The Viking Hostage - Tapa blanda

Tracey opens the doors to three cultures: the Norwegians, post-Charlemagne Frankish and the newly Norse-dominated corner of Wales. Again Tracey's research is thorough and evident while religions, customs and language hold us as much enthralled as the politicking. (Bookbag review) Those who want a leisurely, well-researched story can settle down happily with The Viking Hostage. (Historical Novel Society review) From the very first page I was gripped. The Viking Hostage certainly took me hostage! I was transported into the world of the characters, the smells, the views, the feelings, Tracey has the ability to pull you into the time and world of the book. I can't rave about this book enough, read it, you won't be disappointed. (Goodreads.com review) I was gripped from the start of 'The Viking Hostage', a richly detailed and compelling read. (Goodreads.com review) From Viking raids on monasteries to power struggles between noble French households, this is a wonderful story of love, arranged marriages, adventure, friendship, loyalty and betrayal. Don't be put off by the wealth of historical detail in this novel.(Nudge review)

Set in late 10th century France and Wales, 'The Viking Hostage' weaves together the stories of three women living through a time of turbulent power struggles across Europe, Viking raids, and fears of The End of Time. Sigrid is a Pagan and a Norwegian who is captured and held hostage before being sold into slavery in the French Limousin. Aina is heiress to the French fortress of Segur, who longs for a life of travel and adventure as she attempts to resist the unwelcome pressures of arranged marriage. And Adalmode, daughter of the Viscount of Limoges, whose hand in marriage is also the subject of power struggles between the noble families, endures a hopeless love affair with a man who is her father's prisoner. Their friendship and stories tangle with questions of nobility, freedom and courage to create their own deception, to escape the often brutal society of early medieval Europe.