I thought this was really good. You have to bear in mind that this was no a time period for equal rights, but women are mostly for trading in exchange for land or an heir.
Our heroine, Aestrid Karisson is rescued from the evil Picts by an opposing group of Vikings who do not see eye to eye with her father. After the initial introduction of bad treatment as they mistake her identity, she becomes the object of wooing from Veleif Kollsvein, Viking prince as his advisors have strongly suggested he take her as his bride to make peace and expand their territory.
Aestrid may not have much power in this world but although she is ignorant of his plan she fights him tooth and nail and proves to be a worthy opponent. I thought she was brilliant to be so brave and strong, and it was refreshing that although she does struggle to fight her physical attraction to him she will not cow or bend to his wishes.
There are some very funny moments although obviously times were different and I didn't like that at times he used brute force to control her, but he's a Viking and part of his flaw is arrogance and he cannot show weakness in front of his people.
There are some funny moments also from interaction with his men and their growing respect for her.
I would love to read another book about other members of the group. ( )