The Angel and the Sword, by Cecelia Holland

"The Angel and the Sword" by Cecelia Holland is set in the dark and bloody days of the ninth century. A courageous young princess named Ragny runs away from the castle and disguises herself as a brave warrior, and also as a man, to get away from her father after her mother died. Since Markold, her father, doesn't have royal blood, so he has to marry in the family. He tries to force Ragny to marry him, but she escapes, with Markold's second hand man, Seffrid, accompanying her along the way. On the way to Paris, they meet a group of travelers. There's a man named Leovild there, and sson she falls in love with him, though he still doesn't know "he's" a she. When they reach Paris they realize they have to defeat Vikings for the town to finally ne at peace. Will they ever stop the war? Will Leovild realize Ragny's a woman? Has the princess truly escaped from her evil fathers clutches? I really enjoyed this book, and I'm sure others will also.

-Reviewed by M.P., grade 9.