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Kingdom of Mercia #1
The Breaking Dawn
He is a Welsh battlelord, and she is a Saxon village girl. They come from different worlds—but together they will make history. An epic historical romance adventure set in Ancient Britain.
When Merwenna of Weyham's betrothed does not return from war, she goes in search of him only to discover the bitter truth—he is dead. Instead she meets Cynddylan, a Welsh prince who has just returned from a campaign to the north and has made an uneasy pact with the Mercian King.
Arrogant and ambitious, Dylan is determined to take back lands for his people—yet King Penda of Mercia is not a man to trust.
As the shadow of conflict between Mercia and Wales deepens, Merwenna and Dylan's fates are entwined. From the green heart of Mercia, to the woods and mountains of Wales, Merwenna sets off on a life-changing journey. On the way she struggles between grief for the man she has lost, and her powerful attraction to this battle lord who appears to love only power and glory.
THE BREAKING DAWN is the exciting first instalment of THE KINGDOM OF MERCIA series. Although each novel follows on historically, this series can be read as separate, standalone, romances.
When Merwenna of Weyham's betrothed does not return from war, she goes in search of him only to discover the bitter truth—he is dead. Instead she meets Cynddylan, a Welsh prince who has just returned from a campaign to the north and has made an uneasy pact with the Mercian King.
Arrogant and ambitious, Dylan is determined to take back lands for his people—yet King Penda of Mercia is not a man to trust.
As the shadow of conflict between Mercia and Wales deepens, Merwenna and Dylan's fates are entwined. From the green heart of Mercia, to the woods and mountains of Wales, Merwenna sets off on a life-changing journey. On the way she struggles between grief for the man she has lost, and her powerful attraction to this battle lord who appears to love only power and glory.
THE BREAKING DAWN is the exciting first instalment of THE KINGDOM OF MERCIA series. Although each novel follows on historically, this series can be read as separate, standalone, romances.
282 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
88 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castel
98 books408 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
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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...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 11, 2016
Very solid medieval Welsh historical romance, with fictional characters surrounding true historical people. The historical details felt solid and the characters were well drawn. I liked that Prince Cynddylan (yes, that is really his historical name) approached his initial attraction and relationship with Merwenna with such arrogance, and then he held that lordly arrogance for quite a while. His attitude helped the plot and added tension to the romance with the low-born Mercian girl. I will look for more books by Jayne Castel. Sensual scenes included.
January 12, 2016
"None of us know what lies ahead. A blessing can end up a curse, and a tragedy can open doors you never knew existed."
There's something about reading a historical fiction book that just makes you feel so homey and cozy while reading it. Especially when it's a good book. Like this one.
The Breaking Dawn is set in the 7th century during the Anglo-Saxon period. It's about a young woman living in a small village who is in her prime. But when her betrothed goes to war and does not return, she takes it upon herself to search for him. Unfortunately the news isn't good but when her path intertwines with the Prince of Powys, maybe things are not as bad as they seem.
The story was pretty straightforward and with its very short chapters, you can pile through this book very quickly. The romance kept me interested and the world kept me intrigued especially learning that this book is based on actual historical figures and events. I loved Cynddylans character and learning about the time when he ruled.
The only thing that bothered me was how flip floppy the characters could be. One moment Merwenna is stubborn, and Dylan is kind, wants to be around her and protect her. Then the next moment, Merwenna is wanting to be around Dylan and Dylan wants nothing to do with her and is none of his business... *sighs*
There's something about reading a historical fiction book that just makes you feel so homey and cozy while reading it. Especially when it's a good book. Like this one.
The Breaking Dawn is set in the 7th century during the Anglo-Saxon period. It's about a young woman living in a small village who is in her prime. But when her betrothed goes to war and does not return, she takes it upon herself to search for him. Unfortunately the news isn't good but when her path intertwines with the Prince of Powys, maybe things are not as bad as they seem.
The story was pretty straightforward and with its very short chapters, you can pile through this book very quickly. The romance kept me interested and the world kept me intrigued especially learning that this book is based on actual historical figures and events. I loved Cynddylans character and learning about the time when he ruled.
The only thing that bothered me was how flip floppy the characters could be. One moment Merwenna is stubborn, and Dylan is kind, wants to be around her and protect her. Then the next moment, Merwenna is wanting to be around Dylan and Dylan wants nothing to do with her and is none of his business... *sighs*
October 21, 2025
Yeah, no. No, no, no and no.
July 5, 2016
Historical fiction of Wales has always been my favorite and this book rates among the best. It is a tale of warring kingdoms, tenuous bonds of peace, betrayal, and love. While mostly historically accurate, I found it very effective for the author to have granted Cynddylan ap Cyndrwyn a love interest in the form of a Mercian peasant girl. Could that really be why he never married? We will never know but it makes this a great and unexpected story. Low angst (a plus for me), enough violence to be realistic, good character definition. I highly recommend this well-written book.
October 5, 2015
Romance in Anglo-Saxon England of the 7th century
First in the Kingdom of Mercia series, set in England in 641 A.D, this is the story of Merwenna, a village girl in Mercia whose love goes off to war with King Penda. Not knowing of his fate, she and her brother follow him to the King’s tower where she meets the Welsh Prince Cynddylan (“Dylan”) who leads his warriors in battle with Mercia to fight Northumbria.
Dylan forms an alliance with the ruthless King Penda of Mercia but Penda would have Dylan dead. After Merwenna learns her love was killed, she leaves for her home in Mercia and Dylan graciously offers his escort (since her brother left earlier). Dylan is attracted to the village girl and she to him, and when events bring her to his court in Wales, it seems their destiny to be together.
A well-written story that will hold your interest and take you to Anglo-Saxon England and Wales. Castel has obviously done significant research to place her story in real history of the time. I really enjoyed being immersed in the 7th century. But I had to wonder about Merwenna’s judgment at becoming the mistress of Dylan, knowing he would have to marry a woman of the nobility, but she seemed unconcerned. Likewise, Dylan meant to have her no matter the shame he brought her and, given the ending, apparently cared little for his royal obligations. Ah, but it’s romance.
First in the Kingdom of Mercia series, set in England in 641 A.D, this is the story of Merwenna, a village girl in Mercia whose love goes off to war with King Penda. Not knowing of his fate, she and her brother follow him to the King’s tower where she meets the Welsh Prince Cynddylan (“Dylan”) who leads his warriors in battle with Mercia to fight Northumbria.
Dylan forms an alliance with the ruthless King Penda of Mercia but Penda would have Dylan dead. After Merwenna learns her love was killed, she leaves for her home in Mercia and Dylan graciously offers his escort (since her brother left earlier). Dylan is attracted to the village girl and she to him, and when events bring her to his court in Wales, it seems their destiny to be together.
A well-written story that will hold your interest and take you to Anglo-Saxon England and Wales. Castel has obviously done significant research to place her story in real history of the time. I really enjoyed being immersed in the 7th century. But I had to wonder about Merwenna’s judgment at becoming the mistress of Dylan, knowing he would have to marry a woman of the nobility, but she seemed unconcerned. Likewise, Dylan meant to have her no matter the shame he brought her and, given the ending, apparently cared little for his royal obligations. Ah, but it’s romance.
August 27, 2019
THIS WAS PRETTY RUSTIC IN A WAY...I MEAN COUNTRY WAIF MEETS A PRINCE? SOUNDS ALL VERY DISNEY DOESN'T IT?
HERO was a Prince who gave me second thoughts in the beginning. Unlike most heroes, you don't get the good guy vibe from him. He made me doubtful and a little bit uncomfortable about where he stood in the opening scene, seeing as how he was fighting on the enemy's side and add in his potent attraction to our heroine? He sounds like a veritable villain. But Dylan was surprisingly Honorable if a little young to be future King. When he bargains for what was rightfully his, the enemy sought to kill him before he reaches home and sent an assassin for him. Unfortunately, his life was saved by our heroine and when she gets thrust back into his life for good, he's not going to deny his feelings any more.
HEROINE was so-so and a little lost in the beginning. She ventured away from home with her brother for news of her fiance only to discover his death. She was also confronted with the harsh reality of mankind, especially the Royal family who were not what they seemed. Women faded into the background, forced into submission by their husbands and are always looked down upon. Somehow, fate keeps pulling her back into Dylan's life and her father soon washes his hands off her, leaving her no choice but to be part of Dylan's Kingdom, where she was considered an enemy.
OVERALL it wasn't a story that takes your breath away but still enjoyable nevertheless. The characters could have used more tweaking...More dimensions and depths and definitely emotions that exceeded passion and honor and well just something different.
HERO was a Prince who gave me second thoughts in the beginning. Unlike most heroes, you don't get the good guy vibe from him. He made me doubtful and a little bit uncomfortable about where he stood in the opening scene, seeing as how he was fighting on the enemy's side and add in his potent attraction to our heroine? He sounds like a veritable villain. But Dylan was surprisingly Honorable if a little young to be future King. When he bargains for what was rightfully his, the enemy sought to kill him before he reaches home and sent an assassin for him. Unfortunately, his life was saved by our heroine and when she gets thrust back into his life for good, he's not going to deny his feelings any more.
HEROINE was so-so and a little lost in the beginning. She ventured away from home with her brother for news of her fiance only to discover his death. She was also confronted with the harsh reality of mankind, especially the Royal family who were not what they seemed. Women faded into the background, forced into submission by their husbands and are always looked down upon. Somehow, fate keeps pulling her back into Dylan's life and her father soon washes his hands off her, leaving her no choice but to be part of Dylan's Kingdom, where she was considered an enemy.
OVERALL it wasn't a story that takes your breath away but still enjoyable nevertheless. The characters could have used more tweaking...More dimensions and depths and definitely emotions that exceeded passion and honor and well just something different.
September 29, 2020
I loved this book! It is the first one of the series (The Kingdom of Mercia), so I look forward to reading the other two. Jayne Castel (the author) did a fantastic job with this story. Cynddylan (the Prince of Powys, also known as Dylan) is the hero and Merwenna (a Mercian, from a village called Weyham) is our heroine. I liked the setting (641 AD), it's a time period I know little about. I think Jayne Castel did wonderfully trying to take you feel like you're there, she also tries to make it as historically accurate as she can.
Dylan, the Prince of Powys, meets Merwenna when she is searching for her betrothed (who fought in the same battle as Dylan. Dylan and his army teamed up with the King of Mercia to fight against the Northumbrians). Dylan and Merwenna are brought together through fate and tragedy.
Dylan, the Prince of Powys, meets Merwenna when she is searching for her betrothed (who fought in the same battle as Dylan. Dylan and his army teamed up with the King of Mercia to fight against the Northumbrians). Dylan and Merwenna are brought together through fate and tragedy.
April 20, 2021
Mixed feelings
I liked this book but I had some issues with it. The heroine was quite impulsive and feisty and bold for the first half of the book and then all the sudden is quite the mirror end almost shy or differential in the second half. It was kind of a little strange.
I also didn’t care very much for the decision the heroine makes as far as her position/relationship with Dylan. It just seemed a bit degrading.
Up until near the end I was wondering if this story was part of a trilogy because I couldn’t see how it was going to be wrapped up with the amount of it that was left.
I did enjoy the story and will continue the series but it wasn’t one of my favorites from this author.
I liked this book but I had some issues with it. The heroine was quite impulsive and feisty and bold for the first half of the book and then all the sudden is quite the mirror end almost shy or differential in the second half. It was kind of a little strange.
I also didn’t care very much for the decision the heroine makes as far as her position/relationship with Dylan. It just seemed a bit degrading.
Up until near the end I was wondering if this story was part of a trilogy because I couldn’t see how it was going to be wrapped up with the amount of it that was left.
I did enjoy the story and will continue the series but it wasn’t one of my favorites from this author.
April 9, 2019
Dylan and Merwenna
What a story of heartache and love. Merwenna takes a journey to find her betrothed who has gone off to war with the ruthless King Penda. There, she finds that he has died. The Queen of King Penda is kind to her after meeting her in the market. She shelters her in the king's hall . There she meets Prince Cynddylan of Powys. He fought along King Penda also. Dylan and Merwenna are drawn to each other. But there is more heartache for her as she goes to live in the Prince's kingdom. Her father sends her there. She is not accepted there. Oh so many surprises. Another great book by Jayne Castel.
What a story of heartache and love. Merwenna takes a journey to find her betrothed who has gone off to war with the ruthless King Penda. There, she finds that he has died. The Queen of King Penda is kind to her after meeting her in the market. She shelters her in the king's hall . There she meets Prince Cynddylan of Powys. He fought along King Penda also. Dylan and Merwenna are drawn to each other. But there is more heartache for her as she goes to live in the Prince's kingdom. Her father sends her there. She is not accepted there. Oh so many surprises. Another great book by Jayne Castel.
December 9, 2020
💘For Her💃💋 King 👑🐺🍆⛲💪🔪
Mid 7th Century ADULT Anglo Saxon Romance💕 and Adventure💪🔪. Based on a real King 👑 and a real battle💪🔪....
This interesting look at medieval Britain, focuses on the Kingdom👑 of Mercia. The book is based on a real character, a warrior King 👑🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 at the time of 641 AD to 655 AD, and a fictional village girl💃💋 who becomes his 👑Queen.
The book is quite long and has some gory battles🔪 in it , which are true history. It also shows the ruthlessness of those in power at the time. Human life was so cheap, it's a wonder my ancestors survived!
Mid 7th Century ADULT Anglo Saxon Romance💕 and Adventure💪🔪. Based on a real King 👑 and a real battle💪🔪....
This interesting look at medieval Britain, focuses on the Kingdom👑 of Mercia. The book is based on a real character, a warrior King 👑🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 at the time of 641 AD to 655 AD, and a fictional village girl💃💋 who becomes his 👑Queen.
The book is quite long and has some gory battles🔪 in it , which are true history. It also shows the ruthlessness of those in power at the time. Human life was so cheap, it's a wonder my ancestors survived!
December 29, 2016
Buying bk 2
I enjoyed the storyline and the interaction between the hero and heroine. I liked both of their characters and the author's writing.
I enjoyed the storyline and the interaction between the hero and heroine. I liked both of their characters and the author's writing.
March 27, 2018
2.5 stars
I mean, who doesn't love a HR where the farmer's daughter marries into royalty? Exactly. For me, that story line was really the saving grace here.
Overall, I enjoyed myself reading this. BUT, it took me a while to take to it at first. There were a lot of names and places (that we hard to pronounce) getting thrown at you at once. And although not a short book, I think it felt a bit rushed and unresolved at the end. I also think the relationship between the MCs was both a slow burn, yet rushed if that makes sense. It took a while for them to admit things, but then suddenly they're both confessing love and you didn't get to feel the vibe of them falling for each other.
So at the end of the day, this was okay, but not great. But I didn't feel like I wasted my time at the end of it or anything. I also wish she was a touch better at epilogues.
I'll definitely try a few more by this author. This is my second read and Blood Feud was a 4+ star for me. I also appreciate she doesn't use typical HR time settings for her story (i.e. not 1800s England or Scottish Highlanders, etc). It's unique to me and is keeping me interested.
I mean, who doesn't love a HR where the farmer's daughter marries into royalty? Exactly. For me, that story line was really the saving grace here.
Overall, I enjoyed myself reading this. BUT, it took me a while to take to it at first. There were a lot of names and places (that we hard to pronounce) getting thrown at you at once. And although not a short book, I think it felt a bit rushed and unresolved at the end. I also think the relationship between the MCs was both a slow burn, yet rushed if that makes sense. It took a while for them to admit things, but then suddenly they're both confessing love and you didn't get to feel the vibe of them falling for each other.
So at the end of the day, this was okay, but not great. But I didn't feel like I wasted my time at the end of it or anything. I also wish she was a touch better at epilogues.
I'll definitely try a few more by this author. This is my second read and Blood Feud was a 4+ star for me. I also appreciate she doesn't use typical HR time settings for her story (i.e. not 1800s England or Scottish Highlanders, etc). It's unique to me and is keeping me interested.
May 11, 2015
Goodreads Win
Can two people of different status find love in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England?
It is the summer of 641 when the Kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria are at war. A young Merwenna of Weyham is betrothed to a warrior but he goes missing. She seeks answers as she looks for him.
Prince Cynddylan, a Welch lord leads a host of warriors to help Mercia fight Northumbria forming an alliance with Britannia’s most ruthless King Penda of Mercia.
When the paths of these two meet in the mist of war, the attraction is mutual. Merwenna grieves for her betrothed and the attraction of the battle warrior while he is conflicted with his place in the world.
Will these two people be able to find a common ground and love each other or will their status tear them apart? It was an interesting read.
Can two people of different status find love in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England?
It is the summer of 641 when the Kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria are at war. A young Merwenna of Weyham is betrothed to a warrior but he goes missing. She seeks answers as she looks for him.
Prince Cynddylan, a Welch lord leads a host of warriors to help Mercia fight Northumbria forming an alliance with Britannia’s most ruthless King Penda of Mercia.
When the paths of these two meet in the mist of war, the attraction is mutual. Merwenna grieves for her betrothed and the attraction of the battle warrior while he is conflicted with his place in the world.
Will these two people be able to find a common ground and love each other or will their status tear them apart? It was an interesting read.
August 20, 2016
I received a free copy of this in exchange for a rating. Great storyline, intriguing characters, well written. A very good read that captures your attention from the beginning and keeps it all the way through.
April 4, 2016
I was honestly surprised that I liked this book so much.It is not the normal type of reading for me,but it was well written and hard to put down.
June 14, 2015
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews