Book Review: Danegeld

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Danegeld     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Susan Squires
Class/Genre:   Romance
Lovespell, Jul 2001, $5.50, 358 pp.

During the Dark Ages in Dunford, Britain, Britta earned a reputation as a healer though followers of the new religion felt she was a disciple of the devil. Everyone feared her that is except for the Saxon warrior leader Offa. Five years ago he learned about Britta’s prowess and raped her to gain her powers. No one came to her aid and Britta fled to Devil's Island, a place everyone is afraid to step foot on. When Britta needs supplies, she visits Dunford to offer healing services in exchange for them.

On a trip to the village, Offa forces Britta to heal his wounded men having just fought against Viking raiders. Included among the injured is Karn, the Viking leader. Offa tortures Karn to obtain information, but Britta manages to free and take him to her island. Both have suffered at the hands of Offa, but that is not why love has sprung up between the healer and the Viking.

This Dark Ages romance needs to carry a label: not to be read by the faint of heart. The story line is loaded with action and a deep depiction of the era including that of torture and cruelty that will give readers the shivers. DANEGELD is graphically well written with strong characterizations representing a period of violence between Saxons and Viking, and Christians and Pagans. Skillful scribe Susan Squires shows her ability to paint a very inteesting saga worth reading by those who relish a crimson Beowulf.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner