff hanger but made you want to read the next book coming out! Only real criticism I can give is maybe a little more detail with the battles to add a bit more pizzazz, otherwise, I felt this was a good book and worth the read. Not so darn long it takes for ever to read ;this one is just perfect!! Kudos to the author for a great book!!

[Caydee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The debut of Lord of The Runes, the first book in The Viking Lords series by Sabrina Jarema, is a true historical adventure no reader can possibly resist. Her storytelling establishes her as a master craftsman of words and their mystique by luring us into a time in history that brushes otherworldly realms while remaining tethered to the earth and the people of the North.

She has no qualms about throwing us into the middle of a rousing battle that ends with a heart-wrenching loss of a loved one to get us started. This sends our hero, Eirik, on a perilous journey through the frigid unknown where not only the strangers but also the elements may prove deadly. All to avenge his family's name and ensure their and his village's safety.

Viking, Eirik Ivarson is on a quest for revenge but the gods have plans for him that require the gifts they blessed him with and he rejected. But now the gods are urging him to reach out, to traverse that ethereal plane and share his knowledge with those of the village that rescued him during a winter storm. He swore he'd never cast a rune again, but the gods will have their way, even if the enticement they use is a wary but beautiful shieldmaiden named Asa who carries her own battle scars--on the inside.

Jarema's debut reads as if she's been writing about Vikings for years. Flawless. Tempting and engaging. The details of the daily lives of the people, the casting of the runes, the battles, and the rules governing the Northmen make them so realistic and likable. She has woven every word together to create a tapestry of story so compelling it will sweep you up and take you sailing right along with Eirik and Asa on this emotional and very dangerous adventure in their quest for honor, justice, revenge, and maybe the most powerful force of all the realms--love.

A masterfully written story full of vivid and evocative moments that will have you reading as fast as you can to discover what the next challenge Asa and Eirik will have to conquer. Well done Ms. Jarema. An outstanding read!!!!!

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. (The book was so fabulous, I bought my own copy.)

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rune Warrior Meets Shield Maiden

Set in Norway in winter 850 AD, this is the story of Asa Sigrundsdottir, a shield maiden, and Eirik Ivarson, the warrior she discovered frozen on his horse in the snow. Eirik had fled his home when outcasts attacked and killed his father, the jarl. Struggling with one of the attackers, he went over a crest into the sea.

Revived at Asa’s home, Eirik returns the kindness her people have shown him by reading the runes for the people, as he learned from his mother, and helping Asa carve the runes into the dragonhead she is working on for the stem of a longship.

Asa is afraid of a man’s touch from an incident six years’ earlier. The author was very slow to reveal what it was. From the beginning, I assumed it was a rape (Eirik assumed it was abuse). Anyway, at the suggestion of her brother, Asa learned a warrior’s skills to be able to protect herself. In doing so, she earned the respect of the warriors, a shield maiden fighting alongside them.

Eirik tells no one he is a jarl or even where he comes from, which seemed odd, but blends in with the other warriors, fighting when the village is attacked by outcasts. He spends much of his days carving a stone tribute to Asa’s dead father, the former jarl of her people. Her brothers wonder just where he goes each day, but no one follows him to the nearby shed where he works.

Eirik had to be the most gentlemanly Viking I’ve ever encountered: polite to all, sensitive to Asa’s every mood, caring of her dark past which he thinks was abuse, and willing to do whatever he can for her with never a cross word. Asa did nothing to encourage his affection. It seemed to be mostly an attraction on his part until the end.

The story reflects the author’s considerable research into the Norsemen’s pagan beliefs and religion. Beautifully written, much of the story is taken up with the description of applying the magical runes to Asa’s dragon head that seems to come alive under Eirik’s touch. One could have wanted more description of the setting, the winter landscape, the wildlife (never heard a wolf; never saw a dog; the men went hunting and brought back elk, but we didn’t see the hunt or the elk), and even the inside of the longhouse where most of the story took place I wanted more description. (A picture of what the runes looked like would have been great adds, too.) The characters are well developed, especially Asa’s twin brothers who might have their own stories as the series develops, and Estrid, Asa’s jealous cousin who meant her ill.

