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Danethrall Trilogy #1
Danethrall
Pillaging. Violence. That is what the Norsemen were infamous for, and when they invaded the Kingdom of the East Angles in autumn 865, that is exactly what they did. Aveline, an Anglo-Saxon child, is taken captive by Birger Bloody Sword and stolen away to Roskilde, Denmark, where she finds herself alone, abandoned by her God.
Five years have passed. Adopted by her captor, Aveline is an outsider to the Danes and perceived as a traitor by the Anglo-Saxon thralls enslaved by them. When Birger sets sail to raid once again, he leaves Aveline in the care of the jarl’s son, Vidar, for her own protection.
Aveline begins to find her place in Roskilde, but even the few Danes she has come to favour are dark, blood-thirsty warriors. When Roskilde is besieged by its bitter rival Aros, Aveline finds herself fighting fearsome enemies alongside the very people who slaughtered her family.
The compelling and bloody tale of an Anglo-Saxon’s life in the land of the Danes. With human sacrifice, rape and murder, Aveline is thrust into a world more dangerous than she could imagine. Follow Aveline’s journey of love and loss and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive.
This novel contains graphic violence, sexual content and inappropriate language. Reader discretion is advised.
Five years have passed. Adopted by her captor, Aveline is an outsider to the Danes and perceived as a traitor by the Anglo-Saxon thralls enslaved by them. When Birger sets sail to raid once again, he leaves Aveline in the care of the jarl’s son, Vidar, for her own protection.
Aveline begins to find her place in Roskilde, but even the few Danes she has come to favour are dark, blood-thirsty warriors. When Roskilde is besieged by its bitter rival Aros, Aveline finds herself fighting fearsome enemies alongside the very people who slaughtered her family.
The compelling and bloody tale of an Anglo-Saxon’s life in the land of the Danes. With human sacrifice, rape and murder, Aveline is thrust into a world more dangerous than she could imagine. Follow Aveline’s journey of love and loss and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive.
This novel contains graphic violence, sexual content and inappropriate language. Reader discretion is advised.
354 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Gwendoline S.K. Terry
3 books13 followers In January 2018, Gwendoline SK Terry released her debut novel, 'Danethrall', the compelling and bloody tale of an Anglo-Saxon’s life in the land of the Danes.
After a cover update, ‘Danethrall’ was republished in April 2019 under Two Ravens Publishing, alongside ‘Rise To Fall’, the second installment of the Danethrall Trilogy. ‘Ashes Remain’, the third and final novel in the Danethrall Trilogy, was released in February 2022.
Gwendoline SK Terry was born in Peterborough, England. In 2014, she moved to the United States, living in Maryland, Arizona, and Michigan, before returning to the UK in 2023.
Outside of writing, Gwen enjoys spending time with her children, reading, playing video games, crocheting, and gardening.
After a cover update, ‘Danethrall’ was republished in April 2019 under Two Ravens Publishing, alongside ‘Rise To Fall’, the second installment of the Danethrall Trilogy. ‘Ashes Remain’, the third and final novel in the Danethrall Trilogy, was released in February 2022.
Gwendoline SK Terry was born in Peterborough, England. In 2014, she moved to the United States, living in Maryland, Arizona, and Michigan, before returning to the UK in 2023.
Outside of writing, Gwen enjoys spending time with her children, reading, playing video games, crocheting, and gardening.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 10, 2018
9th century Viking story
I chose this book because of the title and wasn't disappointed. I love Viking history and sagas and this one definitely delivered. Historically accurate and interesting storyline. Want to see more from Ms. Terry
I chose this book because of the title and wasn't disappointed. I love Viking history and sagas and this one definitely delivered. Historically accurate and interesting storyline. Want to see more from Ms. Terry
April 16, 2022
Danethrall by Gwendoline Terry is quite simply a masterclass in storytelling. It is a book where accurate and well-researched historical fiction meets the beauty and craftsmanship of non-fictional world-building. It truly is enthralling to read about the story in which she has created. As a historical fiction lover, I really enjoyed learning about the broad tribalistic culture of ninth century Britain and the ways and customs of the Norseman in their home country.
