Across the North Sea: A Dark Viking Romance by Sofia Hahn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Odilia knew, in that moment and without a semblance of a doubt, that she had never known a more courageous or beautiful man, and she never would.”

This was a beautiful story! Although it is a double-woven plot and follows two different heroines and their separate heroes, it was never difficult to follow and I was equally invested in both sisters’ stories the whole way through–perhaps even more so because they are sisters.

Like some other reviewers, I was nervous about the potential darkness of the story as I’m not a fan of cruel heroes. But Hahn’s heroes are truly heroic. While they are flawed–and perhaps one more than the other–they redeem themselves fully and prove themselves to be honorable men and protectors of women, not ravagers like the Viking raiders in their community who they are contrasted with.

In some ways, Hahn’s’ heroes have a modern sensibility–one even expresses pacifist sentiments. I don’t find that ahistorical however because surely there were many different kinds of men then, as there are now–not all would have wished to be warriors or enjoyed the callous practices of Viking raids, even if they were commonplace.

The story is full of ups and downs and twists and turns–some shocking and satisfying. There might even be a pun in there, but you’ll have to read it yourself to find out.

Excellent read and lovely writing!





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