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The Carmody Saga #1
Swearing Allegiance
Swearing Allegiance: Part 1 of The Carmody Saga, about love, war, and betrayal, set during the First World War.
April 1916
An Irish Easter uprising lays waste to Dublin and fractures a British Empire struggling to supply men and arms to defeat Germany.
In Dublin’s ruins, the affluent and celebrated Carmody family are not only forced to confront the rebellion’s devastating effects on their personal lives but also the terrible secrets and lies uncovered in the midst of grief.
Forced to abandon their home in the Irish capital for London, each family member must strive to survive poverty, the horrors of war, and personal bouts with excessive pride and passion – but loyalty to family proves to be the most difficult cross to bear.
Danny, the youngest, is a republican rebel who risks everything to fight for an independent Ireland.
Patrick, a surgeon, swears allegiance to Britain and joins His Majesty’s Royal Navy, which is engaged in tense battles to control the seas.
Jenny, self-entitled and strong willed, sees her wedding plans and grand ambitions disintegrate. With a fiancé incarcerated in a rebel prison camp and no prospects of her own, she faces the unimaginable challenge of working in one of London’s munitions factories.
April 1916
An Irish Easter uprising lays waste to Dublin and fractures a British Empire struggling to supply men and arms to defeat Germany.
In Dublin’s ruins, the affluent and celebrated Carmody family are not only forced to confront the rebellion’s devastating effects on their personal lives but also the terrible secrets and lies uncovered in the midst of grief.
Forced to abandon their home in the Irish capital for London, each family member must strive to survive poverty, the horrors of war, and personal bouts with excessive pride and passion – but loyalty to family proves to be the most difficult cross to bear.
Danny, the youngest, is a republican rebel who risks everything to fight for an independent Ireland.
Patrick, a surgeon, swears allegiance to Britain and joins His Majesty’s Royal Navy, which is engaged in tense battles to control the seas.
Jenny, self-entitled and strong willed, sees her wedding plans and grand ambitions disintegrate. With a fiancé incarcerated in a rebel prison camp and no prospects of her own, she faces the unimaginable challenge of working in one of London’s munitions factories.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
348 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Jana Petken
25 books703 followers Jana Petken is a multi award winning historical fiction author.
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 4, 2016
This author writes epic and dramatic family sagas set during turbulent times in history. On this occasion we have a fantastic story set during the first world war. The story starts in Ireland at the time of the Easter uprising and we meet the Carmody family. The children consider themselves Irish but they have an English mother and the family is divided as to whether the rebels are heroes or traitors.The story moves at a fast pace as the family are caught up in the troubles and eventually they move to London to stay in their grandmother's house. While the great war and the issue of Irish independence are at the heart of the story it is the characters, their love, pain and daily lives, which make this such an absolute page turner. The development of the different characters through the book is handled superbly.
The book is also very well researched and the historical elements are very accurate. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Easy five stars!
The book is also very well researched and the historical elements are very accurate. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Easy five stars!
September 3, 2019
Amazing first part of Irish family saga, set from 1916 with the Easter Uprising of Irish Nationalism demanding self rule.
Well researched, and well written.
Emotive.
Travel this time period and events through the eyes of the Carmody family and associates, it explains how the Irish Nationalists rose to demand power, how they were treated by the British, and if not executed, were interned to a camp in middle of nowhere near Bala in North Wales, and what happened there.
Then how so many came to fight for the Allies during the latter part of WW1 and all the horrors there.
I am so looking forward to part two. To see where this leads.
A powerful historical novel, written by Jana Petken, my favourite historical fiction based in fact novelist.
No hesitation 5 stars from me.
Well researched, and well written.
Emotive.
Travel this time period and events through the eyes of the Carmody family and associates, it explains how the Irish Nationalists rose to demand power, how they were treated by the British, and if not executed, were interned to a camp in middle of nowhere near Bala in North Wales, and what happened there.
Then how so many came to fight for the Allies during the latter part of WW1 and all the horrors there.
I am so looking forward to part two. To see where this leads.
A powerful historical novel, written by Jana Petken, my favourite historical fiction based in fact novelist.
No hesitation 5 stars from me.
August 3, 2017
Fans of Ken Follett should download Swearing allegiance!
What an awesome historical saga, extremely well researched, reminiscent of Ken Follett. The story of the Carmody family as they are forced to leave Ireland after the failed uprising and move to London as the first world war rages. The author's use of description as she weaves her story is wonderful.
I have read two other books by the author, Jana Petken, that's The Errant Flock and the Scattered Flock, both of which I enjoyed immensely, but Swearing Allegiance is in a different class altogether. I just couldn't put it down! Best book I've read all summer if not all year, and I read a lot of books!
Do yourself a huge favor this summer and download Swearing Allegiance, you won't regret it!
What an awesome historical saga, extremely well researched, reminiscent of Ken Follett. The story of the Carmody family as they are forced to leave Ireland after the failed uprising and move to London as the first world war rages. The author's use of description as she weaves her story is wonderful.
I have read two other books by the author, Jana Petken, that's The Errant Flock and the Scattered Flock, both of which I enjoyed immensely, but Swearing Allegiance is in a different class altogether. I just couldn't put it down! Best book I've read all summer if not all year, and I read a lot of books!
Do yourself a huge favor this summer and download Swearing Allegiance, you won't regret it!
July 24, 2016
This is a sweeping family saga set during the Dublin Easter uprising and the First World War. The Carmodys are a well to do Irish family living a charmed life in Dublin. Tragic events following the 1916 Easter uprising sees the family at odds with each other and forced to move to London.
Young firebrand Danny is supporting the cause of an independent Ireland. This puts him at odds with his brother Patrick who decides to join the Royal navy. Jenny his spoiled sister finds herself penniless and forced to look for work. Her Fiancée John, once a promising prospect, is arrested for his involvement in the uprising and imprisoned.
This book is meticulously researched and contains many period details that bring the story alive. The working conditions for the women in the munitions factories and the horrors of the battlefield are a brutal back ground that helped me feel a great deal of compassion for the family.
I especially liked the character of Jenny as she undergoes a complete transformation. She starts of as a spoiled and selfish girl, but through hardship her eyes gradually open and we see her grow into a confident, independent and intelligent young woman. The story ends in 1917 and as this is titled book 1, I hope that Ms Petken is already busy writing the follow up. There are turbulent times ahead for Ireland and I’m sure we’ll see Danny involved. I look forwards to reading the follow up as this writer has a very engaging style and her research is solid.
Young firebrand Danny is supporting the cause of an independent Ireland. This puts him at odds with his brother Patrick who decides to join the Royal navy. Jenny his spoiled sister finds herself penniless and forced to look for work. Her Fiancée John, once a promising prospect, is arrested for his involvement in the uprising and imprisoned.
This book is meticulously researched and contains many period details that bring the story alive. The working conditions for the women in the munitions factories and the horrors of the battlefield are a brutal back ground that helped me feel a great deal of compassion for the family.
I especially liked the character of Jenny as she undergoes a complete transformation. She starts of as a spoiled and selfish girl, but through hardship her eyes gradually open and we see her grow into a confident, independent and intelligent young woman. The story ends in 1917 and as this is titled book 1, I hope that Ms Petken is already busy writing the follow up. There are turbulent times ahead for Ireland and I’m sure we’ll see Danny involved. I look forwards to reading the follow up as this writer has a very engaging style and her research is solid.
April 12, 2017
One thing I really must have to enjoy a novel is characters I care about. In this well-researched, fast-paced historical novel, I quickly grew to care about the members of the Carmody family. Jenny, the spoiled young woman, who grows up fast; her older brother, Patrick, the upstanding young physician; and her younger brother, Danny, who gets involved in the dangerous birth of the IRA and the Easter uprising of 1913. Through them, we are immersed in what life was like a hundred years ago in Ireland, England and in the nightmarish trenches on the front lines of World War I. The author does a nice job of weaving fact with fiction, including such real life characters as Michael Collins, one of the early leaders of the Irish independence movement.
But it’s the story of the Carmody siblings that kept me turning the pages (or swiping my Kindle.) Each of them faces terrible hardship. And, just like in real life, the young tend to fall in love, so that’s a big part of the story too. It’s the characters, warts and all, that hooked me.
Since it’s “Book 1,” I’m hopeful there will soon be a “Book 2,” because I need to find out what happens next.
But it’s the story of the Carmody siblings that kept me turning the pages (or swiping my Kindle.) Each of them faces terrible hardship. And, just like in real life, the young tend to fall in love, so that’s a big part of the story too. It’s the characters, warts and all, that hooked me.
Since it’s “Book 1,” I’m hopeful there will soon be a “Book 2,” because I need to find out what happens next.
June 22, 2016
Jana Petken’s Swearing Allegiance (The Carmody Saga Book 1) is a compelling family saga set between Ireland and WWI London. Each family member has a heart-wrenching tale to tell and we’re rooting for them all the way. Petken’s narrative is chilling and real, taking us through all the emotions while filling in details of Germany’s war against England and a tale within a tale, the ongoing story of the Irish Rebellion. With the Carmody son’s dragged off to war, and the loss of the renowned doctor and leader of the family along with the wealth and class his care bestowed, the Carmody women escape to London from the ravages of the Irish Rebellion only to come under the horrific fire of the German Zeppelins. Will their lives ever return to the peace and plenty of prewar Ireland? Or will the perish along with so many of their countrymen? Petken skillfully weaves individual stories into the fabric of history to create realistic drama that keeps you turn the pages. I give Swearing Allegiance five stars and look forward to the next in the series.
June 2, 2016
Wow! What a rich, brilliant story set during World War I. There's war, betrayal, and even love. Petken's writing is the best part - poetic yet genuine, devastating but inspiring. I experienced an array of emotions while reading this book - the author had me in the palm of her hand.
This story is a perfectly woven tale of action, heart ache, and sacrifice with so many well drawn characters, all of which I felt invested in (even the ones I didn't like very much).
It's well-researched with dramatic flair and heart, giving us a face to people who really experienced life during these tumultuous times.
This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a rich, layered tale of family and struggle.
It was a great read and I was so impressed with the writer. She could write anything and make it worth reading just because she's a natural storyteller and wordsmith. Job well done! I can't wait to check out book two in the saga.
This story is a perfectly woven tale of action, heart ache, and sacrifice with so many well drawn characters, all of which I felt invested in (even the ones I didn't like very much).
It's well-researched with dramatic flair and heart, giving us a face to people who really experienced life during these tumultuous times.
This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a rich, layered tale of family and struggle.
It was a great read and I was so impressed with the writer. She could write anything and make it worth reading just because she's a natural storyteller and wordsmith. Job well done! I can't wait to check out book two in the saga.
July 9, 2016
A wonderful, wonderful read regarding Irish and British history that easily gets you hooked and keeps you reading late into the night. Exceptional characters that you relate to and emphasise with. Jana Petken really knows how to develop her characters and gets you into their heads. The Carmody family are an Irish loyalist family fighting to protect their land during WW1. I read this on my kindle and thought it may catch fire such was the power of the detailed horrific scenes.
Historical history was not my favourite genre and I was recommended this book by a friend, I'm so glad I read it, it gave me a sense of satisfaction when I sadly finished the last page.
A total believable story set 100 years ago, war, love,horror,romance it has it all. If this is the quality of Indie author writing than the legacy authors better lookout. My favourite book of the year. Simply poetic. Go get it now, it's a beaut.
