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The Norsewomen #3
The Raider Bride
King Solvi is dead at the hands of the Irish king. To gain her inheritance, Ragnhild must sail to Ireland with her brother to seek vengeance. But from the outset, the venture is beset by betrayal and bloodshed…
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2021
188 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Wittenberg
10 books131 followers Like her Viking forebears, Johanna Wittenberg has sailed to the far reaches of the world. She lives on a fjord in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, whom she met on a ship bound for Antarctica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 8, 2021
I was disappointed. I really enjoyed her last books. The book didn't even have Asa in it. Ragnhild was annoying and selfish. Her husband was so nice. I don't get why he liked her. I don't think the author knew where to go with the characters.
March 26, 2021
Brilliant
Loved the third instalment of this series. I was hooked from the very beginning. Great battles and a slow burning love story. Perfect!
Loved the third instalment of this series. I was hooked from the very beginning. Great battles and a slow burning love story. Perfect!
April 14, 2021
Amazing!
Read this series in a week. Desperate for the next book. If you are reading this review, go for it. This book is great!
Read this series in a week. Desperate for the next book. If you are reading this review, go for it. This book is great!
May 21, 2021
Another stunning work of historical fiction by the mistress of the Norse tale. The Raider Bride is the third book in an utterly convincing series about women warriors in northern Europe in the ninth century. This one concerns Ragnhild (aged 17), daughter of the late King Solvi, promised in marriage to an old Irish king called Murchad (he’s 30).
Like all feisty warrior princesses, Ragnhild is having none of this arrangement. When she hears that her father has died at the hands of Murchad, she sets her heart on accompanying her brother, Harald, on a trip to Ireland to avenge their father’s death. Her warrior band, the shield-maidens, make ready their longboat, Raider Bride, and the journey begins.
This story is a delight, a feast for the reader in so many ways. We have sea voyages, battles galore, treachery and betrayal. We are invited to compare the two ancient cultures, Norse and Irish – their customs, attitudes, and, of course, their religions. The Irish have embraced Christianity; the Norse people have their pantheon of gods, Odin, Thor, Freya etc. The story navigates its way through a series of twists while we sit on the edge of our seats worrying if Ragnhild and her shield-maidens will survive their experiences and avoid Valhöll.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Like all feisty warrior princesses, Ragnhild is having none of this arrangement. When she hears that her father has died at the hands of Murchad, she sets her heart on accompanying her brother, Harald, on a trip to Ireland to avenge their father’s death. Her warrior band, the shield-maidens, make ready their longboat, Raider Bride, and the journey begins.
This story is a delight, a feast for the reader in so many ways. We have sea voyages, battles galore, treachery and betrayal. We are invited to compare the two ancient cultures, Norse and Irish – their customs, attitudes, and, of course, their religions. The Irish have embraced Christianity; the Norse people have their pantheon of gods, Odin, Thor, Freya etc. The story navigates its way through a series of twists while we sit on the edge of our seats worrying if Ragnhild and her shield-maidens will survive their experiences and avoid Valhöll.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
July 7, 2021
A Viking We Will Go!!
I just finished the 3 books in this series and would start a 4th if there were one! I almost didn’t even begin the series as I read a review of the first book which was very negative - starting out about a horribly graphic sex scene at the very beginning. All I can say is “if the reader thought the scene was graphic…then they must have never read a graphic sex scene! Any sex scenes were short, necessary to the plot and were certainly not “graphic”. Ms Wittenberg seems quite thorough in having done her historical research as most of the recorded dates and occurrences seem to be pretty spot on. She is adept at building locale, personal descriptions, use of local language, clothing, food, customs and the important things that bring a book to life. I almost never read text so back to back but I enjoyed each of these so much I just had to keep going
I just finished the 3 books in this series and would start a 4th if there were one! I almost didn’t even begin the series as I read a review of the first book which was very negative - starting out about a horribly graphic sex scene at the very beginning. All I can say is “if the reader thought the scene was graphic…then they must have never read a graphic sex scene! Any sex scenes were short, necessary to the plot and were certainly not “graphic”. Ms Wittenberg seems quite thorough in having done her historical research as most of the recorded dates and occurrences seem to be pretty spot on. She is adept at building locale, personal descriptions, use of local language, clothing, food, customs and the important things that bring a book to life. I almost never read text so back to back but I enjoyed each of these so much I just had to keep going
March 8, 2023
YES MORE PLEASE
This is the best in the series… it leaves Asa and instead follows Ragnhild on her quest for vengeance, but we watch her grow so much. Lots of action, twists, and turns. It’s also finally good to see a character with a happy love story (for now?) I am so excited to read the next in the series.
This is the best in the series… it leaves Asa and instead follows Ragnhild on her quest for vengeance, but we watch her grow so much. Lots of action, twists, and turns. It’s also finally good to see a character with a happy love story (for now?) I am so excited to read the next in the series.
February 2, 2021
This whole series was captivating
I love historical fiction and usually read only about real life people and strong women characters. I couldn't put the books down & even loss some sleep. Do yourself a favor, read this series. I hope the writer will consider continuing the series.
