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Guardians of the Isles #5
A Little Highland Magic
To have a future, she must face her past…
Half human, half fairy, Aria traveled to the human realm seeking safety with her family, the powerful MacLeods, where she is welcomed and accepted as a warrior. But her happiness will be short-lived if they discover her inadvertent role in their beloved mother’s death and the kidnapping of their infant brother, Kieran, by the cruel fairy king. Still, Aria plans to right the wrong by rescuing Kieren, but traveling to the fairy realm is dangerous and potentially a betrayal, for she must use the legendary Fairy Flag and its one last miracle to barter Kieran’s release.
Graeme Duff and his ancestors have served as flag bearer and protectors of Clan MacLeod for centuries. It’s his duty to guard the Fairy Flag, and when the beautiful, fierce, and intriguing Aria proposes using the flag to negotiate Kieran’s freedom, Graeme suspects treachery. He determines to accompany her, vowing to ignore the passion she evokes.
Can two independent warriors learn to trust? Or are they risking the destruction of everything they know and love?
Half human, half fairy, Aria traveled to the human realm seeking safety with her family, the powerful MacLeods, where she is welcomed and accepted as a warrior. But her happiness will be short-lived if they discover her inadvertent role in their beloved mother’s death and the kidnapping of their infant brother, Kieran, by the cruel fairy king. Still, Aria plans to right the wrong by rescuing Kieren, but traveling to the fairy realm is dangerous and potentially a betrayal, for she must use the legendary Fairy Flag and its one last miracle to barter Kieran’s release.
Graeme Duff and his ancestors have served as flag bearer and protectors of Clan MacLeod for centuries. It’s his duty to guard the Fairy Flag, and when the beautiful, fierce, and intriguing Aria proposes using the flag to negotiate Kieran’s freedom, Graeme suspects treachery. He determines to accompany her, vowing to ignore the passion she evokes.
Can two independent warriors learn to trust? Or are they risking the destruction of everything they know and love?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2024
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Russell
35 books227 followersGerri Russell is the award-winning author of historical and contemporary novels including the Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series and Flirting with Felicity. A two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and winner of the American Title II competition sponsored by RT Book Reviews magazine, she is best known for her adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the thirteenth- and eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Before Gerri followed her passion for writing romance novels, she worked as a broadcast journalist, a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, a technical writer and editor, and an instructional designer. She lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three black cats.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 31, 2023
This is a historical Highland romance with a magical twist
With the MacLeod clan and fae - it is not to be missed!
The enemy this time is the cruel Fairy King
With magic and mystery, just what could it bring?
Aria has a fairy Mum and human Dad,
How the fairies treat her is more than sad.
Her Mum wants her to live with her human relatives instead
But the fairy king would prefer he to be dead!
A story of rivalries, magic, adventures and mystery
Set in the 1700's turbulent time of history.
There's also romances, a ghost and much more
As new possibilities the warrior Aria endeavours to explore.
There's romantic connections and magic, too,
In this fun historical fantasy I recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
With the MacLeod clan and fae - it is not to be missed!
The enemy this time is the cruel Fairy King
With magic and mystery, just what could it bring?
Aria has a fairy Mum and human Dad,
How the fairies treat her is more than sad.
Her Mum wants her to live with her human relatives instead
But the fairy king would prefer he to be dead!
A story of rivalries, magic, adventures and mystery
Set in the 1700's turbulent time of history.
There's also romances, a ghost and much more
As new possibilities the warrior Aria endeavours to explore.
There's romantic connections and magic, too,
In this fun historical fantasy I recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
January 10, 2024
Magic, Lore and Fantasy Galore!
A Little Highland Magic, book five in the Guardians of the Isles series, is packed with non-stop action, mystery, and fairy magic. It is a historical fantasy filled with magic and lore and pulls the reader very quickly into the fantastic world created by Russell.