Historical history was not my favourite genre and I was recommended this book by a friend, I'm so glad I read it, it gave me a sense of satisfaction when I sadly finished the last page.
A total believable story set 100 years ago, war, love,horror,romance it has it all. If this is the quality of Indie author writing than the legacy authors better lookout. My favourite book of the year. Simply poetic. Go get it now, it's a beaut.
September 23, 2017
Amazing
August 11, 2019
War and love
What a wonderful story of the horrors of war and the joy of love! This book of the WWI era is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Well written with amazing characters!
What a wonderful story of the horrors of war and the joy of love! This book of the WWI era is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Well written with amazing characters!
September 28, 2017
"Swearing allegiance" is a novel of historical fiction, and a very good one.
In smoothly written language it quickly draws the reader into the world of the Carmody family of Ireland, 1916. It is a moment that will change forever the fortunes and lives of everyone in that tightly knit group.
The book begins with Danny Carmody surrounded by British troops in the Dublin General Post Office along with his fellow Republican rebels. All know that the Easter Rebellion , as it is now known, has failed; what they do not know is their individual fates. Danny's fate is to be crouched down in a trench in Flanders , a private in the British Army, dirty, scared and determined to stay alive and return home to his wife.
Between that beginning and the ending is a totaling engaging tale masterfully told by Ms Petken.
The reader follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the family beginnings with Danny's arrest as a rebel, to the death of the tragic and unexpected death of the father, which has far-reaching ramifications They must move back to England to live in their English granny's house because of a reversal to their financial status . Jenny, the pampered, spoiled and willful daughter must actually find employment. The older son, Patrick, who was studying to be a doctor like his father, finds it necessary to put his studies on hiatus and join the Royal Navy as a medical officer. The horrors of the war become dangerously close and real to all of them.
"Swearing Allegiance" is often moving, sometimes humorous and constantly spellbinding. It is not a romance, though there is romance. It is not a war novel, though the scenes of war are compelling. It is not a drawn out soap opera of a family saga. it is an excellent historical novel, I recommend it highly to all readers who enjoy a very good novel.
The title subhead notes that it is " book 1"I look forward the next book.
A very strong four stars- and that only because the cliff-hanger ending left me wanting more. But, that is the idea, right?
In smoothly written language it quickly draws the reader into the world of the Carmody family of Ireland, 1916. It is a moment that will change forever the fortunes and lives of everyone in that tightly knit group.
The book begins with Danny Carmody surrounded by British troops in the Dublin General Post Office along with his fellow Republican rebels. All know that the Easter Rebellion , as it is now known, has failed; what they do not know is their individual fates. Danny's fate is to be crouched down in a trench in Flanders , a private in the British Army, dirty, scared and determined to stay alive and return home to his wife.
Between that beginning and the ending is a totaling engaging tale masterfully told by Ms Petken.
The reader follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the family beginnings with Danny's arrest as a rebel, to the death of the tragic and unexpected death of the father, which has far-reaching ramifications They must move back to England to live in their English granny's house because of a reversal to their financial status . Jenny, the pampered, spoiled and willful daughter must actually find employment. The older son, Patrick, who was studying to be a doctor like his father, finds it necessary to put his studies on hiatus and join the Royal Navy as a medical officer. The horrors of the war become dangerously close and real to all of them.
"Swearing Allegiance" is often moving, sometimes humorous and constantly spellbinding. It is not a romance, though there is romance. It is not a war novel, though the scenes of war are compelling. It is not a drawn out soap opera of a family saga. it is an excellent historical novel, I recommend it highly to all readers who enjoy a very good novel.
The title subhead notes that it is " book 1"I look forward the next book.
A very strong four stars- and that only because the cliff-hanger ending left me wanting more. But, that is the idea, right?
