Five stars for THE WHISPERING WIND

I don't often post reviews about my novels on this blog—however, this one for THE WHISPERING WIND was so good that I couldn't resist.

It's always a delight when readers 'get' what I was trying to achieve with a novel, when my characters, setting and story resonate.

I'm pleased, and humbled, when a reader takes the time not only to review one of my books, but to put the time into a thoughtful review like this one from a reader on Amazon.

Enjoy!

--

 Captivating Dark Ages manhunt with emotional impact

This is an official request for historical romance readers to move out of their Regency-era and Scottish Highlander comfort zones. Author Jayne Castel had me completely immersed in her Dark Ages world of Northumbria. I could feel the rough clothes abrading my skin, see the poverty of the monks, thrill to a knife battle deep in the woods, and wonder at the power and depravity of an immoral king. This book also packs an emotional punch, since I actually teared up as I read about the desperation of Leofric and Aelfwyn. If you enjoy an emotional, eventful story framed around authentic history (the foreword, afterword and maps are fascinating), then I suggest you pick up books by Jayne Castel.

In the blurb for The Whispering Wind, the reader is informed that Leofric, a monk, finds a woman, Aelfwyn, washed ashore near the impoverished monastery where he is living. The hows and whys of Leofric's exile to the monastery play a key importance to both his personality and the plot. Castel has crafted a character in Leofric that has shades. He is impulsive and vain, kind and thoughtless, cheery and impassioned, proud and stupid. I didn't know what to think of him, and that is what made his character, and his character's journey, so engaging. However, once Aelfwyn enters his life he starts to become a worthy man. I love that he doesn't get it right all of the time, either.

Aelfwyn is a sweet girl marred by tragedy and personal abuse. Her emotional fragility is overwhelming in the beginning, but as the story develops she becomes stronger and more resilient. In the end, she is brave to the point of selflessness, with deep emotional impact on the narrative.

"Her ordeal at Bebbanburg had stripped away her illusions about life, but in doing so it had forged her anew. He [Leofric] noted the iron resolve in her and decided he liked it."

For most of the novel, Leofric and Aelfwyn are being hunted. It adds a desperation, and then a weariness, that even as a reader sitting on a couch I began to feel in my muscles and bones. Although much of the book is devoted to this aspect, it never feels repetitive. The interaction between Leofric and Aelfwyn was appropriate to how strangers in a strange circumstance would act. Adding to the stress is the fact that neither lead character is from the ruling class. That means food, money and loyalties are difficult to come by, and the absence of all three impacts choices. I learned a lot about Northumbria and the vagaries of a Dark Ages class system while Leofric and Aelfwyn were fleeing. Optimism, followed by crushing hopelessness, plagues them. I was enthralled to the thrilling end.

--

Intrigued?

Get your copy of THE WHISPERING WIND on Amazon!

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

Dawn of Wolves - deleted scene

The structural edit of DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3, The Kingdom of Mercia) is done, and I'm now working on a revised draft of the novel.

This draft is crucial. It's where I begin to polish the writing, and ensure the story flows properly.

I focus on things like the metaphors and similes I've used - making sure they are as original as possible, and tied to the setting. I read dialogue aloud - to ensure it's natural. It's also the stage where I delete, add and move scenes around. This is where the editor's feedback is crucial. As the writer, I'm way too close to the story to notice any structural issues. Yet, these are essential to the pacing and flow of a good story.

For example, in DAWN OF WOLVES, my editor noted that Chapter One needed to start 'in the middle of things' rather than having a bit of scene setting first. Hence, I have deleted the following scene and, instead, woven some of the details into a revised start where our hero, Wulfhere of Mercia, storms Tamworth to take back the throne.

I still like this scene though... so here it is for you to enjoy. :-)

--

“Your brother has sent word, Milord. When the moon has fully risen, men will open the low gates.”

Wulfhere looked up from where he had been sharpening his sword, Shield Breaker, and fixed the messenger in a cool stare.

“So, he is ready then?”

Werbode – a tall, muscular man with a shock of black hair and a neatly trimmed beard – nodded. Like Wulfhere, the warrior was clad in boiled leather, ready for battle. “He assures us that Oswiu’s stewards are ignorant of our plans. He will be waiting for you in the Great Tower and has a group of men, loyal to him, who will join us once we storm the town.”

