‘The Runes Of Destiny’ by Christina Courtenay is an absorbing time-slip story. I have never read any of Christina Courtenay’s work before so this is my first foray into her story-telling, and I found it exquisitely told.
PhD student Linnea has suffered a recent trauma and when her friend invites her to Sweden to be part of an archaeological dig she decides to grab it with both hands. Partly to escape and partly due to her fascination with everything connected to the Vikings. What she has absolutely no way of knowing is that she is about to experience something that will change her life.
While on the dig she discovers an ancient artefact that takes her back to the actual Viking era. She awakens in the middle of a horde of Viking warriors, she assumes it’s a historical re-enactment. Until Hrafn claims her as his thrall, with the intend to sell her. His half brother is the Jarl, and he takes a fancy to her as well, increasing the rivalry and jealousy between the two brothers. As the story develops we see an attraction between Linnea and Hrafn which intensifies until they cannot deny it. The issue is can Linnea get herself back to her own century? And if she has that chance, will she actually wish to return?
Well! What a story! I read this in just over a day, I am a big history nut anyway and I love the Viking period so this just swept me away. The suspense, mystery and romance of it all had me hooked.
The characters are large and colourful Christina Courtenay has done a splendid job bringing the Viking era to life. Time-slip novels are not meant to be believable but I was fully invested in Linnea’s journey, the fact that she found love but in the wrong era is a hard pill to swallow. Very well researched too. A brilliant read for me.
Thanks go to Christina Courtenay and Rachel’s Random Resources for the gift of the book for my thoughts on this fabulous story.
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