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Pict King #1
The King's Executioner
The King of the Pict has entered into an agreement with Cathbad, Overlord of the Western Region to wed his daughter Anin. Blyth, Anin’s mother, has given her husband four fine sons and King Talon hopes Anin will do the same for him. Unfortunately, Anin’s mother wants no part of the agreement. She intends for her daughter to pick a husband of her own choosing as the women of her tribe do. She sends Anin away and no amount of threats or persuasion will make Blyth confess her daughter’s whereabouts and so King Talon sends the one man he knows who can force the woman to speak and to bring Anin to him—his executioner.
Paine is feared by all, and rightfully so. He has the power to bring great suffering and with one swing of his double-sided axe a swift death. He has been sent to collect the future Queen and deliver her to King Talon. An easy mission and one he wants to see finished quickly, but from the moment he meets Anin he knows that will prove a challenge.
Anin has no choice but to go with the executioner and wed the High King, though she would prefer not to, especially after she meets the executioner. He brings things alive in her that she has been forced to keep hidden and as her secrets begin to surface so do her feelings for the executioner.
The couple faces insurmountable challenges on their journey to Pictland and even more when they finally stand before the King.
Paine is feared by all, and rightfully so. He has the power to bring great suffering and with one swing of his double-sided axe a swift death. He has been sent to collect the future Queen and deliver her to King Talon. An easy mission and one he wants to see finished quickly, but from the moment he meets Anin he knows that will prove a challenge.
Anin has no choice but to go with the executioner and wed the High King, though she would prefer not to, especially after she meets the executioner. He brings things alive in her that she has been forced to keep hidden and as her secrets begin to surface so do her feelings for the executioner.
The couple faces insurmountable challenges on their journey to Pictland and even more when they finally stand before the King.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2016
180 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 15, 2024
Part 1
2,5 💘🤔⭐️s
This was my first read regarding the tribal people Picts.
The premise was interesting but there were many repetitions as well as grammatical errors.
2,5 💘🤔⭐️s
This was my first read regarding the tribal people Picts.
The premise was interesting but there were many repetitions as well as grammatical errors.
April 17, 2017
2.5 stars
Love the Iron age time period this is set in, was fresh and intriguing as the majority of historicals published are regency and Victorian. Besides the clothing and looks of our characters I would have liked a bit more to the details of the time period so I could enjoy it more.
I rounded up because of the different setting and the fabulous cover, lol, but this road romance had a lot of rinse and repeat to it. Paine and Anin traveling, danger, Anin scared and/or needs to be rescued, and ending with Anin hugging Paine. This happened over and over, I found myself wanting to skim and skip.
The time period makes this fresh but the romance is a bit insta and the repeating danger then hugs, made this road romance a little dragging.
Love the Iron age time period this is set in, was fresh and intriguing as the majority of historicals published are regency and Victorian. Besides the clothing and looks of our characters I would have liked a bit more to the details of the time period so I could enjoy it more.
I rounded up because of the different setting and the fabulous cover, lol, but this road romance had a lot of rinse and repeat to it. Paine and Anin traveling, danger, Anin scared and/or needs to be rescued, and ending with Anin hugging Paine. This happened over and over, I found myself wanting to skim and skip.
The time period makes this fresh but the romance is a bit insta and the repeating danger then hugs, made this road romance a little dragging.
January 20, 2020
4.5 stars
The Kings Executioner:
While isn't truly his name, it is the one he assumed at some point because it is what he has always brought: Paine. He fought side-by-side with the man he calls friend that now all the tribes call King, and he took the task no one wanted: the executioner. It is his job to bring misery and death, and all fear him - rightfully so. Emotions have no place in his life, and he has existed for years without feeling anything... until he is set on a mission that will alter his life forever.
The King's Betrothed:
Anin has never fit in with her tribe - she is much more timid and emotional than any of the other members of her family. But the emotions she experiences are not always her own... if she touches a person, she can determine what he or she is feeling and whether or not s/he is telling the truth. Her mother warned her at a young age to hide and deny her abilities, so Anin has never told another person of her unusual skills; thus, she has been left to wonder why she has them and what her purpose is. Now that the king has declared her to be his next queen (as the previous 2 queens failed to conceive an heir), her mother begs Anin to run away, so she flees her homeland for her mother's people before the arrival of the escort.
Their Journey Begins.
Paine quickly catches up with Anin when he realizes she is not with her family and deduces that her mother would most likely have sent her to the tribe of her birth. Anin knows she should fear Paine as all others do, but she senses there is more to him, even though she feels nothing at all when she touches him. When their journey quickly turns dangerous as enemies are after Anin for various reasons unknown to either of them, they are drawn more closely together. Paine begins to feel things for Anin that he never felt before and never believed to be possible, and Anin realizes that the executioner is not the bringer of death, but just a man who needs to be loved like any other man... and she knows she is the one meant to love him. But she is intended for the king - for Paine and Anin to act on their feelings would bring certain death to both of them. But they are finding the pull towards each other more and more impossible to deny, and as the danger increases, so does their need to never be separated from the other. If they survive the many attempts to dispose of them along their journey, surely they will be put to death when their forbidden love comes to light.
