Set in a mystical and violent world defined by honor, loyalty, deceit, passion, and courage, The Half-Drowned King is an electrifying adventure that breathtakingly illuminates the Viking world and the birth of Scandinavia.Since the death of Ragnvald's father in battle, he has worked hard to protect his sister Svanhild and planned to inherit his family's land when he comes of age. When the chance to escape Olaf’s cruelty comes at the hands of her brother’s arch rival, the shrewd young woman is forced to make a heartbreaking choice: family or freedom. Her stepfather, Olaf, has arranged a husband for her-a hard old man she neither loves nor desires. While Ragnvald’s duty is to fight-and even die-for his honor, Svanhild must make an advantageous marriage, though her adventurous spirit yearns to see the world. Ragnvald pledges his sword to King Harald, a choice that will hold enormous consequence in the years to come. Opportunity may lie with Harald of Vestfold, the strong young Norse warrior rumored to be the prophesied king. Rescued by a fisherman, Ragnvald is determined to have revenge for his stepfather’s betrayal, claim his birthright and the woman he loves, and rescue his beloved sister Svanhild.

But, sailing home from a raiding trip to Ireland, the young warrior is betrayed and left for dead by men in the pay of his greedy stepfather, Olaf. Ragnvald Eysteinsson, the son and grandson of kings, grew up believing that he would one day take his dead father’s place as chief of his family’s lands. Linnea Hartsuyker is an exciting, original voice in historical fiction, and The Half-Drowned King is nothing short of mesmerizing.'-Paula McLain, bestselling author of The Paris Wife and Circling the SunĪn exhilarating saga of the Vikings that conjures a brutal, superstitious, and thrilling ninth-century world and the birth of a kingdom-the debut installment in a historical literary trilogy that combines the bold imagination and sweeping narrative power of Game of Thrones, Vikings, and Outlander.Ĭenturies ago, in a blood-soaked land ruled by legendary gods and warring men, a prophecy foretold of a high king who would come to reign over all of the north. The book’s fiercest magic shines in the characters of Ragnvald and Svanhild, as unforgettable a brother and sister duo as I can remember. 'Linnea Hartsuyker brings myth and legend roaring to life in this superbly good page-turning saga of Viking-era Norway.

The half drowned