A Viking tale of myth and magic.
How often is it that a book can creep down the generations and tap in to a primary school version of yourself? ... A rich and traditional adventure story which will have wide appeal in your library.
— Jodie Brooks, School Library Association
All is not well at the Viking court of Jelling. Home to the mysterious Yelling Stones (three witches turned into stone), it’s always been a place of power and a haven for ‘the old ways’. But troubling news has reached King Gorm’s court – not that fourteen-year-old princess Astrid is concerned about that. She’s far more worried that her family prefers her inside sewing, or planning her marriage, rather than letting her explore the forest or ride her beautiful snow-white horse, Hestur.
But Astrid is about to find herself at the heart of a battle that will change her life forever. Leif, an ambitious and talented young poet, arrives at King Gorm’s court with unsettling news. Leif announces he has been sent visions from the witches of the Yelling Stones, saying a dangerous and powerful force is coming – one that will change the face of Denmark – and only Astrid and Leif can stop it. But with danger all around them, including trolls, witches and a terrifying creature called ‘The Beast’, can they tell who the real enemy is in time to stop them?
It was an amazing book and I only put it down because my father made me turn off the light at night.
— Dana, Historical Association Young Readers’ Reviews
All is not well at the Viking court of Jelling. Home to the mysterious Yelling Stones (three witches turned into stone), it’s always been a place of power and a haven for ‘the old ways’. But troubling news has reached King Gorm’s court – not that fourteen-year-old princess Astrid is concerned about that. She’s far more worried that her family prefers her inside sewing, or planning her marriage, rather than letting her explore the forest or ride her beautiful snow-white horse, Hestur.
But Astrid is about to find herself at the heart of a battle that will change her life forever. Leif, an ambitious and talented young poet, arrives at King Gorm’s court with unsettling news. Leif announces he has been sent visions from the witches of the Yelling Stones, saying a dangerous and powerful force is coming – one that will change the face of Denmark – and only Astrid and Leif can stop it. But with danger all around them, including trolls, witches and a terrifying creature called ‘The Beast’, can they tell who the real enemy is in time to stop them?
I just read on and on and on.
— Declan, Historical Association Young Readers’ Reviews
My favourite part was every single thing!
— Hey Won-Wong, Historical Association Young Readers’ Reviews
This is a strong story which is absolutely steeped in Norse mythology ... It is very much a book that grows on you and which ... has a feel of reality and darkness.
— Margaret Pemberton, Books for Keeps
It’s like the Vikings! TV series without the sex and violence, but more magic and characters younger readers will identify with ... A saga brought to life.
— K.M. Lockwood, Serendipity Reviews