DAUGHTER OF DOOM

My novel ‘Onheilsdochter’, translated as ‘Daughter of Doom’ by Kristen Gehrman has just been released in the United States by the wonderful team of Levine Querido. I am very excited to share the first press reactions.

Two teens from different backgrounds become unlikely friends and allies in this engaging historical adventure set in 870 Denmark. Fifteen-year-old Yrsa—who was born with a crooked foot and walks with a limp and who recently uncovered a gift for prophecy—has only ever known her home of Mimir’s Stool, in which she has been raised by her father, Toke the Helmsman, to fulfill her reluctant duty of marrying a wealthy man. Then her father returns from a raid with Sister Job, a teen nun claiming to be descended from Charlemagne, hoping to exchange Job for a massive ransom from her affluent family. While he awaits their response, Yrsa and Job bond, despite their religious and cultural differences. And when they’re forced to kill the village captain’s son in self-defense following an act of sexual violence, the girls flee the village, seeking safety from those pursuing vengeance. Van Rijckeghem (Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady)  offers a sweeping, atmospheric story of faith and friendship against a tumultuous world that juxta poses the violence of Yrsa’s peoples Viking raiding parties with the perceived serenity of Job’s station. Though the slow-burning tale features a large cast, it never loses sight of its two heroines and their steadfast bond.

• Publisher’s Weekly

Readers interested in Viking times will appreciate the detailed descriptions of everyday customs – which included enslaving people of various cultures and ages – and the inverwoven lore of Norse gods and goddesses. Yrsa and Job gradually learn to appreciate aspects of each other’s beliefs, and readers who enjoy philosophical or theological discussions will find much to ponder.

Atmospheric and thought-provoking.

• Kirkus Reviews

“It is hard to imagine any reader not being absolutely carried away by this story of two girls—one a disabled but incredibly brave Viking, the other her proud Christian hostage—battling the most brutal forces of medieval Europe to save each other. Men, gods, and faith all conspire to kill or enslave Yrsa and Job, but at every turn they prove they’re smarter and braver than everyone around them. An exciting, engaging and wonderfully inspiring page-turner for any teen or adult!”

• Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books