Dark Under the Cover of Night (The Kingdom of the East … (2025)

If you have read Kathryn Le Veque books because you want to read some Medieval books but found them "too much" (too many characters, series tie-ins, too historical) this might be a good alternative. It is hard to find Early Medieval period books and this one doesn't deal with Vikings, so I was excited to download this one as a Kindle Freebie.
The vernacular mostly reads as more modern, with historical appropriate terms and titles, which makes it more "readable". The author incorporates real historical figures to give it more feel which I liked.
The book is a bit top heavy though with good story and character building, the ending is rushed with characters acting in ways that feel forced for angst because of previous set-ups. I really enjoyed the first half but character make-ups kind of took a dive in the second half and left them feeling only 70% complete instead of fully fleshed out.
The women definitely don't have it easy in this one, one sexy-time scene between hero and heroine (other sex scenes), and not a fully completed romance.
Started off promising but kind of fell apart in ending second half. Definitely a win for a Kindle freebie and fun to visit a different time period.

2 1/2 "Not for me." Stars.

I really liked Caelin and Raedwyn. Both those main character were very likable. They did the absolute best they could under the circumstances. Caelin was one of the only men that exhibited any real honor in this story and even he had his jerkish moment. But the two of them were the highlights and the reason I kept reading. I wanted them to be happy together. Raedwyn almost makes the favorite leading ladies list. But not quite. The story just wouldn't allow that.

This world Ms. Castle has built is not for me. (Though it is probably very accurate to the times.) The writing wasn't bad at all. I just didn't enjoy what was written. The women are too oppressed; with only the whims of men controlling their fates. Most of the men in this story, especially the men of power, ranged from egotistical callous jackasses to down right sadistic and maniacal. I spent most of this book felling impotent rage. Not my idea of a good time. So I think I'll leave this series at that. Happy reading!

Dark Under the Cover of Night (The Kingdom of the East Angles Book 1 https://amzn.to/2JSrR1m I'm going to take a break from this story. I'm at 68% and the sexual tension and chemistry are just too low. I will say that the book has an interesting plot and I did like some of the back-and-forth interactions between the two MCs. In fact, I thought the first 60% was worth reading the story. But the book is stuttering at this point and in need of a reason to keep readers thinking of it as a romance. Romance isn't all about the sex, and that's not what is hindering this one. But those two characters need to be doing something together in a way that keeps them connected, even if only via thoughts about one another.

UPDATE: I finished more of this book because I wanted to see Raedwyn and Caelin's happy ending. As expected, they got their HEA. But for me, this couple's romance was emotionally upstaged by an event surrounding some of the secondary characters. At the same time, the remainder of the story has some engaging twists and turns. Would I recommend this book? Well, it's the first book in the series, and as I mentioned it does have some positives going for it, especially that first 60% or so. If you're reader that's not too fussed or maybe not too picky about the emotional strength of a romance, then I would say you could enjoy this book as a medieval adventure.

This is an absorbing, exciting, historically-driven novel that takes a mix of fiction and non-fiction characters and threads a romance through turbulent times. The first thing I do when I start a Jayne Castel novel is tap into Wikipedia and look up details on the monarchs mentioned. Raedwald was a true Anglo-Saxon king of East Anglia from c. 599 to 624. Once I knew that Raedwald was the king most likely to be the subject of the ship burial where the famed Sutton Hoo helmet was found -and that the novel picks up about one year before his death - I knew I was in for an adventure.

The Sutton Hoo Helmet. Source Wikipedia: Raedwald of East Anglia

Raedwyn, the beloved daughter of King Raedwald, is at the heart of the fictional love story. Shortly after her marriage to an ealderman of her father's, they are ambushed and she is abducted to be held as a threat against her father. Raedwald must meet Ceolwulf in battle or Raedwyn dies. However, Raedwyn is feisty and smart and manages to get away from her captors. Ceolwulf's son, Caelin, is the talented tracker who finds her. Their alone time sparks an attraction and when Caelin realizes that Raedwyn is likely to be killed no matter what their fathers do, he takes matters into his own hands.

"Caelin watched the sunrise, knowing it was likely to be his last. The knowledge made this spectacular dawn all the more poignant......but knowing his father as he did, Caelin was sure Raedwyn would not have survived Ceolwulf's vengeance."

This novel went in such unexpected directions that I was completely fascinated. Slavery, deceit, betraying family secrets, and a maturing prince all wrap around the intriguing story line. Hero Caelin is not infallible and Raedwyn finds she must adapt to survive. Author Castel doesn't sugarcoat the position of women in Dark Ages society. Nor does she shy away from the violence of battle or the emotions that accompany preparing for possible death and the aftermath of being victor or vanquished. Women find they have to live with the consequences of decisions not their own and men in charge have to live with the blood of many on their hands.

I like the balance between romance and history this author achieves. Raedwyn discovers she is lucky to have an opportunity for love and Caelin determines she is the only important thing. Their path is not easy, their love is forbidden and many are fighting against them.

Note: Sexual content, including attempted rape.

This book is currently free on Amazon.

Book source: Amazon freebie.

If there is anyone out there who still thinks that self-published books aren’t as good as Traditionally published books, they should read this one—bearing in mind that it is historical romance of course. The point is that this is beautifully crafted and expertly edited. It’s tight and streamlined. There is not a word out of place and not a hint of anything extraneous. The plot is such that I literally couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in one afternoon and evening, and I loved it every moment of it.

The story is as gritty as the era it is set in—the year 624 AD—where women are for pleasure and breeding, and belong either to their fathers, their husbands or, if both are dead, to their brothers. The men are Warriors, they have to be, but some of them are brutal and cruel as well. The question is, will our heroine escape the brutal ones and find a man who can love her the way a woman is meant to be loved.

Blurb
Raedwyn, the fiery daughter of Raedwald King of the East Angles, has just been married to a man old enough to be her father. It is a political alliance and on her wedding night, Raedwyn realizes with disappointment that theirs will be a loveless marriage. However, fate has other plans for Raedwyn the Fair.

Outlaws ambush her new husband's party on their journey back to his long ship and Raedwyn finds herself captive of a bitter, vengeful warrior - Ceolwulf the Exiled. Ceolwulf has a score to settle with King Raedwald and Raedwyn is his bargaining tool.

Caelin, Ceolwulf’s enigmatic son, follows his father on his quest for revenge. Fiercely loyal to her own father, Raedwyn isn't prepared for her wild attraction to Caelin - or for its consequences. Theirs is a passion that could tear a kingdom apart...

The characters are rich, complex and believable, and both Raedwyn and Caelin had my sympathy from the beginning of the book. In many ways Raedwyn has the sensibilities of a modern woman, she wants to be respected, not used, but she is trapped as much by the time she lives in as by her father’s wishes.

The few sex scenes are brief and powerful, but never gratuitous.

This is a must read for historical romance lovers and it’s an excellent one for anyone who doesn’t usually read that genre but would like to try it.

A story of dark ages Britain when even royal women had few rights and slaves had none. Betrayals occurred at all levels and assassinations were frequent. Still this book was well written and a pleasure to read. I stayed up all night to finish it! I didn't even see the end coming - bonus! Highly recommend to any historical fiction reader.

I believe that this is considered a classic historical romance, where everyone is dirty and cold, the men out-number the women 3-to-1, and even the English have strange names. Not really my preferred genre, but it got good reviews from my GR friends, so I figured I'd give it a try.

The story was good and well written. A simple plot for simpler times. Women were married off for political gain, and the lucky ones found someone tolerable or better as their mate. The rest were doomed to being beaten or ignored.

This book confirms that this is not my genre, as the love story was too obvious, and there wasn't enough sex to ward off the cold. The heroine was strong, but still trapped by the confines of the day.

If you like this time period, you will probably like this book.

DNF 65%

I had high expectations for this book. The first third of the book is quite good. But then I realized characters were annoying at best, despicable at worst. The main female character, Raedwyn, either erupts with rage or can barely contain her tears. The first is supposedly showing us that she is strong; the second that she is sensitive. Her father, the King, and his enemy both behave like irrational vindictive teenagers. Why doesn't anyone stop and think about the consequence(s) of their actions/words?

The only exception was the hero, Caelin, but he could not carry the whole story.

Wow....I loved it !!!
This was an excellent read from beginning to end .The story revolves around Raedwyn beloved daughter to King of the East Angles. She is given in marriage for political alliance but still holds onto the hope of a love match. On her wedding night she finds out that the possibility of love is not likely because of her new husband's rough treatment. On the journey to her husband's home they are attacked by an enemy of her father. What happens to Raedwyn after this is a nightmare but expected in this time period. Men took what they wanted,killed who they pleased,and woman had no say in anything. It is a world that a woman has to find a way to survive in. Raedwyn never loses her will and is strong and brave even when her own father loses faith in her. I enjoyed every part of this story and will be reading the next book in this series.

I really enjoyed this novel. The story was very well written and historically sound. I am particularly interested in the history of the early Britain and Castel's story, pulled from a few lines in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, rang true. I am looking forward to more of the series.

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.

Not my favorite of Jayne Castel

Three stars
not in tested in rest of series
A lot of emotions, personal hurt, accusations of treachery. Raegwald married his daughter to two bad choices. I guess three is the charm for Raedwyn.

Dark Under the Cover of Night was a great story. Raedwyn is the fictional daughter of real life King Raedwald of the East Angles. Castel masterfully wove historical fact into Raedwyn’s story, breathing life into people of the past and incorporating them into the dangerous yet beautiful world she has created.

Raedwyn, daughter of Raedwald, King of the East Angles, and Caelin, son of Ceowulf the Exiled, are both caught up in their father’s feud. During their few days together when Raedwyn is held captive by Ceowulf and his men, an undeniable attraction forms between Caelin and Raedwyn. Their love is forbidden, their path to being together is treacherous. They both understand the risks of them being together and try hard to stay away from each other, fighting what their hearts want, but ultimately they are drawn to each other despite their best efforts. Love always finds its way, however, and they manage to be together.

Now, for a historical romance, it was definitely light on the physical romance side of things. There were two sex scenes in the entire novel – the first Raedwyn’s disappointing ‘first time’ when she consummates her marriage to her first husband, Cynric the Bold, thus losing her virginity. The second was when she and Caelin, after a lot of sexual tension, finally enjoy each other. I kind of expected more love scenes, instead, Castel seemed to focus on the forbidden part of Raedwyn and Caelin’s relationship rather than their actual being together.

Castel wrote an enthralling, emotive story. There were some parts that were slow (there always are slow parts in novels though, let’s be honest), but for the most part, the novel was exciting and intriguing. Notably poignant was Raedwald’s death and burial – Raedwyn didn’t get her chance to make peace with her father before his death. I kind of liked this – the regret, the never spoken words – but I’m a psycho who likes ready depressing moments like that. I enjoy when not everything goes favourably for the MC by the end of the book. It’s a little bit of realism – life’s not fair, not even in fiction.

My heart broke when Raedwald didn’t believe Raedwyn over the words of his enemies, and my frustration with him turned to anger when he arranged a horrific marriage for Raedwyn (to a famously dangerous man rumoured to have killed his previous wife!!) just to spite her for ‘being a whore’. WHY did Raedwald believe his foes over his daughter who had never given him a reason to doubt her? Yes, his wife had cheated on him in the past, it hurt him, it started the feud between him and Ceowulf. BUT his enemies were the one saying his daughter whored herself to them … Despite any residual bad feelings he held towards his wife, the two situations were vastly different and, again WHY believe your enemies over your daughters? An obvious scheme to get under Raedwald’s skin, and as an experienced warlord he should’ve recognised that.

This novel was a beautiful historical romance, action-packed, historically accurate, with gorgeous romantic scenes. I didn’t understand why some readers complained of the oppression of women in the story; yes, the women were oppressed by the men, but this is accurate to the time period (the story is set in the 7th century). It’s a fact, at that point in time, women were told who to marry, their lives were mostly controlled by the whim of their fathers or other prominent men in their lives if their fathers were dead or absent. I dislike over-modernised characters in historical novels – Castel’s characters were believable and realistic because she kept their behaviour true to the time period.

Lies, Treachery and Mortal Danger

Jayne Castel not only an excellent writer, she's also detailed historian. Which is probably why Dark Under the Cover of Night is so brutal. After all, seventh century Britannia was a brutal and deadly time. Men waged war and died. Those same men controlled the lives of all women. Basically women were chattel, even those born to royalty.

As you can guess from the start of my review, I had a difficult time with the darkness in this book. I loved the hero and heroine, especially their first meeting, and their undeniable attraction. Sadly, they each suffered at the hands others. They were lights struggling not to let darkness overtake them. Thankfully, they find their happy ending and it is sweet, but not without some sorrow.

Content 411: This book contains violent scenes, vulgar slurs and some swearing. There is also a brutal marital scene and a consensual sex scene.

I picked up this book because: 1) it was free, 2) its set in Anglia (my home) and 3) people on the romance subreddit say this author is legit amazing.

I've steered away from reading this author previously because her ebooks are so expensive... but dear reader... it's WORTH IT! I could not put this book down, and although the romance was so-so (mostly just these two gagging for it right off the bat) the story and characters were so engrossing I was 100% on the ride.

You can tell this author knows her stuff, she researches the hell out of this period and her knowledge and passion shines through. And anybody who is interested, you can still walk through ancient barrows and see the burial treasures of these people at our modern day Suffolk, at Sutton Hoo. I thought of the Sutton Hoo king's mask during the battle scene of course haha.

Cannot wait to read more!

Three times the charm

Raedwyn is the daughter of King Raedwald. She has older brothers and cousins. Her life is ideal and filled with love, at least that is how it appears. Her father betrothes her to an older warrior, Cynric, but he is still strong and handsome. She has romantic feelings of how wonderful her life will be. But from there she is widowed and kidnapped. There are so many surprises and heartaches in this chapter of the kingdom of the East Angelia. I won't say any more since I don't want to give anything away. The only thing I wish I could read more about Raedwyn's life.

3.5 stars

I felt totally immersed in Anglo-Saxon England. The author did a great job at bringing this time period to life. And extra points for writing a historical romance that doesn't take place in Regency England!

Despite that, I'm not sure I'd actually classify this as a historical romance. More historical fiction. Sure, there is a romantic subplot, but it was so underdeveloped that I was unsure why it was even included in the story. The main characters spent 75% of the book apart, and really only commented on each other's physical appearance a couple of times. There was very little connection between them.

I love historical romance, particularly Medieval and Regency, and am thrilled to find an author who weaves fact and fiction together for Dark Ages romances. This was a brutal age in which to live. Women were nothing but chattel, and the heroine, Raedwyn manages to get her heart's desire. There is brutal violence in this book. However, it is necessary for a more accurate portrayal of this barbaric period of history. I'm glad I didn't live back then! I plan on reading more of Castel's interesting novels.

This was interesting- a good read. I would say 3 1/2 stars. Could have used a bit more romantic tension - little bit light on the ~sizzle~ which would have really made the story shine.

Dark under the cover of night

I'm not a fan of pagan history and beliefs, but I enjoyed the story of the two main characters of this book. Great job.

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/9/2021)! 🎁

Note for me, I read this in the collection

Good Read

This author is one of my favorite. Ideally enjoyed the story. Very interesting characters and good plot. Full story but does end in way to continue in the next book.

I love Jayne Castle, and this one didn't disappoint. A light fast historical romance. Just the medicine for a rainy day read.

*I’d like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

198 pages.
Stand alone

The setting is 7th Century Britannia, a brutal period in time when Kingdom’s rose and fell through treachery or the weight of a mighty sword. Marriages too were forged to strengthen political alliances with little or no thought given to the fate of the women, their wants and needs inconsequential.

Raedwyn, daughter of King Raedwald and Queen Saexwyn is proud, strong and wilful, like her father – shared characteristics that would eventually set father and daughter against each other. Saexwyn is as bound as her daughter to obey her husband while preparing Raedwyn for a life of sacrifice. In a political move Raedwald marries his daughter off to Cynric the Bold. Hope blooms in her chest but is soon shattered at his cruel treatment. The future indeed looks bleak.

However, fate has other plans for Raedwyn the Fair.

Cynric is dispatched quickly by Raedwalds old friend now arch enemy Ceowulf the Exiled and Raedwyn is taken as a ransom hostage. It’s here she meets a grown up Cailen, Ceowulf's son, a boy she knew fleetingly when they were children. Raedwyn escapes her captors but events take a turn for the worse when her father believes the lies told about her while she was in captivity. In amidst this vengeful war between their fathers Raedwyn and Caelin fall in love, a love that seems doomed from the beginning as their loyalties are tested time and again.

Raedwald announces yet another political marriage and tensions escalate between father and daughter. Raedwyn’s future has never looked bleaker...

This novella is not as brutal as others I've read but don’t expect it to be wrapped up in a pretty bow either.

Dark under the Cover of Night is gritty storytelling. It kept me riveted beginning to end – WARNING – except the one rape scene that served to emphasise the helpless plight of women who had absolutely no control over their own lives and even less say in the way they were treated.

I was disappointed to miss out on the fight between two mighty warriors King Raedwald and Ceowulf since their bitter feud was so pivotal to the story and with good reason. No I'm not blood thirsty I'm just sayin'.

Wonderful storytelling, perfect details and characters that are true to their time.

Loved this book! I'm fascinated with the history of my ancestors way of life. The description of life in this century as painted by the author brought it to life. Happily absent was the normal bodice-ripping sexualized encounters which in other novels can last several pages. I loved the romance without all the lurid details. If you really need that, shop Amazon's erotica selection. This book didn't need that. It was a truly good story with just enough romance. And the accurate historical details were the crowning touch. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!

A terrific book about a line of East Anglians I knew little to nothing about but plan to learn more. There are 2 more books in this series and I plan to get them, immediately.

Recommended for all who enjoy traveling back to a dark and mostly invisible past. Rædwald and his successors, his son Eorpwald and stepson Sigeberht lived and ruled in the 7th century. Reading this tale and looking through Bede and the Anglo Saxon Chronicle has made them come alive, again, at least for me.The heroine, Raedwyn, is timeless.

"A.D. 617. This year was Ethelfrith, king of the Northumbrians, slain by Redwald, king of the East-Angles; and A.D. 632. This year was Orpwald baptized. "

I really enjoyed this novel. In fact I started reading slower and slower because I didn't want it to end. The romance is delightful with characters that I really cared about - I was constantly worrying about their situations! The plot is compelling, the twists kept me guessing, but everything is very natural and I felt like these were real people with problems I could totally sympathize with despite being separated by nearly two thousand years of history.
Life in ancient Britain, the language and customs, were cleverly entwined in the story and I could quickly make sense of their world.
I will be definitely looking for more in this series.

Ancient Britain Adventure🏰 🔪

ADULT Historical Medieval🏰 Romance 💕 and Adventure with Betrayal and Kidnapping.

This is an epic novel of warring kings and The daughter of one of them that is used as a pawn.

Great story! Great world 🌎building and research done by the author! I did have a little trouble with some of the names sounding similar and somewhat alike when I listened to the book with my kindle ereader voice, Joey.

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include DARK UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT (The Kingdom of the East Angles #1) by JAYNE CASTEL in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approvalrecipients.

3.5 stars.