The Sea Queen: A Novel

Six years after the events of The Half-Drowned King, Ragnvald Eystein is now the king of Sogn but fights battles for King Harald, which often keeps him away from home as he navigates a political landscape that continues to grow more dangerous the higher he rises. Svanhild, Ragnvald’s sister, has found the freedom and adventure she once craved at the side of rebel explorer Solvi Hunthiofsson, which did not come without a price. She longs for a home where she can grow roots as well as make sure her son can grow strong, even though Solvi is drawn back to battles in Norway, which continue to keep her divided from her brother. Their actions will hold repercussions for the fates of those they love, as well as Norway itself.

I was instantly drawn into The Sea Queen from the very first page until the very last. The characters were fleshed out and had flaws but nonetheless continued to grow and develop throughout the entire story; each character is unique compared to the next, and no two are the same, or close to the same, making them loveable in their own unique ways. Svanhild is a strong female character, unlike many other female characters from other books and series who simply pale in comparison to Svanhild, and she is a wonderful example of a woman in Norse society who must strive for a balance that her society would most likely not allow. The Sea Queen is a perfect read for anyone who loves strong leads (especially female leads) and historical fiction novels.