Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert is the second novel in her Vikings of The New World series. Yes, Vikings! Based on Icelandic Sagas written hundreds of years ago, Gilbert manages to shed light on a woman obscured by history and bring her struggles, fears, and victories into the 21st century. Freydis emerges as a character very different from today’s women, but also very similar. Well-written, impeccably researched, and a story with Vikings! Yes, this novel is a must-read.

Forest Child opens in the New World settlement known as Vinland. Freydis, her husband, her men and a band of Icelanders have arrived to harvest the wealth of an unexplored land. The 11th century is full of pagan rites, ruthless revenge and a glimmer of faith. With a first person, present tense perspective, the reader is thrust into the action. Freydis is a remarkable character — ruled by insecurities and the desire to have a place, she is also intelligent, a leader and a warrior. She has a strong personality that keeps her safe, but also alienates those around her. Her fierce passions lead her to extreme measures that lead to betrayal and banishment.

If Forest Child was just a tale of Viking mayhem with a female lead character, it would be a fun read. But Freydis meets God and her world is upended. A woman who does everything all the way, she fully embraces her Savior. Yet her past and personality are often at odds with her new faith. And her present brings with it trials. Sounds so very familiar. How many new believers struggle with past sins that are forgiven and with an old nature at odds with a new creation? I loved that Freydis grew into the woman God created — a woman who had distinct God-given talents and gifts that could be tempered and refined by Him.

With great historical detail, a flawed and intriguing main character, and again, Vikings!, Forest Child is a highly recommended read.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert is an amazing historical tale of tenth century Viking history, based on the Sagas of the Greenlanders. Gilbert has written a seemingly realistic view of the Viking world as she continues the story she began in God's Daughter. Although second in a series, the author does a nice job making this a stand alone story by filling in some of the back story of the characters that reappear in Forest Child. Characters that are strong and have the similar feelings and failings as folks centuries hence. This novel is a story of compelling adventures of a people who need to rely on community and cunning to survive. A people who lived a life of revenge and protecting their own. A people exuding raw power and raw emotions. A people of strength and fury.
Freydis, the heroine, the Forest Child, wants respect but knows she has to fight for every favor. She is a godless rebel, ready to fight her way out of any situation and yet not ready to accept love from those who care for her. Does she go too far to protect her family, her land? Will she ever find the solace and promise of a new life? Can she find forgiveness from the Christ that she has come to hear about and begin to recognize who she really is?
Powerful messages of the weakness of the human soul and the forgiveness and hope that faith in God alone can bring. With vivid, detailed descriptions of a harsh, violent and hostile life softened by the love of family and God, Forest Child is a fascinating, forcefully dynamic book that should not be missed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. ( )