Norvège, 1662. Le jour où la veuve Zigri s'éprend d'un homme marié, elle est emprisonnée pour sorcellerie dans la sinistre forteresse de Vardø. Sa fille, Ingeborg, décide alors de tout mettre en oeuvre pour la sauver. Anne Rhodius, ancienne maîtresse du roi du Danemark, croupit, elle aussi, dans une cellule de la prison. Pour retrouver son rang, ira-t-elle jusqu'à trahir celles dont elle partage le sort ? Plus redoutables que le roi, aussi sauvages que les terres de Norvège, les sorcières de Vardø incarnent l'inquiétante puissance de femmes prêtes à tout pour retrouver leur liberté.

Norway, 1662. A dangerous time to be a woman, when even dancing can lead to accusations of witchcraft. After recently widowed Zigri's affair with the local merchant is discovered, she is sent to the fortress at Vardø to be tried as a witch. Zigri's daughter Ingeborg sets off into the wilderness to try to bring her mother back home. Accompanying her on this quest is Maren - herself the daughter of a witch - whose wild nature and unconquerable spirit gives Ingeborg the courage to venture into the unknown, and to risk all she has to save her family. Also captive in the fortress is Anna Rhodius, once the King of Denmark's mistress, who has been sent in disgrace to the island of Vardø. What will she do - and who will she betray - to return to her privileged life at court? These Witches of Vardø are stronger than even the King. In an age weighted against them, they refuse to be victims. They will have their justice. All they need do is show their power.