3.5--this was a fun book with a caveat. The character development of Thorn was a real bracing ride and while Yarvi thinks himself the cunning planner (and I want to have a drinking game of how many times he is called 'deeply cunning') if you have a smidge of foresight you can see where most of the outcomes will deliver.

Brand's development as well was a worthy compliment to Thorn. He might be few of words but his deeds and actions speak for himself in a way that for the most part feels good to the reader, even when a word should be uttered.

The book, the journey, the experience, the alliance--all well built.

My caveat, the romance. I.... .... It had to happen, it was a forseeable outcome from the start. How it comes to happen is a crushing set of moments right at the end of the book. It is coupled, both literally, and figuratively, with a lot of awkward moments and internal fighting young fooled thoughts. I didn't mind the teasing throughout the mid-way but once the rousing was upon the couple I just didn't quite flow with it. Maybe I've grown too old or maybe it really is rushed within a few strange chapters that feel out of alignment with the rest of the book but this left me a bit more wincing than I might have liked.

So--minus that it was another fun, quick read in the continued multi-millennial-post-apocalyptic-Norwegian setting of barbarous kings, queens, and ancient fodder.