This first in a series about famous Viking women illuminates a shadowy but fascinating corner of history, and lifts the veil on the hitherto obscure role of the female Viking in the 9th century. Aud-the-Deepminded was a Christian in pagan Norway at this time. Born into an era when women had few rights and even less freedom, she finds that her fiery nature attracts and impresses the heathen Olaf, King of the Irish, who would have her for his queen. Aud rebels against the arranged betrothal in a most unusual way before realising her love for the king. But has she left it too late? Is he still within her reach? Forced by circumstance, haunted by omens, life and family threatened, a widowed Aud flees to the Western Isles where leadership is thrust upon her. Freed from male dominance she shows what a lone woman can do. Learns how deeply and painfully she can love. How vulnerable love can make her, and how strong. Here—across ten centuries—Aud, grand matriarch and early settler of Iceland with her own ship and crew, tells her poignant story through the medium of the author.