The Beltane Choice by Nancy Jardine
Lorcan of the Brigantes knows that unity of the northern tribes is essential when the Ancient Roman legions advance northwards to Brigantia. Yet, everything comes at a price. Using his captive, Nara, as a political bargain with the Selgovae comes with impossible stipulations. Battle at Whorl – Iron Age tribes against the Romans – is inevitable.
Will Nara have her Beltane choice?
The adventures of the Garrigill Clan begin…
This
first book in the Celtic Fervour series is an action-pact filled
novel with intrigue in what promises to be an addictive series.
AD 71 and the northern tribes must work together to stop the Romans from entering their territory. When Lorcan of the Brigante people meets Nara of the Selgovae, there's a reason for both to be suspicious of each other. Yet in time, they find a common attraction. however, fate has other ideas for these warriors who face making personal sacrifices for the clans they united and represent.
As meetings go, I laughed at Ms Jardine's original and fun way the protagonists find each other. With Lorcan spotting Nara hiding in a tree, trying to escape an attack from a wild boar, I enjoyed their electrically charged but tense introduction at a time when anyone could be suspected as a potential enemy. With vivid descriptions of the settings, I visualised the scenery and the backdrop of not only this scene but the whole narrative.
Although I do read historical novels, this is the first I have read during this time period. What shines brightly within the narrative are the details the author has meticulously researched to create not only an intriguing romance between two people from different clans but an insightful portrayal of the lives and struggles of these people during the early Roman occupation of England. I feel truly educated having not only learning about the late iron age era but the culture of the people of this time. It's riveting, making compelling reading along with the fascinating relationship rituals woven in between.
With a satisfying conclusion and the foundations laid for book two, I can't wait to dive in and continue with this captivating tale of life during the Roman occupation.
***Review copy received courtesy of Ocelot Press via Rachel's Random Resources***
AD 71 and the northern tribes must work together to stop the Romans from entering their territory. When Lorcan of the Brigante people meets Nara of the Selgovae, there's a reason for both to be suspicious of each other. Yet in time, they find a common attraction. however, fate has other ideas for these warriors who face making personal sacrifices for the clans they united and represent.
As meetings go, I laughed at Ms Jardine's original and fun way the protagonists find each other. With Lorcan spotting Nara hiding in a tree, trying to escape an attack from a wild boar, I enjoyed their electrically charged but tense introduction at a time when anyone could be suspected as a potential enemy. With vivid descriptions of the settings, I visualised the scenery and the backdrop of not only this scene but the whole narrative.
Although I do read historical novels, this is the first I have read during this time period. What shines brightly within the narrative are the details the author has meticulously researched to create not only an intriguing romance between two people from different clans but an insightful portrayal of the lives and struggles of these people during the early Roman occupation of England. I feel truly educated having not only learning about the late iron age era but the culture of the people of this time. It's riveting, making compelling reading along with the fascinating relationship rituals woven in between.
With a satisfying conclusion and the foundations laid for book two, I can't wait to dive in and continue with this captivating tale of life during the Roman occupation.
***Review copy received courtesy of Ocelot Press via Rachel's Random Resources***
A member of the Historical Novel Society; Scottish Association of Writers; Federation of Writers Scotland; Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Independent Alliance of Authors, her work has achieved finalist status in UK competitions.
Website: www.nancyjardineauthor.com/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/XeQdkG & http://on.fb.me/1Kaeh5G
Twitter https://twitter.com/nansja
Amazon Author page http://viewauthor.at/mybooksandnewspagehere
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Wow! Thank you for such a fantastic review. I'm so glad you enjoyed meeting Nara and Lorcan. It's a fascinating era to research and I think you can see I love to write about it!
ReplyDeleteYes, your enthusiasm shows in your writing.
ReplyDelete