Beorn the Proud

The coast of Ireland in the 9th century is the prey of Viking marauders. Young Ness has been taken captive by Beorn, on his first raiding trip with his father's band of warriors. She must accompany them as they make their way back to Denmark, and so experiences the dangerous tensions and misfortunes that threaten the entire fleet. Her faith in the Christian God - ridiculed by Beorn - helps sustain her during her captivity. But Beorn grows ever prouder and disaster threatens to sweep him, and Ness, away.

I would have liked to have given this three stars, as it was well written and engaging, but I found some of the passages very lacking, though it has strong characters and a satisfying conclusion.

Takes place c. 800 in Iceland and Denmark. Beorn is the arrogant young son of a Viking chiefton who captures a Christian girl from Ireland, and takes her as a slave. The contrast between the One True God and the multiple Norse gods is clear.

This book is about a girl who is captured by Vikings and, (who she thinks,) is the is the sole survivor of her family. This book is also about a extremely haughty young Viking who is her capturer whose pride threatens to bring disaster upon bothof them.