God's Eye ( Northwomen Sagas, #1)

God's Eye ( Northwomen Sagas, #1)
By Susan Fanetti

SUMMARY
Loneliness is all that Brenna has ever known. She doesn't expect that she will ever even know true companionship, let alone love. People say she was born with the mark of Odin, but Brenna feels it as a curse rather than a blessing. Those who would tell her she is favored by the Allfather are too afraid to look on her; she is apart from her people. Yet she has learned the power of her difference, and turned it to her advantage. She is a shieldmaiden, with a legendary reputation for her valor as well as for her godly gift.

Vali is a giant among his people, well-liked and respected. He is of the Úlfhéðnar, a berserker, one of Odin's own elite warriors, and one of the fiercest and bravest warriors to wield an axe or spear. He is the Storm-Wolf; his strength and ferocity are his gifts from the Allfather.

Fortune threw the two warriors together when they were but children. Fate brings them together again as warriors when two jarls ally for a raid into Estland. Again and again, Vali seeks Brenna out. He sees her; he sees the woman behind the whispers. More than that, he will not look away.

Vali has not forgotten the debt he owes Brenna from their very first meeting, and in seeking his opportunity to repay her, he finds a lonely, beautiful woman whose quiet strength captures his heart.

But the sagas do not sing of warriors who live quiet lives, or of love that does not know trial and tribulation.

Favored by the gods they may be, but that does not protect Brenna and Vali from the simple and devastating hardships of their lives. Their reputations cannot help them. It is their love that must become their legend. 

REVIEW
Four solid stars

What a fantastic book. Lots of heartache but eventually lots of love and acceptance. 

Masterful story telling. The characters were out of this world and you could relate in some way to each of them. Vali was wonderful and loyal to the bone. He was honest and forthright always. Breanna was strong beyond strong. Her blooming into the woman she became was interesting and heartwarming. Everyone has been an outcast and the horrible feelings that go with it. Everyone has value and deserves to be loved!

I am up for the next beyond a shadow of a doubt. Enjoy!