Genevieve Gornichec’s *The Weaver and the Witch Queen* has garnered a spectrum of reactions, particularly when compared to her previous work, *The Witch’s Heart*. While the latter has remained a personal favorite for its evocative storytelling and immersive world, the follow-up presents challenges that leave readers divided.

The narrative follows Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy—three girls connected by a blood oath as they navigate a Viking landscape rife with danger and prophecy. At its core, the story is meant to explore themes of agency, magic, and the power of female friendship. However, many readers find the execution lacking. The storyline can feel disjointed and meandering, often losing momentum as it unfolds. The pacing is problematic, with certain sections dragging on while others rush through significant developments.

Dialogue plays a pivotal role in historical fiction, and this is where Gornichec’s work seems to falter. Modern phrases, such as a character exclaiming “I’m done for!” disrupt the historical immersion. Moments intended to evoke tension often come off as juvenile, creating a disconnect between the reader and the narrative. In particular, a scene where characters search for a missing person only to encounter them shortly thereafter raises questions about narrative efficiency—did this subplot serve any meaningful purpose?

The introduction of a transgender character halfway through the novel is a topic of considerable debate among readers. While representation is essential in contemporary literature, the discussions surrounding his experience, including details about his menstrual cycle, appear forced and detract from the overall narrative flow. Readers are left wondering if this subplot truly enriches the story or simply distracts from it.

In contrast, some readers appreciate the representation, praising its inclusion in a historical context. They argue that visibility is important, and Gornichec's effort to include diverse voices is commendable, even if the execution seems lacking.

Despite its shortcomings, *The Weaver and the Witch Queen* offers moments of genuine strength, particularly through its characters. Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy embody distinct qualities that contribute to their bond and the story’s emotional weight. Gunnhild’s determination to save her friends showcases resilience, while Oddny’s character development reveals her hidden strength. Their journey is one of personal growth, challenging the archetypes often seen in historical romance.

The relationships among the characters are complex and flawed, providing depth that resonates with readers seeking authenticity. The inclusion of side characters, such as Arinbjorn, adds layers to the narrative, even overshadowing the main trio at time.

Overall, *The Weaver and the Witch Queen* is a mixed bag. While the foundation of a compelling story exists, execution issues hinder its full realization. The book captures the spirit of sisterhood and magic but struggles with pacing, dialogue, and the integration of modern themes. For readers seeking an easy, engaging read set against a historical backdrop, it may deliver. However, those well-versed in historical and fantasy genres might find the writing lacking in sophistication and depth.

In conclusion, while Gornichec’s novel offers intriguing premises and characters, the unevenness in storytelling and dialogue may leave readers feeling unsatisfied. A solid beginning hints at potential, but without refinement in language and structure, it falls short of the high bar set by *The Witch’s Heart*. If you are a fan of Gornichec’s style and appreciate her themes, you might still find value in this novel, but it’s wise to approach with tempered expectations.

It's an interesting story where ancient myths and modern political correctness are piled together.

This mythic side is fascinating - the sisterhood and viciousness of women, the power of women as witches, the relationship between Vikings and witches, Vikings on raids, local village life through the different seasons, the balance of power in families and communities and in Norway as a whole - it is so fascinating to read, even if it is fantasy. The prophecy that Oddny and Gunhild heard that fateful night made their future life very difficult, but it is known that no prophecy can be taken literally, and if someone is ambitious enough to try to give everything to change the course of fate, then it's their own fault if their life will not be long. It wouldn't be a Viking story if there weren't bloody battles and sizzling love, so it has everything you need in a good book based on Viking myths.

It’s a controversial story, on the one hand, very interesting, but on the other, confusing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I really liked Gunnhild, she was ambitious but never lost her purpose and did everything in her power to achieve it. With Oddny, it was different. I am more like her, wanting a quiet life and wanting nothing to change. But weirdly enough, I could not comprehend some of the choices she made. Her love interest was so sweet but...if you've read the book, you know.

The secondary characters were well portrayed and there were other strong and independent women that gave the lectors another side of Scandinavian history. Gunnhild said a beautiful quote that can still really resonate with us now: "(...) that a woman need not be defined by her men. That she can stand for herself and make her own way."

Genevieve Gornichec has the most magical way with her words and has to be up there for best atmospheric stories ever written. Another superb read!

The Weaver and the Witch Queen was an absolutely outstanding and addictive story that I adored. Genevieve Gornichec has this amazing way of storytelling that just has you hooked and needing more. The way she weaves all these different topics into one seamless story makes her one of my favourite authors of all time.

I loved the theme of sisterhood and the bond our main characters had. Oddny and Gunnhild were so well written, each with their own strengths and flaws and their own character development. I found myself instantly connecting with these characters and rooting for them throughout!

I loved all the side characters and romantic interests too! They all had their own unique personalities that just helped the storytelling.
I also love that this book has LGBTQ+ representation as I feel like many books in this setting don't have that!

Honestly just go pick this one up now, you won't regret it. I cannot wait to see what Genevieve Gornichec writes next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley and Titan books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I recently read The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec and fell in love with the writing, lore and how moved I was by the story so I was more than excited to begin The Weaver and the Witch Queen. This is a story of love, the bonds and ties of friendship and the power of women.

Two women are on the search for their kidnapped friend Signy. One is a witch and the other is a farm hand. Despite the difficult road that lies ahead their unwavering resolve to find their friend is beautiful. Their friendship began long before a prophecy was set that indicated that one of them was clouding the future for others. Along the way their is unexpected loves, exciting battles and witch magic.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The dynamic between some characters was so funny - the duck dress made me really laugh. While the relationships with others so pure and raw. I also really liked that the characters were very different and that there was excellent queen representation. Highly recommend!

As someone who loved Gornichec's previous novel I was excited to see what she would come up with next, and I'm happy to report I enjoyed this new book too! "The Weaver and the Witch Queen" is a quasi-historical fantasy based on the Mother of Kings, Gunnhild. wife of king Eirik Haraldsson and sometimes said to have been a witch. While Gunnhild is certainly the main character in this one, it also tells the story of her best friend since childhood, Oddny. The two of them and Oddny's sister Signy are bound together not only by their love, but by an oath to always be there for each other. They are seperated when Gunnhild flees her abusive mother to become a seeress' apprentice. Many years later, Signy gets kidnapped during a raid on their farm - and this is really the starting point of our story. Gunnhild and Oddny reunite to find and rescue Signy, and on the way they also find love and power.
I really liked both main characters. They are very different, but both devoted to each other and Signy, and they are flawed and complex and relatable. The plot is relatively fast-paced and I read the whole book in two sessions because I really just needed to know what happens next. Romance is a pretty big part of this novel, and both relationships are intriguing in their own way.
The writing is beautiful, though the dialogues sometimes read a little modern - I didn't mind so much, it doesn't distract from the story at all. I enjoyed the magical aspects and there are some great side characters, too. Both love interests are pretty great, so this will also appeal to romance lovers. Also, unexpected queer representation is ALWAYS welcome!
Now, I did feel like my favourite part of the whole story - the sisterhood between Oddny and Gunnhild (and Signy) wasn't quite prominent enough, with the romances taking center stage at some point. Oddny in general is a rather passive character and her pov chapters during the middle parts of the book feel a little tacked on, when clearly Gunnhild has much more to tell. There are also some things happening in regards to Oddny and magic towards the ending that felt rushed and inconsistent with the world building, but at least it gives her something to do. I was also not sure what to make of her health problems, because from where we and modern medicine stand I can guess what she is suffering from and I thought that it would be more of an issue because it is focused on so much early on - but then it kind of goes nowhere and is never mentioned again? Felt weird and unfinished. So in the end, while I do like her as a character, I feel like I would actually have enjoyed the book more had it been only from Gunnhild's perspective. But this is obviously highly subjective, and the book is still great as it is.

All in all, this is a really enjoyable, quick read about an intriguing quasi-historical character, about sisterhood and love and sacrifice. I recommend picking it up if you're into lighter historical reads, Vikings, romance and complex, strong women. 3,5 stars.

I absolutely flew through this book, it was such an easy, almost cosy read (even though it was full of violence and death still 😅).

The Weaver and the Witch Queen is the story of two women, one who is desperately searching for her sister, and the other a witch destined to become queen of Norway. Their journeys are both entwined with one another and I loved the bond between them, how it was tested by time and other outside influences.

All the characters were fascinating, particularly the two women Oddny and Gunhild. Of the two I think I preferred Gunhild but they both had such good story lines. The romances were well written and I really liked the magic system as well. Gunhild is the titular witch but Oddny is also training to be a healer and it was so interesting reading those parts.

This is definitely a must read for any fans of historical fantasy fans out there, particularly ones who enjoy mythological based stories!

Many thanks to Titan books and Netgalley for the ARC.

I adored Gornichec's previous book, The Witch's Heart, so my expectations in The Weaver and the Witch Queen were incredibly high - and they've been met.

I loved the writing style and how it got me fully immersed into the story.
The characters in this book were great, and the relationships between each of them were all complex and so well written.

There was one little "twist" that I absolutely loved (keyword: gender) that made me like the book even more than I already did at that point.

I couldn't put this book down, and I highly recommend reading it.

“Gunnhild Ozurardottir, if you come with me, I can teach you not only how to gain the knowledge of the spirits as a seeress does, but all manner of witchcraft I know: how to curse and to heal, to conjure storms and befuddle enemies, to cast charms to protect and destroy, to use the runes for magic, and to travel out of body.”

My thanks to Titan Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Weaver and the Witch Queen’ by Genevieve Gornichec.

While her debut novel, ‘The Witch’s Heart’, was a mythological retelling, this instead is a reimagining of the origin story of Gunnhild, a quasi-historical figure, who appears in a number of the Icelandic Sagas. She is known as the Mother of Kings.

Oddny and Gunnhild first meet as children in tenth century Norway. Yet while Oddny hopes for a quiet life, Gunnhild longs for power. When a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy involving Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to always help one another.

Over the years this oath will be tested in many ways. Following an attack on their farm, Signy is taken by Viking raiders. Oddny is determined to save her sister no matter the cost. Far to the north, Gunnhild is studying the ways of a witch. She finds herself drawn to Eirik, the heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. The novel follows these journeys and the lives that they subsequently touch.

Genevieve Gornichec blends some fantastical elements into her narrative, including the way that witches are able to borrow the bodies of animals and birds in order to travel, oversee events, and occasionally take direct action. The Norse gods are mentioned, though the author clarifies that they are there because the characters believe in them, not that the novel is about them.

After the main text there is an Author’s Note where she provides details of the historical background to her novel and where she utilised artistic licence. This is followed by an Appendix that lists people and terms. Both are useful additions for readers keen to know more.

Even though this novel has a different focus to ‘The Witch’s Heart’, Genevieve Gornichec demonstrates a considerable knowledge of Norse history that alongside her storytelling skills creates a compelling tale.

Overall, I found ‘The Weaver and the Witch Queen’ a well written and engaging read. I have now placed Genevieve Gornichec on my ‘must read’ list of authors of historical fantasy as I appreciate that she writes confidently from a foundation of knowledge of both the history and mythology of the early Scandinavian societies.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The Witch's Heart was for sure the biggest surprise of my reading year so far, I went in not expecting much and ended up being blown away by what a wild ride it was. I laughed, I cried, I immediately added The Weaver and the Witch Queen to my Goodreads TBR.

While this wasn't as exhilarating as TWH, it was just as good and filled with emotions, rawness and characters you can't help but root for, despite their flaws. The rough setting is such a contrast to the softness of some of the characters' interactions, I loved how close they grew and how they handled the... hiccups along the journey.

I loved how this felt almost like a romantasy but make it historical fiction/fantasy, I haven't read anything like it, it had a very unique feel to it. Romance was definitely a big focus of the story, but it never overwhelmed the plot, the two flowed together very beautifully.

The writing was beautiful and captivating. Even though the pace of the book is rather slow, it was still hard to put it down because the author just knows how to get you and keep your attention.

Vikings and Norse mythology are two themes I tend to enjoy a lot, and this book took the historical and mythological aspects and turned it into this rich historical fantasy that almost feels realistic despite the magical elements.

Overall, I really loved this book and the author has certainly become an auto-buy author for me now.

What a wonderful read! As a Norwegian, I grew up with the myths and legends about the Viking age, and it is seen as an important part of our history. It's clear that Gornichec has done a great deal of research on this book. There are little things, like the fact that King Harald was known to bed women everywhere he went and had a bunch of illegitimate children. Almost all Norwegians can trace their ancestry back to him, yours truly included. The story was well written, and it was hard to put the book down. I absolutely loved it!

Reading vlog and review will be up on my YouTube channel once I've had the time to edit it. Hopefully at the end of August, as we're currently in the middle of a move.

This is such a great story: a page turner that kept me hooked as I had to know what was going to happen.
Great characters, some very witty moments,a vivid world building and a tightly knitted plot.
Love every moment of this story and will surely read other books by this author
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I just want to preface this with a PSA that I love the Viking time period and I will consume all medias about it. Historical, fantasy, fiction, non-fiction. TV shows, films, video games. It’s all just great. So I was super excited to read this book!



Historical Fantasy at its finest.

Genevieve takes two well-loved genres and smushes them together to create something truly magical.

This is the story of three blood bound sisters, Gunnhild, Oddny, and Signy, in tenth century Norway. When Signy is captured by Viking raiders, Gunnhild and Oddny must act quickly before she’s sent far beyond their reach. Fated together for better or worse, they must work together to get Signy back. Along the way, bonds are formed, broken, and pushed to the limit. The sisters know they would do anything to see Signy safe, but would that come at a cost?

I really related to both Gunnhild and Oddny in some ways, which added positively to my read. And I really resonated with the bonds of sisterhood throughout the book. Their relationship was so beautifully crafted that towards the end I did tear up. It’s rare that I find a book that is able to capture the turbulent and loving nature of sisters and female friendship, but this one does it wonderfully.

The romance in this book was great. I’m a sucker for bickering love interests; I ate up every scene with Gunnhild and Eirik. And the contrast of all the romantic relationships was nice, showing many types that are no less loving than the other.

The story touched upon the aftermath of Viking raids, the troubles that come with seeing and being a part of violence. PTSD is common for these events and these people more than likely did suffer from it (in the historical part). Another aspect I thought was done with great care was the trans representation. I thought all this was done respectfully and it added a depth not only to the characters but to the story as well.

I liked the magic system in the book. It wasn’t convoluted and it was interesting to learn about. It was also interesting to read about all the family dynamics.

This story is full of magic, adventure, romantic love, and sisterly bonds. It takes a well-known history and spins its own spellbinding tale. If you want this and strong FMC’s, a viking setting, witchcraft, and fates; this book is for you. (And there’s cats!)

Thank you to Titan Books, Netgalley, and Genevieve for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book.

The author brings again a fantastic norse tale, this time surrounding 3 women and their blood oath, conducted when they were young and naïve.
All of these three women are determined, strong and determined in their way and most of this book focus on Gunhild and Oddney as they try to rescue Signy after a terrible raid at Signy and Oddney’s home. Through magic and immense sacrifices, the main line through this tale is that them three are fated together, even when apart, through thick and thin.

I enjoyed following Gunhild and how she found different type of love in unexpected ways: either motherly love or romantic love. How she found her powers and her true self, once emancipated from her family that long tormented her, specially her blood mother. Oddney’s journey is beautiful, rooted with immense determination and loyalty to both of her sisters. But we also observe how she also finds her strength in her softness and healing skills.
We only get to know more of Signy in the end of the story and I enjoyed her fierceness once reunited with both her sisters, despite the terrible things she endured.

I really enjoyed the main characters, the main plot and the magic. The magic especially was not overdone and it was fitting for the world and our characters.
For once, I enjoyed the romantic relationships in the world, alongside the friendships. It added a nice layer to the adventure side and the mysticism, showing happiness on threatening times.

However, I found the pacing a bit off. I will compare it to the author’s previous work for clarity: In The Witch’s Heart, the overall tone was slow, which was fitting and well executed; however, in this book, I found it to be rather clunky, with scenes that did not added much to the overall arch or scenes where secondary characters were the centre of it, for later not to be explored further. I really struggled around 30% of the story, I have to say.

The LGBTQ characterisation, although interesting and always nice to see representation, did not make much sense in this tale. I loved the character itself but find hard to believe the quick acceptance of everyone, specially people that did not this character beforehand. It felt odd in the bigger picture.

I guess it was important to have some fight and war scenes, but I felt some of these stole the thunder of our main female characters, that were far more interesting, even the secondary ones. It also added little to the conclusion of the story. It was a bittersweet ending for me.

Maybe something nit picky, but I did not understand the reference in the title to The Weaver slong the story. I suspect this has to do with the original story that this book was based on.

Overall, a great portrayal of female friendship, motherhood and family.

It might be more of a me problem, as I don’t do well with mythology re-tellings, despite preferring Norse ones. I still enjoyed the book, specially the second part, and will gladly read anything this author brings to the world.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for granting me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love anything viking/norse god related so this was the perfect read for me.

I adored Gunnhild and Oddny, Signy too despite how little we saw of her. I loved the magic system, with the rituals and the singing and the threads, a witches sacred lifeline. To sever one is to doom a witch to die a slow death.

When Signy is kidnapped Gunhild and Oddny decide to anything in their power to get her back, and when King Eirik offers Gunnhild that chance, she can't say no, but is she accepting his help to find Signy or because she craves the kind of power Eirik holds? And can she thwart the witches who seek to kill her? Katla, Thorbjorg and a third, hidden witch, will do anything to stop Gunnhild.

Oddny wants to believe her friend can help but faces her own dilemma when she falls for a man who was responsible for aiding in the kidnap of Signy, a man who seemingly reciprocates these feelings, but he harbors his own dark secret and it has the power to bring a kingdom to its knees.

Again, a great read and I'm happy to say I figured out who the third witch was before the big reveal.

If you want a book that feels like the Vikings TV show, but centers the women, this is for you. The Weaver and the Witch Queen is a historical fantasy book that gives us:

- Viking warriors
- witches and gods
- multiple badass female characters
- slowburn romance
- themes of sisterhood, honor and fate

The beginning of the book really reminded me of The Bear and the Nightingale in how the historical setting was interwoven with the Norse mythology / fantasy elements. I found the setting of Viking-age Norway extremely intriguing. The historical parts seemed incredibly well researched, with pagan rituals and festivities like the dísablót and Yule being present, as well as representing indigenous Norwegian Sámi culture. While loosely following the semi-historical figures of Gunnhildr, Mother of Kings and Eirik Bloodaxe, the book still managed to stand out as completely unique.

First and foremost, this book was an ode to the power of women; their resilience, their power, and their vulnerability at once. All the women in this book were so fierce and had such strong bonds, it made me so emotional! I especially loved our main POV characters Oddny and Gunnhild, of course, but the supporting cast was amazing as well. Rarely do we ever get an entire group of such awesome women in Fantasy books, we love to see it!

The themes of sisterhood, honor and war were prevalent throughout the story and the character work was so well done. I loved that the author not only included Viking era raids, but also the toll such violence would take on the mind. The portrayal of PTSD that multiple characters suffer from was done very respectfully and with care, as was the rest of the book. Both romances in this book were lovely, Gunnhild and Eirik really had the slowburn enemies to lovers romance for the ages. I also loved that this had some great trans representation with a side character. Apart from the heavy themes this book discusses, there were also some lighthearted moments and very witty banter, especially whenever Eirik's foster brother Arinbjorn was on page. I loved his humor and personality so much, I would honestly read an entire book about him.

All in all, a truly fantastic read that is near and dear to my heart. 4/5 stars.

Reading "The Weaver and the Witch Queen" wasn't like watching the Viking world come alive on your TV screen. It was more like watching it through your window (and hoping you wouldn't be noticed by the characters!). It's beautifully written, the characters are incredibly vibrant, and the setting makes me wish for a time travel device (and an invisibility cloak!). But the story... All I can say about that is "Wow!".

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Norse-inspired historical fantasy story.

I liked the depiction of sisterhood and friendship and the LGBT+ representation. I found the different types of thinking and different moral understanding of the world interesting. However, the book was very slow, especially in the middle. At the same time it did not explore either of the two buddying romantic relationships in as much depth as I would have preferred: one of the couples kept arguing until they realised they had feelings for each other, mostly off-page, the other progressed much more smoothly, but again, mostly off-page. I don't need steam, but I would have appreciated a deeper exploration of the relationships, as these were central to the story. It felt like the book focussed on some relatively useless scenes to pass the time, while the page count could have been used more effectively and interestingly.
I also think the book would have benefitted from an epilogue to explain Gunnhild's and Eirik's life and achievements beyond the story, as part of the drive of the story was that Gunnhild was destined to become a threat to some people, but it was left unexplained exactly how. As the real history the book is based on is not of common knowledge, I think people unfamiliar with it are left unable to appreciate the story in full - as if this was the origin story for a character we, as readers, do not know. It would work for a first book in a series, I imagine, but not for a standalone.

Overall, I enjoyed it, but I was hoping to love it more.