As the main protagonist, Aveline was a really interesting person to follow. Her story is magnificent and I really like the plot progression from her childhood roots into servitude and her later alienation from her own people. We really see her inner conflict as she is forced to betray her origins for her own survival amongst a group of violent and blood-thirsty capturers. The other characters in this book were just as interesting, with people like Erhardt and Tarben (amongst others) providing some really dark, dangerous and disturbing scenes. It is hard to believe that people treated each other so cruelly, but we know from history that it happened. I liked Vidar too, and after Aveline’s ordeal I felt like their relationship came across as genuine and really well crafted. The dialogue was a joy to read and it complimented the story, which was really well-paced. I liked how these two characters developed into a point where they truly did love and respect one another, and reached an understanding bond despite their differences.
Terry has really brought the world of the Norseman back to life in a way that is so vivid and exciting that I breezed through this book in days. It was the little details that set this book out for me and made me love this world. I look forward to reading part two soon.
As the main protagonist, Aveline was a really interesting person to follow. Her story is magnificent and I really like the plot progression from her childhood roots into servitude and her later alienation from her own people. We really see her inner conflict as she is forced to betray her origins for her own survival amongst a group of violent and blood-thirsty capturers. The other characters in this book were just as interesting, with people like Erhardt and Tarben (amongst others) providing some really dark, dangerous and disturbing scenes. It is hard to believe that people treated each other so cruelly, but we know from history that it happened. I liked Vidar too, and after Aveline’s ordeal I felt like their relationship came across as genuine and really well crafted. The dialogue was a joy to read and it complimented the story, which was really well-paced. I liked how these two characters developed into a point where they truly did love and respect one another, and reached an understanding bond despite their differences.
Terry has really brought the world of the Norseman back to life in a way that is so vivid and exciting that I breezed through this book in days. It was the little details that set this book out for me and made me love this world. I look forward to reading part two soon.
May 23, 2022
What a well written book!
Wow! This book has left me speechless, in a good way. I've lost hours of sleep reading it.
First things first. This book has many trigger warnings. Rape, murder, slavery, Age-gap... Check them before you decide to read that book and make sure it's a good book for you.
That being said. Omg I loved this book! I absolutely loved Aveline. She is written so well. You can see how she grows over time, how her perception of life changes. You can see how she goes from being a young child abducted to become a young woman accepting her new life. She has self-respect, she is strong and courageous.
I didn't like her relationship with Kainan but was glad it was short lived. Shortly afterwards you see her change as she realizes who she loves and who she is.
I absolutely loved Vidar!!! Although they have an age gap of more than fifteen years, he is perfect for Aveline. Their love is so well written. I was turning page after page, just waiting for them to finally be able to live their lives together and be in love as they should.
I loved how Aveline became a mother. I loved how the Norsemen's way of life. I loved how their gods are depicted and everything from this book. The brutality, the honor, death, and love. I could see their world as it was years ago.
I will definitely check the next books as well! Well done Gwendoline!
Wow! This book has left me speechless, in a good way. I've lost hours of sleep reading it.
First things first. This book has many trigger warnings. Rape, murder, slavery, Age-gap... Check them before you decide to read that book and make sure it's a good book for you.
That being said. Omg I loved this book! I absolutely loved Aveline. She is written so well. You can see how she grows over time, how her perception of life changes. You can see how she goes from being a young child abducted to become a young woman accepting her new life. She has self-respect, she is strong and courageous.
I didn't like her relationship with Kainan but was glad it was short lived. Shortly afterwards you see her change as she realizes who she loves and who she is.
I absolutely loved Vidar!!! Although they have an age gap of more than fifteen years, he is perfect for Aveline. Their love is so well written. I was turning page after page, just waiting for them to finally be able to live their lives together and be in love as they should.
I loved how Aveline became a mother. I loved how the Norsemen's way of life. I loved how their gods are depicted and everything from this book. The brutality, the honor, death, and love. I could see their world as it was years ago.
I will definitely check the next books as well! Well done Gwendoline!
May 5, 2022
Author Gwendoline SK Terry has crafted an outstanding historical fiction novel full of action, romance and drama. Danethrall is the first book in the Danethrall Trilogy. The story centers around the main character, ten-year-old Aveline who is abducted by a marauding Dane named Birger. But Aveline is not taken captive as a slave; we soon find out Birger own daughter had died when she was about the same age as Aveline. When Birger’s group attacks Aveline’s small village in England, he spots Aveline and is instantly reminded of his own daughter. Birger takes Aveline to replace the daughter he lost and she is quickly thrust into an unfamiliar and disturbing culture she must adapt to. As the years pass and Aveline grows, she finds love. First with a slave named, Kainan and later with Vidar. Along the way, Aveline grows into a mature and introspective woman who follows her heart in the midst of tragedy and triumph.
This is a well written, entertaining, and interesting book. The persistent detailed graphic sexual content was unnecessary and served as a detraction. It added nothing to the story. But that aside, this was an enjoyable book filled with well-developed characters, scenery descriptions and a fast-moving plot.
This is a well written, entertaining, and interesting book. The persistent detailed graphic sexual content was unnecessary and served as a detraction. It added nothing to the story. But that aside, this was an enjoyable book filled with well-developed characters, scenery descriptions and a fast-moving plot.
October 9, 2019
Wow, what a book !! A story where I found more excitement on every page than the one before. What descriptions of atrocities but also full of loving scenes. Aveline shows what a power.
The book tells you the story of Aveline over a period of 15 years. Being taken at a young age to a foreign country where you do not know the language and customs and survive everything that you encounter. Her love for the son of the Jarl costs her a lot but she never lets him go. A great story, a must read for everyone!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book tells you the story of Aveline over a period of 15 years. Being taken at a young age to a foreign country where you do not know the language and customs and survive everything that you encounter. Her love for the son of the Jarl costs her a lot but she never lets him go. A great story, a must read for everyone!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2019
I loved the fact that the author had obviously done a lot of research and worked hard at ensuring she kept the scene and the characters in the correct context for the time period that the book is set in. This is my first time reading this author and I think she has produced an amazing book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I have always had an interest in this time period, and it was that interest that drew me to the book, the author did not disappoint – brilliant.
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.
April 4, 2020
Excellent read I received from Voracious Reader. The author takes you to a totally different time and place of the Vikings in the 800's. I couldn't help but fall in love with Aveline and her struggles during such a trying journey of her life. Her ability to adjust and survive is a testimony of strong women in a difficult time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this book!
April 16, 2020
Received a copy from Voracious Readers. I did like the historical character of the book. The plot was well written and had a few twists in the end that I did not predict. The characters were believable and well written. The book as a whole was good on a whole.
It ended up not being the style of historical fiction that I enjoy the most. I would say it is a good book to read if you like the historical fiction of this era.
It ended up not being the style of historical fiction that I enjoy the most. I would say it is a good book to read if you like the historical fiction of this era.
April 19, 2020
Received a copy from Voracious Readers and had a hard time with much of it . Was well written but seemed Abit wordy . It took Abit to get into and then for every part I found interesting there were parts I ended up skipping . Too much violence of the kind I don't care for.
March 27, 2020
I received a free copy from voracious readers. I enjoyed the book. Well drawn characters and interesting story line.
July 25, 2022
Setting this first book of her series in ninth century Denmark, the author has chosen the Viking era before Christianity spread there and when Norse Gods were worshipped and appeased. The marauding behaviour of the Vikings is described in graphic detail and not for the faint hearted.
Danish society was divided into the Jarls (aristocracy), Karls (mainly farmers) and Thralls (slaves). Only the Vikings took to sea to raid other lands for their wealth and to capture slaves.
The story begins with a Viking raid in Britain with the capture of slaves including a young girl, Adeline. The Viking who captured her treats her as his own daughter and not as a Thrall and calls her Birgersdóttir. She is still considered a ‘Danesthrall’ by others and is carefully protected by her captor as Thralls were subjected to appalling abuse including sexual exploitation. We follow Aveline’s journey through life as she accepts the Gods and mores of her new country. Vidar, the son of a Jarl, betroths her but before the marriage he goes on a trading trip. While both he and his father, who is on a Viking raid, are absent, their hall and people are attacked by an enemy Jarl who takes Avaline as his wife in exchange for sparing the lives of the survivors and of Vidar. His treatment of Aveline is harrowing. She bears Vidar’s two sons and a daughter over the years by maintaining a clandestine affair until Vidar is ready to take revenge on her husband and reclaim Aveline. His revenge is taken during a blót, where human and/or animal sacrifices are made to the Gods.
Overall, the author gives both a fascinating and a disturbing insight into Viking life at that time. The sequel promises to be as interesting.
Danish society was divided into the Jarls (aristocracy), Karls (mainly farmers) and Thralls (slaves). Only the Vikings took to sea to raid other lands for their wealth and to capture slaves.
The story begins with a Viking raid in Britain with the capture of slaves including a young girl, Adeline. The Viking who captured her treats her as his own daughter and not as a Thrall and calls her Birgersdóttir. She is still considered a ‘Danesthrall’ by others and is carefully protected by her captor as Thralls were subjected to appalling abuse including sexual exploitation. We follow Aveline’s journey through life as she accepts the Gods and mores of her new country. Vidar, the son of a Jarl, betroths her but before the marriage he goes on a trading trip. While both he and his father, who is on a Viking raid, are absent, their hall and people are attacked by an enemy Jarl who takes Avaline as his wife in exchange for sparing the lives of the survivors and of Vidar. His treatment of Aveline is harrowing. She bears Vidar’s two sons and a daughter over the years by maintaining a clandestine affair until Vidar is ready to take revenge on her husband and reclaim Aveline. His revenge is taken during a blót, where human and/or animal sacrifices are made to the Gods.
Overall, the author gives both a fascinating and a disturbing insight into Viking life at that time. The sequel promises to be as interesting.
November 13, 2022
Fantastic
This is an epic story. I couldn't put it down once I'd started. Aveline is an incredible character. Fiercely strong and wonderfully empathic. Such a strong willed girl finds herself hiding whilst her family is decimated. You fear for the young girl and pray she gets out alive. But risking her own life, fear gets the best of her and she falls head first into the path of a massive norseman. Terrified she's then placed in a boat alongside others captured by the attackers. As their fates are decided, Aveline's takes a different path, as the norseman she ran into sees an undeniable resemble cr to the daughter he once lost. After fighting to keep her, he is finally granted his wish and because of this, she survives in relative peace and harmony. Learning a new way of life, religion, and set of traditions, Aveline struggles with her past, present and future. Finding peace of mind comes at a price and its not one she's ready to pay quite yet. Falling for another thrall changes everything. Igniting a fire in her, also shows her how fragile life is, and how quickly things can change. But it's her love for a Dane that confuses her the most. Unable to extinguish the flame between them, she's also unable to give herself over to him with so many conflicting emotions inside her. Once again, it's her nose fathers injuries that makes her realise the preciousness of life and after vowing to nurse him better, she finally relents to her feelings for the Dane that long ago captured her heart. But things are not destined to run smoothly and that drama that follows is horrifying as well as intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, was absolutely remarkable in every way.
This is an epic story. I couldn't put it down once I'd started. Aveline is an incredible character. Fiercely strong and wonderfully empathic. Such a strong willed girl finds herself hiding whilst her family is decimated. You fear for the young girl and pray she gets out alive. But risking her own life, fear gets the best of her and she falls head first into the path of a massive norseman. Terrified she's then placed in a boat alongside others captured by the attackers. As their fates are decided, Aveline's takes a different path, as the norseman she ran into sees an undeniable resemble cr to the daughter he once lost. After fighting to keep her, he is finally granted his wish and because of this, she survives in relative peace and harmony. Learning a new way of life, religion, and set of traditions, Aveline struggles with her past, present and future. Finding peace of mind comes at a price and its not one she's ready to pay quite yet. Falling for another thrall changes everything. Igniting a fire in her, also shows her how fragile life is, and how quickly things can change. But it's her love for a Dane that confuses her the most. Unable to extinguish the flame between them, she's also unable to give herself over to him with so many conflicting emotions inside her. Once again, it's her nose fathers injuries that makes her realise the preciousness of life and after vowing to nurse him better, she finally relents to her feelings for the Dane that long ago captured her heart. But things are not destined to run smoothly and that drama that follows is horrifying as well as intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, was absolutely remarkable in every way.
May 27, 2022
I’m an amateur historian and Vikings are one of my favourites, so this book intrigued me right from the title. To start with, it’s obvious the author knows her history. The descriptions of the people and surroundings are in-depth and well researched. The writing style and prose fit very well in this world.
The main character, Aveline, is likable. She is captured then adopted, then learns to live among the strange world that has become her home. Caught between the two worlds of her Anglo-Saxon early life and her new life among the Norsemen, I felt her emotions at every turn, through all the conflicts and turmoil she must endure, within herself as well as the among the people around her.
The cover of the book is well done, hinting at the two different worlds depicted within. The dialogue between the characters was well-written. Their way of speaking seems as well-researched as the history of the time. The story flowed very well from start to finish in a natural progression. I found myself riveted, not wanting to put it down.
A word of warning – not for children, okay for older teens or up. There is quite a bit of violence depicted, but not gratuitously. If you’ve ever watched any movies of Vikings, it’s the type of violence you would see there. The descriptions are well done.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I would be interested in reading the next and the next.
The main character, Aveline, is likable. She is captured then adopted, then learns to live among the strange world that has become her home. Caught between the two worlds of her Anglo-Saxon early life and her new life among the Norsemen, I felt her emotions at every turn, through all the conflicts and turmoil she must endure, within herself as well as the among the people around her.
The cover of the book is well done, hinting at the two different worlds depicted within. The dialogue between the characters was well-written. Their way of speaking seems as well-researched as the history of the time. The story flowed very well from start to finish in a natural progression. I found myself riveted, not wanting to put it down.
A word of warning – not for children, okay for older teens or up. There is quite a bit of violence depicted, but not gratuitously. If you’ve ever watched any movies of Vikings, it’s the type of violence you would see there. The descriptions are well done.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I would be interested in reading the next and the next.
July 3, 2022
I loved this book. It's gruesome and gory and brutal but it felt so authentic. A lot of historical novels overromanticize the time periods they feature, but this one didn't. I think the violence and rape truly represent how women experienced their lives and stepping into Aveline's life was really compelling. I loved the moral ambiguity of the Danes and appreciated the heroine's psychological journey to coming to terms with that. The relationship with her adoptive father especially. The religious elements and folklore were particularly interesting as well and I liked how the main character ended up internalizing aspects of both religions. The foreshadowing of the conquering of Christianity at the end was poignant and made me sad, but in a good way. There were a handful of editing issues but I was so engrossed in the story, they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. I'm definitely going to be looking at other books in the series
October 7, 2024
Danethrall by Gwendoline SK Terry is a captivating historical romance that follows the tumultuous life of Aveline, a woman whose fate takes unexpected twists. Set in Denmark between the winter of 870 and the spring of 880, the novel begins when Aveline's homeland, the "Kingdom of East Angles," falls to a Danish invasion. Among the captured, she escapes a life of slavery due to her uncanny resemblance to the deceased daughter of Birger, a Danish warrior. Instead of becoming a thrall, Aveline is adopted by Birger and raised as a Danish woman, with Birger fiercely advocating for her acceptance in their society. As Aveline grows into womanhood, she falls in love with a high-ranking Dane in Roskilde, and to her delight, the love is reciprocated. Yet, the promise of happiness is tragically short-lived. When Roskilde is attacked and her beloved is away, Aveline is married off as a peace offering to the very man responsible for the raid. This unexpected turn sets the stage for a story of survival, adaptation, and the sacrifices demanded by a life caught in the crossfire of love and war.
While Danethrall primarily falls within the romance genre, it’s much more than a love story. Terry crafts a vivid tale about survival through adaptability. The characters are defined by their ability to adjust to the harsh realities they face rather than fighting against them. Aveline exemplifies this as she navigates her new life, first accepting her adoption by Birger and later adapting to the brutality of her marriage to Jarl Erhardt. By becoming more agreeable and finding ways to survive the violence she endures, she demonstrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Similarly, the novel touches on how other characters survive through patience and strategy. For example, Vidar, the man Aveline was initially betrothed to, is devastated when she is married off to another. Though his anger and jealousy are palpable, he restrains himself from acting impulsively, knowing that rash actions would lead to his and his loved ones' deaths. Instead, Vidar bides his time, preparing for the right moment to strike, and ultimately, his patience pays off in victory.
Terry expertly weaves unexpected plot twists and dramatic developments that keep readers hooked. The changing dynamics within Aveline’s love triangle, particularly the introduction of new players, add complexity and intrigue to the story, making each chapter a page-turner. The vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the world of ninth-century Denmark.
Danethrall is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and survival in a world where adaptability is key. Gwendoline SK Terry delivers an engrossing narrative with twists that will keep readers engaged, while her vivid writing transports them back to a time of warriors, survival, and tragic love.
While Danethrall primarily falls within the romance genre, it’s much more than a love story. Terry crafts a vivid tale about survival through adaptability. The characters are defined by their ability to adjust to the harsh realities they face rather than fighting against them. Aveline exemplifies this as she navigates her new life, first accepting her adoption by Birger and later adapting to the brutality of her marriage to Jarl Erhardt. By becoming more agreeable and finding ways to survive the violence she endures, she demonstrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Similarly, the novel touches on how other characters survive through patience and strategy. For example, Vidar, the man Aveline was initially betrothed to, is devastated when she is married off to another. Though his anger and jealousy are palpable, he restrains himself from acting impulsively, knowing that rash actions would lead to his and his loved ones' deaths. Instead, Vidar bides his time, preparing for the right moment to strike, and ultimately, his patience pays off in victory.
Terry expertly weaves unexpected plot twists and dramatic developments that keep readers hooked. The changing dynamics within Aveline’s love triangle, particularly the introduction of new players, add complexity and intrigue to the story, making each chapter a page-turner. The vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the world of ninth-century Denmark.
Danethrall is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and survival in a world where adaptability is key. Gwendoline SK Terry delivers an engrossing narrative with twists that will keep readers engaged, while her vivid writing transports them back to a time of warriors, survival, and tragic love.
May 17, 2025
Historic Thriller Danish Late 800s
Aveline is a young Anglo Saxon girl that is abducted from her family in a raid. She is taken by Birger Bloody Sword and then transported to Roskilde, Denmark. Birger continues to raise Aveline for about five years in a Danish warrior environment. She does not fit in, and the Danes do not like her because of the slavery and oppression from the Anglo Saxons. When Birger returns to war, he leaves Aveline with Jarl's son, Vidar.
Aveline is only 15 years old. Vidar starts to have affections for Aveline. Kainan tries to talk Aveline into a hook up, but also assures her that he would marry her even though he is not free he is a Danethrall (slave).Vidar separates Aveline from Kainan and then tries to make a pass at Aveline for marriage which she declines. After Birger returns from a raid injured, Aveline postpones any decision regarding marriage. After many years of coaxing her, Vidar takes Avaline's virginity, and then insists that he must marry her. Vidar and Avaline get engaged. Vidar and Birger leave for war.As soon as they are gone, a rival king Erhardt decides to claim Avaline for his wife. Erhardt believes that Avaline is a virgin. Erhardt's friend, Tarben, tells Erhardt that his wife was not a virgin. Avaline was already pregnant with Vidar when she was forced to marry Erhardt. When Avaline gives birth, the child looks like Vidar. Erhardt claims the child because he is a son, and Erhardt needs an heir to the throne. Erhardt arranges a marriage of Vidar to Ursula (his daughter) and then tells Aveline if she thinks about going back to Vidar, he will kill her.
Vidar plots to overthrow Erhardt and get Aveline and his two biological sons back. Will he be successful? This is a very colorful Viking era historic love story. It's a non-stop thriller.
