The Shipwreck

The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch #0.5

by Glynnis Campbell

THE SHIPWRECK - THE LEGEND OF RIVENLOCH IS BORN
The origin novella for the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch by Glynnis Campbell

When his wife and children die, Viking marauder Brandr has nothing left to live for, so he sails away on one final voyage. A storm at sea leaves him shipwrecked, alone, and barely alive on a foreign coastline. Along the Pictish shore, Avril, a warrior maid and the victim of a Viking berserker, banished from her ancestral home of Rivenloch to a seaside cottage, dreams of the day she’ll raise her sword, take back the castle that is rightfully hers, and find her half-Viking daughter a proper father. Discovering a broad-shouldered, fair-haired, broken castaway washed up on her beach among the wreckage of his longship, she takes him captive and binds him in chains. She refuses to be a Viking’s victim again...never imagining that soon her fiercest enemy will earn her trust, invade her heart, and enthrall her senses.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Viking Romance, Fiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2013

About the author

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GLYNNIS CAMPBELL is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling "medieval action-adventure romances," mostly set in Scotland, and a charter member of The Jewels of Historical Romance--12 internationally beloved authors. She has over two dozen books published in eight languages. Glynnis once rocked in an all-girl band called The Pinups on CBS Records, did voiceovers for the MTV animated series, "The Maxx," Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and Star Wars audio adventures, and is married to a rock star. She loves to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!

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BOOK LIST

The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch
The Shipwreck
A Yuletide Kiss
Lady Danger
Captive Heart
Knight's Prize
A Rivenloch Christmas

The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch
The Storming
Bride of Fire
Bride of Ice
Bride of Mist
My Champion
My Warrior
My Hero

The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch
Laird of Steel
Laird of Flint

Medieval Outlaws
The Reiver
Danger's Kiss
Passion's Exile
Desire's Ransom

Scottish Lasses
The Outcast
MacFarland's Lass
MacAdam's Lass
MacKenzie's Lass

California Legends
The Stowaway
Native Gold
Native Wolf
Native Hawk

Reviews

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is from: The Shipwreck (The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch Novella) (Kindle Edition)
I have been reading books from this author for many years and have enjoyed every single book she has written whether it was under one of her pen names Sarah McKerrigan, Kira Morgan or her real name Glynnis Campbell. I have read every single book she has put out and to my utmost pleasure this lovely novella " The Shipwreck" was no different as it had me captivated from the very first sentence of the book to the very last word in the book.

The story is prequel from Ms. Campbell's previous series The Warrior Maid's of Rivenloch as originally the print books were under her pen name of Sarah McKerrigan which name are under her given name Glynnis Campbell which are available in digital ebook:
Book 1. Lady Danger
Book 2. Captive Heart
Book 3! Knights Prize
I definitely recommend you to read this series after you finish The Shipwreck as each book is truly beautifully written but you can read them alone as well. I personally think it is more fun to read them in the book order, but of course the choice is yours.

This amazing book is about Avril a pict warrior maid of Rivenloch, but her evil brothers send her into exile due to jealousy her being the rightful heir of her ancestral home and fear they will kill her infant daughter and other reasons I won't disclose not wanting to spoil this beautiful story for any of the readers. Avril has gone through many hardships since the death of her father as she was also raped by a viking berserker five years ago where she is raising her half Viking daughter Kimberly who she adores and are living in a small cottage on the seacoast by meager means but she is a survivor. Yet as unlikely that is to to happen Avril dreams of getting a husband and storming Rivenloch and retrieving her birth-rite back and exiling or killing her evil brothers.

The hero in this story is Brandr a Viking marauder on his final voyage as he had lost his wife and children and village to illness. Brandr and his men looking to settle on new land, but he and his men get caught in a terrible storm and Brandr is swept up on Avril"s beach. Due to Avril's past hurts,fear and hatred she knocks him out chains Brandr up in her cottage and makes him a prisoner. Although she treats all his wounds and feeds him as well. I must say her daughter Kimmy is a definite scene stealer in this book! Kimmy seems to read that Brandr is no threat and had decided to make him her Da and adopt him in a way. I laughed so much, the little girl is such a little precocious rascal I really adored her character in this story. The way she stretches the truth and as much as Avril insists he is not her Da she still calls him her Da although sometimes just a whisper if her Ma is getting too annoyed. Well after all they both have the same coloring oh I really adored so many of Kimmys lines in this book I found so humorous! Of course after Avril opens her heart and puts her prejudice aside and sees Brandr's true character and that not all vikings are alike and just maybe one Viking might make all her dreams come true.

