Queen Branwen — Book 1
Between Two Fires
Sixth-century Wales, a divided people, and the young noblewoman asked to hold them together.
“A spirited ride through a turbulent slice of Welsh history!”
— Paula Brackston, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter
Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales' last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King. But the fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen becomes the target of assassination attempts and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan, her world threatens to tear itself apart.
Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.
Branwen's story combines elements of mystery and romance with Noce's gift for storytelling.
More praise
“Combines Welsh history with a touch of folkloric magic.”
— Publishers Weekly
“A fast-paced read that has a wonderfully visual style and some memorable characters. Mark Noce combines Welsh history with a touch of folkloric magic in this promising debut novel. Lady Branwen is a strong and engaging narrator and the turbulent setting of early medieval Wales makes a fine backdrop for an action-packed story.”
— Juliet Marillier, bestselling author of Daughter of the Forest and Wolfskin
“Between Two Fires is recommended for those who enjoy historical romance with an unusual backdrop, ancient Wales.”
— Historical Novel Society
“If you are in to medieval historical fiction with a splash of romance, then I would recommend you read Between Two Fires.”
— Escape Inside the Pages (blog)
“I'm seriously impressed by the research, detail and heart-pounding adventure Mark Noce has poured into Between Two Fires. Be prepared for the early medieval war romance of a lifetime.”
— Fresh Fiction (blog)
- Publisher
- Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin's Press
- Published
- 2016
- ISBN
- 9781250072627