Prophecy

The Dragonfly Chronicles #1

by Heather McCollum

Serena Faw must shut out the barrage of thoughts from everyone around her. Her telepathic powers reveal the darkness and true intentions behind every false smile. When her adopted brother is accused of murder, the only man who can help her is the one person she cannot read. Can she trust him with the life of her brother? Can she trust him with her heart?

Keenan Maclean is the younger brother to the new chief of the Macleans. A dark prophecy shadows him. One brother will live wed to a witch and one will die. Keenan is raised to defend his clan and die.

Serena and Keenan hunt a loyalist murderer before the Battle of Culloden and fall in love despite the prophecy’s warning that she heralds his death.

This is a new release of a previously published edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Supernatural

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2010

About the author

I am Heather McCollum, writer of 16th and 17th century Scottish romance full of adventure and intrigue, sprinkled with humor, history, and spice. Brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines are my favorite characters!

I am also a mom of three kids, dog-mom of one rescued geriatric golden retriever, and wife of one 6 foot 4 inch Highlander. When I’m not trying to help my kids make it through the day, baking things I see on The Great British Baking Show, or writing, I’m usually educating women on ovarian cancer (I’m a nine-year survivor).

I love kilted heroes, chai lattes, and eating buttered air-popped popcorn for dinner on Friday nights (my dog loves this one too).

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This author also writes under: Eleri Drake

Reviews

[Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet.
I'm not really interested enough to read the other books in the series but yeah, this was nice.

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DRAGONFLY CHRONICLES - Four powerful sisters, hidden through time, fighting for love and a chance to save the world.

I had read about The Dragonfly Chronicles, it had intrigued me but I always had something else to read first. Astonishingly enough, when I saw Prophecy available on Netgalley, I did not put it all together.. And when I did I was so excited, as Prophecy is Book One in the Dragonfly Chronicles!

Heather McCollum offers us an amazing story about well, life! Good vs Evil, defining yourself, accepting fate, NOT accepting fate, Fighting Evil, Standing up for what you believe in, Love, Family, politics.. I said it was about life!

Serena Faw was literally dropped into this world. Making a splash so it were! As a child of nine, Serena was blessed to have been found and loved by a Rom Tribe in England. Raised as one of them but always apart. Her gifts kept her separate.. and even love had escaped her because she always knew what the other was plotting. When Serena bumped into a void.. she was astounded to realize that it was a man she couldn't read. A blessing. Yet when the attraction between them begins to sizzle, Serena has moments when she wishes she was sure he wanted her for herself.

Keenan Maclean was raised to die. Literally. A family prophecy said one son would die defending.. something and the other would marry a witch and bring the clan to peace. Since Keenan was the second son, his father declared that he was the one to die.. and he was raised accordingly. Always an afterthought.. Rarely loved or cosseted. But he grew up strong and true! Always putting the family first. Until he saw Serena dance and knew she was his.. something special that had been missing in his life.

When Serena's brother was accused of murdering a member of the king's court, Keenan promised to help her prove his innocence. A bargain was made and the promise kept. These two would work together to find the true murders. As they traveled together, Keenan began to realize that Serena was the "witch" of the prophecy. That she could never be his.. his entire clan depended on her to marry his brother. Serena on the other hand was falling for the brother right in front of her!

The emotions this book brought out were simply wonderful. You wanted to hate Lachlan (the older brother), you wanted to smack the members of the clan Maclean around for trying to push the wrong brother at Serena. You even want to smack Keenan around for being willing to sacrifice love! But.. Ms McCollum does a wonderful job of pulling us back in and finding forgiveness. Another wonderful book that teaches us that fate is always trumped by free will!!

Add to the prophecy, there is Serena's own destiny that needs to be discovered.. Oh and of course the entire thing is set in the days before the battle at Culloden.. So add intrigue and history as well!! This book could have been overwhelming but instead Ms McCollum made each subplot dance within to her tune and created a carefully orchestrated wonder!

A great find, A GREAT book!