Wulfhere cast aside the whetstone he had been using to sharpen the double-edged blade, and rose to his feet.

Finally.

After two years in exile he was about to take back his birthright. Yet, caution tempered his impatience to enter Tamworth.

Is Aethelred loyal?

In truth, his younger brother had always been easier to like than Paeda, his elder brother. Paeda had been a snake. He had betrayed their father on the eve of battle and given away true power over Mercia so that he could marry Oswiu of Bernicia’s daughter, a young woman he had obsessed over. However, wyrd – fate – had turned against Paeda in the end. Rumor had it that Alchflaed, the flame haired beauty Paeda had wed, had slain him while he slept.

Wulfhere had liked Alchflaed, although, in his opinion a woman with such a fiery and willful temperament did not make a good wife. Yet, if she had truly killed Paeda, he applauded her for it. After Paeda’s murder, Alchflaed had disappeared. Both the Northumbrians and Mercians had hunted for her, but she was never found.

“You look pensive, Milord,” Werbode noted, ever watchful. “Does something worry you?”

Wulfhere favored his friend with a thin smile before he slid his sword back into its scabbard.

“We must be wary tonight,” he said, before glancing around the wide clearing where over two-hundred warriors gathered. “I trust few men, and my brother is not among them. When we enter the Great Hall, I want you to keep a close eye on Aethelred.”

Werbode nodded, his gaze shrewd. Wulfhere knew he could depend on the warrior to watch his back tonight.

Dense woodland surrounded the small army. They waited only a few furlongs distant from Tamworth. It was a damp, grey afternoon and the rain was beginning to fall in a light drizzle, the kind of rain that falls silently without disturbing a blade of grass. The rise and fall of men’s voices and the rasp of iron blades – seaxes, swords, axes and spears – being sharpened punctuated the stillness.

Wulfhere’s pulse quickened. It was the sound of men preparing for battle. Long had he awaited this day; long had he planned for it. During the past two years, he had learned patience. He had bided his time, gathered his friends close and built up his strength. There was no point in launching an attack before he was ready. He would only have one chance to retake Tamworth, so he had to do it right.

Wulfhere left Werbode then and walked amongst his men. He listened to their conversations, and exchanged the odd word with some of them. One of his most trusted warriors, Elfhere, waved to him and Wulfhere nodded back.

“Tamworth awaits,” the warrior reminded him. “This time tomorrow you will be sitting upon the high seat, Milord.”

Wulfhere nodded, returning Elfhere’s smile. The tall, blond warrior had left Tamworth after the Northumbrians had taken control of it, and sought Wulfhere out in the wilderness. Elfhere limped slightly, from an old injury, but he was still one of Wulfhere’s best.

Wulfhere continued on his way through the crowd of leather-clad warriors. Morale was good, and they responded to him with smiles and respectful nods. Three Mercian ealdormen had joined him: Immin, Eafa and Eadbert. They were powerful, respected men who had brought their own warriors with them. Wulfhere passed Immin as he circuited the clearing. The hulking ealdorman with a mane of grizzled blond hair grinned at him.

“Fire in your belly yet, Milord?”

Wulfhere grinned back. “Aye. I’m ready for a fight.”

In truth, he was more than ready. He longed to spill Northumbrian blood, to cut down those who had no right occupying his hall or commanding his people.

Soon.

And once it was done he would see Ermenilda again.

Even a year later, he could still picture her clearly. He had known the moment he saw her, that he wanted her. Young and slender, her ethereal beauty had ensnared him. Long, straight blonde hair, a few shades darker than his, flowed over her shoulders, framing a delicately featured face and soulful eyes the color of walnut.

The girl had a demure manner, yet she had held his gaze unflinchingly at the door to her father’s hall. Ermenilda had looked radiant, her cheeks flushed with cold, with snowflakes in her hair.

She was just one more reason he had to take Tamworth.

Wulfhere stopped his circuit around the clearing and glanced up at the sky. The rain was beginning to clear, allowing the watery winter sun to peek through.

Good, we need to be able to see the moon tonight.

Everything depended on this attack going smoothly.

Wulfhere reached up then, his fist closing around the small iron spear he wore on a leather thong around his neck – Tiw, the god of war’s spear. He had not yet renounced the old gods, although the time was coming when he would have to do so. He was not sure he would ever truly cast them aside for the gods of his ancestors meant a lot to him.

Tonight, Tiw would guide his sword and help him regain his birthright.

--

New review for THE BREAKING DAWN

THE BREAKING DAWN has just been reviewed by the Historical Novel Society... 

"Jayne Castel maps a classic troubled love story onto a much broader canvas of war and political intrigue in the first of her 'Kingdom of Mercia' series, The Breaking Dawn."

Read the full review here.

Guest author post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee pots

I'm over at Mary Anne Yarde's blog today, as a guest author. 

Mary asked me to write about the inspiration behind my latest novel: DARKEST BEFORE DAWN.

Check out the blog post.

Mary writes historical fiction in a time period very close to my own. Her debut novel: THE DU LAC CHRONICLES has just been released!

BOOK TRAILER: DAWN OF WOLVES

Work on my next novel, DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3 The Kingdom of Mercia), is steaming ahead. It's the last installment of the series...and an exciting finale!

This story tells of a marriage between two seemingly incompatible people: a ruthless young king and a pious princess who wishes to devote her life to god.

This novel is about the power love wields over us all - and how it can change us for the better.

Wulfhere of Mercia and Ermenilda of Kent were an actual couple who lived in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England... and there are a few legends and stories centered around them.

However, this version of their love story is entirely my own.

Watch this new book trailer to find out more about DAWN OF WOLVES.

Guest post: The inspiration for Queen Sacrifice - Tony Riches

I hope you've been enjoying this series of guest posts by authors who set their novels in the Dark Ages/Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It's been great fun, hosting them!

Our third novel comes from Tony Riches: Queen Sacrifice - the story of love and sacrifice in 10th Century Anglo-Saxon Wales.

Enter to win a Kindle copy of Queen Sacrifice

Tony is offering a Kindle (mobi) file of Queen Sacrifice for one lucky reader.

To enter, just leave a comment below with your opinion about Why Wales makes such a great setting for historical fiction, along with your email address. The winner will be chosen on Friday 18 March 2016.

Let's find out about the background and inspiration for Queen Sacrifice - over to you, Tony!

Inspiration for writing ‘Queen Sacrifice’

"A queen sacrifice always rejoices the heart of the chess-lover." -- Savielly Tartakower (1887-1956).

I live in the wild west of Wales, a country with a long history of conquest and occupation by Viking raiders, Roman invaders - and a succession of English kings. I’ve always been interested in the stories of what life was like in early Wales, particularly in the so-called ‘dark ages’ when we had to rely on the oral tradition and writings of a few educated men.

The idea for my first historical fiction novel, Queen Sacrifice began when I was looking into the early history of Wales and realised we had kings and queens, bishops and castles, with the ordinary people becoming  the ‘pawns’ in their deadly battles for power.
Even those not familiar with chess will appreciate why the idea of deliberately ‘sacrificing’ your best piece for a strategic gain is one of the great moves. Even if the sacrifice is not objectively sound, it often has the effect of throwing your opponent off balance and keeping them guessing, so provided perfect material for a novel.

I’ve always been interested in the idea of a chess game ‘coming to life’ since reading Alice in Wonderland as a child, and decided the narrative would faithfully follow EVERY move in the legendary queen sacrifice game, known as ‘The Game of the Century’ between Donald Byrne and 13-year-old Bobby Fischer in New York City on October 17th, 1956.

I started writing, with the whole of 10th century Wales as my chessboard and the people of the north, the ‘Du’ (Welsh for ‘black’) lining up against the Saxon influenced southern Welsh the Gwyn (Welsh for ‘white’). Thirty-two characters are a lot to establish, so I spent the first six chapters setting the scene.

I also realised I only had two roles for women, so came up with a sister for the Du Queen, a maid for the queen of the Gwyn and a ‘housekeeper’ for one of the bishops. I enjoyed researching authentic Welsh names for them all and learning more about how they would have lived.

I enjoyed creating the ‘backstory’ for each of the sixteen ‘pawn’ characters, providing each with specific strengths - and weaknesses! To stop me from not bothering with those who ‘died’ early on in the actual chess game, I decided to only work three moves ahead. This meant suddenly having to explain how a favourite pawn character is ‘taken’ by, for example, a knight, with sometimes shocking consequences.

