Between Two Fires: A Novel

Mark Noce

Aug 2016 · Queen Branwen Book 1 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

Between Two Fires: A Novel by Mark Noce is a Historical Romance set in the late 6th Century. Written in first person, which is not my favorite, but Mr. Noce made it work fairly well. This is the story of Lady Branwen, her many admirers, a mysterious traitor, the fight to preserve the Welsh from Saxon invaders, a desire follow her own heart, but she faces many obstacles. Assassination attempts, courtly intrigue, betrayal, passion, mystery, suspense, and faces the ultimate sacrifice, herself, to save her beloved country, her child, and her beloved husband. Steady paced, but at times, hard to understand, it is a very complex story, as alliances are switched quickly and often. The reader is kept guessing as to the spy within Branwen's court and I was a bit shocked as to who one of the betrayers and why. A very complex tale, with many twists and turns . An interesting Historical Fiction. Received for an honest review from Net Galley. Rating: 4 Heat rating: Mild, due to violence Reviewed by: AprilR

I was left hanging when cream dapple mountain pony, Gwenhwyfar took a spear to the rump..poor Gwenhwyfar 😢

About the author

MARK NOCE writes historical fiction with a passion. His books include Between Two Fires. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has been an avid traveler and backpacker. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. He also writes short fiction online. When not reading or writing, he's probably listening to U2, sailing his dad's boat, or gardening with his family. He is the author of Between Two Fires.