The focus of this book is the journey the MacLeod’s must make to Fairyland to rescue their long-lost brother, Keiran, who was stolen from his nursery as an infant and raised as his own by the fairy king Oberon. Let’s unpack this story a bit, not too much as to give away the story but enough to spark interest in this fantastic read! Aria, who is half human, and half fairy, has traveled between the fairy realms with her mother Pearl twice previously and was unsuccessful in her desire to stay. Pearl has attempted to leave her daughter in the human world so she will be safe from the fairy king, Oberon’s wrath, and continuous attacks on her from the other fairy’s. Previous attempts did not go well, in fact they were downright disastrous for Lady Janet who ultimately lost her life at the hand of her husband for going against his wishes. Lady Janet is now know as the grey lady, a spirit that is trapped between worlds able only to communicate with her children and Aria through her thoughts. This story opens with Aria’s third, successful attempt to live with and become part of the MacLeod clan as Norman MacLeod was her father. There are many twists and turns in this fun read as the journey to rescue Keiran unfolds.
This is but a sample of the nonstop action and adventure in this lively fifth book in this series and is truly a great read. Both character development and storytelling are exceptional and pull the reader quickly into this fantastic tale. I highly recommend it and anxiously await the next stories in the series!
A Little Highland Magic, book five in the Guardians of the Isles series, is packed with non-stop action, mystery, and fairy magic. It is a historical fantasy filled with magic and lore and pulls the reader very quickly into the fantastic world created by Russell.
The focus of this book is the journey the MacLeod’s must make to Fairyland to rescue their long-lost brother, Keiran, who was stolen from his nursery as an infant and raised as his own by the fairy king Oberon. Let’s unpack this story a bit, not too much as to give away the story but enough to spark interest in this fantastic read! Aria, who is half human, and half fairy, has traveled between the fairy realms with her mother Pearl twice previously and was unsuccessful in her desire to stay. Pearl has attempted to leave her daughter in the human world so she will be safe from the fairy king, Oberon’s wrath, and continuous attacks on her from the other fairy’s. Previous attempts did not go well, in fact they were downright disastrous for Lady Janet who ultimately lost her life at the hand of her husband for going against his wishes. Lady Janet is now know as the grey lady, a spirit that is trapped between worlds able only to communicate with her children and Aria through her thoughts. This story opens with Aria’s third, successful attempt to live with and become part of the MacLeod clan as Norman MacLeod was her father. There are many twists and turns in this fun read as the journey to rescue Keiran unfolds.
This is but a sample of the nonstop action and adventure in this lively fifth book in this series and is truly a great read. Both character development and storytelling are exceptional and pull the reader quickly into this fantastic tale. I highly recommend it and anxiously await the next stories in the series!
February 22, 2024
Book: A Little Highland Magic
Author: Gerri Russell
Series: Guardians of the Isles, Book #5
Publisher: Tule
Page Length: 237
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Dunvegan Castle
Isle of Skye, Scotland, 1743
The MacLeod saga continues:
In this novel it centers on Aria MacLeod who is a relative who is half human and half (fae) fairy. She escapes to her human family at Dunvegan Castle in Scotland to get away from the cruel leader King Oberon who tries to control her. He has punished her by separating her from her mother Pearl and half sister Gille. It was his cruel way of trying to get Aria to obey him and not escape Fairyland. Nothing worked plus for being only half fae and half human there was a lot of prejudice among the other fairies who physically and mentally abused her. It is why she learned to be a warrior in fairyland as she felt like she didn't belong anywhere!
The MacLeods have accepted Aria with open arms, however she lives with secrets and guilt fearing her new family will reject her once they find out the truth that she unintentionally caused their mothers death! Of course the MacLeods know their father had brain issues from an injury in battle which caused him to murder their mother. Aria has decided she wants to bring MacLeod's long lost brother Kieran home. He was stolen from the MacLeod’s by the Fairies when he was only three months old. Now he is a man as they had aged him immediately as fairies do not care for helpless infants. Plus he is the Fairy King’s favorite making him believe that he is his son.
How will she be able to get into Fairyland undetected? Aria also wants to free her fae sister Gille and mother Pearl who all have been separated from her. Now Aria is also falling for warrior and fairy flag protector Graeme Duff, but tries to keep him at a distance. As happiness is the one way the cruel fairy King will be able to detect her. She also is not aware that Graeme has fallen in love with Aria as he feels she is his equal in every way!
