The Unbroken Line of the Moon

Valhalla, Book 1

By: Johanne Hildebrandt, Tara F. Chace - translator

Narrated by: Christina Traister

Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

In this grand saga of love, war, and magic set in the tenth century, young Sigrid is destined to be the mother of the king of the Nordic lands that would become Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and England.

A devout believer in the old Nordic gods, Sigrid is visited regularly in her dreams by the goddess Freya, who whispers to her of the future. Though Sigrid is beautiful, rich, arrogant, and matchlessly clever, her uncanny ability to foresee the future and manipulate the present guides her through dangerous politics as a bloody war between Vikings and Christians rages on.

Sigrid's father wants her to marry Erik, a local king, to secure the peace between the Goths and the Swedes. Thinking she is doing Freya's will, she accepts the marriage offer, only to find that her destiny lies not with Erik but with Sweyn, a warrior who dreams of dethroning Harald Bluetooth, the legendary ruler of Denmark. Will Sigrid sacrifice her will for the greatest Viking kingdom of all time, or will she follow her heart at the risk of losing everything?

©2014 Johanne Hildebrandt. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. English translation © 2016 by Tara F. Chace

slow start but interesting history throughout

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was slow and hard to understand but once I got through that it was very enjoyable. I like the history aspect of this book even if it was fictional. many names were hard to understand so that made the narration a little awkward.

Awful Narration - couldn't finish the book.

The writing may be okay. I cannot get past the awful narrator that sounds haughty and just completely without inflection for variation in scenes. It doesn't seem to matter if someone is being raped, killed in some gruesome manner, or if it is a morning walk. the narrator sounds like she is reading a final judgement in a high court. I cant take it. I am not easily miffed, but this annoyed me so much I cannot keep listening.

Great story and story

This was the first audio book I had listened too. It took a few tries to adapt, but once I started listening, I was hooked. I listen while driving and couldn't wait for the next trip, anywhere really.

Narration was very clear and had good expression. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the characters and imagining them even more clearly.

The story has a good storyline and true to its nature in time. One can really understand and feel for any of the characters. Liked it so much that I bought the sequel before I finished the book.

So...onto Book 2. Hope it will be just as good.

WAR LOVE FATE

loved this book if your into Vikings then you will love this book.
Especially with a Queen like Sigard who will do anything to protect her children and win at all cost the throne her son is entitled too

Hard Beginning, Decent Ending.

It is a combination of storyline and narration that made this just an 'OK' read/listen. It was like listening to the start of Game of Thrones all over again. It has the potential to be a good series, if you're willing to suffer through it. The story could have used a stronger narration vocal, but was good enough.

Loved the narrator's voice for this heroines story.

The narrator's voice was perfect in every way. I love a story with a strong and intelligent woman. Sigrid's faith and strength helps her maneuver through her male dominated world and the obstacles life puts before her.

Good storyline and characters

A little slow in the beginning but definitely picked up and I was eager to hear the ending. Want to get the next book.

Felt like I was there! Characters were so real.

Close your eyes and you could feel the damp mud under your feet, smell the burning wood from the campfires and in the lodges.
Cristina was not afraid to yell out loud and I dig that! she gave each character their own voice and personality so you never had to guess who was speaking. You just wanted the main characters to meet to see what amazing things they would do. This was a great Viking story even without the mystic stuff.

great story

really interesting story to hear about. I like history, and this historical fiction is very well done, especially since it was translated. it still sounded natural and the performance was very good.

Horrible narration

I have listen to hundreds of audiobooks. This narrator almost ruined the book. The story was interesting once I adjusted to the narration. I love the Norse mythology in it.