Marissa Campbell

Now that I've completed the book, I don't think I missed out on much the first go-'round. If you want to read a Viking romance with little actual romance (but plenty of sex after long periods of separation between the main protagonists) and lots of violence, then this book is for you. Sadly, this book is not for me - I was hoping for more emphasis on the historical side of things and instead found only characters who irked me and a romantic relationship which felt forced and unrealistic.

2nd time: Update - library's license renewed for this book, so now I can finally finish reading it!

1st time: I never got a chance to finish reading this because my library's license expired (apparently) on the ebook copy I was using online - oh, well...… (plus d'informations)

This second work fixes the issue I had with book one and improved on all other aspects. The author has a way of making history come to life and her characters relatable to the average reader. I grew to love both Avelynn and Alrik more and more as the pages turned. A worthy follow-up to the series premiere, I can't wait for book 3.

My biggest gripe with book one was the small amount of page time given to Avelynn’s and Alrick’s relationship. They might've shared scenes for maybe less than a fourth of the book; not nearly enough to make me believe they were as in love as the book ending portrayed.

So this work was a vast improvement on that front. Their time in Dark Age Wales and their involvement with the politics thereof drew them together as a couple and as partners. They faced danger from many fronts as well as internally through their conflicting personalities and life goals. Yet, their relationship was as emotional and resonant in this work as book one's ending tried to portray. I felt the added time together and the new challenges they faced helped to strengthen their bond and made it more believable this time around. I definitely look forward to more in book 3 when they go to such a different world.

I still love are two leads just as much now as I did in the beginning. Avelynn still comes across as such a flawed heroine, always planning for the future but failing in the carrying out of those plans. She learns from her mistakes but often makes new ones, placing her in as much danger as book one. However, she faces everything with the same courage and spirit. Alrik is our manly Viking: brash, violent, hot tempered, and courageous. Yet, there is a side to him not often seen in fictional Viking men, an emotionally sensitive one. It's evident from the very start that he loves Avelynn with all his heart and respects her abilities and opinions. His emotionally heated ways were a nice foil to Avelynn, though with two such emotional people arguments and confrontations made themselves known.

The historical setting was as excellently portrayed in this second novel. Dark Age Wales seems to be a popular setting for me this year; I think this is the fourth book I've read set there. In my opinion, Campbell has done the best in her setting and bringing this brutal world to life. A rising Catholic Church, old vestiges of former paganism, and the feuding ways of rival kings all our vividly portrayed. Christian Welsh jockeyed for positions against pagan Vikings and old religion Welsh, creating a seething cauldron of politics and suspense. This aspect of the book added great spice to the characters and our main romance.

I'm itching with anticipation for book 3’s release. Where our heroes are headed next, I’ve only read one historical fiction from in this timeframe. I would love to see Avelynn in this setting, given how much the Viking culture respects and values her position as a priestess. Even though they don't worship her particular deity, they respect her position as a divine representative on earth. So bring on book 3!

Edge of Faith is a worthy follow up to its predecessor. The area that needed fixing was addressed; the excellence in all other aspects was continued. Our main leads are as strong and vibrant as before, and historical details bring the story to life. Anyone who does not fall in love with the main romance has no heart! LOL. See the final sentence of the previous paragraph for my final thoughts on book 3. :D… (plus d'informations)

Avelynn is on the run from her homeland in England for accusations of treason, witchcraft and murder With the help of her Viking betrothed Alrik, she has landed in Wales. Alrik has pledged his men to help with the Southern Welsh King in their campaign against Rhodri the Great. However, news of Avelynn’s crimes won’t take long to catch up to her, and there is a price on her head. Combined with troubles from Marared, Alrik’s former lover, Alrik and Avelynn are being chased by trouble from all ends.
I am so glad to return to Avelynn’s world! Successfully transporting me back to Medieval Wales, Edge of Faith picks up right where Avelynn left off. I missed her headstrong, courageous, willful and confident nature which is continued full force in Edge of Faith. I also forgot how steamy the romance was between Avelynn and Alrik, their love has not diminished at all; plus there are some other amazingly sexy scenes that I won’t spoil for anyone. The danger, suspense and magical mayhem made for a good pace and were blended together seamlessly well. Avelynn’s devotion to the Goddess as a high priestess does not waver even though she is in a Christian land, her rituals continued to draw me in with rich descriptions that took me to the Otherworld. The uncertainty that follows Alrik and Avelynn drew me in and kept me glued to the pages, especially with the threats of dark magic. Overall, a magically enchanting historical romance with an open ending that makes me ready for book three.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)