Graeme Duff and all his ancestors have been protecting the fairy flag for centuries. He has fallen for Aria MacLeod, is the only woman who has ever touched his heart. He is determined to win her heart no matter the cost. He is going to go with her to Fairyland, except she has kept more than one secret from Graeme that might destroy him. Will the King find out where Aria has been hiding? The last time he took an infant. Will the vengeful King put the MacLeod children at risk again or will they need the fairy flag to rescue them? On top of that they have the English sniffing about. Do Graeme and Aria even have a chance at love? Will they even survive all the fairy shenanigans? Read and find out in this brilliant spellbinding book!
Again I absolutely loved this phenomenal book. I especially loved all paranormal elements, especially fairy eating frogs! You will have to read this book to find out what I mean. I was scared when I read that the year was 1743, since I do know my Scottish history. This is when bonnie Prince Charles Stuart devises a plan with a jacobite army to attack England to regain the throne for his family. Well we all know how that turns out and I wonder if Ms Russell will put the Battle of Culloden in any of her future books? I guess I will have to hold my breath and find out. Plus in a paranormal historical anything can happen! This is definitely one of my favorite books in the series although I have loved every single one! I can’t wait to read the next book in this dazzling series! A book readers do not want to miss!
Author: Gerri Russell
Series: Guardians of the Isles, Book #5
Publisher: Tule
Page Length: 237
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Dunvegan Castle
Isle of Skye, Scotland, 1743
The MacLeod saga continues:
In this novel it centers on Aria MacLeod who is a relative who is half human and half (fae) fairy. She escapes to her human family at Dunvegan Castle in Scotland to get away from the cruel leader King Oberon who tries to control her. He has punished her by separating her from her mother Pearl and half sister Gille. It was his cruel way of trying to get Aria to obey him and not escape Fairyland. Nothing worked plus for being only half fae and half human there was a lot of prejudice among the other fairies who physically and mentally abused her. It is why she learned to be a warrior in fairyland as she felt like she didn't belong anywhere!
The MacLeods have accepted Aria with open arms, however she lives with secrets and guilt fearing her new family will reject her once they find out the truth that she unintentionally caused their mothers death! Of course the MacLeods know their father had brain issues from an injury in battle which caused him to murder their mother. Aria has decided she wants to bring MacLeod's long lost brother Kieran home. He was stolen from the MacLeod’s by the Fairies when he was only three months old. Now he is a man as they had aged him immediately as fairies do not care for helpless infants. Plus he is the Fairy King’s favorite making him believe that he is his son.
How will she be able to get into Fairyland undetected? Aria also wants to free her fae sister Gille and mother Pearl who all have been separated from her. Now Aria is also falling for warrior and fairy flag protector Graeme Duff, but tries to keep him at a distance. As happiness is the one way the cruel fairy King will be able to detect her. She also is not aware that Graeme has fallen in love with Aria as he feels she is his equal in every way!
Graeme Duff and all his ancestors have been protecting the fairy flag for centuries. He has fallen for Aria MacLeod, is the only woman who has ever touched his heart. He is determined to win her heart no matter the cost. He is going to go with her to Fairyland, except she has kept more than one secret from Graeme that might destroy him. Will the King find out where Aria has been hiding? The last time he took an infant. Will the vengeful King put the MacLeod children at risk again or will they need the fairy flag to rescue them? On top of that they have the English sniffing about. Do Graeme and Aria even have a chance at love? Will they even survive all the fairy shenanigans? Read and find out in this brilliant spellbinding book!
Again I absolutely loved this phenomenal book. I especially loved all paranormal elements, especially fairy eating frogs! You will have to read this book to find out what I mean. I was scared when I read that the year was 1743, since I do know my Scottish history. This is when bonnie Prince Charles Stuart devises a plan with a jacobite army to attack England to regain the throne for his family. Well we all know how that turns out and I wonder if Ms Russell will put the Battle of Culloden in any of her future books? I guess I will have to hold my breath and find out. Plus in a paranormal historical anything can happen! This is definitely one of my favorite books in the series although I have loved every single one! I can’t wait to read the next book in this dazzling series! A book readers do not want to miss!
