The Briton and the Dane: Concordia
Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw. Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia’s shores to study at the King’s Court School at Winchester.
Enter Concordia, a beautiful noble woman whose family is favored by the king. Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor. She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred’s court and ignites her yearning passions.
Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome, but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man. As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain’s bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.
While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor. Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.
Amazon Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars This book has everything a person could want in Historical Fiction, January 15, 2013
By
Quietclayer “Mary” (Florissant, MO USA) – See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition)
It’s not my way to reiterate the story line in a review. I prefer to give my opinion of the writer’s ability to paint pictures with words and engage the reader.
Mary Ann Bernal paints lavishly vivid pictures of the romantic and exotic locales in this excellent book. The characters are fully detailed, physically, mentally and emotionally. The reader is fully engaged from the first page. Drawn into a world of romance, intrigue, duplicity and adventure, I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction or even just an excellent story. This book is right up there with Pillars of the Earth, if you liked that book, you will like this one. Don’t miss it.
5.0 out of 5 stars History brought to life, January 30, 2013
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This review is from: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition)
This is the first of Mary Ann Bernal’s novels I’ve read but it won’t be the last! I enjoy historical fiction but don’t want to be bombarded with facts at the expense of a good story so, I’m delighted to say, the author did not disappoint.
Concordia, a wilful, spoilt young girl, brought up close to the court of King Alfred during the late 9th century, has her heart stolen by an exotic, foreign dignatory before he returns to his homeland. Her infatuation and naievity take her on a journey, by boat, to Europe and beyond. The scenes are beautifully set to stage battles, voyages and royal courts and the reader sees through Concordia’s eyes the violent, often uncivilised times she lives in, as well as the honour, gallantry and bravery of many of the characters. Part of me wanted to see Concordia’s journey from naievity and innocence to maturity and wisdom but that would have been a different story!This book receives my 5* rating as I loved the story telling, would recommend to others and read again. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Purchase Links:
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http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-briton-and-the-dane-mary-ann-bernal/1114188424?ean=9781481889940
Author Bio:
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
Contact Info:
Webpage: http://www.maryannbernal.com
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