What I liked:
--- The characters were complex (in a good way), and as their relationship advanced, their layers were revealed along with some mystery of their origins
--- Interesting story line that kept me reading into the wee hours
--- Alpha male - yum, yum!
--- Steamy goodness - please and thank you! :)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some aspects of folklore/mystical forces that were only semi-explained - I felt that there could have been more background or explanation around certain points
--- At times, I wished Anin would grow a bit of a backbone - she was a little over-the-top with her need to be rescued/damsel in distress situations
Overall, a great read if you a solid plot, enjoy dark ages alpha males, some mystical aspects of the old world, and some steamy goodness! :)
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- it's the dark ages, so a little maiming and slaughter here and there (nothing overly graphic; nothing domestic)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
The Kings Executioner:
While isn't truly his name, it is the one he assumed at some point because it is what he has always brought: Paine. He fought side-by-side with the man he calls friend that now all the tribes call King, and he took the task no one wanted: the executioner. It is his job to bring misery and death, and all fear him - rightfully so. Emotions have no place in his life, and he has existed for years without feeling anything... until he is set on a mission that will alter his life forever.
The King's Betrothed:
Anin has never fit in with her tribe - she is much more timid and emotional than any of the other members of her family. But the emotions she experiences are not always her own... if she touches a person, she can determine what he or she is feeling and whether or not s/he is telling the truth. Her mother warned her at a young age to hide and deny her abilities, so Anin has never told another person of her unusual skills; thus, she has been left to wonder why she has them and what her purpose is. Now that the king has declared her to be his next queen (as the previous 2 queens failed to conceive an heir), her mother begs Anin to run away, so she flees her homeland for her mother's people before the arrival of the escort.
Their Journey Begins.
Paine quickly catches up with Anin when he realizes she is not with her family and deduces that her mother would most likely have sent her to the tribe of her birth. Anin knows she should fear Paine as all others do, but she senses there is more to him, even though she feels nothing at all when she touches him. When their journey quickly turns dangerous as enemies are after Anin for various reasons unknown to either of them, they are drawn more closely together. Paine begins to feel things for Anin that he never felt before and never believed to be possible, and Anin realizes that the executioner is not the bringer of death, but just a man who needs to be loved like any other man... and she knows she is the one meant to love him. But she is intended for the king - for Paine and Anin to act on their feelings would bring certain death to both of them. But they are finding the pull towards each other more and more impossible to deny, and as the danger increases, so does their need to never be separated from the other. If they survive the many attempts to dispose of them along their journey, surely they will be put to death when their forbidden love comes to light.
What I liked:
--- The characters were complex (in a good way), and as their relationship advanced, their layers were revealed along with some mystery of their origins
--- Interesting story line that kept me reading into the wee hours
--- Alpha male - yum, yum!
--- Steamy goodness - please and thank you! :)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There were some aspects of folklore/mystical forces that were only semi-explained - I felt that there could have been more background or explanation around certain points
--- At times, I wished Anin would grow a bit of a backbone - she was a little over-the-top with her need to be rescued/damsel in distress situations
Overall, a great read if you a solid plot, enjoy dark ages alpha males, some mystical aspects of the old world, and some steamy goodness! :)
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- it's the dark ages, so a little maiming and slaughter here and there (nothing overly graphic; nothing domestic)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
October 8, 2016
Forget the iron, Pictland is a story gold mine
Donna Fletcher has hit upon a source story gold mine by setting her newest collection of historical romances, the Pict King Series, in ancient Scotland's Iron Age. It is a misty, enchanted, brutal time period that unfolded simultaneously with Rome's expansion. Readers' expectations are primed for barbaric action, tree worshipers and other pagan practices. The chronicles of Pictland are cloudy enough that an author with enough imagination can create a fantasy world on the fringes of history. THIS is the world Fletcher excavates, with modest success.
Although the vast majority of this book documents the journey of the king's executioner, Paine, bringing the king's intended, Anin, back to the newly formed Pictland capital, Fletcher manages to infiltrate political intrigue and backstory regarding the confederate tribes that engender Pictland. She also blends the distinct personalities unique to the tribes and some of the druid-like beliefs that form the basis for their culture. My problem with all of this is that the details were just enough to tantalize; I wanted more. More political intrigue, more action adventure, more culture and history.
Instead I got a bossy warrior continually telling the heroine to "stay put" and reminding himself that she belongs to the king. Nearly all of the speech is in stilted language that was simultaneously too much and not enough. I know that doesn't make sense, but after reading some dialogue, you will know what I mean.
"It is death they fear and to them I am the harbinger of death. They give to me, I go away, and death does not touch them."
Fletcher also falls back on trite devices that you've read in any number of historical romances. For instance, in this novel it is that old reliable, a big storm (gasp!) that brings Paine and Anin in close physical proximity before a cozy fire while their clothes dry nearby. And of course he has a tamed wolf to protect Anin when he is not around.
As characters, I had a mixed reaction to both Paine and Anin. Paine was an enigma, quiet yet foul-tempered while Anin was effusive and chatty. Eventually Paine's story unfolds as he comes to trust in his feelings for Anin, and his background is both compelling and tragic. However, I cannot forgive Fletcher for NOT dissecting how Paine came to be an executioner and his emotions on that subject. Words like "cold," "unfeeling" and "dead eyes" didn't even come close to satisfying my curiosity. Perhaps that is being saved for a future book, although it appears to move on with another warrior introduced in this novel.
Anin was physically weak and emotionally tentative, right up until her lust for Paine overwhelms her. It was a switch of gender roles to see her as the pursuer, and I admit my brain was tickled by the big, bad, tattooed killer holding her back by her scrawny neck, saying, "Do not dare think it!" Anin matures along her journey, and proves countless times that though she is not a woman warrior, she does possess (at times foolish) bravery. So another trite literary device is employed: the foolish heroine. It is also with Anin that the story tilts most into fantasy and certain mystical talents solidify.
Once Paine and Anin reach their journey's end, with about forty percent of the book left, my enjoyment of the story increased. Finally, the intrigue, the mysticism and the non-foul tempered side of Paine come out to play. The last half of the book was my favorite.
While I felt this particular story did not live up to the potential that is Iron Age Pictland, I definitely want to read more of this imaginative world. Clearly, the next stories will involve Wrath and Talon, who are both set up as interesting, yet kind of terrifying characters in book one of the series. Also, kudos to the cover design; I felt the model on the cover perfectly embodied Paine as described in the book. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Donna Fletcher has hit upon a source story gold mine by setting her newest collection of historical romances, the Pict King Series, in ancient Scotland's Iron Age. It is a misty, enchanted, brutal time period that unfolded simultaneously with Rome's expansion. Readers' expectations are primed for barbaric action, tree worshipers and other pagan practices. The chronicles of Pictland are cloudy enough that an author with enough imagination can create a fantasy world on the fringes of history. THIS is the world Fletcher excavates, with modest success.
Although the vast majority of this book documents the journey of the king's executioner, Paine, bringing the king's intended, Anin, back to the newly formed Pictland capital, Fletcher manages to infiltrate political intrigue and backstory regarding the confederate tribes that engender Pictland. She also blends the distinct personalities unique to the tribes and some of the druid-like beliefs that form the basis for their culture. My problem with all of this is that the details were just enough to tantalize; I wanted more. More political intrigue, more action adventure, more culture and history.
Instead I got a bossy warrior continually telling the heroine to "stay put" and reminding himself that she belongs to the king. Nearly all of the speech is in stilted language that was simultaneously too much and not enough. I know that doesn't make sense, but after reading some dialogue, you will know what I mean.
"It is death they fear and to them I am the harbinger of death. They give to me, I go away, and death does not touch them."
Fletcher also falls back on trite devices that you've read in any number of historical romances. For instance, in this novel it is that old reliable, a big storm (gasp!) that brings Paine and Anin in close physical proximity before a cozy fire while their clothes dry nearby. And of course he has a tamed wolf to protect Anin when he is not around.
As characters, I had a mixed reaction to both Paine and Anin. Paine was an enigma, quiet yet foul-tempered while Anin was effusive and chatty. Eventually Paine's story unfolds as he comes to trust in his feelings for Anin, and his background is both compelling and tragic. However, I cannot forgive Fletcher for NOT dissecting how Paine came to be an executioner and his emotions on that subject. Words like "cold," "unfeeling" and "dead eyes" didn't even come close to satisfying my curiosity. Perhaps that is being saved for a future book, although it appears to move on with another warrior introduced in this novel.
Anin was physically weak and emotionally tentative, right up until her lust for Paine overwhelms her. It was a switch of gender roles to see her as the pursuer, and I admit my brain was tickled by the big, bad, tattooed killer holding her back by her scrawny neck, saying, "Do not dare think it!" Anin matures along her journey, and proves countless times that though she is not a woman warrior, she does possess (at times foolish) bravery. So another trite literary device is employed: the foolish heroine. It is also with Anin that the story tilts most into fantasy and certain mystical talents solidify.
