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The Torn Isle
Will Gill McArdle tear up Scotland in his desire to save it?
While the Highlands north of the Great Glen are recovering from recent earth tremors, much of Scotland senses there’s worse to come. Returning from a futile trip to Lewis, Gill busies himself in an archaeological dig close to his home. It’s routine work – recovering bones from an old graveyard that’s listed for redevelopment. Routine, until something unusual is discovered, hinting at a far darker secret buried beneath the ancient tombs.
Meanwhile, the Armour Group is assembled and ready to face the coming storm. And although they’ve got remarkable power on their side, their enemy knows who they are, and is about to unleash a force of his own. When the crisis erupts, and Canmore springs his trap, he knows exactly where to find them. As Gill fights to rally his team, terrible news arrives from the isles. A live waterhorse walks upon Hebridean soil and its destination can only be, The Temple of the Isles.
While the Highlands north of the Great Glen are recovering from recent earth tremors, much of Scotland senses there’s worse to come. Returning from a futile trip to Lewis, Gill busies himself in an archaeological dig close to his home. It’s routine work – recovering bones from an old graveyard that’s listed for redevelopment. Routine, until something unusual is discovered, hinting at a far darker secret buried beneath the ancient tombs.
Meanwhile, the Armour Group is assembled and ready to face the coming storm. And although they’ve got remarkable power on their side, their enemy knows who they are, and is about to unleash a force of his own. When the crisis erupts, and Canmore springs his trap, he knows exactly where to find them. As Gill fights to rally his team, terrible news arrives from the isles. A live waterhorse walks upon Hebridean soil and its destination can only be, The Temple of the Isles.
394 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2025
81 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2025
This is it, the 9th and final entry of the Mysterious Scotland series and Tormod Cockburn really stuck the landing. All of the various strings were tied up in a neat little bow.
It's been a helluva ride from the first book to this one and I would recommend this series to anyone. Whether your preference is fantasy, thrillers, mystery or action.
I'll not be going into any specifics about the content of this book but it goes out in the same flavor of the entire series and I look forward to whatever path Mr Cockburn decides to lead me.
It's been a helluva ride from the first book to this one and I would recommend this series to anyone. Whether your preference is fantasy, thrillers, mystery or action.
I'll not be going into any specifics about the content of this book but it goes out in the same flavor of the entire series and I look forward to whatever path Mr Cockburn decides to lead me.
April 2, 2025
Excellent Series
This nine book series has been remarkable. A little tough to wade through some of the science jargon, but like any devoted reader, I was sure it would all come together in the end. This ninth and final book kept me page turning and ignoring regular chores to keep reading. To understand all the characters, twists, and turns, I recommend setting aside a few weeks to read through the series start to finish. It’s that good. Enjoy!
This nine book series has been remarkable. A little tough to wade through some of the science jargon, but like any devoted reader, I was sure it would all come together in the end. This ninth and final book kept me page turning and ignoring regular chores to keep reading. To understand all the characters, twists, and turns, I recommend setting aside a few weeks to read through the series start to finish. It’s that good. Enjoy!
April 2, 2025
Great end to a fantastic series. I've loved them all. The characters are well developed and following their lives has been a real pleasure. I look forwards to the next series.
April 11, 2025
Thank you!
I chanced upon the series of books and was hooked from the start. The final book in this series did not disappoint. I can’t wait for your next book, Mr. Cockburn.
I chanced upon the series of books and was hooked from the start. The final book in this series did not disappoint. I can’t wait for your next book, Mr. Cockburn.
April 2, 2025
So good!
I normally would have devoured this book in one setting but found myself not wanting to read quickly. Once it was ended…that would be it. But, oh what a glorious ending! I truly enjoyed it and felt it ended really well.
I normally would have devoured this book in one setting but found myself not wanting to read quickly. Once it was ended…that would be it. But, oh what a glorious ending! I truly enjoyed it and felt it ended really well.
May 3, 2025
Absolutely riveting, un-put-downable
I had to pace myself towards the end of the series. It was so fascinating, I could almost imagine it happening!!! The story line was really in depth and each of the stories followed on from the previous one and tugged you in from the start. I am thinking of starting again from the beginning as I so enjoyed them all. Tormod is a great writer and the new chapter I've just read from the Caledonia Regression promises to be just as good. Keep up the fantastic writing please.
I had to pace myself towards the end of the series. It was so fascinating, I could almost imagine it happening!!! The story line was really in depth and each of the stories followed on from the previous one and tugged you in from the start. I am thinking of starting again from the beginning as I so enjoyed them all. Tormod is a great writer and the new chapter I've just read from the Caledonia Regression promises to be just as good. Keep up the fantastic writing please.
November 11, 2025
What a disappointment! I’d read the series, building bonds with the characters and real interest in the storyline, only for this! Where was the need for armour? Where was the need for the water horse? What use was Raphael or even Aura? I feel like the author built up the Group, built up the storyline then completely lost track of what it all could mean and ran out of ideas. Well, that’s weeks of my life I’ll never get back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
What a great series and the last book did not disappoint, developing the ongoing themes and tying up all the loose ends. Couldn’t help but see a parallel between Canmore and what’s happening in America at the moment! Not sure one waterhorse is enough for there!
Will miss Gill and his Armour Group friends, it’s been an epic but fascinating journey.
Will miss Gill and his Armour Group friends, it’s been an epic but fascinating journey.
April 24, 2025
Adventure by the bucket load.
A carefully woven tale with believeable characters who leap from the page to captivate. Add a little intrigue, assassins, a golden hoard, and much more to end up as another masterpiece. Tormod, you have done it again. Bravo!
A carefully woven tale with believeable characters who leap from the page to captivate. Add a little intrigue, assassins, a golden hoard, and much more to end up as another masterpiece. Tormod, you have done it again. Bravo!
June 13, 2025
An excellent conclusion
I love this book. It did a great job wrapping up this fantastic series, and it did it by coming full circle with a water horse. I would recommend this series to anyone who needs a little magic in their world. Job well done, Mr Cockburn!
I love this book. It did a great job wrapping up this fantastic series, and it did it by coming full circle with a water horse. I would recommend this series to anyone who needs a little magic in their world. Job well done, Mr Cockburn!
August 24, 2025
Fast pace ending to this series. The plot went in a number of unexpected directions keeping the book interesting. The characters were an integral part of the story and added depth to the overall tale. Sorry, this has come to an end, a great series.
October 14, 2025
Stunning ending
I so very much enjoyed how this series really drew me in and kept me captivated. It also really made me think about how life and how everything around us is ever changing. Thank you for an awesome series
I so very much enjoyed how this series really drew me in and kept me captivated. It also really made me think about how life and how everything around us is ever changing. Thank you for an awesome series
December 17, 2025
Love this series!
After reading all 9 books in this series, I now want to go back to the beginning and start again with wiser eyes.
The story builds with each book even tho each has a unique storyline, getting you closer to the incredible ending.
Highly recommend.
After reading all 9 books in this series, I now want to go back to the beginning and start again with wiser eyes.
The story builds with each book even tho each has a unique storyline, getting you closer to the incredible ending.
Highly recommend.
January 13, 2026
Fabulous book and series
Each book in this series is complete and great in itself. But the overarching story is incredible. Wonderful, believable characters, intriguing insights, and fantastic story telling!
Each book in this series is complete and great in itself. But the overarching story is incredible. Wonderful, believable characters, intriguing insights, and fantastic story telling!
April 11, 2025
I love the waterhorse
I was so delighted to read the torn isle. All the characters capture d my full attention. I was terribly sad to lose Lorna and DI Wiley. I wasn't ready.
I was so delighted to read the torn isle. All the characters capture d my full attention. I was terribly sad to lose Lorna and DI Wiley. I wasn't ready.
April 23, 2025
You must read all Nine.
I loved the complex plot, imperfect people, gentle spiritual nudges, and a Unicorn or two.
My map and sweet memories of Scotland got a great workout.
I loved the complex plot, imperfect people, gentle spiritual nudges, and a Unicorn or two.
My map and sweet memories of Scotland got a great workout.
May 6, 2025
glad I stuck with it
In the last few books, I’ve complained about the melodrama. This was not an issue, and the author showed some really great humor in this last one.
In the last few books, I’ve complained about the melodrama. This was not an issue, and the author showed some really great humor in this last one.
May 6, 2025
Enjoyable read
I stumbled on these books by accident.
Well written story of old faith, fantasy intrigue villains and hero’s fighting for what they love.
I stumbled on these books by accident.
Well written story of old faith, fantasy intrigue villains and hero’s fighting for what they love.
September 9, 2025
Torn Isle inspires
Wherever you may live this book will make you think, about your gifts, your duty, your faith, your community and what you can do. Excellent read!!!!
Wherever you may live this book will make you think, about your gifts, your duty, your faith, your community and what you can do. Excellent read!!!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews