Ozvěny run

Runes #1

by Christina Courtenay

Jejich láska byla zapovězená, ale její ozvěna zní až na věčnost.

On se vrátí… runy jí to prozradily.

Když Mia po milované babičce zdědí Birch Thorpe, letní chatu ve Švédsku, čeká ji nelehké rozhodnutí. Snoubenec Charles na ni naléhá, aby dům prodali a koupili si luxusní byt v Londýně. Mia váhá. Když se naskytne příležitost zapojit se do archeologického výzkumu, jehož cílem je objevit na jejím pozemku vikinské artefakty podobné zlatému prstenu, který je součástí dědictví po babičce, s radostí souhlasí. Získá tak čas a odstup, aby si všechno dobře promyslela.

Vykopávky Miu zcela pohltí a pohledný archeolog Haakon Berger jí také není úplně lhostejný. Stejně jako ona totiž cítí jakousi spřízněnost s dávnými obyvateli těchto míst, jejichž životní osudy se každým dnem více odkrývají. Mie a Haakonovi se před očima začíná skládat dávný příběh velšské šlechtičny Ceri a záhadného vikinga známého jako Bílý sokol, který ji v roce 869 unesl.

Do jejich života zasáhnou nejen ozvěny minulosti, ale i nepřátelé ohrožující Birch Thorpe a její obyvatele, a Mia a Haakon budou muset bojovat, aby ochránili to, co je jim nejdražší…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, Historical Romance, Fantasy, Fiction

344 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Christina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014) and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first chapter and wouldn't let go. It's a dual time line story.
It's set in Sweden and based around a cottage that Mia has inherited from her Grandmother and Haakon, an archaeologist. These are our present day couple.

The past story has Ceri, a Welsh noblewoman, who is abducted from her home and country and taken back to Sweden by the Viking Haukr, the 'White Hawk', as a hostage.

What follows are two love stories from different times but which have a connection across the centuries.

I loved the Viking history in this book. I learned a lot about how they lived and died and about how archaeology works. Haukr was my favorite character in the story. He was kind and caring and treated his people well.
At times I wanted Mia to be a bit more assertive, especially when dealing with Charles but her relationship with Haakon and his daughter was nicely done.

There was one character who, for me, didn't add anything to the story. He appeared briefly at the beginning and then briefly at the end. He was suppose to be the dodgy character who caused trouble but his part was so insignificant that it wouldn't have made any difference to the story whatsoever if he wasn't in it.

There were chapters at the beginning that dealt with the present day story but many of the chapters after that were about both stories and I love this. The transition in the chapters were seamless. Makes the book a very easy read.

If you love time travel or time slip stories, you'll love this. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

[Nicola Cornick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. I‘m still thinking about the story and the characters now I’ve finished it because it became so real to me and drew me in completely. The entwined stories of Mia in the present and Ceri in the Viking era unfold beautifully with so many intriguing links between the two. Both love stories are compelling and the Viking heroes are very attractive! The details of the archaeological dig at Mia’s house by the lake are fascinating and the setting and atmosphere of the book are so rich and vivid. This is a story that stays with you as a reader long after the last page has been turned. It’s completely magical. I have an ARC on kindle but I’ll be rushing out to get a print copy as soon as I can get my hands on it!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dual-timeline historical romance that moves between contemporary Sweden and the 9th Century viking era. The author was born in England and brought up in Sweden by a Swedish mother.

The contemporary story is about Mia Maddox, a conservator working for the British museum, who returns to Sweden after her grandmother’s death as she has inherited her beloved cottage, Birch Thorpe, on the South shore of Lake Mälaren. She meets archaeologist Haakon Berger who challenges her about the ownership of her ancient snake ring. Together they begin to excavate around the cottage looking for traces of a viking settlement. They come across the story of Ceridwen, captured from a celtic Welsh family in 869 by viking invaders and taken to Sweden by “White Hawk” Haukr Erlendrsson. As the attraction between Ceri and Haukr simmers, Ceridwen faces dangerous consequences from Haukr’s wife Ragnhild.

This book has all my favourite tropes for an easy pleasure-read: historical setting, dual timeline genealogical or archaeological mystery to solve, and celts or vikings (in this case both!). There is of course a degree of predictability and improbability but this was an enjoyable read.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review on my website. www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Twitter@bookpage5

Their love was forbidden. But echoed in eternity.

Mia works for Department of Prehistory and Europe that included the Viking period. When her grandmother died she was left a ring in shape of a snake, that had been in her family for many years. Mia is most annoyed with Haakon Berger first he thinks the ring could be a fake, then he thinks she just found the ring, then when he finds out the ring Mia is wearing is a family heirloom he then firmly believes that it should be in a museum.

When Mia is left her grandmothers cottage Birch Thorpe in Sweden Haakan Berger wants to do an archeological dig there as a suitable Viking settlement. As Mia has inherited her grandmothers cottage she agrees to an archaeological dig on the land as long as she can be co- director of the project dig. There are many surprises found during the archaeological dig. I loved reading this story with a fabulous cast of characters. A believable story . A must read. Must buy.

This is an area that I’m quite interested in as I have read books before about archaeological digs.

I also don’t live that far from Canterbury, in Kent, where on our local news and in my local paper had been reported that The Canterbury Archaeological Trust have carried out archaeological digs and found several Roman Saxon skeletons, pottery and medieval stone. When archaeologists start a dig they never know what their going to find until they start the dig. Many things can be found to Roman through to Saxon and medieval times.

I have read quite a few books by Christina Courtenay, when Christina was published with Choc Lit. New England Rocks, The Secret Kiss of Darkness and The Soft Whisper Dreams. All my reviews for these books I gave 5 stars too on Goodreads.

[Leah | Big, Bad and Bookish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The research was well done, the writing was okay but the dialogue was a bit unnatural, the romance was eye roll worthy and the characters were very bland.

Also one of the the main characters had a fiance until past the 80% mark, and another one had a wife until 70%. Everything was so slow and then a lot of unrealistic events happened very quickly at the end.

I did like the archeological aspect to it, I found that part fascinating. But this one wasn't for me unfortunately. I am willing to give this author another chance though because I do enjoy time slip novels (which this one wasn't). Hopefully her next book will impress me more.

[Emma Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you are a big fan of all things Viking, you are likely to love this book! A dual timeline romance which follows Mia in the current day as she excavates the grounds of her Swedish grandmother's house Birch Thorpe, and Ceri, a Welsh woman in the 9th century who was abducted and taken to a settlement at the same site. The alternating stories made this a difficult book to put down, as I constantly left one timeline eager to get back to it, but also curious to know what was happening on the alternative timeline. Just one more chapter was a constant refrain. The gradual revealing of artefacts in the present day, alongside the tense unravelling of events in the past, kept the mystery alive, just feeding enough information to whet the appetite. There was suspense and romance and both historic and modern day settings felt very well researched. It was fascinating as well as a very enjoyable ride which, as a bonus, also featured two hunky Norsemen!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful dual timeline story which reminded me very much of Barbara Erskine books but, less heavy. This was set in the time of the Vikings and present day. I now want to read the rest of this series as I want to know what happens next.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars....

I enjoyed this audio book. The narration was good. The story was fun. Reincarnation is explored. Vikings in the past and an archeological dig in the present which uncovers the same past Viking settlement. There were some romance parts I thought were cheesy and some parts that were a little predictable, but overall I liked it and wanted to know what was going to happen.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been far, far too long since the last book from Christina Courtney – and I’m delighted to report that her writing has lost none of the magic that made me fall in love with her books. This is a dual-time story with the most wonderful timeslip elements, very different from anything I’ve ever read before (and not only because of those Vikings) and a totally absorbing read.