Aveline is a young Anglo Saxon girl that is abducted from her family in a raid. She is taken by Birger Bloody Sword and then transported to Roskilde, Denmark. Birger continues to raise Aveline for about five years in a Danish warrior environment. She does not fit in, and the Danes do not like her because of the slavery and oppression from the Anglo Saxons. When Birger returns to war, he leaves Aveline with Jarl's son, Vidar.
Aveline is only 15 years old. Vidar starts to have affections for Aveline. Kainan tries to talk Aveline into a hook up, but also assures her that he would marry her even though he is not free he is a Danethrall (slave).Vidar separates Aveline from Kainan and then tries to make a pass at Aveline for marriage which she declines. After Birger returns from a raid injured, Aveline postpones any decision regarding marriage. After many years of coaxing her, Vidar takes Avaline's virginity, and then insists that he must marry her. Vidar and Avaline get engaged. Vidar and Birger leave for war.As soon as they are gone, a rival king Erhardt decides to claim Avaline for his wife. Erhardt believes that Avaline is a virgin. Erhardt's friend, Tarben, tells Erhardt that his wife was not a virgin. Avaline was already pregnant with Vidar when she was forced to marry Erhardt. When Avaline gives birth, the child looks like Vidar. Erhardt claims the child because he is a son, and Erhardt needs an heir to the throne. Erhardt arranges a marriage of Vidar to Ursula (his daughter) and then tells Aveline if she thinks about going back to Vidar, he will kill her.
Vidar plots to overthrow Erhardt and get Aveline and his two biological sons back. Will he be successful? This is a very colorful Viking era historic love story. It's a non-stop thriller.
April 16, 2025
WOW! Did I love this book! The writing was amazing with the depiction of the Dane’s way of life seeming very realistic, which is a must in a historical fiction book like this. Aveline is a great character, and I loved how she wasn’t a whiner but embraced her fate with a fierce determination to survive. The book contained some tender moments that effectively balanced the story's violence with the period's ordeals and the characters' experiences. She kept her dignity, was intelligent, and did her best to forge a life for herself without playing the victim and being foul-mouthed, like so many of today’s FMCs.
I was not a fan of Kainan. I felt like Aveline quickly had him figured out and didn’t put up with his pressures. I was glad when he was out of the picture. I was in love with Vidar! Even though there was an age gap there, I still thought the relationship made sense as it was compatible with the Dane’s way of life, staying true to history. It is noticeable and appreciated that the author did plenty of research, and I loved how she incorporated Christianity and Norse paganism into the story.
This story flowed well, and I was deeply engaged in what happened to Aveline and Vidar. The violence and graphic scenes didn’t bother me much. However, I did think there was a bit too much violence against women, which may be hard for some readers. I was very impressed by the steamy scenes, as I felt they were well done. I just found out that this is book 1 of 3, and I’ll definitely be reading the whole series!
I was not a fan of Kainan. I felt like Aveline quickly had him figured out and didn’t put up with his pressures. I was glad when he was out of the picture. I was in love with Vidar! Even though there was an age gap there, I still thought the relationship made sense as it was compatible with the Dane’s way of life, staying true to history. It is noticeable and appreciated that the author did plenty of research, and I loved how she incorporated Christianity and Norse paganism into the story.
This story flowed well, and I was deeply engaged in what happened to Aveline and Vidar. The violence and graphic scenes didn’t bother me much. However, I did think there was a bit too much violence against women, which may be hard for some readers. I was very impressed by the steamy scenes, as I felt they were well done. I just found out that this is book 1 of 3, and I’ll definitely be reading the whole series!
September 18, 2023
I’m an amateur historian and Vikings are one of my favourites, so this book intrigued me right from the title. To start with, it’s obvious the author knows her history. The descriptions of the people and surroundings are in-depth and well researched. The writing style and prose fit very well in this world.
The main character, Aveline, is likable. She is captured then adopted, then learns to live among the strange world that has become her home. Caught between the two worlds of her Anglo-Saxon early life and her new life among the Norsemen, I felt her emotions at every turn, through all the conflicts and turmoil she must endure, within herself as well as the among the people around her.
