Born of Mist and Legend

Highland Legends #2

by Kat Bastion

Following her award-winning debut, Kat Bastion returns to the Highland Legends series with the epic journey… Born of Mist and Legend.

Amid mythical lands, where Arthurian tales run blood-deep and castles vanish into fabled mist, a stormy sky breaks open with deafening thunder on a dying mother’s whispered enchantment… and her newborn’s die is cast. Eighteen summers later, magick sparks to life within the charmed child’s veins, and the fates resume their course.

Rise of a fallen angel…

Rebirth of a Highland goddess…

Revenge of a legendary wizard, craving their power.

Dark angel, outcast of his kind—lone angelic guardian of time itself—Skorpius receives a bewildering dual directive. Protect a human female. And end her.

Once bright and innocent, sister to the laird of the mysterious Clan Brodie, Brigid awakens to incredible magick within her. And the ability to sense a foreign Another stalks her, a beast hunting its prey.

On a quest to protect her clan and save humankind, Brigid forges beyond the only home she’s ever known into the wilds of Scotland. Her destiny—to battle an ancient lurking menace—beckons her. She braves her task with fierce determination, even though she’s a mere novice among masters.

Upholding his vow to protect time against any threat, Skorpius is duty-bound to guard the female, with or without her consent. For he alone presides as judge and executioner.

As unprecedented danger to the fabric of time looms, the two beleaguered souls walk a tightrope between cure and cause. Yet while the destiny of every realm hangs in the balance, they are all that stand between salvation and destruction.

But against insurmountable odds…will they both survive?


*** Born of Mist and Legend is a standalone full-length romance told in dual POV. Due to mature themes and adult language, this book is for those 18 and older. ***

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2020

About the author

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AND

The final two novels in The Unbreakable Series, Icebreaker and Ball Breaker are both coming soon!

Reviews

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A while back, I used the phrase “a decadently rich reading experience” to describe a book by Kat & Stone Bastion. After several years – and books – later I stand by it. Born of Mist and Legend is a delectable story fantasy romance lovers would want to miss.

Brigid had been born within Clan Brodie, home of the prophesied Traveler. Younger sister to their laird, Brigid, had been human until her eighteenth birthday when her mother’s enchantment sparked magic within her and changed the course of her life forever. Knowing she needs to defy her brother and protect her clan leaves her home to face menace that awaits her.

Skorpius, the rogue angel and guardian of time has been sent on a mission with only two instructions: protect Brigid and kill her if she poses a threat to time. And while the spirited warrior initially refuses to acknowledge him, they soon learn that their destiny is entwined in more ways than they’d originally foreseen. But can they defeat and survive the danger that hunts them?

“’Twold seem your heart beats strong because of me as well,” she murmered, feelin’ their deep connection on an emotional level.
With a low moan, Skorpius turned toward her. He arrowed her with a fierce gaze before his focus lowered to her mouth. Then his soft lips brushed over hers. “Because of you. And for you.”

Even before I started to read Born of Mist and Legend, there was no doubt in my mind I’d get a well thought out and paced story and I’ve always LOVED Kat’s writing style. She writes in the most enchanting and lyrical way that’s impossible for you to put the book down with remarkable vivid imagery that jump off the page and make the story come to life in your imagination.

But the incredible world building definitely caught me off guard. I mostly read contemporary romance, some paranormal here and there, and an occasional sci-fi. I can safely say I’d never read anything like this. I loved the time travel aspect, the magic, the incorporation of history and legends and how she made this story all her own in this unique story.

The character building was on par with the rest of the story. Brigid is a strong female lead with the heart of a warrior goddess determined to protect those she loves and Skorpius is perfect for her. He’s old and wise and a little bit damaged. He recognizes her inner beauty and strength. They both find mutual understanding and love while helping each other progress in self-discovery.

’Tis always like this? Her lips parted, and the tip of her tongue tentatively touched his.
A grown came from his throat. Like what?
Sweet, like honey. And how, spicy. Breathtakin’. Earth movin’.

The two have an undeniable attraction that deepens with each passing moment they spend together. Their telepathic communication, proof of their deep connection. I sighed and swooned and OMG those scorching hot sexy times! Kat knows how to write H.O.T. and tasteful love scenes.

Though Brigid and Skorpius’ story dominates the action and draws the reader into their quest, Kat also populates the world with wonderful supporting characters like Isobel and Cass.

Born of Mist and Legend is book #2 of the Highland Legends series by Kat Bastion. Whether or not you’re a fan of fantasy romance, Kat’s story of this magical couple is perfect and shouldn’t be missed. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3aJatsH

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[Kat Bastion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born of Mist and Legend is LIVE!

{tosses confetti}

Jen on her That's What I'm Talking About blog shared a special exclusive excerpt from Born of Mist and Legend as her Sunday Snippet: https://bit.ly/2xnuEhA

Also, in case you missed the post on our TalkToTheShoe blog, we shared some paperback news: Endangered Paperbacks and Other Weirdness in the Time of COVID-19

Above and below are a few teaser quote-pics from Born of Mist and Legend...



As we were making the above quote-pic on our Sunday afternoon, we realized our characters weren't the only ones in need of that reminder. Sometimes our fictional heroes get us through our real-world days.



And boy does Skorpius and Brigid's adventure get messy. Twists and turns. Mysteries and surprises. Heartache and blind leaps of faith...until love eventually prevails.



What angels and goddesses do...



Words of forgiveness, permission to let go and love...

Thank you for sharing in the excitement of Born of Mist and Legend!

It's available on a variety of retailers...
(see sampling of book links below.)

And if you give the e-book a try, we hope you enjoy the adventure.

Stay safe and healthy out there. Much love and well wishes to all.

Your humble shoe and boot,
~ Kat & Stone

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AU
Apple Books | Nook Books | Kobo | GooglePlay

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born of Mist and Legend is a stunningly epic journey told through such vivid detail and exquisite emotion. I was left in awe as I walked the steps of this beautifully multi-layered and wonderfully complex story. If that isn't enough, we are then gifted with brilliant characters that are sure to delight and entertain as feel the the heat and conflict between sizzle literally off the pages. Combining the awe-inspiring story and its incredible characters, a countdown begins that will lead us to an indescribably breathtaking ending that you will never see coming!

Skorpius has a duty to time that he must take action in order to fulfill. There is no half way for him as the mandate he follows is clear and binding. He must follow the path set before him and nothing can sway his steps. Brigid knows in the core of her being that she is being called to a purpose that is so much more then who she is. She can't stop it and she can't fight it, so she finally gives in and follows her destined course. Only the details of the journey are not what she had in mind, and before she can take control of any part of her destiny she must face herself and what her future holds. Can she find the heart and the courage to take up her birthright and fulfill her destiny, or will choose to live a half life always wondering and wanting what she can no longer have? In the end, will the choice be truly hers, or will it be taken from her by the dark evil who stalks her and covets her newly found power?

Watching Brigid spread her wings and discover her true purpose stole the very breath from my lungs. I would have never imagined what all her path entailed, and I was left in awe. Having Skorpious to watch over her was a wonderful choice because he had so much to teach her even as she learned everything on her own. The most important thing she found was that each person is so much more then anyone could ever imagine. We all have value beyond measure, and even when we make mistakes we should be treasured and loved. For in making those mistakes is how we learn to get back on our feet and keep moving forward. They give us strength and courage to try again and make better decisions next time. We are transformed by the tender parts of our heart that are bruised by pain and suffering. They make us aware of the unmatched treasures that walk around us each and every day. Imperfection allows us the opportunity to see and appreciate the true depth of our character and those around us.

Kate Bastion is a breathtaking author who captured my heart with little effort. She has taken my imagination and dreams to a higher playing field, and I am truly in awe of her talents! Her words transported me to a stunning world full of intriguing and relatable characters who never failed to touch my heart at every turn. I am anxious to revisit her fabulous world once again, and I encourage you to join me!

