Her stepfather, Olaf, has arranged a husband for her-a hard old man she neither loves nor desires. While Ragnvald's duty is to fight-and even die-for his honor, Svanhild must make an advantageous marriage, though her adventurous spirit yearns to see the world.

Ragnvald pledges his sword to King Harald, a choice that will hold enormous consequence in the years to come. Opportunity may lie with Harald of Vestfold, the strong young Norse warrior rumored to be the prophesied king.

Rescued by a fisherman, Ragnvald is determined to have revenge for his stepfather's betrayal, claim his birthright and the woman he loves, and rescue his beloved sister Svanhild. But, sailing home from a raiding trip to Ireland, the young warrior is betrayed and left for dead by men in the pay of his greedy stepfather, Olaf. Ragnvald Eysteinsson, the son and grandson of kings, grew up believing that he would one day take his dead father's place as chief of his family's lands. Centuries ago, in a blood-soaked land ruled by legendary gods and warring men, a prophecy foretold of a high king who would come to reign over all of the north. Linnea Hartsuyker is an exciting, original voice in historical fiction, and The Half-Drowned King is nothing short of mesmerizing.'-Paula McLain, bestselling author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun An exhilarating saga of the Vikings that conjures a brutal, superstitious, and thrilling ninth-century world and the birth of a kingdom-the debut installment in a historical literary trilogy that combines the bold imagination and sweeping narrative power of Game of Thrones, Vikings, and Outlander. The book's fiercest magic shines in the characters of Ragnvald and Svanhild, as unforgettable a brother and sister duo as I can remember. 'Linnea Hartsuyker brings myth and legend roaring to life in this superbly good page-turning saga of Viking-era Norway.

The half drowned king review