What do you think?
Rate this book
Viking Surrender #1
Vikings : Prologue
A horde of battle-hardened, ferocious Nordic warriors.
A Pictish village at the mercy of its enemies.
A harrowing bargain struck for nine fearful and reluctant brides
Delivered into Viking hands, claimed and conquered, each bride must accept that she belongs to her new master. But, as wedding nights bring surrender to duty, will fierce lovers also surrender their hearts?
The Highland wilderness is savage, life is perilous, and the future uncertain, but each Viking has sworn protection, and there are no lengths to which a man will not go to safeguard the woman he loves.
Begin the journey here...
Enter a world of suspense, seduction and adventure, told against the forbidding backdrop of medieval Scotland.
Journey together with indomitable heroes and intrepid heroines, as they discover that the raging storms of fear and passion can transform into enduring devotion.
The Prologue to the Viking Surrender series is 12,000 words long.
A Pictish village at the mercy of its enemies.
A harrowing bargain struck for nine fearful and reluctant brides
Delivered into Viking hands, claimed and conquered, each bride must accept that she belongs to her new master. But, as wedding nights bring surrender to duty, will fierce lovers also surrender their hearts?
The Highland wilderness is savage, life is perilous, and the future uncertain, but each Viking has sworn protection, and there are no lengths to which a man will not go to safeguard the woman he loves.
Begin the journey here...
Enter a world of suspense, seduction and adventure, told against the forbidding backdrop of medieval Scotland.
Journey together with indomitable heroes and intrepid heroines, as they discover that the raging storms of fear and passion can transform into enduring devotion.
The Prologue to the Viking Surrender series is 12,000 words long.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
About the author
Ashe Barker
144 books806 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 25, 2024
Cliffhanger
The writing was good, and I was engaged in the story. However, it ended before any wedding or even one kiss. It seems this is just a setup for the series. I'm not sure if the rest are novella or full length.
The writing was good, and I was engaged in the story. However, it ended before any wedding or even one kiss. It seems this is just a setup for the series. I'm not sure if the rest are novella or full length.
October 29, 2019
What started as a logical and practical agreement turns into a mutually passionate marriage. As personalities become involved between Brandr and Eithne we are given a glimpse of the emotional baggage that comes with individuals that have been in previous relationships. This is an emotionally packed storyline you won't be able to put down.
November 2, 2019
PROLOGUE by Ashe Barker
Achnaryrie Village, Gaillaibh, the land of the Picts, Scotland 912AD
Achnaryrie is a village of women. Most of the men have been killed, they are lacking in everything, they are defenseless against any attackers. Then, one day, three longships sail in. The Vikings have arrived. The chieftain is ill, and his daughter-in-law Eithne decides to deal with the invaders. She proposes that they not rampage, but settle down and take women for brides.
This is a fabulous prologue and almost a story in itself as Ashe Barker sets the stage for this anthology. At first, I thought there were too many characters to keep track of, but it's to introduce everyone, and it was all right since they all have their stories later on. Ashe Barker was a new author to me, and I was very much impressed with her crisp descriptions, her ability to concisely and clearly establish the setting. She provides all the necessary information, and made me feel the danger and apprehension of the women, and want to know more about the characters. By the end of the prologue, I knew I wanted to read Brandr and Eithne's story. It's very exciting, and Ms. Barker writes exceptionally well; I look forward to read more by Ms. Barker.
Achnaryrie Village, Gaillaibh, the land of the Picts, Scotland 912AD
Achnaryrie is a village of women. Most of the men have been killed, they are lacking in everything, they are defenseless against any attackers. Then, one day, three longships sail in. The Vikings have arrived. The chieftain is ill, and his daughter-in-law Eithne decides to deal with the invaders. She proposes that they not rampage, but settle down and take women for brides.
This is a fabulous prologue and almost a story in itself as Ashe Barker sets the stage for this anthology. At first, I thought there were too many characters to keep track of, but it's to introduce everyone, and it was all right since they all have their stories later on. Ashe Barker was a new author to me, and I was very much impressed with her crisp descriptions, her ability to concisely and clearly establish the setting. She provides all the necessary information, and made me feel the danger and apprehension of the women, and want to know more about the characters. By the end of the prologue, I knew I wanted to read Brandr and Eithne's story. It's very exciting, and Ms. Barker writes exceptionally well; I look forward to read more by Ms. Barker.
