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Quest for Three Kingdoms #2
Severed Knot
Barbados 1652. In the aftermath of the English Civil War, the vanquished are uprooted and scattered to the ends of the earth.
When marauding English soldiers descend on Mairead O’Coneill’s family farm, she is sold into indentured servitude. After surviving a harrowing voyage, the young Irish woman is auctioned off to a Barbados sugar plantation where she is thrust into a hostile world of depravation and heartbreak. Though stripped of her freedom, Mairead refuses to surrender her dignity.
Scottish prisoner of war Iain Johnstone has descended into hell. Under a blazing sun thousands of miles from home, he endures forced indentured labour in the unforgiving cane fields. As Iain plots his escape to save his men, his loyalties are tested by his yearning for Mairead and his desire to protect her.
With their future stolen, Mairead and Iain discover passion and freedom in each other’s arms. Until one fateful night, a dramatic chain of events turns them into fugitives.
When marauding English soldiers descend on Mairead O’Coneill’s family farm, she is sold into indentured servitude. After surviving a harrowing voyage, the young Irish woman is auctioned off to a Barbados sugar plantation where she is thrust into a hostile world of depravation and heartbreak. Though stripped of her freedom, Mairead refuses to surrender her dignity.
Scottish prisoner of war Iain Johnstone has descended into hell. Under a blazing sun thousands of miles from home, he endures forced indentured labour in the unforgiving cane fields. As Iain plots his escape to save his men, his loyalties are tested by his yearning for Mairead and his desire to protect her.
With their future stolen, Mairead and Iain discover passion and freedom in each other’s arms. Until one fateful night, a dramatic chain of events turns them into fugitives.
440 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2019
128 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Cryssa Bazos
7 books97 followersI am a historical fiction writer and 17th Century enthusiast, with a particular interest in the English Civil War (ECW). I blog about English history and storytelling at my blog, the 17th Century Enthusiast, and I'm a co-editor of the English Historical Fiction Authors blog site.
My debut novel, Traitor’s Knot, a romantic tale of adventure set during the English Civil War. Traitor’s Knot is the first in a series of adventures spanning from the ECW to the Restoration and is now available from Endeavour Media.
My debut novel, Traitor’s Knot, a romantic tale of adventure set during the English Civil War. Traitor’s Knot is the first in a series of adventures spanning from the ECW to the Restoration and is now available from Endeavour Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 7, 2019
4.5 stars
Severed Knot was the first book I have read from this author. I would like to start this review by saying that when I read a book under the romance category I want that story to be heavy on romance. This book was completely lacking in a traditional romance because of the circumstances. The story was heartbreaking to me and honestly hard for me to enjoy. I was sad and the day to day life had me very anxious while reading. Now with that said I couldn't rate this book any lower than I did because it was fantastically written. The author created a landscape that had me feeling like I was right there with the characters and suffering along with them. Although the story was depressing the desire to escape and survive had me glued to my Kindle and anxious for a HEA. Now that I know what to expect from this author I would definitely consider reading another book.
***ARC Provided by NetGalley***
Severed Knot was the first book I have read from this author. I would like to start this review by saying that when I read a book under the romance category I want that story to be heavy on romance. This book was completely lacking in a traditional romance because of the circumstances. The story was heartbreaking to me and honestly hard for me to enjoy. I was sad and the day to day life had me very anxious while reading. Now with that said I couldn't rate this book any lower than I did because it was fantastically written. The author created a landscape that had me feeling like I was right there with the characters and suffering along with them. Although the story was depressing the desire to escape and survive had me glued to my Kindle and anxious for a HEA. Now that I know what to expect from this author I would definitely consider reading another book.
***ARC Provided by NetGalley***
October 7, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5.0
A fantastic historical romance that is well researched and filled with adventure, "Severed Knot" is an exciting thriller that takes readers on a wild ride!
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A fantastic historical romance that is well researched and filled with adventure, "Severed Knot" is an exciting thriller that takes readers on a wild ride!
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 31, 2022
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. It did not influence my opinion of this book".
I don't know where to start. I can say I truly loved it and I have a major book hangover right now. I finished it yesterday and I am still thinking about the MC, Scotsman Iain Locharbaidh Johnstone and Mairead O'Coneill from Ireland. It's kind of rare when you love both MC but that was the case here.
I would describe this book as Historical Romantic Suspense. Perhaps suspense is not quite the right word as there is no mystery to solve but it certainly has elements of danger and suspense. If you sometimes grow weary of all the Dukes and Earls and their privileged lifestyle, this may be a good book for you. If you liked Pamela Clare's MacKinnon's Rangers series then you may enjoy this book (although not quite as steamy but every bit as good a love story). If you liked Stella Riley's Roundhead's & Cavaliers and have an interest in the English Civil War and what life was like back then, this may be a book for you. If you just plain appreciate an author who writes with authenticity and a true feel for the time period and has clearly done her research, this definitely would be a good choice for you.
The book starts in January of 1652 and finds Iain a POW following the English Civil War battle in Worcester. From Scotland, he and his men had chosen to fight for Charles II in his quest to reclaim the throne. That battle did not go well for Charles and many, such as Iain, were taken prisoner. At the same time, Ireland was also at the mercy of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarian English government. The English had invaded Ireland in a quest to eradicate all Royalist support for King Charles II. Many Irish were either killed or taken prisoner. Such was the case with Mairead and her two cousins. At that time it was common to transport prisoners such as Iain and Mairead to islands in the West Indies and make them indentured servants. Iain and Mairead met on the ship that was taking them to Barbados.
Author Cryssa Bazos does not sugarcoat the grueling trip from England to Barbados nor what their lives were like on the plantation they were sold to. For a man such as Iain, a proud, honorable and very capable man, a leader among his own men, to become an indentured servant was unfathomable. His only bright spot was his growing relationship with Mairead. He was discouraged and disheartened by their plight but he never gave up the hope that there would be a way to escape.
So the story gives us a very good idea of what life would have been like for indentured servants such as Iain and Mairhead. Long hours in the hot sun harvesting sugarcane, loss of freedom, torn from your country of birth. But watching the love progress and grow for Iain and Mairhead and the admiration I felt for both of them made for a heartwarming, although at times very sad, story. When you are driving to work and worrying about how Mairhead and Iain and going to get off that blasted island, you know that a book has taken hold of you.
This is only Cryssa Bazos second book. I started following her after reading her first, "Traitor's Knot" another really good book. "Severed Knot" goes on sale on Amazon June 7th. It is well worth your time IMO.
2nd Read: June 2022 Re-read because I needed a good five star book I could depend upon. My five star rating held up and my appreciation for author Cryssa Bazos is as strong as ever.
I don't know where to start. I can say I truly loved it and I have a major book hangover right now. I finished it yesterday and I am still thinking about the MC, Scotsman Iain Locharbaidh Johnstone and Mairead O'Coneill from Ireland. It's kind of rare when you love both MC but that was the case here.
I would describe this book as Historical Romantic Suspense. Perhaps suspense is not quite the right word as there is no mystery to solve but it certainly has elements of danger and suspense. If you sometimes grow weary of all the Dukes and Earls and their privileged lifestyle, this may be a good book for you. If you liked Pamela Clare's MacKinnon's Rangers series then you may enjoy this book (although not quite as steamy but every bit as good a love story). If you liked Stella Riley's Roundhead's & Cavaliers and have an interest in the English Civil War and what life was like back then, this may be a book for you. If you just plain appreciate an author who writes with authenticity and a true feel for the time period and has clearly done her research, this definitely would be a good choice for you.