Shauni


This review is based on the ARC of The Prophecy, provided by netgalley

[BigComfyChairBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Start to a Great Series
This is a great book! I’ve read the whole series and this one ranks towards the top. I loved Serena’s power. It is probably my 2nd favorite of the sister’s gifts. I liked Keenan. I thought his struggle with desire and duty was really beautiful. The chemistry between them was believable and full of just the right amount of angst. The book was a little too long and I thought parts could’ve been edited down. I loved that when Keenan first saw Serena he knew immediately that she “belonged to him.” So romantic. The ending was weird and didn’t make much sense. Keenan goes to battle, Serena goes to the stones, Keenan goes to the stone while Serena goes to the battle and Keenan goes back to the battle. Why so convoluted? I have read everything published by Heather McCollum and there isn’t a book of hers I didn’t like. I highly recommend her books and especially this series. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5

[Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is the eldest of 4 sisters, all of whom are sent to different time periods, to save their lives. Serena is sent to the Highlands around 1746 around the time the Battle of Culloden takes place. Serena has been gifted with telepathy. She is found/saved by a gypsy boy who becomes her brother.
While the gypsies are travelling she uses her powers for money. When she meet Kennan, the younger brother of the laird of his clan, she cannot read him. She also has an instant attraction to him. When her brother is charged with murder she has to trust Kennan to help her. During this time she falls in love with Kennan but there is a prophecy that prevents him from loving her back.

This book was awesome. It had a few subplots that flowed within the story-line. Everything came together and made sense (unlike some other books that confused the heck out of me). From beginning to end the book held my attention and even frustrated me (in a good way)...I wanted to hit a few members of Kennan's clan along with Kennan a few times. I have really enjoyed this series!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I wasn't expecting what I got, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I thought I was reading a light fantasy novel, but it was more along the lines of a magical romance historical type book. It moved along just fine, but definitely felt like I was crossing the lines between the 3 genres rather than enjoying a blend, eg. "now we're in romance-writing mode, now we're in historical explanation, now we're in a rather forced fantasy/wiccan vaguely written story." An interesting premise and some intriguing but underdeveloped side characters kept me going, along with the central character's experiences.

[Brenda L Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena and Keenan

This is a page turning novel! Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. He is a Highland warrior and she is magical! They find each other and together form an unbreakable bond.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves history, magic and a wonderful adventurous love story!!!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought I was getting a time travel fantasy book. Instead, I got a little bit of that, but a lot of Highlander romance. Not a bad thing necessarily, just not what I was expecting when I picked up this book for book club. Overall, there's enough action to keep me engaged and only a few laughable romance lines.

[Kris Loveid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one the best so far of 4 read

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my thing, but it was okay.

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a buy buy buy book if you like paranormal historical romances. I was engrossed in the story. It is well written and captures your imagination. The plot line and the characters are extremely interesting. I was unable to put it down for the most part and sincerely enjoyed the gift this writer has in bringing this to life. You will definitely enjoy this read. I do not normally like series as they get a little boring, however, I enjoyed it so much I purchased the other books in this series! So for a good read purchase this one but get ready to purchase the others in the series as well.
I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna Swedenmom

[Lynsey is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Destiny's child. 

A tale of one of four magical sisters sent through time to meet her destiny in the battle against an ancient evil.

This is my second McCollum novel. My first was Captured Heart. Both have been enjoyable and both set in Scotland with a slight paranormal edge. Here, our heroine, Serena, is a telepath and seer who has to constantly defend against the barrage of thoughts of those around her. All except for one man - Keenan Maclean - who's like a silent, peaceful void to her overworked senses. This is enough to capture her attention and curiosity, but when she gets a good look at his scarred but undeniably handsome face, he captures a lot more than her attention - he steals her heart.

Keenan, too, is overwhelmed by the sight of Serena. He instantly feels like he's found his missing piece, the other half of his heart, until he realises Serena is the prophesied witch set to be the saviour of the Maclean clan - which also makes her his bother's intended bride!

The prophecy foretells that one Maclean brother must wed a flame-haired, violet-eyed witch to secure peace for the clan's future, and the other must die defending him. It was decided before younger brother Keenan was born, that the second brother would be the one to die. And so Keenan has lived under the weight of that prophecy, and the knowledge that his life was useful only as a sacrifice, for his entire life. This has shaped him. He's become an undefeated warrior, and the brother that has the respect of the clan's men. But the thing he never had, that he always wanted, was love. His parents were always too afraid to get attached to him and treated him completely differently to his older brother. They were even quite cruel at times. I thought Keenan's character was very well-written and interesting in that respect. It seemed like he was afraid of love almost as much as he craved it.

Serena, however, has other ideas about the prophecy, and absolutely no problem falling in love with Keenan. Although she finds his acceptance of his fate unfathomable and infuriating. Their relationship was sweet and believable. And the story, after a slightly slow beginning, was enjoyable and romantic. There are several obstacles to their Happily Ever After, and some political machinations to get past, but, pfft! When has stuff like that ever stood in the way of true love, hmm?