I really loved this beautiful story and as a fan of the Rivenloch Warrior Maiden series I found it so interesting of how the legend of the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch began. I recommend this book to all as "The Shipwreck" totally rocked. I totally loved it!!!
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[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way this author writes because she pulls you quickly into her stories. My only complaint is the ending. Not wanting to leave spoiler's, but I wanted thee details of how something was captured. We go from a thought of what they would do, to years in the future of the outcome. I felt cheated so deducted a star.

The little girl was an absolute gem. I laughed out loud at her innocence in asking questions and her loving way.

There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5.

There is some suspense, twists, HEA, romance builds slowly, tad of spice, no cheating and no cliffhanger, but you will want more as to the ending. Don't get me wrong, no cliffhanger, just felt a chuck was missing how things were accomplished. (ljb)

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Caution: the Pict heroine made reference***
to her rape 5 yrs earlier by a Viking berserker.


9th century Pictland.

Viking marauder Brandr, his bros & crew got caught
in a storm and shipwrecked. All presumed dead. Avril
& her young dtr drug Brandr's body to their cabin, &
got him near the fire. And proceeded to chain him.

This story seemed too modern in places. Avril did not
convince me she was a warrior maid, even though she
sparred w/ her 4 year old dtr who used a wooden sword.

I liked the H better than the h & the story pieces fit to-
gether too soon and too perfectly.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washed ashore, Brandt the Viking is captured by the beautiful Pict Avril and her wee daughter Kimberly. Having lost his wife and children to disease and his men in the shipwreck, he feels deep despair. But a beautiful strong woman and her trusting child gave him hope. How can two people from different cultures make a life together? *****

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally read the book from whence the maidens of Rivenloch started from. A great short read back to the beginning. Arvil was banished from her rights as heir to Rivenloch by her 4 unworthy brothers. While taking care of her daughter the come upon a Viking half dead on the beach. Arvil drags him back to her cottage and leashes him to the wall. Over the next few days she realizes that he Brandr is not like other Vikings who pillage, kill and rape, like what was done to her. Brandr told her he had a wife and children who died in the plague. He understands why she is afraid at first. They finally came to rely on each other and when his brothers find him, he devise a plan to get her heritage back. A great short story that starts it all!!

[Andrea Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an edge of your seat, nailbiting story. I was entranced from the beginning. Avril, a Pictish woman, does everything in her power to protect her daughter, Kimbery. Until fate throws Brandr, a Viking warrior, on their shore. What's is Avril to do? A man she doesn't trust is now in her keep. But can she keep herself from falling for this Viking or does she keep her heart locked and guarded to protect herself and her daughter? I honestly root for Brandr to soften Avril and the three of them to become a family. Does this happen you ask? You will have to read The Shipwreck to find out. Glynnis Campbell does an awesome job of writing this book and adding the Norse gods in the story. I can't wait to read more about Avril and Brandr.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avril was set apart from her village and her family castle Rivenloch taken from her...all because she was attacked and ravished by a Viking during a raid. She has a half Viking daughter as a result. She has dreams of one day taking back her home and lands. One day she finds a shipwrecked Viking. She binds him in chains for she vows not to be attacked again. Brandr is the Viking's name and this was to be his last voyage after suffering the loss of his wife and children. Will Avril get her home and lands again? What does she do with Brandr? I really enjoyed this book. I recommend this book to everyone who likes Glynnis Campbell's books.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read for a rainy night at home while hearing the thunderstorm in the background.
I really enjoyed this novella. I laughed at the daughter's antics who had a good strong mind of her own. I was wary of the stranger along with her mother. I wanted to escape as much as the hero. I loved the way the heroine made new decisions about how to look at what happened in her past and be released from it going forward. Clean sex scene. Looking forward to read the trilogy which happens about 200-300 years after this prequel.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous Romance

Avril and Brandr start out as enemies. After all, the Vikings reeked havoc on the land and its people. Can their enmity survive the power of love? Caution: If you start reading Glynnis Campbell's books, you won't want to stop. She weaves a spell that keeps you coming back for more. Don't start reading before you go to bed; you won't want to go to sleep. Don't start reading before you go to work, you will be late. When she says she writes stories to keep you up all night, she means it.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this story along time ago and forgot that I had but I enjoyed it probably more the second time than the first time.
It is a great start of a series( THE WARRIORS MAIDENS OF RIVENLOCH).
A really good story. Not once was it boring. The love scene was very steamy, and sensuously sexy . The little girl is darling and stubborn. Terrific ending for a good short story.
This is the first book (novella) and it is the best of the series. Lady Danger (book 1) was not near as good as this story and I did not read the next books in the series yet.

[Tammy Nitschke Sokol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

I don't know why someone would say this novel is not good! I don't know what they read, but I felt it was a lovely story. A Strong woman in a time and place where most women were never taught to be warriors. She's the heir chosen to inherit over her brothers by her father. In a horrible battle her father is killed and the keep is taken from her by her brothers. Find out what else happens!!! Well worth reading!!