Both timeframes feature strong and believable love stories. In the present day, Mia meets Haakon – both are archaeologists – at a Swedish museum, where his attention is first drawn by an unusual gold ring she’s wearing, passed down to her by her grandmother. She’s also inherited her grandmother’s lakeside cottage, Birch Thorpe, and gives permission for an archaeological dig that she joins for the summer as joint leader – fair to say, I think, that there’s nothing particularly appealing to keep her in London, where her relationship is definitely sliding downhill rather fast. And then there’s the historical thread – Hauke, the “White Hawk”, and a raid on a Celtic village reluctantly undertaken and driven by the avarice of his wife, that brings the captured Ceri into his life.

I will admit I’ve never before been particularly drawn by stories with a Viking setting – all a bit bloodthirsty and lawless for me, I thought – but this story with its meticulous research and recreation of an unfamiliar world was totally engrossing. Far from the rape and pillage I’d rather expected, we experience everyday life in a Viking settlement – and the three-dimensional depiction of its sympathetic characters and depth of detail is quite wonderful, deepening my knowledge and understanding of a slice of history and a way of life about which I knew lamentably little.

I also really liked the way the stories mirrored each other, the villains and the children as well as the key characters and some of the dramatic moments – and I guess that’s the point at which I really should mention the timeslip elements. The emphasis here really is on “slip”, and not time travel, and it’s particularly effectively done – a whole series of echoes and reverberations, moments seen through a veil (witnessed by both Mia and Haakon, which I particularly liked), centred on particular locations and “finds”, all infused with that feeling of destiny and inevitability.

There’s an immensely strong sense of place to this book, enhanced by that interaction of “then” and “now” – it was enthralling to watch the present day archaeologists uncovering the details from the past, there under their feet, that were already so familiar from the parallel narrative.

And just a little thing, but I particularly enjoyed the way phrases and expressions in Old Norse are used, sometimes explained and sometimes not, that really added depth and authenticity to the narrative: it’s never entirely necessary to go beyond the page, but there were times when I did rather enjoy some excursions into Wikipedia to find out more.

And I really must say “what a story!” – both threads perfectly paced, full of treachery and villainy and some people behaving particularly badly. This really is a thriller and page turner alongside some satisfyingly stirring romance.

It might be that you’re drawn to this story by the history – or it might be the timeslip, the setting, or the love story. But whatever might attract you, there is so much here that any reader would thoroughly enjoy. I really loved it.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

recensione "a cura del blog Sognare in punta di penna" by Meg

Mia, giovane restauratrice del British Museum, eredita un cottage estivo in Svezia e deve decidere se venderlo o tenerlo; un altro incontro casuale in un museo porta Mia a indagare ulteriormente su ciò che è nascosto nel passato della sua proprietà, con l’aiuto di Hakoon, il curatore del museo. E’ solo per metà svedese Mia, ma è legata a quei luoghi, dove ha vissuto con sua nonna, che le raccontava le storie dei vichinghi e delle loro gesta: quelle storie sono sempre rimaste nei ricordi di Mia, così come l’anello con il serpente da sempre appartenuto alla sua famiglia e che le trasmette quel senso di appartenenza.

«La nonna non le aveva lasciato quel cottage per farle salire qualche gradino nella scala sociale, ma per ricordarle che una parte di lei apparteneva alla Scandinavia. Aveva la Svezia nel sangue, non importava quanto si sentisse inglese.
………
Il pensiero di appartenere, anche solo in parte, a una simile nazione non aveva mai smesso di sorprendere Mia.»

Con l’inizio degli scavi iniziano a risuonare in lei i ricordi di Ceridwen, una giovane donna celtica di un villaggio gallese, rapita dal capo vichingo Haukr e vissuta proprio lì dove c’è il cottage.E’ stata portata via e in attesa di riscatto, Ceridwen, ma fin da subito si crea un legame stranissimo con quel capo così imponente fisicamente ma capace anche di gesti particolari, quali quello di tenere una figlia che non parla e non trattare Ceridwen come una schiava.La storia si muove quindi su due piani temporali, perfettamente in linea, e che ci raccontano passo passo sia la storia passata che quello strano legame che nasce tra Mia e Hakoon.

«Si scambiarono un altro sorriso e Mia si sentì attraversare da un’ondata di calore. Era meraviglioso condividere questo momento speciale con qualcuno che ne comprendeva così a fondo il significato.
………….
Rimase sveglio a guardare la figlia e Ceri, felice di averle accanto a sé. Gli erano entrambi molto preziose, e con i passare delle ore si rese conto che c’era di più. Molto di più.»

I personaggi poco alla volta scoprono di avere un legame e quel legame li porterà non solo ad avvicinarsi ma anche a superare numerosi ostacoli: nel passato, i rapimenti (così tipici di quei secoli) e i tentativi di assassinare Ceridwen, e nel presente il folle vicino neonazista.I personaggi sono tutti ben descritti, senza mai eccedere nella pura descrizione che in una storia del genere facilmente può accadere, intrecciando le parti della vicenda senza mai annoiare.Il mondo vichingo è descritto in modo molto fluido e preciso, e affascina sia il lettore amante degli storici e non, dato che il doppio piano temporale permette una fluidità narrativa che agevola la lettura.
Per chi ama il genere “Outlander” questo romanzo non è ai livelli della Gabaldon ma riesce a trasmettere la parte storica in modo accattivante e vivace, così come l’amore che le lega le due coppie in secoli diversi.

«Aveva spettato questo uomo per tutta la vita. E adesso era suo.»

Una lettura che speriamo sia seguita anche dagli altri volumi di questa sorta di serie, poiché ci ha permesso di conoscere un’autrice attenta e profonda quanto basta da collocare il libro tra quelli che vanno letti.

Cinque stelle.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emanuela - per RFS
.
Sono veramente felice di aver scelto questo libro e di aver così conosciuto una talentuosa autrice capace di raccontare una storia dove romanticismo, suggestioni storiche e paranormale si fondono in una magia che affascina e travolge i sensi del lettore in un altalenarsi tra passato e presente.

La protagonista è Mia, figlia di madre svedese e padre inglese, con una bella carriera come restauratrice che svolge a Londra. La ragazza divide la sua vita con un giovane in carriera,votato alla scalata sociale e ossessionato dalla conquista di un appartamento più bello e più prestigioso.

Questo miraggio sembra concretizzarsi quando Mia eredita un cottage sulle rive di un fiordo in Svezia lasciatole dalla sua cara nonna materna, insieme a uno splendido anello a forma di serpente a doppia testa.

Il viaggio che Mia farà per decidere cosa fare di una casa che sembra un peso, le cambierà la vita, scatenando una serie di eventi a catena e apparentemente casuali ma che in verità sono mossi da una volontà superiore.

A contatto con la terra in cui ha trascorso tutte le sue estati di fanciulla, sensazioni e in seguito visioni improvvise, la metteranno in contatto con Ceri, giovane donna rapita dal vichingo Haukr e portata come prigioniera a Bjorketorp.

Mentre nelle terre intorno al cottage una missione archeologica inizierà a scavare guidata dall’affascinante archeologo Haakon, con il quale Mia collaborerà appieno, i flashback ci condurranno per mano lasciandoci affacciare sulla Svezia dell’870 d.C. La storia di Ceri e Haukr scorrerà parallela a quella tra Mia e il biondo archeologo in un crescendo emozionante e di grande ritmo narrativo.

Ho apprezzato moltissimo sia la ricostruzione storica che le ambientazioni in cui si muovono personaggi pieni di vita e sentimenti.

Le descrizioni del passato sono precise e minuziose, e per questo estremamente credibili.

Splendido! Non capita spesso un libro di questa portata.

[Sonia189 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, especially if I think about the individual details. As a whole, I think certain situations could have been done better.
I'm not yet certain about the writing style and I wish the characters had more depth to them, more than what we saw and what was hinted at.
Still, it was entertaining and from a certain point on, I was quite eager to see what would happen next... not because it would be quite a twist (it never was) but just to see the way the characters would react to this and that. Closer to the end, some situations were too matchy matchy to properly suit the dual timed plot and I think it wasn't necessary.
I'll likely read the next book in the series, at least to compare.

[Shiloah · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I didn’t read so many classics and histories this would be a little more believable.

[Linnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️

[Alda Saldan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Echoes of the Runes is a dual timeline novel set mainly in IX century and present day Sweden. The plot revolves around the story of the two main characters: Ceridwen, a Celtic young woman from a Welsh village, and Haukr, the “White Hawk”, a Viking chief. The two characters meet by chance when Haukr and his men are raiding Ceridwen’s village: the young woman is among the prisoners taken back to the Viking settlement to work as slaves or be held as hostage while waiting for a ransom to be paid. Little they know on that day how that raid will change both their lives… Back to present days, Mia inherits a summer cottage in Sweden and has to decide whether to sell or keep it. Another chance encounter at a museum leads Mia to further investigate what’s hidden in the past of her property, and that is when her life starts resonating with Ceridwen’s memories…

This dual timeline romance has a good flow, the story is well paced and is overall pleasant to read. The author shows a good knowledge of history and culture of Viking tribes in IX century, even if I found that most explanations of the Norse words used in the text were a bit clashing with the flow. The main characters are likable – maybe a little too much in the case of Ceridwen, who seems almost perfectly good – whereas the main antagonists are totally negative, in all the aspects of their personality. I’d usually prefer when characters are less polarized towards the extremes, since they seem more real when less perfect. Some dialogues were also a bit odd - I’m not sure a Viking in IX century would ever reply with a “we agree to disagree”. Apart from that, this is a well written romantic story that may appeal to readers interested to the Viking age, romance and a hint of time travel (though there’s no time travelling, but more of a connection between past and present characters).

Thanks to Hachette Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Priya Shrinath · Rating 4 out of 5]

My full review at https://wp.me/pajm6f-zP

Two love stories - two different timelines - two beautiful, strong women - that's what this gorgeous new historical fiction of Christina Courternay offers!

The storyline follows Mia and Haakon Berger in the present, two archeologists, who meet and connect as they dig the site near Mia's grandmother's cottage in Birch Thorpe for possible Viking Settlement. Mia's romantic life is a mess as she struggles to keep up with her demanding boyfriend. So when she meets Haakon, there is an instant attraction and also a deep rooted connection that seems to come out of nowhere.

As they begin to start the excavation, they both experience recurring dreams about a Welsh Woman Ceri who is captured by Viking Norsemen in exchange for ransom. Ceri's journey in the faraway land as a captive amongst strange people and love and attraction that slowly grows between her and her captor forms the rest of the story.

There is so much to say about the book, but I certainly do not want to spoil the fun for you. If you like dual timelines, you'll love this book. Especially the romance. The characters are easily likeable and the author takes her time to lay their backgrounds, teleporting us to their journeys both in present and the Viking time! You'll start to understand the connection between the two stories soon as you're engrossed into the premise. It's hard to put down as you might want to know what happens in the other story just when you're reading one.

Easily one of my favorites of the year, I loved Christina's writing which was smooth as a butter. A smile played on my lips all the time while reading the book, brownies to the author for that! Highly recommended by me.

[Megan Fogarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are things I liked about this book. I love historical fiction and was so grateful for a different time period and culture focus. It seems like 80% of historical fiction these days is about World War II and the other 20% is about the Scottish Highlands, so this was a breath of fresh air and I loved learning about a new region and era. I liked but didn’t love the modern day love story, I thought the characters could have been developed more but they were interesting at least. However, even though I like a good romance, the timeline with the Vikings felt so cheesy and unrealistic. The Viking conqueror actually was a gentle sweetheart who was ALWAYS merciful and benevolent and basically had no real personality It seems highly unlikely that he’d survive as a leader in ruthless times. The evil first wife is crazy and vindictive, and completely unlikeable versus the perfect, lovely, selfless lead female character. It was all a little too cut and dry. Also what I assume is a highly romanticized version of slavery, and several instances of problematic glorification of putting a (supposedly bad) woman in her place by emphasizing that she has no power as the male is the head of the household. And later when this unsympathetic woman is to be punished, several references that imply potential sexual violence against her that it feels like readers are supposed to almost cheer for because of her past bad behavior. It all felt a little icky.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice time-slip book and I did buy into the romance between Mia and Haakon and to a lesser degree Ceridwen and Hawkr but there were elements of things that were almost too good to be true and somewhat unbelievable, such as Ceridwen’s brother travelling from Wales to Scandinavia to rescue her, but not having a weapon on him when he meets her abductor and the contemporary next door neighbour being not only a nazi but a collector of ancient artefacts stolen from historical sites, with a goth son who happens to become fostered by Mia and Haakon in a happily-ever-after ending.

The historical details were good and well-researched, especially the old Norse language, but the last quarter of the book seemed to lose credibility. Yes, it’s fictional but it still needs to be somewhat believable and it grated on me that a brother would take his sister’s abductor at face value within minutes and join him on a rescue mission after the abductor professed his true love. I know I wouldn’t believe a word in that situation, whether true or not.

Despite these little annoyances, I enjoyed the archaeological aspects of the book and I’m a huge time-slip fan. I’ve read Christina Courtenay before and I’m going to read the second book in her Runes series but for me, she doesn’t stand up to the talent of Barbara Erskine, Kate Morton or Pamela Hartshorne.

[sincerely · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a tragic DNF at 63% (cringe), I desperately needed an absolute bookish victory so I consulted my handy list of personal recs and Echoes of the Runes popped out at me. Gee I wonder why 😂 Swipe to see the complete MOOD I am in right now 🌊

Y'all I devoured this book! This is like a loved-up, highly readable version of The Winter Sea - only it has VIKINGS 💪This is basically a time-slip story set in Sweden, switching back and forth between an archeological dig and a Viking settlement. The chapters are the perfect length, the relationships have growth without being obnoxious, the adventure is perfect and I was living for both male leads. There is one open-door romantic scene but there are basically flashing lights telling you it is coming so you can easily skip it if that's not your thing. This book is perfect for when you're in the mood for something simple and fun!

TW: abduction, suicide, violence (all super lowkey)

[Kate thebooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of the Ruins is a wonderful dual time-lone story, Mia in the present was left a property “Birch Thorpe” when her grandmother past away... this land is linked to Vikings and when an archeological dig beings on the land she feels a sense of the pervious inhabitants.

We learn about the Vikings that were there before both through their story and through what is unearthed in the dig.

A wonderfully captivating story of love that resonates through the centuries! I love how Christina Courtenay wove the story through the dual timelines, keeping you hook all the way needing to know how it all ends for both the lovers of the past and the lovers in the present!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars... totally recommend it to anyone who loves a romance and historical fiction!

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.5**

This was about a 3-star for most of the book. It was fine, but nothing spectacular, as the connections between the two timelines felt weak, but the writing wasn't bad. But then the ending actually took a dive a bit and it all felt very contrived. I figured Haukr and Ceridwen had some tragic love story where they were separated during their lives, so that's why they were reincarnated as Hakkon and Mia, right? Like Aida. But, no. They ended up living HEA, so there is no reason or explanation for them being "reincarnated," but yet they are? I just didn't quite get it.

[Clare Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found so much to enjoy in this wonderfully atmospheric dual-timeline novel. There are developing relationships with captivating chemistry, atmospheric settings, fascinating historical details and page-turning drama. The characters are well-rounded, the subplots touching and the villains you love to hate are very well drawn. It’s the perfect book to escape into during these troubled times.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful , vivid , absolutely amazing ! Love everting about this book 📚 , mesmerised me from the start to the end . , gosh I wish to meet the author of the book and have a long discussion;) about the vikings etc …..

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

An intriguing Viking tale with Barbara Erskine vibes, I really enjoyed my first read from this author and will certainly look to read more from Courtenay in the future.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this one. Very slow, I never felt very gripped when reading it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed all of this book. All the details and descriptions felt well written: the relationships and the actions. I didn't feel there were too many characters and I kept up with all the names. I have a sneaky suspicion Alun is going to have more of a story in this series.

I enjoyed the mirroring technique, where Mia and Haakon's time was mirrored by Ceri's and Haukr's time. I found this intriguing as the relationship between Sofia and Haakon, Mia and Charles, and Ceri and Haukr was interesting and realistic. I had thought Sofia may have turned out like Ragnhild, thank goodness she didn't.
I felt the end of this book was nicely tied together.

I didn't pay much attention to Ivar's dad as I couldn't be bothered with Neo nazism but the Scandinavian idea of Swedish people wanting pure bloodlines and Aryanism is concerning and could make for uncomfortable reading. I'm not political enough to know if neo nazism is niche or prevalent underground. This is obviously interesting in that the Vikings killed or took thralls, they weren't interested in civilisation or preservation( Aryanism) but there may have been similar pressures to bloodlines in Vikings times. However, I think the idea of Aryanism being a historical, genealogical passing down from thousands of years is interesting and Courtenay was en pointe with her theme of handing down through time in a justified way, not stealing or amplifying through Aryanism. It was a fine balance of theme and family ( Sofia's family for example and Linnae's childhood dependency).

[Robynne Lozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this Vikings paranormal series by Christina Courtenay. Set in the 10th century, it starts with a Viking raid on a welsh village where Ceridwen is stolen and taken back to Sweden where this Viking family lived. The Vikings wife became jealous of the thrall (Slave) Ceridwen and began causing trouble. Eventually the wife divorced her Viking because he refused to keep her in the rich lifestyle that she had been accustomed to living. This naturally leaves the Viking free to marry the young thrall Ceridwen and they live happily ever after. This is also set in the 21st century during an archaeological dig, so you have to really love Archaeology to get through this book. There are so many archaeological details. Since I love both Archaeology and the Vikings, this was a wonderful read for me!!! I could not put this down. It took me around 4 hours to read and when I cannot put a book down, then it gets 5 stars.

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Dual timeline ✅
Sexy Vikings ✅
Fiesty female leads ✅
Evil characters we love to hate ✅

This was a brilliant read set in modern & 9th century Sweden. It follows our two heroines as their lives face changes due to circumstances beyond their control. Add in plenty of drama & very engaging historical elements too & you end up with a winner. This is the first in a series & I know I'm going to have to get @christinacourtenayauthor others because this is exactly what I'm loving right now. With the dual timeline narrative this is a lighter approach to historical fiction (although obviously still well researched & cared for) perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon & Clare Marchant.

[Helen Lisbonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo of the runes was just a wonderful & beautiful trip to the past, to the fearsome Vikings, to the archeology world, to Sweden, to the lovely lives of Ceri and Mia. Really, it absolutely amazed me! Also, this book was the best company on my way to Stockholm (for the first time) and on my way back from this lovely and freezing city! I was so deep into the story that I had to visit the Historiska museet, how couldn’t I? And I lived everything better. Although I didn’t know yet about the gold room, which I missed during my visit, I enjoyed so much thanks to this book. It was so sad when I had to say goodbye to all the characters when I finished this magnificent fiction novel. Trully loved it!

[Kathy Wivell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new perspective on Vikings

This is a tale set in two time periods, superbly well blended. I know little about the Vikings and this provided more insight and was very interesting. The characters were well developed and believable. Love stories combined with greed, vengeance and misunderstandings run side by museum in each period. Although the plot is a little contrived, I really enjoyed this read and will now look at the sequel.