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The Briton and the Dane Second Edition Kindle Edition

3.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

A lurking shadow. A whispered secret. A veiled betrayal.

In a realm shadowed by the looming threat of Norse conquest, a young woman finds herself the linchpin in a perilous game of dominion. Her capture, far from being a mere twist of fate, casts her into the depths of a world rife with cunning and treachery. Amidst the echoes of a hundred scheming voices, truth becomes a chameleon, shifting its hues with each whispered plot. As the specter of the Norse menace draws ever nearer, she must navigate through a sea of deceit where allies are indistinguishable from foes. In this maelstrom of betrayal, her heart aches for the love of a prince from the ranks of her kingdom’s adversaries—a love that stands as her sole beacon amidst the encroaching darkness of war.

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There are 6 books in this series.

From the Publisher

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

A Gripping Tale of Love and Defiance

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

Three BIG Flashpoints to Discover

  • A willful defiant daughter
  • War threatening an uneasy peace
  • Complicated romantic encounters

Book one in the series

King Alfred, fresh from the victory over the Viking threat, signs a treaty with the Danish King Guthrum.

Even as he succeeds in pushing the heathen army back to the rolling fens of East Anglia, an uneasy peace still remains. King Alfred establishes a standing army under Lord Richard who now controls the citadel at Wareham.

As Lord Richard strategizes against the Viking threat, his reckless and impetuous daughter, Gwyneth, falls in love with an enemy prince.

Rejecting her betrothal to a Saxon warrior twice her age, she refuses to compromise and flees the fortress. But she is soon kidnapped by a Viking warrior and taken to the camp of King Guthrum.

Gwyneth, now a captive, is swarmed in a world of betrayal, treachery and expediency. She slowly realizes her reality cannot be trusted, and even the truth is a lie.

In spite of her travails, she desires nothing more than being reunited with her dashing Danish prince.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...With a sweeping elegance, I soon found myself utterly enchanted with The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal. Gwyneth was a character that I immediately loved. She is young, feisty, and something of a free spirit. She cannot be tamed. Her wilfulness, often bordering on defiance made her a fascinating protagonist and one I enjoyed reading about, although I did feel sorry for the monks, whose patience Gwyneth put to the test on more than one occasion! Gwyneth's story was also a lovely reminder of the joyful experience of first love.The Briton and the Dane has a large cast of characters. There is not one but three romance stories within the cover of this book. Gwyneth's brothers, the lovable David and the serious Stephen all have rather complicated love interests -- David in particular! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these supporting characters, and they helped to give the story depth. I especially enjoyed Stephen and Elizabeth's story.Bernal has a very engaging narrative and style, which held my attention throughout the course of this book. The political intrigue and the threat of war between King Guthrum and King Alfred (later to be known as The Great) gave this novel a sense of urgency. Peace was fragile, and war was on the horizon, add to that the complicated romance plot of our young intrepid protagonists, made The Briton and the Dane unputdownable.I have read three books in The Briton and the Dane saga, and I have enjoyed them all. Bernal is a natural storyteller and writes fabulous escapism fiction. -- The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Award

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her "Erik the Viking" novel was ultimately published. Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers. Mary Ann is a New York "expat," and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00BRPALAQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Create Space; 2nd edition (March 9, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 9, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

About the author

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Mary Ann Bernal
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Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

Customer reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
34 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well written. However, the plot accuracy receives mixed feedback, with some customers enjoying the suspense while others find it unrealistic. Moreover, the character development receives negative feedback, with several customers noting a lack of character development.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...The book is well written. The dialog between the characters is told using the vernacular of the period...." Read more

"Mary Ann Bernal is an excellent author and the story pulls you in and keeps you engaged until the end." Read more

"terribly written..." Read more

11 customers mention "Plot accuracy"5 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot accuracy of the book, with some finding it suspenseful and engaging, while others point out issues with character development and pacing.

"...The Briton and the Dane is a book that would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially fiction set in the Nineth Century Britannia." Read more

"...ye olde england to get past, hardly any character development, huge plot holes, historically inaccurate." Read more

"...me appreciates the research done to portray the period with accurate detail of the times...." Read more

"...The story didn't realistically demonstrate the times...ie, women in every level of society had little say, and certainly could not influence heads..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the character development lacking in the book.

"...Character POV is confusing, dialogue is way too ye olde england to get past, hardly any character development, huge plot holes, historically..." Read more

"...It reads more like a script than a story, with very little character developement...." Read more

"...This is a thinly veiled romance novel with a contrived plot and cardboard characters...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2011
    The Briton and the Dane is a novel that takes readers back to the time of King Alfred the Great. It is a time of rivalry between the Christian King of Wessex and the pagan Viking, King Guthrum. As the story begins, Gwyneth, daughter of Lord Richard (Buhr of Wareham under King Alfred's rule), meets and cares for a wounded Danish prince, Erik. The two fall in love. Things get a little complicated when Gwyneth realizes she loves the enemy. It gets even more complicated when Erik's past is revealed. As the cast of characters grows, readers are drawn into a world of violence, deceit, and seduction.

    The book is well written. The dialog between the characters is told using the vernacular of the period. This may take some getting used to, as it is more formal than our modern day English. Throughout each chapter, the scenes jump around to show what is happening in each of the character's lives. Initially, readers may find it challenging to keep all the characters straight and remember all of the relationships. By the middle of the book, things should be clear.

    Readers should know that as the story closes, there are still unresolved issues - unfinished love stories, ongoing battles, and an important character who after being wounded, suffers from amnesia. (Does it sound like a soap opera?) Readers will have to buy Ms. Bernal's sequel, The Briton and the Dane Birthright, to see how everything resolves.

    The Briton and the Dane is a book that would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially fiction set in the Nineth Century Britannia.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2013
    Mary Ann Bernal's foray into 9th Century Britain is a feast for the senses. The history buff part of me appreciates the research done to portray the period with accurate detail of the times. The story teller part of me recognizes the talent and effort displayed in using that historic accuracy to weave a tale of love, honor, treachery and betrayal wrapped in enough intrigue and suspense to satisfy. And, of course, the reader part of me just flat out enjoyed the story.

    There are two more courses in Ms Bernal's banquet, plus a companion tale for dessert. Excuse me while I activate my Kindle. I'm hungry.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2013
    A trend it seems is to create a series which means of course no true climax or ending within each book. Enjoyed reading about the time period, but without a clear climax or ending, it was very "anti-climatic". Book all of sudden finished. It does keep building and I kept reading as a result...anxious to see the finale. But, truly left hanging and now have no desire to read the sequel.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2010
    I thoroughly enjoyed The Briton and the Dane. From beginning to end it is filled with romance, treachery, and suspense. I felt as though I could have been right there with Gwyneth and Erik. Mary Ann did a great job of taking the reader back in time to the days of King Alfred with great detail. I did not want to put the book down! She leaves you hanging with anticipation for the sequel.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2012
    Really wanted to like this book but I was really disappointed. Character POV is confusing, dialogue is way too ye olde england to get past, hardly any character development, huge plot holes, historically inaccurate.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2010
    Mary Ann Bernal is an excellent author and the story pulls you in and keeps you engaged until the end.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2012
    I ordinarily enjoy historical fiction, but this book seemed to drag along. Too much sex and flowery phrases...not enough historical information to make the story believable. The story didn't realistically demonstrate the times...ie, women in every level of society had little say, and certainly could not influence heads of state!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2011
    When Mary Ann emailed me about this book I was interested obviously because it was historical fiction, but also because she made mention of her love for novels like Ivanhoe. I love sweeping epics with tons of characters and story arcs, and that is what Briton and the Dane offers.

    There are so many characters and story lines to draw readers in right from the beginning. I wish I could go into a lot of detail and gush about my favorite characters, but the list in lengthy and it would give away so many things. I can say that I loved the characters of David and Gwyn immediately. Their stories I loved; couldn't get enough scenes with them. While each character has their own unique story, they're interspersed and somehow connected with all the others, which I really liked.

    I don't want to say that the book overall seems condensed, but you do get a lot of information in what seems like a short amount of time. I wasn't left wanting, other than the obvious cliffhangers. The chapters are rather short, which I liked. The pacing is great. It's slow enough that none of the story seems rushed and fast enough that nothing seems drawn out or overdone.

    I think that this novel will have wide appeal, not just to those who like historical fiction. I didn't know much about Viking history when I started this novel, but it had definitely prompted me to get into it a bit more.

    I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Bernice
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Briton and the Dane
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2013
    A friend of mine recommended this book. I was intrigued because I knew very little about this time in history. To my delight Mary Ann Bernal immediately drew me into the story of Love, betrayal, dreams in the Ninth Century. The character's sprang alive from the very first page. I could easily identify myself with feisty Gwyneth, a will of her own, wanting more than, what was, the norm in that Era . I did not realise all this happened outside my ' front door.' I live very close the Wareham and Corfe castle and all the other places mentioned. Mary Ann Bernal's love for writing is evident, and she certainly relishes this Era, that is clear from every page you turn and clear from all the research which must have gone into writing this book. Without realising it at the beginning, I learned a lot besides enjoying the reading. I will definitely buy the other books.
  • Clement
    5.0 out of 5 stars History brought to life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2013
    I thoroughly enjoyed The Briton and the Dane. I soon became transported back in time to the world in which the characters lived and became enmeshed in their lives. I particularly liked Gwyneth and found her easy to identify with. They were a pretty lusty lot and it is easy to see how Nordic genes soon mixed in with the various British tribes! I would have liked a mention of the availability of the Character List at the beginning of the tale as at times I became confused about who was a Briton, who was a Dane, and who their parents/children were. I found the conflicts over religious matters of enduring interest, this is something that resonates very much with the present day. A story well told, and I look forward to reading more ...
  • Wilma Lettings
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2016
    A very educating and entertaining read. I know little of the time and learned a lot about the complexities of life in Britain in the 9th century.
    The book is all the more enjoyable as it has very engaging characters and well written chemistry between Gwyneth and Eric.
    Far from being just a historical romance, there is action, suspense and plenty of well researched details. I'm glad to learn that this is part of a trilogy / series, I want more!
    Easily 5 stars

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