The Soul Thief

The Soul Thief by Cecilia Holland  304 pages

The Soul Thief is the first in Holland's series of Viking novels set in the tenth century. When an Irish coastal town is raided, nearly the whole town perishes. Corban, who had been banished for failing to fight for the High King, survives. He travels to Jorvik (York) in search of his twin sister, Mav. Their psychic connection, and other mystical elements, are found throughout Corban's series of adventures. He meets King Eric Bloodaxe, who was responsible for killing his family, and becomes wrapped up in the rivalries between kings and sorcerers. Corban matures over the course of his quest, and builds a group of friends that help each other survive the terrible conditions created by the brutal king. The author spends more time describing the life of the lower classes, though she also provides details about some of the actual Viking rulers of the period. This is the first of a six book series, and its ending leaves the characters ready for a new adventure.