Once Paine and Anin reach their journey's end, with about forty percent of the book left, my enjoyment of the story increased. Finally, the intrigue, the mysticism and the non-foul tempered side of Paine come out to play. The last half of the book was my favorite.
While I felt this particular story did not live up to the potential that is Iron Age Pictland, I definitely want to read more of this imaginative world. Clearly, the next stories will involve Wrath and Talon, who are both set up as interesting, yet kind of terrifying characters in book one of the series. Also, kudos to the cover design; I felt the model on the cover perfectly embodied Paine as described in the book. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
May 2, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
'The King's Executioner' by Donna Fletcher is the first book in the "Pict King" series. It is also the story of Anin and Paine. This was another of Ms. Fletcher books that I could not put down and had to read it in one sitting. Paine is very harsh at first but it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with him.
Anin has been ordered to marry King Talon. But Anin and her mother both know that this is not a good thing for Anin to do. So Anin eaves and tries to go to her mother's original home. But Paine has come for her and plans to take her back to King Talon. Anin settles into the knowledge that she will have to go to the King to become his wife.
Paine is the Kings 'executioner', 'enforcer' and is being sent to track down Anin. Paine is to return her to the King so that the King may take her as a wife.
Pain and Anin while trying to return to the King find trouble at every turn... It seems Anin is in danger. Paine is trying to protect her, which is causing him to have strong feelings for her. Paine finds that he is having a hard time in fighting his feelings. Anin too, is finding that she has become attached to Pain. Can they part ways when and if they make it to the King?
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'The King's Executioner' by Donna Fletcher is the first book in the "Pict King" series. It is also the story of Anin and Paine. This was another of Ms. Fletcher books that I could not put down and had to read it in one sitting. Paine is very harsh at first but it doesn't take long for you to fall in love with him.
Anin has been ordered to marry King Talon. But Anin and her mother both know that this is not a good thing for Anin to do. So Anin eaves and tries to go to her mother's original home. But Paine has come for her and plans to take her back to King Talon. Anin settles into the knowledge that she will have to go to the King to become his wife.
Paine is the Kings 'executioner', 'enforcer' and is being sent to track down Anin. Paine is to return her to the King so that the King may take her as a wife.
Pain and Anin while trying to return to the King find trouble at every turn... It seems Anin is in danger. Paine is trying to protect her, which is causing him to have strong feelings for her. Paine finds that he is having a hard time in fighting his feelings. Anin too, is finding that she has become attached to Pain. Can they part ways when and if they make it to the King?
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
September 28, 2016
This is a fantastic read from page one ! Paine and Annin are wonderful main characters and a really engrossing storyline you just don't want to put the book down. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2020
Its slow to my liking from beginning until at 40% everything changed to fast pace. More dialogue between H/h. More action, layers of mystery unfold. It took me places. Love it that I will continue to next book in this trilogy.
February 12, 2018
I liked this book a lot. It had a lot of typos and editing issues which I usually just overlook in KU, free or .99 books. But the author charges 5 bucks for this, so you know, she could have some beta readers and an editor clean it up. This read more like a fantasy than a historical. The story itself was very good but a lot in the book was repetitive. I will definitely read the next two books in this series.
February 7, 2018
4+ "Forbidden" Stars!
I enjoyed this story and both main characters very much. Paine and Anin were very easy to fall for. Happy reading!
I enjoyed this story and both main characters very much. Paine and Anin were very easy to fall for. Happy reading!
March 22, 2022
Anin's and Paine's Story. Anin has been chosen as King Talon wife. The King sends his executioner, Paine, to bring Anin from her home to the King. Paine and Anin met many challenges on their travels and their attraction grows stronger.
Each character is strong and has secrets. I really enjoyed their self-discovery and how they grew. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
Each character is strong and has secrets. I really enjoyed their self-discovery and how they grew. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
September 8, 2017
Very disappointed with this one, especially given all the good reviews. Although the storyline was somewhat entertaining, I struggled to follow it given the very poor editing. It honestly felt like the book hadn't been edited in any way. There were so many glaring typos (discomfit for discomfort, done for down, runt for run, and on and on--the hero's name, Paine, was even misspelled as Pain at least once). Plus, all the grammatical errors made it incredibly hard to follow (run-on sentences, missing commas, misplaced commas, etc.). Every time I would start to get into the plot, an error would jerk me out of the moment. In addition, the first half of the book moved very slowly, and there was a lot of repetition (I lost count of how many times Anin shivered in the night and Paine warmed her). I'm really surprised that only a few people mentioned these glaring errors in their reviews. I can overlook a few errors--hey, it happens--but this is a book from a seasoned author. Not sure what happened, but I am very disappointed and can't recommend this book.
February 24, 2021
Apparently both MCs got 2 set of eyes with different colors. So the first chapter told us the H got green eyes and later he got blue and then changed to green again and then blue and so on. And the h got blue eyes to start with then changed to green and then blue again. Idk whether they got blue green eyes that looked green sometimes and blue the other times but the author didn't word it that way. They just randomly got blue or green eyes which were confusing. But the story itself was good. The fact that the h constantly got into lots of shits and always saved by the H at the last moment got on my nerve. That happened a lot throughout the book. Sad the ending didn't tell us about them with their kids but bet we'll know about them in the next books in this installment. Oh and the twist and secrets were a bit predictable but not super obvious.
February 15, 2018
This was a good book. It had a medieval romance feel to it. With a bit of supernatural as well. Paine was an interesting hero, able to torture for his king, but so loving and protective toward Anin, who was hiding a secret of her own. This was a fast paced read. Not a lot of angst or emotional turmoil, which I liked. Now, I really want to read King Talon’s story. So I’ll continue with this series!
June 9, 2016
Once again Donna Fletcher delivers a riveting novel with great characters. This book is the first of 3 in this series. In it you are introduced to Paine and Anin. Two people who are definitely polar opposites in the eyes of everyone.
Anin has a sweet and kind nature. Often keeping to herself and more comfortable in the forest than with people. She has always felt like an outcast and that she is different from everyone because of her ability to feel others emotions. Taught from a young child to hide these abilities and to never let anyone know what she can do, she is now afraid to touch others. When word arrives that she is to marry the King her father and brothers are overjoyed, but her mother protests it and sends Anin away to save her from that fate.
Paine is the King's Executioner. He is feared by men and women for his tenacity, size, strength, and ability to show no emotion at all. He has been sent to retrieve Anin and bring her to the King, but when he arrives in her village it is to find that the mother has sent her away. When questioned she tells him she does not know where her daughter has gone, and while he believes that he also sees that she is hiding a secret about Anin. When he realizes where she would have gone he sets out to find his prey, but is not prepared to met Anin and deal with the emotions she stirs in him.
When Anin is found by the king's executioner she does not know how to respond. She has never met someone who is so cold and devoid of emotion. And yet she is still drawn to him. As she accepts her fate to be Queen and begins traveling with Paine to her destiny little does she realize the he is her destiny. As the two travel together they fall more and more under each others spell. Paine begins feeling things that he thought long dead, but the feelings do them no good as she is promised to another. When they finally arrive on the King's land it is with the knowledge that neither will be happy without the other and how do they stop not only her marriage to the King, but keep her safe from the tribe that is determined to kill her.
I was extremely satisfied with the characters both main and supporting and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Anin has a sweet and kind nature. Often keeping to herself and more comfortable in the forest than with people. She has always felt like an outcast and that she is different from everyone because of her ability to feel others emotions. Taught from a young child to hide these abilities and to never let anyone know what she can do, she is now afraid to touch others. When word arrives that she is to marry the King her father and brothers are overjoyed, but her mother protests it and sends Anin away to save her from that fate.
Paine is the King's Executioner. He is feared by men and women for his tenacity, size, strength, and ability to show no emotion at all. He has been sent to retrieve Anin and bring her to the King, but when he arrives in her village it is to find that the mother has sent her away. When questioned she tells him she does not know where her daughter has gone, and while he believes that he also sees that she is hiding a secret about Anin. When he realizes where she would have gone he sets out to find his prey, but is not prepared to met Anin and deal with the emotions she stirs in him.
When Anin is found by the king's executioner she does not know how to respond. She has never met someone who is so cold and devoid of emotion. And yet she is still drawn to him. As she accepts her fate to be Queen and begins traveling with Paine to her destiny little does she realize the he is her destiny. As the two travel together they fall more and more under each others spell. Paine begins feeling things that he thought long dead, but the feelings do them no good as she is promised to another. When they finally arrive on the King's land it is with the knowledge that neither will be happy without the other and how do they stop not only her marriage to the King, but keep her safe from the tribe that is determined to kill her.
I was extremely satisfied with the characters both main and supporting and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
May 21, 2018
Anin, daughter to Blyth, is arranged to marry the king of Pictland - she doesn't particularly want to, but she'll do what she's told. Her mother though doesn't want her to and sends her off to stay with her aunts. Paine, the king's executioner, sets off to find her and bring her back to the king so she can go through with the marriage. Paine finds Anin, and Anin follows, but it's soon determined that a tribe within Pictland is attempting to murder Anin and it's all Paine can do to keep her alive. And Paine is in a hurry to get Anin back to his king because the attraction and affection burns strong between he and Anin and he fears that if he doesn't hurry, he'll betray himself and his king just to have her. Fortunately for Anin, she has a particular power which may make her unsuitable for the king and available for Paine, who she has also come to love.
I really liked the iron age world building here. Definitely a different experience - a bit medieval and it also felt a bit fantasy, what with the Wyse tribe (wise..I see what you did there) and all that. At first, I was a bit tentative because Anin seems like a doormat...heck she isn't even going to fight back against marrying someone she doesn't love. Paine says follow and she follows. But I soon came to realize that this was absolutely perfect - she's not a doormat, she's pragmatic. And this flowed so much better than some spoiled heroine who constantly railed against her fate. So nice choice there. Paine was your typical, long-suffering hero with secrets he does not want to spill. And of course, his being an executioner makes him all kinds of tortured. Anin and Paine were the perfect pairing because they really balance each other out like that. So far, I'm hooked on this story, but I'm not so much liking the secondary characters. Wrath doesn't bother me too much, but he didn't exactly come across as charming. King Talon on the other hand seems like an absolute ass...pretty realistic as far as being a king goes, but he's a pretty rotten friend. I also wasn't so sure what that whole thing was about there at the end and I really didn't appreciate that Anin actually hugged her father afterwards. What did he do to deserve it?
I really liked the iron age world building here. Definitely a different experience - a bit medieval and it also felt a bit fantasy, what with the Wyse tribe (wise..I see what you did there) and all that. At first, I was a bit tentative because Anin seems like a doormat...heck she isn't even going to fight back against marrying someone she doesn't love. Paine says follow and she follows. But I soon came to realize that this was absolutely perfect - she's not a doormat, she's pragmatic. And this flowed so much better than some spoiled heroine who constantly railed against her fate. So nice choice there. Paine was your typical, long-suffering hero with secrets he does not want to spill. And of course, his being an executioner makes him all kinds of tortured. Anin and Paine were the perfect pairing because they really balance each other out like that. So far, I'm hooked on this story, but I'm not so much liking the secondary characters. Wrath doesn't bother me too much, but he didn't exactly come across as charming. King Talon on the other hand seems like an absolute ass...pretty realistic as far as being a king goes, but he's a pretty rotten friend. I also wasn't so sure what that whole thing was about there at the end and I really didn't appreciate that Anin actually hugged her father afterwards. What did he do to deserve it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2016
The King's Executioner Pict King, #1 by Donna Fletcher, is a fantastic new Medieval Historical Romance Trilogy. Featuring the formidable Anin, daughter of Cathbad, Overlord of the Western Region and Paine, King Talon of the Pict Kingdom's, executioner.
Anin's father agrees for his daughter to wed King Talon, however, her mother, Blyth, refuses. So she sends Anin away, at a great risk for herself. King Talon sends his executioner to fetch Anin back, even if he must torture her mother to get the whereabouts of her young daughter. What follows is a mesmerizing tale!
Fast paced, adventure filled tale with, a bit of paranormal elements, danger around every bend, magical influence, secrets, betrayal and treason.
I enjoyed how Anin finds her inner voice, and strength and how Paine learns to love again and finds his inner peace and acceptance, which makes is an intriguing romance.
Together, these two totally different personalities, find their inner peace, fight their attraction, find an evil plot to take over a Kingdom and possibly commit treason, themselves. But can their blossoming romance heed the warning presenting itself, Anin belongs to King Talon or face execution? Can they stop an assassination attempt before it occurs? Can Paine save Anin from her enemies and help her fulfill a secret she didn't know existed? There are many secrets, hidden dangers and challenges, Paine and Anin face.
THE KING'S EXECUTIONER has everything a Historical Romance reader enjoys plus more, with many twists and turns.
Simply mesmerizing! Kept me guessing on every page, from beginning to end. Well written with captivating characters and an intriguing storyline.
Captivating, compelling and powerfully emotional! A must read! Fans of Historical Romance, Medieval intrigue, Picts, myths, legends, and masterfully written storytelling, will find "The King's Executioner", is definitely the read for them. A fantastic read!
Received for an honest review from the author.
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Anin's father agrees for his daughter to wed King Talon, however, her mother, Blyth, refuses. So she sends Anin away, at a great risk for herself. King Talon sends his executioner to fetch Anin back, even if he must torture her mother to get the whereabouts of her young daughter. What follows is a mesmerizing tale!
Fast paced, adventure filled tale with, a bit of paranormal elements, danger around every bend, magical influence, secrets, betrayal and treason.
I enjoyed how Anin finds her inner voice, and strength and how Paine learns to love again and finds his inner peace and acceptance, which makes is an intriguing romance.
Together, these two totally different personalities, find their inner peace, fight their attraction, find an evil plot to take over a Kingdom and possibly commit treason, themselves. But can their blossoming romance heed the warning presenting itself, Anin belongs to King Talon or face execution? Can they stop an assassination attempt before it occurs? Can Paine save Anin from her enemies and help her fulfill a secret she didn't know existed? There are many secrets, hidden dangers and challenges, Paine and Anin face.
THE KING'S EXECUTIONER has everything a Historical Romance reader enjoys plus more, with many twists and turns.
Simply mesmerizing! Kept me guessing on every page, from beginning to end. Well written with captivating characters and an intriguing storyline.
Captivating, compelling and powerfully emotional! A must read! Fans of Historical Romance, Medieval intrigue, Picts, myths, legends, and masterfully written storytelling, will find "The King's Executioner", is definitely the read for them. A fantastic read!
Received for an honest review from the author.
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
June 16, 2018
The King of the Pict is looking for a new wife to give him many sons, he enters into an agreement with Cathbad, an Overlord of the Western Region to wed his daughter Anin.
Unfortunately, Anin’s mother wants no part of the agreement. She intends for her daughter to pick a husband of her own choosing as the women of her tribe do. Sending her daughter away to her people, she hopes she will be safe, and King Talon is not happy, he sends the one man who he knows will bring her back … his Executioner.
So names by what he inflicts, Paine is feared by all. Known to carry a double-sided axe and wolf as a companion. Collecting the future queen is the easy part, but delivering her to the King and not falling for her in the process proves to be a challenge.
Anin has no choice but to go with the executioner and wed the High King, though she would prefer not to, especially after she meets the executioner. He brings things alive in her that she has been forced to keep hidden and as her secrets begin to surface so do her feelings for the executioner.
There are Giants, whispers from the forest and a tribe that has magically closed itself off from the outside world, all intertwined in a truely page-turning novel one in the Pict King trilogy.
Unfortunately, Anin’s mother wants no part of the agreement. She intends for her daughter to pick a husband of her own choosing as the women of her tribe do. Sending her daughter away to her people, she hopes she will be safe, and King Talon is not happy, he sends the one man who he knows will bring her back … his Executioner.
So names by what he inflicts, Paine is feared by all. Known to carry a double-sided axe and wolf as a companion. Collecting the future queen is the easy part, but delivering her to the King and not falling for her in the process proves to be a challenge.
Anin has no choice but to go with the executioner and wed the High King, though she would prefer not to, especially after she meets the executioner. He brings things alive in her that she has been forced to keep hidden and as her secrets begin to surface so do her feelings for the executioner.
There are Giants, whispers from the forest and a tribe that has magically closed itself off from the outside world, all intertwined in a truely page-turning novel one in the Pict King trilogy.
September 6, 2020
I wish there was an option to divide ratings. I'd rate the first 3/4 as 4 stars, and the final 1/4 as 3 stars.
The Executioner is an interesting character; Anin has a lot less depth. I enjoyed the realness of their getting acquainted with one another; and their journey does have its excitement in overcoming trials and challenges.
The last quarter of the book, I felt a bit as though I was reading about two completely different characters than we started out with. The romantic element seemed to become so unrealistically cheesy. There's obviously more story to come, but I don't feel compelled to continue The Pict King series at this point.
The Executioner is an interesting character; Anin has a lot less depth. I enjoyed the realness of their getting acquainted with one another; and their journey does have its excitement in overcoming trials and challenges.
The last quarter of the book, I felt a bit as though I was reading about two completely different characters than we started out with. The romantic element seemed to become so unrealistically cheesy. There's obviously more story to come, but I don't feel compelled to continue The Pict King series at this point.
August 16, 2021
Fantastic read
I paid the price of 0.77p. This book was excellent value however it was a fantastic book. I was totally gripped by the storyline and the characters were intriguing, so well described that you were in the book with them. I could not put the book down and read it in to the early hours of the morning and that was because there was at least 6 hours of reading. I would like the next book in series but wont buy it as it about £3. I pay a monthly fee for kindle unlimited and read at least 2 books a day due to painful illnesses and would not pay for 3 books when i can a full series for less.
I paid the price of 0.77p. This book was excellent value however it was a fantastic book. I was totally gripped by the storyline and the characters were intriguing, so well described that you were in the book with them. I could not put the book down and read it in to the early hours of the morning and that was because there was at least 6 hours of reading. I would like the next book in series but wont buy it as it about £3. I pay a monthly fee for kindle unlimited and read at least 2 books a day due to painful illnesses and would not pay for 3 books when i can a full series for less.
April 5, 2021
It's the details that make a book reaaaally good and in this case the problem was with editing. English is not my 1st language, but that didn't stop me from noticing the grammar and syntax mistakes. The characters speaking in 3rd person and switching to 1st person in the same sentence. Eyes being green and then blue and back green again. Hands being burned and in the next scene being tightly held in the throes of passion. It's the little things...
This said, I'm starting the next book in the series, after this review is over, because I very much liked this book!
This said, I'm starting the next book in the series, after this review is over, because I very much liked this book!
February 3, 2024
Love meant to be
Anin is chosen to marry the King but her mum sends her in hiding. Paine sent to escort her easily finds her and begin the journey to Pictland. Its fraught with danger and challenges as one tribe is intent on killing her while another seeks her for her natural father. An intriguing story filled with danger and mystery. Anin and Paine are drawn to each other, she is determined to win his love and he knows there is no future for them as she is meant to be Queen. I couldn't stop reading and highly recommend this book.
Anin is chosen to marry the King but her mum sends her in hiding. Paine sent to escort her easily finds her and begin the journey to Pictland. Its fraught with danger and challenges as one tribe is intent on killing her while another seeks her for her natural father. An intriguing story filled with danger and mystery. Anin and Paine are drawn to each other, she is determined to win his love and he knows there is no future for them as she is meant to be Queen. I couldn't stop reading and highly recommend this book.
October 23, 2017
Great read
This is the first book I have read from Ms Fletcher and It will not be the last. The after reading what the book was about I was hooked and bought and read the book in one day. I like long books with lots of action and this did not disappoint me. I haven’t read a historical romance in about 5 years but after this one I will give them another chance. I already bought books 2 and 3 of this series, but will have wait to read tomorrow. Great book thank you
This is the first book I have read from Ms Fletcher and It will not be the last. The after reading what the book was about I was hooked and bought and read the book in one day. I like long books with lots of action and this did not disappoint me. I haven’t read a historical romance in about 5 years but after this one I will give them another chance. I already bought books 2 and 3 of this series, but will have wait to read tomorrow. Great book thank you
January 26, 2018
An interesting storyline
The only thing that kept me reading was the need to know what anin was. Hoping that her true power would push through and she would kick some ass but no she stayed as subservient as ever clinging onto Paine and doing whatever the King wanted. Although the romance was sweet there were too many repetitive scenes and the sex scenes almost mechanical. This could have been written much better.
The only thing that kept me reading was the need to know what anin was. Hoping that her true power would push through and she would kick some ass but no she stayed as subservient as ever clinging onto Paine and doing whatever the King wanted. Although the romance was sweet there were too many repetitive scenes and the sex scenes almost mechanical. This could have been written much better.
April 23, 2021
Well, that was quite a pleasant surprise. I hadn't read anything else by this author and was intrigued by the story involving the Picts. What I found was a real page turner with well developed characters. There were some scenes near the end that got a little cheesy but I'm a sucker for romance so it didn't bother me much. A word of warning though, alot of the early part of the book was primarily internal dialogue that tended to drag a little but it was worth persevering.
July 20, 2017
A beautiful love story ...
Set between a hard heartless man Paine and a warm and loving woman Anin. She eventually turns him into a caring man despite being the King's executioner. I love that these two characters are on the opposite ends but somehow manage to become as one. Great read great story and one that I will keep an re-read time an again.
Set between a hard heartless man Paine and a warm and loving woman Anin. She eventually turns him into a caring man despite being the King's executioner. I love that these two characters are on the opposite ends but somehow manage to become as one. Great read great story and one that I will keep an re-read time an again.
September 10, 2017
I wanted to love this book so much, it had so much potential. I usually dont mind grammer issues or run on sentences or anything like that if story is good enough for me to not notice. But this is a mess. I feel like it was not even looked at for editing. The way it goes from one character to another had me constantly stopping and rereading to figure out who was now speaking.
November 13, 2017
2.5 stars. I was really excited to read about the Picts and have had this book on my TBR list for awhile. I usually have no problems with occasional grammar issues and run on sentences if it doesn't mess with the flow of the story but; it jumped from one character to another and I found myself rereading to figure out who was speaking. 😕
June 1, 2018
Another start to an amazing series by Donna Fletcher. The characters were well rounded and believable. I loved how even though they knew they had feelings for each other they fought against them. I also enjoyed seeing them stand up to the King. I am looking forward to the other two books in this series.
August 22, 2021
Sue’s Views of this book
Real good I like the suspense I like all the different stuff going on and there’s a different culture is a difference for you know they’re not true it’s good good good reading
I like this is been selected and danger that everybody went through excitement is a good figure out why the king oh well another time
Real good I like the suspense I like all the different stuff going on and there’s a different culture is a difference for you know they’re not true it’s good good good reading
I like this is been selected and danger that everybody went through excitement is a good figure out why the king oh well another time
July 21, 2024
The cover promises things the book doesn’t deliver. What it did deliver was a good idea with only a so-so execution. The writing and characterization could both use a lot of work. Also you bear burdens, you don’t bare them, unless you literally have a burden you’re stripping naked and there wasn’t much of that in this book.
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