Ræliksen
Book One of the Emerald Isle Trilogy
(August 2010)
Turquoise Morning Press
ISBN (Print): 9781935817017
ISBN (Ebook): 9781935817109
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Blurb:
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?
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?
Reviews:
"This is my first read by Renee Vincent and she has undoubtedly earned a place on my auto-buy author’s list. This story has all the makings to being a wonderful screenplay for what I can only imagine being an absolutely gorgeous movie. This book and author earn my highest recommendations and I feel privileged to have read one of the best. It is a must read for any lover of historical romance or even lovers of romance in general."
~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Yadkny of "Night Owl Reviews" ~ Read more >>>
"Ræliksen was unlike any other historical romance book I have read. I couldn't put it down. Renee Vincent has the gift to make a book come alive and for everything you read to seem like it is happening before your eyes."
~ 5 Hearts! ~ Marissa's Sizzling Hot Reviews ~ Read more >>>
"Ræliksen, the first book in author Renee Vincent’s Emerald Isle Trilogy, is a fast-paced, action-packed historical romance, which Ms. Vincent brings to life right before your eyes. Enriched with vivid descriptions, well-drawn complex characters, an exhilarating plot, humor, plot twists, danger and sizzling romance, this story is realistic, historically accurate and unforgettable; a story you will remember long after the last page is read. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the sequel, Mac Liam, which comes out in December. I highly recommend Ræliksen to anyone looking for a terrific read."
~ 5 Blue Ribbons! ~ "Romance Junkies" ~ Read more >>>
"If you are a fellow romance junkie, then picking up this book is a no-brainer. Vincent's descriptive writing style brings the tenth century and it's characters to life. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride, as within the pages you will live and breathe their way of life--their journeys, struggles, joys, heartaches and most of all the deep love and devotion of Mara and Daegan to one another, as well as those they hold dear. Rich in history and packed with action and timeless romance, this is a MUST read for any lover of romance, historical or otherwise."
~ 5 Stars! ~ Coffee Beans and Love Scenes ~ Read more >>>
"The author has done 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. The story itself is very involving, with vivid characters and an exciting plot. Her written descriptions are particularly well done and the reader will have no problem picturing settings and characters."
"If you are a fellow romance junkie, then picking up this book is a no-brainer. Vincent's descriptive writing style brings the tenth century and it's characters to life. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride, as within the pages you will live and breathe their way of life--their journeys, struggles, joys, heartaches and most of all the deep love and devotion of Mara and Daegan to one another, as well as those they hold dear. Rich in history and packed with action and timeless romance, this is a MUST read for any lover of romance, historical or otherwise."
~ 5 Stars! ~ Coffee Beans and Love Scenes ~ Read more >>>
"The author has done 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. The story itself is very involving, with vivid characters and an exciting plot. Her written descriptions are particularly well done and the reader will have no problem picturing settings and characters."
~ 4 Cups! ~ Coffee Time Romance ~ Read more >>>
"What a beautifully written book. This book is full of so much love and sacrifice. I loved everything about this book. Not once did this book lack with excitement, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was enthralled with this book and loved learning about Deagan's life. I loved how Renee captured every detail of Ireland and what it would like live in Ireland back in those days. This is such a magical book that will capture your heart and your attention. A must read for everyone. Fantastic job Renee, I look forward to reading Book two in this wonderful series."
~ 5 Hearts! ~ Historical Romance Books Review ~ Read more >>>
"Let’s just make a note that this reader LOVED this book. Every single one of the twists, turns, and Oh. My. Goodness. Moments."
~ Romancing The Book ~ Read more >>>
"RÆLIKSEN is a love story that’s shaped not only by the land and the sky, but by the poignancy of a rich and brutal history. Renee Vincent doesn’t exploit this history, nor does she make light of it. It simply is what it is, and the facets are so intricately a part of the story that they exist as one. And therein lies the masterpiece. Every word of this story has meaning. Every moment leads to the next. Every word is simultaneously natural and brilliant, each one holding an unmistakable place in history with the telling of this tale."
"RÆLIKSEN is a love story that’s shaped not only by the land and the sky, but by the poignancy of a rich and brutal history. Renee Vincent doesn’t exploit this history, nor does she make light of it. It simply is what it is, and the facets are so intricately a part of the story that they exist as one. And therein lies the masterpiece. Every word of this story has meaning. Every moment leads to the next. Every word is simultaneously natural and brilliant, each one holding an unmistakable place in history with the telling of this tale."
~ Author Sarah Ballance ~ Read more >>>
"Ræliksen is a sensual 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."
~ Author Maddie James
"A well written, deep novel; and long after the final words are finished, the story will echo within you: always present, always beautiful, always Ræliksen."
~ K. Whelan of "A Romance Writer's Haven"
"The imagery in this book will take your breath away. Her characters are well developed and come to life, jumping off the pages and into your mind – and finding their way into your heart."
~ J. Smith of "Satin and Lace Reviews"
"...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."
~ Author Geri Ahearn
"Vincent painted a beautiful, colorful world with historically accurate information as her backdrop for this love story. Vivid imagery and cleverly written stories-within-the-story keep you hooked."
~ Author Danica Avet
~ Author Danica Avet
"Ræliksen, Book One of Renee Vincent's Emerald Isle Trilogy is an ambitious work, but one which the Turquoise Morning Press launch author handles with a deft hand. She has chosen as her setting the Ireland of 916 A.D., a time of turmoil when Irish clans battled both Viking Norse from Norway and the Danes. Ræliksen is an ambitious work and Vincent's labor of love is a stellar achievement. It is a well-told tale, delivered in a writing style one doesn't often find in today's books, the prose almost musical."
~ Author Suzanne Barrett
(Written by Renee Vincent)
The Vikings In Ireland
(Written by Suzanne Barrett, featuring Renee Vincent and Ræliksen)
The Vikings In Ireland
(Written by Suzanne Barrett, featuring Renee Vincent and Ræliksen)
Interviews Promoting Ræliksen:
More Reviews of Ræliksen:
The powerful and moving love story of Daegan Raeliksen and his Lady Mara will resonate long after the last page is read. This is historical romantic fiction at its best, written by an author inspired by the legends and lure of ancient Ireland and Norway. Renee Vincent has brought to life a turbulent time in history when cultures collided and to the victor went the spoils! Only a love story as intense as Raeliksen could match the true passions and intrigue of tumultuous Ireland of Olde! I so look forward to the next book in the Emerald Isle Trilogy, Mac Liam, and then to the concluding third book! Not to be missed!
~Virginia Campbell
Her vivid descriptions of the landscape and the lives of the two opposing people, the Irish and the Viking, made me feel as though I were seeing them through my own eyes. She has a great sense of narrative and the story itself with its twists and subtle counter-plots held me riveted all the way through.
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
I really enjoy reading Renee Vincent's Ræliksen! It's a great story: adventurous, romantic, exciting, funny, and even educational, for I have learned a lot about the Northmen. It's obvious that Ms. Vincent did her research!
~ C. Botterop, Netherlands
Alles beginnt mit einem Missverständnis. Weiter geht es durch Angst, Misstrauen und Mord... bis Leser und Helden von einer Lawine dramatischer Ereignisse fortgerissen werden. Hinter einer leidenschaftlichen Liebesgeschichte verbirgt sich ein Schatz an gut recherchierten historischen Fakten über Irland im 10. Jahrhundert und die Wikinger. Besonders gefallen hat mir die Art und Weise, wie die beiden Völkern gemeinsame Tradition des Geschichtenerzählens widerspiegelt wird, und der Prozess des Hinfindens zu einem neuen Glauben. Ein sehr unterhaltsamer Cocktail aus Abenteuer und Liebe, gewürzt mit einem Spritzer Philosophie.
Translation: It all starts with a misunderstanding. It goes on through fear, mistrust and murder... until heroes and reader likewise are swept away by an avalanche of dramatic events. Behind a passionate love story hides a treasure of well researched facts about 10th century Ireland and the Vikings. I particularly appreciated how the common storytelling tradition of both peoples is reflected, and the process of finding a new faith. A very entertaining cocktail of adventure, love and a touch of philosophy.
~ C. Briend, Germany