May 3, 2020
Vikings: Prologue is exactly what it says on the tin: a prologue. It sets the scene for the rest of the series and is worth a read to help you decide whether to purchase the rest of the books. I can't write a more thorough review as that's really all there is to say, other than that I found the introduction quite charming:
We hope our stories provide welcome escape and entertainment, that they inspire you and transport you. While you’re cheering for our heroes and heroines, we want you to cheer for yourself. Like the women and men in these tales, you’re stronger than you may realize, more resourceful and more determined. As for happy endings, we all need to believe that things can get better if we persevere, that there is hope, and the chance to embrace a life of love and friendship and contentment. Go get ‘em!
We hope our stories provide welcome escape and entertainment, that they inspire you and transport you. While you’re cheering for our heroes and heroines, we want you to cheer for yourself. Like the women and men in these tales, you’re stronger than you may realize, more resourceful and more determined. As for happy endings, we all need to believe that things can get better if we persevere, that there is hope, and the chance to embrace a life of love and friendship and contentment. Go get ‘em!
October 25, 2019
Great start to the series!
November 5, 2019
This is a series of short stories about villagers and Vikings. Great characters and the stories are entertaining. I really liked it.
March 11, 2021
I was excited about this series. I was really hoping to find a good Viking series to listen to. And this was a good start, it’s only the prologue but I just don’t think I can listen to this narrator. She’s fine when she speaks as the women, but she makes the Vikings sound stupid. I got so annoyed with the way she ended all their sentences like a question. And if she was going for authenticity for their accent, I would have preferred her to just speak normally, it was so distracting.
The story itself was a good set up to the series I think, which I now will be reading instead of listening to I guess. The Vikings come ashore ready to raid a village. A village that was once prosperous, but is now failing with only women and children and older or injured men. Their livelihood has been threatened long before the Vikings ever showed up.
So one woman comes up with a plan to hopefully save the village and appeal to the Vikings.
The story itself was a good set up to the series I think, which I now will be reading instead of listening to I guess. The Vikings come ashore ready to raid a village. A village that was once prosperous, but is now failing with only women and children and older or injured men. Their livelihood has been threatened long before the Vikings ever showed up.
So one woman comes up with a plan to hopefully save the village and appeal to the Vikings.
Want to Read
January 7, 2023Purchase Amazon October 30, 2019
October 30, 2019
Solid world building/establishing prologue
As the title suggests, this short story is a prologue to a series of short stories, and it does a really nice job of establishing the world, key characters, and the community in which we can expect the following stories to take place.
This prologue has the feel of "desperate times call for desperate measures" , and you would be amazed just how interesting the results can be.
As the title suggests, this short story is a prologue to a series of short stories, and it does a really nice job of establishing the world, key characters, and the community in which we can expect the following stories to take place.
This prologue has the feel of "desperate times call for desperate measures" , and you would be amazed just how interesting the results can be.
October 26, 2019
wasn’t sure about this when I started, but I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the series.
June 7, 2020
Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Fascinating & Thrilling!
Vikings
Prologue: Viking Surrender, Book 1
By: Ashe Barker
Narrated by: Emma Parry
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the prologue that lays the foundation for the the books that follow in the “Viking Surrender” Series. The story is set in the year 912 AD a time when Vikings sailed to different villages, raiding them and stealing their riches and anything else they wanted. This story takes place in Achnaryrie Village, Gaillaibh, the land of the Picts, Scotland a village that once flourished but due to illness and injury most of the men died out leaving the village weak and vulnerable. The villagers fear the Vikings and when they see three Dragon ships approach their shores most go into hiding. Eithne, she comes up with a plan, decides to approach them and make a deal with them. Her sister accompanies her but is not happy about it. Eithne strikes a conversation with who appears to be the leader, Bradr Gunnarson, Jarl of Skialanes. He hears her pleas and offer and agrees to follow her back to the village to check it out and see if it is something he wants. When they come up with an agreement the village woman will each get a Viking for a husband. I loved this premise, the next books in the series will be about each couple. I am looking forward to the next book, Brandr and Eithne story, two strong and brave characters. Thank you for this terrific story, I am loving the original and interesting storylines and characters.
