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Brotherhood of the Sword & MacAllister #7
The Warrior
Lochlan MacAllister was born to lead. Ruthlessly groomed to take control of his clan, he has given his life to his people. But when he learns that the brother he thought was dead might still be alive, he embarks on a quest to find the truth.
Catarina wants a life of freedom. But now Catarina's royal father wants to use her as a pawn to ensure a treaty between conflicting lands. So much so that he's willing to kidnap his daughter to force the issue. But when she escapes, fate throws her into the path of a man she loathes.
Lochlan is stunned to find the shrewish Cat being hauled away by unknown men. Unwilling to see even her suffer, he frees her only to learn that she has her own demons to fight. When their fates intertwine, two people who know nothing of trust must rely on each other, and two enemies who have vowed their eternal hatred must find common ground, or see their very lives shattered.
Catarina wants a life of freedom. But now Catarina's royal father wants to use her as a pawn to ensure a treaty between conflicting lands. So much so that he's willing to kidnap his daughter to force the issue. But when she escapes, fate throws her into the path of a man she loathes.
Lochlan is stunned to find the shrewish Cat being hauled away by unknown men. Unwilling to see even her suffer, he frees her only to learn that she has her own demons to fight. When their fates intertwine, two people who know nothing of trust must rely on each other, and two enemies who have vowed their eternal hatred must find common ground, or see their very lives shattered.
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2007
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About the author
Kinley MacGregor
31 books1,572 followersSherrilyn McQueen
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Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kinley MacGregor
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Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kinley MacGregor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
September 28, 2009
I'd been dying to read Lochlan MacAllister's story since Taming the Scotsman, so I was "predisposed" to like The Warrior even though I'd been a bit disappointed with the previous 2 books in this series. Everything went well and I quite enjoyed this read... up until the very end, when things got very, very strange...
The Warrior is the latest installment in the MacAllister and Brotherhood of the Sword series and, although it can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend it because Ms. MacGregor has the very annoying habit of bringing characters from the previous books without so much as an introduction. They appear left and right and we're supposed to know who they are, just like that. I know I've complained about this trait of hers before, but I do find it irritating so I'll keep going at it until she stops doing it, LOL.
Anyway, moving on to the story...
Laird Lochlan MacAllister is in France on a quest to find his missing brother Kieran, who may or may not be alive after all these years when everyone thought he had killed himself. During his journey, he comes upon Catarina, his sister-in-law Nora's cousin, while she's trying to escape from her "kidnappers". Lochlan and Catarina aren't exactly friends, but he helps her escape - after all, she's saved his brother Ewan's life and he feels obliged to help her in return. Then, he finds out that she's not the free-spirited gypsy he believed her to be... She's the illegitimate daughter of King Phillip of France and her "kidnappers" are actually her father's men, sent to "capture" her and take her back to him so he can marry her to a man of his choosing.
Catarina wants nothing to do with her father's plan and begs Lochlan to take her to her uncle Bavel instead. After some struggle, he agrees but his 1st goal is still to find his missing brother, so she has to go along with him to Rouen to meet someone who might have information about Kieran's whereabouts. Only after that, they will set off to meet Bavel. Lochlan and Catarina start their journey disliking each other, but each soon realizes the other isn't as "bad" as they thought. Then dislike turns into friendship, friendship turns into sexual attraction, and we all know where this is going to end... ;)
I really liked Lochlan and Catarina, and it was obvious they were meant to be together when they butted heads in Taming the Scotsman. Lochlan was a by-the-rules man who needed someone like slightly crazy Catarina to bring happiness and a sense of completion to his life, and it was fun to watch her teasing him into becoming a less stiff (no pun intended) man. I kept hoping to see him loosening himself enough to dance with her but, alas, it never happened. It would have been a sigh-worthy moment, if Ms. MacGregor had cared to write that scene.
The plot wasn't completely original - those reluctant MacAllister heroes are always on the road to take those feisty heroines somewhere, LOL - but it was fast paced and entertaining, with danger lurking around and threatening both Lochlan and Catarina's freedom. As for Kieran, the mystery regarding his fate - was he really alive? - was finally revealed, and I'm sorry to say, I didn't get it... What was that?!? It was one of the most WTF scenes I've ever read, and I had to throw the book against the wall. Luckily, the story ended right after that unbelievable stunt and this book was saved from receiving a DNF status from me. What a way to ruin an otherwise good read! Some reviewers suggested that readers should stop reading this book at the end of the last chapter and avoid the epilogue completely. Why, oh why, didn't I listen to that advice? Argh, curiosity did kill the cat! *bangs head on desk*
Considering the last 3 books in this series were only average reads to me, I'm done with the MacAllisters and the Brotherhood of the Sword. It's kind of sad because I really enjoyed the 1st books in the series, but I think Ms. MacGregor has lost her "mojo" somewhere down the road.
The Warrior is the latest installment in the MacAllister and Brotherhood of the Sword series and, although it can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend it because Ms. MacGregor has the very annoying habit of bringing characters from the previous books without so much as an introduction. They appear left and right and we're supposed to know who they are, just like that. I know I've complained about this trait of hers before, but I do find it irritating so I'll keep going at it until she stops doing it, LOL.
Anyway, moving on to the story...
Laird Lochlan MacAllister is in France on a quest to find his missing brother Kieran, who may or may not be alive after all these years when everyone thought he had killed himself. During his journey, he comes upon Catarina, his sister-in-law Nora's cousin, while she's trying to escape from her "kidnappers". Lochlan and Catarina aren't exactly friends, but he helps her escape - after all, she's saved his brother Ewan's life and he feels obliged to help her in return. Then, he finds out that she's not the free-spirited gypsy he believed her to be... She's the illegitimate daughter of King Phillip of France and her "kidnappers" are actually her father's men, sent to "capture" her and take her back to him so he can marry her to a man of his choosing.
Catarina wants nothing to do with her father's plan and begs Lochlan to take her to her uncle Bavel instead. After some struggle, he agrees but his 1st goal is still to find his missing brother, so she has to go along with him to Rouen to meet someone who might have information about Kieran's whereabouts. Only after that, they will set off to meet Bavel. Lochlan and Catarina start their journey disliking each other, but each soon realizes the other isn't as "bad" as they thought. Then dislike turns into friendship, friendship turns into sexual attraction, and we all know where this is going to end... ;)
I really liked Lochlan and Catarina, and it was obvious they were meant to be together when they butted heads in Taming the Scotsman. Lochlan was a by-the-rules man who needed someone like slightly crazy Catarina to bring happiness and a sense of completion to his life, and it was fun to watch her teasing him into becoming a less stiff (no pun intended) man. I kept hoping to see him loosening himself enough to dance with her but, alas, it never happened. It would have been a sigh-worthy moment, if Ms. MacGregor had cared to write that scene.
The plot wasn't completely original - those reluctant MacAllister heroes are always on the road to take those feisty heroines somewhere, LOL - but it was fast paced and entertaining, with danger lurking around and threatening both Lochlan and Catarina's freedom. As for Kieran, the mystery regarding his fate - was he really alive? - was finally revealed, and I'm sorry to say, I didn't get it... What was that?!? It was one of the most WTF scenes I've ever read, and I had to throw the book against the wall. Luckily, the story ended right after that unbelievable stunt and this book was saved from receiving a DNF status from me. What a way to ruin an otherwise good read! Some reviewers suggested that readers should stop reading this book at the end of the last chapter and avoid the epilogue completely. Why, oh why, didn't I listen to that advice? Argh, curiosity did kill the cat! *bangs head on desk*
Considering the last 3 books in this series were only average reads to me, I'm done with the MacAllisters and the Brotherhood of the Sword. It's kind of sad because I really enjoyed the 1st books in the series, but I think Ms. MacGregor has lost her "mojo" somewhere down the road.
January 20, 2023
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2023/...
Pues poco puedo decir
Una novela de highlanders, llena de tópicos, pero (menos mal) con un mozo que no es de los macho/alfa/dominantes/brutos.
Ella es de las gupísimas valientes
Con muchas de las escenas que estamos tan acostumbradas a leer (secuestro, búsqueda y defensa incluidas) y un final de lo más edulcorado y totalmente increíble
No puedo decir que sea una mala lectura, pero no me ha aportado nada en absoluto,.
Leído para recuerar el mes de septiembre del #retolove4romance
Mea culpa, hace tiempo que me saturé de esta temática y todos los libros me parecen prácticamente iguales
Pues poco puedo decir
Una novela de highlanders, llena de tópicos, pero (menos mal) con un mozo que no es de los macho/alfa/dominantes/brutos.
Ella es de las gupísimas valientes
Con muchas de las escenas que estamos tan acostumbradas a leer (secuestro, búsqueda y defensa incluidas) y un final de lo más edulcorado y totalmente increíble
No puedo decir que sea una mala lectura, pero no me ha aportado nada en absoluto,.
Leído para recuerar el mes de septiembre del #retolove4romance
Mea culpa, hace tiempo que me saturé de esta temática y todos los libros me parecen prácticamente iguales
May 13, 2016
El último libro de la serie La hermandad de la Espada vuelve con nuestro highlander más famoso, Lochlan MacAllister, que se embarca en un viaje tras la pista que tiene de que su hermano Kieran pueda seguir con vida.
En su periplo se encontrará con la ya conocida Catarina, que huye de un matrimonio concertado por su padre el rey de Francia. Juntos tendrán que superar muchos obstáculos y lidiar con nuevos sentimientos entre los dos.
El libro me ha gustado bastante y como colofón de la serie creo que deja muy buenas sensaciones, eso sí me pareció muy corto.
No pongo ninguna pega a la forma de narrar de la autora pues me encanta, la novela no tiene momento para aburrirse porque incorpora muchos elementos que hacen que la acción no decaiga. Un sinfín de aventuras por las que pasan nuestros protagonistas principales, también con la aparición de personajes de anteriores libros. Hay varios puntos de intriga con varios personajes que te mantienen atenta con lo cual disfrutas y las páginas se te pasan volando.
Los personajes principales me encantaron: Catarina es una joven bastante simpática, resuelta y alegre y Lochlan es un amor porque no es el típico highlander bruto sino la versión mejorada jeje. Me gustó mucho su forma de actuar y también la de Catarina y que la historia no quedase en ellos dos sino que se desplace también hacia otros personajes como por ejemplo Kieran, Damien o Duncan.
El final me pareció pobre en el sentido de que me hubiese gustado que fuese un poco más concreto y nos desvelase más detalles sobre ciertos temas y personajes pero en fin no se puede tener todo.
En su periplo se encontrará con la ya conocida Catarina, que huye de un matrimonio concertado por su padre el rey de Francia. Juntos tendrán que superar muchos obstáculos y lidiar con nuevos sentimientos entre los dos.
El libro me ha gustado bastante y como colofón de la serie creo que deja muy buenas sensaciones, eso sí me pareció muy corto.
No pongo ninguna pega a la forma de narrar de la autora pues me encanta, la novela no tiene momento para aburrirse porque incorpora muchos elementos que hacen que la acción no decaiga. Un sinfín de aventuras por las que pasan nuestros protagonistas principales, también con la aparición de personajes de anteriores libros. Hay varios puntos de intriga con varios personajes que te mantienen atenta con lo cual disfrutas y las páginas se te pasan volando.
Los personajes principales me encantaron: Catarina es una joven bastante simpática, resuelta y alegre y Lochlan es un amor porque no es el típico highlander bruto sino la versión mejorada jeje. Me gustó mucho su forma de actuar y también la de Catarina y que la historia no quedase en ellos dos sino que se desplace también hacia otros personajes como por ejemplo Kieran, Damien o Duncan.
El final me pareció pobre en el sentido de que me hubiese gustado que fuese un poco más concreto y nos desvelase más detalles sobre ciertos temas y personajes pero en fin no se puede tener todo.
June 2, 2020
En realidad 3'5 Estrellas. No voy a decir que sea un gran cierre de serie, porque para nada ésta serie está cerrada, simplemente Sherrilyn la abandonó, porque entre los MacAllister y la Hermandad de la Espada hay muchos más personajes y libros que merecen su historia. ¿Las tendremos? Ahora mismo lo dudo.
Como dije, éste libro pertenece a la serie La Hermandad de la Espada, cuando en realidad debería ser el cuarto libro de los hermanos MacAllister. En él, los protagonistas son Lochlan MacAllister, el hermano mayor y laird del clan, y Catarina, la gitanilla que apareció en el libro de Ewan.
Catarina se encuentra en un aprieto, no es una simple gitanilla, si no que es hija bastarda del rey de Francia y éste tiene grandes planes para ella. Lo que más ansía Catarina es su libertad, lo lleva en la sangre y en su cultura y para nada obedecerá las órdenes de su padre para casarse con quien él quiera.
Cat acaba de escapar de los últimos soldados que la llevarán ante su padre, y en el camino, por el norte de Francia, se encontrará con quien menos esperaba, Lochlan MacAllister, el hermano del marido de su prima, ése escocés hosco, frío y serio.
En ningún momento Lochlan rehúsa ayudar a Catarina, a pesar de su carácter y que ésa gitanilla siempre le crispaba los nervios, decide servirla y protegerla contra el destino que su padre quiere imponerle.
Lochlan se encuentra en Normandía, camino a encontrar en un torneo en Ruán a Stryder de Blackmore, uno de los pocos caballeros que vieron a su hermano Kieran con vida. Lochlan siempre se ha arrepentido de las duras palabras que tuvo con él la última vez que se vieron. Hace años que no han sabido de Kieran y probablemente esté muerto (o eso es lo que mencionaban anteriores libros), pero ahora acaban de darles una pista a los hermanos MacAllister sobre dónde encontrar a Kieran.
Así es como Cat y Lochlan volverán a coincidir y tendremos un road trip medieval, en que nos encontraremos con nuevos personajes, con otros a quienes conocimos en anteriores libros, y con muchos peligros para nuestros personajes, pues por un lado tenemos a los soldados del rey de Francia persiguiendo a Cat y por el otro a un clan rival de Lochlan, dispuestos a iniciar una guerra.
Como libro está bien, pero se me ha quedado muy anecdótico, le ha faltado más profundidad y romance a la historia, y definitivamente, saber algo más de los personajes secundarios, pues siento que Sherrilyn quería darlos historia propia, pero con el pasar de los años se ha visto que no. Los protagonistas y su romance están bien, pero no me han hecho suspirar y aunque la historia me ha gustado, pues el libro es corto y tiene una letra enorme, apenas lo he leído en dos días, esperaba más.
Lo bueno, ha sido desvelar el gran misterio al final del libro, que no voy a spoilear, pero imagino que quienes seáis fans del universo Kenyon podréis intuir, y sí, estaba segurísima de que era ESO lo que le pasaba a dicho personaje y la autora me ha dejado con muchas, muchísimas ganas de saber lo que realmente le sucedió y si tendrá su propia historia en un futuro.
Como dije, éste libro pertenece a la serie La Hermandad de la Espada, cuando en realidad debería ser el cuarto libro de los hermanos MacAllister. En él, los protagonistas son Lochlan MacAllister, el hermano mayor y laird del clan, y Catarina, la gitanilla que apareció en el libro de Ewan.
Catarina se encuentra en un aprieto, no es una simple gitanilla, si no que es hija bastarda del rey de Francia y éste tiene grandes planes para ella. Lo que más ansía Catarina es su libertad, lo lleva en la sangre y en su cultura y para nada obedecerá las órdenes de su padre para casarse con quien él quiera.
Cat acaba de escapar de los últimos soldados que la llevarán ante su padre, y en el camino, por el norte de Francia, se encontrará con quien menos esperaba, Lochlan MacAllister, el hermano del marido de su prima, ése escocés hosco, frío y serio.
En ningún momento Lochlan rehúsa ayudar a Catarina, a pesar de su carácter y que ésa gitanilla siempre le crispaba los nervios, decide servirla y protegerla contra el destino que su padre quiere imponerle.
Lochlan se encuentra en Normandía, camino a encontrar en un torneo en Ruán a Stryder de Blackmore, uno de los pocos caballeros que vieron a su hermano Kieran con vida. Lochlan siempre se ha arrepentido de las duras palabras que tuvo con él la última vez que se vieron. Hace años que no han sabido de Kieran y probablemente esté muerto (o eso es lo que mencionaban anteriores libros), pero ahora acaban de darles una pista a los hermanos MacAllister sobre dónde encontrar a Kieran.
Así es como Cat y Lochlan volverán a coincidir y tendremos un road trip medieval, en que nos encontraremos con nuevos personajes, con otros a quienes conocimos en anteriores libros, y con muchos peligros para nuestros personajes, pues por un lado tenemos a los soldados del rey de Francia persiguiendo a Cat y por el otro a un clan rival de Lochlan, dispuestos a iniciar una guerra.
Como libro está bien, pero se me ha quedado muy anecdótico, le ha faltado más profundidad y romance a la historia, y definitivamente, saber algo más de los personajes secundarios, pues siento que Sherrilyn quería darlos historia propia, pero con el pasar de los años se ha visto que no. Los protagonistas y su romance están bien, pero no me han hecho suspirar y aunque la historia me ha gustado, pues el libro es corto y tiene una letra enorme, apenas lo he leído en dos días, esperaba más.
Lo bueno, ha sido desvelar el gran misterio al final del libro, que no voy a spoilear, pero imagino que quienes seáis fans del universo Kenyon podréis intuir, y sí, estaba segurísima de que era ESO lo que le pasaba a dicho personaje y la autora me ha dejado con muchas, muchísimas ganas de saber lo que realmente le sucedió y si tendrá su propia historia en un futuro.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 4, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book. This one's got 2 parts.
To tell you the truth, I'm quite enjoying this book. Though the premise isn't anything unique, I still like it. I liked Catarina in Taming the Scotsman, in here she's keeping her record. But, I wasn't really interested in Lochlan since he didn't seem to be an intriguing man. Erm, yah, a bit stuffy and straight laced kind. But of course, as the laird of the clan MacAllister, he has proved himself. In his book, I'm beginning to unearth a man who has his own vulnerabilities, too.
The story picks up from Taming the Scotsman, where it's known that there's a possibility that Kieran is alive. A few months later, Lochlan is in France to see Stryder (hero of A Dark Champion), who is attending a tourney. Lochlan thought it's best that he volunteers for this job since all his other brothers are married and have kids and he didn't want them to face the danger, also as a laird and brother, it's his duty. I instantly admired him for this. On the way, he meets Catarina again (they first met in Taming the Scotsman and there, Catarina and Lochlan were onto each-other with words) and now, he's kinda saddled with her.
Catarina was running away from some men, who abducted her to take her to her father king Phillip. She's his illegitimate daughter and Phillip has decided that she'd make a good bargain to some means, so wanted her to marry accordingly. Catarina grew up with her mother's side of the family as her father really never took interest in her. But, now that he 'needs' her, he's ordered men to abduct her! Oh, what a father! But of course, he's a king and kings do whatever they like, arrogant boors! But, I digress. Our Catarina is no missish, weak-kneed and she worked her way through the kidnappers' den. And, when they were on her heals, she saw Lochlan. Lochlan, even knowing it's in his best interest to ignore the whole situation and be on his way, decides to help her as the 'responsible laird' side of him wins the war.
They dodge the kidnappers but Catarina falls in their hands again as the two quarrel and she goes on her way. Lochlan kills them as they tried to slap her into submission. Hooboy! Although, Lochlan initially decided it's better to take her to the king and avoid any disaster it might cause for his clan [ref: the feud they had with the MacDouglas clan and 'why'] but ultimately, he promises to take Catarina to her uncle Bavel, whom we also met in Taming the Scotsman. On their way, they met three other individuals, two brothers Bracken and Bryce and their sister Julia, They were on the verge of robbing them but ceased as they identified Catarina. The siblings, who were from a noble family in England but a tragedy has left them to fend for themselves. Catarina is very sad to know their predicament. Lochlan decides to help them out and give them a proper home. Me, quite impressed by his actions!
Catarina and Lochlan's banters are a fun read, as I said she's very open and enjoys life while Lochlan is pretty stuck with his stuffy side. There is a scene where Lochlan asks her to use his hairbrush. When Catarina opens his saddlebag, she sees everything is so neat there and she had this impish urge to ruffle it. Well, this scence signifies a lot IMO. She's already ruffling his life but can't tell that Lochlan dislikes it. He doesn't. Even though, from time to time, Catarina insults him and he growls in answer, they like each-other just fine! ;)
In between, I also got to know things about Lochlan and how he was physically and verbally abused by his horrible father in the past. I knew the man was awful from the earlier books but this one reveals a whole new horizon of his vices! He had other basterds and was a cheating husband. I thought Sin was his only indiscretion but I was wrong. Also, I couldn't believe the way he manipulated Lochlan, said horrible things to him and in the end, destroyed Lochlan's relationship with the woman he loved. And, what about that woman? Whatever I read, it was pretty distasteful. No wonder Lochlan is reserved and has sheltered his heart. And, his father did all these just to let him know he can't trust anyone and being the laird, he's only a trophy to the other people. Also, Lochlan's exchanges with Kieran before he supposedly drowned himself was revealed. I hated Kieran in all the other books [read my review of [book:Taming the Scotsman|702568] to know what I exactly thought about him], I hate him here too. He was mean and nasty, a self-centered SOB. I agree with Lochlan's thoughts about him when he says that Kieran liked to hurt everyone around them. He was his father's son, no less! But Lochlan, the good brother and son of the family, wants him back and hence this quest.
They find Stryder (I loved reading his and Rowena's banters :p) and talks of him about the Brotherhood and asks him about Kieran. Some facts come out of this discussion and left me confused! Who is Duncun? Another MacAllister? Kieran, when he was in Outremer prison with the others, introduced him as his brother and Stryder said, they resembled each-other to a fault so others couldn't tell them apart. Really? I had no idea they had another brother! :s And, then there's the possiblity that the Scot of their Brotherhood might either be Kieran or Duncan. One of them died in the prison and the other was disfigured so badly that it's impossible to know who it is. Also, the Scot keeps to himself, doesn't care much for the crowd and so on. Lochlan doesn't know what to think this about this news and, I'm rather confused even more learning that he took the talks about Duncan without any reaction at all. How come?? :/
Lochlan talks with Catarina and she agrees that it's better to travel there and she's willing to ride with him before he can take her to her family. Stryder agrees to accompany them, too. It's decided that the three Siblings will go on their way to Scotland, as they can't travel to England for they're wanted by authorities. Afterwards, Lochlan and the others will be on their way to Sussex, where the Scot lives.
******************
This book was sweet but not much of action uptill the end of it, so I've decided on 3.75. I really expected a lot of fun, the like other MacAllister books from but alas, this book was also mostly spent on the journey like Return of the Warrior!
After their plan to travel to Sussex, Lochlan was imprisoned by a French lord when one English lord identified him and wanted justice for a crime his father did. I mean, WTF? I was really angry about it. Then, Catarina had to reveal herself to save him but then, she had to stay in that French man's house. Lochlan, along with Stryder and Simon, planned to steal her away. But, they didn't know, Graham MacKaid (a villain from Taming the Scotsman), comes back to abduct and torture her to death, so that Lochlan hangs because people in English court know about his father's dalliances and there were many rumors of him being cruel to his bed partners. Stryder sought help from Kestrel, a tracker who's also an addition from Outremer. I liked Kestrel. He helps find Catarina as well as accompanies Lochlan and her to the Scot's house. Anyway, after Catarina was found and the MacKaids were imprisoned, Lochlan couldn't deny his feelings for her (Catarina already had fallen by this time) and they make love.
Afterwards, as they rode to a dockside town and Lochlan finds out that king Phillip is already here in search of his daughter. Both Catarina and Lochlan hide in an inn and wait for Stryder and the others to come and fetch them. As time went by, they grow suspicious and worried but this time they spent together, also help them to get to know each-other well. Catarina's uncle Bavel finds a way to meet her and tells her of her father's plan and she knew she has to be on the run again. There was a scene here between her and Lochlan I simply adored. I do love a pouty Lochlan! :p Catarina was sweet, the way she handled him afterwards. hahaha Then, at night, Lochlan learns from Kestrel that Stryder and Simon is with the king as he recognized them and kinda holding them in his ship. Kestrel takes them to the ship bound to England and help them flee. Kestrel had his own story to tell, a bit of which is revealed in the journey.
Lochlan and Catarina, along with Kestrel, travel to the Scot's palace. And, this is where some really heart wrenching scenes take place. They were, at first, denied an audience with the Scot. But, with Kestrel intervention and with a determined Lochlan, they finally met him. His face is badly scarred with burn marks on the one side but the other side shows what a beautiful man he is/was (Oh, I only see Gerry as the Phantom :p here)! And, no it's not Kieran. It's Duncan, the other MacAllister! Lochlan sees the similarities but doesn't recognize him. Then, it was revealed that he's another of his father's bastards and Keiran knew him from an early age, about which none of the MacAllisters knew. Kieran helped him with food and money, so when a whiny Kieran met Duncan after the Isobail incident, he immediately agreed to accompany him to the Outremer. Some other facts come out too and Lochlan and his new-found brother embrace. I was in tears. The next day, the king tracks them down and finds Lochlan and Catarina together and asks for Lochlan's head... This was a very emotional scene. I wish I read more scenes like this throughout the book. Also, as I recall, Lochlan never revealed his childhood vulnerabilities to anyone, not even to Catarina. We get to know it all from his musings about his past. I'm not sure why.
And then, there is the epilogue, of which I'm not sure how to comment upon. I've already read in the other reviews that the epilogue was, ermm, odd. For me, not so odd but I think the whole thing was wholly unnecessary and the person involved should've remain as it was revealed earlier in the book. That's all I'll say about it.
Many secondary characters put an appearance in this book, specially Stryder, Rowena, Simon and Damien. Simon is special here because he appeared in every book of this series, which I liked. I read earlier that Kit, Stryder's brother was supposed to be with the Scot, Duncan but saw nothing of him later on.
All in all, I'll miss the MacAllisters and the other characters since no idea if/when will there be another book. KM should've finished this series off and not leave so many cliffhangers and questions unresolved IMO. This is not a good feeling while ending a series, at least for the time being.
The Brotherhood of Swords *update...*:
The Wraith is Simon of Ravenswood (later, of Anwyk), book "Midsummer's Knight" (novella) in Where's My Hero
The Widowmaker is Stryder of Blackmoor, book A Dark Champion
The Abbot is Christian of Acre, book Return of the Warrior
The Scot is Duncan MacAllister, Lochlan's half-brother, no books yet.
The Sorcerer/El Sahaar is Nassir, a Saracen man, no books yet.
Then there are two other additional men:
The Pagan is ... Still not sure, he was first featured in Taming the Scotsman, no books yet.
The Phantom is Velizarii, another Prince of Elgedera and cousin to Christian, no books yet.
Other characters, an assassin:
The Scorpion is ... Damien St. Cyr???, first featured in A Dark Champion, no books yet.
To tell you the truth, I'm quite enjoying this book. Though the premise isn't anything unique, I still like it. I liked Catarina in Taming the Scotsman, in here she's keeping her record. But, I wasn't really interested in Lochlan since he didn't seem to be an intriguing man. Erm, yah, a bit stuffy and straight laced kind. But of course, as the laird of the clan MacAllister, he has proved himself. In his book, I'm beginning to unearth a man who has his own vulnerabilities, too.
The story picks up from Taming the Scotsman, where it's known that there's a possibility that Kieran is alive. A few months later, Lochlan is in France to see Stryder (hero of A Dark Champion), who is attending a tourney. Lochlan thought it's best that he volunteers for this job since all his other brothers are married and have kids and he didn't want them to face the danger, also as a laird and brother, it's his duty. I instantly admired him for this. On the way, he meets Catarina again (they first met in Taming the Scotsman and there, Catarina and Lochlan were onto each-other with words) and now, he's kinda saddled with her.
Catarina was running away from some men, who abducted her to take her to her father king Phillip. She's his illegitimate daughter and Phillip has decided that she'd make a good bargain to some means, so wanted her to marry accordingly. Catarina grew up with her mother's side of the family as her father really never took interest in her. But, now that he 'needs' her, he's ordered men to abduct her! Oh, what a father! But of course, he's a king and kings do whatever they like, arrogant boors! But, I digress. Our Catarina is no missish, weak-kneed and she worked her way through the kidnappers' den. And, when they were on her heals, she saw Lochlan. Lochlan, even knowing it's in his best interest to ignore the whole situation and be on his way, decides to help her as the 'responsible laird' side of him wins the war.
They dodge the kidnappers but Catarina falls in their hands again as the two quarrel and she goes on her way. Lochlan kills them as they tried to slap her into submission. Hooboy! Although, Lochlan initially decided it's better to take her to the king and avoid any disaster it might cause for his clan [ref: the feud they had with the MacDouglas clan and 'why'] but ultimately, he promises to take Catarina to her uncle Bavel, whom we also met in Taming the Scotsman. On their way, they met three other individuals, two brothers Bracken and Bryce and their sister Julia, They were on the verge of robbing them but ceased as they identified Catarina. The siblings, who were from a noble family in England but a tragedy has left them to fend for themselves. Catarina is very sad to know their predicament. Lochlan decides to help them out and give them a proper home. Me, quite impressed by his actions!
Catarina and Lochlan's banters are a fun read, as I said she's very open and enjoys life while Lochlan is pretty stuck with his stuffy side. There is a scene where Lochlan asks her to use his hairbrush. When Catarina opens his saddlebag, she sees everything is so neat there and she had this impish urge to ruffle it. Well, this scence signifies a lot IMO. She's already ruffling his life but can't tell that Lochlan dislikes it. He doesn't. Even though, from time to time, Catarina insults him and he growls in answer, they like each-other just fine! ;)
In between, I also got to know things about Lochlan and how he was physically and verbally abused by his horrible father in the past. I knew the man was awful from the earlier books but this one reveals a whole new horizon of his vices! He had other basterds and was a cheating husband. I thought Sin was his only indiscretion but I was wrong. Also, I couldn't believe the way he manipulated Lochlan, said horrible things to him and in the end, destroyed Lochlan's relationship with the woman he loved. And, what about that woman? Whatever I read, it was pretty distasteful. No wonder Lochlan is reserved and has sheltered his heart. And, his father did all these just to let him know he can't trust anyone and being the laird, he's only a trophy to the other people. Also, Lochlan's exchanges with Kieran before he supposedly drowned himself was revealed. I hated Kieran in all the other books [read my review of [book:Taming the Scotsman|702568] to know what I exactly thought about him], I hate him here too. He was mean and nasty, a self-centered SOB. I agree with Lochlan's thoughts about him when he says that Kieran liked to hurt everyone around them. He was his father's son, no less! But Lochlan, the good brother and son of the family, wants him back and hence this quest.
They find Stryder (I loved reading his and Rowena's banters :p) and talks of him about the Brotherhood and asks him about Kieran. Some facts come out of this discussion and left me confused! Who is Duncun? Another MacAllister? Kieran, when he was in Outremer prison with the others, introduced him as his brother and Stryder said, they resembled each-other to a fault so others couldn't tell them apart. Really? I had no idea they had another brother! :s And, then there's the possiblity that the Scot of their Brotherhood might either be Kieran or Duncan. One of them died in the prison and the other was disfigured so badly that it's impossible to know who it is. Also, the Scot keeps to himself, doesn't care much for the crowd and so on. Lochlan doesn't know what to think this about this news and, I'm rather confused even more learning that he took the talks about Duncan without any reaction at all. How come?? :/
Lochlan talks with Catarina and she agrees that it's better to travel there and she's willing to ride with him before he can take her to her family. Stryder agrees to accompany them, too. It's decided that the three Siblings will go on their way to Scotland, as they can't travel to England for they're wanted by authorities. Afterwards, Lochlan and the others will be on their way to Sussex, where the Scot lives.
******************
This book was sweet but not much of action uptill the end of it, so I've decided on 3.75. I really expected a lot of fun, the like other MacAllister books from but alas, this book was also mostly spent on the journey like Return of the Warrior!
After their plan to travel to Sussex, Lochlan was imprisoned by a French lord when one English lord identified him and wanted justice for a crime his father did. I mean, WTF? I was really angry about it. Then, Catarina had to reveal herself to save him but then, she had to stay in that French man's house. Lochlan, along with Stryder and Simon, planned to steal her away. But, they didn't know, Graham MacKaid (a villain from Taming the Scotsman), comes back to abduct and torture her to death, so that Lochlan hangs because people in English court know about his father's dalliances and there were many rumors of him being cruel to his bed partners. Stryder sought help from Kestrel, a tracker who's also an addition from Outremer. I liked Kestrel. He helps find Catarina as well as accompanies Lochlan and her to the Scot's house. Anyway, after Catarina was found and the MacKaids were imprisoned, Lochlan couldn't deny his feelings for her (Catarina already had fallen by this time) and they make love.
Afterwards, as they rode to a dockside town and Lochlan finds out that king Phillip is already here in search of his daughter. Both Catarina and Lochlan hide in an inn and wait for Stryder and the others to come and fetch them. As time went by, they grow suspicious and worried but this time they spent together, also help them to get to know each-other well. Catarina's uncle Bavel finds a way to meet her and tells her of her father's plan and she knew she has to be on the run again. There was a scene here between her and Lochlan I simply adored. I do love a pouty Lochlan! :p Catarina was sweet, the way she handled him afterwards. hahaha Then, at night, Lochlan learns from Kestrel that Stryder and Simon is with the king as he recognized them and kinda holding them in his ship. Kestrel takes them to the ship bound to England and help them flee. Kestrel had his own story to tell, a bit of which is revealed in the journey.
Lochlan and Catarina, along with Kestrel, travel to the Scot's palace. And, this is where some really heart wrenching scenes take place. They were, at first, denied an audience with the Scot. But, with Kestrel intervention and with a determined Lochlan, they finally met him. His face is badly scarred with burn marks on the one side but the other side shows what a beautiful man he is/was (Oh, I only see Gerry as the Phantom :p here)! And, no it's not Kieran. It's Duncan, the other MacAllister! Lochlan sees the similarities but doesn't recognize him. Then, it was revealed that he's another of his father's bastards and Keiran knew him from an early age, about which none of the MacAllisters knew. Kieran helped him with food and money, so when a whiny Kieran met Duncan after the Isobail incident, he immediately agreed to accompany him to the Outremer. Some other facts come out too and Lochlan and his new-found brother embrace. I was in tears. The next day, the king tracks them down and finds Lochlan and Catarina together and asks for Lochlan's head... This was a very emotional scene. I wish I read more scenes like this throughout the book. Also, as I recall, Lochlan never revealed his childhood vulnerabilities to anyone, not even to Catarina. We get to know it all from his musings about his past. I'm not sure why.
And then, there is the epilogue, of which I'm not sure how to comment upon. I've already read in the other reviews that the epilogue was, ermm, odd. For me, not so odd but I think the whole thing was wholly unnecessary and the person involved should've remain as it was revealed earlier in the book. That's all I'll say about it.
Many secondary characters put an appearance in this book, specially Stryder, Rowena, Simon and Damien. Simon is special here because he appeared in every book of this series, which I liked. I read earlier that Kit, Stryder's brother was supposed to be with the Scot, Duncan but saw nothing of him later on.
All in all, I'll miss the MacAllisters and the other characters since no idea if/when will there be another book. KM should've finished this series off and not leave so many cliffhangers and questions unresolved IMO. This is not a good feeling while ending a series, at least for the time being.
The Brotherhood of Swords *update...*:
The Wraith is Simon of Ravenswood (later, of Anwyk), book "Midsummer's Knight" (novella) in Where's My Hero
The Widowmaker is Stryder of Blackmoor, book A Dark Champion
The Abbot is Christian of Acre, book Return of the Warrior
The Scot is Duncan MacAllister, Lochlan's half-brother, no books yet.
The Sorcerer/El Sahaar is Nassir, a Saracen man, no books yet.
Then there are two other additional men:
The Pagan is ... Still not sure, he was first featured in Taming the Scotsman, no books yet.
The Phantom is Velizarii, another Prince of Elgedera and cousin to Christian, no books yet.
Other characters, an assassin:
The Scorpion is ... Damien St. Cyr???, first featured in A Dark Champion, no books yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2009
Just a few adjectives to describe this book...
...boring...
...predictable...
and after reading the epilogue...
RIDICULOUS! What a horrible ending. I'm not opposed to the supernatural, but why it was thrown into this book is a mystery. I seriously think Sherrilyn Kenyon forgot that she was writing as Kinley MacGregor when she composed that epilogue.
I want to refuse to rate this book on principle, however, since I did like Lochlan's character, I'm giving it two stars. He is the only redeeming thing in a series that has gone steadily downhill over the past few books.
...boring...
...predictable...
and after reading the epilogue...
RIDICULOUS! What a horrible ending. I'm not opposed to the supernatural, but why it was thrown into this book is a mystery. I seriously think Sherrilyn Kenyon forgot that she was writing as Kinley MacGregor when she composed that epilogue.
I want to refuse to rate this book on principle, however, since I did like Lochlan's character, I'm giving it two stars. He is the only redeeming thing in a series that has gone steadily downhill over the past few books.
March 7, 2016
Wow. The ending just ruined the entire series for me.
August 29, 2015
For those readers like me who started off with the MacAllister series and are wondering if you can skip the Brotherhood books (A Dark Champion and Return of the Warrior) - Yes, you can! There were some references to the Brotherhood and events that happened at Outremer, but you wont feel lost at all with this one (thanks for the tip, Dina!).
I really enjoyed Lochlan and Cat's relationship. I think it was one of my favourite pairings from the MacAllister books - of course, that could just be because I can't really remember most of the heroines from the previous books! Nevertheless, I enjoyed seeing them transition from antagonism to affection.
The storyline doesn't seem to differ too much between books. The plots all feature the hero and heroine being thrown together by circumstance, requiring them to travel and meeting adventure along the way. That's fine with me, I happen to like that trope. Still, these books never quite become anything more than simple entertainment.
It's been a while since I've had the time to post updates during my reading, and I haven't come across too many quotes lately that have inspired me to do so, but I loved the part in this book where the tough, stoic Lochlan was trying to convince Cat to take a chance on them, so will share a couple of quotes here:
The epilogue was a bit strange and unnecessary, but it didn't completely ruin the book for me.
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Lochlan and Cat's relationship. I think it was one of my favourite pairings from the MacAllister books - of course, that could just be because I can't really remember most of the heroines from the previous books! Nevertheless, I enjoyed seeing them transition from antagonism to affection.
The storyline doesn't seem to differ too much between books. The plots all feature the hero and heroine being thrown together by circumstance, requiring them to travel and meeting adventure along the way. That's fine with me, I happen to like that trope. Still, these books never quite become anything more than simple entertainment.
It's been a while since I've had the time to post updates during my reading, and I haven't come across too many quotes lately that have inspired me to do so, but I loved the part in this book where the tough, stoic Lochlan was trying to convince Cat to take a chance on them, so will share a couple of quotes here:
"If you will have me, Catarina, I can't promise you how much time we'll have together, but I can promise you that whether it's only this one hour or a million more, I will love you for every one of them."
"We are all damned or saved by the decisions we make. Just don't let fear make the decision for you. There were two things I learned while in hell. One, it's much easier to face the devil and fight when you're not alone. And two, what you envision in the darkness of your mind is always much more frightening than the realities that come at you. The devil always blinks first. Stand your ground and fear nothing." - Kestrel
The epilogue was a bit strange and unnecessary, but it didn't completely ruin the book for me.
3.5 stars
March 6, 2017
In this book, my hope for humanity is lost, and then found. Because Lochlan is blamed for his father's actions, and he's still such a great guy, and yeah, I just love their romance! So cute!
*First read April 26th 2012*
Oh, great book! Really enjoyed it, and the quick little bit of the Dark Hunter world at the end, well, yeah! Great romance, I hope some more of the brotherhood find happiness!
*First read April 26th 2012*
Oh, great book! Really enjoyed it, and the quick little bit of the Dark Hunter world at the end, well, yeah! Great romance, I hope some more of the brotherhood find happiness!
May 8, 2020
I don’t care what the haters say. That ending was AWESOME!
May 9, 2017
Sadly, this is the final installment of the "Brotherhood of the Sword" and the "MacAllister" series. The story is about Lochlan MacAllister, the laird of the MacAllister clan and the eldest legitimate brother. He is the only blond guy, handsome as sin, and a bit reserved. Lochlan seems to live for his clan only. We first meet him in book two, Claiming the Highlander. In "The Warrior" he is on a quest of finding his brother Kieran, who might not have killed himself years ago and could still be alive somewhere.
One night he happens across Catarina, a gypsie girl he met in Taming the Scotsman. When they met for the first time, her irreverence and constant needling drove him almost mad. He simply can't abide that woman. But when he comes across her in a little village in France and finds her fighting wildly but vainly against violent kidnappers, he decides to help her. Turns out Cat isn't the little gypsie girl he thought her to be, but rather the illegitimate daughter of the French king. And her royal father wants her to marry some milksob prince which is not in Cat's interest. That's why she is on the run with her father's men on her tail.
Lochlan, understanding how it's like to live in a cage, agrees to help her finding her uncle. On their journey together both discover that the other isn't as obnoxious as they thought and both slowly fall in love with each other.
"The Warrior" was a fun read and I liked it a lot. I loved Cat and Lochlan's bantering. I wished there would have been more of their funny verbal sparring. I couldn't get enough of that. I also liked the side characters: Bracken, Julia, Bryce, Kestrel, Duncan. I was also very happy to meet Simon, Stryder and Rowena again. As in the previous books, I'm very sad that all the interesting side characters won't get their own novel. Duncan, for example, would be a very fascinating character.
The one thing I found extremely strange was the epilogue though. It didn't ruin the book for me, but it gave me a good WTF moment.
One night he happens across Catarina, a gypsie girl he met in Taming the Scotsman. When they met for the first time, her irreverence and constant needling drove him almost mad. He simply can't abide that woman. But when he comes across her in a little village in France and finds her fighting wildly but vainly against violent kidnappers, he decides to help her. Turns out Cat isn't the little gypsie girl he thought her to be, but rather the illegitimate daughter of the French king. And her royal father wants her to marry some milksob prince which is not in Cat's interest. That's why she is on the run with her father's men on her tail.
Lochlan, understanding how it's like to live in a cage, agrees to help her finding her uncle. On their journey together both discover that the other isn't as obnoxious as they thought and both slowly fall in love with each other.
"The Warrior" was a fun read and I liked it a lot. I loved Cat and Lochlan's bantering. I wished there would have been more of their funny verbal sparring. I couldn't get enough of that. I also liked the side characters: Bracken, Julia, Bryce, Kestrel, Duncan. I was also very happy to meet Simon, Stryder and Rowena again. As in the previous books, I'm very sad that all the interesting side characters won't get their own novel. Duncan, for example, would be a very fascinating character.
The one thing I found extremely strange was the epilogue though. It didn't ruin the book for me, but it gave me a good WTF moment.
June 23, 2010
I got this book for free at a book fair, so my expectations weren't very high. I found it quite readable and enjoyable, though, and it would have gotten three stars had it not been for the disappointing ending. I found the ending of the main story of this book very unrealistic (I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't go into details), and the epilogue suddenly added a supernatural element to the story which had not been present throughout the rest of the book.
I thought it was the first part of the series, but I now see it's number 8. Maybe my expectations would have been different had I read the previous parts of the series, but now, I'm unfortunately not very tempted to do that.
I thought it was the first part of the series, but I now see it's number 8. Maybe my expectations would have been different had I read the previous parts of the series, but now, I'm unfortunately not very tempted to do that.
January 18, 2022
A ver cómo os lo cuento, en mi opinión, es una de esas novelas en que lo mejor es el mocetón de la portada. Con eso lo digo todo. Un argumento más endeble que el papel de fumar. En esta romántica supuestamente medieval (ya sabéis, Edad Media de cartón piedra) un mocetón escocés Lochlan MacAllister se enamora de una muchacha a la fuga, Catarina, pizpireta heroína que huye de su padre, el rey gabacho. Y ya. O sea, allá tú. Que igual tu experiencia es diferente.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
July 6, 2017
This story didn't have me hooked as others I've read, but it did get better as it went on. I've read some reviews that dogged the epilogue. I didn't hate it, but it did seem slightly misplaced. The love story was decent and the bit with the king at the end was good; definitely helped to lodge this story firmly at a 3.
November 13, 2023
I was worried because the last few books in this series was a bit disappointing, and I expected this to be a cringey enemies to lovers story but had to finish because it was the last in the series. It was actually really more of a sweet opposites attract story and I enjoyed it! The epilogue was a bit weird considering there was nothing paranormal in any of the books so far, so adding that in the final bit of the series felt out of place.
October 15, 2010
wow just when i thought i had it all figured out everything changes!!! so for the first time i heard aobut the scot i thought for sure it was Kieren but then KM shocked me! turns out the scot is actually a half brother named duncan! and that Kieran did die in outremor!!! i cride when i read that so her i am crying all about kieren because he one of my favorite characters and then the next thing i know Lochlan is getting beheaded!! so now im crying even more. man it was a total sob fest lol but then my whole world was turned upside down when at the VERY LAST MOMENT kieren REAPPEARS!!!!! i literally jumped and screamed out of excitment!!!! so kieren steps out of the shawdows infront of lochlan!!! (oh i forgot to mention that lochlan does not in face get beheaded lol) so anyways they talk and im still crying and THEN kieren shows lochlan a set of fangs! and says he has no sould and he has crazy powers like he could tell what sex the baby was and read minds and talk to lochlan in his head!!!! so now im pretty convinced that kieren was turned into a dark hunter.......which i dontl ike one bit! i like that the brotherhood and the mac allistars were connected but i dont want to bring the dark hunters into it!! i liked the brotherhood because it was realistic and i liked the dark hunters because it was paranormal and everything so im hoping that they arent connected and that Kieren is not a dark hunter but i dont know what else he could be.....mabye some sort of......i dont know i dont want magic in this series!!! thats what the dark hunters are for there is no need for them to be connected bhut im sure kinley macgregor or shrilyn kenyon will fix it somhow and make it all fantastical lol i hope theres more about kieren REALLY REALLY soon seeing as i love him. hahaha can't wait to read more from her!!! and hopefully its about kieren!!!!! <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2013
My review will mainly contain a bunch of spoilers.
- First off The MacAllister's dead father was never described in the previous three books as a monster. He cheated on his wife and was rather cruel to Sin (his known bastard son) but never was there mention of him beating his other children, his wife (in fact the entire Sin plot line was centered around how much he loved Aisleen and how he'd do anything for her), being a drunkard or a cruel rapist that tortured women. The previous books illustrated him as an asshole who was hard on his sons but in Ewan's book Aisleen states that on his deathbed their father was sorry for being hard on all of them and loved them all dearly. This just doesn't mesh with the father described by Lochlan.
- Where the hell is the Lochlan from the previous books? In this he's just a mess that whines all the time.
- Cat and Lochlan have little to no passion between them. The love story was never developed and even more annoying was the end where they acted like marriage just solves everything. Uh no. Cat doesn't want to be tied down or stay in one place....how would marriage to a Laird be ok then? Perhaps if the author fleshed this out and showed Cat's inner decision that love was worth trading in her previous priorities or that she realized she didn't really want those things. But no readers are left to just imagine that marriage is a magic fix. Bleh.
- The whole mess with Kieran just felt like the author trying to redeem the fact that throughout the series Kieran came off like a jerk that didn't deserve pity. Nope, nothing the author did redeemed him and in fact made it all the more confusing and really just made me dislike him more.
- The writing was a mishmash and just hard to get through. Such a disappointment.
- First off The MacAllister's dead father was never described in the previous three books as a monster. He cheated on his wife and was rather cruel to Sin (his known bastard son) but never was there mention of him beating his other children, his wife (in fact the entire Sin plot line was centered around how much he loved Aisleen and how he'd do anything for her), being a drunkard or a cruel rapist that tortured women. The previous books illustrated him as an asshole who was hard on his sons but in Ewan's book Aisleen states that on his deathbed their father was sorry for being hard on all of them and loved them all dearly. This just doesn't mesh with the father described by Lochlan.
- Where the hell is the Lochlan from the previous books? In this he's just a mess that whines all the time.
- Cat and Lochlan have little to no passion between them. The love story was never developed and even more annoying was the end where they acted like marriage just solves everything. Uh no. Cat doesn't want to be tied down or stay in one place....how would marriage to a Laird be ok then? Perhaps if the author fleshed this out and showed Cat's inner decision that love was worth trading in her previous priorities or that she realized she didn't really want those things. But no readers are left to just imagine that marriage is a magic fix. Bleh.
- The whole mess with Kieran just felt like the author trying to redeem the fact that throughout the series Kieran came off like a jerk that didn't deserve pity. Nope, nothing the author did redeemed him and in fact made it all the more confusing and really just made me dislike him more.
- The writing was a mishmash and just hard to get through. Such a disappointment.
April 26, 2010
Ok, I have a couple of things to say about this one. For one thing, CAN ANYBODY DECIDE WHICH BOOK IN THE SERIES THIS IS?! The book itself says first, goodreads says 8th, and one persons review says 3rd! Come on people! Anyway, getting past that little issue, the book itself (whichever it was) was great! Loved the story, the characters, everything! When I first picked it up and read the inside cover, I was expecting a fantasy novel. When I started reading (and realized it wasnt) I wasnt disappointed however. When I later thought I had it figured out, and that it was an action book, I was again proven wrong! But again, no disappointment, even though I very rarely enjoy romance novels! The level of description this book went into with the romance was nice, not too much but not so little that you think the author just skipped over an hour of the story. Lochlan was great, so funny yet serious at the same time! The only reason this grat book was not a five star book was because A) it was too short. There I said what we were all thinking! B) it was a little predictable, just from reading the inside cover at the book store, I knew most of the story already. And C) Then ending. Not that I dont love Cat and Lochlan together, I just thought the way King Philip acted was entirely out of character and unrealistic! It ruined the whole ending, in an otherwise amazing novel. Other than that though, definately a re-reader, and now Im off to go figure out the actual order of the series!
August 3, 2013
In this age of equality of sexes it is refreshing to glimpse at an age when chivalry wasn’t the exception but the rule. Sherrilyn Kenyon, writing under the pseudonym of Kinley MacGregor has created a highly readable and entertaining work of medieval life and rivalry. Lochlan MacAllister, head of a Scottish clan, embarks on a quest to find his lost brother. Kieran MacAllister disappeared and was presumed dead after being jilted by his betrothed but new information gave credence to the possibility of his still being alive. Soon Lochlan comes to the aid of Catarina, Princess of France and illegitimate child of King Phillip. Their unpremeditated union leads the reader through action and intrigue and them through an emotional upheaval. This is the perfect book for a warm and sunny day at the beach or a cold winter’s evening before a crackling fire. Love, action and romance are mixed to make the perfect reading blend. This is my introduction to Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon) and the third book in the Brotherhood of the Sword series. This brotherhood is a group of ex-crusaders dedicated to the repatriation of crusading knights. This prolific writer has caught my attention and I plan to read more of her works. Although this sort of story generally appeals more to the feminine gender, I think it just might speak to the softer side of the male reader. For this reason I recommend it to all.
July 21, 2010
This is my first book by this author. I had heard of MacGregor before, so when I saw this at Borders for $3.99 I snapped it up….figured I couldn’t beat that plus I had a coupon so it came out even cheaper. Unfortunately, at the time of purchase I didn’t know that this was #7 in the series. By then it was too late and I figured I tried to read it as a standalone. I was lost for the beginning of the book, because of course characters from previous books made an appearance and there were references that I completely missed. Other than this though once I got into the story it was enjoyable enough. The story itself was predictable in the sense of boy hates girl and ends up falling in love with girl along the way. But then the epilogue just made it plain weird and hence the 2 star rating. I found out later that MacGregor also writes under the pseudonym of Sherrilyn Kenyon. Under Kenyon the author writes paranormal novels. Apparently, MacGregor/Kenyon forgot what hat she was wearing the day she wrote this epilogue and combined paranormal and historical romance fiction causing a “wtf? was that” ending for readers. It was not so bad and would have earned itself a 3 star ending had the genres not been mixed. So please take the advice of other reviewers, including myself in saying skip the epilogue. You will have a much happier read this way.
August 20, 2009
Okay, let me say that I love this series, and was really excited about Lochlan's book. It was good for the most part, but the ending was horrible. I really hope this isn't the beginning of her mixing the series with the dark hunters. I love her dark hunters and I love her historicals, but not together. It was really cheap and wrong for her to do that to her readers.
May 6, 2009
I love Kinley MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. This is a great action/packed historical romance with a strong, vibrant heroine and an honorable, broody warrior hero. Anyone who likes medieval/romances will love this.
February 8, 2021
4.3/5
Acabamos finalmente estas dos series relacionadas: MacAllister y la Hermandad de la Espada, con una sensación agridulce, hubiera querido saber más de algunos miembros de la hermandad.
Los protagonistas de este libro los conocíamos desde la última novela de los MacAllister: Lochlan (Laird de Clan MacAllister) y Catarina (Prima de Nora e hija ilegitimas del Rey de Francia) y no habíamos percatado también de la química entre ellos, sin embargo no se soportan mucho.
La historia inicia con Lochlan buscando a su hermano, Kieran (que se creía muerto) y Catarina huyendo de sus captores, quienes han sido enviados por su padre. Sus caminos chocan y Lochlan terminara ayudándola a escapar. Nos enteraremos que Kieran fue visto con Stryder y la hermandad en Tierra Santa, y estuvo prisionero con los otros, y la profunda culpabilidad que siente Lochlan por la desaparición de su hermano y de la última conversación que tuvieron.
Casi en la totalidad la historia es el viaje de él buscando a Stryder y ella huyendo, así mismo se encontraran en el camino con personajes que los ayudaran y rencuentros con viejos conocidos. La relación entre ellos se ira fortaleciendo y afloraran los sentimientos por la convivencia y experiencias compartidas.
Aunque en general la novela me gusto, si hay algunos detalles a mencionar. Habiendo leído ya tantas historias de la autora (tanto como Sherrlyn y Kinley) he de admitir que las historias tienden a ser algo repetitivas: protagonistas un tanto sufridos, malhumorados, taciturnos pero con una gran sentimiento de honorabilidad. Algo de variedad le daría le daría un soplo de aire fresco.
Aunque peque de repetitiva, quedaron muchos personajes en el tintero y personalmente si me hubiera gustado conocer sus historias. La construcción del romance no me atrapo tanto como en ocasiones pasadas, sin decir que no es bonito.
Fue un gran final con una tremenda forma de mezclas sagas y de alguna forma no sentimos tan abandonadas las cosas.
En general me gusto la serie: 4/5
Acabamos finalmente estas dos series relacionadas: MacAllister y la Hermandad de la Espada, con una sensación agridulce, hubiera querido saber más de algunos miembros de la hermandad.
Los protagonistas de este libro los conocíamos desde la última novela de los MacAllister: Lochlan (Laird de Clan MacAllister) y Catarina (Prima de Nora e hija ilegitimas del Rey de Francia) y no habíamos percatado también de la química entre ellos, sin embargo no se soportan mucho.
La historia inicia con Lochlan buscando a su hermano, Kieran (que se creía muerto) y Catarina huyendo de sus captores, quienes han sido enviados por su padre. Sus caminos chocan y Lochlan terminara ayudándola a escapar. Nos enteraremos que Kieran fue visto con Stryder y la hermandad en Tierra Santa, y estuvo prisionero con los otros, y la profunda culpabilidad que siente Lochlan por la desaparición de su hermano y de la última conversación que tuvieron.
Casi en la totalidad la historia es el viaje de él buscando a Stryder y ella huyendo, así mismo se encontraran en el camino con personajes que los ayudaran y rencuentros con viejos conocidos. La relación entre ellos se ira fortaleciendo y afloraran los sentimientos por la convivencia y experiencias compartidas.
Aunque en general la novela me gusto, si hay algunos detalles a mencionar. Habiendo leído ya tantas historias de la autora (tanto como Sherrlyn y Kinley) he de admitir que las historias tienden a ser algo repetitivas: protagonistas un tanto sufridos, malhumorados, taciturnos pero con una gran sentimiento de honorabilidad. Algo de variedad le daría le daría un soplo de aire fresco.
Aunque peque de repetitiva, quedaron muchos personajes en el tintero y personalmente si me hubiera gustado conocer sus historias. La construcción del romance no me atrapo tanto como en ocasiones pasadas, sin decir que no es bonito.
Fue un gran final con una tremenda forma de mezclas sagas y de alguna forma no sentimos tan abandonadas las cosas.
En general me gusto la serie: 4/5
June 14, 2022
Warning: This probably isn't really a 4 star novel but I really enjoyed Lochlan! He is a particularly well drawn character. And the addition of several favorite characters from the past (Simon!! Stryder!!) add to the romp. Note: The entire premise behind the novel is utter nonsense (that Kieran actually didn't kill himself but fled & ended up captured in the holy land) so you have to just accept that & move on.) Also, Lochlan's dad - who we have heard of in all of the previous MacAllister books! - has a new exceptionally cruel personality, which didn't add that much to Lochlan's story really. [So she trots out plenty of characters from her previous novels, which you are just supposed to remember, but then in the last book gives one of them a totally new personality.] I felt Lochlan's responsibility to his clan would keep him from loving a such free spirit (and illegitimate daughter of the King of France!)
Leader of the MacAllister Clan Lochlan is on a mission to find what really happened to his brother Kieran, who they always believed drowned himself in the loch. While trying to reach a knight who supposedly saw Kieran (Stryder!!) he saves Catarina (From Ewin's story) from being assaulted by her kidnappers. He promises to take her to her uncle Bavel in England but first they need to go to the tournament and find Stryder - which allows us to see Rowena and Kenna as well. A quest follows.
The last chapter is a downer: The Scott character doesn't exactly make sense; the King of France TOTALLY would not behave like that; how does the castle fall? - so that very quick ending was a bit unfortunate.
The epilogue: Many reviewers say the epilogue ruined the book but I thought it was OK.
Conclusion: I would read more Brotherhood of the Sword stories if she wrote them (especially the Phantom! or Pavel) but I won't read any more of Kinley MacGregor / Sherrilyn Kenyon novels.
Leader of the MacAllister Clan Lochlan is on a mission to find what really happened to his brother Kieran, who they always believed drowned himself in the loch. While trying to reach a knight who supposedly saw Kieran (Stryder!!) he saves Catarina (From Ewin's story) from being assaulted by her kidnappers. He promises to take her to her uncle Bavel in England but first they need to go to the tournament and find Stryder - which allows us to see Rowena and Kenna as well. A quest follows.
The last chapter is a downer: The Scott character doesn't exactly make sense; the King of France TOTALLY would not behave like that; how does the castle fall? - so that very quick ending was a bit unfortunate.
The epilogue: Many reviewers say the epilogue ruined the book but I thought it was OK.
Conclusion: I would read more Brotherhood of the Sword stories if she wrote them (especially the Phantom! or Pavel) but I won't read any more of Kinley MacGregor / Sherrilyn Kenyon novels.
June 19, 2023
3 1/4 stars
I was really enjoying this one and then I got to the end. The epilogue...yeah...so I'm going to put that aside for the moment & discuss the rest of the book.
It was a fast read. I thought it was a good way to wind up the series & be the last after several books.
Lochlan is on a quest for info about Kiernan when he runs into Cat and needs to help her as well.
This book finally answers the question about Kiernan which was great.
I also liked the way it tied in the MacAllister brothers w/the Brotherhood of the Sword series by not only mentioning several of the characters from previous books but also having some as supporting characters.
Stryder & Rowena (from book #5-A dark champion) feature as well as introducing new characters.
I thought the writer did a good job overall throughout the series with the compatibility of the 2 character separate worlds overlapping.
Now onto the epilogue. WTH was that????
I still don't understand...was it imaginary, real? This is her penname series and under her own name Sherrilyn Kenyon she writes a historical paranormal romance series. I thought maybe this was a way of introducing that world to her readers but nope..the dates overlap & I looked, didn't see this particular character mentioned in them. So I'm not sure what happened. In my opinion it was unnecessary for that particular scene's interaction. (no spoilers people!)
I do like epilogues to let me know that the H/h are getting their HEA but I felt Lochlan could of resolved those issues in his own mind w/out the scene.
Which brings me to my rating, I wanted to give it 3.5 or 4 stars yet that epilogue was there and needed to be accounted in my review hence the 3 and a quarter stars.
Overall, I would recommend this series. While it doesn't need to be done in order, it is probably best to do it that way. Readers who enjoy the historical romance series with some humor, easy reads, charming characters would like it.
I was really enjoying this one and then I got to the end. The epilogue...yeah...so I'm going to put that aside for the moment & discuss the rest of the book.
It was a fast read. I thought it was a good way to wind up the series & be the last after several books.
Lochlan is on a quest for info about Kiernan when he runs into Cat and needs to help her as well.
This book finally answers the question about Kiernan which was great.
I also liked the way it tied in the MacAllister brothers w/the Brotherhood of the Sword series by not only mentioning several of the characters from previous books but also having some as supporting characters.
Stryder & Rowena (from book #5-A dark champion) feature as well as introducing new characters.
I thought the writer did a good job overall throughout the series with the compatibility of the 2 character separate worlds overlapping.
Now onto the epilogue. WTH was that????
I still don't understand...was it imaginary, real? This is her penname series and under her own name Sherrilyn Kenyon she writes a historical paranormal romance series. I thought maybe this was a way of introducing that world to her readers but nope..the dates overlap & I looked, didn't see this particular character mentioned in them. So I'm not sure what happened. In my opinion it was unnecessary for that particular scene's interaction. (no spoilers people!)
I do like epilogues to let me know that the H/h are getting their HEA but I felt Lochlan could of resolved those issues in his own mind w/out the scene.
Which brings me to my rating, I wanted to give it 3.5 or 4 stars yet that epilogue was there and needed to be accounted in my review hence the 3 and a quarter stars.
Overall, I would recommend this series. While it doesn't need to be done in order, it is probably best to do it that way. Readers who enjoy the historical romance series with some humor, easy reads, charming characters would like it.
November 17, 2016
*Disclaimer- I did not know this book wasn't the first in a series when I started reading it, nor did I realize it was more romance than anything else when I picked up as a travel read. These two things may factor in my opinion.
Pretty quickly into the book, I realized that I wasn't reading the first book in a series, considering how Lochlan's brothers' and their wives were being mentioned (which also clued me into how much more of a romance this book was than initially thought), but most series that pair off siblings/friends for their tie-in theme tend to do well as stand-alones.
Not this one.
Cat was constantly being kidnapped, whether it was by her father's (the King, mind you) men, who had no problem beating her (what?), or by some random men that had an issue with Lochlan's clan and wanted to get him in trouble. Oh, yeah, and let's not forget the randomness of the tartan being used twice, once with a hand that belonged to some unknown man that meant something to everyone (problem with not having read the rest of the series), as well as in an attempt to frame Lachlan. That entire plot/feud was never explained or truly wound up. Not sure what the point of it was at all, except to get the couple to sleep together. And then there was the Brotherhood. I can deal with the Brotherhood. Had trouble with how many were so conveniently placed and easily recognizable, though, considering how secret of a group they were supposed to be. And the ending? Throwing in a vampire hint?
Again, to be fair, I may have enjoyed the book more if I had read the previous books in the series, as I would have had the character histories. I think I still would have had trouble with the easy access to the Brotherhood and vampire bits, though.
However, the book was a quick read and helped pass the time on a plane, so it served its purpose.
Pretty quickly into the book, I realized that I wasn't reading the first book in a series, considering how Lochlan's brothers' and their wives were being mentioned (which also clued me into how much more of a romance this book was than initially thought), but most series that pair off siblings/friends for their tie-in theme tend to do well as stand-alones.
Not this one.
Cat was constantly being kidnapped, whether it was by her father's (the King, mind you) men, who had no problem beating her (what?), or by some random men that had an issue with Lochlan's clan and wanted to get him in trouble. Oh, yeah, and let's not forget the randomness of the tartan being used twice, once with a hand that belonged to some unknown man that meant something to everyone (problem with not having read the rest of the series), as well as in an attempt to frame Lachlan. That entire plot/feud was never explained or truly wound up. Not sure what the point of it was at all, except to get the couple to sleep together. And then there was the Brotherhood. I can deal with the Brotherhood. Had trouble with how many were so conveniently placed and easily recognizable, though, considering how secret of a group they were supposed to be. And the ending? Throwing in a vampire hint?
Again, to be fair, I may have enjoyed the book more if I had read the previous books in the series, as I would have had the character histories. I think I still would have had trouble with the easy access to the Brotherhood and vampire bits, though.
However, the book was a quick read and helped pass the time on a plane, so it served its purpose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2017
I RARELY COMPLAIN ABOUT KINLEY MACGREGOR BOOKS AT ALL, BUT THIS ONE WAS JUST AVERAGE...THE PLOT DIDN'T GET ME INVESTED AND THE CHARACTERS WHILE LOVELY, WEREN'T INTRIGUING.
OUR HERO is the Laird of his clan and the last official MacAllister brother that finally gets his happy ending. Lochlan is not like his brothers, but also a combination of them all. But, he leans toward the serious side of things and no one can blame him because of the responsibility weighing upon his shoulders. Despite being the appointed Laird after his sire, Lochlan bears internal scars from his father's abusive words and inflictment. He always believed that his illegitimate but eldest brother, Sin should have inherited the title. In this story, it opens with him helping Princess Cat escaping from her father's men and swears to escort her safely to her uncle while he searches for his rumored supposedly dead brother Kieran's appearance. Its not hard to like Lochlan, he's quite patient and gentle-natured, and loving.
OUR HEROINE is like a whirlwind of trouble, wherever she goes it follows and this time it leads her straight to Lochlan. I forgot to mention that she and Lochlan aren't exactly friends and have met in the previous stories, so she's rather prickly with him. Yet, she starts viewing him in a different light and not soon, she falls into a comfortable yet intimate relationship with him. Cat is running from her father, who wants to force her into a marriage of convenience. Anyone who knows her, is very much aware she's like a wild alleycat you can't keep or tame, except when she's with Lochlan.
OVERALL this can be classified as MacGregor classic, but it doesn't have the plot to push it pass the point of average.
OUR HERO is the Laird of his clan and the last official MacAllister brother that finally gets his happy ending. Lochlan is not like his brothers, but also a combination of them all. But, he leans toward the serious side of things and no one can blame him because of the responsibility weighing upon his shoulders. Despite being the appointed Laird after his sire, Lochlan bears internal scars from his father's abusive words and inflictment. He always believed that his illegitimate but eldest brother, Sin should have inherited the title. In this story, it opens with him helping Princess Cat escaping from her father's men and swears to escort her safely to her uncle while he searches for his rumored supposedly dead brother Kieran's appearance. Its not hard to like Lochlan, he's quite patient and gentle-natured, and loving.
OUR HEROINE is like a whirlwind of trouble, wherever she goes it follows and this time it leads her straight to Lochlan. I forgot to mention that she and Lochlan aren't exactly friends and have met in the previous stories, so she's rather prickly with him. Yet, she starts viewing him in a different light and not soon, she falls into a comfortable yet intimate relationship with him. Cat is running from her father, who wants to force her into a marriage of convenience. Anyone who knows her, is very much aware she's like a wild alleycat you can't keep or tame, except when she's with Lochlan.
OVERALL this can be classified as MacGregor classic, but it doesn't have the plot to push it pass the point of average.
September 20, 2019
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con relación a esta historia. Por un lado me ha gustado mucho, los personajes de Lachlan y Catarina me han parecido sumamente logrados y como pareja me encantaron. Lachlan es básicamente lo q se espera de un héroe protagonista, especialmente si es un highlander: noble hasta las trancas, con un sentido del honor y de la justicia q no es nada más de boca para afuera. El sabe lo está bien e intenta vivir en consecuencia, aunq eso le cueste muchas veces pasarla mal. Adoré la lealtad y el evidente amor hacia todos sus hermanos y como el sufrimiento que pasó al lado del padre q le tocó solo sirvió para avivar esos buenos sentimientos y no de pretexto para terminar mal. Catarina por su lado es un espíritu libre y me encantó q no se al típica damisela languida que hace lo q se le dice y espera q la rescaten cuando está en problemas. A ella nadie le dice lo q tiene q hacer. Aunq es una princesa no se comporta como se espera q se comporta una princesa, al menos una de esa época. Ella es afín totalmente a Lachlan y se nota q ambos son lo q se suele llamar "almas gemelas".
Peeero...una princesa de Francia huyendo por los campos porque papi Rey la quiere casar contra su voluntad? Me parece un poco forzado. Aunq los bastardos reales hayan sido muy comunes, no me termina de cerrar la historia q puso en el brete a Catarina. Y mucho menos ese final fantasmagórico. Entiendo q la autora también escriba paranormal, pero creo sinceramente q se le fue la mano con ese último encuentro de Lachlan con su hermano. La explicación con el Escoces fue más q suficiente y el resto me pareció innecesario.
Peeero...una princesa de Francia huyendo por los campos porque papi Rey la quiere casar contra su voluntad? Me parece un poco forzado. Aunq los bastardos reales hayan sido muy comunes, no me termina de cerrar la historia q puso en el brete a Catarina. Y mucho menos ese final fantasmagórico. Entiendo q la autora también escriba paranormal, pero creo sinceramente q se le fue la mano con ese último encuentro de Lachlan con su hermano. La explicación con el Escoces fue más q suficiente y el resto me pareció innecesario.
May 23, 2021
this one was alright. it was an alright book to pass the time but not for a re-read. the plot was normal, it did not pull me in as Master of Desire and Born in Sin did. they were basically always on the run from the king and magically fell in love with one another during the journey. i did think Lochlan's burden/trauma of his father being cruel was resolved too quickly by Catarina. the chemistry was passable or borderline as they banter, rarely. i got bored about the traveling with the other side characters at times and skipped some of it. however, i did like seeing previous characters appearing in this book (Simon, Stryder, Adara..).
i'm not sure if i missed it in me skimming the book but Lysander's death was not solved and the murderers were not caught, the explanation of Kieran's sudden appearance in the epilogue was not adequate (felt rushed) and i had expected Catarina's father to be more adamant in not seeing his daughter wed to Lochlan - he bent too easily for someone who had men chasing his daughter all over the country. as this is the end of the series and Kieran was alive, i wanted to see him back with his family, reuniting with them despite his reasons.
i'm not sure if i missed it in me skimming the book but Lysander's death was not solved and the murderers were not caught, the explanation of Kieran's sudden appearance in the epilogue was not adequate (felt rushed) and i had expected Catarina's father to be more adamant in not seeing his daughter wed to Lochlan - he bent too easily for someone who had men chasing his daughter all over the country. as this is the end of the series and Kieran was alive, i wanted to see him back with his family, reuniting with them despite his reasons.
August 7, 2018
The last installment of Brotherhood of the Sword/MacAllister series. Sad that there isn't anymore. This was about Lochlan the oldest brother, king of the Scots, and his quest to find his brother Kieran who was thought to be dead by suicide. During his quest he runs into Cat who is being detained by men who are abusive to her. He is determined to see her safely to her family while on his quest to find his brother.
Another quick read and a great romance. Cat is feisty and witty and definitely drives Lochlan crazy, but he falls for her nonetheless. These two are meant for each other.
There are twists to the story that I could not believe. A sad ending to one chapter, a happy ending to another, and a cliffhanger to another. I was left in awe at the end because it leaves you with a cliffhanger that unless you are a Dark Hunter fan you might not get it. But being a Dark Hunter fan, I believe that is where it may have been heading.
Overall, it was certainly a great romantic, action pact, LOL moments and sad moments type of historical romance series.
Another quick read and a great romance. Cat is feisty and witty and definitely drives Lochlan crazy, but he falls for her nonetheless. These two are meant for each other.
There are twists to the story that I could not believe. A sad ending to one chapter, a happy ending to another, and a cliffhanger to another. I was left in awe at the end because it leaves you with a cliffhanger that unless you are a Dark Hunter fan you might not get it. But being a Dark Hunter fan, I believe that is where it may have been heading.
Overall, it was certainly a great romantic, action pact, LOL moments and sad moments type of historical romance series.
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