This is the second volume in Hartsuyker's proposed trilogy retelling the story of Harald Fairhair, the ninth century king who set out to unite all of Norway under his rule. What we know of Harald and his efforts have come down through the oral tradition as finally codified by the thirteenth century Icelandic skald Snorri Sturluson in his epic Hiemskringla or Saga of the Kings of Norway. Other original source materials are the works of the twelfth century Danish historian, Saxo Grammaticus, and the thirteenth century Historia Norwegiae, by an anonymous Scandinavian monk.
The Sea Queen begins six years after the conclusion of The Half-Drowned King, Ragnvald Eysteinsson is now lord of his family's hereditary district of Sogn, and the battle strategist and close ally of Harald. But constantly fighting battles for King Harald keeps him away from his home, his wife and his children, and prevents him from devoting his full attention to the prosperity and security of his own people. And his growing influence with Harald means others resent him and plot against him.
Meanwhile Ragnvald’s sister Svanhild has found freedom and adventure she craves at the side of the sea rover Solvi Hunthiofsson. But that freedom comes at a cost. Solvi seeks to foment rebellion against Harald, who drove Solvi out of his own district of Tajford and outlawed him. Solvi and Svanhild's son, Eyestein, is a quiet child who loves the land and pines for a home where he can put down roots and grow strong. When Solvi will not give up his grudge, tragedy results.
As King Harald's enemies plot one last rebellion against him, Ragnvald sets a plan in motion to defeat them, and secure his place with Harald once and for all. Svanhild finds herself with no choices that will leave her truly free. What happens next will seal their fates and the fates of all they love..
The third and final volume of the trilogy, The Golden Wolf, is due out in summer 2019.
Click HERE to read the review from Publishers Weekly.
Click HERE to read the review from Kirkus.
Click HERE to read the review from the New York Journal of Books.
Click HERE to read the review from The Historical Novel Society web site.
Click HERE to read the review from the blog Reading the Past.
Click HERE to view the video trailer for The Sean Queen from Youtube.
No comments:
Post a Comment