The cover of the book is well done, hinting at the two different worlds depicted within. The dialogue between the characters was well-written. Their way of speaking seems as well-researched as the history of the time. The story flowed very well from start to finish in a natural progression. I found myself riveted, not wanting to put it down.
A word of warning – not for children, okay for older teens or up. There is quite a bit of violence depicted, but not gratuitously. If you’ve ever watched any movies of Vikings, it’s the type of violence you would see there. The descriptions are well done.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I would be interested in reading the next and the next.
The main character, Aveline, is likable. She is captured then adopted, then learns to live among the strange world that has become her home. Caught between the two worlds of her Anglo-Saxon early life and her new life among the Norsemen, I felt her emotions at every turn, through all the conflicts and turmoil she must endure, within herself as well as the among the people around her.
The cover of the book is well done, hinting at the two different worlds depicted within. The dialogue between the characters was well-written. Their way of speaking seems as well-researched as the history of the time. The story flowed very well from start to finish in a natural progression. I found myself riveted, not wanting to put it down.
A word of warning – not for children, okay for older teens or up. There is quite a bit of violence depicted, but not gratuitously. If you’ve ever watched any movies of Vikings, it’s the type of violence you would see there. The descriptions are well done.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I would be interested in reading the next and the next.
February 22, 2023
The story was descriptive of everyday life and moments of celebrations of the Norse culture and Gods.
The main characters were vividly drawn through their actions and dialogue. Aveline, a captured enslaved person from East Angles, was adopted by one of the invaders. Terry takes us along with Aveline’s shuddering memories of her birth family’s murders. The young girl tries hard to put the emotions of the atrocities aside so that she can survive living among the same people responsible for the death of most of her village. Given the vast differences between the religious philosophies of her Christian teachings and Viking culture, she isn’t sure how she feels or how she should feel.
Her adopted father goes on a raid, leaving her to care for the animals and the farm in general, but in the supervised care of Vidar, the Jarl’s son. She is both attracted to the handsome man but timid because of his status. As a young woman, Aveline had no idea how to handle her own womanly desires. Nor does she understand exactly how she feels about a male slave, Kainan, whom she had befriended. Now Vidar is slowly becoming her good friend.
I appreciated the well-described historical background and cultural norms. The violence was gory and swift, but all matched the legends and archaeology we decipher today about the early struggles of humans. Well done, Gwendoline Terry.
February 27, 2023
I read this book because I like historical fiction like The Last Kingdom, Vikings, etc. In that sense, it fills that need to read stuff based on that time period. The research is good enough to make the story credible, though no one will mistake it for a historical account. Just for the record, I'm no expert but I'm well read in Norse stories, both mythical and historical, as well as that of the English invasions and the development of the languages.
I found the storytelling to be good, and the characters believable. Aveline is a good protagonist that grows during the story, and the other characters have enough nuance to show their duality as both blood-thirsty Dane invaders and just regular people of those times, where brutality and tribalism made it so that there was very little value in lives outside of one's tribe.
The prose, on the other hand, was awkward at times and had more than s few wrongly placed verbs, extra connectors and excess of punctuation marks and exclamation signs, something that devalues the book for me and makes it seem more amateurish than it deserves. That's something the author should clean up because it's something inexcusable.
It's a good book to pass the time and scratch the itch of a historical fiction with some violence and romance elements.
I found the storytelling to be good, and the characters believable. Aveline is a good protagonist that grows during the story, and the other characters have enough nuance to show their duality as both blood-thirsty Dane invaders and just regular people of those times, where brutality and tribalism made it so that there was very little value in lives outside of one's tribe.
The prose, on the other hand, was awkward at times and had more than s few wrongly placed verbs, extra connectors and excess of punctuation marks and exclamation signs, something that devalues the book for me and makes it seem more amateurish than it deserves. That's something the author should clean up because it's something inexcusable.
It's a good book to pass the time and scratch the itch of a historical fiction with some violence and romance elements.
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