The book starts in January of 1652 and finds Iain a POW following the English Civil War battle in Worcester. From Scotland, he and his men had chosen to fight for Charles II in his quest to reclaim the throne. That battle did not go well for Charles and many, such as Iain, were taken prisoner. At the same time, Ireland was also at the mercy of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarian English government. The English had invaded Ireland in a quest to eradicate all Royalist support for King Charles II. Many Irish were either killed or taken prisoner. Such was the case with Mairead and her two cousins. At that time it was common to transport prisoners such as Iain and Mairead to islands in the West Indies and make them indentured servants. Iain and Mairead met on the ship that was taking them to Barbados.
Author Cryssa Bazos does not sugarcoat the grueling trip from England to Barbados nor what their lives were like on the plantation they were sold to. For a man such as Iain, a proud, honorable and very capable man, a leader among his own men, to become an indentured servant was unfathomable. His only bright spot was his growing relationship with Mairead. He was discouraged and disheartened by their plight but he never gave up the hope that there would be a way to escape.
So the story gives us a very good idea of what life would have been like for indentured servants such as Iain and Mairhead. Long hours in the hot sun harvesting sugarcane, loss of freedom, torn from your country of birth. But watching the love progress and grow for Iain and Mairhead and the admiration I felt for both of them made for a heartwarming, although at times very sad, story. When you are driving to work and worrying about how Mairhead and Iain and going to get off that blasted island, you know that a book has taken hold of you.
This is only Cryssa Bazos second book. I started following her after reading her first, "Traitor's Knot" another really good book. "Severed Knot" goes on sale on Amazon June 7th. It is well worth your time IMO.
2nd Read: June 2022 Re-read because I needed a good five star book I could depend upon. My five star rating held up and my appreciation for author Cryssa Bazos is as strong as ever.
May 25, 2019
My goodness this is good! Honestly, this is way beyond the meagre word of ‘good’ there is a shining star-like quality about this book and I can’t seem to find the appropriate words to describe what I want to say. I feel like after reading this my whole perception of what a historical should be like has changed, Cryssa you may have ruined me for other authors now.
I was completely blown away by just how incredibly hard-hitting and powerful this book is, its thrilling, heart-breaking, emotional, original, cleverly written, there is a sadness that pulls you in and then amongst the heartache there is a real wit and natural humour, plus a soul melting romance; Mairaid and Iain will undo you with their tantalizing love. This is how a historical should be written; meticulously researched history, gripping plot, beautifully crafted characters, gorgeous scenery. Ms Bazos is a master at dynamic and realistic historical which take the reader on a gorgeous journey to the end.
Cryssa Bazos, I bow down to your excellence, this is stunning!
Set in 1652, just after the English Civil War; Scotsman Iain Johnstone and his band of soldiers have been captured by the English first kept on as POW then sold into slavery and transported to Barbados, where he, his brother in law; Glencross and their comrades find themselves owned by a sugar cane plantation owner. Forced to work in the fields, doing back breaking work in the burning heat, practically starved and beaten they have found themselves in the inner circle of hell.
With the English invading her precious Ireland, Mairead O’Conneill is sent to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins in the country to try and protect her from the English. Unfortunately, the English arrive at the house and take her and her cousins; Bronagh and Ciara prisoners, which sees them sold into slavery and sent to Barbados – on the same ship as Iain, which is where our couple first meet. Mairead is heartbroken not just to be stolen away from her home, branded like a work horse and sold she is separated from her cousins and finds herself amongst strangers who most hate her. She made a promise to her cousins that one day they, all three of them will be reunited and find their way back home.
My heart goes to all of them, they are stolen away and treated like cattle, it is heart-breaking to witness such brutality toward them. Iain is a proud man and the mere thought of being ‘owned’ and being slave does make him feel like he has failed not just him but his men. He vows that whatever it takes he will find his way back to Scotland, that he will not die as a slave he will escape. I love Iain, no matter what he is faced with he sticks to his guns, he shoulders a lot of responsibility, but he is loyal, Protective and caring for his men. He does come across as a growling, brooding, monosyllabic bear at times but that is just to cover the raging emotions below the surface.
Mairead is so strong, she is patriotic, loyal, feisty and defiant. She faces everything with a brave and stubborn tilt of her chin and gets on with whatever is thrown at her. Like Iain she has faith that she will see home again, she won’t be defeated and she won’t be used like the other girls have been.
They are a brilliant couple, they have to face so much together but yet they feed of one and other, they see kindred spirits in each other. Those little moment when they are able to just be themselves and don’t have to worry about what is going on around them, is so beautiful. You will be cheering these two on the moment you meet them, if ever there were a couple who deserved a happy ever after then these two are it.
Severed Knot is astonishing, it is far more then just your standard historical romance there is a real life and death, raw, gritty and deadly undercurrent to it, that is all consuming. You feel every emotion, sadness, fear, heartache, pain, laughter, joy, happiness, empathy – all the human emotion that makes a great story is all here. At times it’s intense, violent and difficult reading, especially when it comes to how Mairead and Iain are treated. I will say it is not for the faint hearted, but if you are like me who likes to become entrenched in historic realism then you need to read this book.
Ms Bazos has done an astounding job at reeling the reader into her world, its all so vivid and real you can see the plantation in your mind, you can practically feel the heat of the sun burning into your back as you watch Iain and his comrades toil away in those sun baked fields. You can feel smell the evil that is emanating around the whole Vale property, it’s intense and graphic and will certainly give you goosebumps.
Honestly, I cannot praise this enough. Severed Knot is one of those books that you just know from those first few pages will be a classic. It will be enjoyed again and again, I know that I will be pulling off my bookcase again. I can say for a certainty, that this will be going on my best books of the year.
I am just so in love with this book, I cannot recommend this enough. If you love your more daring, brutally honest and tenderly loving historical’s then this is the book for you.
I was completely blown away by just how incredibly hard-hitting and powerful this book is, its thrilling, heart-breaking, emotional, original, cleverly written, there is a sadness that pulls you in and then amongst the heartache there is a real wit and natural humour, plus a soul melting romance; Mairaid and Iain will undo you with their tantalizing love. This is how a historical should be written; meticulously researched history, gripping plot, beautifully crafted characters, gorgeous scenery. Ms Bazos is a master at dynamic and realistic historical which take the reader on a gorgeous journey to the end.
Cryssa Bazos, I bow down to your excellence, this is stunning!
Set in 1652, just after the English Civil War; Scotsman Iain Johnstone and his band of soldiers have been captured by the English first kept on as POW then sold into slavery and transported to Barbados, where he, his brother in law; Glencross and their comrades find themselves owned by a sugar cane plantation owner. Forced to work in the fields, doing back breaking work in the burning heat, practically starved and beaten they have found themselves in the inner circle of hell.
With the English invading her precious Ireland, Mairead O’Conneill is sent to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins in the country to try and protect her from the English. Unfortunately, the English arrive at the house and take her and her cousins; Bronagh and Ciara prisoners, which sees them sold into slavery and sent to Barbados – on the same ship as Iain, which is where our couple first meet. Mairead is heartbroken not just to be stolen away from her home, branded like a work horse and sold she is separated from her cousins and finds herself amongst strangers who most hate her. She made a promise to her cousins that one day they, all three of them will be reunited and find their way back home.
My heart goes to all of them, they are stolen away and treated like cattle, it is heart-breaking to witness such brutality toward them. Iain is a proud man and the mere thought of being ‘owned’ and being slave does make him feel like he has failed not just him but his men. He vows that whatever it takes he will find his way back to Scotland, that he will not die as a slave he will escape. I love Iain, no matter what he is faced with he sticks to his guns, he shoulders a lot of responsibility, but he is loyal, Protective and caring for his men. He does come across as a growling, brooding, monosyllabic bear at times but that is just to cover the raging emotions below the surface.
Mairead is so strong, she is patriotic, loyal, feisty and defiant. She faces everything with a brave and stubborn tilt of her chin and gets on with whatever is thrown at her. Like Iain she has faith that she will see home again, she won’t be defeated and she won’t be used like the other girls have been.