I love historical fiction and usually read only about real life people and strong women characters. I couldn't put the books down & even loss some sleep. Do yourself a favor, read this series. I hope the writer will consider continuing the series.
January 4, 2022
An excellent series! I’m looking forward to reading The Queen in the Mound in February. Another book for my favorites list. 5+ stars!
February 6, 2021
Entertaining
I started bringing my kindle to the gym to read in the elliptical because I’m enjoying this series so much! Definitely not a sappy Viking story. Historically accurate to a degree, well told and worth reading!
I started bringing my kindle to the gym to read in the elliptical because I’m enjoying this series so much! Definitely not a sappy Viking story. Historically accurate to a degree, well told and worth reading!
December 6, 2021
Wittenberg is a gifted historian and storyteller. I am mostly a reader of fiction, especially historical fiction. In my opinion, popular thrillers cannot compete with the compelling adventure of a novel such as THE RAIDER BRIDE. Combining ninth century Norway and Ireland, the novel champions strong women who compete and lead their people into battle. The story of Ragnyhild and historical figure Irish King Murchad kept me turning the pages long into the night.
Maps, A glossary, cast of characters and historical notes enrich the reading experience. This one is five stars!
Maps, A glossary, cast of characters and historical notes enrich the reading experience. This one is five stars!
March 8, 2022
Loved this book.
This author knows how to write a book. I need to do some housework but this book was justo hard to put down. I’m going to get some work done before I start the next book in the series.
This author knows how to write a book. I need to do some housework but this book was justo hard to put down. I’m going to get some work done before I start the next book in the series.
November 16, 2021
Wonderful reading
I really enjoyed this book, how it flows from the Queen Asa to Raghilld and her coming into her own. Not your typical love story, many turns and twists makes this book almost impossible to put down. I look forward to the next writing.
I really enjoyed this book, how it flows from the Queen Asa to Raghilld and her coming into her own. Not your typical love story, many turns and twists makes this book almost impossible to put down. I look forward to the next writing.
March 30, 2021
Well written
I appreciate the amount of research that went into the writing of this book. The story is captivating and you feel pulled into the plight of the characters. Loved it.
I appreciate the amount of research that went into the writing of this book. The story is captivating and you feel pulled into the plight of the characters. Loved it.
March 1, 2021
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one as much as I liked the first two, when I discovered that book 3 was about what was a supporting character in the other book. I was pleasantly surprised, and I found myself rooting for Ragnhild and her crew. She definitely met her equal in Marchad, which I never thought could happen, given her independent nature! I enjoyed the expansion into Ireland, and loved the descriptions of the land, made me feel like I was right there with the characters.
I think that the world that the author is taking us into is so rich with so many opportunities and places to explore, it was natural to expand to where they went raiding and learn a little bit about that land and those people.
I hope there are more books coming, I love all of the historical details and fabulous characters!
I think that the world that the author is taking us into is so rich with so many opportunities and places to explore, it was natural to expand to where they went raiding and learn a little bit about that land and those people.
I hope there are more books coming, I love all of the historical details and fabulous characters!
January 20, 2022
Really great story. I can’t wait to see what happens when Ragnhild gets her land back. Murchad is a very good character, they make a good pair.
Herald is still out there And she has taken back the bride price. I’m sure there is an attack to come. Anxiously awaiting the next book
Herald is still out there And she has taken back the bride price. I’m sure there is an attack to come. Anxiously awaiting the next book
October 20, 2025
Yet another fantastic read in this series. The author weaves the story, characters and background so effortlessly it really is escapism at it's best.
August 4, 2021
Norway, 822 AD. Ragnhild fought a war to avoid being married off by her father like a peace cow to an Irish king. After her father’s killed by the same king, her brother Harald controls the family lands and denies Ragnhild her inheritance. To prove herself, she joins her brother in avenging their father. What her crew never expects is Harald’s betrayal and his plan to follow through with giving Ragnhild to the Irish king for a chest of silver. With Ragnhild stuck in a foreign land and her crew now being pursued by Harald’s, what could the Norns, weavers of fate, possibly have in store for them next?
Wittenberg again delivers a strongly researched, high-stakes story. Ragnhild and her crew take center stage in book three of the Norsewoman series. Sailing scenes aboard Raider Bride are well nuanced as the warriors cross dangerous seas, both as the hunter and the hunted. For this installment, we get to explore a lush Irish landscape as Ragnhild must learn a new way of life. She navigates through differences as small as mounting a horse to larger concerns like learning the language and their strange sailing vessels. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural depth that permeates Wittenberg’s pages.
My only gripe would be Ragnhild’s treatment of those who offer her kindness as she adapts to her new home. Her stubbornness and hostile attitude went on a bit too long for my liking. That being said, Wittenberg has a talent for bringing this time period to life. This is a great series with strong characters and an immersive setting that I’ve been privileged to share reviews on. Bravo, Ms. Wittenberg!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Wittenberg again delivers a strongly researched, high-stakes story. Ragnhild and her crew take center stage in book three of the Norsewoman series. Sailing scenes aboard Raider Bride are well nuanced as the warriors cross dangerous seas, both as the hunter and the hunted. For this installment, we get to explore a lush Irish landscape as Ragnhild must learn a new way of life. She navigates through differences as small as mounting a horse to larger concerns like learning the language and their strange sailing vessels. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural depth that permeates Wittenberg’s pages.
My only gripe would be Ragnhild’s treatment of those who offer her kindness as she adapts to her new home. Her stubbornness and hostile attitude went on a bit too long for my liking. That being said, Wittenberg has a talent for bringing this time period to life. This is a great series with strong characters and an immersive setting that I’ve been privileged to share reviews on. Bravo, Ms. Wittenberg!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
April 9, 2022
Shield Maidens and Mighty Warriors on Sea and Land Fighting Norse and Irish
The writer of this tale has the ancient genes of the characters in her written creative account of love of people, fierce combat, family distrust and betrayal. Battles and physical training of characters are interesting with a twist of men and women wielding swords, axes, knives, armor and hoes/rakes together on the training ground. It's a story of trust and loyalty
The writer of this tale has the ancient genes of the characters in her written creative account of love of people, fierce combat, family distrust and betrayal. Battles and physical training of characters are interesting with a twist of men and women wielding swords, axes, knives, armor and hoes/rakes together on the training ground. It's a story of trust and loyalty
April 12, 2024
Another 5 star read in this fabulous Viking series! Loved the story of Ragnhild, the Raider Bride, who fights for her inheritance against the father and older brothers who want to sell her to an Irish King.
Loved the battle scenes, intricate plot with twists, and the slow burn unexpected romance that develops between Ragnhild and Murchad, the husband she was determined to kill but has come to love.
A swashbuckling Viking adventure on the seas!
Loved the battle scenes, intricate plot with twists, and the slow burn unexpected romance that develops between Ragnhild and Murchad, the husband she was determined to kill but has come to love.
A swashbuckling Viking adventure on the seas!
June 4, 2022
Awesome
Ragnhild is the primary focus on this third book of this wonderful series. Hers is just as much an amazing story as is Asa's. The author does such a great job of bringing the tale to life and there are absolutely no slow parts. I will truly be saddened when this series comes to an end.
Ragnhild is the primary focus on this third book of this wonderful series. Hers is just as much an amazing story as is Asa's. The author does such a great job of bringing the tale to life and there are absolutely no slow parts. I will truly be saddened when this series comes to an end.
March 8, 2021
I LOVED the first 2 books of this series so I was psyched to see the 3rd book was out. The book was great but it didn't hold my attention until I was about half way through the book. I felt like it ended just when it was getting really good!
May 3, 2021
This wasn't as good as the first two in the series to me, just because stories where the woman falls in love with her captor always irk me. I don't even like Beauty and the Beast. Ok that's a spoiler, but not much of one.
August 10, 2021
Very entertaining and more fast-paced than the first two of the series, The Raider Bride only falls short at the end when all is wrapped up in a bow. However, the battle scenes more than make up for any shortcomings in the storyline.
September 10, 2021
The story continues!
Another great entry in the Norsewomen saga, this one focusing on Ragnhild, Queen Asa's shield maiden. This is a great adventure that takes place mostly in Ireland, with a great deal of scholarly research to make the story cone alive.
Another great entry in the Norsewomen saga, this one focusing on Ragnhild, Queen Asa's shield maiden. This is a great adventure that takes place mostly in Ireland, with a great deal of scholarly research to make the story cone alive.
September 28, 2021
For anyone with the spir
Excellent historical novel with lots of action and only subtle romance. I'd like to think that I am a modern shield woman, seeking adventure,brave and skilled in today's modern war fighting injustice.
Excellent historical novel with lots of action and only subtle romance. I'd like to think that I am a modern shield woman, seeking adventure,brave and skilled in today's modern war fighting injustice.
February 8, 2025
A Saga of Great Deeds
Never before have I been pulled into a story such as this. I am great full that there is more to come of this saga. The story continues to be written with more twists and turns than a mountain full of switch backs.
Never before have I been pulled into a story such as this. I am great full that there is more to come of this saga. The story continues to be written with more twists and turns than a mountain full of switch backs.
February 14, 2021
Good read
This book was fun to read. I enjoyed learning about the time s of the dark ages in England and Ireland and how they felt
This book was fun to read. I enjoyed learning about the time s of the dark ages in England and Ireland and how they felt
August 22, 2021
Tough woman. Different spin than the first 2 books. Not my favorite in the series but enjoyable.
August 23, 2021
Good story
Lots of action and adventure. The heroine was brave. This was a good series, show casing courageous women. Good read
Lots of action and adventure. The heroine was brave. This was a good series, show casing courageous women. Good read
October 3, 2021
excitingly a quick read
I enjoyed learning a new about the old and ancient times of my ancestors life in Europe. Could picture my descendants.
I enjoyed learning a new about the old and ancient times of my ancestors life in Europe. Could picture my descendants.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews