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english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
I was approved for this title on Netgalley by Covenant Communications.
I liked this book. In fact, I think it might be one of my favourites by this author. She took a lesser-known event in Welsh history and wove a storyline around it, incorporating political intrigue and many elements of Welsh culture into the story as well as fascinating historical details about Kingdoms and rulers. I also liked the audiobook narrator and how he handled a Welsh accent: they're not easy, nor is accurately pronouncing Welsh names.
I also preferred how the romance took the back foot slightly in this story: although I did feel at times as though the heroine was a bit too passive and sappy, just crying all the time because she didn't like the guy, she was going to marry but not really doing anything much. She did improve, but some elements of that still came out.
Two things ruined this story for me: enough to yank me out of the historical setting.
1: Gaelic:
There were constant references throughout to Welsh people speaking Gaelic. People in Wales do not speak Gaelic: they speak Welsh. People in Medieval Wales did not speak Gaelic: they too spoke Welsh.
Is this a minor nit-pick? Well, no I don't think so because Welsh and Gaelic are not the same language: they are quite different to the point that a Gaelic speaker would not be able to understand Welsh on the basis of the former.
The thing is, it doesn't take much research to find out what the historic language of Wales is: something which was especially frustrating since this book got so many details right. I do not understand why such a basic mistake would be made. Saying the Welsh speak Gaelic is like thinking the English speak German or that the people in Romania speak French. After all aren't they both romance languages?
2: Vikings
Everything I have read about the Viking raids says that they ended in the 11th century, or the years 1000-1099. By 1140 (according to what I read) The peoples of Scandinavia were well and truly were Christianised and the raids were a thing of the (not too distant) past.
If this novel had been set a century earlier this would not have been an issue: but as such including not just Vikings put "pagan" Vikings raiding monasteries and having barely heard of Christianity despite living in Ireland for centuries is as bad as putting Richard Sharpe and a division of Redcoats with Muskets in the trenches of WW1.
I guess I find this tendency to just randomly throw Vikings into any part of history from Roman to Tudor times because they are fashionable immensely frustrating. Would we employ that kind of anachronism with any other group pf people from history? Probably not.
Really, the story didn't need Vikings or need Leif to be a Viking. He could have just been a man of Irish birth and Scandinavian heritage. He could have been any kind of outsider: a Norman even someone from another Welsh Kingdom.
Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
I liked this book. In fact, I think it might be one of my favourites by this author. She took a lesser-known event in Welsh history and wove a storyline around it, incorporating political intrigue and many elements of Welsh culture into the story as well as fascinating historical details about Kingdoms and rulers. I also liked the audiobook narrator and how he handled a Welsh accent: they're not easy, nor is accurately pronouncing Welsh names.
I also preferred how the romance took the back foot slightly in this story: although I did feel at times as though the heroine was a bit too passive and sappy, just crying all the time because she didn't like the guy, she was going to marry but not really doing anything much. She did improve, but some elements of that still came out.
Two things ruined this story for me: enough to yank me out of the historical setting.
1: Gaelic:
There were constant references throughout to Welsh people speaking Gaelic. People in Wales do not speak Gaelic: they speak Welsh. People in Medieval Wales did not speak Gaelic: they too spoke Welsh.
Is this a minor nit-pick? Well, no I don't think so because Welsh and Gaelic are not the same language: they are quite different to the point that a Gaelic speaker would not be able to understand Welsh on the basis of the former.
The thing is, it doesn't take much research to find out what the historic language of Wales is: something which was especially frustrating since this book got so many details right. I do not understand why such a basic mistake would be made. Saying the Welsh speak Gaelic is like thinking the English speak German or that the people in Romania speak French. After all aren't they both romance languages?
2: Vikings
Everything I have read about the Viking raids says that they ended in the 11th century, or the years 1000-1099. By 1140 (according to what I read) The peoples of Scandinavia were well and truly were Christianised and the raids were a thing of the (not too distant) past.
If this novel had been set a century earlier this would not have been an issue: but as such including not just Vikings put "pagan" Vikings raiding monasteries and having barely heard of Christianity despite living in Ireland for centuries is as bad as putting Richard Sharpe and a division of Redcoats with Muskets in the trenches of WW1.
I guess I find this tendency to just randomly throw Vikings into any part of history from Roman to Tudor times because they are fashionable immensely frustrating. Would we employ that kind of anachronism with any other group pf people from history? Probably not.
Really, the story didn't need Vikings or need Leif to be a Viking. He could have just been a man of Irish birth and Scandinavian heritage. He could have been any kind of outsider: a Norman even someone from another Welsh Kingdom.
Thanks to the publisher for approving me for this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
robertsonreadstoomuch's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great Viking story. I loved the link to Sian Bessey's family history. I always enjoy her writing.
The romance was a little lack luster for me. Too much instant attraction. I wish we had a more natural progression of their feelings.
The romance was a little lack luster for me. Too much instant attraction. I wish we had a more natural progression of their feelings.
golightlyflute's review
2.0
As much as I have enjoyed this author’s works, this one was my least favorite. I would also call this historical fiction.
I felt that I would get more out of this story if I listened to this book instead of stumbling over ALL the difficult to pronounce (for one whom English is my only language) names. This would have been a great idea if only the reader wasn’t so horrible. All the guys sounded the same. All the ladies sounded the same with a slightly higher voice than the male reader. Geez. Never “reading”another one like this again.
I felt that I would get more out of this story if I listened to this book instead of stumbling over ALL the difficult to pronounce (for one whom English is my only language) names. This would have been a great idea if only the reader wasn’t so horrible. All the guys sounded the same. All the ladies sounded the same with a slightly higher voice than the male reader. Geez. Never “reading”another one like this again.
hollys_book_musings's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this Historical Romance mainly because of the mystery, intrigue, and the fact that the setting takes place in Ireland and some other ancient kingdom I hadn’t heard of and involves Vikings.
Well written with good detail. Tender love story.
I listened to it and didn’t care much for the narrator, found him a bit dry, but the story itself was excellent!
CW: Violence, murder, kidnapping, kissing only
TW: loss of father
Well written with good detail. Tender love story.
I listened to it and didn’t care much for the narrator, found him a bit dry, but the story itself was excellent!
CW: Violence, murder, kidnapping, kissing only
TW: loss of father
jesforeverlostinbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
A Viking Historical Romance… yes please! Sian Ann Bessey seamlessly weaves fact & fiction in this beautiful tale that transports you to 1141 off the coasts of Ireland & Wales. I’ve never read a book during this time period & found it fascinating. I loved the authors note that explains that the story is actually based on actual historical events & people. There is mystery, intrigue & political maneuvering. It started off a bit slow for me but by the end I couldn’t put it down. I loved Rihanna & Lief’s forbidden romance & their love of the sea! They come from different cultures & backgrounds yet they find a way to be together. It’s a story about love, forgiveness & looking past our prejudices to see people for who they truly are. A beautiful historical romance rich in history with Vikings, ancient kingdoms, mystery & intrigue… seriously what’s not to love!
thestagedstory's review
5.0
Absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put it down! The story flowed so well. I haven’t read any other books about Vikings so I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but this was definitely better than I imagined!
The story acknowledges the cultural differences and beliefs associated with them. Even though I don’t know much about Vikings it felt historically accurate and in line with what I’d expect. The characters were well written as well. The dual point of view is my favorite and I felt that it was crucial to this story.
Definitely recommend this book!!
The story acknowledges the cultural differences and beliefs associated with them. Even though I don’t know much about Vikings it felt historically accurate and in line with what I’d expect. The characters were well written as well. The dual point of view is my favorite and I felt that it was crucial to this story.
Definitely recommend this book!!
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
When I heard this book was about Vikings, I was intrigued. It was even better than I imagined! Based on a true story, Sian Ann Bessey weaves a riveting tale of mystery, romance, forgiveness, and redemption. From the first, the story captured my imagination and I found it hard to put down. The attention to historical detail really made this story and time period come alive.
Rhiannon is an intelligent, thoughtful woman who loves the sea and finds solace and comfort from it. When a dinner welcoming a potential husband is disrupted by a brutal Viking attack, her world is turned upside down. Literally orphaned, she goes to live with Owain Gwynedd, the King of Cymry now known as modern Wales. When her cousin’s betrothed is brutally murdered, Rhiannon must decide if she is willing to trust her enemy to find the truth.
Leif, son of a Viking ruler is expected to take part in the raids bringing supplies and wealth home. In the last raid though, he can’t forget the beautiful woman whose world was shattered by their actions. Her parting words seared his soul. Leif seeks out the local Christian priest to better understand their meaning. Profoundly affected by this notion of redemption and forgiveness, Leif stops participating in raids and takes up a new profession as a silver smith.
When the brother of the Cymry King arrives on their shores pleading innocence in the murder of his niece’s betrothed, Leif offers to travel to Cymry and investigate, since he speaks Gaelic. When he sees Rhiannon again, he’s determined to seek her forgiveness and return what rightfully belongs to her. As the two form an unlikely friendship, they work to find the truth behind the murder.
I loved this story! The romance between seeming enemies was beautifully done. I loved how Rhiannon’s heart is softened by Leif’s sincerity. The mystery was compelling and I loved the way the clues were revealed throughout. The suspenseful ending leading up to a dramatic conclusion had me quickly turning the pages.
I loved visiting this time period and hope that the author continues writing books in this world. Highly recommend this book to historical fiction and romance readers. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5.
Rhiannon is an intelligent, thoughtful woman who loves the sea and finds solace and comfort from it. When a dinner welcoming a potential husband is disrupted by a brutal Viking attack, her world is turned upside down. Literally orphaned, she goes to live with Owain Gwynedd, the King of Cymry now known as modern Wales. When her cousin’s betrothed is brutally murdered, Rhiannon must decide if she is willing to trust her enemy to find the truth.
Leif, son of a Viking ruler is expected to take part in the raids bringing supplies and wealth home. In the last raid though, he can’t forget the beautiful woman whose world was shattered by their actions. Her parting words seared his soul. Leif seeks out the local Christian priest to better understand their meaning. Profoundly affected by this notion of redemption and forgiveness, Leif stops participating in raids and takes up a new profession as a silver smith.
When the brother of the Cymry King arrives on their shores pleading innocence in the murder of his niece’s betrothed, Leif offers to travel to Cymry and investigate, since he speaks Gaelic. When he sees Rhiannon again, he’s determined to seek her forgiveness and return what rightfully belongs to her. As the two form an unlikely friendship, they work to find the truth behind the murder.
I loved this story! The romance between seeming enemies was beautifully done. I loved how Rhiannon’s heart is softened by Leif’s sincerity. The mystery was compelling and I loved the way the clues were revealed throughout. The suspenseful ending leading up to a dramatic conclusion had me quickly turning the pages.
I loved visiting this time period and hope that the author continues writing books in this world. Highly recommend this book to historical fiction and romance readers. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5.
readingintheweehours's review
4.0
This was my first book by Sian Ann Bessey. What a great adventure!
Rhiannon and Leif have to cross some pretty big divides
to come together - loss, position, faith, family, etc. I haven’t read much of the Vikings, but I’d like to now!
Rhiannon and Leif have to cross some pretty big divides
to come together - loss, position, faith, family, etc. I haven’t read much of the Vikings, but I’d like to now!