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story as part of "Warriors of Odin" compilation.
I love the way this author uses words and images to seduce the readers mind to a different time and place.
A shipwrecked viking is found and rescued by a Picton lass, who had no empathy towards vikings, due to her past. They end up with much more than either of them could imagine. A wonderfully told tale.

[SuzyHD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, Fun

The start to this series will have you eager to dive into the next book. Needing to protect her daughter Kimbery, Avril keeps the Viking she captured secured in her cottage. Lots of interesting developments as the Viking, Brandr struggles to obtain his freedom. Kimbery is definitely my favorite with all the antics of a five year old. Highly recommended.

[Beverly Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

I read this book last, having read the three books each about a Rivenloch sister. Either way you read the series all are excellent reads that make you want to read more!

[Cinnamon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It was fast paced and had your attention the whole time. The Shipwreck is a great book that I recommend to all romance lovers.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this Viking novella ! Beautifully written.

[Terry Wessling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved the idea of strong women, each one strong in her own way. Have read all of this series. Thank you so much.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to the series. Just wish the author would have extended the story longer to taking back the castle.

[Dina Entry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The story line is well done. Avril and Brandr’s tale is very enjoyable and a page turner. Couldn’t wait to see how the story would unfold.

[Jennifer Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at original release in e-book form

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

Well paced, with entrancing characters and an almost plausible plot this is a gem. And lovely Norse myths interspersed as. Ed time tales

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story

I loved this story..
It unfolded to tell the love story of a defeated sad Viking and a brave pict girl. Sounded like a true story.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Tale about Rivenloch Origins

I had previously read the series of the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch a couple of years ago and thought it was entertaining. I just happened to stumble that it had some novellas and decided to read them.
The shipwreck is about Avril, the heir of Rivenloch who was raped by a Viking beserk and got pregnant. Her brothers decided to exile her and her daughter and fend for themselves. There, she encounters Brandr whose boat was shipwrecked on her island. She instinctively fears him and holds him captive by chaining him to a wall. Her four year old daughter, not knowing who her father is, calls him dad due to the same characteristics of the color of hair they share. Eventually, both Avril and Brandr develop a physical attraction to each other due to their assessments of their personalities when they interact with her daughter. The ending felt too rushed and I wished that the author would describe how Brandr and his men helped Avril get her land back.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shipwreck: An Enemies to Lovers Viking Romance (The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch), my first read from author Glynnis Campbell, an author my wife has been reading for years, 178-pages of Scottish historical romance, the prequel to The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch. With more than 80 books published, my wife as a fan and a recent trip to Scotland I look forward to reading more from this this author with Lady Danger: An Enemies to Lovers Scottish Medieval Romance Adventure (The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch Book 1) high on my TBR list. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I will probably reread it at a further time. I however didn’t like the abrupt end where everything is wrapped up without it being part of a story. Would’ve loved to see the ending played out rather than just described in the epilogue. I loved how the Viking that she found was completely different than what her previous experiences with Vikings were. I would love to have seen the story be longer. Will recommend Glynnis Campbell and read more of her books. I recommend this book but beware, it does end abruptly leaving the reader wanting more...it will also lead you to want to continue to read more of these warrior women. Book can be read in one sitting or an evening.

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to the Riverloch series whereby a Pict warrior mother with child is isolated from her castle when marauders attack. Making a life for herself and daughter on a secluded island, she comes across a shipwrecked Viking on her shores. Tending to him during captivity, she doesn't trust him from past experiences as her young daughter bridges the gap. However, feelings follow and rescue that pre-empts following stories. Short, somewhat familiar in plot, well-written with descriptive steaminess for those who prefer this genre.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining fun read

An entertaining fun read with a capable and beautiful young widow, a precocious child and a handsome and fearsome Viking. I enjoyed the plot, it moved quickly and well, with a good balance of dialogue and description. I was a bit disappointed by the ending - too hurried and "wrapped up". I felt there was plenty of unresolved action that could have carried the story for many chaptet, but perhaps a sequel or new series was the intention...

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Warrior Maids Are Born!

The writing of Ms. Campbell and the characters she creates are wonderful, strong people. I started with a book farther along in the series, so I love knowing how it all started. That being said the story did feel a bit rushed and ended rather abruptly in my mind. I won't give away any spoilers, but I would have loved more explanation at the end as to what happened. Definitely worth the read though, and I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Marsha Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avril has lost everything from her birth rate and survived a brutal attack and rape by a Viking berserker. Now, her world is about to be shaken up again when another Viking washes up on shore. Can Brandr help heal Avril's loses? This was a wonderful introduction into the excellent series The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love a Glynnis Campbell tale !

Charming, witty, with an opinionated, funny four year old warrior maiden in training. A good story filled with wonderful characters, told beautifully.