This is an intriguing start to the series, based on the idea that once the Norse reached North America, they never left, eliminating the English settlement and influence on the continent. The action centers around the settlement at Godsland, led by Eskil, and their unexpected rivalry with the settlement at Lakeland, once their co-immigrants. Winters were harsh, but the elements were not the only forces to be overcome, and the tension is in how those two settlements chose to approach the new land.

Though this first installment only covers the first few years of settlement, shortly after the first millennium, the series promises to follow this beginning through the modern era. How would history have played out with a different power holding forth in North America? ( )

This is an intriguing start to the series, based on the idea that once the Norse reached North America, they never left, eliminating the English settlement and influence on the continent. The action centers around the settlement at Godsland, led by Eskil, and their unexpected rivalry with the settlement at Lakeland, once their co-immigrants. Winters were harsh, but the elements were not the only forces to be overcome, and the tension is in how those two settlements chose to approach the new land.

Though this first installment only covers the first few years of settlement, shortly after the first millennium, the series promises to follow this beginning through the modern era. How would history have played out with a different power holding forth in North America? ( )

What a concept! What if the Vinland map was real and the Vikings had stayed and populated the North American Continent. How would life be different? This first book just sets the stage for that progression, but does it in a very realistic manner, and one in which the characters are very true to what I have read of that time in history. Colin has done a good job in making that time come to life, as well as the people, which are not flashy, or over the top, but are trying to survive in a world they do not yet fully understand.

This is a story of discovery, of survival, of personal growth, of rivalry, of violence, of xenophobia, of romance, and finally of triumph. It is a story of people traveling to a new land to establish their claim for religious freedom. The plot twists and turns, with a number of surprises on during the length of the novel. Colin has done an amazing job at making the human side of the story shine through, including the story of the women who came with the men. This story also includes the native Americans that they discover when they get there. The tale of the native Americans is sad, and yet has a better ending than anticipated.

The descriptions of the locations, the settlements, the characters, and the action were all detailed and vivid. There were moments of intense action, poignant romance, cultural understanding, suffering and discovery. Colin does an amazing job of making the entire time and place come to life as if you were actually there.

By the end, multiple generations of survivors have are now established, and then the book ends with a cliff hanger ending. I hate cliff hanger endings. It is a personal thing. Believe in your writing enough to end the book in a reasonable way, and if you write well enough, people will continue to read your books without cliffhangers. Believe me - they really will. This is one of books that is so good, it does not need a cliffhanger. I would read the next book without it in a heartbeat. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in expanding their thinking a bit and playing what if with history. It is such a seductive idea - what if the Vikings had settled the country - what would the world be like now? I can't wait to find out Colin's view on it. ( )

This is an intriguing start to the series, based on the idea that once the Norse reached North America, they never left, eliminating the English settlement and influence on the continent. The action centers around the settlement at Godsland, led by Eskil, and their unexpected rivalry with the settlement at Lakeland, once their co-immigrants. Winters were harsh, but the elements were not the only forces to be overcome, and the tension is in how those two settlements chose to approach the new land.

Though this first installment only covers the first few years of settlement, shortly after the first millennium, the series promises to follow this beginning through the modern era. How would history have played out with a different power holding forth in North America? ( )