I really cannot be impartial in any way when it comes to Norse settings. I think the plot was rather enjoyable but it was the settings and characters that really made me love this read. The audiobook also had a lovely narrator. I've been trying to get into reading more and this book just was so pleasant and fun. While I cannot say it was especially groundbreaking, I can say it gave helped me feel again that spark of excitement that reading used to always give me. I think there is something to that. So maybe it isn't critically 5 stars, but I rate by how I enjoy things and that makes this is a solid 5.