I listened to the Audible edition, Emma Parry is a talented narrator and voice artist. She does an amazing job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personalty. She sets the perfect tone for the story and delivers the dialogue naturally and with ease. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this terrific listen🎧
Vikings
Prologue: Viking Surrender, Book 1
By: Ashe Barker
Narrated by: Emma Parry
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the prologue that lays the foundation for the the books that follow in the “Viking Surrender” Series. The story is set in the year 912 AD a time when Vikings sailed to different villages, raiding them and stealing their riches and anything else they wanted. This story takes place in Achnaryrie Village, Gaillaibh, the land of the Picts, Scotland a village that once flourished but due to illness and injury most of the men died out leaving the village weak and vulnerable. The villagers fear the Vikings and when they see three Dragon ships approach their shores most go into hiding. Eithne, she comes up with a plan, decides to approach them and make a deal with them. Her sister accompanies her but is not happy about it. Eithne strikes a conversation with who appears to be the leader, Bradr Gunnarson, Jarl of Skialanes. He hears her pleas and offer and agrees to follow her back to the village to check it out and see if it is something he wants. When they come up with an agreement the village woman will each get a Viking for a husband. I loved this premise, the next books in the series will be about each couple. I am looking forward to the next book, Brandr and Eithne story, two strong and brave characters. Thank you for this terrific story, I am loving the original and interesting storylines and characters.
I listened to the Audible edition, Emma Parry is a talented narrator and voice artist. She does an amazing job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personalty. She sets the perfect tone for the story and delivers the dialogue naturally and with ease. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this terrific listen🎧
September 1, 2024
Brief…but Necessarily So
So this little prologue is incomplete in almost every sense of what I want in a book (even a prologue) BUT (and stick with me here) after reading the first “true” book in the series and the blurbs for the others, I think it actually NEEDED to be this way. The world development and character building are incredibly brief—although effective—and there is virtually no plot. In any other scenario, I would probably have preferred it to just be part of the first book. However, without giving too much away I hope, the information in this book would be wanted before every one of the rest of the series. So, between the fact that all the other books are written by different authors and the fact that it would be boring to see this same small vignette in each of the other books over and over, this really does make sense.
In a more element based evaluation…the characters brought up ever so briefly in this prologue are shown with actions that speak volumes (in very little time) about who they are as a person. I am looking forward to reading more about it in the other books.
So this little prologue is incomplete in almost every sense of what I want in a book (even a prologue) BUT (and stick with me here) after reading the first “true” book in the series and the blurbs for the others, I think it actually NEEDED to be this way. The world development and character building are incredibly brief—although effective—and there is virtually no plot. In any other scenario, I would probably have preferred it to just be part of the first book. However, without giving too much away I hope, the information in this book would be wanted before every one of the rest of the series. So, between the fact that all the other books are written by different authors and the fact that it would be boring to see this same small vignette in each of the other books over and over, this really does make sense.
In a more element based evaluation…the characters brought up ever so briefly in this prologue are shown with actions that speak volumes (in very little time) about who they are as a person. I am looking forward to reading more about it in the other books.
January 6, 2025
This ten-book collection begins with a prologue that’s separate from the main books, but sets the stage and introduces all the important characters.
Eithne’s Pict village has been under constant siege from warring, thieving neighbors. Almost all of the men have died in battle or from illness, leaving a village with few women, children, and elderly people. They need warriors, hunters, and farmers in order to survive. When Eithne sees Vikings coming to raid from the coast, she has two options: flee and let her village die out, or bargain with the Vikings.
Brandr is the jarl, the leader, among his men, and he can barely believe the Pictish beauty’s offer—brides for his men, as long as those men protect the village.
I really enjoyed this short story. Eithne is a brave woman, determined to do whatever she must to save her people. Brandr is more than a Viking marauder; he’s given to intelligence and patience, and his interest in Eithne is undeniable.
There were a few typos, but nothing major. I’m definitely interested in learning more about these nine couples chosen to wed. A different author writes each story, which I’d love to read.
5 Stars
Eithne’s Pict village has been under constant siege from warring, thieving neighbors. Almost all of the men have died in battle or from illness, leaving a village with few women, children, and elderly people. They need warriors, hunters, and farmers in order to survive. When Eithne sees Vikings coming to raid from the coast, she has two options: flee and let her village die out, or bargain with the Vikings.
