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Personal and Societal Upheaval
Danethrall follows an Anglo-Saxon child who is taken captive and raised as a Dane on her journey of love, loss, and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Like most, my interest in Vikings was sparked in school where the history of terrifying Vikings cutting across the seas on their dragon ships to raid and plunder villages and cities across the world has entertained and enamoured children in classrooms across the UK. The city I grew up in boasts a personal link to the 9th-century Viking attack; it is reported in the Anglo-Saxon chronicle to have been attacked by Ivar the Boneless and the Great Heathen Army who destroyed the monastery that was situated where the current cathedral is standing today. Inspired by history, Danethrall stemmed from wondering what it would be like as an Anglo-Saxon during the times of the Great Heathen Army’s attack, flourishing into the trilogy it is today.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Aveline. What was your process to bring that character to life?
I wanted Aveline to be a relatable character, a realistic response to a lot of what ifs while keeping the world around her as dark and accurate as possible. She acts as a guide through 9th-century Denmark, letting readers see the world through her eyes. I didn’t want Aveline to be some superhero or modern woman on a medieval backdrop, I wanted her responses to be as period-appropriate as possible while growing and finding herself in this harsh and bloody environment.
As cliché as it sounds, Aveline came into her own as I wrote Danethrall. Aveline originated from the idea of a kidnapped Anglo-Saxon forcibly taken to the land of the Danes, but rather than suffering thraldom, she is given a new home. Due to this circumstance, Aveline is an intricate character with a lot of emotional conflict, wrestling with her grudge against the people who slaughtered her family, her guilt for finding a home alongside those very same people, and everything in between, while giving an insight into the world of the Vikings through the eyes of a foreigner.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The core themes of Danethrall are survival, adaptability, and resilience in the face of personal and societal upheaval. Other themes include the patience and strategy needed to survive in this violent environment, sacrifice, power dynamics, cultural identity as Aveline juggles between her identity as an Anglo-Saxon and an adopted Dane while trying to survive in this war-torn world, and of course, love and loss.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Aveline enjoys a couple of quiet years before book two (Rise to Fall) and book three (Ashes Remain) in the Danethrall Trilogy see her caught up in blood feuds and mystical shaman rituals, battling in the Siege of Paris, travelling across the world to the shining city of Constantinople, and fighting both new enemies and ghosts of her past.
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Pillaging. Violence. That is what the Norsemen were infamous for, and when they invaded the Kingdom of the East Angles in autumn 865, that is exactly what they did. Aveline, an Anglo-Saxon child, is taken captive by Birger Bloody Sword and stolen away to Roskilde, Denmark, where she finds herself alone, abandoned by her God.
Five years have passed. Adopted by her captor, Aveline is an outsider to the Danes and perceived as a traitor by the Anglo-Saxon thralls enslaved by them. When Birger sets sail to raid once again, he leaves Aveline in the care of the jarl’s son, Vidar, for her own protection.
Aveline begins to find her place in Roskilde, but even the few Danes she has come to favour are dark, blood-thirsty warriors. When Roskilde is besieged by its bitter rival Aros, Aveline finds herself fighting fearsome enemies alongside the very people who slaughtered her family.
The compelling and bloody tale of an Anglo-Saxon’s life in the land of the Danes. With human sacrifice, rape and murder, Aveline is thrust into a world more dangerous than she could imagine. Follow Aveline’s journey of love and loss and the harrowing ordeals she must endure to survive.
This novel contains graphic violence, sexual content and inappropriate language. Reader discretion is advised.
Danethrall
Danethrall by Gwendoline SK Terry is a captivating historical romance that follows the tumultuous life of Aveline, a woman whose fate takes unexpected twists. Set in Denmark between the winter of 870 and the spring of 880, the novel begins when Aveline’s homeland, the “Kingdom of East Angles,” falls to a Danish invasion. Among the captured, she escapes a life of slavery due to her uncanny resemblance to the deceased daughter of Birger, a Danish warrior. Instead of becoming a thrall, Aveline is adopted by Birger and raised as a Danish woman, with Birger fiercely advocating for her acceptance in their society. As Aveline grows into womanhood, she falls in love with a high-ranking Dane in Roskilde, and to her delight, the love is reciprocated. Yet, the promise of happiness is tragically short-lived. When Roskilde is attacked and her beloved is away, Aveline is married off as a peace offering to the very man responsible for the raid. This unexpected turn sets the stage for a story of survival, adaptation, and the sacrifices demanded by a life caught in the crossfire of love and war.
While Danethrall primarily falls within the romance genre, it’s much more than a love story. Terry crafts a vivid tale about survival through adaptability. The characters are defined by their ability to adjust to the harsh realities they face rather than fighting against them. Aveline exemplifies this as she navigates her new life, first accepting her adoption by Birger and later adapting to the brutality of her marriage to Jarl Erhardt. By becoming more agreeable and finding ways to survive the violence she endures, she demonstrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Similarly, the novel touches on how other characters survive through patience and strategy. For example, Vidar, the man Aveline was initially betrothed to, is devastated when she is married off to another. Though his anger and jealousy are palpable, he restrains himself from acting impulsively, knowing that rash actions would lead to his and his loved ones’ deaths. Instead, Vidar bides his time, preparing for the right moment to strike, and ultimately, his patience pays off in victory.
Terry expertly weaves unexpected plot twists and dramatic developments that keep readers hooked. The changing dynamics within Aveline’s love triangle, particularly the introduction of new players, add complexity and intrigue to the story, making each chapter a page-turner. The vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the world of ninth-century Denmark.
Danethrall is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and survival in a world where adaptability is key. Gwendoline SK Terry delivers an engrossing narrative with twists that will keep readers engaged, while her vivid writing transports them back to a time of warriors, survival, and tragic love.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B07BLLW7LK
Underlying Strength
Beneath the Scarlet Frost follows a princess living in a magical kingdom who has to grow up quickly and come to terms with reality when wielders of wicked magic invade their lands. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world of this story, Alse Hanya, was actually one I created back in 2011 when I was fourteen years old. I had wanted to write a book about warring magical clans at the time but never got too far into it. In 2014, I started a book about a war of magic vs non-magic, inspired by the Grimm story, “Sweetheart Roland.” I wrote and re-wrote the first ten chapters countless times, but it was never “right.” Then, in 2019, I read a book by Helen Rappaport, The Race to Save the Romanovs, and as the family had always interested me, the more I learned the more I was inspired by those real historical events. I ended up combining the world-building from my fourteen-year-old self, the characters I’d started in the retelling, and the influences of WWI and the Imperial family of Russia at the time. That, and I knew without a doubt that I wanted to write a heroine who showed different strengths than we normally see in modern books. I wanted to show how the quiet, dutiful, compassionate character that usually hangs back could be the strong protagonist, and how those strengths have such an impact.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor for me was making sure the characters all interacted authentically. I wanted the sibling dynamics to really feel like siblings, each with their differing personalities but unquestionable love for one another. I also wanted to show a different kind of “strength” to each character. No matter which character you look at in this novel, main, secondary, or minor, each one has a certain underlying strength to them, traditional or less commonly seen. Of course, they all have flaws and weaknesses too, as is human nature, but the personal impact and emotional depth through the characters were extremely important to me. Additionally, I modeled the Zdraevit family with some character traits from the real Romanov family, and I did a lot of research to get to know the family as much as possible, including reading their personal journals. I definitely wanted to hide those little easter egg details in there.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I mentioned above, the world came from a story I wanted to write about warring clans when I was fourteen. I wrote lore and histories etc., and created a rough magic system surrounding thirteen “types” of magic, for which their country was named. When I started the retelling in 2014, the world setting was very flat, it was also set against more of a 1940s London backdrop. It wasn’t until I decided to use the Romanovs as inspiration that the pieces clicked together, and I knew I wanted there to be nods to real-world countries and histories woven throughout the narrative, which of course then influenced the setting at large. Eisa for example, started out as a land of endless winter but then was dialed back to a climate and environment more realistically akin to Russia.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
Following the significant event that takes place at the end of Beneath the Scarlet Frost, book two, Within Forsaken Shadows, will focus on exploring more of the world and coming to terms with grief, duty, fear, and moving forward. It is a story of survival and healing, growing war, courtly politics, and culture shocks, and it is a story of new beginnings and understanding. Some of the naivete displayed in book one, won’t really fly in the sequel. The world the characters are entering into is dangerous and often very unforgiving, with little room for innocence or stagnance. Within Forsaken Shadows is set to release on February 18th, 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Shadows scream, whispers torment, and wishes curse.
The empire of Eisa once stood as a symbol of hope for purging the wicked magic that had plagued its lands. But, when Wielders are spotted within those borders, the sanctity that once acted as an unshakable foundation crumbles beneath Sorrel Zdraevit’s feet.
With the resurgence of Wielders on Eisan soil, protests are increasing in the streets, citizens are suffering, and everywhere she turns tragedy fractures the facade of peace that had sheltered her.
As the second eldest princess in Eisa’s imperial family, when war is brought to the kingdom’s door, Sorrel is forced to step into a new role, leading her deeper and deeper into the world she fears most. Desperate to protect her country against dark and twisted magic, and heal those around her, she must decide what it is she stands for when the world as she knows is rendered senseless.
Unsure of whom to condemn, and whom to put her faith in, Sorrel is faced with tainted realities that threaten to destroy everything she’s ever held dear. All that matters is keeping her kingdom and family safe against the monsters infiltrating her country. Secrets and lies drag her into the depths of her worst nightmare, where fighting through the calamities is the only way she will have any hope of making it out alive- If she can hold on to her own will to live.
Beneath the Scarlet Frost
Beneath the Scarlet Frost plunges readers into the enchanting yet treacherous world of Alse Hanya, where the story of Sorrel Zdraevit unfolds. As a princess in the ruling family of Eisa, Sorrel’s life is a delicate balance of political intrigue, familial obligations, and a growing magical menace that threatens the kingdom. This dark fantasy novel skillfully blends themes of power, legacy, and the dangers associated with forbidden magic. From the beginning, the book captivates with its richly crafted characters and a world that is as compelling as perilous.
Marissa Miller’s writing excels in its ability to bring the icy landscapes and opulent palaces of Eisa to life with vivid detail. The story opens with a gripping scene—a desperate chase through snow—that immediately hooks the reader and sets a high-stakes tone. Miller strikes a fine balance between lush world-building and dynamic action, though there are instances where the descriptive passages may slow the pace slightly. Even so, the prose remains engaging, consistently offering a clear and immersive picture of the setting and its inhabitants. The characters, particularly Sorrel, are drawn with depth and complexity. Sorrel’s evolution from a somewhat naïve princess into a determined leader is portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. The relationships within the Zdraevit family are thoughtfully explored, adding layers of tension and affection that deepen the narrative. The portrayal of familial bonds and responsibilities is one of the novel’s most compelling aspects. The novel’s treatment of power and magic is both insightful and relevant. The conflict between the ruling elite and those who possess outlawed magical abilities invites readers to ponder issues of control, fear, and the perils of unchecked authority. Miller approaches these themes with care, presenting multiple viewpoints without resorting to simplistic moral judgments.
Beneath the Scarlet Frost offers an engaging journey into a world of magic, power, and complex family dynamics. The novel’s emotional depth and strong narrative make it a rewarding read. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy dark fantasy rich in political intrigue and familial drama. Whether you’re intrigued by tales of magic or the complexities of power, this story provides a satisfying experience.
Pages: 648 | ASIN : B0CJXH5KNY
Validation and Encouragement
Elizabeth’s Mountain follows a mother and daughter, one who reflects on her past relationships and one who is hoping to have a love like her mom. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
The most important theme highlighted in Elizabeth’s Mountain is love, of course. Through generations, mores and approaches toward dating and romance change, but love never changes. Other themes prevalent in Elizabeth’s Mountain are the attitudes and recognition of PTSD for what it is, and the essence of land partnered with life.
What’s the trickiest thing about writing characters of the opposite gender?
The trickiest thing about writing characters of the opposite gender is thinking like them. “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus” aptly applies!
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I get inspiration from many authors, but there are a few who stand out for me: Ann Patchett for her family sagas, Pat Conroy for his emotion-heavy reads, Harper Lee for her classically poignant American story.
Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?
There is validation in seeing your work published and the reviews and responses to it. It’s heartwarming and encourages me forward as a writer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Present day. Amanda yearns to stop wasting time. After ending a dead-end, three-year relationship and moving in with her spirited grandmother, the thirty-four-year-old nurse sees her dream of marriage and kids vanishing. But when she meets a handsome widower at a hospital summit, she cautiously lets down her walls.
As Elizabeth’s memories take her back to when she was a hopeful young woman, she reveals how a horrific accident led to the ER and a charming doctor. While Amanda fears the worst when she overhears the enigmatic man she’s fallen for talking on the phone with another woman.
Do both women’s stories lead to a grand legacy and a lifetime of love?
In an emotional rollercoaster that interweaves the two women’s chance at a future, their parallel romances illustrate the power of resilience and hope despite heartbreak. And as one story comes to its twilight years while the other is just beginning, readers will fall hard for this poignant inheritance of happiness.
Elizabeth’s Mountain is an enchanting women’s fiction novel. If you like relatable characters, dual timelines, and multi-generational romance, then you’ll adore Lucille Guarino’s touching tale.
Never Lose Hope
Elizabeth’s Mountain follows a mother and daughter as one reflects on their life and past relationships, and one struggles to find the love and romance she has dreamed of like her mom’s. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of Elizabeth’s Mountain‘s story came to me in a dream that followed a phone conversation I had with my ninety-two-year-old aunt. She was living alone in Florida during the pandemic and I could feel her loneliness. One of her granddaughters had just had a baby, but she couldn’t see him during a time when social distancing was prevailing. We talked about her granddaughter who she was close to and hadn’t seen in quite a while and I could sense how much she missed her. I, too, have two granddaughters with whom I am very close and could relate. I also thought about what it must be like to have lived ninety-some years, all that she had seen and lived through, and now going through an isolating time. Coming out of the pandemic, as things normalized again, I went to my laptop and started writing Elizabeth’s Mountain. I’ve always loved Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains. I live two-and-a-half hours away and enjoy visiting there often, so the choice of setting was almost an instant one. Coupled with my enjoyment of reading a good romance story, I thought about the generational changes in attitudes and perspectives on dating just in the last one hundred years and realized that while much has changed, love never changes.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing about Elizabeth’s character the most because the time when she was a young woman falling in love was the early fifties which is a fascinating time in American history, and because her advanced age carried so much insight into love and life. The character that was the most challenging to write would probably be Jesse since I couldn’t resonate with his conflicts as easily as the other characters. I felt like he needed to be a little self-centered based on how his dreams were thwarted, but wanted to keep him generous and likable.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
I hope that the takeaway for my readers will be that love can happen when you least expect it, whether it’s first love, second-chance love, or in what seems like the most ill-timed. Whether in times of sorrow, despair, loneliness, or disillusionment, never lose hope. And the deepest meaning of hope is love.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is Lunch Tales – Suellen, which is due to launch on February 13, 2025. A twenty-eight-year-old single female lawyer working at a prominent law firm bonds in a melange of lunch tales with a cadre of coworker friends who find it hard not to love her despite a sassy disposition and rebellious nature. Another emotional-heavy read that will offer inspiration and hope to readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Asheville, North Carolina. Elizabeth has a dilemma. After celebrating a milestone birthday, the feisty ninety-year-old anxiously contemplates a developer’s lucrative offer for her Blue Ridge Mountain farmhouse. Worried her adult children will pressure her to sell, the lively senior recalls how her journey to this forever home began back in the 50s when she met the man who would become her husband…
Present day. Amanda yearns to stop wasting time. After ending a dead-end, three-year relationship and moving in with her spirited grandmother, the thirty-four-year-old nurse sees her dream of marriage and kids vanishing. But when she meets a handsome widower at a hospital summit, she cautiously lets down her walls.
As Elizabeth’s memories take her back to when she was a hopeful young woman, she reveals how a horrific accident led to the ER and a charming doctor. While Amanda fears the worst when she overhears the enigmatic man she’s fallen for talking on the phone with another woman.
Do both women’s stories lead to a grand legacy and a lifetime of love?
In an emotional rollercoaster that interweaves the two women’s chance at a future, their parallel romances illustrate the power of resilience and hope despite heartbreak. And as one story comes to its twilight years while the other is just beginning, readers will fall hard for this poignant inheritance of happiness.
Elizabeth’s Mountain is an enchanting women’s fiction novel. If you like relatable characters, dual timelines, and multi-generational romance, then you’ll adore Lucille Guarino’s touching tale.
Buy Elizabeth’s Mountain to believe in tomorrow!
Elizabeth’s Mountain
Elizabeth’s Mountain, written by Lucille Guarino, weaves a generational tale set against the backdrop of the 1950s—a period marked by conflict, illness, and hardship. The narrative opens with Elizabeth, a character grappling with personal loss during these turbulent times. Following a tragic bus accident, her path crosses with Joseph, a trauma surgeon. Their shared experiences of pain and trauma forge a bond that evolves into a deep friendship and eventually blossoms into an enduring love. The story then shifts its focus to Amanda, Elizabeth’s granddaughter, who is navigating the aftermath of a failed relationship. At a healthcare convention, Amanda encounters Jesse Taylor, a lawyer, sparking a mutual attraction. However, Amanda’s reluctance to compromise her aspirations in the wake of her past relationship threatens this new potential connection.
Guarino skillfully alternates between the perspectives of these two women, eloquently capturing their journeys through love, trauma, and fear. The resilience of Elizabeth and Amanda as they tackle life’s challenges forms the core of the narrative. The parallel drawn between Elizabeth’s past and Amanda’s present is particularly poignant, influencing Elizabeth’s choices about her treasured mountain home. Their male counterparts, Joseph and Jesse, enrich the story with their steadfast support and commitment. The author addresses themes like PTSD and the lingering effects of trauma with sensitivity, bringing depth and authenticity to her characters. Elizabeth’s Mountain seamlessly merges elements of 1950s historical romance with contemporary storytelling, presenting a rich tapestry of love and perseverance across generations.
Guarino’s exploration of enduring relationships through a lens of historical and contemporary romance, coupled with her well-developed characters, makes this book a noteworthy read for those who are drawn to stories that span different time periods and showcase the complexities of life and love.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CPHFWCHF
Elizabeth’s Mountain
Elizabeth’s Mountain is a poignant and intricately woven narrative that elegantly traces the life of Elizabeth. The story begins in her childhood, capturing a tender romance at eighteen with Robbie, a young man whose life is tragically cut short by war. The novel eloquently navigates Elizabeth’s journey through the depths of grief and her eventual path to healing. A pivotal moment occurs with a tragic bus accident that steers Elizabeth’s life in an unexpected direction. During her recovery in the hospital, she meets Joe, who becomes her future husband. Their romance is depicted with a sense of enchantment, embodying a love that is both pure and enduring.
Parallel to Elizabeth’s story is the tale of her granddaughter, Amanda, who finds herself at a crossroads after ending a lackluster relationship. Amanda’s yearning for a love as profound as her grandmother’s adds a contemporary twist to the narrative. Author Guarino excels in crafting a well-structured story that seamlessly navigates between two distinct timelines. The characters are crafted with care, making them both relatable and endearing, which keeps the reader deeply invested in their journeys. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to juxtapose romantic experiences across generations, highlighting themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of life. While adhering to the conventions of a classic romance novel, Elizabeth’s Mountain steers clear of the grittiness often found in modern narratives. Instead, it celebrates the essence of true love and traditional romance, making it a heartwarming read that honors both romantic and familial bonds.
Elizabeth’s Mountain is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of a well-lived life. Its uplifting nature makes it an ideal read for those seeking solace or a touch of optimism. The book concludes on a note of satisfaction, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CPHFWCHF
LITERARY TITAN 