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Legacy of the Mist Clans #1
Mist Warrior
An alternative cover edition of ASIN B00ALD1DIE.
When he was twelve, his name was Branan Strickland. He was the heir to the Wardenship of Inglewood, a title to govern a Royal Forest and the land around it. But Branan's father was an abusive sod, beating Branan and his mother for sheer sport.
Until the night when his father's fist landed on the side of his mother's head - a wound that would kill her in a few short hours. Devastated, Branan spent those last hours with her. Just when he thought his world couldn't shatter any more, his mother told him the truth of his heritage.
Branan was not Strickland's son, he was the son of a Scottish Larid, Raulf MacTavish. Strickland had murdered Branan's true sire and forced his mother into marriage.
Raina MacTavish had just learned she was breeding when Strickland killed the man she loved more than life. Had she not carried Branan, she would have willingly died. Raina had told no one but Raulf of her breeding. After Strickland bedded her, a couple of months later, Raina announced her pregnancy. She did so only because she feared if Strickland knew Branan's true sire, the blackguard would slay her babe - the last link to her beloved husband.
But now she is dying. Raina knows she must tell Branan the truth. Her heart grieves, she can no longer protect him, but there is a family nearby who once called Raulf and Raina friend.
Raina also knows Branan is growing into the spitting image of his true sire. Soon, Strickland will see his old enemy staring back at him.
Branan has one chance to reclaim what was stolen from him, his title and his father's stolen sword, a huge Scottish claymore with an emerald set in the pommel and a thistle engraved on its hilt. He knows he must learn the ways of a knight and grow stronger. But Strickland discovers the boy's heritage and tries to kill him.
Now on the run and wounded, Branan fears Strickland will catch him. He seeks cover in a forest when an intriguing lass with bright blue eyes finds him. To his shock, the girl knows the forest better than anyone. Her name is Catriona and she is part of the family his mother told him about. The girl leads him to safety.
Branan's trials are only beginning, while he finds a brief respite with Catriona's family, Strickland does not give up his quest. Branan is forced to flee to his father's lands in Scotland. He abandons Catriona in the dead of night and leaves his beloved foster family behind.
10 years later, Branan's foster-brother, Gavin, searches for Branan in Scotland. Gavin finds him and tells Branan, if he wishes to reclaim his legacy, the time to act is now. But Gavin has more news and Branan is devastated again when he learns Catriona has been betrothed to another man.
But Branan's his heart is not prepared for what greets him when he returns to England. The home of Branan's foster family and Gavin's parents, has been burned to the ground. In the ashes, Gavin finds his father's signet ring.
Catriona...what has happened to her? Many of the local villagers believe her dead as well, but rumors abound, one woman may have escaped fire to flee to the forest....
When he was twelve, his name was Branan Strickland. He was the heir to the Wardenship of Inglewood, a title to govern a Royal Forest and the land around it. But Branan's father was an abusive sod, beating Branan and his mother for sheer sport.
Until the night when his father's fist landed on the side of his mother's head - a wound that would kill her in a few short hours. Devastated, Branan spent those last hours with her. Just when he thought his world couldn't shatter any more, his mother told him the truth of his heritage.
Branan was not Strickland's son, he was the son of a Scottish Larid, Raulf MacTavish. Strickland had murdered Branan's true sire and forced his mother into marriage.
Raina MacTavish had just learned she was breeding when Strickland killed the man she loved more than life. Had she not carried Branan, she would have willingly died. Raina had told no one but Raulf of her breeding. After Strickland bedded her, a couple of months later, Raina announced her pregnancy. She did so only because she feared if Strickland knew Branan's true sire, the blackguard would slay her babe - the last link to her beloved husband.
But now she is dying. Raina knows she must tell Branan the truth. Her heart grieves, she can no longer protect him, but there is a family nearby who once called Raulf and Raina friend.
Raina also knows Branan is growing into the spitting image of his true sire. Soon, Strickland will see his old enemy staring back at him.
Branan has one chance to reclaim what was stolen from him, his title and his father's stolen sword, a huge Scottish claymore with an emerald set in the pommel and a thistle engraved on its hilt. He knows he must learn the ways of a knight and grow stronger. But Strickland discovers the boy's heritage and tries to kill him.
Now on the run and wounded, Branan fears Strickland will catch him. He seeks cover in a forest when an intriguing lass with bright blue eyes finds him. To his shock, the girl knows the forest better than anyone. Her name is Catriona and she is part of the family his mother told him about. The girl leads him to safety.
Branan's trials are only beginning, while he finds a brief respite with Catriona's family, Strickland does not give up his quest. Branan is forced to flee to his father's lands in Scotland. He abandons Catriona in the dead of night and leaves his beloved foster family behind.
10 years later, Branan's foster-brother, Gavin, searches for Branan in Scotland. Gavin finds him and tells Branan, if he wishes to reclaim his legacy, the time to act is now. But Gavin has more news and Branan is devastated again when he learns Catriona has been betrothed to another man.
But Branan's his heart is not prepared for what greets him when he returns to England. The home of Branan's foster family and Gavin's parents, has been burned to the ground. In the ashes, Gavin finds his father's signet ring.
Catriona...what has happened to her? Many of the local villagers believe her dead as well, but rumors abound, one woman may have escaped fire to flee to the forest....
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2012
31 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Loch
23 books84 followersKathryn Loch has been active in the publishing community since 1996. She has actively held offices such as president and treasurer in her local writer's guild. The guild hosts an annual writers conference bringing in respected NY editors, agents and published authors to educate, network, and inform. She published her first novel, Primal Entities: Chaos, a medieval fantasy romance, in 2001 and is now exploring the market with e-books.
Kathryn is not only an award winning author but a successful table-top gaming miniature painter. While trying to paint the eyeballs on something smaller than your thumb is never easy, Kathryn enjoys the creative endeavors of both industries and challenge they provide.
Kathryn is not only an award winning author but a successful table-top gaming miniature painter. While trying to paint the eyeballs on something smaller than your thumb is never easy, Kathryn enjoys the creative endeavors of both industries and challenge they provide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 13, 2013
Oh what a magnificent read! I'm becoming very fond of historical romances.
This is a great story of love (of course), loss, murder, revenge and finally the HEA.
Branan's father was murdered by the man who then forced his mother to marry him and eventually killed her. He was taken in by a family and fell in love even as a child, with their daughter, Catroina.
Many years later, Branon returns to claim his rightful heritage and place, thereby ridding the land of the evi and much hated step-father who terrorised the people and stole their money through increased taxes.
The love story is masterfully interwoven with the social and economic politics of the time, and the issues that plague Branon's human heart, like avenging his parents' deaths and reclaiming what is rightfully his.
Other serious issues within the story deal with post traumatic stress and battling the demons within, all the while always keeping the hope of love alive.
A fabulous read!
This is a great story of love (of course), loss, murder, revenge and finally the HEA.
Branan's father was murdered by the man who then forced his mother to marry him and eventually killed her. He was taken in by a family and fell in love even as a child, with their daughter, Catroina.
Many years later, Branon returns to claim his rightful heritage and place, thereby ridding the land of the evi and much hated step-father who terrorised the people and stole their money through increased taxes.
The love story is masterfully interwoven with the social and economic politics of the time, and the issues that plague Branon's human heart, like avenging his parents' deaths and reclaiming what is rightfully his.
Other serious issues within the story deal with post traumatic stress and battling the demons within, all the while always keeping the hope of love alive.
A fabulous read!
August 24, 2015
FICKLED AND UNBELIEVABLE STORY!!
I really didn't like Mist Warriors and was thankful it was free on Kindle Unlimited. The story of Branan MacTavish at age 12 starts out interesting enough with is abused mother dying in his arms. Raina Strickland has suffer beatings at the hands of her 2nd husband William Strickland, this last blow to her head has killed her. Before Raina dies she tells her son Branan about his real father Raulf MacTavish and his true legacy. Raina explains why she let him think Strickland was his abusive father. She did want him to kill Branan, she also tells him that Strickland murder his father and why she had to marry him. This part of the story is good and that's why I gave 2 stars instead of 1 or really 0 stars.
The story starts to get a little Fickle and not make a lot of sense after the beginning. For 10 years after his mother death Branan has escaped his step fathers attempts to kill and so he can claim is title as Warden of the Royal Forest of Inglewood which is in England. Branan is also, been found by his uncle Duguald and raised up to take his place as Laird of the MacTavish holdings and lands. OK but how can he be the Lord Warden in England and a Laird in Scotland? Since it took 3 weeks of travel from Scotland to England in the book how would this work. Branan would have to give up one of his titles to govern properly. Anyway when Branan first escapes after his mother death he is foster by his parents best friend John
de Reigny.. de Reigny has two children Gavin and Caitrionia and Branan lives with them for 2 yrs. He has fallen in love with Caitrionia but his uncle finds him and they steal off in the night taken Branan to safety with the help of John de Reigny. 10years later Caitronia has been betroth to a very rich and powerful young man Richard de Courey. Branan has returned after Gavin finds him an tell him its time for him to take revenge on Strickland and claim his title as Warden and take back his lands. As soon as they arrive back in England they find that Gavin and Caitriona's Keep has been burned to the ground and Gavins parents with it. They find Caitrionia just before she is attacked by Stricklands men and save her. Months pass with Caitriona and Branan living together and rekindling there love. Branan even ask her to marry him twice and she refuses because they need Richard de Coureys money and power to support Branan's claim to the wardenship and to hire mercenaries to fight for him. To my surprise she marries Richard a man she strongly dislikes and dreads there wedding night. All she can think about is her love for Branan of course Branan is devastated and leaves promptly after the wedding. Richard is murder just before he and Catriona consummate there marriage, byt Strickland's men. Branan, Gavin and Dugald fight there way to save Catriona. The same night her and Branan make love and hand fast the next day. What the Heck???
I am so sorry I invested my time reading this nonsense. Wherever the author Kathryn Lock was going with this story was just a bit too far and unbelievable!! Don't waste your time on this one!!
I really didn't like Mist Warriors and was thankful it was free on Kindle Unlimited. The story of Branan MacTavish at age 12 starts out interesting enough with is abused mother dying in his arms. Raina Strickland has suffer beatings at the hands of her 2nd husband William Strickland, this last blow to her head has killed her. Before Raina dies she tells her son Branan about his real father Raulf MacTavish and his true legacy. Raina explains why she let him think Strickland was his abusive father. She did want him to kill Branan, she also tells him that Strickland murder his father and why she had to marry him. This part of the story is good and that's why I gave 2 stars instead of 1 or really 0 stars.
The story starts to get a little Fickle and not make a lot of sense after the beginning. For 10 years after his mother death Branan has escaped his step fathers attempts to kill and so he can claim is title as Warden of the Royal Forest of Inglewood which is in England. Branan is also, been found by his uncle Duguald and raised up to take his place as Laird of the MacTavish holdings and lands. OK but how can he be the Lord Warden in England and a Laird in Scotland? Since it took 3 weeks of travel from Scotland to England in the book how would this work. Branan would have to give up one of his titles to govern properly. Anyway when Branan first escapes after his mother death he is foster by his parents best friend John
de Reigny.. de Reigny has two children Gavin and Caitrionia and Branan lives with them for 2 yrs. He has fallen in love with Caitrionia but his uncle finds him and they steal off in the night taken Branan to safety with the help of John de Reigny. 10years later Caitronia has been betroth to a very rich and powerful young man Richard de Courey. Branan has returned after Gavin finds him an tell him its time for him to take revenge on Strickland and claim his title as Warden and take back his lands. As soon as they arrive back in England they find that Gavin and Caitriona's Keep has been burned to the ground and Gavins parents with it. They find Caitrionia just before she is attacked by Stricklands men and save her. Months pass with Caitriona and Branan living together and rekindling there love. Branan even ask her to marry him twice and she refuses because they need Richard de Coureys money and power to support Branan's claim to the wardenship and to hire mercenaries to fight for him. To my surprise she marries Richard a man she strongly dislikes and dreads there wedding night. All she can think about is her love for Branan of course Branan is devastated and leaves promptly after the wedding. Richard is murder just before he and Catriona consummate there marriage, byt Strickland's men. Branan, Gavin and Dugald fight there way to save Catriona. The same night her and Branan make love and hand fast the next day. What the Heck???
I am so sorry I invested my time reading this nonsense. Wherever the author Kathryn Lock was going with this story was just a bit too far and unbelievable!! Don't waste your time on this one!!
February 24, 2014
Mist Warrior - I've never read this author before but I liked her writing style. She did a good job in developing the story and characters, without making the main characters fall in love and having sex within 2 minutes of meeting (that's always a pet peeve of mine. For being such a short book, 186 pages, it turned out to be a great story. The hero & heroine we likable and I was able to get attached to them. I will be reading the next book in the series. :)
April 24, 2019
Mist Warrior is the first book in the Legacy of the Mist Clans series. This is not my first time entering a world created by the author so I had high expectations. The story did not disappoint.
Mist Warrior is a story of loss, love and revenge.
Witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of the man whom he believed was his father could not have been easy for Brenan. Then to make the situation worse he learnt that the same man murdered his biological father. Filled with rage Brenan is on the run as his enemy was determined to end his life and steal his legacy. His journey took him to his father’s land in Scotland. After 10 years of being on the rum, the time came for him to return to England and reclaim his birthright. However, tragedy and mayhem greeted him on his return and he found himself thrust into what would become greatest battle of his life.
I loved this story. Well written and engaging, which came as no surprise. I had difficulty putting it down. The descriptive details as it relates to the medieval times, the characters, the language, customs, and the battles had me turning the pages.
I enjoyed the romance, but I was disappointed with how it worked out in the end. The heroine (Catriona) was betrothed to someone else while in love with the hero (Brenan). The journey to their HEA was rife with jealousy, angst and danger.
The characters helped to drive the story. I admired Catriona for her strength, devotion and her archery skills. She is strong willed, a trait her betrothed despised. He underestimated her ability to take care of herself and tried everything to make her feel inferior, but he failed in his attempts. She carries the guilt of her parent’s death as she felt she did not do enough to save them. She saw Branan has her means of getting justice and she willingly accepts her betrothed treatment to see this happen. There were times, however where she acted like a whiny child and It was those moments I wanted to shake her. Thank goodness, these occurrences were rare.
Branan has a temper, which was fueled by his need for revenge, which he needs to keep under control or he risks becoming like his stepfather. He despises men who abuse women and occurrences like these fuel his anger. It was a stark reminder of what his mother endured prior to her death.
The secondary characters added provided great support to hero and heroine, whether as a friend, a loyal servant, bodyguard or enemy.
Narration
Brian J Gill narrated the story, and I thought he did an excellent job. He voiced both genders and the Scottish accents well. I would definitely listen to more of his work.
Conclusion/Recommendation
A good listen and I look forward to listening/reading the next book in the series.
Mist Warrior is a story of loss, love and revenge.
Witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of the man whom he believed was his father could not have been easy for Brenan. Then to make the situation worse he learnt that the same man murdered his biological father. Filled with rage Brenan is on the run as his enemy was determined to end his life and steal his legacy. His journey took him to his father’s land in Scotland. After 10 years of being on the rum, the time came for him to return to England and reclaim his birthright. However, tragedy and mayhem greeted him on his return and he found himself thrust into what would become greatest battle of his life.
I loved this story. Well written and engaging, which came as no surprise. I had difficulty putting it down. The descriptive details as it relates to the medieval times, the characters, the language, customs, and the battles had me turning the pages.
I enjoyed the romance, but I was disappointed with how it worked out in the end. The heroine (Catriona) was betrothed to someone else while in love with the hero (Brenan). The journey to their HEA was rife with jealousy, angst and danger.
The characters helped to drive the story. I admired Catriona for her strength, devotion and her archery skills. She is strong willed, a trait her betrothed despised. He underestimated her ability to take care of herself and tried everything to make her feel inferior, but he failed in his attempts. She carries the guilt of her parent’s death as she felt she did not do enough to save them. She saw Branan has her means of getting justice and she willingly accepts her betrothed treatment to see this happen. There were times, however where she acted like a whiny child and It was those moments I wanted to shake her. Thank goodness, these occurrences were rare.
Branan has a temper, which was fueled by his need for revenge, which he needs to keep under control or he risks becoming like his stepfather. He despises men who abuse women and occurrences like these fuel his anger. It was a stark reminder of what his mother endured prior to her death.
The secondary characters added provided great support to hero and heroine, whether as a friend, a loyal servant, bodyguard or enemy.
Narration
Brian J Gill narrated the story, and I thought he did an excellent job. He voiced both genders and the Scottish accents well. I would definitely listen to more of his work.
Conclusion/Recommendation
A good listen and I look forward to listening/reading the next book in the series.
March 5, 2013
**3.5**
I should probably preface this with saying that I was reading this at a time when I was kind of distracted with other things in my life so I wasn't able to throw myself into the book like I usually do, which probably prevented me from becoming as caught up in the story as I have been with Loch's other books. However, despite this, I did still enjoy the book.
Loch again seems to have chosen a "theme" for her main characters and built the story around that. I think this focus on a single theme really gives her characters this sense of purpose that drives the story and makes things feel like they have a natural progression. For Branan it was need for revenge due to the abuse he suffered at the hands of Strickland and the murder of his parents by the same man. And on a smaller scale, for Catriona is was the sense of desertion by Branan when he had to flee with his uncle. For both of the characters their lives are shaped and driven by those experiences that caused these feelings and fears. As with Loch's other books, the characters have a sincerity about them that makes them feel real and relatable.
One problem I had was the editing of the book. As usual, I don't know if this is due to the conversion that happens when making a book into a Kindle book, or the author/editor, but there were a lot of mistakes. Twice Branan was referred to as Brendan. Words were missing quite frequently so I had to read sentences more than once to figure out which words needed to be added. I hate to mention things like this because it shouldn't have any bearing on the story, but to the point that I have to guess at the author's meaning because of a grammar issue, it becomes a problem.
Still, I love reading Kathryn Loch's book - she is clearly a talented author that brings her characters to life.
I should probably preface this with saying that I was reading this at a time when I was kind of distracted with other things in my life so I wasn't able to throw myself into the book like I usually do, which probably prevented me from becoming as caught up in the story as I have been with Loch's other books. However, despite this, I did still enjoy the book.
Loch again seems to have chosen a "theme" for her main characters and built the story around that. I think this focus on a single theme really gives her characters this sense of purpose that drives the story and makes things feel like they have a natural progression. For Branan it was need for revenge due to the abuse he suffered at the hands of Strickland and the murder of his parents by the same man. And on a smaller scale, for Catriona is was the sense of desertion by Branan when he had to flee with his uncle. For both of the characters their lives are shaped and driven by those experiences that caused these feelings and fears. As with Loch's other books, the characters have a sincerity about them that makes them feel real and relatable.
One problem I had was the editing of the book. As usual, I don't know if this is due to the conversion that happens when making a book into a Kindle book, or the author/editor, but there were a lot of mistakes. Twice Branan was referred to as Brendan. Words were missing quite frequently so I had to read sentences more than once to figure out which words needed to be added. I hate to mention things like this because it shouldn't have any bearing on the story, but to the point that I have to guess at the author's meaning because of a grammar issue, it becomes a problem.
Still, I love reading Kathryn Loch's book - she is clearly a talented author that brings her characters to life.
November 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! Once again Kathryn Loch took the time to build the characters and the romance without having them immediately jumping into bed.
I loved the portrayal of the time period without history overload. You can actually imagine what it would be like to live in that time which made the story more believable.
This was a 4-1/2 to me only because I felt that having led up to the wedding and the couple separated was all of a sudden resolved in a matter of several pages after building for over half the book.
Off to read book 2 now!
I loved the portrayal of the time period without history overload. You can actually imagine what it would be like to live in that time which made the story more believable.
This was a 4-1/2 to me only because I felt that having led up to the wedding and the couple separated was all of a sudden resolved in a matter of several pages after building for over half the book.
Off to read book 2 now!
August 16, 2014
Set in early 1400s England, Branan’s life unfolds across the pages like a richly woven Scottish tartan.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 13, 2014
Great story and characters which is my most important thing with a good book. I love the way Kathryn Loch weaves a story and gives it something different. Her characters are always interesting.
February 3, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Another braw Highlander story? Not exactly. Yes, Branan was the son of a laird. But he was raised at first by his stepfather whom he believed was his true father. Raina, his mother was deeply in love with his father, but then an evil man names Strickland killed him and forced Raina to marry him. She put up with this farce until she lay dying and knew she had to tell Brannan the truth. Brannan is also growing into the spitting image of his true father. When Strickland realized the truth he tries to slay Brannan who flees to the forest and is rescued by Catriona. He knows he must learn to be a knight in order to punish Strickland. So he leaves Catriona's family for fear Strickland will find him and heads south. After 10 years he returns. This is a good read and I enjoyed it. Recommended.
July 22, 2015
This story almost had a kinda berzerker feel but it didn't quite go there. I liked the story a lot.
I actually listened to book 2 first and then double backed for book 1. The two books don't have anything in common so i didn't feel lost going to book 2 first. I"ll definitely look for book 3. this is a really interesting and good series.
story 3.5
Narrator 3.5
I actually listened to book 2 first and then double backed for book 1. The two books don't have anything in common so i didn't feel lost going to book 2 first. I"ll definitely look for book 3. this is a really interesting and good series.
story 3.5
Narrator 3.5
February 13, 2013
4.5- Love the mighty warrior Brannen, the story line was great, the twists were fairly unpredictable, good summer day read!
Read
May 10, 20155 stars
Review in July/August Double issue of InD'tale Magazine
Review in July/August Double issue of InD'tale Magazine
Read
October 31, 2013*revised edition*
December 7, 2013
A very good historical romance. There is a sexy love story and some good action. Could have moved a bit faster.
February 10, 2014
Another good book. The Legacy of the Mist Clans #1 and #2 are stand alone books. You do not need to read them in order.
April 10, 2023
I enjoyed the story progression and how the romance blossoms between the two main characters. I never once felt that the story was too slow or fast paced and would certainly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a sweet romance read.
April 11, 2023
I enjoyed the story progression and how the romance blossoms between the two main characters. I never once felt that the story was too slow or fast paced and would certainly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a sweet romance read.
May 22, 2018
Very good book heart warming from start to finish regarding Branson and cartoons would highly recommend 👍
January 8, 2022
Loved this book. Loved the two main characters. Great read.
May 14, 2017
Kathryn Loch weaves a grand tale and is a wonderful writer to boot. I love her characters and I love the fact that she obviously has a good editor who ensures the grammar and spelling are correct. Drives me crazy to read a really good story and have to ignore incorrect tense, mixups in personal pronouns, lack of proper punctuation, etc. I will be reading more!
December 15, 2014
I wanted to give this a four star rating and it is really close except for a few problems I had. I have to say IMO the author is a true romantic at heart. The other two books that I have read by her were Blind Impulse and By Any Other Name and I loved them both. It is mainly because the author writes with such a romantic passion. It's the real romance too not just love at first sight and a roll in the hay. I really like that. Branan was such a wonderful hero. He was rough and tough with a heart that beat only for Catriona. Found by her in the woods all bloody and bruised after learning his 12 years of life was a lie he is taken in by her family.
You can learn all this by reading the book description so I will not recap. I will say though that the love felt both between H/h is real. The h is written a bit emotional but so are other Loch characters from previous books but I wasn't bothered by that because I felt it was justified. Her parents were burned alive and she was running for her life through the woods and is saved by a past love who she thought she would never see again. Then there were other moments I felt that her sadness was natural. She didn't feel sorry for herself which is what I truly hate.
I was distracted by the angst between Catriona and Branan. She was betrothed to Richard by her father before his death. Most of the book was the two fighting there feelings because they both loved the other but Catriona could not break the marriage contract. It was in Branan's best interest to wed Richard. Try as I did to hate the man he truly was a good man. You couldn't hate him even after the wedding when you are denying that it took place he is this gentle, understanding man who is really in love with Catriona.
I kept saying no it should be Branan. The wedding feast was just torture because as they part he kisses her on her cheek and she tells him that he will always be in her heart. Truly romantic this woman who sacrificed her own future for the man she loved but I was just in too much agony up to this point and that is why I gave it a 3 and half star rating. It was not the authors quality that lacked but my particular taste that made me so critical. I did enjoy the evil villain. Me and my book buddy Kate were just discussing what a difference a good villain can do for a book and for that I thank the author.
The villain had a bastard son David who was just as bad as him and so there are two vilains in this book. I think if you like angst and romance you will enjoy this read. There is a beautiful HEA and vengeance for the innocent as well as action throughout. Love scenes are present along with some mild violence but once you reach about 70% it is just takes off into a splendid finish. Enjoy!
You can learn all this by reading the book description so I will not recap. I will say though that the love felt both between H/h is real. The h is written a bit emotional but so are other Loch characters from previous books but I wasn't bothered by that because I felt it was justified. Her parents were burned alive and she was running for her life through the woods and is saved by a past love who she thought she would never see again. Then there were other moments I felt that her sadness was natural. She didn't feel sorry for herself which is what I truly hate.
I was distracted by the angst between Catriona and Branan. She was betrothed to Richard by her father before his death. Most of the book was the two fighting there feelings because they both loved the other but Catriona could not break the marriage contract. It was in Branan's best interest to wed Richard. Try as I did to hate the man he truly was a good man. You couldn't hate him even after the wedding when you are denying that it took place he is this gentle, understanding man who is really in love with Catriona.
I kept saying no it should be Branan. The wedding feast was just torture because as they part he kisses her on her cheek and she tells him that he will always be in her heart. Truly romantic this woman who sacrificed her own future for the man she loved but I was just in too much agony up to this point and that is why I gave it a 3 and half star rating. It was not the authors quality that lacked but my particular taste that made me so critical. I did enjoy the evil villain. Me and my book buddy Kate were just discussing what a difference a good villain can do for a book and for that I thank the author.
The villain had a bastard son David who was just as bad as him and so there are two vilains in this book. I think if you like angst and romance you will enjoy this read. There is a beautiful HEA and vengeance for the innocent as well as action throughout. Love scenes are present along with some mild violence but once you reach about 70% it is just takes off into a splendid finish. Enjoy!
February 24, 2017
Didn't love this book. I typically enjoy historical romances but this one lost me during the first chapter. ****SPOILERS***
After the phrase "“Now I finally understand,” he growled. “You are that bastard’s whelp, not mine.”
I just kinda skimmed most of the book. It felt so fake, I mean he raised the kid for 12 years and now seeing the kid he's like 'oh you aren't mine, die!" Also the internal monologues made me roll my eyes more than once. The word choices we also hard to follow, sometimes she used plaid and sometimes brat (which I had to google because I had no idea what it was). I realize it's a historical novel, but the people reading it aren't and some of the Scottish specific words/vernacular should have been easier to follow.
After the phrase "“Now I finally understand,” he growled. “You are that bastard’s whelp, not mine.”
I just kinda skimmed most of the book. It felt so fake, I mean he raised the kid for 12 years and now seeing the kid he's like 'oh you aren't mine, die!" Also the internal monologues made me roll my eyes more than once. The word choices we also hard to follow, sometimes she used plaid and sometimes brat (which I had to google because I had no idea what it was). I realize it's a historical novel, but the people reading it aren't and some of the Scottish specific words/vernacular should have been easier to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2015
Warrior
I enjoyed this story so verra much.
Branan is so distraught at only 12 years old when his mother dies, he feels he has been betrayed, but not by his mother but by the man he thought was his da. He thanks the heavens to know he is not his da. He is so grateful he is not the bairn of this man that murdered his mother. When the man tries to kill him as well, he runs for his life and is found by Catriona a young lass. He is raised by her family for a time, then sent away.
10 years later he finds out his step family is murdered, and goes and seeks his Catriona.
Catriona, has cared for Branan, even so young. She is running for her life.
Such a wonderful story of the Highland men of Scotland. It's intriguing, with lot's of action, mystery, sorrow, intense love, and wanting with desire, that it makes for a good story.
I do recommend it verra much. I did not find any errors, and if there were any it is over looked by the intensity of this story.
I enjoyed this story so verra much.
Branan is so distraught at only 12 years old when his mother dies, he feels he has been betrayed, but not by his mother but by the man he thought was his da. He thanks the heavens to know he is not his da. He is so grateful he is not the bairn of this man that murdered his mother. When the man tries to kill him as well, he runs for his life and is found by Catriona a young lass. He is raised by her family for a time, then sent away.
10 years later he finds out his step family is murdered, and goes and seeks his Catriona.
Catriona, has cared for Branan, even so young. She is running for her life.
Such a wonderful story of the Highland men of Scotland. It's intriguing, with lot's of action, mystery, sorrow, intense love, and wanting with desire, that it makes for a good story.
I do recommend it verra much. I did not find any errors, and if there were any it is over looked by the intensity of this story.
April 15, 2016
When I read my first book written by Kathryn Loch, I loved it. After 4-5 books from her, I have yet found that level of satisfaction with the subsequent reads from her.
I read this book in the box set. Mist Warrior is the first book of the set. I did not like the story. Branan and Catriona had little chemistry. Branan sounded like a wuss (sorry). And this "I could not marry you" got old. With such an impossible situation, I would have expected a little more pull between the lead characters. But this was not the case at all.
Unfortunately this is not a read I could recommend. Even the medieval (?) setting did not help me.
I read this book in the box set. Mist Warrior is the first book of the set. I did not like the story. Branan and Catriona had little chemistry. Branan sounded like a wuss (sorry). And this "I could not marry you" got old. With such an impossible situation, I would have expected a little more pull between the lead characters. But this was not the case at all.
Unfortunately this is not a read I could recommend. Even the medieval (?) setting did not help me.
August 13, 2014
This was a truly horrific slaughter of battles and raids. The description was very vivid and can be easy to picture. But with that came a sense of true loyalty. The love story made me cry and smile. I felt when they were sad I was sad and when they were happy I smiled. The last few pages gave research and history based on the time period from names to style of clothing as well as places. A very engaging novel.
August 12, 2014
The story line is good. The first couple chapters (Kindle version) are a messy. One paragraph starts 3 pages. One paragraph ends in the middle and when you turn the page the other half can be found no where. I emailed Kindle and they said they would notify the publisher. Maybe one day there will be a update version.
September 22, 2014
Great research
I really enjoyed this story. But I found the author's notes a great read in it's self. The history of the area and surrounding buildings and there uses, is pretty interesting to know. You're bit about plaids and thread count was just as interesting. I would recommend this title, and pick up the next two.
I really enjoyed this story. But I found the author's notes a great read in it's self. The history of the area and surrounding buildings and there uses, is pretty interesting to know. You're bit about plaids and thread count was just as interesting. I would recommend this title, and pick up the next two.
January 4, 2016
Mist Warrior
I chose the five star rating because I loved this story. There were times that I literally curled my toes. The love, the excitement, the action just made me turn the pages a little more rapidly than was good for my retention of all the story but as I enjoyed Mist Warrior I will be re reading this lovely love story.
I chose the five star rating because I loved this story. There were times that I literally curled my toes. The love, the excitement, the action just made me turn the pages a little more rapidly than was good for my retention of all the story but as I enjoyed Mist Warrior I will be re reading this lovely love story.
August 7, 2014
Good read
Good read
read this instead of doing chores. I am interested in history for these cultures and times thanks to genealogy. this is is historical fiction but some truth of the time is probably there with names changed.
Good read
read this instead of doing chores. I am interested in history for these cultures and times thanks to genealogy. this is is historical fiction but some truth of the time is probably there with names changed.
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