They are a brilliant couple, they have to face so much together but yet they feed of one and other, they see kindred spirits in each other. Those little moment when they are able to just be themselves and don’t have to worry about what is going on around them, is so beautiful. You will be cheering these two on the moment you meet them, if ever there were a couple who deserved a happy ever after then these two are it.
Severed Knot is astonishing, it is far more then just your standard historical romance there is a real life and death, raw, gritty and deadly undercurrent to it, that is all consuming. You feel every emotion, sadness, fear, heartache, pain, laughter, joy, happiness, empathy – all the human emotion that makes a great story is all here. At times it’s intense, violent and difficult reading, especially when it comes to how Mairead and Iain are treated. I will say it is not for the faint hearted, but if you are like me who likes to become entrenched in historic realism then you need to read this book.
Ms Bazos has done an astounding job at reeling the reader into her world, its all so vivid and real you can see the plantation in your mind, you can practically feel the heat of the sun burning into your back as you watch Iain and his comrades toil away in those sun baked fields. You can feel smell the evil that is emanating around the whole Vale property, it’s intense and graphic and will certainly give you goosebumps.
Honestly, I cannot praise this enough. Severed Knot is one of those books that you just know from those first few pages will be a classic. It will be enjoyed again and again, I know that I will be pulling off my bookcase again. I can say for a certainty, that this will be going on my best books of the year.
I am just so in love with this book, I cannot recommend this enough. If you love your more daring, brutally honest and tenderly loving historical’s then this is the book for you.
June 7, 2019
Severed Knot is a haunting love story between two souls destined to be together and fighting to survive. Emerging from Ireland’s ravaged countryside and the aftermath of bloody civil war, Mairead and Iain walked into this novel with a spirit and charisma that captured my heart from the moment I met them. Following their journey through fearful capture, terrible conditions and life-threatening slavery, I could not stop thinking about them as I was reading this novel, and they have stayed with me long after they found their destiny. Covering a little known period of history, the forced slavery of thousands of Irish and Scottish people into the West Indies sugar plantations, Ms Bazos’s triumphant new novel weaves exquisite prose, in-depth research and masterful characters into a blockbuster of a historical biographical romance. The setting and the theme of enforced labor under dreadful conditions is heartbreaking at times, and Ms Bazos handles the reality of Mairead’s and Iain’s lives with great empathy and sensitivity. This is literary fiction in its powerful writing, biographical as well as romantic, a compelling story of passion and survival.
Ms Bazos’s first novel, Traitor’s Knot, is outstanding, and Severed Knot, the second in her series (which can also be read as a standalone), is equally if not more enjoyable. An unputdownable unforgettable page-turner. Five glorious stars.
Ms Bazos’s first novel, Traitor’s Knot, is outstanding, and Severed Knot, the second in her series (which can also be read as a standalone), is equally if not more enjoyable. An unputdownable unforgettable page-turner. Five glorious stars.
July 3, 2019
OMG, this book! I was up until almost 2am reading this and it was totally the loss of sleep. I did not and could not put it down! It will definitely be in my top 3 reads of 2019!
Severed Knot is one of the most unique and original historicals that I've ever read. Set in Barbados, which is a new setting for me, just after the English Civil War, it tells the story of Iain and Mairead. They meet on a ship bound for Barbados, both as indentured servants, and fall in love amidst the most horrid of conditions. It was really heartbreaking to read and I had to stop several times to get my emotions in check. That's how good Bazos' writing is. I know I don't think will never forget Iain and Mairead and their story.
With exquisite writing, Bazos masterfully crafted a harrowing tale of love and fighting for what you want. Prepare to be swept away and completely engrossed in this incredible historical!
I cannot wait for more from Cryssa Bazos but while I impatiently await her next novel, I shall pick up her previous one, Traitor's Knot, and be a happy reader! Highly recommended!
Severed Knot is one of the most unique and original historicals that I've ever read. Set in Barbados, which is a new setting for me, just after the English Civil War, it tells the story of Iain and Mairead. They meet on a ship bound for Barbados, both as indentured servants, and fall in love amidst the most horrid of conditions. It was really heartbreaking to read and I had to stop several times to get my emotions in check. That's how good Bazos' writing is. I know I don't think will never forget Iain and Mairead and their story.
With exquisite writing, Bazos masterfully crafted a harrowing tale of love and fighting for what you want. Prepare to be swept away and completely engrossed in this incredible historical!
I cannot wait for more from Cryssa Bazos but while I impatiently await her next novel, I shall pick up her previous one, Traitor's Knot, and be a happy reader! Highly recommended!
Read
May 20, 2019I'm very excited to release my second book, Severed Knot. This story picks up with the aftermath of the English Civil War and is another turn in the road leading to the Restoration. While it features one of the characters in Traitor's Knot, Severed Knot was written to be enjoyed as a standalone story.
I hope you enjoy your time with Iain and Mairead!
Cryssa Bazos
I hope you enjoy your time with Iain and Mairead!
Cryssa Bazos
June 3, 2019
It shouldn't be a surprising thing to read the second work by an author and be impressed by the incredible growth clearly observable in the work. But to be honest, I was astonished. Make no mistake, I enjoyed Cryssa Bazos' first book, Traitor's Knot, and my opening statement in no way takes away from that fact. But Severed Knot, Bazos' second novel, shows a phenomenal step up in her understanding and mastery of the craft. She showed a level of care and attention to her characters and the plot that suggested a very deep level of sophistication in her work.
This book was heart-wrenching. The opening scenes introducing the major characters painted an immediate picture of what the book would bring, and it never let up. I don't want to provide spoilers, so I can't quite do justice to the quality of the setting description and emotional experiences each character faced. I felt grief and fear right along with them, over and over again as they faced each of the trials and tribulations the book threw at them.
There were quite a few twists and turns and surprising elements I did not see coming, a testament to the author's storytelling abilities.
As a lover of historical fiction, and one not terribly familiar with this time period, I learned a lot of history on the way. The book seemed to be researched incredibly well, enough to provide the little details of life and culture to make every aspect of the book draw me in.
I definitely recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, to readers of romance, and to anyone interested in learning a bit about some of the farther-flung geographies of the 17th-century British empire.
I received an ARC of ths work from the author in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
This book was heart-wrenching. The opening scenes introducing the major characters painted an immediate picture of what the book would bring, and it never let up. I don't want to provide spoilers, so I can't quite do justice to the quality of the setting description and emotional experiences each character faced. I felt grief and fear right along with them, over and over again as they faced each of the trials and tribulations the book threw at them.
There were quite a few twists and turns and surprising elements I did not see coming, a testament to the author's storytelling abilities.
As a lover of historical fiction, and one not terribly familiar with this time period, I learned a lot of history on the way. The book seemed to be researched incredibly well, enough to provide the little details of life and culture to make every aspect of the book draw me in.
I definitely recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, to readers of romance, and to anyone interested in learning a bit about some of the farther-flung geographies of the 17th-century British empire.
I received an ARC of ths work from the author in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
June 18, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Bazos’s writing is flawless, with wonderful descriptions and spine-tingling dialogue expertly founded on meticulous research."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Bazos’s writing is flawless, with wonderful descriptions and spine-tingling dialogue expertly founded on meticulous research."
June 13, 2019
VISCERAL AND REAL
I thought the author's first book, Traitor's Knot, was impressive but this second novel blew me away. Set on a sugar planation in British Barbados, Knot traces the fate of Irish-born Mairead and Scottish POW Iain, both indentured servants surviving under brutal conditions. Like her first, Traitor's Knot, Bazos pays mighty attention to historical detail without sacrificing the emotional and character arcs that make the text so riveting. There is a touching love story, but this is more than a romance. Deconstructing the beach paradise myth without heavy-handedness, it's clear from the outset that this is even more than an escape adventure. Rather, it is a gritty exploration of human wants and desires set against forces that could undermine both. A gripping page-turner with a satisfying ending. I couldn't put it down.
