The Sea Queen

What really struck me was how real the characters feel. They are each flawed in really human ways-- did not feel like contrived character traits but actual humans. Not only are they flawed-- they are each very distinct from one another. Although the author writes in 3rd person multiple, you can tell which character she is is focusing on because each character has a distinct way of thinking and processing. I can't think of another book I have read recently that succeeds in this way. I have been craving a good Viking-era family saga and Hartsuyker has delivered. I love the twists and turns, the way you can't trust the foreshadowing, and again, how very real the characters feel.