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Daughters of Freya #2
Thoron
Born as a princess, destined to serve the Norse gods.
Thoron grows up in an Irish village with her grandmother, a pagan—unaware that she is the daughter of the Norwegian King, Haakon Haakonsson.
At fourteen she leaves the Emerald Isle, and sails to her royal family just as the bloody battle for the kingship enters its last dramatic phase.
The burden of her heathen inheritance weighs heavily upon her shoulders, and she finds herself forced to battle against everything her father stood for.
In the 13th century, Norway was enjoying the peak of its power and influence. But everything was controlled by men!
Thoron grows up in an Irish village with her grandmother, a pagan—unaware that she is the daughter of the Norwegian King, Haakon Haakonsson.
At fourteen she leaves the Emerald Isle, and sails to her royal family just as the bloody battle for the kingship enters its last dramatic phase.
The burden of her heathen inheritance weighs heavily upon her shoulders, and she finds herself forced to battle against everything her father stood for.
In the 13th century, Norway was enjoying the peak of its power and influence. But everything was controlled by men!
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2019
158 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Gunhild Haugnes
6 books31 followersGunhild is a native Norwegian who takes her name from two valkyries, Gun and Hild.
She is currently working on a series of independent novels collectively designated ‘Daughters of Freya’, after the greatest Norse goddess.
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Email: gunhildhaugnes@msn.com
She is currently working on a series of independent novels collectively designated ‘Daughters of Freya’, after the greatest Norse goddess.
Join my NEWSLETTER and get this prequel for FREE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/x8jtyg550c
CONTACT/INFO:
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gunhi...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaughtersofF...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daughters_o...
Email: gunhildhaugnes@msn.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2020
My thanks to the Author publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review. Apparently the genre classification of this book is historical and Women's fiction, well as a sixth two year old grumpy Yorkshireman i thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and researched with a clever mix of real and fictional characters this is a family saga which sees our engaging ahead of her time heroine live in Norway Ireland and Iceland in 1200bc. Whilst lacking the all action graphic violence of my usual Viking tales of 'Uhtred' 'Oathsworn' and the 'Raven' series this is nevertheless an interesting and entertaining read. Atmospheric with a real sense of time and place, with descriptions that make you feel as if your actually there.
Recommended
Recommended
August 26, 2020
Thoron is the daughter of the king of Norway and Kanga the young. Her mother dies shortly after giving birth to her and is raised by her grandmother in Ireland.
Eventually her grandmother Kanga feels like her time is coming to an end and sends Thoron to live with her father, that is when her destiny comes into play.
She happens to be a descendant of Freya and her destiny is to retrieve the sword for women to find if they ever need it in the future.
I was immediately intrigued by the blurb, sadly at times I found it hard to stay connected to the story. Though the writing is done very well, I didn't connect over all to the characters.
Eventually her grandmother Kanga feels like her time is coming to an end and sends Thoron to live with her father, that is when her destiny comes into play.
She happens to be a descendant of Freya and her destiny is to retrieve the sword for women to find if they ever need it in the future.
I was immediately intrigued by the blurb, sadly at times I found it hard to stay connected to the story. Though the writing is done very well, I didn't connect over all to the characters.
August 19, 2020
Thoron by Gunhild Haugnes is another in her series of sagas of the Daughters of Freya. It is a translation from Norwegian. Freya is an ancient Norse goddess who reigns over many aspects of Norse life, including, but not limited to, fertility. These stories are birth to death retelling of a woman's life, based in fact. Thoron was the daughter of the King of Norway, not legitimate, but the daughter of his heart. Her mother was killed the night of her birth by someone who stole into the dwelling and stabbed her with a sword. As he was about to do the same to Thoron, her grandmother stopped him, but her escaped. When the king arrived, an agreement was reached that the grandmother, Kanga the Old, would retain custody of the babe and take her to Ireland, the land of her forebears. The two older children would remain with their heart-broken father.
Thoron had a long and productive life. It was her destiny to retrieve Freya's sword from its current home in Iceland and reunite it to the scabbard she was in possession of. She was then to hide it in a place where a future woman in need would be able to find it and use it. In the interim she lived a striking and varied life, loving several men and bearing one child. She outlived most of her siblings and her father. She never made it back to Ireland. This is her story. Haugnes is an intriguing storyteller. She has a peculiar style; probably in part due to the fact the words are a translation. I find myself strangely drawn to the story as I read it and relive Thoron's life in early Norway. I love historical fiction and this book is that at its best. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Thoron by the author and Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thoron
Thoron had a long and productive life. It was her destiny to retrieve Freya's sword from its current home in Iceland and reunite it to the scabbard she was in possession of. She was then to hide it in a place where a future woman in need would be able to find it and use it. In the interim she lived a striking and varied life, loving several men and bearing one child. She outlived most of her siblings and her father. She never made it back to Ireland. This is her story. Haugnes is an intriguing storyteller. She has a peculiar style; probably in part due to the fact the words are a translation. I find myself strangely drawn to the story as I read it and relive Thoron's life in early Norway. I love historical fiction and this book is that at its best. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Thoron by the author and Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thoron
August 23, 2020
I've mentioned before that I'm a huge fan of legends and historical romances. "Daughters of Freya" gives that in spades. 'Thoron' is the second book in the series by Gunhild Haugnes and the edition I've read is an English translation from the Norwegian version. In case you aren't aware, Freya is an ancient Norse goddess who reigns over many aspects of life, including fertility. The King of Norway had publicly acknowledged all of his illegitimate children, including his youngest daughter Thoron, who was the daughter of his heart. She lost her mother the night she was born by someone who stole into the dwelling and stabbed her with a sword. Before he could do the same to the baby, her grandmother took possession of her and took her to Ireland. The storyline follows Thoron's life with all the twists, turns, perils, and achievements throughout her life. The book is told in a narrative form and gives an understanding of how the Norse Goddess, Freya, shaped Thoron's life, even though her father was a Christian. It was quite fascinating and moving. I was lucky enough to be offered an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 8, 2020
Wowee, wow, wow! What a follow up to "Freydis"! "Thoron" takes us so much deeper into the world of the "Daughters of Freya" and is absolutely superb. The story feels like a bubble that expands as you read and, before you know it, you are deeply inside that bubble. The writing is refined and polished. The characters are solid and relatable. The story is just perfect. I absolutely loved this.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
August 20, 2020
I don’t even have the right words to describe how marvelous Thoron (Daughters of Freya Book 2) by Gunhild Haugnes is. I had thought that there was no way that Thoron could be as good as Freydis but it positively is. As apt today as the in the 13th century. “Has she been trying so hard to be well-behaved and obedient that she has lost her true self?” Haven’t we all felt like Thoron at one time or another in our lives?
However, the story is not just of Thoron but all the people of Norway. I found especially the measures that women had to take to have a bit of control over their lives as inspiring as well as enlightening. Then the blending of history and fiction is just as seamless as the English translation.
I though Freydis to be a character I will always remember but now Thoron is someone who life, loves and times will always be remembered, too. Thoron is that the stuff of legends, it is timeless.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
However, the story is not just of Thoron but all the people of Norway. I found especially the measures that women had to take to have a bit of control over their lives as inspiring as well as enlightening. Then the blending of history and fiction is just as seamless as the English translation.
I though Freydis to be a character I will always remember but now Thoron is someone who life, loves and times will always be remembered, too. Thoron is that the stuff of legends, it is timeless.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2020
The King's👑 Daughter
ADULT 13th Century Historical Norse🐺💪🔪⛵ Romance💕 and Adventure 🔪.
I didn't read the first book, so am starting with the abduction of the pagan Kanga💃💋 from Ireland as a young woman. She was taken to Norway, where she had a daughter, also named Kanga💃💋 the younger.
Book 2 begins here.
Kanga💃💋 the Younger grew up to become the life 💘love of the 👑King of Norway, and she had three children by him, out of wedlock, for she was a commoner and could not help him gain any political advantage or alliance.
The last child was a girl, whom she named Thoron👶, after the God Thor, as she was born during a terrible storm. The king 👑made it known to all, that these were his children.
A enemy of the 👑King sent men to kill Kanga💃💋 and the newborn👶, Thoron, but they spared everyone but Kanga💃💋 the younger.
Kanga the elder was sent back to Ireland to hide with her granddaughter, baby Thoron👶, until such time as the 👑King wanted her back. The two older children were taken to the King's👑household.
Thoron💃💋 is called back to Norway when she is old enough to marry. Her father wants her to marry a German Count, but she refuses. She very much has a mind of her own....
The Norse Goddess, Freya, shapes Thoron's life, even though her father is a Christian....She has a life mission, given to her by Freya.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this with KU.
The book is mostly narration, but it is a captivating tale of the weaving of two religions together after the crusades. It also shows how political enemies were made and the consequences of ignoring the truth.
ADULT 13th Century Historical Norse🐺💪🔪⛵ Romance💕 and Adventure 🔪.
I didn't read the first book, so am starting with the abduction of the pagan Kanga💃💋 from Ireland as a young woman. She was taken to Norway, where she had a daughter, also named Kanga💃💋 the younger.
Book 2 begins here.
Kanga💃💋 the Younger grew up to become the life 💘love of the 👑King of Norway, and she had three children by him, out of wedlock, for she was a commoner and could not help him gain any political advantage or alliance.
The last child was a girl, whom she named Thoron👶, after the God Thor, as she was born during a terrible storm. The king 👑made it known to all, that these were his children.
A enemy of the 👑King sent men to kill Kanga💃💋 and the newborn👶, Thoron, but they spared everyone but Kanga💃💋 the younger.
Kanga the elder was sent back to Ireland to hide with her granddaughter, baby Thoron👶, until such time as the 👑King wanted her back. The two older children were taken to the King's👑household.
Thoron💃💋 is called back to Norway when she is old enough to marry. Her father wants her to marry a German Count, but she refuses. She very much has a mind of her own....
The Norse Goddess, Freya, shapes Thoron's life, even though her father is a Christian....She has a life mission, given to her by Freya.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this with KU.
The book is mostly narration, but it is a captivating tale of the weaving of two religions together after the crusades. It also shows how political enemies were made and the consequences of ignoring the truth.
August 27, 2020
this was a great read with amazing characters. I really liked that even though it's the second book it still had what I wanted and more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2021
Historical novel of a Norwegian woman's life.
If you appreciate historical tales you will wan to read the Daughters of Fresh series by Gun hold Haugnes. I was captivated by the story of Thor on and her life. Even in this era of women of power many of us are limited in our choices by the way our birth families decide on the value of our chosen mates. My own family looked down on my boyfriends and eventual husband. Although even they could not for see how his alcoholism and need for power over my body and our daughter's would bring about heartbreak and shame. I must admit I have myself been less than happy about my own children's choices of mates. I must constantly remind myself that their choices are driven by their own values and dreams not by mine. Considering I was always pleased that they had learned to think for themseves, it is hypocritical of me to second guess their choices. It's impact ful that a woman who lived half a millennium before me could make me look at my own life more critically.
I also loved the old Norse religion as depicted in Thoron's belief in Freya. Being of German rather than Norse ancestry I wonder what impact Freya had on my own people. When a book makes you think this much how can you not love it?
If you appreciate historical tales you will wan to read the Daughters of Fresh series by Gun hold Haugnes. I was captivated by the story of Thor on and her life. Even in this era of women of power many of us are limited in our choices by the way our birth families decide on the value of our chosen mates. My own family looked down on my boyfriends and eventual husband. Although even they could not for see how his alcoholism and need for power over my body and our daughter's would bring about heartbreak and shame. I must admit I have myself been less than happy about my own children's choices of mates. I must constantly remind myself that their choices are driven by their own values and dreams not by mine. Considering I was always pleased that they had learned to think for themseves, it is hypocritical of me to second guess their choices. It's impact ful that a woman who lived half a millennium before me could make me look at my own life more critically.
I also loved the old Norse religion as depicted in Thoron's belief in Freya. Being of German rather than Norse ancestry I wonder what impact Freya had on my own people. When a book makes you think this much how can you not love it?
May 16, 2021
Love, love, love!
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I especially loved that it has a historic basis. I recommend it to anyone who loves Norse mythology and Norse history. Now I've got to read Freydis.
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I especially loved that it has a historic basis. I recommend it to anyone who loves Norse mythology and Norse history. Now I've got to read Freydis.
December 30, 2020
Great book
I thoroughly enjoyed both the first and second books in this series and look forward to any others. I have always been interested in this time of Vikings. I find their way of life and spiritual beliefs up lifting
I thoroughly enjoyed both the first and second books in this series and look forward to any others. I have always been interested in this time of Vikings. I find their way of life and spiritual beliefs up lifting
March 29, 2024
A great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Thoron. Gunhild is a fantastic author, her stories pull you in and you can not stop reading them.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Thoron. Gunhild is a fantastic author, her stories pull you in and you can not stop reading them.
September 12, 2024
The book is really good. I was not done with the story so it was sad when it was over.
May 4, 2019
Her er min omtale av Thoron - Jenta fra den grønne øya. Linken fører til min bokblgg.
https://mineboker.wordpress.com/2019/...
https://mineboker.wordpress.com/2019/...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews