Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

### REVIEW UPDATE ### As indicated below, subsequent to the original review, I came to greatly appreciate the value of the impact upon my inner self so much that I raised the star rating to five stars. Subsequent to that, I ordered the Audible recording through Amazon at the ridiculously low price of $1.99, so I can listen when I can't read, and so I can list while I read - I love Whispersync for audio. Furthermore, I have pre-ordered the second book in the series, scheduled for release October 17, 2017. Let's hope it evokes some of the same emotions of "The Unbroken Line of the Moon." Here is a link where that book can be found for pre-order: The Valhalla Series (2 Book Series) ** ** ** **WARNING** This translated book has graphic scenes of violent sex that many readers may find revolting. To be fair, I believe the author has provided images true to the times and of the society depicted. Nonetheless, readers must be forewarned – I wish the book description had provided just such a disclaimer. I am concerned that many review readers are going to be exasperated by this review, but this story has scratched my soul in ways that demand that I pour out my gut feelings, for whatever they might mean. I also feel that this review may be of more importance to many people than most reviews, due to the moral effect of certain passages. Quick Overview If, like me, you find yourself wishing to learn more in regards to your Viking heritage by reading historical fiction set in the time of your roots, I have this advice: Be careful what you wish for, because the truth of your heritage may be revolting… I had an incredible challenge in selecting my Kindle First book this month. Each of them had an inkling of promise, but also seemed likely to disappoint. Honestly, I think I picked precisely the wrong book for my tastes. Still, I look at it as a growth experience. You see, every autumn a Nordic festival is held in Minot, a town not far from my home. I get a chance to seek camaraderie with my Viking roots at the Norse Hostfest. Well, of course, that led me to choose an historical fiction novel about the Norsemen at the turn of the first millennium. There are some things secrets buried in my heritage that, for me at least, are best buried and left undisturbed. Many of the musings in this book, although perhaps not specifically true to the characters shown, are a truth that we Viking descendants may be wise to remember, lest we delve too deeply into judging the woes and ills of other cultural groups. In other words, I abhorred aspects so rudely displayed in this authentic historical tale. At the same time, I am humbled and I have grown as a person by exposing myself to the essential truths at center stage in “The unbroken Line of the Moon.” More to the point, I could not easily read this tale. Yet, neither could I toss the book into the dust bin…this is a revolting, disgusting tale that I got addicted to… Length: Print, 464 pages; Audible, 14 hours 30 minutes. Q - Target Audience/Genre and is it marketed as Nonfiction or Fiction: A – Historical Fiction - Mature audiences. Q - How was this book obtained? A – This was my free Kindle First selection as a member of Amazon Prime. Q – If this is fiction, is it a plot-driven or a character-driven story? A – Character development loosely based on historical characters. Q - Is this a book that I can read without having to read others first? A – Yes. This is the first in a series. Q – If this is a recurring character or a series, does it have a cliffhanger ending? A – There is no cliffhanger ending. Of course, it is clear from the ending of this novel that more is coming. Q - Are there a lot of typos/misspellings, grammatical errors or other editing failures? A – No. Q - Is this a fast, easy read or is it more of a leisure read? A – This is a leisure read. Q - What sort of language does this writer use to amplify the points made? A – Mild, occasional cussing but no f-bombs. Mostly the cussing is the damX word and the slang term for certain aspects of the male and female anatomy, especially in regards to scenes of sex and rape. Q – What age group is this suitable for? A – Due to the graphic scenes of violent sex, if this were a film it would be rated either PG-17 or R. Q - My biggest pleasure or disappointment? A – My biggest disappointment was the lack of a warning regarding the violent sex. Mind you, I also found those scenes pertinent to grasping the truth of the times and the darker side of the Viking heritage, so I would not keep censure those scenes. They are a bitter pill, but are necessary. To give a feel for the editing, and the style and flow of this work, I am posting a brief excerpt below. Excerpt ‘…He grabbed her breast and squeezed so hard she squealed. “Good catch,” Toste yelled, approaching. Fear started prickling through Emma like cold needles. She closed her eyes and called out for Kára. Come to me. Save me. Emma tried to break the grip around her waist, but Toste picked her up in his arms. “You part your legs, yearning and enticing,” Toste said with a laugh and tossed her on the ground. The laughing warriors tore off her dress, then held her so tightly she couldn’t move. Now she was really scared, her heart beating so hard it was going to burst out of her chest. Toste pulled her to him. Mistress, I beg you. Help me! The blow struck her right in the mouth, hard hands held her arms, drunken laughs echoed as Toste lay down on top of her, so heavy she could hardly breathe. Fear washed over her like cold waves. It froze and paralyzed her. She couldn’t move or escape from his wet mouth, which pressed against hers. Kára, help me. “You’ll get what you yearned for after you part your legs and offer yourself up.” Emma screamed and kicked, but Toste hit her in the face again, this time so hard he almost knocked her out. “Shut up!” he growled and dug out his pr!^k. “I beg you,” she whispered as the men’s sticky desire all but suffocated her. “You’ll get what you’re asking for.” Toste’s eyes were glassy and vacant. Emma whimpered with pain as he pushed his way into her. It felt like a knife driving in between her legs. He panted and grunted on top of her, as she now knew he’d done to her mother. Palna had told her everything that evening in Lejre. Chafing beard against her mother’s face, stinking lust mixed with mead. Her own father was thrusting into her, puffing and panting. His sweat dripped onto her face. She closed her eyes as he…’ Hildebrandt, Johanne. The Unbroken Line of the Moon (The Valhalla Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 3505-3521). Amazon Crossing. Kindle Edition. Bottom Line: A difficult tale to ‘enjoy,’ if that is the correct word. A sort of a Pandora’s Box. Once opened, you cannot easily close it back up. So, beware my warning of disturbing, revolting violent sex and despicable people of a forgotten era. Once you start, you may be unable to stop reading this evocative, wrenching, crude tale… I shudder when realizing this is a translated work. I can’t imagine how I might react if I were able to read this tome in its original language. I have put the audible version in my Audible wish list, but am undecided as to whether I actually will dare listen to it. It is THAT good and THAT haunting. Part of me wants to burn every copy of this novel so nobody can learn what I discovered. Yet, my more democratic nature says that a tale this powerful can only be rated five stars out of five. Comments regarding your opinion of this book or of my review, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always welcome. If you buy the book based on my review and become disappointed, especially, I do want to know that and I want to understand how I can improve as a book reviewer. Just please be polite. Thank you.