Untamed

Helen Kirkman is in my opinion, fabulous. Her writing style is what some call 'stream of consciousness' which is a flow from inside the character like a very deep point of view. I found it to be very unique and a really new way to enjoy a great Romance. She has an excellent handle on the era and I have even gone back and ordered her books that are no longer in print. This story has more of a magical element than her other ones. With a strong medieval feel.

How do you explain fate or destiny? Helen Kirkman does an impressive job of weaving the ferocity of battle in a time when battle grounds won loyalty. What happens when a fierce warrior possesses something more than just valor, loyalty, and courage? What if he possesses an ability that in his time could have him killed as a heretic? Then add to that unwanted "gift" a pretenatural bond to a woman who has been cast out by all humankind as a "hell-rune". She lives amongst wolves, spirits, practices healing arts, and the very land she lives on protects her from any and all intrusion, but for the fierce warrior Macsen, Aurinia is his equal and his salvation. Both will either save one another from the invading Vikings and Anglo-Saxon, or they will doom everyone and everything they hold dear. No matter what direction they choose, neither of their lives will ever be the same. It's an enthralling read from beginning to end. If you have an interest in psychic ability, the way healers have been persecuted throughout time, this will also interest you. It adds a strong dimension to the story line.

In 876 Lady Aurinia lives by herself at Wytch House on the coast of England because her father disowned her. At first she tried to help the nearby villagers of Wareham with her healing powers, but her payment for her kindness was fear that she was a witch. She stopped visiting the village leaving her only human contact with those inside of Wytch House, mostly her steward Huda. The Vikings and King Alfred's troops fight nearby, but Aurinia fears nothing as no one will reach her isolated home whose only path is through wolves that protect her; that is if someone even finds the path. No one has until now as Lord Macsen has accomplished the impossible and not only found the path, but journeyed through the wolves to reach Wytch House as if he was guided by someone else. When Macsen sees Aurinia he is shocked as she is the beauty who has haunted his dreams for months. Though they just have met, both agree to marry right away even as each has doubts. He wonders if she has bewitched him with a love spell and she distrusts all men except Huda and the wolves. Their love will soon be tested when his enemy captures his beloved. The witch, the warrior, and the dark ages - what more could historical romance readers want. UNTAMED is a fine tale of love starring two heroic protagonists struggling to trust their hearts, even as treachery makes each question whether their feelings for the other masquerade a betrayal. Fans will enjoy this fun ninth century tale. Harriet Klausner