This volume is slightly lighter in tone and storytelling than most other volumes. It’s like the relative calm before the final storm of getting to Vinland. Thematically, it’s about how Thorfinn has become a lot like his Father. Some local foes are shown to be a lot more fair than you might expect, even giving valuable insight. Some new characters challenge Thorfinn’s philosophy, potentially becoming new foes. 

The character work is really at the forefront here and I love it. Obviously, you don’t continue reading into book 12 without a good love of a series. I can’t wait to read how it ends in December. History repeats itself in fun ways in this volume. 

There’s a new character that is or might be best described as transgender that is repeatedly called by her male birth name rather than her preferred female identifying name, that’s suggested to have a familial connection to one of our main characters. Please be aware if reading this material might be triggering. I would say it’s treated relatively respectfully in depiction in the story but others might disagree, be forewarned.