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Miscellaneous The Swan Road by Angeline Hawkes-Craig $7.50 / Scars Publ. / 2002 The Swan Road is a surprising and well-crafted entry into the historical novel genre. It does not follow any patent formula. Rather, the book introduces the reader to interesting, well-developed characters who live and breathe in the land of the Norse amid gods and goddesses, seaborne raids, blood, bones, and births. Perhaps the first surprise is the fact that the main character is the woman Tore Nordahldatr. As Norse women were not especially known for their adventures (besides those of child-bearing, clothes-washing, and fire-starting), it is hard to imagine an interesting novel about one. However, Tore is not like most women; she is tall, strong, can wield a sword, and longs to be a man. Her wish comes true when she must hide from a rampaging rival family by transforming herself into the young bard Eirik the Silent, in order to survive. If the switch in identity was not enough of a gender-bending twist, Tore/Eirik is good with a sword and enjoys fighting, blood-letting, and general mayhem. In fact, her enthusiasm for fighting is shocking in its frankness. Tore/Eirik does not exhibit any of the psychotic ramblings of an insane woman; she just simply enjoys the freedom, the use of her muscles, the competition, and adrenaline rush that fighting to the death allows her to experience. Now, imagine meeting Tore/Eirik and falling in love with her. This is exactly what happens to Brock, the hero of the novel. Brock is every woman's dream-caring, compassionate, strong, attractive, and loyal to his family and to Tore/Eirik (a character trait that will come to haunt him). He is a 21st-century man transported to the 10th century, complete with multi-layered talents and homosexual leanings. (Remember, he thinks that Tore is a man.) Brock and Tore's relationship is as passionate as her sword-fighting and embodies the ancient Norse philosophy of fatalism. It is a brave departure from the cookie-cutter heroes and plot lines of romantic historical fiction. The land of the ancient Norse is also brought to life in rich descriptions, allowing the reader to feel and understand the world of the characters. The Swan Road is a novel of juxtaposition and contrary ways, a revival of ancient ideas and societies, a departure from traditional characterizations and plotlines. It is an exciting, adventurous novel that keeps you turning the pages and rooting for its heroes and heroines.. --Michelle Santos

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