Publisher: W.M. Jackson Publishing
Series: Quest for Three Kingdoms
Page Length: 350 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance
Synopsis
Ireland 1652: In the desperate, final days of the English invasion of Ireland . . .
A fey young woman, Áine Callaghan, is the sole survivor of an attack by English marauders. When Irish soldier Niall O'Coneill discovers his own kin slaughtered in the same massacre, he vows to hunt down the men responsible. He takes Áine under his protection and together they reach the safety of an encampment held by the Irish forces in Tipperary.
Hardly a safe haven, the camp is rife with danger and intrigue. Áine is a stranger with the old stories stirring on her tongue and rumours follow her everywhere. The English cut off support to the brigade, and a traitor undermines the Irish cause, turning Niall from hunter to hunted.
When someone from Áine's past arrives, her secrets boil to the surface—and she must slay her demons once and for all.
As the web of violence and treachery grows, Áine and Niall find solace in each other's arms—but can their love survive long-buried secrets and the darkness of vengeance?
Trigger Warnings: Violence, references to sexual/physical abuse.
My Thoughts
Áine Gallagher, a dairymaid, is the only survivor after a raid by English soldiers on the Mulriane manor. She is surprised in the manor's kitchen by Niall O'Conneil, an Irish soldier who has come to check on the well-being of his kin. In his anger and grief at their fate and despite the dispatches he carries, Niall's first thought is revenge and sets off in pursuit, taking Áine with him as well as his faithful wolfhound, Fionn. At an abandoned property, Áine refuses to go any further. Reluctantly, Niall agrees to leave her, but when they are discovered there by English soldiers, he decides the safest place for Áine is the Irish forces' camp in the hills.
Expecting only men at the camp, Áine is comforted to find a thriving community that includes women. However, it is far from the haven she expected it to be: with the threat of enemy incursions at any time and her long-held secrets in danger of being exposed by a person from her past, she thinks to flee. Only her growing feelings for Niall give her the courage to stay and face whatever comes.
The story is told by alternating the perspectives of Áine and Niall, thereby allowing us into their innermost thoughts and to witness the gradual changing of their attitudes as they fall in love. Áine begins to trust again and Niall gains a greater respect for his own life.
Although an integral part, I liked how Áine and Niall's romance didn't dominate the story, making it sweeter by its subtle development against the violence of the times. And, should they survive the conflict, staying together was not a foregone conclusion.
There is plenty of action, both within and outside the camp. Friendships and allegiances are tested before the traitor is finally unmasked.
Rebel's Knot is a heart-warming addition to the Quest for Three Kingdoms series, despite the bloodshed it contains. By blending history, romance and adventure, while reminding us of the heroes of Irish myth and legend, Cryssa Brazos delivers a beautifully written story of love, loyalty and betrayal that informs and entertains.
Where to Purchase
Universal Amazon Links • Universal Link
Meet the Author
Connect with Cryssa: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Blog tour schedule HERE.
Thank you so much for hosting today's tour stop. We really appreciate all that you do.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne
The Coffee Pot Book Club
You're welcome and thank you!
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