The Beltane Choice “…combines a very human and personal story with a very believable vision of Late Iron Age society in Northern Britain.”AD 71 Northern Roman BritainLorcan of the Brigantes knows that unity of the northern tribes is essential when the Ancient Roman legions advance northwards to Brigantia. Yet, everything comes at a price. Using his captive, Nara, as a political bargain with the … bargain with the Selgovae comes with impossible stipulations. Battle at Whorl – Iron Age tribes against the Romans – is inevitable.
Will Nara have her Beltane choice?
The adventures of the Garrigill Clan begin…
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Whoa. I was really interested in reading The Beltane Choice, but I was not expecting to be so caught up in this story. I have been really into Historical fiction lately, and this novel is a fantastic reason why.
Taking place in the border area between England and Scotland, AD 71, it is impressive how much research Nancy Jardine must have done to make this feel so realistic. I love the world-building…Celtic Tribes and Roman legions…it is really beautifully written, I felt like I was transported back to this time period. It was captivating and I was on the edge of my seat the entire way through.
I love the heroine, Nara. Her journey is full of adventure, passion and danger. She is full of boldness and courage and I absolutely love that she has this secret, heavy burden that she’s carried her whole life. Behind all the bravery, she is vulnerable and that makes for a beautifully deep character. There is quite a heavy sexual tension between Nara and Lorcan which is really intriguing to read. You’re never quite sure how their story will play out.
I’m absolutely in love with this story. The historical authenticity weaved in with wonderful and interesting characters and a plot line that kept me immersed the entire time. Everything about this novel is fantastic and totally worth the 5 stars. Highly recommended!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
The Beltane Choice is not only a sweeping story of love between two sworn enemies but also a history lesson as well.
Nara is trying to escape a wild boar when she encounters Lorcan of Brigantes. He comes to her aid, but then she soon finds herself his prisoner. Lorcan is immediately under her spell; however, he also sees that she will be a great political asset for him as well. As she spends more time with him, he soon discovers that she means much more to him. His biggest war may not be on the battlefield but in his own heart.
Nara is a woman before her time. She is strong and independent. Even if her own father doesn’t love her, she soon finds a home with Lorcan’s tribe. She is also facing an internal battle. She isn’t sure who to trust, her own family or the new family she has come to love.
I’m a huge fan of history and romance, so this book was right up my alley. However, the author made this book stand out in the historical romance/fiction genre. It’s magical yet very realistic. I don’t know much about this period in history, and I felt like I learned a great deal. One of my favorite parts of the book was the author’s notes in the back. She gives her readers a great background of that period. This is a must read for historical fiction/romance fans.
I must admit to a hint of trepidation about starting The Beltane Choice. As followers of my reviews will know, I’ve been on a bit of a historical romance fiction addiction of late, but I had yet to dip my toe into the realm of first century Britain.
Just picture it – priests and priestesses, feuding clans, sacred rituals, alliances, and marauding Romans. This was no easy time in which to live, that’s for sure!
Nara of Tarras, of the Selgovae, inadvertently finds herself a pawn in game where she holds no power. Yet, she could be the key to an audacious plan to unite the Northern clans against a common enemy, the Romans.
Lorcan of Garrigill, of the Brigante, emissary for his clan and heir apparent will do anything to protect his clan and their way of life. Even sacrifice his own happiness for the good of his people.
As the Roman threat escalates, Lorcan and Nara’s connection deepens but will it all be torn asunder by the decisions of others?
OMG, so you know that trepidation I felt at the beginning of the story? Well, it was well and truly thrown out the window as I got swept away in the ‘will they/won’t they’ relationship between Lorcan and Nara.
I just wanted to hug Nara. She has been dealt such a crap hand that my heart just went out to her. Just as she’s finally starting to feel like she has a place to belong and a purpose to her life, it could all be ripped away.
I truly felt immersed in the era and the impending dangers posed not just by the Romans but of tentative clan alliances. It will come as no surprise that I became invested in the welfare and happiness of the characters. The *whistle-winks* tension between Lorcan and Nara was electric! I didn’t know who was going to burst something first, them or me. *snorts*
My only niggle with the story was I hate not being able to pronounce names or places. The author was clever in having a list of characters at the beginning and a glossary of Gaelic terms at the back, but I would have loved if the translation of the Gaelic terms were alongside the phrases in the story – maybe in italics? And then, because I’m a pain in the proverbial, maybe the character list could have included a pronunciation key?
I know, I know, I’m a pedant *hangs head* but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to fellow historical fiction lovers who are looking for something a bit different.
History and romance combine to engage the senses and mind!
Right, I’m away to sharpen my weapons and fighting skills before picking up Book 2. Oi, stop laughing…