Rebel's Knot

'Rebel’s Knot' is a well-written historical romance set in Ireland during the 17th Century. If you have heard the expression ‘the curse of Cromwell’ you may have some understanding of the crimes and cruelty committed by English soldiers on Irish soil at this time.
Chryssa Bazos’ heart-rending yet life-affirming story focusses on Niall, an Irish Catholic soldier considered a rebel for his allegiances, and a homeless waif of a girl, Aine (pronounced Anya), whose fragile appearance belies her inner strength. Niall is everything a young hero should be, strong, good-looking and innately kind. Aine is a more complex character, who has suffered physical abuse at the hands of her step-brother and subsequently trusts no man. Add to this interesting couple a large, bristly wolfhound, who often (for me) steals the page with his boundless energy and heart-warming loyalty.
The story takes place primarily in a make-shift, hidden camp, where the Irish rebel troops are mustered waiting for supplies promised by France. This aspect of the story is all based on real events as Bazos explains in her lengthy and very informative Author’s Note at the end of the book. Despite – or perhaps because of – her evident research and thorough grounding in the period, there are no awkward ‘information dumps’ that sometimes interrupt historical novels. Relevant details are conveyed sparingly through dialogue and internal monologues.
Another pleasing aspect of this unusual story is the way the author creates a sense of place. I have never been to Ireland, yet the description of the woodlands and streams, the rain and muddy roads made me feel as if I was there.
Sad, romantic, poetic, yet at times horrifying in its stark portrayal of man’s inhumanity to man, Rebel’s Knot is a definitely worthwhile read. What I particularly carry away with me is the beauty of Ireland and its oral tradition set against Bazos’ perceptive telling of how petty comments made by small-minded people can lead to tragic conclusions. This story, fortunately, ends on a happy note – but to say more would be a spoiler. A recommended read for anyone who enjoys a gently-paced historical romance.

A fey young woman, Áine Callaghan, is the sole survivor of an attack by English marauders. When Irish soldier Niall O’Coneill discovers his own kin slaughtered in the same massacre, he vows to hunt down the men responsible. He takes Áine under his protection and together they reach the safety of an encampment held by the Irish forces in Tipperary.

Hardly a safe haven, the camp is rife with danger and intrigue. Áine is a stranger with the old stories stirring on her tongue and rumours follow her everywhere. The English cut off support to the brigade, and a traitor undermines the Irish cause, turning Niall from hunter to hunted.

When someone from Áine’s past arrives, her secrets boil to the surface—and she must slay her demons once and for all.

As the web of violence and treachery grows, Áine and Niall find solace in each other’s arms. Can their love survive long-buried secrets and the darkness of vengeance?

This is a story of treachery and violence. Love is the most important thing. To survive this treachery is not quite the thing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affected my opinion of this book.

A story set in Ireland with an exciting story. Characters interesting and plenty to keep me wanting to know how it ends. I learnt a lot about the trials of Ireland and would recommend it to be read .

As someone who is not overly familiar with the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland and the English Civil War, when I first began the book I was worried that I would not be able to follow the storyline of this historical romance. Bazos does a fantastic job of giving enough information that a reader with no prior knowledge to the history can just be dropped in without being bogged down with too many details that they feel like they are in a history lecture. In this story we follow Áine Callaghan and Niall O'Coneill.

Áine is a survivor of multiple tragedies in her life. She feels that she does not belong anywhere and has done all that she can to make it; the only person that truly sees her is an Irish soldier, Niall O'Coneill. Niall finds Áine in what remains of his kin's estate after an attack by the English in January 1652. He takes her in to his protection and back to camp. Together they fight to survive as camp politics, battles, and treachery threaten to tear them and the Irish cause apart.

The romance was not heavy handed, but added to the story quite well. Their stories individually drew you in as a reader and made me want to see them succeed together. I was quite excited to learn that this book is actually a part of a series by Bazos, Quest for the Three Kingdoms. Before I even finished this book, I purchased the other two in the series after falling in love with her writing style. Very excited to read more of her work!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you so much to Cryssa Bazos for disrupting my work this week! Instead of working for 3 hours and then reading for an hour over lunch, I’ve been working for 1 hour and reading for 3! But it’s ok, I’ve finished Rebel’s Knot now so I can get on with my life. What a bloody amazing book – again!

I do not usually read stories set in the 17th century, they’re a little out of my comfort zone. However, novels by Cryssa Bazos have definitely earned an exemption. This is Cryssa’s third book set in the civil wars that tore Britain apart during the reign of Charles I. The first was set in England whilst the second followed the exploits of those unfortunates who were forced into indentured servitude in the colonies. This third instalment follows the fortunes of the Irish Catholics who continued to hold on to their resistance to Oliver Cromwell an the Parliamentarians.

Pursuing a form of guerrilla warfare against a much stringer and better equipped English army, the Irish brigades sheltered in Ireland’s forests and depended on the goodwill of the Irish people to survive. Rebel’s Knot tells the story of one such brigade, the harsh conditions they were forced to live under and the political divisions that threatened to destroy their cause.

The heroes of Rebel’s Knot are a young woman, Aine, who has demons in her own past, and Niall, a born soldier who is driven to his limits when his loyalty is questioned. That Aine and Niall come up against a number of enemies, both known and unknown, leaves the reader on the edge of their seats, never quite knowing who is on the heroes’ side – and who isn’t. To prove his own innocence, he must find the real traitor.

The characters are wonderful, vivid creations who draw you in to their story. Cryssa Bazos recreates rural Ireland in great deal, drawing not only on the landscape, but also on the atmosphere and the beauty that is uniquely Ireland. Allusions to the Irish legends of the past serve to draw the reader in even deeper. What a masterpiece!

Rebel’s Knot is a wonderfully fast-paced novel that draws you in. Cleverly written, it leaves you guessing, almost to the very last page, as to the outcome of all the various strands and intrigues. The love story of Aine and Niall is offset by the violence engendered by war and the distrust borne out of the presence of a traitor.

Well, at least now I’ve finished it I can actually get back to work. I love it when a book grabs you like that! If you’re not reading it, you’re thinking about reading it!

It was a pleasure to read!

Ireland, January, 1652. England, under the direction of Oliver Cromwell, has set out in conquest of Ireland in order to stamp out all Royalist support for King Charles II. The novel was fast paced and there was much to learn. My kind of book, as historical fiction is my favorite genre.

Enjoyable and a story that is interesting and likeable. An author I would read again and would recommend.

The story pulled me in within a few chapters. I really didn't know anything about this time period in Ireland. I'm glad to have become acquainted with it, though a lot of it was not pleasant. It was interesting to get a glimpse of everyday life. The main characters had their own personalities and preferences. The romantic aspect was a nicely done.

Their was some connection to the previous book in this series, which I liked. The ending was very satisfying, though I wonder what came next for the people and the place. If the author ever decides to go on with the story I'll be looking forward to it.