I picked up this book based on a whim considering I used to LOVE historical fiction.
Melkorka is the oldest daughter of an Irish king. Her and her brother, Nuada, and sister, Brigid, enjoy life of royalty and privilege. On her birthday Melkorka asks to visit Dublin which is teeming with "heathen" Vikings. After a series of events,Melkorka and her younger sister, Brigid, are sent away under the dark of night to assure their safety.
Before they can reach their safe house, Melkorka and Brigid are abducted and taken aboard a slave ship. Melkorka, taking cues from her sister, doesn't announce her status but instead remains silent. Slowly this becomes her only form of control over what's happening to her. She makes a silent vow (see what i did there) to herself to "hush" causing some intrigue among her captures. From her actions they are able to see that she is not mute because of a disability but because of her own free will.
No matter what you always have free will (despite how small it maybe).
The author does a great job of developing the character of Melkorka and she is visible stronger and more confident of herself by the end of the book. Brownie points are also given for the accuracy of the historical information in the book and for adding one character that is able to educate Mel and the reader about this time in history.
Although the book was a downer (Apparently that's the author's forte), I enjoyed reading about a little known character from an Icelandic tale.
Very interesting! I may consider this
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