Vikings have always fascinated me. “Taken by the Viking” will fascinate you and make you a fan of the often historically misunderstood people. Styles writes a moving entry about their sometimes harsh world that shows that Vikings are not merely stereotypical cartoons but like all races are filled with humanity. The main thing I enjoyed about this story is that both main characters are not only practical and genuine, but likeable and smart. I didn’t spend the entire book becoming increasingly exasperated by their silly behavior towards one another.

Haakon Haroldson comes to Lindifarne, Northumbria on a collection mission, not a raiding mission as those who first spotted his ships feared. The Vikings had been cheated on a fur trading deal and only wished to get back money legally due them. The monastery there is used as a bank of sorts by those in the country. Annis of Birdowald, a widow is at the monastery seeking council from her uncle, the abbot about plans for her future. Her mission is to persuade her uncle to release her from a most undesirable betrothal.

An acknowledgement of peace from the Vikings falls on death ears. During the discussions, a lone monk attacks and kills a good friend of Haakon. In an instant all hell breaks loose and a violent battle ensues with the abbot being the first casualty of an over eager berserker named Bjorn. Annis and her maidservant hide as best they can but eventually find themselves threatened by the berserker who killed her uncle. Haakon comes upon the women just as Bjorn, who appears to be in a warriors trance is about to close in. Annis surprises herself by unleashing her hidden strength and winds up saving Haakon’s life by killing Bjorn herself. After the confrontation, Haakon lets the brave Annis go though he was loath to do so. That would have been the end of it. However Annis returns to the now burning monastery to find her maidservant. In all the rubble and confusion Haakon saves her life. Now they are even. But at this point, Haakon has no other choice but to take her as a slave along with the monks they had captured for ransom.

The highborn Annis finds no welcome from the Viking women. The jealous females do their best to humiliate her, especially Gunthar, Haakon’s step mother. The always the in control Jaarl, Haakon is seemingly indifferent to Annis’ plight while Annis obsesses over her growing affection for her captor and her fears that the ransom money may never materialize. Haakon of course is not as indifferent to Annis’ charms as he seems. But as Jaarl his people are his priority. Haakon has his own problems to contend with such as staying ahead of soothsayers, blood feuds, conspiracies and all manner of political intrigue. Plus the circumstances of Bjorn’s death must never be discovered.

Annis’ lot as a kitchen slave improves a bit when her healing talents are revealed. Though they are captive and captor, Annis and Haakon begin to enjoy each others company until a test of trust threatens to tear them apart. With Haakon no longer as her protector, Annis escapes not only her physical captivity but her emotional captivity as well. Haakon soon realizes his mistake and goes after the woman who has captured his heart. When they meet again Annis is faced with a delicate question of deciding if she will return as a lowly slave or a pampered concubine.

The story is a good one. Annis is an ingenious little fighter who shakes things up by being full of surprises. As a survivor she goes through a lot but doesn’t let any of it get her down. Haakon is a good, solid man. He wants to be with Annis in whatever she does and that is really sweet. More importantly and the best part of this romance story is Haakon he is not afraid to apologize. Annis is strong enough though to realize that apologies are nice but finding a place in her man’s heart is what she really desires. Neither character is desperate enough to beg which makes the story all the more heartwarming. The description of daily life in the Viking village brings good depth to the story as well as the differences between Annis’ life before and after she became a captive. From their harsh existence, the reader can see why the Vikings had to leave their homes to trade and to raid. Also the monk story line was excellent. But I still wonder about the motive of the kings’ wife, Asa.

I was glad there was an epilogue but wished it had been longer and more thorough. Note: the book I read was poorly edited which was a bit irritating. ( )