Another challenge for a narrative set in the 10th century is communication, as few could read or write. This placed those with education at a distinct advantage, particularly in the conflict between Christianity and the old religion, which has been called ‘pagan’ and ‘Druid’, although both are later labels invented by Victorians.

10th century Bishops seemed to have incredible power and freedom, which perhaps is why they are so important in the game of chess, often working together to trap the unwary. Also like their chess counterparts, my Dark Age knights proved moved with surprising speed and took great personal risks to defend their king and queen.

I learnt a lot researching and writing Queen Sacrifice and although I set my next novel The Shell in present day Kenya (where I lived as a child) I decided to make historical fiction my genre of choice. All my subsequent novels are set in the fifteenth century during the ‘Wars of The Roses’, in which I’ve become something of an expert.

I am currently about to publish ‘JASPER’ the second book of my Tudor trilogy, and It’s encouraging that ‘OWEN’, the first book of the trilogy, about Owen Tudor, the Welsh servant who married the queen, has become an international best-seller, reaching number one on Amazon UK and Australia and top ten Amazon US.

About Tony Riches

Tony Riches is a full time UK historical fiction author living in Pembrokeshire, Wales. You can find out more on Tony’s blog ‘The Writing Desk’ at www.tonyriches.co.uk and find him on Twitter @tonyriches. Queen Sacrifice is available in eBook and paperback on Amazon

--

Comment below for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Queen Sacrifice

To enter, just give us your opinion about Why Wales makes such a great setting for historical fiction (don't forget to include your email address). The winner will be chosen on Friday 18 March 2016.

Guest post: The inspiration for the Du Lac Chronicles - Mary Anne Yarde

Next up on our tour of the Dark Ages is Mary Anne Yarde, whose historical novel, The Du Lac Chronicles: Book #1, has just been released on Amazon.

Mary's novel is set in post-Roman Britain - a tale of love and betrayal. Let's find out what inspired her to write it.

Over to you, Mary!

The inspiration behind the Du Lac Chronicles

As a young child I was inspired by the history and the myths that surrounded me. I grew up near Glastonbury - a small town on the beautiful Somerset Levels - in England, which is steeped in history and legends. The stories of King Arthur and his honourable knights were as much a part of my childhood as the medieval buildings that were a stones throw away from my home. I was surrounded by the past…how could I not take an interest in it?

As a child, I was enchanted by the stories of Arthur…the chivalry, the code of honour and, not forgetting, the romance and the courtly love. As an adult, I wanted to see if there was any truth in these stories – an almost impossible task - I soon discovered.

By AD 400, the Romans had left and the natives were left to rule themselves, that much is clear. But researching the Dark Ages is like looking for a needle in a haystack – when you think you are on the right path, something jumps up at you and throws you off-course and make you question everything you thought you knew.  But the era is fascinating and the more I learnt, the more I wanted to know.

I discovered that, for a while, some things stayed the same, such as the trade links the Romans had initiated. However, this was a time of great political change and this change would alter the course of British history, forever.

In my hunt for Arthur, I came across some rather extraordinary warriors. Their exploits have been recorded, no doubt exaggerated, but there was one warrior who stood out to me above the rest. His name was Cerdic of Wessex.

Cerdic was of Saxon heritage and according to The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, he landed in Hampshire, with his army, at the end of the 5th Century.  From here, he launched a campaign across the southeast of Britain and as far as the Isle of Wight. He was very successful in his bid for power and became the first ever West-Saxon King of Britain in AD 519. Interestingly, the subsequent rulers of England, claim Cerdic as an ancestor.

But here is where it got interesting for me. Cerdic’s exploits and Arthur’s legendary legacy became entwined. Some say their armies once met at Badon Hill…although that is up for speculation. Still, I wanted to explore this possibility some more, and this is where my inspiration for The Du Lac Chronicles came from.

The legend of King Arthur, states that he was mortally wounded at the battle of Camlann. He was taken to Avalon and never heard of again. His knight’s – if they had not already been killed – ended their days in a monastery or became hermits. For me that ending left me feeling deflated. I could not understand why the knights would just give up. It could not end this way. I wanted to explore what happened after Arthur died, further. In particular, I wanted to write about the changing ‘Saxon’ world that these knights now found themselves in. Everything they had ever known, every code they had lived by, was now questionable. It was every man for himself.

The Du Lac Chronicles follows - through the eyes of Lancelot du Lac’s sons - Cerdic of Wessex’s campaign to become High King. The world the du Lac’s had known was to be changed forever by this one man’s determination to enslave the kingdoms under the Saxon yolk. In my story these men, these knights, do not die easily and they certainly do not become hermits! I already had a strong antagonist in Cerdic, a direct comparison to the honourable and chivalrous knights in the House of Du Lac. I wanted to find out what would happen if I brought these two House together. Throw in a forbidden love as well and I hope I have created an enjoyable story.

The Du Lac Chronicles: Book 1

“An evocative, timeless saga of love and betrayal”

Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy

AD 495, Wessex, Briton.

If all you had left was your heart, would you give it to your enemy?

A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.

The powerful Saxon King, Cerdic of Wessex, has spent the last twenty years hunting down Arthur’s noble knights. He is determined to secure his kingdom against any reprisals for killing their legendary leader. The knights who have survived the genocide are destined to spend the rest of their lives in hiding, never revealing who they really are.

The only knight who refused to be intimidated by this Saxon invader was Lancelot du Lac. Lancelot and Cerdic formed a fragile truce, but Lancelot has been dead these past eight years and it has fallen to his sons to protect Briton from the ambitions of the Saxon King.

Alden du Lac, the once king of Cerniw and son of Lancelot, has nothing. Betrayed by Cerdic, Alden’s kingdom lies in rubble, his fort razed to the ground and his brother Merton missing, presumably dead. Cerdic has had Alden tied to a post and ordered his skin to be lashed from his back. In the morning, if Alden is still alive, he is to be executed.

Annis, daughter of King Cerdic of Wessex, has been secretly in love with Alden for what seems like forever. She will not stand by and see him die. She defies father, king, and country to save the man she loves from her father’s dungeons. Alden and Annis flee Wessex together.

To the horror of Alden’s few remaining allies, he has given his heart to the daughter of his enemy. Alden’s allies see Annis, at best, as a bargaining chip to avoid war with her powerful father. At worst, they see a Saxon whore with her claws in a broken, wounded king.

Alden has one hope: When you war with one du Lac, you war with them all. His brother Budic, King of Brittany, could offer the deposed young king sanctuary—but whether he will offer the same courtesy to Annis is far less certain.

Book links

Amazon.uk - paperback edition

Amazon.uk - kindle edition

Amazon.com - paperback edition

Amazon.com - kindle edition

Mary Anne Yarde

Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury—the fabled Isle of Avalon—was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.

At nineteen, Yarde married her childhood sweetheart and began a bachelor of arts in history at Cardiff University, only to have her studies interrupted by the arrival of her first child. She would later return to higher education, studying equine science at Warwickshire College. Horses and history remain two of her major passions. 

Yarde keeps busy raising four children and helping run a successful family business. She has many skills but has never mastered cooking—so if you ever drop by, she (and her family) would appreciate some tasty treats or a meal out!

Contact Mary

author@maryanneyarde.com

www.maryanneyarde.com 

Twitter @maryanneyarde

Facebook 

Blog

Amazon Author’s page 

Guest post: The inspiration for Between Two Fires - Mark Noce

As promised, here is the first of a series of guest posts from other authors who write in 'dark ages' or Anglo-Saxon Britain. What inspires their stories? 

First up is Mark Noce, whose historical novel, Between Two Fires is just six months away from being released. I'm really looking forward to reading this novel - and I must admit I have serious 'cover-envy'!

Over to you, Mark!

The Inspiration for Between Two Fires

Thanks, Jayne for having me here! Jayne and I were talking books the other day, especially about her new release of Darkest before Dawn and my upcoming release of Between Two Fires in August, and she put the question to me: What actually inspired your book? That’s of course an easy and a complex question all at once.

The short of it is, my wife is my muse and inspiration. We talk books all the time, read books every night, and we pretty much live inside books. She certainly feeds all my reading and writing habits. In short, I write stories she likes. So if you like my work, you have my wife to thank for it, because she’s always my primary audience.

I also love writing about “dark ages,” and that’s part of what drew me to writing a novel set in early medieval Wales. Any era where much of the written and archaeological record has been lost fascinates me, because we know there were humans living at the time, going about their lives with all the hopes, loves, and fears we all share, yet we’ve no idea for certain what actually happened. That’s where a fiction writer can help to creatively fill in the gaps that history has left behind.

So what’s my book all about? Below is a blurb about Between Two Fires, which comes out with St. Martin’s Press (Macmillan) on August 23rd. I sincerely hope you enjoy it! You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and you can add it on Goodreads!

Thanks again, Jayne for having me!

Between Two Fires

Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales’ last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King.

But this fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen herself becomes the target of assassinations and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan her world threatens to tear itself apart. Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.

Delving into the Dark Ages - setting novels in Anglo-Saxon Britain

It was a time of kings, battles, blood-feuds and sagas - a time when fate ruled men's lives and swords had names. Welcome to Anglo-Saxon Britannia.

I adore writing novels set in the Anglo-Saxon period. This era has a mystical quality and is steeped in myth, legend and conflict. It emerged from nearly five hundred years of Roman occupation and ended with the Norman Conquest in 1066. Along the way, the face of the British Isles changed forever.

A growing market for Anglo-Saxon historicals

Of course, Bernard Cornwall's The Last Kingdom series, and the recent TV series, has really put this era on the map. However, Cornwall is not the only author out there. Outstanding novels like Hild and The Circle of Ceridwen have also helped popularize this period.

I published my first novel in 2012 (Dark Under the Cover of Night), and since then have noticed an increasing number of those who write in the 'Dark Ages'. There's great fodder for stories in the Anglo-Saxon period - from tales of heroic warriors, forbidden love, battles for power, and kings and queens who must make terrible choices. This is the world that many fantasy writers base their imaginary worlds upon. It all started with Tolkien, whose Middle Earth was largely influenced by the language, culture and people of Anglo-Saxon England.

Showcasing authors

To celebrate this exciting period of British history, and to give you a taster of the talent that's out there - I will be inviting some other authors over to my blog over the next week or so. These talented writers will explain why they love writing in this period, and what inspires them.

First up, is Mark Noce on Wednesday 9 March 2016 - so put it in your diary and we'll see you there!

Note: If you are an author of novels set in the Anglo-Saxon period, and would like to be featured on my blog - please get in touch!

THE DEEPENING NIGHT: free for two days only!

Every author has their favorite novel. Mine (so far...) is THE DEEPENING NIGHT. 

Each novel develops its own personality, its own uniqueness - and I love all the books I've published. However, THE DEEPENING NIGHT is the one with a special place in my heart. The novel has an emotional power that made it a joy to write.

It's the story of an arranged marriage between two strong-willed individuals. The tale of incredible love. Annan and Saewara captivated me from the beginning of their story. They are from warring kingdoms, and have every reason to hate each other - but, they are both more alike then either realize.

As a Christmas present to all my readers, who have not yet read this novel, I am offering THE DEEPENING NIGHT on Amazon Kindle for free, for two days only: 18-19 December 2016.

Here's what readers have said about THE DEEPENING NIGHT so far:

"I enjoyed this book way too much. So much that I was lost to my family until I was finished. It was an emotional roller coaster. The action was intense and the love is unforgettable. A heroine that proves herself in a man's world and a hero that can handle a strong woman. A battle for freedom and a battle to understand that love comes when we least expect it. This story has everything and the only disappointing thing about it was that it ended."

"Such an amazing book. Surely the best book I read this year and one of the best I've ever read. Beautiful story and I could sense the sadness and the happiness of the characters. I cried while reading, which always makes a book better for me! Loved it!"

Intrigued? 

Here's a bit more about the novel:

Spring, 630 A.D... 

Annan of the Wuffingas is now King of the East Angles; following the kingdom's humiliating defeat to Mercia six months earlier. 

He is attempting to make a new start for himself, and his people, when he receives an order from Penda of Mercia - the king he has sworn to bend the knee to. 

He must marry Penda's sister - the recently widowed, Saewara of Tamworth. 

Saewara, free of one bullying husband, only to be promised to another, is filled with despair at the news. 

Both Annan and Saewara are embittered by the sacrifice they must make for their kingdoms: Annan had been planning to wed another, a maid now promised to his brother; while Saewara, numbed by life, had planned to become a nun. 

Wyrd, fate, has other plans for Annan and Saewara. 

What begins as a forced marriage, develops into a battle of wills, and slow-burning passion between Annan and Saewara; two proud individuals, who must come to terms with more than an unwanted marriage. THE DEEPENING NIGHT is a tale of adventure, love and courage that will change, not just their lives, but the course of history.

Want to know more?

Here's a sneak preview of one of my favorite scenes from the book:

Saewara blinked back tears and forced herself to raise her chin and walk with what little dignity she still possessed onto the dance floor. Fortunately, Annan did not look her way. His hand was warm and strong in hers. She did not want to admit it, but his warmth suffused her hand and forearm, and gave her strength. Her fingers tingled from contact with him; a sensation she had never felt when taking her late husband's hand.

He had spoken to her harshly but there had been no roughness in the way he had pulled her to her feet. Despite all that had happened, Saewara felt a strange kinship with her betrothed. They were both humiliated by her brother's continuing delight in making sport of them in front of his ealdormen and thegns.

There would be no respite until they left the Great Tower of Tamworth.

Saewara took her place, opposite Annan at the end of the row of dancers and fixed her gaze upon the center of his chest - easier than raising her chin to look him in the eye as he towered above her.

The bone whistle and lyre, which had halted while Penda pressured them to dance, resumed their tune with renewed vigor. The watching feasters cheered and whistled. Ribald comments rose above the cheering and Saewara's cheeks burned even hotter at some of the filth her brother's men shouted out at them.

How I loathe this place, she thought, grinding her teeth in fury. She might have been going to a new home, one where she would be reviled, but the knowledge that she would only have to spend one more night under her brother's roof gave her a grim satisfaction.

The dancers exploded into movement, and Saewara had no more time to think on her humiliation, for suddenly, Annan had taken both her hands and was pulling her toward him.

Saewara's stomach dipped; an odd, dizzying sensation.

I should not have drunk so much mead.

It had been years since she had danced. Egfrid had hated dancing, and once the obligatory courtship rituals had been taken care of, he had never taken part in dancing on feast days, or even at Beltaine or Yule. It had been just as well, since he had been a poor dancer, and his brutality that started soon after they were wed, made her loath to touch him.

A strange thrill went through Saewara when Annan's hand rested on her waist for an instant. Then, he twirled her away from him. Saewara's heart pounded against her ribs. The heat of his hand had reached her skin, even through the thick fabric of her tunic.

Remembering the steps she had been taught as a girl, she dipped and curtsied before her partner, before circling coquettishly around him.

The hall roared around her, but Saewara ignored them all, concentrating on the dance. She stepped back toward Annan, and he took hold of both her hands. Together, they ran down the archway of raised arms to the end, before raising their own arms together, while the next couple began their dance.

Breathing heavily, Saewara finally raised her gaze to her betrothed's face. His gaze snared hers and for a few moments, under the privacy of their raised arms, they stared at each other.

Saewara stood, transfixed. A wave of need consumed her; a hunger that took her breath away. She had never experienced a sensation like it before in her twenty-five winters - the intensity of it frightened her.

***

Download your free copy of THE DEEPENING NIGHT now!

Book Review: Ceridwen of Kilton (Circle of Ceridwen Trilogy #2) by Octavia Randolph

A great sequel to the first book in this series. 

Ceridwen of Kilton has a very different feel to the first book - due largely to the fact that Ceridwen is now a wife and a mother. She does not move from Kilton during the duration of the story. However this does not slow the plot down at all - plenty happens at Kilton to keep the reader engrossed! During the first novel, she is very young, optimistic and naive about herself and others. During this novel, she starts to mature.

Warning: a few potential spoilers ahead!

Ceridwen's new life is overshadowed by the threat of Viking attacks on Kilton, and she cannot forget the Dane, Sidroc, who she left behind in the north. Gyric, Ceridwen's husband, is a changed man when he returns to Kilton. The loss of his sight has stripped him of any sense of self-worth, and although Ceridwen initially ignores this, hoping that their love will conquer his maiming, it eventually starts to affect their relationship. To complicate matters, his brother reveals his obsession for her, which results in an odd - and slightly uncomfortable - episode between the three of them (I won't elaborate here, or I will spoil the story for those who have not yet read it!).

Once again, Octavia Randolph brings Anglo-Saxon England to life in this richly detailed tale of one woman's survival in a brutal time. The character development is excellent and, once again, I can't wait to read the next installment!

Buy a copy of this book on Amazon.