The book comes right after the first one and introduces several key characters as Thorfinn continues his journey with Askeladd and the vikings. Most of the book focuses on a new villain, Thorkell, who is working with the British who despite his fun loving nature, is a powerful threat Thorfinn has to deal with. Thorkell is also in possession of three major characters, being Prince Cantune, who is looked down upon for not being experienced with the world, his body guard Ragnar who is like a wise father to Cantune, and a Christian priest who is disheveled from what the three of them have gone through with the vikings. The three of them are taken by Askeladd's group, and guarded by Thorfinn as they get to know each other and their inability to understand the morals and beliefs of the others.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the previous one as while we got important information from almost every character, there wasn't much that was going to be seen paid off in this book. Though I do really enjoy the new characters (especially Prince Cantune) as they are a breath of fresh air and allow us to see more of a direct view of the viking's impacts on people, other than through the perspective of random villagers. I can't wait to see more of them in the next book, and especially their interactions with Thorfinn as they are staunch pacifists who believe in love and kindness in themselves and others, being opposites to him.

If you read the first book, then yes, this is a good place to continue the story. It's still in a lot of set up right now, but that just means exciting payoffs and great moments are to come. And even if you don't like story or aren't interested in it (somehow), the book continues the amazing fight scenes and art of the first one so you won't be disappointed there.

Mikayla, 15

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