January 10, 2024
Set mostly in and around Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, A Little Highland Magic is the fifth book in Gerri Russell’s Guardians Of The Isles romance series. This story is set in 1734 and incorporates a fair amount of fairy magic, both good and bad. It works best if you’ve read the other books in the series but does stand alone fairly well too. All the stories feature members of the MacLeod clan, this one being Aria’s story. Aria is half fairy, half human and up until now she’s faced rejection in both the fairy world, where she was subjected to bullying and torment, and the human world, where she has twice been rejected outright by the laird of clan MacKleod. Aria has learned to protect herself because of this treatment and is both an expert archer and an expert swordsperson, but she’s also locked her emotions away. She is such a strong character that I found her very easy to like. Graeme Duff is the current keeper of the fairy flag. He too is a warrior and as well as being toned, fit and easy on the eye, he’s loyal, trustworthy and very easy to cheer on. While I liked these two, I found their romance a bit sudden and also rather short. They seemed to go from friendly acquaintances to lovers very fast. That said, the story unfolding around them kept things ticking and helped me to accept their romance. Overall I enjoyed this book and am interested to see what book six in the series will offer readers.
January 9, 2024
A Little Highland Magic (Guardians of the Isles Book 5) by Gerri Russell has just enough magic to enhance this wonderful story without have so much that it stops being more of a historical novel than a fantasy. Perhaps a little more than the previous books but then on this stormy, rainy day spent reading my spirits needed a little more.
The world building and character development is excellent. Graeme Duff and Aria, half human, half fairy along with her half-sister, Gilles decide to travel to the fae realm to secure the release and freedom of Kieran. Not without perils, secrets, reveals and a true romance between strong loyal warriors and protectors. A fantastic read.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The world building and character development is excellent. Graeme Duff and Aria, half human, half fairy along with her half-sister, Gilles decide to travel to the fae realm to secure the release and freedom of Kieran. Not without perils, secrets, reveals and a true romance between strong loyal warriors and protectors. A fantastic read.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2024
A Little Highland Magic by Gerri Russell
This story starts out when Pearl and Aria show up in the real world and ask for help.
Like that I can follow along as I've read the other books in the series. Author fills in the missing pieces if you have not read the previous books.
Love that others stand up for them and they find a way to make it possible for Aria to remain in the human world.
She has insights from her fairy life but they aren't as accurate in the human world... Such a great look into the fairy world where they go up against the leader...
Great detailed descriptions, I can see myself with them on the journey.
Never saw the outcome as such, who made it out of fairy world.
Can't wait to read more, they are being written now!
Adult situations.
This story starts out when Pearl and Aria show up in the real world and ask for help.
Like that I can follow along as I've read the other books in the series. Author fills in the missing pieces if you have not read the previous books.
Love that others stand up for them and they find a way to make it possible for Aria to remain in the human world.
She has insights from her fairy life but they aren't as accurate in the human world... Such a great look into the fairy world where they go up against the leader...
Great detailed descriptions, I can see myself with them on the journey.
Never saw the outcome as such, who made it out of fairy world.
Can't wait to read more, they are being written now!
Adult situations.
July 6, 2024
Love, family, redemption and magic are a few of the things that make Gerri Russell's A Little Highland Magic a good story. The banter and smoldering chemistry between the main characters was entertaining and had one wondering who would come out on top. The description of the settings was realistic, and you could see them as you read about them. I enjoyed watching Aria grow and learn how to be a part of the family that had her back. Looking forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
November 14, 2023
Aria and Graeme, warriors and protectors of the Macleods, destined to love and fight together, face the most treacherous journey. They are to travel to Fairyland to bring back lost kidnapped Kieran Macleod. Aria and Graeme along with her half sister, Giles, face dangers and ultimately must come face to face with Oberon, fairy king. a truly magical and enchanting story loaded with romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 10, 2024
A Little Highland Magic ~ Guardians of the Isles #5 by Gerri Russell
Gerri Russell is a new author to me, having not read the previous books I was unsure what to make of this. Hence it took me a while to get into the story. Having said that. I did find this book to be written well, the characters were well described. I do like how this book is set in a true place and its history ( I googled).
I do recommend this book, it is an interesting read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Inspirational, Whimsical, Wonderful characters
Gerri Russell is a new author to me, having not read the previous books I was unsure what to make of this. Hence it took me a while to get into the story. Having said that. I did find this book to be written well, the characters were well described. I do like how this book is set in a true place and its history ( I googled).
I do recommend this book, it is an interesting read.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Inspirational, Whimsical, Wonderful characters
January 9, 2024
I am not a big fan of historical books but I thought I would give this one a try and I am so glad that I did. From the moment I started to read this book I was drawn into the story. It was historical but magical at the same time. The story line was well written and I loved the character development. I am definitely going to go back and check out some other books written by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
For me this novel as quite charming, loved every bit!
This book is a great fantasy romance that draws the reader in with its plot. It's a fast pasted story with action and magic. The characters in it are well developed and romance it is chefs kiss rating!
A well written story that makes this book perfect for those who love fantasy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a great fantasy romance that draws the reader in with its plot. It's a fast pasted story with action and magic. The characters in it are well developed and romance it is chefs kiss rating!
A well written story that makes this book perfect for those who love fantasy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2024
Half human, half fairy Aria is fierce, protective and conflicted. I absolutely loved her character and her dangerous mission had me quickly turning the pages. As with any great "fairy tale" there is a villain, in this case the cruel Fairy King and a "handsome prince" Graeme. Aria's magical journey is entertaining and I highly recommend escaping to the Isle of Skye.. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 22, 2024
There is just something about a fantasy romance novel that takes place in the Highlands that immediately draws me. Such a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Pain to healing
Two worlds colid till love brings an end to the hostility. Can each side come together finally. This is a great series that is hard to put down.
Two worlds colid till love brings an end to the hostility. Can each side come together finally. This is a great series that is hard to put down.
March 24, 2024
Gerri Russell is an auto-buy author for me. This latest in the Guardians of the Isles series is another perfect romance. Be prepared for action, magic, curses and, of course, love.
April 23, 2024
An abused woman, half-human/half-fairy, seeks succor from her human family in Scotland. The first time, she and her mother are refused by Laird Norman, who has suffered a brain injury. But Aria keeps trying. It’s in her best interest when the king of the fairies, Oberon, makes it clear that he intends to make her life, and her mother’s life, as miserable as possible. On trying again after Laird Norman dies, Aria is welcomed into the MacLeod clan with open arms. She’s assigned to secure and defend Castle Dunvegan and the members of the clan. She takes the job on willingly and with great enthusiasm. Her one concern is for the safety of her mother, her half-sister, and her half-bother, Kieran MacLoud, who remain in Fairyland. But before she can try to rescue them, she must deal with the arrival of a feuding clan, the MacDonalds. This throws her into working closely together with Graeme Duff, the captain of the guard at the castle. Despite the two clans being drawn together by an upcoming marriage, neither Aria nor Graeme trusts the MacDonalds. They’ll face several adventures before they eventually travel to Fairyland in attempt to recover their loved ones.
This is the first book about fairies that I’ve ever read. It was interesting and well-written, but I had problems believing that Aria was all that she was made out to be, very much a Wonder Woman. Her one weakness is her grief over having helped bring about the death of Lady Janet, the wife of the injured Laird Norman. It’s not that she did anything to bring about the death, but things happened that make her feel responsible.
The book has an interesting plot, and the author did a lovely job of creating both worlds. The book involves magic, an evil fairy king, ghosts, a love story, and a welcoming family. It seemed to me that several themes included in the book were borrowed from classic fairytales.
I love Lady Janet/the Grey Lady. She was so kind and helpful, even as a ghost. Graeme was a delightful character, too. I’m still not a big fan of fairies, but this was a nice story about strong women who face the worst life throws at them and come out on top.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This is the first book about fairies that I’ve ever read. It was interesting and well-written, but I had problems believing that Aria was all that she was made out to be, very much a Wonder Woman. Her one weakness is her grief over having helped bring about the death of Lady Janet, the wife of the injured Laird Norman. It’s not that she did anything to bring about the death, but things happened that make her feel responsible.
The book has an interesting plot, and the author did a lovely job of creating both worlds. The book involves magic, an evil fairy king, ghosts, a love story, and a welcoming family. It seemed to me that several themes included in the book were borrowed from classic fairytales.
I love Lady Janet/the Grey Lady. She was so kind and helpful, even as a ghost. Graeme was a delightful character, too. I’m still not a big fan of fairies, but this was a nice story about strong women who face the worst life throws at them and come out on top.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews