Enthralled (Viking Lore, Book 1) Kindle Edition

I really enjoyed the ending by the author explaining the real history of the time period.I've read other Viking stories, but this one is very dark over 1/2 of the story and was hard to stick with it. No romance until the ending. Couple bad villains and the last 1/3 of the book was very suspenseful. The difference between the Viking beliefs and Christian beliefs were insightful.We have descriptive lovemaking, outside of marriage and within rated 4 out of 5 heat level. We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, suspense, and romance near the end.Our H wasn't as tough as the other Vikings deplicted, and our h was strong and vocal at times. I am not going into the premise, just what you may get out of reading it. (ljb)

Can a Viking love his thrall? Emma Prince has done it again with her first book of the Viking Lore series. I love what she is able to do with her writing -- fully immersing the reader in a great adventure. She makes each character distinct and special in his or her own right. Here we learn of Eirik, the Viking son of the former Jarl of his people, Arud the Steady. Eirik is a leader in his own right, respected and loved by his people, but he is not the official leader of the village, nor does he want to be. He has convinced the new Jarl, Gunvald, to allow him to go west seeking out gold, silver and other treasures at monasteries there that may enrich the village of Dalgaard. Monks that Eirik spent a year living among previously, help Eirik learn their language but also informs him that they are thralls of the Vikings who hold them prisoner because the Vikings raided their monastery yet they could offer no defense. What astounded Eirik most was the fact that the monasteries items of value but were not protected by anyone. He saw raiding of such places as a great opportunity for raids by himself. Eirik built his own ship and takes on a crew that includes three people who stand out: Alaric, his closest friend and able warrior; Madrena, sister of Aleric and also a very able warrior who can more than hold her own against any foe; and Grimar, the son of Jarl Gunvald. The son is a miserable human being who is despised by all on this ship. He is a spoiled, angry troublemaker who breeds dissension wherever he goes. (Gunvard demanded that Grimar accompany Eirik on the voyage.) Grimar challenges Eirik's leadership while Madrena and Alaric work hard to help Eirik keep a cool head. Upon conducting a raid of Whitby Abbey near Lindisfarne, Eirik and his band discover a monastery that has a place that has quarters for both men and separately, women of the faith. Abbess Hilda and Abbot Thomas both are elderly as are the other Fathers and Sisters at Whitby Abbey. There is a single young person there by the name of Laurel. She is treated as a thrall (slave) and treated harshly by others who see her birth as a sin because she is a child born out of wedlock. The raid results in the finding of riches including gold and silver religious items as well as Grimar's claiming of Laurel as his thrall Against the backdrop the true story unfolds. Interactions between Grimar and Eirik come to a head when Grimar badly mistreats Laurel then throws her overboard! Eirik rescues her and, as a result of Grimar's crude behavior, claims her as his thrall. I will not give away the rest of the plot but I can tell you that Grimar, Eirik, Madrena, Alaric, and Gunvald play key roles in this heartwarming love story between Laurel and Eirik, two people of very different stations. You will not be able to put this book down!

That language barrier, doh. So good! Loved how intense the characters were when around each other. I found both characters so likable and redeeming.

I love it. Emma Prince is an amazing writer! You truly feel for Laurel and her struggles from before she was taken and throughout her journey. Just like Emma Prince's highlander series you can feel the tension and panic as well as the struggle that she places her characters in. Yes this is a romance but it's an adventure as well! I can't wait till the next book!

I thought this book started a little slowly, but as it went it captures not of my attention until I was riveted with what would happen next. The characters are very likable. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

I am usually an avid reader of Regency romance however I did really enjoy this Viking romance. The characters were interesting and the storyline moved along keeping me interested.

Wow I really like this adventure. The characters are fascinating and memorable.At first I wasn't sure I could read more but all of that changed and loved the ending.

This book kept my interest the whole time. I didn’t want to put the book down. Finished it in 1 day! The authors form of writing and description really brings the book to life. This is a must read. 5 stars!

Great book.

Such a great read, it has it all. Romance, actual history, loyalty and betrayal. Definitely a book not to put down for long. MORE PLEASE

very good

Good read

I got caught up in the story straight away. Truly great storyline and characters, good and bad ! Definitely worth reading, looking forward to the next book.