I thought the author's first book, Traitor's Knot, was impressive but this second novel blew me away. Set on a sugar planation in British Barbados, Knot traces the fate of Irish-born Mairead and Scottish POW Iain, both indentured servants surviving under brutal conditions. Like her first, Traitor's Knot, Bazos pays mighty attention to historical detail without sacrificing the emotional and character arcs that make the text so riveting. There is a touching love story, but this is more than a romance. Deconstructing the beach paradise myth without heavy-handedness, it's clear from the outset that this is even more than an escape adventure. Rather, it is a gritty exploration of human wants and desires set against forces that could undermine both. A gripping page-turner with a satisfying ending. I couldn't put it down.
July 13, 2019
I read this book via an ARC from the author, for Rosie Amber's Review Team. The fact that is was free does not affect the honesty of this review.
I enjoyed this book so much. The basic story: Iain Johnstone is a Scottish soldier imprisoned by Cromwell's men after persuading many of his contemporaries to go south and fight for Charles II. Mairead O'Conneil is a young woman staying at her uncle's house in rural Eire for 'safety' while her father and brothers fight the Parlimentarians ~ but then the soliders come... and both Iain and Mairead find themselves on a slave ship bound for Barbados.
I hadn't read this relatively new writer before, but I'm glad I've discovered her; she's seriously talented. The book is professionally presented, which I appreciated so much; it is clear that the research has been both meticulous and extensive, but at no time was I overly aware of it; I never felt that I was reading her research notes, as can so often be the case. The atmosphere of the prisons, the slave ships and the Barbadian plantations, with all their horrors, is colourfully illustrated, and her characterisation and dialogue kept me engrossed, throughout. I liked, too, that it gave me a view of how the English troubles spread far and wide. Aside from all this, it's a terrific adventure story.
Within the plot is a romantic thread, a background shadow in the first half of the book that steps closer to centre stage as it goes on. The theme is the romantic novel standard of two people taking against each other on sight then being extraordinarily rude to each other whenever they cross paths before finally admitting their passion, which can work well if cleverly written, and this was.
Sadly, though, because of the descriptions of Mairead (tiny, skinny, frizzy-haired, plain, sprite, 'Mouse') I could only ever picture her as a sort of meek teenage imp, rather than a woman likely to inflame the passions of the Sean Bean-as-Sharpe/Boromir-like Iain, so it fell a little flat for me. This sort of opinion is only ever personal viewpoint, though, and I must bear in mind that I not a fan of romantic fiction, generally; I was glad that other non-love stuff made up the main body of the book.
4.5* from me.
I enjoyed this book so much. The basic story: Iain Johnstone is a Scottish soldier imprisoned by Cromwell's men after persuading many of his contemporaries to go south and fight for Charles II. Mairead O'Conneil is a young woman staying at her uncle's house in rural Eire for 'safety' while her father and brothers fight the Parlimentarians ~ but then the soliders come... and both Iain and Mairead find themselves on a slave ship bound for Barbados.
I hadn't read this relatively new writer before, but I'm glad I've discovered her; she's seriously talented. The book is professionally presented, which I appreciated so much; it is clear that the research has been both meticulous and extensive, but at no time was I overly aware of it; I never felt that I was reading her research notes, as can so often be the case. The atmosphere of the prisons, the slave ships and the Barbadian plantations, with all their horrors, is colourfully illustrated, and her characterisation and dialogue kept me engrossed, throughout. I liked, too, that it gave me a view of how the English troubles spread far and wide. Aside from all this, it's a terrific adventure story.
Within the plot is a romantic thread, a background shadow in the first half of the book that steps closer to centre stage as it goes on. The theme is the romantic novel standard of two people taking against each other on sight then being extraordinarily rude to each other whenever they cross paths before finally admitting their passion, which can work well if cleverly written, and this was.
Sadly, though, because of the descriptions of Mairead (tiny, skinny, frizzy-haired, plain, sprite, 'Mouse') I could only ever picture her as a sort of meek teenage imp, rather than a woman likely to inflame the passions of the Sean Bean-as-Sharpe/Boromir-like Iain, so it fell a little flat for me. This sort of opinion is only ever personal viewpoint, though, and I must bear in mind that I not a fan of romantic fiction, generally; I was glad that other non-love stuff made up the main body of the book.
4.5* from me.
June 21, 2019
Severed Knot is Cryssa Bazos follow up to her award winning debut novel, In this emotional charged book set in 1652. We meet the two main protagonist, Iain and Mairean. Iain is a Scottish soldier captured while fighting for the Royalist cause in the Battle of Worcesterin 1651. As a consequence to his royalist loyalty he ends up being shipped out with his band of soldiers as indentured servant to the island of Barbados.
Mairean is a young woman who is kidnapped by marauding English soldiers who descend on Mairead O’Coneill’s family farm. She finds herself on board a slavers ship bound for Barbados, there she meets Iain. They are eventually sold at auction to the same sugarcane plantation.
I was fully immersed in this character driven drama, with well developed characters, who came to life right off the page.The Author sets this historical romance to the backdrop of the lush and hostile Barbados. In Ms Brazo’s tragic historical fiction, Mairead and Iain romance interweaves between survival and the dark cruelty of servitude within plantation life. The strength of the novel lies in the authors ability capture the human heart and soul. With both futures stolen, Iain and Mairean, find passion and freedom in each other’s arms. Both have vowed to gain there freedom and return to there homeland at all costs.
The Authors realistic storyline catapults you into a world authentic details about sugar manufacture. Her portrayal and descriptive content draws you into the harsh reality of the horrors and violent struggles of plantation life.
Severed Knot, is a stunning achievement of heartache, survival and death.
Cryssa Bazos’s sets the bar in realistic historical fiction. Her ability to precisely set the character conflict with romance, for a powerful and unforgettable, riveting novel.
The novels premise and the writing definitely intrigued me and kept me entertained. The pace was brisk and the dialogue is fluid and engaging. Her true to life candid theme of enforced labor is gut wrenching and gruesome at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tension of this storyline and it had me hooked right from the very first chapter. Ms Bazos’s meticulous research pulled me in from page one and kept me fully captivated and intrigued until the very end. Knowing the caliber of her writing, I knew I would be in for an intense and gripping read, which is exactly what this was. The authors execution is impeccable and each scene is richly atmospheric.
Once again the author delivers a captivating and nonstop historical fiction, with intriguing plot twist with believable characters that keeps you vested all the way through until a satisfying end.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this author!
Thanks to the author and to the publisher for sending me this early Arc, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mairean is a young woman who is kidnapped by marauding English soldiers who descend on Mairead O’Coneill’s family farm. She finds herself on board a slavers ship bound for Barbados, there she meets Iain. They are eventually sold at auction to the same sugarcane plantation.
I was fully immersed in this character driven drama, with well developed characters, who came to life right off the page.The Author sets this historical romance to the backdrop of the lush and hostile Barbados. In Ms Brazo’s tragic historical fiction, Mairead and Iain romance interweaves between survival and the dark cruelty of servitude within plantation life. The strength of the novel lies in the authors ability capture the human heart and soul. With both futures stolen, Iain and Mairean, find passion and freedom in each other’s arms. Both have vowed to gain there freedom and return to there homeland at all costs.
The Authors realistic storyline catapults you into a world authentic details about sugar manufacture. Her portrayal and descriptive content draws you into the harsh reality of the horrors and violent struggles of plantation life.
Severed Knot, is a stunning achievement of heartache, survival and death.
Cryssa Bazos’s sets the bar in realistic historical fiction. Her ability to precisely set the character conflict with romance, for a powerful and unforgettable, riveting novel.
