Sea Jewel

I read this book when I was a teenager. Now in my late 20's I still find the story wonderfully written. I love the way Freya(the heroine) was written, she was able to face the way she felt about (Alaric) the hero and not hide her feelings like the heroines on so many other books. She was a brave, noble, warm and caring character. Alaric was written very well too. He was tough, a little stern but he really Loved Freya. I like that the author let them express their true feeling for eachother before the ending of the book. It was done very well because it worked into the story line and what transpired after they had made a Love-pledge to eachother. Penelope Neri really told this story in a way that made you feel that you are right their in the story she has created! Wonderful Book!

If you are looking for a Viking epic and a love story extraordinaire then you have found both in this fabulous book by Penelope Neri - but be prepared with tissues handy as it will tear at your heart as obstacles so overwhelming seem to be thrust in the way of true love.It starts with a very brutal Viking leader Thorfast a cold and brutal man, raiding a Saxon stronghold. After witnessing her husband and two young sons viciously slain, the pregnant chieftain's wife bargains for herself and her unborn child's life by agreeing to pleasure him willingly in bed. Thorfast agreed to this but on the way back to his ship sent one of his men back to dispose of her thinking that the `unborn pup' would surely seek revenge some day. Sven, the man sent back, could not complete the deed.It is 879, twenty-three years later Freya the only child of Thorfast, unwanted because she was not a son, is leading a raiding party in an attempt to finally gain some notice and acceptance of her existence by her father. She's buried all traces of femininity in order to be the fierce warrior her father had wanted and expected of a son. Because of a traitor in her raiding party she was taken captive by none other than Alaric, the grown `unborn pup' of the woman whose life had been spared. Alaric will see his hated enemies daughter debased and humiliated as a bedchamber slave in retaliation for the carnage that her father had left so many years before.Freya is made Alaric's slave - and after many bedroom skirmishes and her unsuccessful attempts at escape, they find that the hatred each felt for one another has turned into love. All might have worked out, if not for the jealous madness of Alaric's brother's wife, Kendra. Kendra had always wanted Alaric rather than his gentle brother. After many ploys to make Freya look bad in the eyes of the Alaric, Kendra kills her husband and sets it up to make it look like Freya murdered him. Never realizing that Alaric's brother was a twin, Freya thinks that Kendra has killed Alaric flees. After an adventuresome journey north, Freya meets up with her childhood friend, Olaf. Suspecting that she is pregnant and in a weakened state she agrees to marry Olaf, only to find out much later that Alaric is alive.Quite historical in nature, during the reign of Alfred the Great in the early years of England, this novel is an epic love story that will sweep you into the lives of Alaric and Freya where you will experience all the horror, lust, betrayals, and joy as you enjoy this emotionally charged roller coaster of a novel. The many characters were all interesting and richly drawn out. It was, in a word - superb! This is an out of print book but if you are lucky enough to find copy - I highly recommend that you pick it up! A solid 10 rating!

This book gave me goosebumps from beginning to end. The story goes as follows: The norman warrior Alaric captures Freya, a Viking maid, when her tribe attempts to gain possession of Alaric's home. He then discovers that she is the daughter of his most hated enemy, on whom he long ago swore vengeance for raping his mother when she was with child, and thus sending her mad. He vows that he will employ Freya to get back at her father by making her his lowly bedchamber slave. All does not go according to plan and the two soon find them selves feeling much more than hatred for one another. I have read a number of books by Penelope Neri, all of which I have enjoyed immensly, but this is the best yet!