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Viking Roots #1
The Rover Bold
The hero is a Viking nobleman who has turned his back on murder and mayhem, but he must fight for a stake in the new land of Francia. Cathryn is his captive, named for the convent where she was left as a foundling at birth, destined for the religious life. They don't speak the same language, their only go-between an ancient nun. This can't be a romance, can it?
The Rover Bold is Book One of the Viking Roots Medieval Romance Saga. It traces the earliest ancestors of Ms. Markland's Montbryce family, beginning with Bryk Kriger, a Viking who accompanied Rollo from Norway and was destined to found a powerful Norman dynasty of his own.
The Rover Bold is Book One of the Viking Roots Medieval Romance Saga. It traces the earliest ancestors of Ms. Markland's Montbryce family, beginning with Bryk Kriger, a Viking who accompanied Rollo from Norway and was destined to found a powerful Norman dynasty of his own.
- GenresHistorical Romance
190 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
50 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
238 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 15, 2020
Stories of Vikings are always so fascinating and Anna Markland brings them alive in her historical research and vivid descriptions that bring the characters and surroundings alive.
This is Bryk and Cathryn's story and what an adventure it is as these two come together. A bold, handsome, large Viking, Bryk makes his way to Francia, away from his home in the cold and frozen home he lives in. On his journey they come upon an abbey that his commander begins taking apart and he meets Cathryn. Love at first sight it seems but their road is full of action, intrigue, language barriers and of course romance.
Well worth the read so don't miss this one and cannot wait to read more!
This is Bryk and Cathryn's story and what an adventure it is as these two come together. A bold, handsome, large Viking, Bryk makes his way to Francia, away from his home in the cold and frozen home he lives in. On his journey they come upon an abbey that his commander begins taking apart and he meets Cathryn. Love at first sight it seems but their road is full of action, intrigue, language barriers and of course romance.
Well worth the read so don't miss this one and cannot wait to read more!
January 22, 2016
Reading as part of the boxed set "Romantic Beginnings."
I liked this book. The romance was sweet. The history of William the Conqueror's ancestors who were Vikings was fascinating.
I liked this book. The romance was sweet. The history of William the Conqueror's ancestors who were Vikings was fascinating.
November 20, 2023
I don't have a lot of experience reading Viking tropes, but I needed to read at least one to get a feel for it and I chose this book. Not sorry. It was an incredible read.
Cathryn was left on the doorstep of an abbey when she was a newborn. Nobody knew her name nor where she'd come from. She was raised and educated in the convent, but hadn't taken her final vows. She works as an illustrator, restoring worn text alongside a few monks, one of whom is there because his father put him there. He has zero interest in becoming a clergyman. He is one to watch. He and Torstein.
Bryck is a Viking, but he's turned his back on pillaging and marauding. He just wants to grow his apple trees and live off the land. When their leader, Hrolf, decides that the whole lot of them need to claim some land in Francia, he is swept into becoming a warrior again. He doesn't like it, but he has no choice. It's while he's out scouting that he encounters Cathryn and not under the best of circumstances, but it's love at first sight for both of them.
There was plenty of action, adventure, and some feel-good moments between more characters than just Bryck and Cathryn that kept me turning the pages. There were some revelations that knocked my socks off and had me wanting more.
This was a fantastic read. The only thing I wish is there were more character descriptions. I never did get a clear picture of anybody other than Bryck, who was tall with blond hair and brown eyes. Hrolf was taller and bulkier than most with white hair and was too big to ride a horse. There were other sketchy descriptions of other characters, but it wasn't enough.
Still a five star read for me.
I'm off to read the next book in the series.
Cathryn was left on the doorstep of an abbey when she was a newborn. Nobody knew her name nor where she'd come from. She was raised and educated in the convent, but hadn't taken her final vows. She works as an illustrator, restoring worn text alongside a few monks, one of whom is there because his father put him there. He has zero interest in becoming a clergyman. He is one to watch. He and Torstein.
Bryck is a Viking, but he's turned his back on pillaging and marauding. He just wants to grow his apple trees and live off the land. When their leader, Hrolf, decides that the whole lot of them need to claim some land in Francia, he is swept into becoming a warrior again. He doesn't like it, but he has no choice. It's while he's out scouting that he encounters Cathryn and not under the best of circumstances, but it's love at first sight for both of them.
There was plenty of action, adventure, and some feel-good moments between more characters than just Bryck and Cathryn that kept me turning the pages. There were some revelations that knocked my socks off and had me wanting more.
This was a fantastic read. The only thing I wish is there were more character descriptions. I never did get a clear picture of anybody other than Bryck, who was tall with blond hair and brown eyes. Hrolf was taller and bulkier than most with white hair and was too big to ride a horse. There were other sketchy descriptions of other characters, but it wasn't enough.
Still a five star read for me.
I'm off to read the next book in the series.
August 25, 2023
Cathryn was dropped on a convent's doorstep when she was an infant and now that she is twenty she plans to dedicate her life to the church. Enter Bryk, the Viking.
Bryk, along with his people, are looking for a new place to settle. During one expedition, Bryk runs into Cathryn and he was taken by the young, beautiful girl who'd never known the touch of a man. She capitulated to her desires too quickly and with not a lot of guilt.
The couple didn't not lay eyes on each other until 21% in, and then it's insta-attraction. I would expect Cathryn to have more fear? Especially since Bryk only speaks a few words of her language. They were already professing to love each other moments after meeting. I can understand a strong attraction, but not love?
I liked the historical setting and the author's knowledge, but didn't really feel the romance between these two.
Bryk, along with his people, are looking for a new place to settle. During one expedition, Bryk runs into Cathryn and he was taken by the young, beautiful girl who'd never known the touch of a man. She capitulated to her desires too quickly and with not a lot of guilt.
The couple didn't not lay eyes on each other until 21% in, and then it's insta-attraction. I would expect Cathryn to have more fear? Especially since Bryk only speaks a few words of her language. They were already professing to love each other moments after meeting. I can understand a strong attraction, but not love?
I liked the historical setting and the author's knowledge, but didn't really feel the romance between these two.
May 28, 2017
I enjoyed reading,"The Rover Bold." There was a good mix of historical adventure/excitement and romance. For those who prefer their love scenes to be free of sexual content this book would not be for you. For those that are looking for a good balance of historical fact mixed with historical fiction and a bit of romance as well; this is the book for you. I enjoy author, Anna Markland's writing style. And I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 about Bryk, The Rover Bold and his wife, Cathryn.
June 19, 2021
Option
Etymology 1600. Stopped reading the book.. How can you continue to use a word that did not exist. Doesn't it sound out of place. Guess not.
Etymology 1600. Stopped reading the book.. How can you continue to use a word that did not exist. Doesn't it sound out of place. Guess not.
May 15, 2022
Bold & Brave
A wonderful start to a new exciting series. Fiction Steeped in history and beautifully woven together. Historical romance at its best.
A wonderful start to a new exciting series. Fiction Steeped in history and beautifully woven together. Historical romance at its best.
July 10, 2020
4 stars
Good story telling. Like the trivia at the end. Battles were horrific in ancient times. Still are today and so is greed. The names are extremely difficult.
Good story telling. Like the trivia at the end. Battles were horrific in ancient times. Still are today and so is greed. The names are extremely difficult.
June 20, 2020
Compelling!
This story gives readers an insight in the history of the Vikings infiltration of France. A good story, lots of strategic campaigns and, oh by the way a lovely romance! The author does a good job of describing the surrounding topography and scenery as well as the rigors of warfare in those days.
This story gives readers an insight in the history of the Vikings infiltration of France. A good story, lots of strategic campaigns and, oh by the way a lovely romance! The author does a good job of describing the surrounding topography and scenery as well as the rigors of warfare in those days.
October 27, 2014
I always appreciate well-researched historical fiction so I admire Anna Markland’s ability to blend fiction and fact in The Rover Bold.
At the end of the novel the author answers questions about contents of The Rover Bold. For example, Hrolf Ganger did lead a band of Vikings, including women and children, to the valley of the Seine in the 10th century.
“Hrolf Ganger became the famous Rolf, founder and 1st Duke of Normandy (named of course for the North Men), and a direct ancestor of William the Conqueror.”
In 910 in Norway the crops failed, Bryck a Viking nobleman had turned his back on murder and mayhem, nevertheless he followed the chieftan to Francia.
Anna Markland’s fast-paced novel is the fictitious tale of Bryck, the Rover Bold, and Catryn a novice, who planned to take her vows at the age of nineteen.
In the Abbey of St Catherine in Rouen in the spring of 911 AD, Catryn, left in a basket outside of the abbey when she was a baby, her preceptor has died. The spiteful new mater is cruel to Catryn, who is both literate and a skilled illuminator.
Although Catryn is afraid of a Viking attack, she does not regret being sent to Jumiege to help to restore books damaged in a raid. “However, the prospect of spending her life in the company of elderly women is depressing.” But what alternative does she have.
The alternative is Bryck who rescues her from attempted rape and claims her as his thrall, which means that according to Viking law he can never marry her.
As Bryck and Catryn’s passionate love for each other developed I could not imagine how it could reach a happy ever after ending.
From the first page to the last I was engrossed by The Rover Bold l and highly recommend.
At the end of the novel the author answers questions about contents of The Rover Bold. For example, Hrolf Ganger did lead a band of Vikings, including women and children, to the valley of the Seine in the 10th century.
“Hrolf Ganger became the famous Rolf, founder and 1st Duke of Normandy (named of course for the North Men), and a direct ancestor of William the Conqueror.”
In 910 in Norway the crops failed, Bryck a Viking nobleman had turned his back on murder and mayhem, nevertheless he followed the chieftan to Francia.
Anna Markland’s fast-paced novel is the fictitious tale of Bryck, the Rover Bold, and Catryn a novice, who planned to take her vows at the age of nineteen.
In the Abbey of St Catherine in Rouen in the spring of 911 AD, Catryn, left in a basket outside of the abbey when she was a baby, her preceptor has died. The spiteful new mater is cruel to Catryn, who is both literate and a skilled illuminator.
Although Catryn is afraid of a Viking attack, she does not regret being sent to Jumiege to help to restore books damaged in a raid. “However, the prospect of spending her life in the company of elderly women is depressing.” But what alternative does she have.
The alternative is Bryck who rescues her from attempted rape and claims her as his thrall, which means that according to Viking law he can never marry her.
As Bryck and Catryn’s passionate love for each other developed I could not imagine how it could reach a happy ever after ending.
From the first page to the last I was engrossed by The Rover Bold l and highly recommend.
November 21, 2015
I received an A.R.C. of this book but that will not colour my review in any way.
This book is about the Viking ancestors of the Mountbryce family that our author has written many very good books about.
Bryk Gardbruker is a Norseman who has been sickened by the behavior of some of his comrades when they have been "a Viking". However when his chieftain declares they must leave the frozen wasteland of Norway that has been home for the richer land of Francia, he knows it is right. Bryk is now a farmer who grows apple trees, so he takes the root stock of his trees with him on the search for better land.
The Norsemen take many longboats and head south. The villages along the banks of the river Seine have seen a few Viking raids in the past. This time the chieftain is planing to go further in land and create a settlement.
The abbey convent of Saint Catherine of Alexandria sits on top of a hill. That has saved it and It's occupants from raids in the past. Cathryn was a foundling abandoned on the doorstep of the convent at birth. She has grown up and studied under the care of the nuns. Cathryn's favourite work is illuminating manuscripts. Because of that job she her friend Kaia and an elderly nun sister Ekaterina are sent down to an abbey near the river to work.The Viking hoard make camp on an island in the mouth of the river, and Bryk is sent out to lead a small scouting party to find horses. He finds a bonus ,a beautiful girl and an almost undefended village. He is intent on taking both.
The richness of history in this story is wonderful. The characters come alive on the page. I particularly liked the old nun, she is so funny. The story shows us that not all the Norsemen were evil rapists. Some were just looking for a better life.
A great book wonderfully written.
This book is about the Viking ancestors of the Mountbryce family that our author has written many very good books about.
Bryk Gardbruker is a Norseman who has been sickened by the behavior of some of his comrades when they have been "a Viking". However when his chieftain declares they must leave the frozen wasteland of Norway that has been home for the richer land of Francia, he knows it is right. Bryk is now a farmer who grows apple trees, so he takes the root stock of his trees with him on the search for better land.
The Norsemen take many longboats and head south. The villages along the banks of the river Seine have seen a few Viking raids in the past. This time the chieftain is planing to go further in land and create a settlement.
The abbey convent of Saint Catherine of Alexandria sits on top of a hill. That has saved it and It's occupants from raids in the past. Cathryn was a foundling abandoned on the doorstep of the convent at birth. She has grown up and studied under the care of the nuns. Cathryn's favourite work is illuminating manuscripts. Because of that job she her friend Kaia and an elderly nun sister Ekaterina are sent down to an abbey near the river to work.The Viking hoard make camp on an island in the mouth of the river, and Bryk is sent out to lead a small scouting party to find horses. He finds a bonus ,a beautiful girl and an almost undefended village. He is intent on taking both.
The richness of history in this story is wonderful. The characters come alive on the page. I particularly liked the old nun, she is so funny. The story shows us that not all the Norsemen were evil rapists. Some were just looking for a better life.
A great book wonderfully written.
July 12, 2015
This was different in a series of books that follows the Montbryce family of Normandy. This series of three books follows the start of the Montbryce family and where it begins is with Bryck a Viking farmer made warrior, and his wife Cathryn, a foundling left at a Francia monastery after both her parents died.
A not terribly lengthy story it is nevertheless rich. Cathryn is Bryck's thrall but he has fallen for her and wants her to be much more than his property. Although they both see each other as man and wife, they are not so in the eyes of the Church. Cathryn does not feel nor believe that this makes either her or her husband sinners.
Bryck is fighting for a new life, new land, fertile soil, and in Cathryn he sees a future of a family. He is willing to give up everything (except his beloved Cathryn) in order to see his dream to fruition.
But, will he? Will he and Catherine find happiness on Frankish soil?
To the author: I especially loved your bit of historical notes at the end of the story. They just filled out the story, and made me love it all the more. Thank you.
A not terribly lengthy story it is nevertheless rich. Cathryn is Bryck's thrall but he has fallen for her and wants her to be much more than his property. Although they both see each other as man and wife, they are not so in the eyes of the Church. Cathryn does not feel nor believe that this makes either her or her husband sinners.
Bryck is fighting for a new life, new land, fertile soil, and in Cathryn he sees a future of a family. He is willing to give up everything (except his beloved Cathryn) in order to see his dream to fruition.
But, will he? Will he and Catherine find happiness on Frankish soil?
To the author: I especially loved your bit of historical notes at the end of the story. They just filled out the story, and made me love it all the more. Thank you.
July 12, 2015
This was different in a series of books that follows the Montbryce family of Normandy. This series of three books follows the start of the Montbryce family and where it begins is with Bryck a Viking farmer made warrior, and his wife Cathryn, a foundling left at a Francia monastery after both her parents died.
A not terribly lengthy story it is nevertheless rich. Cathryn is Bryck's thrall but he has fallen for her and wants her to be much more than his property. Although they both see each other as man and wife, they are not so in the eyes of the Church. Cathryn does not feel nor believe that this makes either her or her husband sinners.
Bryck is fighting for a new life, new land, fertile soil, and in Cathryn he sees a future of a family. He is willing to give up everything (except his beloved Cathryn) in order to see his dream to fruition.
But, will he? Will he and Catherine find happiness on Frankish soil?
To the author: I especially loved your bit of historical notes at the end of the story. They just filled out the story, and made me love it all the more. Thank you.
A not terribly lengthy story it is nevertheless rich. Cathryn is Bryck's thrall but he has fallen for her and wants her to be much more than his property. Although they both see each other as man and wife, they are not so in the eyes of the Church. Cathryn does not feel nor believe that this makes either her or her husband sinners.
Bryck is fighting for a new life, new land, fertile soil, and in Cathryn he sees a future of a family. He is willing to give up everything (except his beloved Cathryn) in order to see his dream to fruition.
But, will he? Will he and Catherine find happiness on Frankish soil?
To the author: I especially loved your bit of historical notes at the end of the story. They just filled out the story, and made me love it all the more. Thank you.
November 5, 2015
A very enjoyable novel. The Vikings have to leave their home in Norway as their crops have failed again. They load up the longboats and set sail for the bountiful land of the river Seine. Bryk is one of these men who has dreams of planting his apple twigs and seeds, he has taken with him, in hopes that they will prosper in the new land. Francia, where they are headed, we meet Cathryn who as a baby was left in a basket at the abbey convent and has lived her years there. Bryk and Cathryn meet and he wants her as his own.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series "Rover Defiant".
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series "Rover Defiant".
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 4, 2014
Another great story for all Anna Markland fans if you have not read any of Anna's previous works when you read this book you too will become a fan.The Rover Bold is the story of the Vikings settling in France in the 10th century it's got everything you want in a novel battles romance and a funny little nun,I'm not saying any more as I don't want to spoil it for you from the second page you are hooked and cannot wait to see what happens next,thanks Anna for this great novel eagerly waiting for the next one.
September 5, 2014
Loved it! "Rover Bold" grabbed my attention from the first page with the quote from St. Olaf "He who can't defend his wealth must die, or share with the Rover Bold" and held it until the last page of this enthralling story of Bryk and Cathryn. Markland makes the time period of the Norsemen founding Normandy come alive with her customary beautiful attention to historic detail and fascinating, well-rounded characters. I didn’t want it to end! Highly recommend. Looking forward to more of the Viking Roots saga!
November 15, 2014
Bryk is a Viking nobleman who has turned his back on murder and mayhem to become a farmer. Bryk goes with his fellow countrymen and their familes to the the new land of Francia. Cathryn is a foundling who resides in a convent and is shocked to see an intense Viking who saves her from a terrible ordeal. He is widowed and this young dark haired beauty stirs longing in his soul.
Their passion ignites.
This short book was good. It was too short, I wanted more of the story.
Their passion ignites.
This short book was good. It was too short, I wanted more of the story.
December 14, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I don't usually read romance books but was interested in checking this out to learn more about Vikings. This book was well written and researched. I thought the romance storyline was a bit predictable however. A good quick read that I finished in one evening.
May 16, 2016
Rover Bold
The novel was purchased on kindle and found to be a worthy read. I enjoyed the storyline dealings with a small amount of Viking history. The story had strong characters and dealt with honor, romance and built up drama. Its made me want to continue on to the next saga in the medieval novels.
The novel was purchased on kindle and found to be a worthy read. I enjoyed the storyline dealings with a small amount of Viking history. The story had strong characters and dealt with honor, romance and built up drama. Its made me want to continue on to the next saga in the medieval novels.
April 4, 2016
Enjoyed the story and the characters. Will definitely read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews