What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kingdom of the East Angles #3
The Deepening Night
She thinks her life is over when she is forced to marry the enemy--but sometimes love comes when we least expect it.
Saewara, sister to the King of Mercia, has just lost her husband. Finally free of a cruel bully, she wishes to take the veil and retire to a life of peace and solitude. But, the king destroys her plans when he orders her to remarry--to Annan, the King of the East Angles.
Following his kingdom's humiliating defeat to Mercia six months earlier, Annan must 'bend the knee' to his new lord. However, what begins as a forced marriage develops into a slow-burning passion between Annan and Saewara. Two proud individuals, they must come to terms with more than an unwanted marriage.
Leaving her past behind, Saewara attempts to forge a new life for herself as Queen of the East Angles--but her fragile happiness with Annan risks destruction by the ambitions of her ruthless brother.
The emotional third book of THE KINGDOMOF THE EAST ANGLES series, for fans of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance and Adventure. Readers who love Diana Gabaldon, Bernard Cornwell and Elizabeth Chadwick should enjoy this epic romance adventure set in Dark Ages Britain. Although each novel follows on historically, this series can be read as separate, standalone, romances.
Saewara, sister to the King of Mercia, has just lost her husband. Finally free of a cruel bully, she wishes to take the veil and retire to a life of peace and solitude. But, the king destroys her plans when he orders her to remarry--to Annan, the King of the East Angles.
Following his kingdom's humiliating defeat to Mercia six months earlier, Annan must 'bend the knee' to his new lord. However, what begins as a forced marriage develops into a slow-burning passion between Annan and Saewara. Two proud individuals, they must come to terms with more than an unwanted marriage.
Leaving her past behind, Saewara attempts to forge a new life for herself as Queen of the East Angles--but her fragile happiness with Annan risks destruction by the ambitions of her ruthless brother.
The emotional third book of THE KINGDOMOF THE EAST ANGLES series, for fans of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance and Adventure. Readers who love Diana Gabaldon, Bernard Cornwell and Elizabeth Chadwick should enjoy this epic romance adventure set in Dark Ages Britain. Although each novel follows on historically, this series can be read as separate, standalone, romances.
230 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2014
52 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castel
95 books403 followersMulti-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 3, 2017
This is the sixth Dark Ages romance book by Jayne Castel that I've read. All have been four or five star reads for me, but this is the first one that I would say falls into a familiar romance trope - forced marriage, where the subject couple pretty much hate each other at the beginning. Annan (a true life character) is the new king of East Anglia. Though the actual details of his circa 630 marriage to Saewara are obscured through time, Castel has created a love story for them that begins with obligation and coercion.
Saewara is the widowed sister of the Mercian King Penda. He is looking to solidify his influence in the recently conquered East Anglia by marrying his sister to a very reluctant and resentful Annan. There is a lot of distance and coldness from Annan, and the romantic part of me wanted a few more "moments" to build the respect and romance between the two. For her part, Saewara is looking to just exist without strife in a new home where her lineage is resented and the Other Woman makes her daily life difficult. Eventually Annan provokes Penda to the point of conflict, and then it becomes all about trust and heroism for Annan and Saewara.
Page-turner as always, this book is rich in historical detail and interesting characters. I liked the side love story for Saba and Hilda, and enjoyed the friendly banter between Annan and his war chief Saba.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited Subscription
Saewara is the widowed sister of the Mercian King Penda. He is looking to solidify his influence in the recently conquered East Anglia by marrying his sister to a very reluctant and resentful Annan. There is a lot of distance and coldness from Annan, and the romantic part of me wanted a few more "moments" to build the respect and romance between the two. For her part, Saewara is looking to just exist without strife in a new home where her lineage is resented and the Other Woman makes her daily life difficult. Eventually Annan provokes Penda to the point of conflict, and then it becomes all about trust and heroism for Annan and Saewara.
Page-turner as always, this book is rich in historical detail and interesting characters. I liked the side love story for Saba and Hilda, and enjoyed the friendly banter between Annan and his war chief Saba.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited Subscription
January 14, 2015
4 and ½ Stars - Well Told Saga from 7th Century Britain
Note: Jayne Castel will be a guest on my blog on the 21st and will be offering a giveaway of this book to one lucky commenter so be sure and check in that day!
Castel has tackled an unusual period for historical romance…it’s early England. And it’s not Viking but it fits the period when Vikings were roaming afar. This is the third in her Anglo-Saxon series and it’s a well written tale of an arranged marriage between enemies.
Set in 630 AD Mercia in Britain, this is the story of Saewara, widowed from an abusive husband and wanting to take the veil but her brother, King Penda of Mercia, a cruel man, has betrothed her to Annan, the king of the East Angles, their enemy who Penda defeated in battle. Annan resents Saewara because he was forced to take her as a bride, depriving him of the woman he wanted, who is now married to his brother.
Castel does an excellent job of bringing this period in England to life with some real historic figures, including King Penda. Her characterizations were vivid and the story well told with much detail. And I like that it’s set in an unusual time in Britain’s history. I think you'll find this story compelling and enjoy the diversion to the 7th century!
Anglo-Saxon England series:
DARK UNDER COVER OF NIGHT
NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK
THE DEEPENING NIGHT
Note: Jayne Castel will be a guest on my blog on the 21st and will be offering a giveaway of this book to one lucky commenter so be sure and check in that day!
Castel has tackled an unusual period for historical romance…it’s early England. And it’s not Viking but it fits the period when Vikings were roaming afar. This is the third in her Anglo-Saxon series and it’s a well written tale of an arranged marriage between enemies.
Set in 630 AD Mercia in Britain, this is the story of Saewara, widowed from an abusive husband and wanting to take the veil but her brother, King Penda of Mercia, a cruel man, has betrothed her to Annan, the king of the East Angles, their enemy who Penda defeated in battle. Annan resents Saewara because he was forced to take her as a bride, depriving him of the woman he wanted, who is now married to his brother.
Castel does an excellent job of bringing this period in England to life with some real historic figures, including King Penda. Her characterizations were vivid and the story well told with much detail. And I like that it’s set in an unusual time in Britain’s history. I think you'll find this story compelling and enjoy the diversion to the 7th century!
Anglo-Saxon England series:
DARK UNDER COVER OF NIGHT
NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK
THE DEEPENING NIGHT
September 14, 2023
2.5 estrellas
Es completamente Meh!!!!
La historia se desarrolla en el siglo 7, cuando Inglaterra estaba dividido en pequeños reinos, en el de mercia encontramos a la hermana del Rey Penan, Lady Saewara es una joven viuda que tuvo un matrimonio horrible y que es maltratada por su hermano, Saewara será obligada a casarse de nuevo para sellar una alianza política con otro reino, el prometido es el Rey Annan quien tampoco quiere casarse con Saewara, primero por qué odia a Penan que quiere conquistar su reino y segundo por qué está interesado casi enamorado de una noble llamada Hereswith con quién casi se casa, pero al final Annan termina haciendo lo mejor por su reino y se casa con Saewara, Hereswith queda con el corazón roto y se casa con el hermano de Annan.
El matrimonio de Annan y Saewara, es frío por qué los dos se casan obligados pero desde el inicio se gustan, pasan muchas cosas , intentos de rapto, malos entendidos pero la mitad del libro se va en que el la ignora y ella es humillada por la hermosísima Hereswith, eventualmente ella se da cuenta que Annan es bueno, el se da cuenta de lo mismo y terminan amándose.
Al inicio me gustó, la idea es buena y tiene potencial, pero desgraciadamente esto termino siendo aburrido como el infierno y súper predecible.No ahí nada especial en este libro, los personajes son UNIDIMENSIONALES con excepción de Hereswith, osea que son buenos o malos, la prota es una Mary Sue, ridículamente perfecta, Annon un príncipe encantado, Penan un tirano......
La historia es igual de sosa, los Protas pasan de ignorarse a amarse, el detalle es que no se entiende por qué? No es creíble, apenas hablan 3 o 4 veces, diálogos tontos y cortos, pensé que esto sería más interesante y complejo, que Annan tendría algo con Hereswith y que su amor con su esposa se construirá de forma realista, dura, y profunda, pero NO es el típico amor sin sentido y sin base. Solo son dos los momentos sexis que comparten y están aburridamente escritos, no ahí nada de interesante.
Además el libro inicia tan lento que llegas al 60 por ciento y ellos siguen ignorandose, los problemas políticos son bobos y no agregan tension, encima de todo la guerra es tan ridícula e irreal que más que emocionar da risa, en fin solo por qué prometía y está bien escrito, le doy dos estrellas y media, por qué en general es una gran decepción, ni loca me leo la saga completa.
Es completamente Meh!!!!
La historia se desarrolla en el siglo 7, cuando Inglaterra estaba dividido en pequeños reinos, en el de mercia encontramos a la hermana del Rey Penan, Lady Saewara es una joven viuda que tuvo un matrimonio horrible y que es maltratada por su hermano, Saewara será obligada a casarse de nuevo para sellar una alianza política con otro reino, el prometido es el Rey Annan quien tampoco quiere casarse con Saewara, primero por qué odia a Penan que quiere conquistar su reino y segundo por qué está interesado casi enamorado de una noble llamada Hereswith con quién casi se casa, pero al final Annan termina haciendo lo mejor por su reino y se casa con Saewara, Hereswith queda con el corazón roto y se casa con el hermano de Annan.
El matrimonio de Annan y Saewara, es frío por qué los dos se casan obligados pero desde el inicio se gustan, pasan muchas cosas , intentos de rapto, malos entendidos pero la mitad del libro se va en que el la ignora y ella es humillada por la hermosísima Hereswith, eventualmente ella se da cuenta que Annan es bueno, el se da cuenta de lo mismo y terminan amándose.
Al inicio me gustó, la idea es buena y tiene potencial, pero desgraciadamente esto termino siendo aburrido como el infierno y súper predecible.No ahí nada especial en este libro, los personajes son UNIDIMENSIONALES con excepción de Hereswith, osea que son buenos o malos, la prota es una Mary Sue, ridículamente perfecta, Annon un príncipe encantado, Penan un tirano......
La historia es igual de sosa, los Protas pasan de ignorarse a amarse, el detalle es que no se entiende por qué? No es creíble, apenas hablan 3 o 4 veces, diálogos tontos y cortos, pensé que esto sería más interesante y complejo, que Annan tendría algo con Hereswith y que su amor con su esposa se construirá de forma realista, dura, y profunda, pero NO es el típico amor sin sentido y sin base. Solo son dos los momentos sexis que comparten y están aburridamente escritos, no ahí nada de interesante.
Además el libro inicia tan lento que llegas al 60 por ciento y ellos siguen ignorandose, los problemas políticos son bobos y no agregan tension, encima de todo la guerra es tan ridícula e irreal que más que emocionar da risa, en fin solo por qué prometía y está bien escrito, le doy dos estrellas y media, por qué en general es una gran decepción, ni loca me leo la saga completa.
March 29, 2019
Starting at the end
Reading the last book in this series....but now I feel I need to start at the beginning. This story was so good I want to read more. I love historical novels and this one kept me reading until the story was over. I love how the author tells a synopses of the real history of Annan and Saewara at the end of this book.....of course, the novel changes a bit and the ending is happy. But you don't know what the future brings. Saewara is given to King Annan as his bride. Saewara's brother is King Penda of Mercia. He is a cruel man. Saewara has been treated poorly in her own country by her own brother, the king and her husband beat her unmercifully. But now he is deceased and she is on her way to the kingdom of East Angelia to become the bride of the King. Of course, how could she be accepted by her enemies or her new husband? Saewara shows courage and kindness in her new life. And she earns the respect and love of her husband and kingdom.
Reading the last book in this series....but now I feel I need to start at the beginning. This story was so good I want to read more. I love historical novels and this one kept me reading until the story was over. I love how the author tells a synopses of the real history of Annan and Saewara at the end of this book.....of course, the novel changes a bit and the ending is happy. But you don't know what the future brings. Saewara is given to King Annan as his bride. Saewara's brother is King Penda of Mercia. He is a cruel man. Saewara has been treated poorly in her own country by her own brother, the king and her husband beat her unmercifully. But now he is deceased and she is on her way to the kingdom of East Angelia to become the bride of the King. Of course, how could she be accepted by her enemies or her new husband? Saewara shows courage and kindness in her new life. And she earns the respect and love of her husband and kingdom.
June 30, 2018
Great easy read
Thoroughly enjoy the ending to this great trilogy. Don't think I would like to have lived in this time. 😁
Thoroughly enjoy the ending to this great trilogy. Don't think I would like to have lived in this time. 😁
July 28, 2020
2.5
The relationship between the H n h was way too slow and annoying as he craved for his evil ex...
The relationship between the H n h was way too slow and annoying as he craved for his evil ex...
May 22, 2022
Best of the bundle. Note for me: I bought this in a collection
June 1, 2016
I’ve gotta say I was fairly impressed with this work. While most self-published works seem to get some things right while lacking in others, this one impresses in all areas but one. This is a great look at a historical era often ignored in fiction.
Dark Ages Britain doesn’t get much love when it comes to historical fiction, especially the century this one is in, the 600s. We’re talking pre-Viking, pre-Alfred the Great, pre-anything the average person nowadays is aware of. For a self-published author to tackle this seems all the more impressive knowing this. And she does it fantastically well!!
Castel goes the extra length to pull real names from the fogginess of poorly recorded history and fleshes these people with real personalities. Most of the characters and settings that people this work are real individuals and places too, even down to the babes-in-arms and where they were baptized. Towns, protective works, landscape features, and counties are all vibrant settings that could be located on a map today. Obscure, barely legible names on parchment splash their motives, plans, love, and revenge across the page with panache.
All the characters are well-fleshed out, even the antagonistic ones that drive me up a wall. However, I have to give a special shout-out to our lead, Saewara.
She’s a woman with guts, especially given the timeframe she lives in and the special hardships women faced in it. She tries to shape her own life only to fail. She pays the price for her independence striving and goes to a truly dark place emotionally. Yet, she doesn’t let that completely overtake her life; she takes stock of her situation and creates other opportunities and connections to for a new life. As a result, she is able to find a new purpose in life and a beautifully passionate love match that she never saw coming. Where she ultimately ends up in the end is jaw dropping. Badass doesn’t even begin to cover it! The phrase “You go, girl!” echoed through my head more than once.
My only hitch with this book is a specific scenario that happened once Saewara got to her new home. Of course, being who she was and in the locale she found herself, she was bound to get some flack. Yet, it developed into a scenario one would find more in a modern high school than Dark Ages Britain. The exchanges and personalities involved came off as more juvenile teenager exchanges than between female romantic rivals. Saewara faced everything with her calm, strong exterior, but every time she was engaged with these people, I cringed.
Despite that one ding, this book is a solid historical fiction and romance. With strong characters (You go, Saewara girl!! LOL) and fantastic research, this author has proven her skills and chops along with the best of the field. I look forward to diving into more of her works!!
Dark Ages Britain doesn’t get much love when it comes to historical fiction, especially the century this one is in, the 600s. We’re talking pre-Viking, pre-Alfred the Great, pre-anything the average person nowadays is aware of. For a self-published author to tackle this seems all the more impressive knowing this. And she does it fantastically well!!
Castel goes the extra length to pull real names from the fogginess of poorly recorded history and fleshes these people with real personalities. Most of the characters and settings that people this work are real individuals and places too, even down to the babes-in-arms and where they were baptized. Towns, protective works, landscape features, and counties are all vibrant settings that could be located on a map today. Obscure, barely legible names on parchment splash their motives, plans, love, and revenge across the page with panache.
All the characters are well-fleshed out, even the antagonistic ones that drive me up a wall. However, I have to give a special shout-out to our lead, Saewara.
She’s a woman with guts, especially given the timeframe she lives in and the special hardships women faced in it. She tries to shape her own life only to fail. She pays the price for her independence striving and goes to a truly dark place emotionally. Yet, she doesn’t let that completely overtake her life; she takes stock of her situation and creates other opportunities and connections to for a new life. As a result, she is able to find a new purpose in life and a beautifully passionate love match that she never saw coming. Where she ultimately ends up in the end is jaw dropping. Badass doesn’t even begin to cover it! The phrase “You go, girl!” echoed through my head more than once.
My only hitch with this book is a specific scenario that happened once Saewara got to her new home. Of course, being who she was and in the locale she found herself, she was bound to get some flack. Yet, it developed into a scenario one would find more in a modern high school than Dark Ages Britain. The exchanges and personalities involved came off as more juvenile teenager exchanges than between female romantic rivals. Saewara faced everything with her calm, strong exterior, but every time she was engaged with these people, I cringed.
Despite that one ding, this book is a solid historical fiction and romance. With strong characters (You go, Saewara girl!! LOL) and fantastic research, this author has proven her skills and chops along with the best of the field. I look forward to diving into more of her works!!
March 29, 2014
Wow such an amazing book.
surely the best book i read this year and one of the best ive ever read.
i wasn't sure if im gonna like it cause 7th century didn't appeal to me but i was so wrong. This period was amazing. All the kings and queens
greeeat!
im definitely going to reread this book some time in the future.
great characters. Book easy to follow.
everything written perfectly as it should be.
beautiful story and i could sense the sadness and the happiness of the characters'
i cried while reading which always makes book better for me! Loved it! <3
surely the best book i read this year and one of the best ive ever read.
i wasn't sure if im gonna like it cause 7th century didn't appeal to me but i was so wrong. This period was amazing. All the kings and queens
greeeat!
im definitely going to reread this book some time in the future.
great characters. Book easy to follow.
everything written perfectly as it should be.
beautiful story and i could sense the sadness and the happiness of the characters'
i cried while reading which always makes book better for me! Loved it! <3
March 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book way too much .So much that I was lost to my family until I was finished .It was an emotional roller coaster . The action was intense and the love is unforgettable .A heroine that proves herself in a man's world and a hero that can handle a strong woman. A battle for freedom and a battle to understand that love comes when we least expect it .This story has everything and the only disappointing thing about it was that it ended .
May 26, 2015
I have been neglecting reading review books until I was finished with this series, really greatly enjoyed it. And so the new series will need to wait a bit. I have figured out how I connect ancestrally to this area so perhaps that is why it is so meaningful.
Jayne Castel is a fine writer, does fine historical work and if she varies anything, it is explained in impeccable author's notes. She has shed light on and developed characters for a time period that is mostly invisible.
Jayne Castel is a fine writer, does fine historical work and if she varies anything, it is explained in impeccable author's notes. She has shed light on and developed characters for a time period that is mostly invisible.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews