The Weaver and the Witch Queen

After a shaky start, this sprawling Viking adventure of sisterhood, love, and destiny from Gornichec (The Witch’s Heart) finds its footing in its second half. Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy have been steadfast friends since childhood. Though from a noble family, Gunnhild was unloved by her mother, while sisters Oddny and Signy grew up enduring the hardships of maintaining a farm but surrounded by love. When a seer marks their three futures as bound, “for better or worse,” it sets into motion an epic retelling of Viking age history and myth. Gunnhild runs away from home to become a witch, a path that eventually leads her into the company of Eirik, the future ruler of Norway. Meanwhile, Oddny and Signy are separated during a violent raid, leading Oddny and Gunnhild to reunite in search of Signy. The women will do everything in their power to find their blood-sworn sister, and Gornichec carefully weaves multiple story lines full of political upheaval, romance, and self-discovery into their quest. Though the plot occasionally feels rushed and the dialogue will be too modern-feeling for more historically minded readers, there’s plenty to enjoy in this lush, Norse mythology–infused world. Fans of Circe and The Book of Gothel will be especially enchanted. Agent: Rhea Lyons, HG Literary. (July)