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

I went into this book without having read the previous books in the series because I not only have thoroughly enjoyed the author’s contemporary books, but the blurb sounded interesting and it was noted that it could be read as a stand-alone and, when everything was said and done, I can say that I really did enjoy Skorpius and Brigid’s journey BUT, I think I would have enjoyed it more from the get go had I read the first two books in the series. Instead, it took me a minute to get settled and another to truly enjoy all that Skorpius and Brigid were going through, but once I did, I found myself fascinated by it all and working out where/when I could go back and read the first two books.

I really liked Brigid and Skorpius. Both have this sense of duty and honor to do the right thing, even if they didn’t fully understand why they felt that way, was something that drew me to them. Add in a good of stubborness on both their parts, and they ended up being a lot of fun to watch as they learned to trust each other in every way possible. I loved their bantering and how they wormed their way under each other's skins and found that they didn’t want to live without each other.

This is one of the few times where I do wish that I had waited and started the series from the start because it would have given me a bases where I could truly enjoy everything from the start, instead of trying to work out what was going, who the various characters were to each other. But with that said, this world that the author created is rich and vibrant and I have to give her credit for making it feel real. As for the supporting cast of characters, Isobel is the one I was drawn to the most and I am determined to find a moment to read her book because her journey sounds like it was all kinds of fun!

~ Copy provided by the author via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was said that Brigid Brodie came into the world taking lives. The truth about the night that she was born was known by only a few and one of them didn’t see the sunrise. She carried the heavy burden of the tragedy every day of her eighteen years.

Unknown to her brothers, Brigid sets out on a dangerous quest to find the missing Fingall. She begins to understand that she is far more than just an ordinary mortal girl. And the power that she unconsciously wields, calls to a dark angel with a mysteriously dark past.

Warriors doona question duty.
And warrior she’d become. A woman warrior? Uncommon, to be certain. But true, all the same.
“’Tis too late to stop me.” Her clan had protected her from danger for her whole life. “’Tis my turn to protect you,” she vowed on a fierce whisper.
She’d given chase to her own destiny, drawin’ the dark other magick to follow.

Skorpius has been called to protect Brigid and to make sure that she doesn’t become too dangerous to time itself. For if she does, it will put her life in jeopardy.

Being so close to the innocent beauty ignites feelings that he thought were long since dead. The hard lesson of long ago should have been enough to keep her at arm’s length. But his black and shattered heart still longed to possess her - regardless of the consequences.

Together, both hale and whole, they’d been given a blessed second chance. Brigid’s heart now beat because of him. And she vowed not to squander the scant time remainin’ before a battle that would test their limits. “’Twould seem your heart beats strong because of me as well,” she murmured, feelin’ their deep connection on an emotional level.
With a low moan, Skorpius turned toward her. He arrowed her with a fierce gaze before his focus lowered to her mouth. Then his soft lips brushed over hers. “Because of you. And for you.”

In Born of Mist and Legend, Kat Bastion has melded the very best of historical and paranormal romance together in one expertly crafted tale. With characters that are as strong as they are complex, she delivers a tender yet forbidden love story that will make you swoon and then quicken your pulse.

It’s an enduring adventure complete with vast sweeping landscapes and magic in its heart. And I fell completely under its spell…

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly an epic read. Complex characters, a well developed world and deeply engaging story will quickly ensnare you in this captivating tale of magic, adventure and romance. This is my independent, impartial review.

[MrsMascara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author team is a new one to me, and they write a very involved fantasy world. This book was therefore very long, as worldbuilding and describing how the different magicks, timelines and worlds work takes a lot of words. 50+ chapters of it.I found all this detail, maybe because I haven’t read the other books in the series did bog me down a bit, I found it confusing and often, unnecessary. It made me stop reading, as it wearied me.

The story at its core features an Angel, Skorpius, who is a guardian of the worlds timeline and in his past, had fallen in love with a human and this made him make a mistake, which turned him from a golden angel into a dark one with black wings, he lives amongst his golden brethren, but no longer derives his power form light, but for the dark rock where he goes to replenish his energy. The authority charge him with protecting a human girl, Brigid, sister of the Laird of Clan Brodie from the Scottish Highlands in 1297. He has another tether which is to protect the timeline and existence, if Brigid threatens it, by killing her if necessary.

He is also connected to this place by knowing Isobel, wife of the Laird, who is also a paranormal being, The Traveller, along with her husband Iain. She was originally a 21st C human, and I guess her story must have been in a previous book.

When he meets Brigid, Skorpius is very calculating, and uses his skills and powers to try and manipulate her into trusting him, whilst keeping secrets from her, including the fact that he had been responsible for the disappearance on her betrothed Fingall.

Brigid’s mother died while giving birth to her, and her father soon after her birth, so she and her brothers have been orphans almost all their lives, her middle brother Gawain rejected her, as the cause of their mother’s death. Brigid feels a strong connection to her clan and protecting them, but she also feels alone, she feels out of place. She decides to train in combat, and go to find Fingall herself. ,Their clan is guarded by a magic curtain wall made of black rock, which although most of the clan don’t know it, has ancient magick protections. Brigid finds a book, written by the knight Lancelot, and as she reads it, she also starts to develop some abilities, she manages to pass through the curtain wall, and this unleashes even more abilities, and also connects her in some fashion to Skorpius.

This connection astounds and confuses Skorpius, who is determined to fulfill his mission, but is drawn into liking Brigid, which he is concerned by as he worries he will compromise his ability to act. As he ensures they work together, and asks for Brigid’s trust, while keeping his secrets, Brigids development from a human female to a paranormal being with many abilities astounds him, very quickly she learns to disappear and materialise at will, move along the timeline, protect herself, fight battles and so forth, Eventually her power even exceeds his, and she has become a goddess. Some malevolent power seeks to control or take her power for themselves, and Skorpius and Brigid work together to discover who is behind this threat, and flush them out of hiding to defeat the threat. As they do so Skorpius is still looking out to protect the timeline and the world at all costs, even if he has to end Brigid.

As they work together, they fall in love, despite Skorpius’ distrust of this emotion. When they bond they both become even more powerful, but can their connection survive the test they have to face, discovery of Skorpius’s secrets and his distrust in his own nature, and how is the book Brigid found connected to them both.

The story between Skorpius and Brigid was the best bit for me, I got a little bored by all the descriptions of how they world worked. I also found the ‘Scottish accent’ used to denote Brigids thoughts/speech got a little tiresome because of their use of dropping the g at the end of many words, I.e beginnin rather than beginning. This works in speech, when used judiciously, but not in describing thoughts etc.

Overall I felt this was readable, but would have worked better for me as a shorter book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own

[Blagica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasant Surprise

Have you ever picked up a book that just was not your cup of tea? This was what this book was for me. I picked it up because I am a big fan of Kat Bastion and love her writing style. I have to say that when I started it was not my cup of tea but by the time I finished it today it was like a treat that I could not get enough of. Born of Mist and Legend is an epic tale that explores the journey of Skorpius and Brigid that are both destined for greatness. For me the word choice and imagery make this an amazing read. I can also say that the ending is something you will never see coming!

Skorpius has a duty to time and an order he must fulfil. There is no halfway with Skorpius and that is one of the aspects of the character that I loved. He must follow the path set before him and nothing can change that. Brigid in comparison is such a strong female that in the beginning I was hoping that the two of them end up together in the first few pages. Brigid like Skorpius knows that there is something she must do that is ingrained in her bones. She cannot change it; she cannot stop it so what she chooses to do is embrace it. What I loved about this book is the journey that transpired for Brigid. Will she fulfill his destiny or will she live a life that is half of what she could do?

What is beautiful is watching Brigid find herself and her path while Skorpius watches over her to make sure everything is as it should be. It shows that we must as people be more aware of the people in our lives and what they add to it. It shows that making mistakes and having people who will love you despite them is a part of life. This entire book had an optimistic feel to it which I loved.

Kat Bastion and the love of her other books is the reason I picked this story up. But the characters and the beautiful descriptions is the reason I stuck with it. The words flow effortlessly off the page making this a joy to read. The only thing I am upset about is not reading the two books that come before this one. I will be adding those to my growing pile of books to read. A five star read all the way for a story that is so outside of my usual read that it made it even more enjoyable.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Born of Mist and Legend, Kat Bastion

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Sci-fi and fantasy, Romance.

I've been waiting for this book for years. Literally. I read the first two books back in 2013, some seven years ago! So before starting this one I reread those and loved them just as much now as I did then. That doesn't always happen, sometimes your tastes have changed but I was quickly absorbed back into the Brodie clan.
Sadly though I really struggled with this, its very focused on Skorpius and Brigid and there's so much mental and verbal communication between the two, lots of what ifs, why, how and saying what felt like the same thing six different ways. It just didn't feel for me as if it was connected to the other two, just the barest thread. I missed seeing the others, seeing life at Clan Brodie, much as I've been waiting and hoping for Skorpius top play a bigger role.
I found myself putting it aside, then restarting as I'd forgotten what was happening. I did read through to half way then TBH I just skim read through to the end, as it wasn't doing it for me. Its possible its timing, like others this pandemic is affecting me mentally and I find it hard to settle into some stories. Possibly on a later read I might feel differently, but for now it was a let down for me. Still, as always , this is just my opinion, others will and do love it. Reading and tastes are s subjective, its just a disappointment to me as I loved the first two, love Kat and Stone's writing style from other books I've read – No weddings series, a real cracker, and I love fantasy as well as contemporary romance, so it came a s a shock to me that this book wasn't working.

Stars: Two, Sorry, this one didn't do it for me. Love the first two, and others from the duo, this was a fail.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

[Sabrina Rubin Morley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly different from book 1. The use of a thesaurus is apparent as well a trickling of words in other languages that don't fit in this Scotland story. I. E. “Infatigable” which is french for “tireless”. These instances seem to be trying to hard to make the book feel more intellectual. The story does not need this. It is a fantastical romance, easy words and english would have made it more enjoyable to read. Thankfully this book was not full of smexy smutty situations ( like book 1). There was just enough sex and romance interwoven into a wonderfully fantastic story, that unfortunately did not live up to the potential I feel it could have.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic, angels, mist and a dragon. Beautiful imagery and a detailed storyline including some interesting historical references. Maybe my mind needed something simple because I was often overwhelmed by the wordiness. Talking in their minds versus using words got confusing. I missed the sarcasm and joking that Skorpius has with Isobel, he’s serious and mysterious now. This was a wonderfully written novel and very well planned. I received an early copy through Netgalley and wrote my review voluntarily.

[Dirty Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i pick up a bastion book I just know I need to have no reservations going in becuase I never know what I will expect. I like that this book is written in a way that a standalone could be but I think people would enjoy it even more if they started at the begining I think the connection to the main characters would make more sense and it wouldnt feel quite so aggressive as the story just takes right off from the begining. This is a fantasy book which is not my normal go to which could be why I was not in love with the story but I did enjoy it!

[Donna Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review......

A stunning read !!!. This was quite the journey for our leading guy and his lady. It follows Skorpius and Brigid - both have a calling, both lives become intrinsically entwined. Loved it !!!.
It can be read as a Standalone. Truly I was not really sure what to expect but I soon become enthralled with the world created by Kat. Throw myth and magic together in a read and you've got me hooked.

Well done Kat.....great, epic story !! Many thanks for this opportunity !!

Later peeps xxx

[Natasha du Plessis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the story of Brigid and Skorpius. This book does not focus on the time travel aspect a lot and more on the paranormal, I started reading this series because I wanted more reading about time travelling, although we get to know about the angles in book 1 this topic gets explored and explained more in detail in book 2. I loved this book a lot and look forward to reading book 3 in the series.

[Meaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brigid and Skorpius were interesting characters, but there was so. much. time. spent on world-building and seemingly unrelated mini plot lines that I was very distracted and had a hard time finishing. I'm not sure if reading the first in the series would have been more helpful, but it was labeled as a stand-alone.

[Ada's · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book told from both sides it's a romance but not your typical romance Brigid awakens something in her something magical the destiny of every realm hangs in the balance, can Brigid and skorpius get salvation or will there be destruction

[Debra]

31st March 2015?!?