Brandr is the jarl, the leader, among his men, and he can barely believe the Pictish beauty’s offer—brides for his men, as long as those men protect the village.
I really enjoyed this short story. Eithne is a brave woman, determined to do whatever she must to save her people. Brandr is more than a Viking marauder; he’s given to intelligence and patience, and his interest in Eithne is undeniable.
There were a few typos, but nothing major. I’m definitely interested in learning more about these nine couples chosen to wed. A different author writes each story, which I’d love to read.
5 Stars
June 2, 2020
Vikings is book one in the Viking Surrender series, and is the prologue or the beginning of how these nine battle-hardened warriors strike a bargain with nine brides. While matches get decided, the connections are rocky at best and hostile at worst, but open ended to find happiness in their own stories. Oh my, I am so intrigued with this collection of Viking stories and I can’t wait to read and listen to more already! I absolutely loved that there’s a slight humor, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of tension in this short novella to get some of the romances started as well as the random pickings to find out the rest of the couples. I felt like I was right there with the women as they fought to save their people and their home! I am so excited for the next book in this series!
May 12, 2020
I loved this book! A village of women, children, and a few old or injured men. Raids from clans on either side have either taken their animals and crops or just destroyed them. When three Viking ships land, they make a deal for the Vikings to marry some of the women. The village will have protection, food, and everything needed to thrive again. The warriors will have wives, children and a new home. This is a fantastic series and not the first time I've visited these stories. To me these are stories I will read over and over. The narrator was great as well.
May 14, 2020
Viking Surrender Series prologue
This prologue is a short novella that takes the reader immediately into the action and sets up an intriguing Viking series.
Eithne is a Pictish woman who goes to bargain with the Vikings when they arrive at her village. Brandr is the Jarl who agrees to consider Eithne's unorthodox proposal. Many other characters are introduced within the prologue as we get our first taste of the Viking Surrender series.
This is an absorbing short, that provides an entertaining introduction to the stories in the series to come.
This prologue is a short novella that takes the reader immediately into the action and sets up an intriguing Viking series.
Eithne is a Pictish woman who goes to bargain with the Vikings when they arrive at her village. Brandr is the Jarl who agrees to consider Eithne's unorthodox proposal. Many other characters are introduced within the prologue as we get our first taste of the Viking Surrender series.
This is an absorbing short, that provides an entertaining introduction to the stories in the series to come.
May 14, 2020
This is a good introduction into this new Viking community. The Author did a wonderful job introducing this world to us and I am looking forward to seeing how these couples learn to get along for the larger sake of their community. None of the characters are exactly pleased with these arrangements so it's going to get interesting.
The narrator does a good job telling the story.
I would recommend anyone wanting to read/listen to any of these books read/listen to this introduction first.
The narrator does a good job telling the story.
I would recommend anyone wanting to read/listen to any of these books read/listen to this introduction first.
June 7, 2020
Wow! This was so good. The prorogue is brilliantly composed, it cleverly sets the basis of the premise for the series. Ashe Barker captured the period flawlessly, captivating her readers/listeners from the get-go. There is no doubt in my mind that I'll be continuing with the series. Emma Parry's narration was excellent, she breathed life into the characters. Overall, the Vikings is a fabulous novella, one highly recommend.
August 12, 2020
Compelling Introduction!
Having read the original box set (each story written written by a different author) about ten months ago, it was interesting to reread the Prologue by Ashe Barker as a separate entity today.
What struck me was the strength in compromise as the Viking leader, Brandr and a villager, Eithne come to an agreement to save the Pictish villiage made up of mainly women and children and this is done with verbal communication not through the battle of war.
It is a well written introduction and I for one feel compelled to reread the other nine stories because of it.
I was gifted a copy of this ebook and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
Having read the original box set (each story written written by a different author) about ten months ago, it was interesting to reread the Prologue by Ashe Barker as a separate entity today.
What struck me was the strength in compromise as the Viking leader, Brandr and a villager, Eithne come to an agreement to save the Pictish villiage made up of mainly women and children and this is done with verbal communication not through the battle of war.
