Dragon of Denmark, by Jennifer Ivy Walker, is a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and historical intrigue. The story introduces Ylva Rikardsdóttir, a skilled Celtic healer shunned by her Breton village of Saint-Suliac in Northwestern France. Her ostracism stems from her lineage—the illegitimate daughter of a ruthless Norse ruler who played a pivotal role in the Viking conquest of the region. After abandoning her a decade prior, Ylva’s father unexpectedly reappears, forcing her into a political marriage with Skårde Haraldsson, the bastard son of the Danish king. Bound by circumstances beyond their control, Ylva and Skårde must navigate their uneasy union. Can peace—or perhaps love—blossom between them?

The novel captivated me, particularly the relationship between Ylva and Skårde. Despite his fearsome moniker, “Skårde the Scourge,” the Dragon of Denmark, and a violent history steeped in bloodshed, Skårde surprises with his gentle demeanor toward Ylva. Their connection is underpinned by shared struggles: both are illegitimate children, discarded by their fathers only to be used as pawns in a strategic alliance. These parallels create a foundation for mutual understanding and gradually deepen their bond, even within the confines of an unwanted marriage.

The world-building is immersive, weaving together Norse and Celtic mythologies. Norse gods and goddesses coexist with Celtic deities, enriching the narrative with mystical depth. The inclusion of witches, elves, and shapeshifters adds to the fantastical allure. This interplay of myth and magic enhances the story’s texture, setting a unique stage for the characters’ journey. The prospect of exploring this richly imagined world further in the upcoming installments, Wolf of the Nordic Seas and Falcon of the Faroe Islands, excites me.

While Ylva’s visions were intriguing, they occasionally revealed pivotal events in advance, which made it challenging to fully feel the tension and immediacy of key moments. For example, knowing ahead of time how and when Skårde would be wounded reduced the emotional impact of the event itself. I felt the frequent use of italics to represent Ylva’s inner thoughts in the early chapters was somewhat distracting to me. Additionally, I think the repetition of details about runes and rituals at times slowed the pacing at times. However, these were small critiques in an otherwise captivating and immersive story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dragon of Denmark is an engaging start to a promising series. Jennifer Ivy Walker skillfully combines romance, mythology, and history, creating a tale that will appeal to fans of fantasy romance and Viking lore. I look forward to seeing how the saga unfolds in the books to come.

Pages: 322 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DCQHXVGP