I’m so delighted today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Christina Courtenay, Legacy of the Runes, the sixth and final book in the series, and sharing my review: published on 15th August by Headline Review, it’s now available as an e-book, in paperback and as an audiobook via Amazon in the UK and US. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
I’ve so enjoyed this series – I knew I’d love the time slip and time travel (and no-one does it better than Christina…) but I really never thought I’d find the Viking world so fascinating. I’ve read and reviewed every book in the Runes series– you’ll find all the reviews if you pop the author’s name in the search bar – eagerly awaiting every one and finding each book better than the one before. Don’t be put off by the mention of “a series” – while I’ve loved being immersed in the unfamiliar and wonderfully recreated world, there’s nothing to stop you picking up any one book and enjoying it as much as I did. It’s always sad when a much-loved series draws to a close – but I was so looking forward to one more opportunity to visit the past and intrigued to find out how the stories would end…
A bond that even time cannot break…
Storm Berger has never forgiven himself for his younger sister Madison’s disappearance. Suspecting she’s travelled back to the ninth century in the footsteps of other family members, Storm can only make sure she’s safe by going after her.
Raised unconventionally as her father’s only child, Freydis has never been content to simply accept her fate. So, when she’s promised in marriage to a tyrant, she’s determined to find a way out of the arrangement.
Help comes in the form of a mysterious and attractive stranger stranded on her island’s shores: Storm.
The only way Freydis can truly be free is for Storm to marry her himself. But that would mean entwining lives that, until now, have been separated by centuries…
Madison disappeared during a visit to Dublin for a Viking re-enactment – and if you read Tempted by the Runes, you’ll know that she found herself in the ninth century, on a ship bound for Iceland. Her brother Storm is very familiar with the whole concept of time travel through the experiences of others in his family – and feels particularly guilty that, when she vanished, he was supposed to have been looking after her. He needs to know that she’s safe and well, and she’s distinctive enough – tall, with a mane of red hair – that he hopes he’ll be able to track her down. So, this time, it’s a visit he can prepare for – tracking down the inscribed axe he needs to make his journey, sorting out his wardrobe and weapons, ensuring he has the silver to hand to pay his way – but, on arrival, he’s rather sidetracked when he encounters the lovely Freydis.
Having been banished by her mother after the death of her father, she’s promised in marriage to a man with a fearful reputation – and, although her father brought her up with an unusual ability to fight for herself, there seems no way of escaping her fate. Until Storm – and they’ve been particularly attracted to each other – comes up with the perfect solution of marrying her himself. But, of course, her former husband-to-be won’t let her go without a fight – and then there’s the small matter of needing to find passage to Iceland to continue his search for Madison.
This was a strong and convincing love story, nicely emotional as Freydis questions Storm’s commitment and love for her, while he shows an unexpected depth of character in fighting for what he believes in. Both individuals are exceptionally likeable and beautifully drawn as we share their doubts and fears – and I especially liked Freydis’ fierceness, learning new fighting skills from her 21st century teacher to add to those taught by her father and reinforced by her faithful mentor. There’s the same depth of detail and research to the depiction of ninth century life (the blacksmithing, the weaving, the challenges in securing the materials to repair a boat…) that there was in all the other books in the series, with a well-drawn supporting cast – it’s a world I felt entirely part of for as long as I was reading – and more than a few well written moments of drama. There’s also an intriguing and timely excursion to the present day, when Freydis discovers the pleasures of chocolate, Coke and being called “baby”. And a nice heat to the story too, really well handled throughout – the way the attraction between Storm and Freydis developed into rather more was something I could really feel, and very much enjoyed.
But this book is the last – and as the conclusion to a long-running series, it really couldn’t have been better. If you’ve read the others, there’s an opportunity to discover the continuing stories of the other characters who’ve delighted along the way, with all the remaining threads tied in the neatest of bows – which made it considerably easier to say “enough” and set this one aside with a satisfied sigh. However uncomfortable you think you might be with the idea of time travel, especially to the Viking age, this series – with its extraordinary world-building and storytelling – is one I’d very much recommend to all, and I’ve loved every step of the journey.
About the author
Christina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014), and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Legacy of the Runes (time travel romance published by Headline Review 15th August 2024) is her latest novel. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).
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