The novels premise and the writing definitely intrigued me and kept me entertained. The pace was brisk and the dialogue is fluid and engaging. Her true to life candid theme of enforced labor is gut wrenching and gruesome at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tension of this storyline and it had me hooked right from the very first chapter. Ms Bazos’s meticulous research pulled me in from page one and kept me fully captivated and intrigued until the very end. Knowing the caliber of her writing, I knew I would be in for an intense and gripping read, which is exactly what this was. The authors execution is impeccable and each scene is richly atmospheric.
Once again the author delivers a captivating and nonstop historical fiction, with intriguing plot twist with believable characters that keeps you vested all the way through until a satisfying end.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this author!
Thanks to the author and to the publisher for sending me this early Arc, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2019
This is an epic novel!
Severed Knot is one of those novels which will leave you musing over it for days after you have read the last page. The story shows you the best and worst of people and leaves you with a lingering sense of how men - and women - can be so cruel to those brought low by circumstances.
This is a novel that takes the reader on as adventure from England and Ireland to the West Indies and the searing heat of Barbados. Cryssa Bazos wonderfully recreates 17th century Barbados with vivid detail, from the vast expander of sugar field to the terrifying slave markets, from the luxury of the plantation owners to the misery and desperation of the slaves and indentured servants. The author writes with such passion, that i defy anyone to read this book and not experience the full depth of their emotions.
The characters are incredibly colourful and full of vitality; their experiences all the more touching when you realise that events of this type actually happened.
This was a wonderful story to read and devour and leaves the reader with the impressing that they have witnessed something quite incredible. As with any servings book from an author, you open it with trepidation, hoping that the author can live up to the promise of their first novel. Cryssa Bazos has far surpassed that promise and created a story that is an experience in itself.
Severed Knot is one of those novels which will leave you musing over it for days after you have read the last page. The story shows you the best and worst of people and leaves you with a lingering sense of how men - and women - can be so cruel to those brought low by circumstances.
This is a novel that takes the reader on as adventure from England and Ireland to the West Indies and the searing heat of Barbados. Cryssa Bazos wonderfully recreates 17th century Barbados with vivid detail, from the vast expander of sugar field to the terrifying slave markets, from the luxury of the plantation owners to the misery and desperation of the slaves and indentured servants. The author writes with such passion, that i defy anyone to read this book and not experience the full depth of their emotions.
The characters are incredibly colourful and full of vitality; their experiences all the more touching when you realise that events of this type actually happened.
This was a wonderful story to read and devour and leaves the reader with the impressing that they have witnessed something quite incredible. As with any servings book from an author, you open it with trepidation, hoping that the author can live up to the promise of their first novel. Cryssa Bazos has far surpassed that promise and created a story that is an experience in itself.
June 24, 2019
1652, the English Civil War has ripped over the land and torn apart families. Iain Johnstone and his Scottish soldiers have been captured and are being held captive by the English, barely alive. They are eventually put on a ship in order to be sold into servitude in Barbados. Mairead O'Conneil is supposed to be kept safe at her family farm in Ireland, but when the English descend on the farm, they kill the men and capture the woman to be sold into slavery as well. After surviving the voyage Iain and Mairead are both bought by the Mount Vale plantation. While enduring hard labor, humiliation, and heartbreak Mairead and Iain find comfort in one another and Iain hatches a plan to escape the island.
Suspenseful, romantic and emotional, Severed Knot reeled me in with amazing characters and intriguing plot. Iain is incredibly, strong, reliable and caring but packaged in a hard exterior. Mairead is confident, compassionate and has a powerful constitution wrapped in a small frame. Both Mairead and Iain suffer insurmountable losses and hardships through their life and on the plantation. Their love develops slowly and carefully in the harsh landscape. Through the writing as well as Iain and Mairead's experiences, the cruel reality of the Barbados sugar trade is brought to life as the entire island is forced to realign itself for sugar. Hope and love continually surface as traits to help people survive. As the conditions worsen, escape becomes the only option. Suspense increases as plans are hatched, executed and interfered with for a satisfying ending.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Suspenseful, romantic and emotional, Severed Knot reeled me in with amazing characters and intriguing plot. Iain is incredibly, strong, reliable and caring but packaged in a hard exterior. Mairead is confident, compassionate and has a powerful constitution wrapped in a small frame. Both Mairead and Iain suffer insurmountable losses and hardships through their life and on the plantation. Their love develops slowly and carefully in the harsh landscape. Through the writing as well as Iain and Mairead's experiences, the cruel reality of the Barbados sugar trade is brought to life as the entire island is forced to realign itself for sugar. Hope and love continually surface as traits to help people survive. As the conditions worsen, escape becomes the only option. Suspense increases as plans are hatched, executed and interfered with for a satisfying ending.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
The first word in the synopsis grabbed me right away, Barbados, one of my favorite vacation spots. The '1652' just clinched it! I love to read from places I've been, just getting a better feel for the place and its history.
The Civil War has taken its toll, not just the destruction of the land but its treatment of the enemy was cringe-worthy at times. Severed Knot is a book of courage when things are at their absolute worst it's the perseverance of the characters that kept me going. While suspenseful it is also a book that tugs at the heartstrings seeing the cruelty of some and compassion of others.
It's quite evident that Cryssa Bazos has done a lot of research for this book. She has taken a piece of history, forced slavery of Irish and Scottish, and created an atmospheric story which placed me in the middle watching it play out. I know how hot it can get in Barbados and with this book I could feel the heat, the smell, visualize the fields of sugar cane and understand how the market worked.
Historical fiction is my favorite and go-to genre and this book did not disappoint, I learned a lot of history from both England and Barbados while being entertained at the same time.
Definitely an author I will read more of.
The Civil War has taken its toll, not just the destruction of the land but its treatment of the enemy was cringe-worthy at times. Severed Knot is a book of courage when things are at their absolute worst it's the perseverance of the characters that kept me going. While suspenseful it is also a book that tugs at the heartstrings seeing the cruelty of some and compassion of others.
It's quite evident that Cryssa Bazos has done a lot of research for this book. She has taken a piece of history, forced slavery of Irish and Scottish, and created an atmospheric story which placed me in the middle watching it play out. I know how hot it can get in Barbados and with this book I could feel the heat, the smell, visualize the fields of sugar cane and understand how the market worked.
Historical fiction is my favorite and go-to genre and this book did not disappoint, I learned a lot of history from both England and Barbados while being entertained at the same time.
Definitely an author I will read more of.
March 12, 2022
Mairead and Iain are torn from their lands, their families, and their lives, thrown into a cruel indentureship in the New World that is nothing short of slavery.
From Ireland and Scotland to the humid misery of Barbados and the sugar-cane fields, this story is nothing short of a saga. There's adventure, romance, and plenty of well-researched action to prove that Bazos has a knack for authenticity.
This is an engaging read and I honestly had no idea how it would end up! I applaud Bazos for not creating predictability in her plot. Well-done!
From Ireland and Scotland to the humid misery of Barbados and the sugar-cane fields, this story is nothing short of a saga. There's adventure, romance, and plenty of well-researched action to prove that Bazos has a knack for authenticity.
This is an engaging read and I honestly had no idea how it would end up! I applaud Bazos for not creating predictability in her plot. Well-done!
December 1, 2019
Brilliant but all the TWs
Seriously, though, ALL the trigger warnings.
This was fantastic. It wasn't perfect - the way African slaves and indigenous people were sidelined in this kind of story wasn't great - but I was so anxious and genuinely worried about how the HEA would happen. I loved Iain and Mairead. And I really hope Nathaniel Lewis gets a book!
Seriously, though, ALL the trigger warnings.
