The Very Virile Viking

This third installment in Sandra Hill's Viking Series II is a fun-filled romp through time. I wasn't sure I would like Magnus because the impression I had gotten of him from the previous two books was that of an arrogant womanizer whose numerous conquests had left him with eleven children, not to mention he didn't seem like the sharpest knife in the drawer. Well, Sandra Hill managed to skillfully turn him into an endearing hero whose earthiness gave him a charming simplicity. He was also a loving, patient, and committed father which is always a plus for me. Angela was a strong, determined woman who ended up loving Magnus's kids as much as he did, which is something that no other woman in his life had done for him. I thought her show more character was a bit underdeveloped though, so she just didn't stand out to me like Magnus and the kids did. I found her to be a likable and pleasant heroine nonetheless. I was also a little disappointed with the development of Magnus and Angela's relationship. Things moved a little too quickly for my taste, and I didn't initially feel an emotional connection between the two characters. However, the ending was very romantic and satisfying in my opinion. I thought the kids were a total hoot, and each one had a unique personality. In fact there was plenty of Sandra Hill's trademark humor that left me in stitches quite frequently. There was a scene where Magnus and his children discover the joys of "Wal-Market" that was absolutely priceless. While the story wouldn't stand up to close scrutiny from logical readers, I found it to be a fun and enjoyable fantasy. If you like your romance with a healthy dose of laughter, then this book and it's companions may just fit the bill. show less