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Danegeld
Witch or saint? That is the question Britta cannot answer as she tries to connect to the mysterious power she lost just as she discovered it. The many gods have not yet faded before the one God in Dark Age Britain, and miracles are still possible. DANEGELD is a carefully researched journey into another time and place, filled with adventure, laced with passion and magic.
All Britta wants is to reclaim her enigmatic gift, lost when Offa, a mighty Saxon thegn, raped her long ago. Karn, proud Viking warrior, is tired of wandering the world. He wants land where he can live in peace. That seems impossible for a fourth son. Their paths collide when Karn and his Vikings raid Britta's village. Offa captures Karn and tortures him. Britta is driven to heal him by a vision she hopes is the return of magic. But she cannot make his body whole. Pursued by Offa into the chaos of a world preparing for the final confrontation between Saxon and Dane, Britta and Karn both journey back from personal devastation to find new kinds of strength. Each must see past a traditional enmity to find their growing attraction to each other. Their struggle to carve a common language and a common destiny echoes the process alive in the land, as Saxon and Dane combine to build the island kingdom that will be called England.
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
12 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Susan Squires
41 books203 followersSusan Squires is a NYT bestselling author known for breaking the rules of romance. Whatever her time period or subject, some element of the paranormal creeps in. She has won multiple contests for published novels and reviewer's choice awards. Publisher's Weekly named Body Electric one of the ten most influential mass market books and One with the Shadows a Best Book. Time for Eternity received a starred review.
Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboardddddddddddd.
Susan has a Masters in English literature from UCLA and once toiled as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Now she lives at the beach with her husband, Harry, a writer of supernatural thrillers, and three Belgian Sheepdogs, who like to help her write by putting their chins on the keyboardddddddddddd.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 10, 2021
This is the story of Saxon witch Britta who heals Viking Karne despite the fact that he is her natural enemy. Together, along with the beautiful, black-furred wolfdog Fenris, they join forces to defeat Saxon chieftain Offa, who violated both of them in the past and is still on their trail seeking their blood. Along the way, they meet real life historical figures such as Alfred the Great and participate in the Battle of Edington, which resulted in the assimilation of Vikings and Saxons under Danelaw.
This should have been made into an HBO series instead of Game of Thrones. Not only did this swashbuckling adventure have Vikings, witches, magic, war, and a loyal pet wolf, it also had a great ending! Despite the supernatural elements, the author weaves a compelling, plausible tale with a realistic sense of the time in history and both Saxon and Viking culture. The only thing that marred my enjoyment was abrupt changes in perspective almost every other paragraph. If you can get over that choppy storytelling style, you are in for one riveting read. I highly recommend it both for fans of historical fantasy and historical fiction.
This should have been made into an HBO series instead of Game of Thrones. Not only did this swashbuckling adventure have Vikings, witches, magic, war, and a loyal pet wolf, it also had a great ending! Despite the supernatural elements, the author weaves a compelling, plausible tale with a realistic sense of the time in history and both Saxon and Viking culture. The only thing that marred my enjoyment was abrupt changes in perspective almost every other paragraph. If you can get over that choppy storytelling style, you are in for one riveting read. I highly recommend it both for fans of historical fantasy and historical fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
This was an epic fantasy Viking romance, filled with magic, love and war.
Lots of energy to this book, lots of adventure and a loyal furry friend that gives our MCs a little humanity. I mention the dog because truly, both MCs were kind of shit in the beginning, but if you like and treat animals well, then you get a pass :)
The romance was almost perfect. I wish we had just a teeny tiny bit more angst, but other than that, it was beautiful. The h was literally magic- not just a healer, she had actual power that she had trouble controlling- it was cool. All the villain's were bananas and got their desserts, which was satisfying. The HEA and epilogue was just what it ought to have been!
Lots of energy to this book, lots of adventure and a loyal furry friend that gives our MCs a little humanity. I mention the dog because truly, both MCs were kind of shit in the beginning, but if you like and treat animals well, then you get a pass :)
The romance was almost perfect. I wish we had just a teeny tiny bit more angst, but other than that, it was beautiful. The h was literally magic- not just a healer, she had actual power that she had trouble controlling- it was cool. All the villain's were bananas and got their desserts, which was satisfying. The HEA and epilogue was just what it ought to have been!
