Winner of the 2021 RNA Romantic Fantasy Novel Award.‘Wow! This book should come with warning! It’s almost as addictive as chocolate!’ 5* reader review‘Fabulous. Highly recommended for fans of Barbara Erskine and Susanna Kearsley – and if you want a thumping good read’ 5* reader reviewBrimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay does for the Vikings what Diana … Christina Courtenay does for the Vikings what Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Clanlans does for Scottish history. This pacy, evocative and romantic dual-time novel is perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine.
***Don’t miss Christina’s stunning timeslip novels, The Runes of Destiny, out now and Whispers of the Runes, available to preorder now! Search 9781472282682.***
‘Completely magical’ NICOLA CORNICK
‘A rich, dual-timeline story that totally drew me in’ SUE MOORCROFT
‘A fabulous adventure, with characters I loved!’ JO THOMAS
Their love was forbidden. But echoed in eternity.
When Mia inherits her beloved grandmother’s summer cottage, Birch Thorpe, in Sweden, she faces a dilemma. Her fiance Charles urges her to sell and buy a swanky London home, but Mia cannot let it go easily. The request to carry out an archaeological dig for more Viking artefacts like the gold ring Mia’s grandmother also left her, offers her a reprieve from a decision – and from Charles.
Whilst Mia becomes absorbed in the dig’s discoveries, she finds herself drawn to archaeologist Haakon Berger. Like her, he can sense the past inhabitants whose lives are becoming more vivid every day. Trying to resist the growing attraction between them, Mia and Haakon begin to piece together the story of a Welsh noblewoman, Ceri, and the mysterious Viking, known as the ‘White Hawk’, who stole her away from her people in 869 AD.
As the present begins to echo the past, and enemies threaten Birch Thorpe’s inhabitants, they will all have to fight to protect what has become most precious to each of them…
‘Courtenay’s writing brings the past vividly to life, using dual-period narrative to brilliant effect’ Historical Novels Review
‘I was compelled to read on as I was caught up in the adventure, intrigue and romance of the dual timelines’ SUE FORTIN
‘Sparklingly authentic – and page-turning’ MAGGIE SULLIVAN
‘Rich in Viking history…intrigue, adventure and romance’ GLYNIS PETERS
‘Christina Courtenay weaves the threads of her contemporary and Viking love stories together expertly and the novel moves along at a cracking pace. The characters are appealing and the rural Swedish setting is engaging’ JUDITH LENNOX
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You always know you’re going to get a good read from Ms Courtenay, but I reckon this is one of her best.
So what did I like?
Well-rounded characters faithful to their time and who develop personally through the story. And the parallels are clever, occasionally sneaky. 😉 The heroines are accomplished without being over-smart, independent, but oh, so human. And what a hero, especially the modern one…
I’ve been to Stockholm, including visiting museums, and also stayed in the countryside at a friend’s house by a vast lake. And I’ve worked on archaeological digs. Believe me, Ms Courtenay has got the descriptions just right, but without being overloaded. The author never falls into the trap of being too wordy, but conveys the setting beautifully in just the right number of words.
Switching timelines can be tricky, but I never felt lost as I followed both stories through. I did have to stay up late to find out what happened next for several nights. Highly recommended.
Another fabulous book by Christina Courtenay! Rich in historical detail with a tightly woven dual narrative that will sweep you away. I read the first page while standing up and then immediately had to sit down as I was HOOKED! The love stories that connect both Mia and Ceri will have you enthralled, and up late to finish! This is a perfect read for fans of Outlander. I can totally see this book as an incredible series on Netflix or HBO. Loved every minute of it.
Echoes of the Runes is my first Christina Cortnau novel, but for sure it wont be my last.
It’s a well written, well paced timeslip novel, shifting between Vikings in the 800s and present time.
The shifts are done seamlessly and the many details of Viking life is fascinating to read. Also, I love archeology so thats a huge plus on my part. There are so many presentations of Viking life that are simply wrong, and I’m delighted that Christina gets it so right.
The characters are interesting – and I’m so happy there’s another book coming.
Wow! This book should come with warning! It’s almost as addictive as chocolate! I don’t think I can adequately put into words how much I loved it! I don’t think 5 stars do it justice! It was finished in a day , I literally devoured it!
It’s a dual timeline book with overtones of reincarnation and past life experience. The style of writing reminded me of Barbara Erskine’s Kingdom of Shadows, although the timeline is obviously differing. The parallels between the past and present characters and the plot lines associated with them were incorporated really well and added to the mystery.
There were times my skin prickled while I was reading , it was so atmospheric.
It was beautifully written, the descriptions of the past and present parts of the book were so well researched it showed in the detail.
It was actually lovely to read something in which the Vikings are not just depicted as lusty marauders who rape and pillage.
It’s one of those books you can’t wait to read the next page but dread getting to the end. I can’t wait to read Christina next book out later in the year!