Review: Intriguing and fun
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2013
I have to say, I really loved this book. The description and reviews made much of the historical alternative world with Norsemen, various Europeans, and Native Americans all in long-ago North America. I almost didn't download it because it sounded confused, but that actually had very little to do with the plot.The book is set at a large fair, where people of various customs and nationalities come to trade wares. A prominant (and not entirely liked) trader shows up dead and his heir apparent tries to place the blame on a Norse trader who just happens to be a sworn enemy.I found the Norse customs and traditions fascinating, as was the juxtapositioning of their beliefs with Christianity. There were a couple of rousing Norse funerals complete with feasting and stories about the dead, some fun poetry including a "scorn poem" which changed the whole situation, some insight into Norse justice as opposed to English, and interesting details about the trading and the fair. All told, this was a very entertaining read. I looked for other books about these characters but was disappointed to find that the author evidently has none.