The Island House
On sale
2nd August 2012
Price: £8.99
Posie Graeme-Evans’ new novel plunges the reader into a past that never dies and a love that reaches out across a thousand years, as a young
archaeologist unearths ancient secrets and Viking treasure on a remote Scottish island. Freya Dane has inherited Findnar, a small island off the east coast of Scotland from her long-estranged father. Michael Dane – like Freya, an archaeologist – has left her research notes and artifacts from the island’s Viking and Christian past. But what he found is only the beginning of a story that began in 800 AD. It is then that Signy, a Pictish girl from the nearby mainland, narrowly escapes dying along with the rest of her family in a Viking raid. Taken in by the survivors from the new Christian monastery on Findnar, she learns their language and their ways – even the mysteries of writing. But before she can take her vows as a nun, she falls in love with Magni. Like Signy, he is a survivor of the raid, but unlike her, he is a proud follower of the Viking way. Forced to choose between her native religion, her adopted faith and the man she loves, Signy’s life is set on a tragic course . . . As the island’s terrifying past is revealed, it seems that Findnar may be as dangerous now in the twenty-first century as it was twelve hundred years ago.
archaeologist unearths ancient secrets and Viking treasure on a remote Scottish island. Freya Dane has inherited Findnar, a small island off the east coast of Scotland from her long-estranged father. Michael Dane – like Freya, an archaeologist – has left her research notes and artifacts from the island’s Viking and Christian past. But what he found is only the beginning of a story that began in 800 AD. It is then that Signy, a Pictish girl from the nearby mainland, narrowly escapes dying along with the rest of her family in a Viking raid. Taken in by the survivors from the new Christian monastery on Findnar, she learns their language and their ways – even the mysteries of writing. But before she can take her vows as a nun, she falls in love with Magni. Like Signy, he is a survivor of the raid, but unlike her, he is a proud follower of the Viking way. Forced to choose between her native religion, her adopted faith and the man she loves, Signy’s life is set on a tragic course . . . As the island’s terrifying past is revealed, it seems that Findnar may be as dangerous now in the twenty-first century as it was twelve hundred years ago.
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Reviews
Posie Graeme-Evans' masterful prose brings vividly to life the colours, sounds, smells and sights of a romantic and thrilling period in history.
Historical fiction gallops to new heights in this debut tale of intrigue, lust and betrayal.
The sequel to THE INNOCENT and every bit as good, with its richly detailed settings, intrigue, adventure and sizzling love affair between King Edward and Lady Anne.
'Her descriptive powers give her tale an assured and authentic touch.'
'A beautifully written book with vivid descriptions and all the delicious elements required for true escapism.'
The reader is taken on a galloping ride through the Middle Ages and the shaky reign of Edward IV, the love of Anne's life. There's lust, conspiracy and impressive historical detail to set the scene.