Did “The Witch’s Heart” break you into one thousand glittering pieces and you loved every moment of your shattering? Do you crave a Viking fix now that “The Last Kingdom” TV series is over? Do you believe a woman’s worth is independent from any men with whom she is associated? Do you appreciate trans representation in your reading? Does the idea of witches battling it out physically, magically, and psychically sound exciting to you?
Well then please come on over to one of my favorite books of 2023, “The Weaver and the Witch Queen!”
With a degree in history that focused on Vikings, Gornichec is a scholar of Norse mythology and Icelandic sagas. Using her studies for inspiration, this book is her version of the origin story of the actual historical figure of Gunnhild, Mother of Kings, from tenth century Norway. It’s historical fantasy, granting the story’s seeresses actual magical powers.
The story revolves around a blood oath three young girls take to swear themselves to always look out for one another. When one of them is captured and sold to slavers years later, the other two will do whatever is in their power to rescue her. This turns out to entail ensuring the assistance of King Eirik, named successor to the king of all of Norway. Eirik has his band of formidable supporters, all loyal to their king despite the shames of his own past, because they have had the opportunity to see what kind of person he truly is.
There is romance in this story, including an enemies-to-lovers arc. But the focus is the women learning to employ their unique skill sets in the name if rescuing their sworn sister, even if it means taking on multiple kings and sorceresses who stand in their way. It didn’t hit me as hard emotionally as the author’s debut novel did, but I was rapt, and definitely laughed out loud at some of the banter.
I realize we have a few months left in the year, but I have little doubt this book will wind up on my top ten list for 2023!
Jessica Crawford 