DNF. I rarely stop a book part way through, but the writing was cliched and clunky and the heroine was driving me crazy in a way I don't think she's meant to grow out of by the end. She 'acted before she could think' with alarming regularity for a situation where people's lives are genuinely at stake *eye roll*, and was just kind of childish and entitled. I think her self sacrificing for particular individuals was supposed to help endear her, but it seemed much more to do with her own martyrish tendencies, or heavy-handed need for an excuse to take some 'bold stance', than it was actually about the other people.

From the blurb I knew that the Vikings were coming to attack but she had foreseen it. Which had definite potential. I imagined she'd likely have used that information to put some sort of plan in place even. No. She has the dream, which isn't the first time she's had a premonition of future events, and her mother apparently had the sight as well, so it's a little strange she's so skeptical, but whatever, she's concerned enough to go stand out on the ramparts waiting, (but not enough to maybe wake up the sleeping guard apparently). And in fact *does* see the Vikings approaching... and just continues to stand there. She's very concerned about tipping anyone off to the danger because 'what if they ask her questions?!', *even after she's seen them with her first sight, you know, her actual eyeballs!* lol. Like the people who might survive by escaping into the woods before the Vikings reach the keep will return and be like 'hey, the important question is really- why were you awake!?!?' Even if they did she could say that she 'couldn't sleep', or 'needed fresh air', or 'heard a noise', or 'had a bad feeling', or anything in the world besides 'I might be a witch actually, better start the fire!' that she's apparently so worried about. I can't even fathom getting a prior warning, confirming it, and then *still doing nothing* about it, when it's maybe the difference between life and death for her people. Gah! I went on with several more scenes, but overall I just can't take it. ( )

I started this book and got to about the 3 chapter somewhere around when Nessa was introduced. It seemed a little familiar but I thought nothing about it. When I got to the part about Nessa, I knew I had read this book. I looked at Amazon and did NOT see the part about this being in mass-paperback. So, I emailed Tanya. I am sure she thought I was crazy. (I am really, but that is beside the point). She nicely told me that this was a reprint from back in 1994.

Well, I admit that I first read this book when it came out in paperback. I love it then and that has NOT changed.

Vikings are something that is unknown to people in today's world. It is said that they ravage other countrys and they merged with the English and French to much and they just kind of vanished. I personally read every Viking book I can find.

Tanya has taken a subject that is hard to write and created something that boils over with emotion, feeling and the characters do not just come to life, they are right in front of you acting out just like a movie. A book that sends readers back in time to a place unknown to everyone today. Characters that leap off pages, taking readers to a magical world.

I loved this book when I first read it and I still love this book.

The bunnies and I give this book 5 carrots.

I was given this book for an honest review. ( )