The Speed of Lightning

The Hebridean Shield #3

by Ashley Worrell

The war in the Scottish Hebrides begins to unravel when the King of the Isles dies and his throne usurped. Forbidden from continuing their work in the Shield, Hector MacLean’s elite fighting force is ordered to disband as the Wolf moves in.

Among Hector’s fighters, Calum MacLean is the most savage. Able to strike with lightning-fast precision, Calum’s upbringing on the tribal island of Jura has secured his place as one of the Isles’ most gifted warriors. Yet it is his heathen past he desires to outrun most, having fled his home after betraying his father, and his duty as tànaiste. But when his secret role in the Shield is exposed by a bard called the Storyteller, Calum is forced to return to the island he escaped from.

Ten years after the ill-fated decision that cost her everything, Freya MacSorley is trapped in a double life. With her father she lives in extreme seclusion, and in secret, she spins tales and songs about the lad she helped escape, and the missions he carries out as a member of the revered Shield. Assured that they will never meet again, Freya is stunned when Calum returns to the shores of Jura—no longer a lad, but a fierce and deadly warrior, one that is on a mission to find the bard who has betrayed him.

When Freya is harmed and Jura attacked, Calum is faced with a series of life-altering decisions. Instead of fleeing from heathen Jura, he begs God to send him on his most important mission—to protect the bride he is beginning to cherish and to save his homeland. As the threats to Freya’s life grow more brazen, Calum begins to realize that all is not as he believes.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Closed Door Romance

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

Ashley Worrell is a repentant HR professional, thankful to be writing adventure stories instead of disciplinary notices. Since leaving the HR world in 2021, she has become a full-time writer and 2023 ACFW Genesis Contest Semi-Finalist. From this work, she has created the popular Hebridean Shield series.

Ashley lives with her family and beloved dog Baxter in upstate South Carolina. When she is not spending time in the medieval Scottish isles, she enjoys playing traditional Irish percussion on her bodhrán.

Reviews

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was sad in places but the way life sometimes happen, and yet the Christian content
helped even me thinking about evil people and how to stay focused on the Lord, no matter what!
On the other hand one doesn't have to me a mouse and not be honest about your feelings
so as good story!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, I couldn’t put it down. Each book from this author just keeps getting better! Ashley Worrell has a rare gift for blending heart-stopping intensity with beautifully written emotion. The pacing in Speed of Lightning was absolutely electric, every scene pulled me deeper in, and the descriptive detail made me feel like I was right there in the middle of it all.

I appreciated the vivid description and emotional depth throughout the entire book. The characters, the tension, the moments that made me gasp, oh my goodness. Just phenomenal.

Keep writing, Ashley. You have a gift beyond gifts!

[Hannah Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I loved the moments where the beautiful but harsh setting of the Isles was described in more detail and would love more of that in future books.

loved Callum’s glow up at the end and the friends/allies—> more storyline. I’ll say it again, heeeaaavy on the romance. After the last few books, I didn’t know how the stakes could get any higher but, here we are!!

Content: SA threat, violence, fade to black within marriage

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful and heartbreaking 💔 I can’t wait for more!

[Heather McNichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

This one kept me up late into the night! I couldn't put it down! I cant wait for the next book!

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Is it book 3 of the series. She is still writing books in this series. I think this one was actually my favourite of the three. The characters are so easy to connect with and I felt for so many of them not just the main ones. I cannot wait to read the other books as they come out.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5ish stars.

I was frustrated with the FMC, but overall a good story.

Full review to come!

[Rose Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Ashley, you have outdone yourself. 👏🏻 Each of your books have that magnetic pull that draws the reader in immediately and makes them care about your characters, but this book was even better than the first two!

Thank you for always being so real, yet so encouraging. You weave beautiful stories of hope and love and I always feel uplifted when I'm finished reading. Your love for God and for your brothers and sisters in Christ bleeds through your pages, warming the hearts and bouying the spirits of your readers. ❤

I can't wait for the next book!! 🥰

[Kati Luchterhand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first two books!

I was drawn in by Cara and Hector’s story, loved Leo and Birdy, and now Freya and Calum is even better. I love a character driven story and this book does not disappoint. The pacing and character development, as they work through the lies they’ve believed and been told their whole lives, and working through the internal dialogue they brought to their relationship with each other and Jesus was well written. The ending is so beautifully dramatic but not cliche or trite.

[Abbie Fallaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best of the series so far. I absolutely LOVE Calum and Freya. I really appreciate that this author doesn't shy away from the gore and violence of war, and of the violence toward women and children. Freya's abuse by her father was shocking and heartbreaking, but it was necessary for her character arc. Calum's evolution from exile to the leader he was born to be was a beautiful arc too. I loved the Christian themes in this story, which felt so smooth and not preachy in any way. The first book in this series was good, the second I honestly didn't like too much, but I am so so glad I kept going because this one is by far my favorite so far.

Also, poor Aoife??! I am at the edge of my seat to see how Murdoch somehow rescues Aoife and they get their happily ever after too 😭

[Ladybird88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my preferred time period despite a serious life-long love of history. However, Ms. Worrell brings the characters and time period to life in such a gripping and engaging way that I found myself flying through this book. I had a harder time with the first two but was interested in seeing how the various members of the team developed. There were relational misunderstandings that added complexity to the storyline and character growth. Looking forward to the development of this series!

[Melia (more than a blurb!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw thoughts - what a wonderful book. This was awesome, I could tell when something was going to happen but I couldn't pin point it. I loved the romance and the healing between the two main characters.

Such a good example of Gods love for us, choosing us over and over and over. No matter how thick the mud is. I will try to write a better review once I've sat on it a little more.

Would recommend for ages 16 and up, it was a pretty heavy book. Trigger warning - Abuse,violence

[Eva S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best in the series so far! It's very rare for a book to completely transport me into the story I'm reading but Ashley Worrell has the rare gift to accomplish this! I felt as if I was living amongst Calum and Freya, feeling what they felt, every raw emotion. I never wanted this book to end. I never want this series to end. It has quickly become my favorite series ever. The faith elements are superb! I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! Can't wait for book 4!

[Alyssa Shull · Rating 4 out of 5]

The number one thing I like about this book is how the faith is interwoven into the story, it doesn’t feel like an additive but deeply within. Calum and Freya’s story is very immersive and you feel for these characters. For me it is a little more of heavy content with kidnappings, raids, wars and what comes with all of that. I found myself just wanting to read the interactions between Calum and Freya. Highly recommend if you like middle age war/romance books.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this little series! My biggest disappointment was that #4 wasn't out yet ;) All kidding aside, I'm a sucker for stories based in Scotland and I love a good historical romance. But add in the ties to early Christianity and royalty and I'm all in! The plot just kept getting thicker and I can't wait to see where #4 takes us.

[Katie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better with every book. I love Calum and Freya and their story. It’s probably my favorite so far. The story also sets the stage quite dramatically for the next book, which I can’t wait for.

[Kelsey Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot recommend this series enough. The story, the historical accuracy, the relationships, the deep faith, the character growth- incredible. Ashley’s storytelling is a God-given gift. I so look forward to reading Murdoch’s story!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 3rd book by Ashley Worrell!!
I love the historical accuracy, I love the relationships between the Sheild, I love the lessons learned about relationship with the Savior!
I love this series!

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. The strength and ruggedness combined with the gentleness and care of the characters drew me in. The comradery and banter of the members of the Shield was really good. I've really loved this series.

[Chelsey Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series, probably favorite author. She writes these love stories so beautifully, and her faith and authors note at the end.. thank you for not giving up Ashley, and sharing these beautiful stories of faith, love, and not giving up but trusting in the Lord thru it all.

[Sammy Sicoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was not supposed to STRESS ME OUT. My goodness. I need book four immediately…

Also, get you a man that loves God and their wives the way these men do🤌🏽 truly a good reminder of why you should have high expectations for the man you will end up marrying one day.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story in this series

The weaving of story and faith in this series is such a delight. Characters who feel like friends. Edge of your seat action. Love. Camaraderie. Salvations and new beginnings. What a well-written tale Ms. Worrell weaves!

[Julie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS

I am an avid reader of Christian novels and this may be the best ever. Most inspiring!! Beautiful and heart stirring!!

[Jodica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so great! Ashley you are such a gifted writer! I didn’t want it to end!

[Emma Rolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite yet! Really fun learning about Jura and its unique history while also agonizing over Calum and Freya.

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. And I absolutely adore it so very much!

The amount of highlights I have on this book is insane! Just the perfect balance of fierce and swoony MMC. Calum is just the perfect MMC. Not because he truly is perfect but he just gives his all and trusts God will take care of the rest.

Freya was so sweet and I loved that she faced so many hardships and yet she didn't let darkness in. She fought it in so many ways and just kept shining her light.

I loved that together they healed each other and found hope once again.

Truly one of my top favorite books that I won't ever forget about.

Physical Intimacy Level 3 (descriptive making out)
Zero Swearing.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, these books keep getting better and better. This one was my favorite by far. I loved the vikings setting. The action was so good, the banter between the Shield was better than ever and the love story between Calum and Freya was SO GOOD. The redemption story for each character was so real and believable, Ashley Worrell's descriptions and building of her worlds and style of writing is so incredibly good.
I didn't want this book to end and I keep thinking back to it.
Can't wait for the next one, they keep getting better and better!

[Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough

I love these characters, the setting, the writing, the story.
The third might be my favorite so far, but I’m partial to Vikings. They are all deeply amazing in their own way and all characters from each book are going to live with me for awhile.
I wish I had the next story already. Really the next four.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*big sigh* I love this book so much. Actually, if I could recommend you a series, it's this one. Ashley has such a way with words, l've cried while reading every book in this series. The romance and story are well written, and she integrates faith in a way that isn't cheesy or off-putting, but very raw and real. I'm highly anticipating the next story of Murdoch & Aoife!

🤎 Standalone (part of The Hebridean Shield)
🤎 Historical Fiction
🤎 Christian
🤎 Fade-to-Black Romance
🤎 Find it on: KU + Amazon

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has become a top favorite. I love how the stories weave in and out with little snapshots of the previous main characters. I enjoyed this story line of the couple. It showcased the harsh realities of the time period. I still felt there were a few gaps or undone pieces that left me wanting to know how it was resolved between the two main characters.