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Kingdom of Mercia #2
Darkest before Dawn
Alchflaed must kill the king of Mercia--yet the man she loves has sworn to protect him. A doomed princess, a brave warrior, and a terrible choice.
Princess Alchflaed of Northumbria is a spirited young woman who wishes to choose her own path. Unfortunately, highborn women in Anglo-Saxon England have no say in their choice of husband, and her father promises his daughter to the son of his bitterest enemy.
This attempt at 'peace weaving' is not what is seems. Alchflaed's father orders her to murder her new husband. Charged with this treacherous task, she journeys south to her new home in Mercia.
Maric--a seasoned warrior with a dark past--leads her escort. Princess and warrior find themselves strongly drawn to each other, but they must deny their feelings. Both bound by loyalty, neither can choose their own fates.
He does his lord's bidding, and she obeys her father--but blind loyalty comes at a price.
The action-packed second book in The KINGDOM OF MERCIA series, DARKEST BEFORE DAWN is for fans of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance and Adventure. Readers who enjoy 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.
Note: this is an alternate cover edition of Darkest before Dawn. The ISBN of the original cover edition is 523703385.
Princess Alchflaed of Northumbria is a spirited young woman who wishes to choose her own path. Unfortunately, highborn women in Anglo-Saxon England have no say in their choice of husband, and her father promises his daughter to the son of his bitterest enemy.
This attempt at 'peace weaving' is not what is seems. Alchflaed's father orders her to murder her new husband. Charged with this treacherous task, she journeys south to her new home in Mercia.
Maric--a seasoned warrior with a dark past--leads her escort. Princess and warrior find themselves strongly drawn to each other, but they must deny their feelings. Both bound by loyalty, neither can choose their own fates.
He does his lord's bidding, and she obeys her father--but blind loyalty comes at a price.
The action-packed second book in The KINGDOM OF MERCIA series, DARKEST BEFORE DAWN is for fans of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance and Adventure. Readers who enjoy 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.
Note: this is an alternate cover edition of Darkest before Dawn. The ISBN of the original cover edition is 523703385.
317 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2016
51 people are currently reading
426 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
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...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 6, 2016
This book is packed with actual people who lived in a period of intense political violence. True to history, Princess Alchflaed has no choice in her husband, but what makes this an unusual story is the fact that, under the guise of making peace with the marriage, her father plans for the death of her husband at her hands. Is her father sending her to her doom? Peada has already sided with her father against his own family. An underlying current of pagan vs christian beliefs further complicates matters. This tale clearly shows the upheaval, rebellions and conspiracies that plagued that period. And I loved the ending even though I felt cold, hungry and tired all the way through! We can only hope it really ended like this. Look at photos of Bamberg Castle before you read this book and you will find yourself living this story.
May 6, 2016
_Darkest Before the Dawn_ gives us a glimpse into the Anglo-Saxon world of 7th century Britain. Full of rough and romantic characters, the story takes us through a series of battles, love affairs, and soul searching in which young Alchflaed and dashing Maric attempt to survive while putting their pasts behind them. The historical context of Northumbria and Mercia was particularly fascinating, but of course the machinations of the main characters is what really drives the plot along. A good read for anyone who loves history, romance, or simply good storytelling!
April 15, 2019
Princess run
Another great story in this series. Women did not have choices in this time in history. Alkflaed thought she was a beloved daughter of her father the King of Northumbria. He returns from battle with King Penda of the kingdom of Mercia. Then he promises Alkflaed to the son of King Penda in marriage. Then her dear father gives her the job of killing her husband. How could she escape death after accomplishing that? Basically her life is forfeit no matter what. This is her story, the cruelty of those she loves, the cruelty of her husband, trying to survive in a world against her. Finally she finds happiness. As always I love how the author takes the life of a real person in history and then weaves a story. I loved it.
Another great story in this series. Women did not have choices in this time in history. Alkflaed thought she was a beloved daughter of her father the King of Northumbria. He returns from battle with King Penda of the kingdom of Mercia. Then he promises Alkflaed to the son of King Penda in marriage. Then her dear father gives her the job of killing her husband. How could she escape death after accomplishing that? Basically her life is forfeit no matter what. This is her story, the cruelty of those she loves, the cruelty of her husband, trying to survive in a world against her. Finally she finds happiness. As always I love how the author takes the life of a real person in history and then weaves a story. I loved it.
April 21, 2021
Interesting history but no romance
The writing was good, the history was interesting, but there was no relationship between the H and h. Nothing happens with them or even any sparks until the last 10% of the book. There’s no closure on what happens in Mercia, maybe that comes in the next book in the series but I think I might be done with the series. I just really didn’t have any connection to any of the characters. And the main characters relationship wasn’t developed either so there wasn’t anything to draw me to them.
The writing was good, the history was interesting, but there was no relationship between the H and h. Nothing happens with them or even any sparks until the last 10% of the book. There’s no closure on what happens in Mercia, maybe that comes in the next book in the series but I think I might be done with the series. I just really didn’t have any connection to any of the characters. And the main characters relationship wasn’t developed either so there wasn’t anything to draw me to them.
November 22, 2023
How did I not know this book was out? I came across it and knew I had to read it immediately. I love Jayne Castel's books, truly I do, but they just keep you on edge and fill me with all these emotions. I truly mean that as a compliment. That instant connection between Maric and Alchflaed told me the book was going to be ever so good, but with a lot of trouble in between. The story was very complete, but I do want more of this couple and that of his closest friends. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.
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August 27, 2019DNF.
WHILE I APPRECIATE THE HISTORY LESSON , THE CHEMISTRY WAS SEVERELY LACKING BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS...NARY A GENUINE SPARK AT THE BEGINNING EVEN IF IT DOES BUILD INTO SOMETHING. THOUGH IT DIDNT COME NATURALLY.
WHILE I APPRECIATE THE HISTORY LESSON , THE CHEMISTRY WAS SEVERELY LACKING BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS...NARY A GENUINE SPARK AT THE BEGINNING EVEN IF IT DOES BUILD INTO SOMETHING. THOUGH IT DIDNT COME NATURALLY.
July 15, 2025
Jayne Castel never disappoints. Another captivating read in this series . Wonderful characters and a storyline that wrings every emotion from the reader .
January 5, 2017
Great writing
There were a couple of short explicit sex scenes, which I don't like in my books. This author showed the desire between the H/h enough that these scenes weren't necessary. The story flowed well, character chemistry & description great. Enjoyed everything else.
There were a couple of short explicit sex scenes, which I don't like in my books. This author showed the desire between the H/h enough that these scenes weren't necessary. The story flowed well, character chemistry & description great. Enjoyed everything else.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews