The Norse Queen (The Norsewomen)

Product Description

Ninth century Norway, the dawn of the Viking era, — a land shattered into thirty warring kingdoms. A woman could seize power, if she was bold enough.Daughter of a Norse king, fifteen-year-old Åsa dreams of becoming a shieldmaiden. When she spurns a powerful warlord, he rains hellfire on her family, slaughtering her father and brother and taking her captive. To protect her people, Åsa must wed her father’s killer. To take vengeance, she must become his queen.

Review

A journey back into the heart and soul of ancient Viking realms. Queen Åsa of Tromøy, a true historical figure almost lost in the mists of time, returns to vivid life in
The Norse Queen.  Step inside a Scandinavian saga in all its richness. If you love Beowulf you will also love
The Norse Queen.
–Margaret George,
New York Times Bestselling Author

The Norse Queen brims with action in a world both exhilarating and terrifying, peopled with sorceresses, warring jarls, and even shape-shifters. In its tale of one woman’s steadfast courage in the face of tragedy, it gives life and breath to a long-forgotten 9th century queen.
–Patricia Bracewell,
Author of Shadow on the Crown and The Price of Blood

Editor’s Choice The Norse Queen is an absorbing tale of sacrifice and courage. Asa is a strong, intelligent woman who’d envisioned becoming a Shield Maiden. She is a skilled warrior with a deep love for her family. The narrative switches between her and Olaf, a man who struggles to meet his father’s impossible expectations. I was riveted to the pages as each character fought against the constraints Gudrod bound them both with. The characters are complex and compelling.
Based on the real-life historical figure of Queen Asa, Wittenberg’s thorough and detailed research paints a vivid picture of early medieval Viking life. While there was sword fighting, skirmishes, and a forced marriage, the violence was thankfully never overly graphic. There are fantasy elements which mirror the strong religious beliefs, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative. This is a fascinating glimpse into what a strong woman’s life in Viking times might have looked like, and I eagerly anticipate more from Wittenberg’s The Norsewomen series.

–Historical Novel Society Review by J. Lynn Else

From the Back Cover

Based on the life of a ninth-century Norse queen

About the Author

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. For fascinating facts about the Viking Age, visit JohannaWittenberg.com