The Cold Hearth (The Atheling Chronicles #3)

Author Garth Petterson provided an ecopy of The Cold Hearth Book 3 of The Atheling Chronicles for review.

This was quite a story, of course action and adventure, violence and mayhem; but also tenderness and caring, duty and honor and living with integrity.

Set during early history in "Engla-lond", we have the story of Harald, son of King Cnute, and the love of his life Selia, trying to live a life out of the politics of the throne. Lots of political intrigue for sure, action and violence enough, but what spoke to me was the depth of characters development. None of the main characters fall into the easy trap of one dimensionality. They are developed with such depth that the story could be a primer for adult development. Harald and all his cohorts live by a definite creed of integrity and even when provoked, do not vary from it. 

In fact, I view the story as more of a comment on this personal integrity than on the political situation at the forefront. Several characters come to confront past wrongs committed and found their own redemption. Author Petterson does a great job painting a mental picture of the physical locations and of the people that inhabit the story. Just a fabulous story of personal honor and integrity in hard times. 

The Cold Hearth is a great story to get lost in. The times, the people and the location will wholly draw the reader into a comfortable, magic (without magic) land you won't want to leave. Enjoy!

Mike