Review: 3.5 stars - rounded  the story did move forward with reasonable pacing, and I was intrigued and engaged early on
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 10, 2014
An all-encompassing story with great detail and research, this was an intriguing story that provided no end of opportunities to learn.  I do, however, have to let readers know that reading this second in the trilogy before the first book will create some confusion, as will the initial introduction to the story with various point of view changes and inclusions.  The story does start to make more sense further in, but I didn’t expect such a challenge as I had not read the first in the series.  Additionally, there is a large element of the story that is concerned with the conversion of the characters from their own native religious beliefs (Thor and the Viking gods) to the monotheistic Christianity.  Without a warning or mention of this thread in the blurb, it may be off-putting to readers, and I was completely taken by surprise.What I can praise is the detailed research and logical inclusion of the factual elements into this story, keeping the fictional thread solidly grounded in the real world, even if it is a world very unfamiliar to many of us.  The story wends through a sweet romance between Aislinn an Irish woman and healer and the Viking who has arrived on the shores in need of healing.Despite the confusion, the story did move forward with reasonable pacing, and I was intrigued and engaged early on.  I will admit that the heavier passages about conversion and the angst laden moments for Aislinn when she is concerned that the difference in their faiths will make it impossible to love him were passages that I didn’t read as thoroughly, although I found them to be wholly appropriate in feel and intent for the time. People were much closer to their faith beliefs that we are today, even the most devout, and I wholly believed in Aislinn’s quandary (even if I don’t necessary agree).While not necessarily the book for me, I do think that many others would find this series captivating and engaging.I received an eGalley copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.