The Witches' Kitchen: A Novel of the Age of the Vikings

By Cecelia Holland

Book Overview

Cecelia Holland continues the saga of Corban Loose-Strife in this absorbing sequel to The Soul Thief . Upon the death of Eric Bloodaxe, Corban, his wife, his sister, and her newborn son fled to a quiet life in Vinland. There they were happy, until the day a ship appeared on the horizon, bringing a summons to Corban to return to Jorvik and the intrigues of those who would be King. The coming war of succession will be a clash of clan against clan and army against army. Corban must tread a careful path between those who hate him and those who would be his allies, while concealing his nephew's true parentage. For though Corban is bound to the women's side--the witches' kitchen--in this power struggle, the boys are not, and they see only the glory of battle and the promise of bright gold. Meanwhile, in Vinland, the native tribes are eyeing Corban's fortified island and wondering if the strangers can finally be driven away. From Vinland to Jorvik, to the great trading town of Hedeby, Holland conjures up the terrible and wonderful world of the Vikings, in a time when men battled with swords and women ruled with quiet power behind closed doors.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031285580X
• ISBN13: 9780312855802
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A fine sequel!

Great book, lovely sequel to the The Soul Thief. So far through a third, and not disappointed. Holland has a very efficient and economical style of writing, and never gets bogged down in too much detail, focusing on plot and character throughout. This is my fifth Holland novel, and likely won't be the last.

A very good read.

Cecielia Holland comes through again. With so many so-so books out there it is nice to have someone who always writes something I hate to put down.

Awonderful drama

Fifteen years have passed since Corban Loosestrife came to his home in Ireland to find his family dead except for his twin sister. He rescued her, killed Jorvik King Eric Bloodaxe who murdered his family and raped his sister. Corban, his beloved Benna and others took refuge in Vinland (see THE SOUL THIEF). Though now a family man and farmer, Corban knows the blood oaths still tie him to Ireland and Denmark and his belief is proven when the Viking ship arrives to bring him back to the King.Corban's son Conn and nephew Raef join him as he journeys to where Eric's widow Gunnhild and her son the monarch await him while leaving the women behind on what surely must be a dangerous venture. The peril at sea and on land mounts and Corban panics when his two young compatriots are separated from him. Worse he and his relatives may be caught in the crosshairs of Viking nobles and the Danish Christian King. If Corban lives and overcomes his guilt over the fates of his son and nephew, he must placate Gunnhild, probably the toughest task of all.Though more historical, THE WITCHES' KITCHEN contains strong fantasy and supernatural elements that not only fit inside the story line, but enhances the action. The tale focuses on Corban as he struggles with feelings of guilt that seem to compound as he and his cohorts journey through treacherous territory. Cecelia Holland furbishes a wonderful drama that has cross-genre appeal.Harriet Klausner