It is a well written introduction and I for one feel compelled to reread the other nine stories because of it.
I was gifted a copy of this ebook and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
November 2, 2019
Tales of the Ancient Vikings🐺🍆⛲🔪
This is the prologue novella to the multi book ADULT tales of ancient Viking Warriors🐺🍆⛲🔪⛵ who came from Skalanes⛵ to the shores of Scotland to settle and marry Pict women.
The author does a wonderful job of researching her subjects and describing ancient village life!
This is the prologue novella to the multi book ADULT tales of ancient Viking Warriors🐺🍆⛲🔪⛵ who came from Skalanes⛵ to the shores of Scotland to settle and marry Pict women.
The author does a wonderful job of researching her subjects and describing ancient village life!
November 4, 2019
The Prologue or book one in the Viking Surrender series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Will Bjorn live, will Gladys learn to love the man to be her husband, will Rhiannon realize the damage she has done, will Rinda and Graeme learn to love each other, will Eithne and Brandr find balance in their life, so many questions to be answered I want to read the next book.
June 3, 2020
This is the start of a series of books all written by different authors. This one is pretty much what you would think of a Viking raid would be. It was a quick entertaining read, and is the setup for the rest of the series. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2020
I enjoyed the prologue of Viking Surrender, I can't wait to listen/read to Brandr and Eithne's story next, and then the rest of the series. Narrator Emma Parry does a great job with the story and the characters. I have both the e-book and audiobook.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 28, 2021
So far, so good!
The series is off to a good start! I love Nordic romances and look forward to reading about this group of men and their arranged marriages. The Jarl, Brandr is to wed Eithne, the (widowed) daughter in law to the dying Chieftain. Both characters are leaders, strong willed and intelligent. I hope they have chemistry too!
The series is off to a good start! I love Nordic romances and look forward to reading about this group of men and their arranged marriages. The Jarl, Brandr is to wed Eithne, the (widowed) daughter in law to the dying Chieftain. Both characters are leaders, strong willed and intelligent. I hope they have chemistry too!
March 29, 2025
A prelude to Viking romance.
This prolonged offers the reader a snippet into each episode of the subsequent stories. Each Pict/Viking couple comes with their own history and hope for a renewed future, yet each also comes with challenges and clashing personalities. Enter into this rousing series with expectation and an open mind.
This prolonged offers the reader a snippet into each episode of the subsequent stories. Each Pict/Viking couple comes with their own history and hope for a renewed future, yet each also comes with challenges and clashing personalities. Enter into this rousing series with expectation and an open mind.
October 28, 2019
Exciting
What a great start to the series. This is a quick review so I can go straight to book 1!! Action right out of the gate with a strong woman. She takes a hopeless situation and fights for her people. Go start your adventure now, you won't regret it!.
What a great start to the series. This is a quick review so I can go straight to book 1!! Action right out of the gate with a strong woman. She takes a hopeless situation and fights for her people. Go start your adventure now, you won't regret it!.
October 29, 2019
Leaving me want for more
As a prelude it builds the story while leaving the wanting to know which man to which woman. Will they find love with the right person? Now I need to read the rest of the books.
As a prelude it builds the story while leaving the wanting to know which man to which woman. Will they find love with the right person? Now I need to read the rest of the books.
November 3, 2019
Fate
A delightful introduction to these fierce Norseman and the women they will tame!. Dominant warrior men and sassy strong independent women! It's going to be an interesting journey!
A delightful introduction to these fierce Norseman and the women they will tame!. Dominant warrior men and sassy strong independent women! It's going to be an interesting journey!
November 3, 2019
This is an awesome read. The twists and turns will keep you so enthralled that you won't want to put it down in case you might get confused. Amelia and Feargan worked so well together that it had me rooting so hard for them to succeed. I can't wait to read Magnus.
November 5, 2019
A great start to the Viking Surrender series
Vikings: Prologue (Viking Surrender Book 1) is a fantastic beginning to the Viking Surrender series. A total of eight marriages to take place for a new beginning and survival. One click it for a captivating bundle of stories
Vikings: Prologue (Viking Surrender Book 1) is a fantastic beginning to the Viking Surrender series. A total of eight marriages to take place for a new beginning and survival. One click it for a captivating bundle of stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews