Melinda R. Cordell

Viking warriors, dragons flaming, swords swinging, arrows flying overhead, notes of song magic floating in the background. The cause for this war? Revenge.

The life of a Viking is not an easy one, especially for Dyrfinna, daughter of Egill, ambassador for the Queen. I am still trying to figure out why her father thinks so little of her.

Dyrfinna is a young, intelligent, battle-ready warrior waiting for her chance to demonstrate her abilities. Fortunately, with their mortal enemy, King Varinn, living nearby, she doesn’t have long to wait.

I love the voice of the story. Conversations are held in the verbiage of the day, with a bit of current slang thrown in. I was able to feel the excitement of battle and the urgency of finding better ground. Many times, I felt the outrage of the warriors towards those in the wrong. I despaired at the never-ending obstacles thrown in Dyrfinna’s way. I also felt the elation of success time and again, only to be knocked down by those she loved.… (plus d'informations)

Viking warriors, dragons flaming, swords swinging, arrows flying overhead, notes of song magic floating in the background. The cause for this war? Revenge.

The life of a Viking is not an easy one, especially for Dyrfinna, daughter of Egill, ambassador for the Queen. I am still trying to figure out why her father thinks so little of her.

Dyrfinna is a young, intelligent, battle-ready warrior waiting for her chance to demonstrate her abilities. Fortunately, with their mortal enemy, King Varinn, living nearby, she doesn’t have long to wait.

I love the voice of the story. Conversations are held in the verbiage of the day, with a bit of current slang thrown in. I was able to feel the excitement of battle and the urgency of finding better ground. Many times, I felt the outrage of the warriors towards those in the wrong. I despaired at the never-ending obstacles thrown in Dyrfinna’s way. I also felt the elation of success time and again, only to be knocked down by those she loved.

It appeared this story was going to end on a happy note, but since this is the first book in the Dragonriders of Skala series, there has to be a wicked cliff hanger. And boy is there ever!! I’m left with needing to know how she will escape while rescuing others. What is the truth? Why is she challenged from every direction? Will the babies remain safe?… (plus d'informations)

Living in a town surrounded by family is supposed to make you feel safe. You are safe. Until the day of the accident. The day you are held to blame.

I’ve read books about how people survive after the death of a loved one. Parents are distraught over the loss of a child. They’ve even been known to divorce. The death of a parent can cause less distress, depending on the ages and circumstances. The loss of a partner is heartbreaking.

This is my first experience watching children and teenagers cope with the sudden death of their cousin. One of their own. A girl who enjoyed every aspect of living in a small town surrounded by her large extended family. She loved having the support of her cousins.

Now the cousins are left with a glaring hole in their circle. The younger ones are better at grieving and supporting each other. The older ones use less-positive tactics to overcome the loss. Guilt hangs heavy between them. Harsh words lash out. It’s easier to place blame and anger towards another than face facts. It’s easier to avoid the reminder of anguish than help support each other.

Thanks to Toni’s warning, things are going to get much worse for Cassie before they can get better. If your own cousins don’t believe you, who is? What’s it going to take for everyone to forgive and move on?… (plus d'informations)

Living in a town surrounded by family is supposed to make you feel safe. You are safe. Until the day of the accident. The day you are held to blame.

I’ve read books about how people survive after the death of a loved one. Parents are distraught over the loss of a child. They’ve even been known to divorce. The death of a parent can cause less distress, depending on the ages and circumstances. The loss of a partner is heartbreaking.

This is my first experience watching children and teenagers cope with the sudden death of their cousin. One of their own. A girl who enjoyed every aspect of living in a small town surrounded by her large extended family. She loved having the support of her cousins.

Now the cousins are left with a glaring hole in their circle. The younger ones are better at grieving and supporting each other. The older ones use less-positive tactics to overcome the loss. Guilt hangs heavy between them. Harsh words lash out. It’s easier to place blame and anger towards another than face facts. It’s easier to avoid the reminder of anguish than help support each other.

Thanks to Toni’s warning, things are going to get much worse for Cassie before they can get better. If your own cousins don’t believe you, who is? What’s it going to take for everyone to forgive and move on?… (plus d'informations)