"A definite hit"
During the Dark Ages in Dunford, Britain, Britta earned
a reputation as a healer though followers of the new
religion felt she was a disciple of the devil. Everyone
feared her, that is except for the Saxon warrior leader
Offa. Five years ago he learned about Britta's prowess and
raped her to gain her powers. No one came to her aid and
Britta fled to Devil's Island, a place where everyone is
afraid to step foot. When Britta needs supplies, she
visits Dunford to offer healing services in exchange for
them. On a trip to the village, Offa forces Britta to heal
his wounded men having just fought against Viking raiders.
Included among the injured is Karn, the Viking leader.
Offa tortures Karn to obtain information, but Britta
manages to free him and take him to her island. Both have
suffered at the hands of Offa, but that is not why love has
sprung up between the healer and the Viking. This Dark Ages romance needs to carry a label: not to
be read by the faint of heart. The story line is loaded
with action and a deep depiction of the era including that
of torture and cruelty that will give readers the shivers.
DANEGELD is graphically well written with strong
characterizations representing a period of violence between
Saxons and Viking, and Christians and Pagans. Skillful
scribe Susan Squires shows her ability to paint a very
interesting saga worth reading by those who relish a
crimson Beowulf. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 24, 2001
Originally published in July 2001.
2002 PRISM AWARD Winner:
1st place - DARK PARANORMAL
SummaryIt was the silver the Saxons would pay to keep Norse
marauders from their shores.
It was the price for a half-Irish beauty to keep the
murderer of her father and mother at bay, to keep the
powerful magic of her forebears from overwhelming her, to
keep her stirrings of womanhood in check.
It was all that one mighty Viking would give to remain a
man, to be whole, to retain the respect of the jarls and the
might of his sword arm.
It was...DANEGELD
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