Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific story full of fast-paced action, political intrigue, betrayal, and most of all, love. The characters and situations felt realistic and enhanced my enjoyment of the book. The main characters are Wren, a slave, and Jarl Knud, a man looking for an alliance to save his people.
Wren was captured in a raid when she was five years old and given to the old Earl's daughter, Ingrid, as her servant and companion. Wren's life has been difficult, but she has retained her innate kindness and optimistic attitude. She is loyal to Ingrid, her owner, and ever hopeful of eventually winning her freedom. There is some mystery about Wren's past.
Knud is the leader of a neighboring tribe. He wants to form a marriage alliance with Ingrid, uniting their tribes against Earl Forsa, a mutual foe. Protecting his people is Knud's greatest need. He failed them once and never wants to go through that pain again. His happiness is of no importance. His backstory is heartbreaking and explains the man he has become.
Wren and Knud have an unusual first meeting. Neither knows who the other is, and assumptions are made. Wren makes no secret of her dislike of what she overheard, and Knud doesn't like being judged. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to feel. Matters become complicated when Knud arrives at Ingrid's settlement the next day, and they discover the truth about each other. But shortly after his arrival, the fort comes under attack by Earl Forsa. Wren and Knud find themselves fleeing for their lives, taking a badly injured Ingrid with them.
As they make their way to Knud's settlement, Wren and Knud have the opportunity to get to know each other. I liked their growing mutual respect, especially its effect on Wren. His attitude opens her eyes to the possibilities of a life beyond slavery. Their arrival at his home shows Wren the vast difference between her life and his. Meanwhile, their attraction continues to grow despite its impossibility. Wren knows that anything between them is impossible because of the difference in their stations. Knud is still committed to forming an alliance with Ingrid to save his people, even though he knows he won't be able to forget Wren.
The twists and turns of this book kept me hooked from start to finish. Wren and Knud clearly belong together, but the obstacles seem insurmountable. Knud is caught between his feelings for Wren and his need to protect his people. I ached for Wren, and her hope for something that seemed so far out of her reach. An unexpected development felt like a betrayal and a miracle to Wren, leaving her wondering about her place in life. I loved watching her find her strength and purpose with a risky move that followed her heart. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.
Wren was captured in a raid when she was five years old and given to the old Earl's daughter, Ingrid, as her servant and companion. Wren's life has been difficult, but she has retained her innate kindness and optimistic attitude. She is loyal to Ingrid, her owner, and ever hopeful of eventually winning her freedom. There is some mystery about Wren's past.
Knud is the leader of a neighboring tribe. He wants to form a marriage alliance with Ingrid, uniting their tribes against Earl Forsa, a mutual foe. Protecting his people is Knud's greatest need. He failed them once and never wants to go through that pain again. His happiness is of no importance. His backstory is heartbreaking and explains the man he has become.
Wren and Knud have an unusual first meeting. Neither knows who the other is, and assumptions are made. Wren makes no secret of her dislike of what she overheard, and Knud doesn't like being judged. But underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to feel. Matters become complicated when Knud arrives at Ingrid's settlement the next day, and they discover the truth about each other. But shortly after his arrival, the fort comes under attack by Earl Forsa. Wren and Knud find themselves fleeing for their lives, taking a badly injured Ingrid with them.
As they make their way to Knud's settlement, Wren and Knud have the opportunity to get to know each other. I liked their growing mutual respect, especially its effect on Wren. His attitude opens her eyes to the possibilities of a life beyond slavery. Their arrival at his home shows Wren the vast difference between her life and his. Meanwhile, their attraction continues to grow despite its impossibility. Wren knows that anything between them is impossible because of the difference in their stations. Knud is still committed to forming an alliance with Ingrid to save his people, even though he knows he won't be able to forget Wren.
The twists and turns of this book kept me hooked from start to finish. Wren and Knud clearly belong together, but the obstacles seem insurmountable. Knud is caught between his feelings for Wren and his need to protect his people. I ached for Wren, and her hope for something that seemed so far out of her reach. An unexpected development felt like a betrayal and a miracle to Wren, leaving her wondering about her place in life. I loved watching her find her strength and purpose with a risky move that followed her heart. The ending was terrific, and I loved the epilogue.