This was fantastic. It wasn't perfect - the way African slaves and indigenous people were sidelined in this kind of story wasn't great - but I was so anxious and genuinely worried about how the HEA would happen. I loved Iain and Mairead. And I really hope Nathaniel Lewis gets a book!
January 22, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Severed Knot is a sweeping historical romance that takes the main characters from the UK to Barbados via the human trafficking of war prisoners as indentured servants. Whether it also brings them home safely is a different matter!
We meet both Mairead (Irish) and Iain (Scotland) when their fortunes are already at a low ebb. Poor Mairead has just discovered that the man she thought loved her has been dallying with her cousin and appears to have no plans to marry either of them. Iain is even worse off, as we meet him in chains – a war prisoner of the English after fighting against them and losing in the English Civil War.
When the English also descend on Mairead’s family’s farm, things get dramatically worse quickly, and it isn’t long before she and her cousin find themselves joining Iain, and what is left of his men, in the hold of a ship bound for the plantations in Barbados. They’ve been sold as indentured servants.
From the very beginning, Mairead and Iain are both impossible not to love. Yes, they have flaws (Mairead can be quite uncharitable in her thoughts about other women and Iain, understandably, grouchy and morose), but these only highlight their overall honesty, loyalty and strength as they face the challenges of abuse, enforced servitude and the unforgiving combination of a hot climate, poor rations and hard work.
As their friendship and mutual respect gradually warms to something more, the reader really feels for their impossible situation, as they strive not only for freedom, but to return to their respective, separate, homelands, whilst still clinging to each other.
Although it stands completely alone, those who read the author’s previous novel, Traitor’s Knot, will spot the continuity as that novel’s main character makes something of a cameo appearance here.
Fans of historical fiction and romance will be swept away by this story, full of courageous action and hardships endured, and romance, of course!
Iain knew this song. An old Scottish ballad, one of his favourites. It called to mind the longing of home. It had been the song that he had sung to himself during the gruelling journey from England.
How was it that she stood there playing that very song?
The melody had always stirred him, providing comfort during all those times he had been away on campaign, far from home. But Mairead’s rendition added layers he had never heard. The mournful tone of the violin spoke of the wind in the firs and smoky twilight clinging to the mountains. A flight of swallows darting in a cold twilight sky and the cry of terns riding a lonely sea breeze. It called to memory swiftly flowing burns bordered with purple heather, and the hope of love reunited.
As she played, the lyrics flowed through his mind: An’ what will be the love-tokens that ye will send wi me . . . A kiss, aye, will I twae an’ ever she come to fair Scotland . . . I the red gold she sall gae . . .
Iain felt it deep in his bones. Each note ripped through his defences, stone and mortar. Everything melted away. He forgot the crowd, forgot his situation and the harshness of the sugarcane fields. Only Mairead and her song remained.
– Cryssa Bazos, Severed Knot
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Severed Knot is a sweeping historical romance that takes the main characters from the UK to Barbados via the human trafficking of war prisoners as indentured servants. Whether it also brings them home safely is a different matter!
We meet both Mairead (Irish) and Iain (Scotland) when their fortunes are already at a low ebb. Poor Mairead has just discovered that the man she thought loved her has been dallying with her cousin and appears to have no plans to marry either of them. Iain is even worse off, as we meet him in chains – a war prisoner of the English after fighting against them and losing in the English Civil War.
When the English also descend on Mairead’s family’s farm, things get dramatically worse quickly, and it isn’t long before she and her cousin find themselves joining Iain, and what is left of his men, in the hold of a ship bound for the plantations in Barbados. They’ve been sold as indentured servants.
From the very beginning, Mairead and Iain are both impossible not to love. Yes, they have flaws (Mairead can be quite uncharitable in her thoughts about other women and Iain, understandably, grouchy and morose), but these only highlight their overall honesty, loyalty and strength as they face the challenges of abuse, enforced servitude and the unforgiving combination of a hot climate, poor rations and hard work.
As their friendship and mutual respect gradually warms to something more, the reader really feels for their impossible situation, as they strive not only for freedom, but to return to their respective, separate, homelands, whilst still clinging to each other.
Although it stands completely alone, those who read the author’s previous novel, Traitor’s Knot, will spot the continuity as that novel’s main character makes something of a cameo appearance here.
Fans of historical fiction and romance will be swept away by this story, full of courageous action and hardships endured, and romance, of course!
Iain knew this song. An old Scottish ballad, one of his favourites. It called to mind the longing of home. It had been the song that he had sung to himself during the gruelling journey from England.
How was it that she stood there playing that very song?
The melody had always stirred him, providing comfort during all those times he had been away on campaign, far from home. But Mairead’s rendition added layers he had never heard. The mournful tone of the violin spoke of the wind in the firs and smoky twilight clinging to the mountains. A flight of swallows darting in a cold twilight sky and the cry of terns riding a lonely sea breeze. It called to memory swiftly flowing burns bordered with purple heather, and the hope of love reunited.
As she played, the lyrics flowed through his mind: An’ what will be the love-tokens that ye will send wi me . . . A kiss, aye, will I twae an’ ever she come to fair Scotland . . . I the red gold she sall gae . . .
Iain felt it deep in his bones. Each note ripped through his defences, stone and mortar. Everything melted away. He forgot the crowd, forgot his situation and the harshness of the sugarcane fields. Only Mairead and her song remained.
– Cryssa Bazos, Severed Knot
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 3, 2019
“Barbados. Call it hell and be done with it…”
They had been so convinced that they would take the enemy unaware. There was 16,000 of them. More than enough, or so they had thought. But Cromwell… He had foreseen everything, and now, Scotland was burning.
It would have been better if they had all died that day in the fields of Worcester. The alternative was a cold, damp cell riddle with diseases. But even that was better than being chained and dumped in a cargo hold while the ship rolled and danced a nauseating tune on the waves. Worse still, was being sold not for money but eight hundred pounds of sugar. It is true what they say; there are things worse than death.
They had not done anything wrong. They were women for goodness sake. The English soldiers had rounded them up like animals, branded them and then harried them onto a ship. This could not be happening. And yet, it was.
Ian Johnson had promised to stay with his men, his battalion, no matter what. He had also vowed to his men that he would find a way for them to escape the bonds of servitude and return to their beloved Scotland. However, he had no idea how he was going to make good on such a sacred promise.
Freedom had once meant snatching an hour to herself to play the violin. Now the word took on a whole new meaning. As the ship carried her farther away from her beloved Ireland, Mairead O’Coneill swore that one day she would return. After all, indentured servitude wasn’t a sentence for life. It would be hard, but they would survive. However, their future was bleak, for what else were women good for but the whorehouse? If they are ever to feel the soft rain of Ireland again on their faces, then they must learn to endure what is unendurable.
Filled with hatred and resentment, the last thing Ian wanted was to feel anything for the mousey young woman who had been sold to the same wealthy sugar plantation owners as he had. And yet, there was something about Mairead. Spared the whorehouse, she is put to work in the sugarcane fields. Ian unwittingly finds in Mairead a soothing balm to his tortured soul. She is his blessing. But she is also his curse, for there is no way he is leaving her at Mount Vale, regardless of what his men might say on the matter.
If they were to escape, then they would do so together...
From the cold, vermin-filled stinking cell in Tothill Fields Prison and the fir-scented mountain air of An Gallbhaie to the life of a slave at Mount Vale in Barbados, Severed Knot by Cryssa Bazos is the enthralling and unforgettable story of Ian and Mairead as they desperately try to cling to life in the face of unimaginable torment.
Severed Knot is one of those books that stays with you long after you have finished reading it. This is truly an unforgettable story. I thought Bazos’ debut novel, Traitor’s Knot, was fabulous, so fabulous that I awarded it The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Of The Year Award, 2017, but Severed Knot has surpassed all my expectations. Severed Knot is incredibly ambitious, tautly gripping, and an absolute triumph. I was totally blown away by this book. Bazos has penned not only a story with impressive sweep and brilliance, but one that mesmerises from the opening sentence until that last full stop. Severed Knot is a rare treasure indeed.
When one looks upon a man as he does a mule or a donkey, then the world has undoubtedly lost its way. Somewhere in the region of 8,000 to 10,000 Scottish prisoners were deported to New England, Bermuda and the West Indies to work as indentured servants to wealthy landowners. The conditions and treatment of indentured servants in the 17th century are often overshadowed by the horrors of the African slave trade. For those who are not familiar with the term, an indentured servant was one who signed a contract in which they agreed to work for a certain amount of time for free, and therefore calling these men and women “slaves” sometimes comes across as controversial especially when compared with the appalling treatment of the African slaves. However, Bazos asks a question that I think many historians who have studied this era have also asked, and that is, did 8,000+ Scottish prisoners willingly sign such a contract? Bazos explores the highly likely possibility that these prisoners did not even see such a contract, let alone sign it. They were slaves, be it temporary, and their treatment was appalling. If they survived the journey, they then had to endure the working conditions and illnesses such as Yellow Fever. All feared being transported to Barbados. Due to the harsh climate and cruel working conditions, Barbados was nothing short of a death sentence. Many of the Scottish prisoners who had the misfortune of being transported to Barbados never came home. Bazos has captured the horrors that awaited them in Barbados. Ian and his men are forced to work in the relentless heat. They are exposed to tropical illness, and on top of all that, there was the harsh and backbreaking work that they had to do on very little nourishment. Bazos has certainly painted a very bleak but incredibly realistic picture of what life on a Barbados plantation was like.
The horrors and the total lack of humanity that both Ian and Mairead face is truly harrowing, although I feared more for Mairead than I did Ian simply because she was a woman. Mairead endures great suffering, and there were moments when I feared she would break, and this is where, as a reader, I was so thankful for Ian’s character. Ian became Mairead's safe anchor in a world that was foreign. Ian is an unlikely protector as his main concern is getting his men home — this is what drives him and keeps him sane. He is a soldier, a brilliant strategist, and he knows that he should not get emotionally involved with Mairead, but he cannot help himself. Their love story set against such a disturbing backdrop made it in a way all the more real in the telling. Their love for each other was beautiful and more importantly, believable.
There are several antagonists in the tale, but I think it was the complete disrespect for human life that left me in tears on more than one occasion. And I am not just talking about the plantation owners and the overseer. Bazos portrays a hierarchy amongst the slaves. Instead of comradeship, as you would expect, there was a pecking order, and some of the slaves were as vile, if not more so, than their masters. But I am sure that this is how it was, and Bazos does not shy away from showing the worst side of human nature. However, Bazos also shows the best side too — the comradeship between Ian and his men. The tender love story between Ian and Mairead. Severed Knot is not just a story etched in despair. It is one in which hope also resides.
Words cannot do adequate justice to how great this book is. The historical detailing has to be commended. Bazos has brought 17th Century Barbados back to life, and her confident research shines through in every paragraph. This book is undoubtedly a real treat for readers who love historical fiction. If ever a book deserved to be made into a movie, it is this one.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
June 12, 2019
I love it when an author takes a minor character from their earlier novel (Traitor's Knot) and creates a story around them. In Severed Knot, Bazos has done just that, taking us back to the 17th century where we are thrust into the life of Iain Johnstone. And it’s a horrific life when the story opens. Iain is a prisoner of war, locked up with a number of his men, veterans (on the losing side) of the English Civil War, in dreadful conditions. He never expects to see his home in Scotland again.
Bazos does an incredible job presenting a realistic picture of life inside prison walls, on board a slave ship, and then in Barbados, where Iain ends up as an indentured servant on a sugar plantation. He is a strong-willed man, who sometimes opens his mouth too frequently to men who control whether he’ll live or die. There are times you just hold your breath. Shut up, Iain! Keep your head down, and stay out of trouble!
Iain meets Mairead O’Coneill on the ship to Barbados. Mairead has been whisked from her home in Ireland and sold into slavery. Iain defends her against some brutes, but remains distant, both on the ship and on the plantation. His sharp tongue, desire to get home, and some past family history, get in the way:
“…He had enough to worry about, and these two women weren’t his responsibility. He may have announced they were under his protection in the hold, but that was as far as it went.”
“…She hadn’t said a word to him since leaving Bridge Town. Am I well? Here was a wisp of a woman pitying him for his weakness. Christ's death, her words were vinegar to an open wound. “Save your concern,” he said a little more gruffly than he intended.”
The slaveholders, their lackeys, and other ‘Babadoed’ indentured servants add plenty of conflict and obstacles. The characters’ situation looks impossible; the despair, helplessness, and grief are palpable.
But this reader kept rooting for Iain and Mairead, and felt tied to their emotional journey. Highly recommended.
*** The author provided at ARC for an honest review ***
Bazos does an incredible job presenting a realistic picture of life inside prison walls, on board a slave ship, and then in Barbados, where Iain ends up as an indentured servant on a sugar plantation. He is a strong-willed man, who sometimes opens his mouth too frequently to men who control whether he’ll live or die. There are times you just hold your breath. Shut up, Iain! Keep your head down, and stay out of trouble!
Iain meets Mairead O’Coneill on the ship to Barbados. Mairead has been whisked from her home in Ireland and sold into slavery. Iain defends her against some brutes, but remains distant, both on the ship and on the plantation. His sharp tongue, desire to get home, and some past family history, get in the way:
“…He had enough to worry about, and these two women weren’t his responsibility. He may have announced they were under his protection in the hold, but that was as far as it went.”
“…She hadn’t said a word to him since leaving Bridge Town. Am I well? Here was a wisp of a woman pitying him for his weakness. Christ's death, her words were vinegar to an open wound. “Save your concern,” he said a little more gruffly than he intended.”
The slaveholders, their lackeys, and other ‘Babadoed’ indentured servants add plenty of conflict and obstacles. The characters’ situation looks impossible; the despair, helplessness, and grief are palpable.
But this reader kept rooting for Iain and Mairead, and felt tied to their emotional journey. Highly recommended.
*** The author provided at ARC for an honest review ***
December 31, 2022
An utterly magnificent historical fiction set in 17th century Barbados. 'Severed Knot' shows the other side of the major battles of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms - the ultimate price paid by some of those on the losing side. Surviving battles was one thing, but transportation to the colonies brought even more danger and destruction than Edgehill, Naseby, or Worcester put together.
This tale of Mairead O'Coneill and Iain Johnstone has their paths cross in the utter bleakness of indentured servitude. Iain's crime is that he fought for his king, but Mairead's is simply being Irish - a Catholic. Their existence is empty, futile almost, yet hope never fully abandons them. Mairead and Iain share a deep courage and tenacity and are both brought together by shared loss and devastation. Two twists in the tale provide for an exciting conclusion.
Cryssa Bazos's writing is first class. She weaves a magnificent story that puts the reader in the middle of this terrible turmoil, watching with baited-breath as Maired and Iain's love for one another blossoms in impossible circumstances. Her characters live and breathe on the page. I could hear the violin as I read the rich and poignant lines:
'Every note tugged at her heartstrings. She could feel Iain's voice in the violin's lower tones. Memories and images flitted through her mind and influenced the way her fingers released the notes. The longing for home was there, but underneath it a deeper longing infused every phrase.'
I don't often get time to read, but boy, am I pleased that this Christmas I made the most of the opportunity to read Severed Knot. Now I can't wait to devour the next book in the series!
This tale of Mairead O'Coneill and Iain Johnstone has their paths cross in the utter bleakness of indentured servitude. Iain's crime is that he fought for his king, but Mairead's is simply being Irish - a Catholic. Their existence is empty, futile almost, yet hope never fully abandons them. Mairead and Iain share a deep courage and tenacity and are both brought together by shared loss and devastation. Two twists in the tale provide for an exciting conclusion.
Cryssa Bazos's writing is first class. She weaves a magnificent story that puts the reader in the middle of this terrible turmoil, watching with baited-breath as Maired and Iain's love for one another blossoms in impossible circumstances. Her characters live and breathe on the page. I could hear the violin as I read the rich and poignant lines:
'Every note tugged at her heartstrings. She could feel Iain's voice in the violin's lower tones. Memories and images flitted through her mind and influenced the way her fingers released the notes. The longing for home was there, but underneath it a deeper longing infused every phrase.'
I don't often get time to read, but boy, am I pleased that this Christmas I made the most of the opportunity to read Severed Knot. Now I can't wait to devour the next book in the series!
July 26, 2019
I so thoroughly enjoyed reading Severed Knot, a historical romance by Cyrssa Bazos. Her first novel, Traitors Knot, set the bar high in terms of setting development which I particularly appreciate as a reader. I love a book that makes me forget where I am. Severed Knot does not disappoint. It drew me into 17th century Scotland, Ireland, England, the Netherlands and Barbados to show me aspects of history I was previously unacquainted with. We follow protagonists Iain Johnstone and Mairead O’Coneill as their lives converge on a Barbadian sugarcane plantation where they are forced into indentured servitude. Bazos wove detailed backstories and slowly unfolded their romance in a tender and true-to-life manner, that endeared the characters to me and made the plot (and their actions) entirely believable. Iain and Mairead struggle against their oppressive circumstances amid a cast of supportive and contrary indentured servants and of course, the entitlement of the plantation owners. This story is filled with plausible heroism, survival and tenacity. I highly recommend Severed Knot.
June 29, 2019
Severed Knot by Cryssa Bazos
Published by Books Go Social 🧚♂️
Prior to receiving this book I had never read anything written by @cryssabazos -Where have I been!!!!
🧚♂️
This is a story set in 17th century Barbados. After the civil war. A story about strength,dignity,love and courage.
🧚♂️
This is a wonderful book with a wealth of strong characters and storyline. Based around Mairead & Ian. Both with their own separate stories to tell yet they both become connected to each other.
🧚♂️
The story just bounced off the page- beautifully written 🧚♂️
Highly recommended read. I for one will certainly read other books by this author.
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@hfvbt
#bookcommunity #fortheloveofreading #recommendedreads #bookofig #bookobessed #blogtour #severedknot #beautifulread #bibliophile #tylwythtegyllyfr #readerofig #fortheloveofreading #literatureisbeauty #wordsoffthepage
Published by Books Go Social 🧚♂️
Prior to receiving this book I had never read anything written by @cryssabazos -Where have I been!!!!
🧚♂️
This is a story set in 17th century Barbados. After the civil war. A story about strength,dignity,love and courage.
🧚♂️
This is a wonderful book with a wealth of strong characters and storyline. Based around Mairead & Ian. Both with their own separate stories to tell yet they both become connected to each other.
🧚♂️
The story just bounced off the page- beautifully written 🧚♂️
Highly recommended read. I for one will certainly read other books by this author.
🧚♂️
@hfvbt
#bookcommunity #fortheloveofreading #recommendedreads #bookofig #bookobessed #blogtour #severedknot #beautifulread #bibliophile #tylwythtegyllyfr #readerofig #fortheloveofreading #literatureisbeauty #wordsoffthepage
July 23, 2019
Severed Knot is the exciting second release by Cryssa Bazos. I loved her debut Traitor's Knot, and i loved this one even more! She has great talent and I believe she has herself a writing career for years to come.
In Severed Knot, the historical details made me feel as though I was right there witnessing the story. I adored this fabulous tale with Iain and Mairead. I highly recommend it. It is getting five plus stars from me. This is one of those books that should not be overlooked for 2019.
Well done, Cryssa, well done!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
In Severed Knot, the historical details made me feel as though I was right there witnessing the story. I adored this fabulous tale with Iain and Mairead. I highly recommend it. It is getting five plus stars from me. This is one of those books that should not be overlooked for 2019.
Well done, Cryssa, well done!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
October 31, 2020
A gripping, outstanding story that took me on a roller coaster ride of perseverance, heartbreak, heroism, romance, suspense, action, and adventure. Beautifully crafted, the story is rich in historical detail that placed me on the ship and in the fields with the characters. I blame the author for my sleep deprivation because not only was I gripped and transported by the novel, but the characters moved in with me from the first page and wouldn’t leave me alone—even after I finished the book! This novel was well-researched, and I loved, loved learning history I wasn’t familiar with before. I highly recommend Severed Knot, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
July 15, 2019
A Job Well Done
This story strikes the heart how cruel man can be. Then, when one thinks there is no redemption, a flower blooms. Even as people are snatched away and sent into indentured service under the cruelest of conditions, love emerges. A strong bond is forged that no matter what, it will never be broken.
I enjoy 17th century stories and this one covers all on my wish list for a reading. It is well researched; the characters are real, and some of them were real personages who had existed during this time frame. This is a story that will grab you and keep you locked into it until the very end.
This story strikes the heart how cruel man can be. Then, when one thinks there is no redemption, a flower blooms. Even as people are snatched away and sent into indentured service under the cruelest of conditions, love emerges. A strong bond is forged that no matter what, it will never be broken.
I enjoy 17th century stories and this one covers all on my wish list for a reading. It is well researched; the characters are real, and some of them were real personages who had existed during this time frame. This is a story that will grab you and keep you locked into it until the very end.
October 16, 2019
The main characters were well-written. I didn't really understand why one of them found it impossible to keep from treating the other badly for the first part of the book. That was off-putting, but the story moved on and it became easier and easier to connect with both main characters.
I think what I liked most about the story was that it avoided getting bogged down in several places where it could have. The author explained enough about farming and processing sugarcane to make it understandable. It was made clear how badly indentured servants, particularly involuntary ones, were treated, but it also was obvious that there was a worse life for many.
It wasn't a surprise that life didn't exactly go smoothly for most characters in a story like this. I wasn't quite ready for things to be as bad as they were a at times. However, the ending was very satisfying. I don't know whether the author intends to continue the story, but she doesn't leave the reader hanging here and I appreciated that. I enjoyed the book enough that I'll be watching for more books from this author down the line.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I think what I liked most about the story was that it avoided getting bogged down in several places where it could have. The author explained enough about farming and processing sugarcane to make it understandable. It was made clear how badly indentured servants, particularly involuntary ones, were treated, but it also was obvious that there was a worse life for many.
It wasn't a surprise that life didn't exactly go smoothly for most characters in a story like this. I wasn't quite ready for things to be as bad as they were a at times. However, the ending was very satisfying. I don't know whether the author intends to continue the story, but she doesn't leave the reader hanging here and I appreciated that. I enjoyed the book enough that I'll be watching for more books from this author down the line.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 21, 2019
Severed Knot is the fascinating tale of Iain J0hnstone, a Scotsman and Mairead O'Coneill an Irishwoman. Iain imprisoned by the British is sold and sent to Barbados to work in the cane fields. Mairead in Ireland witnessed her uncle and aunt murdered in front of her. She too was sent to Barbados. They meet on the ship taking both of them as prisoners to Barbados. This sets off a fascinating and frightening adventure. This book is fantastic and moves quickly. Loved it.
August 9, 2019
I was lucky enough to win a copy of these book over on Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots, and I have to say it is absolutely fabulous. I really liked Mairead and I LOVED Iain!!! This is such a great book. I cannot praise it enough!!
August 16, 2019
We are proud to announce that SEVERED KNOT by Cryssa Bazos is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
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