ROVER

When Viking raiders overrun Hekja’s Danish village, her speed and courage impress Freydis, the bold daughter of Eric the Red, who takes her prisoner, along with her wolfhound Riki Snarfari (Rover), and carries them back to Greenland. Through obedience, daring and common sense, Hekja gradually becomes Freydis’s most trusted servant and accompanies her on an expedition to Vinland, where Freydis must battle not only the native population but her own people, who are unwilling to be led by a woman. Freydis—a historical figure from Icelandic sagas—rushes into battle naked and nine-months pregnant, but iron-willed Hekja, fighting for her place in the world, centers the story. French uses footnotes to help readers navigate the setting, but in the end they seem unnecessary; the adventure and characters outshine the stage. Enthralling, though the title needs improving. (Historical fiction. 12-15)