September 13, 2009
What I learned from this book? That early medieval times was brutal, bloody, and short. Despite this being a historical romance, if you don't like some hard-awful historical reality smacking you in the face, then skip this book. Otherwise, Danegeld is a powerful story of the struggles of Viking and Saxon for control of early England.
December 23, 2015
This is a hard book to review. On the one hand it was a well written and detailed account of a time in the dark ages that was fascinating. On the other hand it was very dark, depressing and hard to get through. I wouldn't classify it as a typical romance. While there was a central couple in which the story revolves around, there was just so much evil, despair and gore, that it was hard to see through it all. It doesn't let up, one disaster after another. So much so that it was hard to care anymore. I felt drained and exhausted by books end.
November 3, 2016
I found it a bit confusing, it felt to me as though you joined the story after it had started I think this is because the heroine recalls to memory things that had happened to her. It is not a soft romance, it is brutal in parts.
September 24, 2021
3.5*
A weird one to rate! Major CW for rape (both the hero and heroine), graphic death, and torture.
This felt much older than 2001, and I’m wary of any more Susan Squires given both of her books I’ve now read have featured the hero being raped (and in this book, self describes as a past rapist).
The brutality in this /is/ historically accurate, though, and I think, along with the latter half of the book, that tips this more towards historical fantasy with the romance seething underneath the surface. Plus scenes where the prophecy is just history we all already know but blows everyone’s minds in text whips
I liked it, but on the understanding the specific kinds of sexual violence here are not for every reader.
A weird one to rate! Major CW for rape (both the hero and heroine), graphic death, and torture.
This felt much older than 2001, and I’m wary of any more Susan Squires given both of her books I’ve now read have featured the hero being raped (and in this book, self describes as a past rapist).
The brutality in this /is/ historically accurate, though, and I think, along with the latter half of the book, that tips this more towards historical fantasy with the romance seething underneath the surface. Plus scenes where the prophecy is just history we all already know but blows everyone’s minds in text whips
I liked it, but on the understanding the specific kinds of sexual violence here are not for every reader.
April 22, 2020
Not really a romance, more an epic tale of survival in the very brutal viking age. It also has a bit of fantasy in it as the heroine is Fae and has healing skills.
Very good engaging story.
Very good engaging story.
December 4, 2013
I enjoy Viking historical romances and plain old Viking historical books because I like the untamed brutality of that period of history. Danegeld perches on the edge of not being a romance because it's not paced like your typical romance. It's much more realistic. This isn't a book where the heroine or hero can't seem to make up their mind without any real reason to keep them from declaring their love. This pair goes through a hell over and over again. The book is not for the faint of heart. It includes two rapes and lots of brutal fighting. It's definitely a book a guy could like if they like fiction. The commitment between the hero and heroine is much more satisfying because it hasn't been reached easily and requires both to change to achieve it. In other words, it's not built on sex. Although you do get sex in this book.
I also liked the playoff between witchcraft and Christianity in the mind of the heroine. The supernatural is portrayed as real in this book, and it is never positively stated from whence Britta gets her abilities except that using them for evil exacts a terrible price. The changes that Britta and Karn go through are a reflection of the changes being wrought in the society they live in.
I'd definitely reread this book.
I also liked the playoff between witchcraft and Christianity in the mind of the heroine. The supernatural is portrayed as real in this book, and it is never positively stated from whence Britta gets her abilities except that using them for evil exacts a terrible price. The changes that Britta and Karn go through are a reflection of the changes being wrought in the society they live in.
I'd definitely reread this book.
August 25, 2018
I really loved this story, I love the style of the Author and the way she described feelings, nature and battles.
I loved this mystical saga of Britta the saxon girl with magic powers, she tries to understand and to master and Karn the viking, the warrior, damaged in his flesh and mental. how i loved their dynamic and the part where she explained to him that she understands him so well as she is like him a rape survivor and from the same rapist. I also loved the fact that the limp stayed and that she loved him with it as he, himself accepted it. and that Karn killed their tormentor alone without her help. Yeah!!!
A great and wonderful saga.
I loved this mystical saga of Britta the saxon girl with magic powers, she tries to understand and to master and Karn the viking, the warrior, damaged in his flesh and mental. how i loved their dynamic and the part where she explained to him that she understands him so well as she is like him a rape survivor and from the same rapist. I also loved the fact that the limp stayed and that she loved him with it as he, himself accepted it. and that Karn killed their tormentor alone without her help. Yeah!!!
A great and wonderful saga.
April 9, 2016
This book was so difficult to read...the writing very poor...that I almost did not finish it. It is a mediocre story at best. The disjointed story telling makes it hard to understand at times. It gets better near the end, but I was just happy to finish it and move on.
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November 3, 20153 November 2015: $0.99 on Kindle
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August 17, 2024bless susan squires for restoring my faith in romance novels
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed the concept and rounded up because I'm not a usual historical or fantasy reader so part of my confusion might just be the genre.
However there were some weird inconsistencies (mentioning his impotence, unable to give a woman a child because of his assault, but in the same sentence he is hard. At one point she says he was unable to have sex but also says he was trying to force her....).
There is a ton of head hoping. From one paragraph to the next it changes POV.
I liked the reality the author put into the book, not shying away from the fact that the Vikings, and even the Hero, are rapists. It's hard to accept in romance but it's honest and real. I also appreciate the vulnerability shown in the Hero following his assault.
I do agree with other reviewers that this reads like more of an epic fantasy novel with some romance instead of a romance novel.
However there were some weird inconsistencies (mentioning his impotence, unable to give a woman a child because of his assault, but in the same sentence he is hard. At one point she says he was unable to have sex but also says he was trying to force her....).
There is a ton of head hoping. From one paragraph to the next it changes POV.
I liked the reality the author put into the book, not shying away from the fact that the Vikings, and even the Hero, are rapists. It's hard to accept in romance but it's honest and real. I also appreciate the vulnerability shown in the Hero following his assault.
I do agree with other reviewers that this reads like more of an epic fantasy novel with some romance instead of a romance novel.
May 10, 2021
This was a good breather from dark romance. Historical fiction set in the British Isles during the time of the Viking invasions and the time just before Alfred the Great comes into power.
Both Karn and Britta are victims of rape from Offa, a thene who has abused his power. However, Britta had magic (which she lost after the rape) and through her love and caring of the Viking warrior she finds her magic again. Pretty typical of historical fiction of this time period, Britta is kidnapped, twice. She uses her magic to protect Karn and sees the future where the Danes and Saxons intermix. I love reading a throw back bodice ripper, and this one is worth the time. There is just enough world building and description of what happens to the characters. It could have had more sex, but it makes sense that Britta wouldn't give herself to Karn so she didn't lose her magic.
Both Karn and Britta are victims of rape from Offa, a thene who has abused his power. However, Britta had magic (which she lost after the rape) and through her love and caring of the Viking warrior she finds her magic again. Pretty typical of historical fiction of this time period, Britta is kidnapped, twice. She uses her magic to protect Karn and sees the future where the Danes and Saxons intermix. I love reading a throw back bodice ripper, and this one is worth the time. There is just enough world building and description of what happens to the characters. It could have had more sex, but it makes sense that Britta wouldn't give herself to Karn so she didn't lose her magic.
July 8, 2017
Entertaining Viking romance, obviously American vocabulary was slightly annoying but a good holiday read.
December 20, 2023
2.5. It was just ok. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t great. I felt like it kind of jumped the shark and went all over the place in the second half. I struggled to finish it.
October 31, 2024
Beautifully written
This was an exciting, though tragic at times, gorgeous story. Bravo, Susan Squires. Your storytelling talent shines in this compelling and epic yarn.
This was an exciting, though tragic at times, gorgeous story. Bravo, Susan Squires. Your storytelling talent shines in this compelling and epic yarn.
January 3, 2022
Danegeld is set in the Middle Ages before Danelaw -(the late 9th century) when a treaty is formed by Alfred the Great and the Northmen. Danish Mercia encompassed the north east, and middle eastern aspects of Britain.
