A beautifully written tale of time-travel, wonderment and adventure. This isn't a book I'd normally pick up but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Christina is a wonderful storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her work.

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical romance with plenty of action. It is perfect for fans of Outlander but I feel this story stands on its own also with a creative plot with plenty of twists and turns alongside a cast of colorful characters. I particularly liked how the author chose the Viking era to set the novel and it was clearly well researched with a great depth of detail which took the reader there.
I definitely recommend this book to those looking for an escape from modern life.

With thanks to Netgalley and Headline

The Runes of Destine by Christina Courtenay is about Linnea Berger who accidently travels back into time to Viking times. She finds herself confused and alone till she found by Hrafn (a Viking warrior) and becomes his thrall. Linnea is soon taken on a journey across the seas and the 9th century, all she cares about is getting back to her own time.

The runes of Destiny is a fun read that has echoes of Outlander but with Vikings instead of Highlanders. The writing style of Christina Courtenay allows to join Linnea in her adventures through time and the Viking era.

An all round good read.

This is an unusual story, it’s not often I come across books set as far back as the Viking period. We start in the present day and soon end up unexpectedly in the past, watching Linnea deal with her sudden change in circumstances and her new reality.

Unsurprisingly it takes Linnea a while to realise that what she is experiencing is real. However this is good from a reader perspective because we get to see how she adapts and adjusts and also we get the detail and description of the time, people and the areas they are in and travel to.

The descriptions are fabulous, we get a real sense of place and all of the smells, sounds and experiences which really brings the period to life. The story between Linnea and Hrafn is really good and evolves through the course of the book. It’s good to see how they both deal with this strange circumstance and also the contrast between them and their cultural differences.

I really enjoyed this book, it’s a good read and while there is a lot of historical detail it’s never too much or overwhelming the story. If you want to read something a little different, with possibly some romance in it then this book is definitely worth checking out.

In a kind of Outlander feel, Linnea travels back to Viking times and finds herself stuck there. As the story went on, I thought this would be similar to Jennifer Macaire’s books where once you’ve travelled back in time, that’s it. You’re stuck.

As Linnea’s relationship with Hrafn continues to develop I thought for sure that that’d be it. If given a choice of being able to return to her own time she’d stay with Hrafn. Yet in some twists I didn’t see coming Christina creates a unique twist to time travel that both Outlander and Jennifer Macaire don’t include.

Not only does this help build the story and create even MORE drama. It creates an ending that’s so different to many other time travel stories. The only downside to this is that I really wish I had’ve seen the promised visit as an epilogue. I got to the last chapter and I was like “yeap, this is the end of the story but the epilogue will close it all off sweetly with this little bit I want to see.”

But then you reach the end of the chapter and that’s it. You’ve finished.

No super sweet ending to round out everything else that’s happened to Linnea and Hrafn over the previous year.

I read this for a blog tour.

This was a really enjoyable take on the time travelling romance, with Vikings not Highlanders.

When Lianna digs up an old brooch on a dig her uncle is running, she's thrown back in to the 9th century - and promptly taken by a local tharl as a slave, luckily his much nicer brother claims her and although he's planning to sell her, he treats her kindly and protects her from the threat of rape from his deeply unpleasant brother.

They undertake an epic trip across the continent and sea to what is now Istanbul, the better to sell their furs, amber and thralls. On the way Lianna learns a lot about the world in the 800s, from the food to the gender politics and slowly begins to fall in love with the taciturn man who "owns" her.

It was a really interesting, fun, entertaining read and I've already ordered another of the author's books as I liked this so much.

The Runes of Destiny is a book that shall I say, is a sort of book that I wish to read more of? It's in the same vein as Outlander that is for sure. I def enjoyed all the historical settings in this book. Hrafn was the best character, a stoic, noble, kind of man that would be perfect for anything if you gave him a role to do so. This book features some historical time-traveling elements, but it's not so entirely magical. You're always grounded that's for certain. I can't speak for the historical accuracy in this book, as I am no historian. But I was immersed in the characters, especially Linnea, as I loved her viewpoint a lot. In this book, you'll travel through the cities of the Kievan Rus, and explore the fabled city of Byzantium (Which, I wished we had seen more of this in this novel)

I'm shipping the chemistry between Linnea and Hrafn. When I envision Hrafn, he reminds me of wearing a Suebian Knot and a German knotted beard reminiscent of the Germanic Peoples centuries ago. I also like how Christina showed the most boring aspects of Viking life and how Linnea as a woman, had to fit in with it. Because back in those times, the concept of equality for women just didn't exist, or it didn't exist specifically as spelled out. Women in notable positions of power, rich or poor, had an equal influence on men who were their husbands, fathers, sons. I am seeing this with Hrafn's Aunt for certain.

That said, I would have wanted Hrafn to spend more time in the modern world and eventually discover what became of his homeland, etc. Of course, that could be breaking the rules of the time travel restraints that have been added here. Thure was a horrible man that should never have existed on the face of the planet, and he ended up becoming the half-brother of Hrafn. However, Hrafn is a shrewd businessman. Put him in modern times, and he could end up running a profitable company! While I loved Linnea's family, I do wish we had seen a little more restraint when there's the sort of 'eventual' mutual greeting between the past and the present, and that we would have had seen more of Linnea's parents suddenly amazed and wonderous if they could too, travel back in time for research purposes (it'd certainly help!). Also, I think it's time, that time travel novels should include people of the past getting to grips with 21st-century technology, especially social media. It would be so damn cool just to see that. Imagine if Hrafn started using it!

I enjoyed this novel a lot. It's a fun ride, and I don't take it too seriously from some of the gritter fantasy/sci-fi that I've read. It's fun. And that's what matters. Also, Kadir was the next best thing to happen in this novel, I want to see more of him! But is he from Serkland? I wonder if he'll ever go back to the warm lands of the The Runes of Destiny is a book that shall I say, is a sort of book that I wish to read more of? It's in the same vein as Outlander that is for sure. I def enjoyed all the historical settings in this book. Hrafn was the best character, a stoic, noble, kind of man that would be perfect for anything if you gave him a role to do so. This book features some historical time-traveling elements, but it's not so entirely magical. You're always grounded that's for certain. I can't speak for the historical accuracy in this book, as I am no historian. But I was immersed in the characters, especially Linnea, as I loved her viewpoint a lot. In this book, you'll travel through the cities of the Kievan Rus, and explore the fabled city of Byzantium (Which, I wished we had seen more of this in this novel)

I'm shipping the chemistry between Linnea and Hrafn. When I envision Hrafn, he reminds me of wearing a Suebian Knot and a German knotted beard reminiscent of the Germanic Peoples centuries ago. I also like how Christina showed the most boring aspects of Viking life and how Linnea as a woman, had to fit in with it. Because back in those times, the concept of equality for women just didn't exist, or it didn't exist specifically as spelled out. Women in notable positions of power, rich or poor, had an equal influence on men who were their husbands, fathers, sons. I am seeing this with Hrafn's Aunt for certain.

That said, I would have wanted Hrafn to spend more time in the modern world and eventually discover what became of his homeland, etc. Of course, that could be breaking the rules of the time travel restraints that have been added here. Thure was a horrible man that should never have existed on the face of the planet, and he ended up becoming the half-brother of Hrafn. However, Hrafn is a shrewd businessman. Put him in modern times, and he could end up running a profitable company! While I loved Linnea's family, I do wish we had seen a little more restraint when there's the sort of 'eventual' mutual greeting between the past and the present, and that we would have had seen more of Linnea's parents suddenly amazed and wonderous if they could too, travel back in time for research purposes (it'd certainly help!). Also, I think it's time, that time travel novels should include people of the past getting to grips with 21st-century technology, especially social media. It would be so damn cool just to see that. Imagine if Hrafn started using it!

I enjoyed this novel a lot. It's a fun ride, and I don't take it too seriously from some of the gritter fantasy/sci-fi that I've read. It's fun. And that's what matters. Also, Kadir was the next best thing to happen in this novel, I want to see more of him! But is he from Serkland? I wonder if he'll ever go back to the warm lands of the Mediterranean.

I have submitted Amazon and Waterstones reviews.

The Runes Of Destiny by Christina Courtenay is an absorbing time-slip story. I have never read any of Christina Courtenay's work before so this is my first foray into her story-telling, and I found it exquisitely told.
PhD student Linnea has suffered a recent trauma and when her friend invites her to Sweden to be part of an archeological dig she decides to grab it with both hands. Partly to escape and partly due to her fascination with everything connected to the Vikings. What she has absolutely no way of knowing is that she is about to experience something that will change her life totally.
While on the dig she discovers an ancient artifact that takes her back to the actual Viking era. She awakens in the middle of a horde of Viking warriors, she assumes it's a historical re-enactment. Until Hrafn claims her as his thrall, with his intent being to sell her. His half brother is the Jarl, and he takes a fancy to her as well, increasing the rivalry and jealousy between the two brothers.As the story develops we see an attraction between Linnea and Hfarn which intensifies until they cannot deny it. The issue is can Linnea get herself back to her own century? And if she has that chance will she actually wish to return?
Well! What a story! I read this in just over a day, I am a big history nut anyway and I love the Viking period so this just swept me away. The suspense, mystery and romance of it all had me hooked.
The characters are large and colourful Christina Courtenay has done a splendid job bringing the Viking era to life. Time slip novels are not meant to be believable but I was fully invested in Linnea's journey, the fact that she found love but in the wrong era is a hard pill to swallow. Very well researched too. A brilliant read for me.
Thanks go to Christina Courtenay and Rachel's Random Resources for the gift of the book for my thoughts on this fabulous story.

The Runes of Destiny is a fantastical story about a world long buried and forgotten. It is rich in description, heartwarming, and inspires the imagination.

I do not review historical fiction very often, but I enjoy reading the genre from time to time. I enjoy it the most when the story can pull me into that world in a way that feels like I truly understand what life was like at that time. The Runes of Destiny brought 9th-century Norse life alive for me by giving me a good sense of what travel by boat must have been like during that time. I have seen replicas of ships from long ago and marveled at how people traveled such long distances in a small boat. It seemed inconceivable until I read The Runes of Destiny. Now I can imagine it a bit more clearly.

I liked that the romance was an organic part of the story and not an overwhelming presence. Linnea and Hrafn have a love that transcends time and place, literally. But it does not happen right away, and there is no triangle to contend with. But, they do have challenges, and those challenges set a fast pace and kept me glued to the page, as life during that time was much more dangerous than it is today.

I also enjoyed the time travel aspect. I do have some practical questions about how it worked. Still, I was quickly able to suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the tale. I loved seeing the different reactions to experiencing a new place and time. It is such a fun aspect of the story.

The character development is good enough to have me speculating whether enlightened men like Hrafn really existed. I would think they were few and far between. Still, I doubt society could have changed into what it is today if men like Hrafn had not existed throughout history. It is fun to speculate, and that is another aspect that I enjoyed about this story. It had me thinking beyond the story.

Fans of historical fiction will love the depth of history found within the pages. Romance lovers will enjoy the slow burn romance that threads its way through the story. And, fantasy lovers will enjoy the time travel aspect that is so fun to imagine. So, this story contains something for a broad spectrum of readers to enjoy.

I found The Runes of Destiny thoroughly entertaining and put aside all other work to finish this book! I don’t know much about the Vikings, their language or their customs so I learned a lot from the story.

It’s clear the author has put in a great deal of research because I felt like I had been transported to the ninth century. We get to read about what the Vikings wore, what materials they worked with, how families were organized, and what occupations were in vogue.

Little details like Linnea’s shaky use of old Norse (because she belongs to the 21st century and has been studying the language in written form as part of her PhD studies) were included.

It was incredible to read about things like how the women knitted using a primitive instrument (a cross between a crochet hook and a knitting needle), how the people ate food without sweeteners, how ale was preferred to water, how lye soap was to bathe and wash their clothes by hand, and even what women used during their periods.

The author describes Hrafn’s journey by “ship” to Istanbul in great detail, with Linnea watching places she’d only seen in ruins come alive. All of this gives an authentic feel to the story.

I found it interesting how Linnea thinks about her definition of “normal” and “barbaric.” That is, what we consider savage now may have been completely acceptable behavior in the ninth century.

The romance was wonderfully built up and I could imagine the sparks growing between Hrafn and Linnea. The portrayal of Hrafn as a person who is curious about new things pleased me. The market scene is my favorite one.

Linnea’s horrific experiences were frightful and those scenes were skillfully drawn. I was totally pulled into the terrifying moments.

I wasn’t too happy about what Linnea did at the end. Even though it was presented as her choice/destiny, it didn’t seem right to me. But it’s interesting because it leaves room for more time travel.

Nevertheless, the arduous journey by ship and the events at Istanbul were most diverting. I would recommend this book for its romance and the depiction of Vikings as a people more than marauders at sea.

(Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for offering an ARC for review via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.)

Like the first book in this series, The Runes of Destiny is an atmospheric timeslip novel full of adventure, danger and romance. This story reads well as a standalone with intricate historical detail and vibrant characters. The sense of time place and culture is wonderfully described. The attention to detail and use of sensory imagery makes this an immersive experience for the reader.

Linnea is recovering from a devastating road accident her physical injuries minor, but the mental scars deep, especially the survivor guilt, as her friends' parents died and she was badly injured. An academic she studies ancient Nordic languages and uses the archaeological dig as a way of escaping.

The timeslip element is well executed and Linnea's confusion and need to make sense of the world she finds herself in believable. The characters are relatable and the adventures she experiences exciting and scary. The romance is gentle and believable.

The plot has clever twists and a satisfying ending.

I received a copy of this book from Headline Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

In order to piece her life back together after a devastating tragedy, Linnea Berger has escaped to take part in an archaeological dig in Sweden. There she discovers a beautiful Viking brooch but when she reads the runic inscription on the brooch she is quite suddenly transported back to a dangerous time, where, as the captive possession of a handsome Viking warrior, she has no say whatsoever in what happens to her future. Luckily Linnea is an expert in the Old Norse language so even though she doesn't want to have travelled back in time, she can at least understand what is going on in this strange new world in which she finds herself.

This is a remarkably detailed time-slip novel which brings the ancient Viking world so imaginatively to life that I felt as if I travelled every step of Linnea's eventful journey with her. The author has obviously done her research really well and her authoritative voice is evident in the amount of vivid detail which she brings to the story. Time, people and places really come alive so that it is perfectly possible to experience the danger of a long voyage on a Viking boat and experience all the sights, sounds and aromas of the Viking world.

Part historical adventure, part romance, this time slip novel has all the trademarks of this author's fine writing. I am always really impressed by the amount of detail that the author shares in her novels and there is no doubt that she has an exceptional skill of bringing whatever historical period she is writing about to life in a vividly imagined way. There's a nice little twist in the story which turns the time-slip idea around and which adds another dimension to this fascinating story.

Although there are references to some of the characters from Echoes of the Runes, which was the previous book, it is entirely possible to read The Runes of Destiny as a stand alone story. I look forward to seeing what this talented author does next in this exciting Viking series of time-slip novels.

This is a time slip romance between the present day and Viking era. I understand that this is the second in a series, the previous book being Echoes of the Runes, but I haven't read that and believe this still works well as a standalone read.

Linnea Berger had been involved in a tragic accident in which she escaped serious injury. With survivor's guilt and the trauma unsettling her, she goes to work on an archaeological dig run by friends of her family. Linnea is a keen historian, focussing on understanding the Norse language rather than on artefacts. When she discovers a beautiful brooch, she reads the runes on the back and is whisked back in time to the Viking era, where she awakens surrounded by warriors. Initially she thinks they're taking enactment too far but eventually comes to realise she's actually back in the ninth century and so her time slip adventure begins!

This is a story sharing much of the history of the Viking era, a journey through time and visiting different locations, too. Through it you're given an insight into the times, attitudes and customs whilst also sharing Linnea's adventure and developing romance. There are a brilliant mix of characters, some to like, others not so much . . . there's Viking family rivalry, difficult differences and attitudes, danger and, as love develops between Linnea and Hrafn there's the added dilemma of staying together or being in one time together - but which time?

Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Very much a time travel story this time – the contemporary story only really features at the beginning and end – and I must say that I thought it was quite wonderful.

It’s a light read in some ways – sometimes a bit tongue-in-cheek after Linnea finds herself back in the ninth century, with none of her usual home comforts and very little that’s familiar other than what she’s learned from her reading, and it’s rather fortunate that she’s passably fluent in the language. It’s all such tremendous fun, a superb edge-of-the-seat adventure story, the journey from Sweden to Istanbul fraught with danger, threats coming in from all sides and also from rather closer to home.

Linnea’s a quite wonderful heroine, a really strong woman anchoring the story however at sea she might feel at times – and Hrafn is strong too, but tender and sensitive (and very hot!), and I think I might have seriously considered staying in the ninth century too, whatever the hardships.

But the amount of research that went into the writing this book must have been immense – the author brings the era and its characters to life in a way that’s entirely authentic and believable, building a world you entirely inhabit for as long as you read through every little detail. There are bits of historical fact (like the history of Novgorod, or the route they’re following to Istanbul) when Linnea has a 21st century perspective and knowledge – which, of course, she does rather need to conceal until she knows her travelling companions rather better.

The little details are just wonderful – the Viking hierarchy and its complications, the tedium of the tasteless daily porridge, the origin of aspirin, the clothing, the amber, the knitting, even how the women coped when it was their time of the month. And the journey is absolutely fascinating – the ports they call into along the way, the carrying of the boats around the rapids where enemies lie in wait. And I learned so many facts I can now throw into casual conversation – I’d suggest you might want to avoid me at parties for a while.

The ending is excellent – tying up any loose ends, but also leaving things nicely open for the next in the series. I honestly can’t wait – I really loved this one, and the author’s writing has never been better. One I’m really happy to recommend…

(Review will be copied to Amazon UK on publication day)

I'm going to admit, right off the bat, that the romance was my absolute favorite part of this book! If you enjoy romance that is realistic, yet still extremely sweet and satisfying, then you'll love this book!

When I first realized that this was a time-travel romance, I couldn't help but think of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. However, I felt this one was all on its own and wasn't copying or borrowing from any other stories. I've read many time-travel romances, and they can start being a dime a dozen. But, Courtenay made this genre her own with amazing story-telling skills and characters that shone and jumped out of the pages.


Again, the romance had me swooning. And the end... Well, I won't spoil it for you.


This is part of a series, but I haven't read the first, so it can definitely stand on its own. I definitely recommend this one for lovers of romance, history, time-travel, and just plain fun reading.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!
My review will be found, at the link given, on 12/8/20.

This book is unlike anything I have read before as I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction. It is beautifully written and had me feeling like I was taking the same journey. I think this speaks volumes when an author can transport you into the book with the characters.
An enjoyable read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a Viking treat!

Christina Courtenay knows a lot about Vikings and their way of life in the past and I enjoyed learning more from her writing. I love the concept of this book, where the heroine, Linnea is a modern girl with an interest in Vikings who ends up unexpectedly in the past. Hrafn has all of the characteristics of a hero for me and his struggles against his attraction to Linnea make the novel tense at times. I could imagine myself as Linnea and lived the story through her eyes. Can’t wait for the next Christina Courtenay book!

I’ve been reading and enjoying Christina Courtenay’s books since she was with Choc-Lit. I love the way she manages to introduce an ethereal aspect to her stories. Earlier this year, I enjoyed Echoes of the Runes and just loved the introduction to the Swedish Vikings. Whilst The Runes of Destiny is part of the series, it is enjoyable as a standalone story.
I really enjoyed the fact that the story got underway quickly and I was was thrown back to the ninth century in a chillingly atmospheric description of what it was like to be a woman in those days. I learned about the challenges of basic cleanliness, dealing with periods and lack of shampoo to living life as a slave, or thrall as they are referred to.
This is not a cosy love story yet the growing attraction between Linnea and Hrafn is unmistakable. Naturally, there is a danger that she is experiencing Stockholm syndrome and simply becoming enthralled by her captor but, there’s something in his protective manner that makes their connection seem more than that.
Christina Courtenay has a gift when it comes to describing what it must have been like in ninth century Sweden, a time where the Gods ruled the thoughts and decisions on a daily basis and Christianity is still very much in its infancy. The scenery and situations that her words painted were both bleak and captivating in equal measure.
The journey to the Moroccan slave market was fraught with danger and the mood was tangible as danger seemed to come from all angles including close to home in the form of Hrafn’s half brother.
For the avoidance of spoilers, I don’t want to say anything more other than mentioning that this is not the final tale of the series as Whispers of the Runes is set for a Summer 2021 publication!

This one I received it for a tour I'm in, it was so interesting and I love Vikings and historical adventures.

And I can say this one didn't disappoint, the background was very well laid out and Linnea was so cool as a heroine really, she felt very strong being a little vulnerable at times as many of us sometimes do, what I liked more about her it's that she wasn't hollow, she loved history and studied a lot of it and was good in the topic and admire the things she had.

The plot was very steady on this one, particularly I love to read of far away lands and travels and this one made me imagine so many places and cultures it was awesome.

The romance didn't felt forced but very organic and that won me very fast since you could feel the tension between her and Hrafn and the time traveling was just a spice on all, it let my mind flew about everything and I enjoyed this one so much, I can't wait to read Echoes of the runes and whispers of the runes later on.

If you like adventures with a touch of steamy romance you need to read this one asap.

I enjoyed reading this book, it is easy to read, just right for a cosy winter day in front of the fire. It is definitely pure escapism, however it contains lots of historical fact about Viking life which really adds richness to the storyline, giving it more depth.