The Thrall

by Sarah Myers

In 999 A.D., a young and naïve Rowan is taken from her family and farm in Kent by the striking and determined Viking warrior Dreki. Across oceans and foreign lands, the two bond in their time together as captor and thrall.

Upon arrival in Dreki's Norse village, Rowan is gifted to the Earl and thrown into a life of slavery. Dreki, struggling with the complicated relationship with his Earl, finds himself unable to stay away from the girl who captured his heart.

A story of love and duty, of mysticism and mythology, in a time when barbarians clashed with Christians, The Thrall is book 1 in the Viking saga you have been waiting for.

To fill the void left by historical romances such as Outlander and The Bronze Horseman, dive into the Dark Age and follow Rowan as she discovers unforeseen gifts within herself on her journey to becoming a Viking.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2021

Reviews

[Jasmine || Chatty.Chapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thrall is a historical romance taking place during the age of the Vikings - which hello! We need more of this! Switching POVs between Dreki and Rowan throughout the story worked so well, I was instantly hooked! The Thrall is definitely for those who want an intense forbidden love story along with the gritty and raw background of the Viking era. If you loved Outlander then this may be the next book for you!

Overall, this book took me by surprise! The main characters Dreki and Rowan are incredible, I’m completely engrossed in their story and am already dying for more! This book was a solid 4.5 star rating for me and I can’t wait for the sequel !

*rounded up to 5 stars for goodreads

[Tammy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I got attached to the Characters Rowan and Dreki, I think they were perfect together. I like the history and the customs of the Vikings, that’s one of the reasons I have liked to read about Viking romance. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Ellie Duck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling

Thrilling story filled with twists and turns that had me up until the wee small hours, consuming every morsel of its glory. Spelling and grammar could use some attention, but the plot is delicious.

[Xenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting and enjoyable read! With so many twists and turns, Rowan and Dreki’s story was captivating from the beginning. I loved the historical setting, especially as it appears to be well researched, adding to the vibrancy of the tale. I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment!

[Niki Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the characters immediately and couldn't stop reading until the end.
The complicated relationship between Rowan and Dreki kept me guessing and hoping throughout the entire book.
The character development had tears in my eyes more than once.
Impatiently awaiting Book II.

[Darla L Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure

I have enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next book , it is a clean read not a lot of profanity

[Alyssa | catsandbookstacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Norsemen arrive to loot the surrounding villages, Rowan's families flees. Rowan turns back to collect a sentimental item from home, but is captured by the Norseman, Dreki. She is brought to a viking village as a thrall, a slave, for the Earl Einor. Rowan has now become the property of the Earl, but she and Dreki develop forbidden feelings for one another.

think the best way to describe this book is like the tv show Vikings but from a domestic slave's POV. You get sexy brutish vikings, plus forbidden love. Sarah Myers wrote this after reading Outlander and The Bronze Horseman and couldn't find any viking romances! The Thrall is a well-crafted historical romance debut and I'm looking forward to the next novel in the Viking Saga!

For the first half of the novel, Rowan doesn't speak Norse but slowly begins to learn from the other thralls. The language barrier was well depicted throughout the plot from Rowan's perspective. I didn't feel like I was missing out on dialogue because I was put right in Rowan's shoes. I was ecstatic when I reached Dreki's first chapter because I just HAD to know what was going on in his mind.

*I won this book in a giveaway by the author and this review is my honest opinion.

TW: violence, gore, death, rape
(seriously be aware, this has violent content... It's not a fluffy romance)

[Amber Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. The story pulls you in instantly and keeps you enthralled.

The only problem was that my expectations for a relationship just soared way too high.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Thank God for this book. This broke me out of a reading slump (not quite the way one would want to start their October)! After so many false starts with other books, I picked this up and read it in one sitting. I REALLY enjoyed this one. The slow burn and character development were good. If ever I feel the ending could've been better but I can't wait for book 2. There IS going to be a second book, right?!? 😭

[Angela Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I cannot wait to read book two. The characters are complex and intriguing. The love story is amazing. I hope the new book is coming soon.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story

Good live story and interesting info on Vikings, but needs a little bit more description of the battles. Still good.

[Kelsey Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Viking Love Story

Loved the Viking history and the story of Rowan and Dreki.The bond between them had me intrigued from the beginning. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Googly55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Viking “romances” always kind of bum me out because of the whole raping and pillaging aspect, but this one was really well done. Lovely cover, as well. I probably would have given this 5 stars if Dreki hadn’t given Rowan to the earl. It seemed like he could have kept her as his own but was too committed to giving her away as he originally planned. Once he returned home, he knew he loved her and he still did it. 😕

[Sharon Rubio · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this so much

I wish this book had more attention because it is so well written. Love Rowan and Dreki. Few stories convey yearning and longing and deep connected love the way this author did. It felt more like Janie/Claire from outlander even. But with Vikings and thralls.

[Hannah]

Having some difficulty rating this and I think I’m gonna end up with not giving one because I don’t think it’s for me.

I understand it’s a historical romance and things were different back then but I had trouble connecting with the characters and also knowing their ages

I might give this another try in the future!

[WitchyMitchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid book

This book was enthralling (hehe) but about halfway through started to feel rushed. And the heroine was special and endangered a bit too much if you know what I mean. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this and the beginning was great writing.

[Book Reader 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, intriguing and emotional

[Moldy Bread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Finally a book genuinely worth 5 stars. Beautifully written, captivating characters, and great dialogue.

Well done, author.