This was an interesting and very entertaining read! I loved reading this period of time and I found the mixture of superstitions and Christianity fascinating. It gave a good atmospheric touch to the novel. Synne's character is convincing and I can't wait for the sequel to learn more about her, her hopes and her relationship with Magnus .

The Rise of Synne by LP O'Bryan was an interesting interpretation of the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The storyline has great potential to develop further as the premise is interesting in itself. The writing style is not my usual taste but I can see how it is more stilted to match the narrative of the times perhaps

Full disclosure, I read this purely as a work of fiction and enjoyed the dynamics between Synne and those she encountered. Synne is a character that is easy to get behind. The writing style is challenging but notsomuch as to detract from the storyline itself

Thank you very much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this interesting ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Initially, I found the language a bit stilted and awkward at the start, which made it difficult to fully concentrate. However, O'Bryan discovers their voice as the story goes on, and it becomes a fast-paced, historical adventure with a strong and likeable heroine.

O'Bryan captures the medieval world well, and helps create a vivid picture of the turmoil England was left in after the Battle of Hastings. I recently read a book set in the same period told from one of the male survivors, so it was refreshing and empowering to see it from the point of view of a female with a burning agenda and resolve to get revenge.

The novel was bingeable, had a great plot and set the scene for more to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers (BooksGoSocial) for accepting me for this ARC!

I was immediately drawn into the story, and intrigued by the character Synne. The story is written beautifully (in a way that easily evoked pictures in my head) and it kept my interest throughout.

While I know that it is historical fiction I have to admit that I read it as a Fantasy novel (I am a Fantasy nerd so I cannot turn it off I guess) and I really enjoyed it! However, this means that I am not sure about the historical correctness. So, if that is something you’re looking for I am not the reviewer to enlighten you.

I’m excited to read more!

This was well-researched, with a fiery FMC, and descriptions that draw you right into the center of the story. O'Bryan did an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life, and I felt like I'd stepped back in time and traveled across the world at the same time. I adore Synne's inner fire and determination to find and rescue her sisters, although I know in reality it might've gotten her into much more trouble than it actually did. She makes some missteps along the way, but it just makes her feel more real. There's plenty of danger, intrigue, allies, backstabbing, and a little romance woven throughout the whole story, and more than just a few secrets. That said, I can't wait to dive into book two!

The story was interesting and moved along well. Synne was a character who was easy to like. I do understand that during this timer period life was rough, however sometimes this seemed a bit grim. I should note that I am not a huge historical fiction reader, but decided to give this a try, so this may have been unique to me.

Thank you Net Galley

This is an interesting story, but it has some glaring historical errors.
First the name Stefan, while Germanic in origin, wasn’t used in England in this period. The Saxons had been Germanic, but they probably would have used the Latin Stephan.
Next, I wonder what the two main characters would be doing, leaving their homes before the Battle of Hastings? I understand the boy would have been called up to the Fyrd, but the girl? If she was there, she would have been in the camp attached to the Fyrd. But refugees leaving their village after the battle? News wouldn’t have traveled so far so fast, and it wasn’t a good idea to leave the protection of your village with armies on the loose.
Then, the chronicles don’t say that the sons of Harold Godwinson were formally married, but they would have had to be available for a dynastic marriage, even in exile. And the chronicles do say the sons of Harold Godwinson went to Ireland after it was clear the battle was lost in England. Not exactly far from Norman dominance.

Unfortunately this wasn’t the genre for me but I wanted to try something new. Despite that this book was well written and was an interesting story. It kept me captivated despite it not being my typical genre. I learned a lot through this book and love that it gave me an education while also being enjoyable.