Ræliksen [Paperback]

Renee Vincent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2008

Mara, the daughter of an Irish clansman, was raised to believe the men of the North are heathens - murderous pagans without a moral bone in their bodies. Despite warnings of the Northmen's raids, and the growing threat of another incursion, Mara is continually drawn to her favorite place - the River Shannon. Dægan Ræliksen, a wealthy chieftain from Norway's frozen fjords, secretly discovers Mara at the water's edge. He is charmed by her beauty and sensuous grace. As the days pass, his contentment with simply watching her grows thin. He can no longer deny his unabated desire for the young maiden. His search for a wife has ended. However, Mara and Dægan come face-to-face in a time when Ireland is in turmoil - when every Irishman is being called up to fight against the Nordic foreigners. In these times of upheaval, how can Dægan make peace with Mara's father and acquire the woman he treasures? Furthermore, can Mara move past her fears and find the noble man within the savage?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Renee Vincent is an author whose inspiration stems from her passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (December 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595523269
• ISBN-13: 978-0595523269
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,185,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Renee Vincent is a historical romance author who has had a passion to write ever since she was about 5 years old. Living in Kentucky on a secluded farm of horses and hay fields, she balances her responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and author as best she can. In her free time, she enjoys riding her horse - a full-blood Tennessee Walker named "Lucky", reading romance novels, and watching great historical movies.

In 2010, Renee signed her first book deal with Turquoise Morning Press for her Emerald Isle Trilogy:
Ræliksen (Book 1) in August 2010
Mac Liam (Book 2) in December 2010
The Fall of Rain (Book 3) in late 2011

Here's what others are saying about Ræliksen:

"...is a sensational tale of love in a time stricken with loss. I mourned the characters and their stories long after I closed the pages. Renee Vincent is an author to watch."
Maddie James, Romance Author

"...if you're looking for a tale that effortlessly blends romance and action, while staying true to the historical record, I can't recommend Ræliksen enough."
E. Hooper of Poised Pen

"...an excellent job of bringing the past back to life with her vivid characters. I do not know much about this era, but the historical detail is very impressive."
4 Cups! Coffee Time Romance

"Although primarily a romantic novel, Renee is not afraid to get her hands dirty with some excellently written fight scenes either. All in all this is a grand read and I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in historical romances."
M. Quinlan, Ireland

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engrossing love story that paints a vivid, yet authentic portrait of days gone by., January 4, 2009

By 

Erin E. Hooper "The Poised Pen" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ræliksen (Paperback)

An avowed devotee of all things historical fiction, I have pretty high standards for what I consider a good read, and Ræliksen certainly qualifies. From her descriptions of the picturesque Irish countryside, to her electrifying depictions of swordplay and chivalry, Renee Vincent is an extremely adept storyteller who leaves her readers anxious to take in every word.

Ræliksen's characters live and breath on the page, especially its heroes, Dægan and Mara. The bond forged between these dynamic individuals doesn't come easily, and the challenges they face in coming together makes their story all the more real. I eagerly await the continuation of Dægan and Mara's story in the series' second installment--Mac Liam.

So if you're looking for a tale that effortlessly blends romance and action, while staying true to the historical record, I can't recommend Ræliksen enough.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A RADIANT ROMANCE OF TENDER FEELINGS AND SWEET SURPRISES!", August 7, 2009

By 

Geraldine Ahearn "Author Geri Ahearn" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ræliksen (Paperback)

The setting of this novel takes place in Connacht, Ireland 916 AD. As we reflect back in time to the Early Middle Ages, it was an era when Ireland was in turmoil, Irish countryside became a battlezone, and was eventually overrun by chieftains. It was a time when the Irish were warned about Northmen raids. A time in Ireland when there was much more at stake than just a claim on Ireland's flourishing port, and a time where a brick wall was created between Christian, and Pagan men. During this era, there were two sides to the Northmen, those who terrorized, and those who wanted peace in a feuding world. However, many of Ireland's children were raised to believe that the Northmen were murderers, thieves, and savages. These children believed that Northmen had no morals and values. Therefore, these children grew up fearing Northmen. Mara was one of these children, but despite all beliefs, nothing stopped her from visiting the River Shannon, which was her favorire place. She visited the river often, where she would sing the songs her mother taught
her. From the age of nine, after Mara's mother passed away, the River Shannon became a beautiful memory of Mara's visions of her Mom. No one ever knew of Mara's secret, except Daegan, who was the son of Raelik.
He would hide from her, but watched her many times as she sang at the river, while secretly falling in love with her, He wasn't brave enough to tell her until after he saved her life from a group of criminals heading to the river. At the age of sixteen, Mara began to fall in love with Daegan, but feared what actions would be taken against him when her father finds out. What would her people think, the daughter of the King of
Connacht, in love with a heathen? What challenges must Mara and Daegan face, after Daegan safely returns her home? The ever-rising hostility and outrage in Ireland existed, but not between Mara and Daegan. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a blend of drama. The setting is painted with vivid descriptions of Ireland in its true beauty, the plot is electrifying, and the romance is sizzling. Renee Vincent painted the three great virtues of Ireland page-after-page, honor, chivalry, and love of freedom. How often did brutal attacks occur, and were all Northmen monsters? Will Mara have to struggle for survival after her father finds out about her relationship with Daegan? Will Daegan be executed? Will Mara ever fill the empty space in Daegan's heart, or will she run in fear? "RAELIKSEN" is as captivating as A WALK TO REMEMBER, and as inspiring as THE COURAGE TO LOVE with Vanessa Williams.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, February 7, 2009

By 

Bonnie Boss - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ræliksen (Paperback)

I received this book within days of ordering, and couldn't put it down. The author tells a beautiful story of romance in the age of Vikings; I can't wait for the sequal.