Avelynn by Marissa Campbell
Marissa Campbell’s debut novel is a winning combination of romance, history, and adventure sure to appeal to fans of Diana Gabaldon.
It is 869. For eighteen years, Avelynn, the beautiful and secretly pagan daughter of the Eadlorman of Somerset has lived in an environment of love and acceptance. She hasn’t yet found a man to make her heart race, but her father has not pressured her to get married. Until now. With whispers of war threatening their land, her father forces Avelynn into a betrothal with Demas, a man who only covets her wealth and status. The dreaded marriage looming, she turns to her faith, searching for answers in an ancient ritual along the coast, only to find Alrik the Blood-Axe and sixty Viking berserkers have landed.
Alrik is unlike any man she has ever known, strong and intriguing. Likewise, he instantly falls for her beauty and courage. The two stumble into a passionate love affair, but it’s more than just a greedy suitor who will try to keep them apart.
As the Saxons and Vikings go to war, Avelynn and Alrik find themselves caught in the throes of fate. Can they be true to their people as well as to each other?
Book Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/7i9KPQHeEdk
PRAISE
“Marissa Campbell brings a long-forgotten era splendidly to life in this adventurous and passionate debut.” – Susanna Kearsley, New York Times bestselling author
“Avelynn is a captivating tale of star-crossed lovers. He is a Viking and she is a Saxon. Their struggle to be together will lead you on an exciting journey through a background filled with rich and detailed description.” – Connie Mason, New York Times bestselling author of Viking Warrior
“Marissa Campbell’s Avelynn is a fast-paced, rollicking historical novel whose irresistible heroine starts out as the willful daughter of a Saxon earl and evolves into a warrior and leader, as fierce as she is passionate.” – Barbara Rogan, author of A Dangerous Fiction and Suspicion
“A hot-blooded tale of Viking invasion, Saxon valor, and a love that conquers kingdoms. Get ready to be bewitched by the bold, brave Avelynn.” – Barbara Kyle, author of The Queen’s Exiles
Look for her debut historical fiction Avelynn coming September 8th, 2015, from St. Martin’s Press. Currently, hard at work on the second book in the Avelynn series, she is a proud member of the Historical Novel Society, Romance Writers of America, Writer’s Community of Durham Region, and local critique group B7.
When she is not writing, she is busy looking after her wonderful children, spending time with her fantastic husband, hanging out with her awesome friends, teaching yoga, dancing, laughing, and having fun!
For more information visit http://marissacampbell.com. You can also follow Marissa Campbell on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Review
Series: Avelynn #1
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
ISBN: 9781250063939
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Written: 28 September, 2015
If you like historical romance featuring Vikings, this book is definitely a good choice for you. Full of historical facts from 9th century England, Campbell's novel invokes a feeling of companionship with the lead character Avelynn, a secret pagan in the realm of Christianity and daughter of an Earl, who wants nothing more than to marry for love. Having grown up in a time of peace, the young woman enjoys her independence and being able to own her own land, but change is coming. Her father, fearing war is approaching, pushes her into an engagement with a young man who only wants her for her wealth and status.
Campbell's writing is easy to read and enchanting for readers, making it difficult to set down the book for need of knowing what will happen next. Throughout the book, Avelynn begins to discover things both about herself and her religion as she falls into a love affair with the leader of a Viking party. Fast paced, witty, and a treat of delight, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Outlander or The Graham Saga by Anna Belfrage.
Now I have to read The Graham Saga!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful review, Kathryn.
In gratitude,
Marissa xo