July 2, 2017
Swearing Allegiance is an excellent piece of historic fiction that places the reader squarely in WWI. I found myself swept away in time as I read about the Carmody family, three Irish siblings who went from riches to rags after the untimely death of their father. Patrick, Jenny, and Danny each deal with the blow in their own way, growing and maturing in the process, as the war marches on. The war scenes are particularly well done, showing both great skill from the writer as well as the incredible amount of research it must have taken to write scenes with such believability. This is the first book I've read by Jana Petken, but it won't be the last. Well done!
July 31, 2017
If I could give more than 5-Stars I would, simply for the research I realize had to be invested in before writing this amazing narrative! Much like life, this story invites you in and introduced characters in an unhurried, realistic manner that gives you time to get to know them and decide whether or not you like them. Complex and fully developed, they, in turn, relate their tale; spinning history out through a perspective that was comprehensible and engaging. I never enjoyed History class in school, but if they would have been taught in this way, I’d be a historian! Entirely successful, this author has earned my respect and I’ve already put more of her books onto my TBR List!
March 22, 2018
An Irish Family Merges With The British in WW II
I was immersed in the story of this family from Ireland. The war and death of the head of household forced them then to move to London and take on a new life. I could picture images of the mother and grandmother trying to hold the family together in their own way. The love storylines were interesting and believable to me at the period of time. I recommend this book.
I was immersed in the story of this family from Ireland. The war and death of the head of household forced them then to move to London and take on a new life. I could picture images of the mother and grandmother trying to hold the family together in their own way. The love storylines were interesting and believable to me at the period of time. I recommend this book.
September 8, 2018
Loved it!
Good thing it is so hot in Arizona now! I had an excuse to read this book in two days! As a retired world history teacher, I am drawn to historical fiction. I highly recommend this book!
Good thing it is so hot in Arizona now! I had an excuse to read this book in two days! As a retired world history teacher, I am drawn to historical fiction. I highly recommend this book!
June 1, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
" completely hooked, and desperate to read the next instalment. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
" completely hooked, and desperate to read the next instalment. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
March 28, 2020
What a wonderful surprise this book was! I came to it not knowing anything about it. I had added it to my to-by-read pile some time ago and had forgotten any sales description. It was a little slow to start, but by the time I had reached the end of the third chapter, I was hooked and finished the book within two days.
The story tells of the Carmody family in the First World War, starting during the days of the Easter rebellion of 2016 in Dublin. The story begins with Danny, the youngest son, just shy of eighteen, working as a runner for the Irish, taking messages from one area to another. When the uprising fails, he is allowed to go as he is under-age, but he returns home to find that his father, Robert Carmody, an eminent surgeon, has been killed by a stray sniper bullet. His mother, grandmother, brother, Patrick, and sister, Jenny. The family struggles over the next few months with the fallout from Robert Carmody’s death, the debts he had incurred, the loss of status and lifestyle resulting from the loss of income, the effects of Danny’s arrest and incarceration, along with that of Jenny’s fiancé, John Grant. As a result, the family relocates to London to the grandmother’s home. As he had been training to be a surgeon, but cannot afford the tuition any further, Patrick joins the Navy where he is immediately placed in a good rank and position. On the other hand, Jenny is forced to find work for the first time in her life and ends up working in a factory. At the same time, Patrick’s friend, Kevin, who has held a torch for Jenny for a long time, begins spending time with her and helping her to adjust to the new life in London so that she starts to develop a new outlook on life.
The story is a complex interweave of threads – romance, war, rebellion, political history, social history with strong, well-developed characters – that makes a very textured and very exciting read. The history was very, very well researched and its implementation into the story was done with a deft hand. Once or twice, it felt that the author had thrown a little too much into a particular section, but it laid a good groundwork for the milieu in which the characters found themselves. The story kept good pace as events unfolded and each new situation felt believable and drew me further. My only disappointment was that the book ended quite suddenly – not unsatisfactorily – but it did feel like there should have been more. Then I discovered that Ms Petken has written a sequel, “Oath of Allegiance”, which was released earlier this month (March 2020).
In case you could not tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have no problem in recommending it to others. While it does exactly what a good book should – entertain – this one has the added advantage of educating, and I was very pleased to learn more about the Irish Rebellion, a part of history that I did not know much about.
The story tells of the Carmody family in the First World War, starting during the days of the Easter rebellion of 2016 in Dublin. The story begins with Danny, the youngest son, just shy of eighteen, working as a runner for the Irish, taking messages from one area to another. When the uprising fails, he is allowed to go as he is under-age, but he returns home to find that his father, Robert Carmody, an eminent surgeon, has been killed by a stray sniper bullet. His mother, grandmother, brother, Patrick, and sister, Jenny. The family struggles over the next few months with the fallout from Robert Carmody’s death, the debts he had incurred, the loss of status and lifestyle resulting from the loss of income, the effects of Danny’s arrest and incarceration, along with that of Jenny’s fiancé, John Grant. As a result, the family relocates to London to the grandmother’s home. As he had been training to be a surgeon, but cannot afford the tuition any further, Patrick joins the Navy where he is immediately placed in a good rank and position. On the other hand, Jenny is forced to find work for the first time in her life and ends up working in a factory. At the same time, Patrick’s friend, Kevin, who has held a torch for Jenny for a long time, begins spending time with her and helping her to adjust to the new life in London so that she starts to develop a new outlook on life.
The story is a complex interweave of threads – romance, war, rebellion, political history, social history with strong, well-developed characters – that makes a very textured and very exciting read. The history was very, very well researched and its implementation into the story was done with a deft hand. Once or twice, it felt that the author had thrown a little too much into a particular section, but it laid a good groundwork for the milieu in which the characters found themselves. The story kept good pace as events unfolded and each new situation felt believable and drew me further. My only disappointment was that the book ended quite suddenly – not unsatisfactorily – but it did feel like there should have been more. Then I discovered that Ms Petken has written a sequel, “Oath of Allegiance”, which was released earlier this month (March 2020).
In case you could not tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have no problem in recommending it to others. While it does exactly what a good book should – entertain – this one has the added advantage of educating, and I was very pleased to learn more about the Irish Rebellion, a part of history that I did not know much about.
September 16, 2017
Surviving chaos
I could not put this book down. All the main characters anxious to get on with their lives; a doctor ready to see his laborious research used to help patients; two new doctors ready to begin their work of saving lives; a young woman ready to say her vows and become a wife and mother; a young man ready to learn how to fight for Irish independence. All dreams shattered in one awful evening. The family that survives this is a remarkable one. Read it and enjoy.
I could not put this book down. All the main characters anxious to get on with their lives; a doctor ready to see his laborious research used to help patients; two new doctors ready to begin their work of saving lives; a young woman ready to say her vows and become a wife and mother; a young man ready to learn how to fight for Irish independence. All dreams shattered in one awful evening. The family that survives this is a remarkable one. Read it and enjoy.
September 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were all great, and the author did a great job not only developing them, but making them believable, and showing how their behaviors change based on their experiences. It was also interesting to read a war story primarily from the perspective of the characters at home.
My only disappointment with this book was that it was billed as “Book 1 of the Carmody Saga”, but it doesn’t seem like a Book 2 exists just yet!
My only disappointment with this book was that it was billed as “Book 1 of the Carmody Saga”, but it doesn’t seem like a Book 2 exists just yet!
May 23, 2019
Fantastic
I thought this book was going to be about the Irish rebellion but it was actually about WW1. This book was absolutely wonderful. Problem is, where is book 2?? To me this author is one of the best there is. She can write about any era in history. I do hope that the Carmody families takes us into WW2. I read the Flock series, the Vogel series now I hope we don't have to wait too much longer for the Carmody series.
I thought this book was going to be about the Irish rebellion but it was actually about WW1. This book was absolutely wonderful. Problem is, where is book 2?? To me this author is one of the best there is. She can write about any era in history. I do hope that the Carmody families takes us into WW2. I read the Flock series, the Vogel series now I hope we don't have to wait too much longer for the Carmody series.
October 20, 2017
War and Peace
No matter what the circumstances or the location war is always horrendous. The Killing and maiming of our young men and women is something that we should not get used to. This novel made that very clear in the lives of several people. But it also made very clear how much they longed for peace.
No matter what the circumstances or the location war is always horrendous. The Killing and maiming of our young men and women is something that we should not get used to. This novel made that very clear in the lives of several people. But it also made very clear how much they longed for peace.
January 16, 2019
I picked this book to read because it was about an Irish family, some who were involved in the Irish rebellion, who moved to London during WW1. This book has it all. Family members and friends off to war, others left to carry on in London, it moves fluidly between the two. War, romance, and history, it had it all. Great book.
February 21, 2019
Swearing Allegiance
A very long book about an Irish family during WW I and the Irish Rebellion. Parts of the book were boring, but generally it was very interesting. This book followed the Carmondy family from Dublin. Mrs Susan Carmondy and her mother are English. The three Carmondy adult children live with them.
A very long book about an Irish family during WW I and the Irish Rebellion. Parts of the book were boring, but generally it was very interesting. This book followed the Carmondy family from Dublin. Mrs Susan Carmondy and her mother are English. The three Carmondy adult children live with them.
September 9, 2019
Slow start for me as I thought it would be overly sympathetic to terrorism but it soon moved into a balanced view. A couple of typos I couldn't be bothered to report to Kindle (it spoils the flow of reading to break off and report). I'm pretty sure the convention is that ladies don't rise when men enter the room: particularly in the era that this is set. An enjoyable yarn.
March 28, 2020
Deeply Embedded
This book is amazing. The characters are strong, rounded and believable; the plot flowed easily from event to event, maintaining the tension throughout, leaving me with a need to know what was going to happen next; but all underpinned by a very well researched historical setting.
If you're looking for something to read, buy here!
This book is amazing. The characters are strong, rounded and believable; the plot flowed easily from event to event, maintaining the tension throughout, leaving me with a need to know what was going to happen next; but all underpinned by a very well researched historical setting.
If you're looking for something to read, buy here!
April 16, 2024
I really like this author
I discovered Jana Petken my reading her man from MI5 series, then moved onto the Vogel’s. I like historical fiction but more importantly I like accuracy in historical fiction. Jana is a good storyteller and she gives accurate depictions of historical events. It take a lot of research to write good historical fiction and Petken does a good job.
I discovered Jana Petken my reading her man from MI5 series, then moved onto the Vogel’s. I like historical fiction but more importantly I like accuracy in historical fiction. Jana is a good storyteller and she gives accurate depictions of historical events. It take a lot of research to write good historical fiction and Petken does a good job.
September 30, 2017
Entertaining and Well Written
I enjoyed reading the book. The character development was excellent, and writing superb. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was there was not closure to me in a particular area that is a large part of the story.
I enjoyed reading the book. The character development was excellent, and writing superb. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was there was not closure to me in a particular area that is a large part of the story.
February 13, 2020
Swearing Allegiance
Another good read from Jana Petken. The story starts with the Easter uprising and then we follow the characters to London and France during the first world war. Highly recommended.
Another good read from Jana Petken. The story starts with the Easter uprising and then we follow the characters to London and France during the first world war. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2021
While the great war and the issue of Irish independence are at the heart of the story it is the characters, their love, pain and daily lives, which make this such an absolute page turner. Well researched, and well written.
July 15, 2023
AS a historical novel, it was gruesome account of ww1 and the Irish uprising. It tells the story of the Carmody family. However the story then lapsed into a romantic novel. At times the book DRAGGEd.
Was drawn between 3 and 4 Stars. 3.5 stars!!
Was drawn between 3 and 4 Stars. 3.5 stars!!
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