Recommended for those who love Viking stories steeped in Norse mythology.

[Gigi staub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following his father’s murder, Eirik Ivarson plunges into a maelstrom of brutal warfare. As outsiders threaten his homeland and all he holds dear, Eirik vows to maintain his focus and avenge the jarl’s death. In his quest for revenge, he will leave everything behind, all he knows, and all he loves.

Asa Sigrundsdottir, a spirited shieldmaiden with warm brown eyes, is wary of the golden-haired warrior discovered half-frozen in a storm. It is clear Eirik is a man of valor, bestowed with the gift of reading runes and destined for greatness. And despite the shadows in her past, he chooses her to help him on his journey. But when their bond is tested, it will take the strength of a hero to keep their love alive . . .

Review:

I am glad I am getting on this brand new series in the beginning.

For this first time Author I think she did an excellent job! The story was exciting and had lots of great elements. I liked that it was set during the time of the Vikings. It starts out very action packed. With Eirik's village being taken over by the Outcasts, his father, the Jarl is killed and his mother and sister are taken hostage with the rest of the village. This sets Eirik on a trek to get to his cousin and bring back help. He ends up in Asa's village where he waits out winter and heals. While he is there his grows close to Asa and her family and village. Asa has been scarred by past events, but has built a shield around herself by bottling her emotions and becoming a strong warrior. I liked the two sides of her, soft and tough. Eirik is a warrior but upstanding, once he meets Asa not once does another catch his eye. I like the mystical aspect of the story in Eirik and his family being rune masters. That Asa and Eirik share this mystical link through the carving of runes on the dragon head. The Outcasts come to Asa's village and the after they are defeated, Eirik goes to his cousin to garner help. Then they all go to rescue Eirik's village. You need to read the book to see what happens. So I got to stop this review it is going on and on....lol But I just touched on the highlights.

In my opinion this is an exciting, action-packed romance. This is a very strong start to this series with strong interesting characters and an engaging story line.

4.5Stars

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

[Les passions de Meline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malgré le peu de romance, j’ai bien aimé ce premier tome autour des fjords avec Asa et Eirik.

Eirik revient chez lui après avoir vogué durant trois ans. Son retour va être mis à rude épreuve car son village va être pris d’assaut par des proscrits. Alors qu’il réussit à s’échapper, il va tenter de rejoindre son cousin pour tenter de sauver son village. Sa route va le mener chez un autre clan qui va l’aider à penser ses blessures ainsi que de l’héberger durant l’hiver. Mais, une jeune femme guerrière va le subjuguer …

Sabrina Jarema a une plume plutôt simple qui m’a emmené dans un univers bien plus qu’agréable. Ses recherches sur les dieux scandinaves ainsi que leurs rites m’ont vraiment mis dans l’ambiance.

Eirik est un guerrier et un futur jarl. Il a vogué sur les mers avec son cousin pour oublier le drame qu’il a vécu. Son retour va être marquer par la mort de son père lors de l’invasion de proscrits dans son village.
Asa est une jeune femme qui tient tout le monde éloigner à part ses frères qui la protègent de tout depuis le drame qui l’a toucher six ans plus tôt.
Alors que Eirik tente survivre au sein d’un nouveau clan qui l’a sauvé d’une mort certaine lors de sa traversé dans les montagnes du Nord, il va être sous le charme dès sa rencontre avec Asa. Mais, pour rester discret et sur ses gardes malgré tout, il va cacher qui il est pour ne pas mettre à dos du Jarl Magnus qui reste sur ses gardes sur ce nouvel arrivant.
Alors que des proscrits s’attaquent au village où se trouve Eirik, il va les aider dans leur traque pour éviter que ce village soit aussi pris par ces derniers. Il va également se rapprocher de Asa pour lui venir en aide avec sa sculpture mais pas que … Une entente sans nom va les lier que se soit par les runes que par autres choses. Mais, Asa reste sur ses gardes car son passé est loin d’être enterré.
Durant le roman, il y a beaucoup de descriptifs ainsi que de faits pour nous faire comprendre ce monde loin d’être dans nos habitudes. J’ai aimé découvrir cet univers en Norvège ainsi que leurs cultures anciennes qui mêlent les Dieux scandinaves comme Thor, Odin, … Malgré toutes les descriptions, j’ai aimé voir les personnages vivre leurs vies en se posant les questions qui leurs chiffonnent mais également apprendre de nouvelles choses. Le rapprochement de Asa et de Eirik se fait très lentement mais prouvent également que leur amour naissant risque de s’intensifier malgré tout leur passé et le futur qui risque de les séparer.
Les péripéties du roman m’ont plu et m’ont amené à aimer d’avantage le récit même si tout arrive dans le dernier chapitre ce qui est bien dommage.

Le seigneur des runes fut une lecture agréable qui a su montrer les fjords norvégiens ainsi que leur coutume et leur guerre. Asa et Eirik m’ont bien plu par leur sagesse même si Asa reste sur ses gardes.

[Karine Darnessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'avoue lorsque j'ai acheté ce livre l'année dernière, c'est pour le titre intriguant. Je n'ai même pas lu le résumé. et puis rien que le mot Viking a tendance à m'attirer aussi, je suis faible.

J'attaque tout de suite par le seul point négatif que j'ai trouvé dans ce premier tome. C'est le style, la plume de l'auteure. je ne peux dire si c'est dû ou non à la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé l'ensemble assez lourd en grande partie au début du récit. J'ai eu l'impression que mes yeux avaient du mal a progresser dans la lecture. Puis lors des passages de description de lecture de runes, des traditions, de la culture, cela s'efface un peu.

Pour les personnages, même si je ne me suis attaché a aucun d'entre eux. Ils restent bien construits avec leur idées et caractères propres. J'ai eu plaisir à les côtoyer et découvrir la vie dans un village viking du 9 ème siècle. J'ai apprécié la détermination du couple principal et l'évolution de leur relation qui s'est fait au fil de l'hiver et non en un claquement de doigts. Asa et Eirik sont courageux, ils savent se qu'ils veulent et leurs devoirs envers leurs familles, leur clan.

Pour l'histoire, on est encore dans une intrigue de vengeance et de seconde chance, ce que j'ai aimé le plus, c'est la partie secondaire où l'auteure aborde la vérité sur les vikings à savoir, les gens lors de leurs raids qu'ils kidnappent pour soit en faire des esclaves soit des mariages forcés... On a un vrai visuel de la culture viking de l'époque qui n'est pas si rose que ça. Bonus, les explications sur les runes et le lexique en début d'ouvrage qui informe sur le signification de certains termes utilisés par les personnages. C'est un gros point positif pour moi d'avoir ce genre de petit plus.

Pour conclure, malgré un début un peu lent et lourd, l'histoire de ce premier tome est vraiment pas mal du tout. Mine de rien, je l'ai lu assez vite sans m'en rendre compte et cela m'a même donné envie de lire la suite avec le frère d'Asa, Magnus et le cousin d'Eirik, Rorik. C'est tout dire. En tout cas, pour l'une des rares incursions des vikings dans mes lectures, j'ai bien apprécié ma lecture.

[Fleur Hana]

J’ai adoré partir dans les fjords pour suivre la quête de Eirik, ce nouveau jarl (équivalent de comte) qui possède le don des dieux de pouvoir lire les runes tout en étant un guerrier habitué aux raids comme ceux que l’on peut observer dans la série Vikings, par exemple.

Ce que j’aime en particulier avec cette autrice, c’est qu’elle exploite à fond le contexte et dans ce tome, qui est le premier de la série (mais qui peut se lire indépendamment des autres), elle met l’accent sur les runes, les dieux, les signes et visions et tous les symboles qui les accompagnent. C’est passionnant de plonger dans cette époque avec ses croyances et coutumes, surtout lorsque c’est aussi bien amené.

Encore une fois, je dois avouer que ce qui m’a vraiment séduite est que la romance est au second plan et tout l’environnement des héros passe en priorité dans les descriptions, les événements et même les relations. Car tout est fidèle aux us et coutumes de cette période de l’Histoire, sans pourtant nous donner l’impression de suivre un cours d’histoire…

Avec cette série, Sabrina Jarema parvient à me captiver autant que Monica McCarty avec Les chevaliers des Highlands, et ce n’est pas peu dire puisqu’il s’agit de ma série historique préférée. Si vous aimez lorsque la période historique abordée ne sert pas uniquement de prétexte à y introduire une romance mais est exploitée à sa juste valeur, alors cette série est faite pour vous !

[Melanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some real highs and lows for me while reading this one. Though it started out a bit slowly, by about the 30% mark I was hooked and thoroughly enjoying myself. I loved the setting and the historical details that brought the viking world to life. And the dynamic between Eirik and Asa and the carving of the runes was sensual and captivating. Unfortunately it kind of went downhill from there. The rest of the story was overexplained and lacking in subtlety, and there were really no more relationship building moments between the main characters. Having said that, the viking world in fiction is not overly common and its vibrant portrayal alone made this book worth reading.

[Ninou on the Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

je l'ai juste dévoré, la plume de l'auteure est vraiment agréable à lire.
j'aime beaucoup me perdre vers d'autres temps, d'autres lieues, et j'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir avec ce premier tome.
d'ailleurs si vous souhaitez tenter le genre historique, vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés (ou presque lol).
ce que j'apprécie le plus, c'est la dignité et l'honneur qui priment avant tout pour les personnages, des valeurs qui se perdent par les temps qui courent.
côté cuisse légère ça reste soft, rien de très sulfureux car la flamboyante rousse luttera autant sur le champ de bataille que contre les élans de son cœur.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Even do I knew it was about Vikings I was so excited and pleasingly surprise when places and names from Vikings (the TV series) were named. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

...une lecture appréciable qui remplit parfaitement son rôle. Le seigneur des runes est le premier livre d’une série ; j’espère avoir l’occasion de découvrir l’histoire de l’ensemble des membres de la famille d’Asa et d’Eirik...
http://www.sariahlit.com/2018/05/le-s...

[DarkAthena59 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une histoire de viking, teintée d'une dose de magie, qui si elle souffre de quelques longueurs, surtout au début de l'histoire, reste captivante. La romance semble presque au second plan par rapport à l'action, mais les héros sont touchants à s'apprivoiser.
Belle lecture.

[S.W. Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong female characters and a wonderful story. Highly recommend this series. Already started book 2.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When warrior and rune caster Eirik Ivarson is found almost dead in a storm by shieldmaiden Asa Sigrundsdottir he graciously accepts refuge with her family for the winter. Withholding his identity and putting off seeking revenge for his father's murder until he can get to his cousin he finds himself drawn to his rescuer. With oppressive secrets Eirik and Asa struggle to claim their fated love.

This story was captivating from the start with fast paced plotting it was hard not to get caught up in Sabrina Jarema's writing. It was interesting to see how both Eirik and Asa's relationship played out as they struggled with letting go of the past devastation that colored how they approached their attraction to each other. Ms. Jarema painted an in depth picture of the time she portrayed in Lord of the Runes and it paid off as this tale had an authentic feel to it's telling. Lots of action and nicely timed revelations carried through to the end of this work. This author's detailed and engaging writing will insure that readers will come back for more of her highly engrossing books.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*