Britta is from a line of Saxon women who are healers, some call witches. When Offa, one of the village warriors goes on a rampage to gain power, and claim himself as Chieftain, Britta loses both her parents, and nearly her life. Injured, she escapes to a nearby island. Here she physically recovers, but her magic has waned with her injuries. Determined to build a new life with her dog Fenris, she collects herbs and makes medicines to trade with surrounding villages.
When the Northmen invade Britta’s old village most are defeated by Offa’s warriors. Karn, a Dane warrior is kept alive only to be tortured by Offa. Britta knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of his wrath, and valiantly rescues Karn.
This is a story about learning to trust, healing after trauma, and new beginnings. Karn and Britta’s lives align in difficult times, to forge a found future.
We have an idea from history how gruelling life was then. There are scenes within the book which are graphic but are reflective of the author’s research of the times.
This is fascinating and different historical romance read, our H/h are deeply interesting characters, combined with excellent pace, flow and tension, this has been on my re-read list for many years.
Story -4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Smut - low level between H/h
⚠️violence, death, blood and battle scenes, sexual assault scenes
Britta is from a line of Saxon women who are healers, some call witches. When Offa, one of the village warriors goes on a rampage to gain power, and claim himself as Chieftain, Britta loses both her parents, and nearly her life. Injured, she escapes to a nearby island. Here she physically recovers, but her magic has waned with her injuries. Determined to build a new life with her dog Fenris, she collects herbs and makes medicines to trade with surrounding villages.
When the Northmen invade Britta’s old village most are defeated by Offa’s warriors. Karn, a Dane warrior is kept alive only to be tortured by Offa. Britta knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of his wrath, and valiantly rescues Karn.
This is a story about learning to trust, healing after trauma, and new beginnings. Karn and Britta’s lives align in difficult times, to forge a found future.
We have an idea from history how gruelling life was then. There are scenes within the book which are graphic but are reflective of the author’s research of the times.
This is fascinating and different historical romance read, our H/h are deeply interesting characters, combined with excellent pace, flow and tension, this has been on my re-read list for many years.
Story -4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Smut - low level between H/h
⚠️violence, death, blood and battle scenes, sexual assault scenes
July 17, 2012
Great story, was really happy with the read. I didn't want to put this book down as I needed to know what was going to happen next and how the couple were going to overcome all thier obstciles! I usually love books to be all about the relationship, as I am a BIG romance reader, and unless the story is strong and captivating I get bored very easily. This book managed to keep my interest all the way through. I will be looking for my books by this author.
September 7, 2014
Except for the atrocious editing of this Kindle edition, the story was pretty decent. I am not sure what the male protagonist's name was, as there were four--yes, FOUR--different spellings of his name! They were Kam (what I stuck with), Kara, Karn, and Karr. So, who knows, but I liked him, and Britta was all right. I didn't think there would be elements of fantasy in this, but Squires made it believable.
For the book itself, I'd recommend it. But stay away from the Kindle version!
For the book itself, I'd recommend it. But stay away from the Kindle version!
September 14, 2010
The author really understands and portrays the people and the time period she writes about and doesn't try to make what was historically unpleasant into a happy, perfect world. Major kudos for a job well done.
August 9, 2011
I read this story, or at least the opening chapters, many years ago when it was a contest entry! I loved it then, and I thought the story was very solid. Susan Squires is a talented writer, and I really need to catch up on her backlist. I'm so glad to see she has been successful.
February 9, 2012
I skimmed past a lot of the bloodshed, but loved the book. I loved the magic and Thorn and Fenris. All the way through I worried they'd be killed off. Thankfully they made it to the happy ending with Britta and Karn.
May 16, 2014
Loved it!
I was hooked to this book from the first page. Their struggles and passion as they overcame their challenges really takes you away from reality and make you think that you can find love in the most unexpected way.
I highly recommend this book.
I was hooked to this book from the first page. Their struggles and passion as they overcame their challenges really takes you away from reality and make you think that you can find love in the most unexpected way.
I highly recommend this book.
October 21, 2014
I loved this book. It is the best thing I have read in a long time. It reminded me of Jules Watson's Dawn Stag which is one of my all time favourites. It is an enthralling mixture of romance, history, fantasy and action.
August 15, 2012
Read in jail. Actual rating: 4.8.
August 27, 2016
Dig the otherness of this book. Both mains go through immense change. Very memorable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews