Swan Road

by Rebecca Brandewyne

Standing on the cliff edge, Rhowenna let her black hair blow wildly in the sea wind, knowing the time for her destiny had come. Her gift of the Welsh "second sight" had brought a vivid vision of her future: one of a man far more passionate than the callous English prince who was her betrothed. Her true fate must be with the raiding Norseman on the red-sailed ship she saw coming across the sea ... the blond-haired giant who stepped out of her dreams and into her arms ... the Viking Wulfgar Bloodaxe who was her enemy and wanted her to be his mate. For here, at last, was a man able to ignite a desire no king could extinguish, and no force on earth could end.
This historical romance is from the author of "Desire in Disguise" and "Upon a Moon Dark Moor".

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

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Rebecca lived in Knoxville and then, later, Chattanooga for the first few years of her life. After that, she and her family moved to Kansas, where she grew up, spending her summers in Alabama, visiting both sets of her grandparents. She says she's just a country girl with a dash of big city sprinkled in for spice. But having traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean, she moves easily between the publishing world of New York and her hometown.

Rebecca graduated cum laude with departmental honors from Wichita State University, earning a B.A. in journalism, minors in history and music (theory and composition), and an M.A. in communications [mass (broadcasting) and interpersonal (dyadic relationships):]. During the course of her education, she was fortunate enough to study at various times under, among several other distinguished instructors, three Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and one of the foremost authorities in the field of interpersonal communication. Twice a recipient of the Victor Murdock Scholarship, Rebecca taught interpersonal communication at the university level before becoming a published writer.

She was twenty-one when she started work on her first novel, No Gentle Love. She finished the book a year later and sold it to Warner Books some months after her twenty-third birthday, making her, at that time, the youngest romance author in America, a record that stood for ten years before finally being broken. To date, Rebecca has written over thirty consecutive bestselling titles, including novels and novellas on the following lists: New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Magazine & Bookseller, Ingram, B. Dalton, and Waldenbooks, among many others.

Her books have been translated into a number of foreign languages, including Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Rumanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish; and they have been published in over sixty countries worldwide. Many have been selections of the Doubleday Book Club and Literary Guild. Hardback editions of several titles have been published by Severn House, and large-print editions of some books are also available from Macmillan Library Reference and Thorndike Press. Rebecca currently has millions of books in print in the United States alone.

From Affaire de Coeur magazine, she has won: the Classic Award for Classic Romances, for Love, Cherish Me, 1990; the Golden Quill Award for Best of the '80s Historical Romances, for Love, Cherish Me, 1990; the Bronze Pen (Wholesalers' Choice) Award, 1989; the Silver Pen (Readers' Choice) Award, 1988, 1987, and 1986; and a Gold Certificate for The Outlaw Hearts, 1987.

From Romantic Times magazine, she has won: the Reviewer's Choice Nominee for Best Historical Romantic Mystery, for The Ninefold Key, 2004; the Reviewer's Choice Certificate of Excellence for Victorian Historical Romance, for The Jacaranda Tree, 1995; the KISS (Knight in Shining Silver) of the Month for Best Hero, for The Jacaranda Tree, 1995, and for Swan Road, 1994; the Career Achievement Award for Futuristic Romance, 1991, for Passion Moon Rising and Beyond the Starlit Frost; the Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Historical Gothic, for Across a Starlit Sea, 1989, and for Upon a Moon-Dark Moor, 1988; the Historical Romance Novelist of the Year Award, 1987; and the Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Western Romance, for The Outlaw Hearts, 1986. Rebecca has also been named one of Love's Leading Ladies and inducted into Romantic Times magazine's Hall of Fame.

http://www.brandewyne.com/castle/gall...

Reviews

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Viking Saga Incorporating Real Historical Events!

Set in 865-866 A.D., this is the story of Wulfgar Bloodaxe, the bastard son of a Norse king who, with the advice of the “wise woman” who raised him, rises to claim his place among his people as a jarl. When Wulfgar learns that Rhowenna, Princess of Usk (in Wales) has been betrothed to the Prince of Mercia, he goes down the “Swan Road,” (the path the swans take flying south to the southern isles) to capture and hold her for ransom. Rhowenna has the “sight” her dreams give her. So, she was forewarned the Vikings were coming and that a golden-haired one would claim her. Wulfgar and his men strike, taking Rhowenna back to the Northland.

To protect her from his father, Ragnar and evil half brothers who he knows would use Rhowenna for their purposes, he suggests Rhowenna and her maid, Morgan, change places since they both have long dark hair. They do, and Rhowenna becomes Wulfgar’s chatelaine (mistress of his household), while slowly succumbing to his advances for he wants Rhowenna for his own. Wulfgar warns Rhowenna of what he believes will be the future for the southern lands if his father, Ragnar, is spurred to an invasion.

Brandewyne can tell a good story, there is no doubt about it. I have been a fan of her historical romances for some time. Like her others, this novel reflects much research and attention to detail. For us history lovers it’s a boon. You can learn much about the ways of the Norsemen who raided the coasts of England, Ireland (Eire) and Wales from reading this novel. She tells us how they built their longboats and of their religious practices (including the human sacrifices they engaged in). And, of course, central to the story is their practice of capturing Christians and using them as slaves.

It’s an exciting adventure with an intricate plot and great characters. Brandewyne takes advantage of all the legends surrounding Ragnar and his sons and turns them into a captivating, well-written story. Included is the Danes’ conquest of Britain (Northumbria, Mercia and East Anglia) in 866.

While Rhowenna is never raped, and Wulfar only treats her with kindness, her maid is, so there are definite bodice ripper aspects, as one might expect from a Viking tale. But there is also a captivating love story of the Viking and the Welsh princess. Wulfgar’s sweet words to Rhowenna are beautiful. (“I dream of waking every morning for the rest of my life to see you lying beside me, the waves of your raven hair rippling across the pillows, a black sea in which I would gladly drown forever.”) It’s a wonderful, well-written Viking saga. I recommend it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

''Swan Road'' By Rebecca Brendewyne has a realistic view of vikings-their way of life and their customs etc. But what really interested me was the romance between the heroine,Rhowenna and Hero,Wulfgar.
First of all, Find me a viking as sweet and endearing as Wulfgar-anyone? No? Okay.
This Guy does EVERYTHING for Rhowenna-EVERYTHING. He is more then willing to give up all he owns for her, and loves her from the moment he lays eyes on her.

The heroine, Rhowenna, who is often confused about her feelings of desire and longing for Wulfgar is also endearing and a wonderful character-they both have heart and even in their story which I believe is different to everyday type of Viking romance they are relatable.

The only thing I didn't like about this novel was the amount of rape mention--The heroine is not raped-due to Wulfgar's protection etc etc-by him or others.
However, Morgen-a maid who works for Rhowenna(and pretends to be her in order to save Rhowanna) is raped like...alot. She does get a happy ending too. But it's kinda bitter sweet.

I know it may seem childish of me, but even knowing from history books and whatnot, that Vikings tended to rape and pilage-I would have preferred something less realistic.


ALL THE SAME! I really enjoyed ''Swan Road'' and Think you,dear reader, should go READ it!


As usual, I totally saw a blonde Heath Ledger(from a Knight's tale because any hero with blonde hero for me just is Heath OKAY?) as My Wulfgar.

Playlist:
Tell me now(what you see)-Moya
Promontory-The Last Of The Mohicans soundtrack
Enya - May It Be

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts off pretty slow and the author could do a better job of moving things along. That's fine. The problem is Wulfgar. He's a nice Viking and in fact, he's downright poetic. He goes against the whole Viking persona.

Rowhenna is an annoying goody two shoes. I really can't stand her. She's blander than milktoast and predictable. Kind of makes me want to hit her really hard. She has the anti-Viking professing his undying love and she's spouting religion. How droll.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT ASS VIKINGS & TRUE LOVE 💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my first Brandewyne I believe, and I loved it. It’s also just my second or third viking romance so I wasn’t sure what to expect of the hero, but he was amazing 😍 He loved the heroine so much and the way they became a team and trusted each other was pure nectar! 👨‍🍳💋 (that’s suppose to be a chefs kiss lol)

Highly recommend! ❤️

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was so hopeful at the beginning

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay read. Rhowenna is a princess of Usk, and Wulfgar is the bastard son of Ragnar Lothbrok. He's managed to claw his way up some, but when he hears of an opportunity to undermine his father and hated half-brother, Ivar the Boneless, by kidnapping Rhowenna, he does so. Despite being initially terrified of Ivar, Rhowenna falls in love with him, but before they can have their happy ending, they have to deal with Wulfgar's family and the political situation in England.

I think my biggest issue with this book was a lack of tension. Rhowenna fell in love with Wulfgar way too easily especially considering that he kidnapped her. They were exchanging 'I love you's like seven chapters from the end, and while they still had obstacles to face, it felt emotionally empty. Even when Wulfgar was dealing with Ivar or the English kings, it never felt tense or interesting. We knew he was going to win because he was the hero, and he never faced any significant setbacks on his way up or in his romantic life.

There were some plot points that I questioned as well. Wulfgar wants to get a ransom for Rhowenna, but instead of sticking around and waiting for it to be delivered, they just sail back home. This just felt stupid for me. It makes more sense to wait and see if you'll get a ransom, and if not, then leave and sell her. Them taking her back to Denmark also makes it more likely that she was going to be raped and therefore of less value as a hostage, but that's just me. I also thought that Floki forgave Wulfgar way too easily. You find out that your leader/friend lied about the identity of the woman you loved which led to her being repeatedly raped? You don't just accept that and continue serving him, no problem. And her not being a virgin when it happened doesn't somehow make it okay. She still got gangraped! Once in front of him! That's not the thing you just shrug off, and it plays into the whole no tension issue.

This book also had some issues of historical accuracy. Some of these might just be an issue of what it was written (the 90s), but they still stuck out to me. First of all, Wulfgar's last name would have been Ragnarsson, not Lothbroksson. None of these characters would have been playing chess. They might have played talf, a Scandinavian game like chess, but chess itself showed up with the Normans. Rhowenna's attitude towards the church was weird. To be honest, I was totally expecting her to convert to paganism before the end of the book, but regardless, her attitude towards the church, her priest, and the old Welsh pagan traditions was weird and unlikely especially as Wales was firmly Christian by this time. It was also unlikely that she would have been able to read and write, same for Wulfgar. Wulfgar also wouldn't have been born free just because his father was a high status man. If his mother was a slave, Wulfgar would have been one as well. He could have been freed of course, but his dad acknowledging him was no guarantee of freedom. And possibly the pettiest complaint, but the bla mann weren't "black men," they were "blue men." Weirdly enough, Brandewyne gives another translation for "blue men," but says that the actual translation means "black men," so idk what's going on there.

I also thought that this was an interesting take on Ivar's "boneless"ness. And by interesting, I mean awful. We don't know exactly why he was called the "boneless" but pretty much all the sources and experts say it's because he suffered from some kind of physical disability or illness, not because "he moved so gracefully that he appeared boneless." Both he and Ragnar were political idiots. You can't just accept a ransom, and then not return the prisoner! Or break one of the conditions of the ransom, like raping a woman after you promised she would be returned a virgin. When you do shit like that, people tend to respond.

There was also some questionable race stuff in this book. Obviously, I'm not expecting a book set in the 800s to adhere to modern standards of political correctness, but I do wish that Brandewyne hadn't constantly referred to Yelkei as "the yellow woman." Another phrase would have been better. I also thought it was sketchy that Yelkei's homeland was never named. All of Asia was just "the Eastlands" (same with Africa being referred to as "the Southlands"). The Vikings were aware of there being multiple peoples in Asia and often interacted with them. Even if they didn't name Yelkei's people, you would think she would have when giving her backstory. I just didn't like that Brandewyne could name all of the kingdoms making up England and Wales, but couldn't throw out one name for Yelkei's people. I'm going to assume she was a Khazar, but I wish more thought had been given to her character beyond "mystical Asia woman who gives the white hero life advice."

Unfortunately, I still haven't found a viking romance that I wholeheartedly love, and this one was more of a miss than a hit by far. I'd mind reading it, but it had it's share of problems, so I'd skip this one.

This book is available for free on OpenLibrary.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather surprising hero in an excellently written historical romance. It’s a little too flowery and a bit too typical heroine for true emotional depth, but the storytelling is pretty epic.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this could be made into a film, it would be much more exciting to watch, especially the "mating dance" between Rhowenna and the Viking. And not to mention the gory bloodshed scenes.

I am rather fond of our HERO who is a brave, determined man who goes for what he wants and seizes it without fear. Especially when he repeatedly professes his love and lust for Rhowenna. Let's just say that his honesty is to be applauded for, even if it is considered crude in his time. Heck I think 21st century women would be wet for him and jump his bones if he dirty talks like that.

As for the heroine, I am uncertain how to feel about her. I like my heroine strong and feisty, where as Rhowenna was more meek and subdued despite the author wanting to portray her otherwise. She doesn't challenges the hero and merely shuns or fights his advances....and that's pretty much it.

It's not the best story out there...but it will do for some.

[Page]

I didn't get very far. It was slow and flowery. I read the 4 star reviews and got kind of confused. Many of the people who professed to love the book had a lot of negative things to say about it. I'll just exercise my rights as a reader and move on.

[Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flowery w,/ a sensitive viking, Wolfgar (as Ragnar's bastard & 4th son) .

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Earnest and goofy tbh but fine enough for what it is

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, long, and too bloody and gory. DNF!! In an effort to make the story realistic it’s too much like real life and not enough fantasy. 👎🏽👎🏽

[ReadKnitHoard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old skool viking romance with a non-alphole, open-to-his-feelings hero. How…refreshing. Old skool beautiful, exquisitely competent heroine, but what can you expect? On the one hand, kind of fascinating. On the other hand…eek!

Warning: Contains problematic elements, including rape (though not of heroine because that would be bad *eyeroll*) and the "question" does rape matter if the rapee wasn't a virgin? *eyeroll till my eyes pop out of their sockets* All groups are "delightfully" and evenly culturist/nationalist/racist, in the sense that their way of life is the right one and everyone else is wrong/barbarians. //end sarcasm

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebon haired Welsh woman Rhowenna (LOVE THAT name!) has the gift of second sight, and with it she knows the certainty of her future. She knows for certain that her true destiny lies with the beautiful, blonde, buff, Viking hottie who is making her dreams hot. She knows her future is not with her actual betrothed; an English ass, a poncey prince.
The wild raiding Norseman wends his way into Rhowenna's heart, wanting her to be his wife, and they live happily as they sail off in his Viking ship...!!! Yeah!!! I mean, come on!!! Who wouldn't want to sail off with a passionate and handsome Viking??? I swear, Viking Romance needs to have its own genre!! This need to be a thing!!!

[adoree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lu, il y a fort longtemps. Déjà à l'époque, je trouvais que le héros était très dur et l'héroïne une fausse femme de tête (comme les romances savent en pondre).
Définitivement pas ma tasse de thé. Mais ce n'est pas archi mauvais. Il y a un beau travail de recherche historique chez l'auteur.
Pour celle qui aime les amours à la "dur".
2 étoiles.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting historical context, based on a Viking legend. I enjoyed a lot more than I expected. Kept me interested to the end, I especially liked finding more about Vikings and their culture which of course was barbaric and cruel but they were also fearless and enjoyed the arts. Overall, a very satisfying read.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this was a well written novel but the story itself seemed to move rather slow for me. I thought the author put a lot of work into creating a realistic world and the characters were well-developed. I want to give it more stars but I just can't.

[Mystique · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best viking romance novels I have read!
A definite keeper...but an abrupt ending...I wish there was a more "complete" ending I guess..

I really loved the beautiful lines that Wulfgar delivers...so romantique;)

Overall, 5++ stars;)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to say I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I enjoyed it immensely! I was expecting more of a sappy romance; however, this story had it all: love, romance, battles, adventure, and intrigue. I also enjoyed the historical facts intertwined within.

[Ladyvixen · Rating 3 out of 5]

pas mal mais elle m'a habituée à mieux.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little wordy in the descriptive paragraphs of settings/food which I tended to glaze over for the meaty parts. A very good story.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swoon .... Shing!!!
4,5 Stars!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this, cause ya just might fry your brain and never again have a coherent thought.

[Vanessa Eden Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with wolfgar bloodaxe. My book boyfriend.