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Rating: 
Summary: Amazingly Good Debut Novel
Review: Essex, England 917 A.D. - a perilous time when battles were frequent, bloody and man did unspeakable abominations against their fellow men. Hell was the world that burned around her as Sigrid a young Dane woman ran from Saxon pursuers. Abruptly coming to a halt when she ran into a wall of chain mail, madness seemed to overcome her or was it fate that made her cling to his arm and announce to her pursuers that she was his - the chain mailed warrior with steely cold blue eyes. Her husband was dead, that abuse was at an end - what more could be done to her other than pray that this Saxon would grant her a quick death. But her anger and hatred against these Saxon conquerors would soon be tempered by the kindness of her captor, who promised her safety if she stayed with him. Liefwin didn't realize at first that what he needed was Sigrid - that she would be the one that would help him slay his demons and melt his heart. For a debut novel this was amazingly good. To have tackled such an obscure period of very early Saxon history and to have done it so well showed a goodly amount of courage and should be applauded. What I felt to be a small weakness in the beginning of the story for a smoother flow of dialog and feelings was more than rectified towards the last half as the author tied up the romance into a very emotional and moving finale managing to weave a beautiful romance, sensuality and history together. I feel sure that over time this will be an author to watch for to bring lovers of medieval romances quite a thrill. *** Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com
Rating:
Summary: action-packed medieval romance
Review: In 917 AD Essex, England, the Saxons defeat the Danes routing them out of the village in an act of vengeance. With her berserker husband Ragnor Wolfcoat dead, Sigrit flees the invaders. Trapped she tells her pursuers that she already belongs to Saxon warrior Liefwin. The widower affirms her position. Liefwin asks a frightened Sigrid where he can safely leave her. She says she should go to her cousin at Shealdford though Sigrid expects her protector will rape her. Though her kin killed his wife, he escorts her and soon they fall in love, but in this world of vengeance and chaos, a relationship between a Saxon and a Viking is impossible, isn't it? Fans will enjoy this action-packed medieval romance starring two appealing star crossed lovers. Liefwin is the star of the show as a unique warrior who is as fierce as anyone is, has cause for vengeance, but wants peace for everyone. The story line moves forward at a fast clip though it adheres to sub-genre boundaries quite closely except perhaps for Sigrid's realistic initial fear of her savior. The support cast adds the dimension of displaying how difficult it is for a Dane and a Saxon to forge something permanent even with love. Helen Kirkman provides a strong debut that will leave readers awaiting her sequel FORBIDDEN. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: action-packed medieval romance
Review: In 917 AD Essex, England, the Saxons defeat the Danes routing them out of the village in an act of vengeance. With her berserker husband Ragnor Wolfcoat dead, Sigrit flees the invaders. Trapped she tells her pursuers that she already belongs to Saxon warrior Liefwin. The widower affirms her position. Liefwin asks a frightened Sigrid where he can safely leave her. She says she should go to her cousin at Shealdford though Sigrid expects her protector will rape her. Though her kin killed his wife, he escorts her and soon they fall in love, but in this world of vengeance and chaos, a relationship between a Saxon and a Viking is impossible, isn't it? Fans will enjoy this action-packed medieval romance starring two appealing star crossed lovers. Liefwin is the star of the show as a unique warrior who is as fierce as anyone is, has cause for vengeance, but wants peace for everyone. The story line moves forward at a fast clip though it adheres to sub-genre boundaries quite closely except perhaps for Sigrid's realistic initial fear of her savior. The support cast adds the dimension of displaying how difficult it is for a Dane and a Saxon to forge something permanent even with love. Helen Kirkman provides a strong debut that will leave readers awaiting her sequel FORBIDDEN. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Exciting Anglo-Saxon setting
Review: It's hard to believe that this is the first book by this writer, as the story is gripping and the historical setting very evocative. I'd never read anything set in this period before, but the characters are superbly drawn, especially the hero Liefwin. In particular I liked the use of the old English and Danish words used, and felt that they added a rich dimension to the story. Very much looking forward to the next book -'Forbidden'
Rating:
Summary: Exciting Anglo-Saxon setting
Review: It's hard to believe that this is the first book by this writer, as the story is gripping and the historical setting very evocative. I'd never read anything set in this period before, but the characters are superbly drawn, especially the hero Liefwin. In particular I liked the use of the old English and Danish words used, and felt that they added a rich dimension to the story. Very much looking forward to the next book -'Forbidden'
Rating:
Summary: emotionally satisfying medieval
Review: This is Helen Kirkman's debut novel and is well worth checking out. Kirkman knows her medieval/Dark Ages history (she's an Englishwoman from Chesire) but doesn't make too many allowances for those who might not. It's not that hard to follow what is happening but a quick glimpse at a history of the times might help with the political situation and customs of the day.
The book is more a character driven story and to be honest,
not a lot really "happens." It's mainly interactions between
the hero and heroine as they learn about each other. Most
of the conflict is believable and the miscommunications are
understandable because of the nature of the times and
the characters. As I said, there is a whole lot of thinking
and observing at first and if you get impatient with that
type of novel, this one might not be for you. But I found
the ending to be emotionally satisfying and can see a
happy future for Sigrid and Leifwin.
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