Kara G. reviewed God's Daughter (Vikings of the New World Saga) (Volume 1) on + 82 more book reviews
My Comments
Some of my blogging friends have been reading this book so I noticed it recently and fell head over heels in love with both the cover and title, I immediately put it on my TBR (to be read/gotta have) list! Then I got the chance to review it and it felt like a Christmas present had dropped into my lap, grateful doesnt begin to explain how that felt.
Welcome to Gudrids world, a Viking woman with heart and skills beyond the women of her culture. The book starts off describing a pagan sacrifice that breaks Gudrids heart, but also begins her journey of faith in Christ. If the god Thor requires such sacrifices, then Gudrid wants no part in obeying him.
Even though I sooooo enjoyed the story, the writing really gets your attention from the start, I didnt connect with Gudrid at first. Theres just this sadness that stays with her even though she has done well for herself. Theres only one character who is surprised by how many times Gudrid has been married, no one else finds this alarming so even though I agreed with that one comment I figured this was a common occurrence for this time period. Youve been married how many times? From his intense look, I know hes not being disrespectful with his question.
My favorite character in this story is the unnamed female wolf. Its amazing how Gudrid finds her and rescues her. Even though wolves are predators, this one was easy to love as it protected Gudrid, her animals, and even her people.
One of my favorite parts of the story is when Gudrid adopts two boys who come from enemy lines. I was in amazement over that and this enhances the storyline tremendously!
My favorite thing about Gudrid is her faith. She puts herself and her desires last to care for and lead her people and her son. This book is FULL of people making sacrifices and risking their lives for their clan, but Gudrids heart and discernment takes that to a new level. She understands so much from observing, it takes a lot for her to trust others but when you have her loyalty you have it for life, and shes all about keeping the peace but when her sons life is in danger shes willing to kill to protect him. In the midst of all shes undertaking, she still follows Christ with all her heart and even tells her people about Him without preaching. Her greatest desire is to be an example of God to her people when so many pagan gods are respected.
I felt confused about who Leif was for the first part of the book, but that was my misunderstanding and not any fault with the writing. I believed he had been one of her husbands that died and hes Gudrids brother-in-law who is married to another woman. Gudrid isnt liked by most of the women from her home in Greenland, but she easily befriends her female slaves and does what she can to protect them from unwanted attention.
There is much violence in the story, but its realistic to the time period. Gudrid is willing to kill only when necessary. Her people carry knives, spears, swords, and axes to protect themselves against enemy invaders. Gudrid is unhappy and uncomfortable for most of the story until they leave the island. The character I liked least was her sister-in-law, Freydis. At first I was really intrigued by this character and her off color warrior, tree climbing ways, but Freydis does too many foolish things and is reckless for my taste. She gets into enough trouble and creates enough conflict for the story to go forward, but shes not someone I felt attached to or had respect for. However, her craziness only illustrates Gudrids strength further as she fights to help her sister. Freydis is a die hard loyal person to her family, but I also considered her a danger to herself and those around her.
In an age when women had so few choices, survival was more important than comfort, and being a pagan believer was more common than faith in Christ, its absolutely amazing watching Gudrid cope with doing whats right over whats desired. Marriage is more about business and survival than emotions, housekeeping skills with the women are vital among clans, and staying healthy in a constantly changing climate is crucial. Gudrid doesnt have vitamins to work with, but she knows her way around herbs and her faith has taught her that prayer and speaking words of life will help more than carrying a sword even though she does that too. Being a Viking woman with faith in Christ is an unconventional way to live, but Gudrid makes it work despite the sadness she endures.
I thought this book would be the Braveheart version for women (not so much), but there is plenty of action and I truly enjoyed seeing the Viking world through Gudrids eyes despite all the hardships she goes through. There was one relationship I wanted to understand better and that was Gudrids marriage to Finn. There are many misunderstandings between them, but everything does get resolved and I was overjoyed that they grow closer to one another. Gilberts debut book is a definite treat and Im so grateful for the chance to review it! I couldnt wait to see how the story progressed and went through this one FAST! The book takes an honest look at life in the 10th century and brings the reader hope and action in authentic ways. Im grateful for characters like Gudrid (all she is able to overcome) and for writers like Gilbert who bring these stories to life.
I want to thank the author for the review copy provided, truly thanks!! I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Some of my blogging friends have been reading this book so I noticed it recently and fell head over heels in love with both the cover and title, I immediately put it on my TBR (to be read/gotta have) list! Then I got the chance to review it and it felt like a Christmas present had dropped into my lap, grateful doesnt begin to explain how that felt.
Welcome to Gudrids world, a Viking woman with heart and skills beyond the women of her culture. The book starts off describing a pagan sacrifice that breaks Gudrids heart, but also begins her journey of faith in Christ. If the god Thor requires such sacrifices, then Gudrid wants no part in obeying him.
Even though I sooooo enjoyed the story, the writing really gets your attention from the start, I didnt connect with Gudrid at first. Theres just this sadness that stays with her even though she has done well for herself. Theres only one character who is surprised by how many times Gudrid has been married, no one else finds this alarming so even though I agreed with that one comment I figured this was a common occurrence for this time period. Youve been married how many times? From his intense look, I know hes not being disrespectful with his question.
My favorite character in this story is the unnamed female wolf. Its amazing how Gudrid finds her and rescues her. Even though wolves are predators, this one was easy to love as it protected Gudrid, her animals, and even her people.
One of my favorite parts of the story is when Gudrid adopts two boys who come from enemy lines. I was in amazement over that and this enhances the storyline tremendously!
My favorite thing about Gudrid is her faith. She puts herself and her desires last to care for and lead her people and her son. This book is FULL of people making sacrifices and risking their lives for their clan, but Gudrids heart and discernment takes that to a new level. She understands so much from observing, it takes a lot for her to trust others but when you have her loyalty you have it for life, and shes all about keeping the peace but when her sons life is in danger shes willing to kill to protect him. In the midst of all shes undertaking, she still follows Christ with all her heart and even tells her people about Him without preaching. Her greatest desire is to be an example of God to her people when so many pagan gods are respected.
I felt confused about who Leif was for the first part of the book, but that was my misunderstanding and not any fault with the writing. I believed he had been one of her husbands that died and hes Gudrids brother-in-law who is married to another woman. Gudrid isnt liked by most of the women from her home in Greenland, but she easily befriends her female slaves and does what she can to protect them from unwanted attention.
There is much violence in the story, but its realistic to the time period. Gudrid is willing to kill only when necessary. Her people carry knives, spears, swords, and axes to protect themselves against enemy invaders. Gudrid is unhappy and uncomfortable for most of the story until they leave the island. The character I liked least was her sister-in-law, Freydis. At first I was really intrigued by this character and her off color warrior, tree climbing ways, but Freydis does too many foolish things and is reckless for my taste. She gets into enough trouble and creates enough conflict for the story to go forward, but shes not someone I felt attached to or had respect for. However, her craziness only illustrates Gudrids strength further as she fights to help her sister. Freydis is a die hard loyal person to her family, but I also considered her a danger to herself and those around her.
In an age when women had so few choices, survival was more important than comfort, and being a pagan believer was more common than faith in Christ, its absolutely amazing watching Gudrid cope with doing whats right over whats desired. Marriage is more about business and survival than emotions, housekeeping skills with the women are vital among clans, and staying healthy in a constantly changing climate is crucial. Gudrid doesnt have vitamins to work with, but she knows her way around herbs and her faith has taught her that prayer and speaking words of life will help more than carrying a sword even though she does that too. Being a Viking woman with faith in Christ is an unconventional way to live, but Gudrid makes it work despite the sadness she endures.
I thought this book would be the Braveheart version for women (not so much), but there is plenty of action and I truly enjoyed seeing the Viking world through Gudrids eyes despite all the hardships she goes through. There was one relationship I wanted to understand better and that was Gudrids marriage to Finn. There are many misunderstandings between them, but everything does get resolved and I was overjoyed that they grow closer to one another. Gilberts debut book is a definite treat and Im so grateful for the chance to review it! I couldnt wait to see how the story progressed and went through this one FAST! The book takes an honest look at life in the 10th century and brings the reader hope and action in authentic ways. Im grateful for characters like Gudrid (all she is able to overcome) and for writers like Gilbert who bring these stories to life.
I want to thank the author for the review copy provided, truly thanks!! I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