3  Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first meet Serena as her mother is casting a spell to throw her and her sisters to different times to protect them. She is given one of her mother’s powers to hold and develop. Her power is the power to read minds and intentions. Serena literally drops in and is raised by the Romany (Gypsy) people. Thirteen years later she is performing when she meets Keenan. Automatically things are different with him. She cannot read him or feel his emotions. Keenan recognizes her as the woman who should be his. When a series of tragic events happen, Serena and Keenan are tied together to clear her brother’s name. While they try to clear his name it becomes clear that Serena is part of a prophecy that has been integral to Keenan’s life. Though his role is different in the prophecy he can’t help himself from the beautiful witch who is turning his world on its side. Can Keenan and Serena fight both the English and an ages old prophecy to be together or will their decisions be made for them by separating them forever?

This was a quick entertaining read. I loved the story and the characters. Serena is a wonderful heroine that really is able to hold her own when dealing with the overbearing Highlanders. Keenan is everything you want in a sexy Highland warrior. The two together really ignite the pages and allow for a wonderful story. There were a few items that are left hanging with this story but I believe it has more to do with people whose stories will be coming up. I don’t want to say too much to spoil the story. I really think this was a great first book in the series. It sets us up to see what will happen next with the sisters. I suspect they will be equally awesome and their men equally sexy. Though I personally have a thing for the highland warrior, I do look forward to reading more of this series. Overall, this is a wonderful read that will throw you into a world that you can only dream about. You will no doubt love the story and the characters while getting warm, squishy feelings for those Highland warriors.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I owe an enormous apology to both Heather McCollum and to readers. I was asked to review this book over a year ago and I am just now posting the review. There are a lot of reasons, or excuses depending on your view, but I will just say that I am incredibly sorry to have not put this out in a timely manner.

Prophecy is the first book in the Dragonfly Chronicles about four sisters sent from their era to other places throughout time in order to thwart evil and save the world. Serena, who is the protagonist sister for Prophecy, is dropped into a Romany tribe in Britain in the mid 1700s where she is raised as part of the family but she knows she is different and has “gifts” that others don’t have. Serena is both a telepath and can see the future.

Serena finds herself falling for Keenan Maclean, who is immune to her telepathy. Keenan is equally drawn to Serena but his sense of duty and honor continually get in his way and therefore in hers. Keenan and his brother, Lachlan, are thought to be the brothers mentioned in a clan prophecy and were raised to put the clan and their destiny ahead of happiness.

Prophecy is fairly complex in terms of plot - there is time travel, powers, prophecies, wrongful murder accusations, scheming clansmen, and the overarching good versus evil, save the world plot line that ties all four books together. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen even when I was annoyed by some of the characters actions in regards to being together.

Generally, I think that anyone who enjoys a good Highland hero, paranormal and historical romance will probably enjoy this book a great deal. I certainly enjoyed it enough to buy the next book in the series, Magick.

[Molly Ringle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in expecting a formulaic Highlander romance novel (which, hey, can be fun sometimes), but was pleasantly surprised to find this book a cut above that. McCollum did well bringing to life the (true, of course) tragedy of Culloden and complexities of the Scottish v. English struggles of the 1700s, while weaving in a (not quite so true) paranormal element in the form of a misfit young woman with magical powers who might be able to protect at least one of the otherwise doomed Scottish clans. Keenan and Serena had lovely spicy chemistry and fun banter. A series worth watching, if the first book is any indication.

[bethany cutler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1

Wow what a nice surprise. This is a new
Author I have ventured to read as the last one I took a chance on was a bit of a disappointment. This author is very creative in her description. Although in some areas some opportunities were missed all in all the picture was clear and very intriguing. With an extra100 pages or so all could have been defined . I look forward to more from this author and taking part in the growth as well.

[Barbara Xedos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prophecy

This is the second time I have read this book and it is a wonderful story. The main reason I have reread this story is because all five books are out and I wanted to read the series back to back so I can remember everything about them when I read the final book. I enjoy reading Heather McCollum's stories. She always makes me feel like I am there watching everything that is happening. I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much as I did.

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo libro mi ha annoiato. Devo dire che mi aspettavo molto di più, soprattutto viste le ottime recensioni. E poi mi irrita molto quando, iniziando una frase in un dialogo, usano un nome proprio senza farlo seguire dalla virgola. Mi mette i brividi.
Si ringrazia Netgalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 3 stelle

[kayce Settlemier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent book!

Heather McCollum's first book in her series grabs your attention right away. The character s are funny and entertaining. I stayed up way into the night to finish this story because I just couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to get started on the second book in the Dragonfly Chronicle s.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like time travel romances, then this series is a !must read.

I've really enjoyed reading this series. Yes, its predictable, but in a good way. Good triumphs over evil and love conquers all.

[Leslie Bhargava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read... looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed with the story and loved the characters. Can't wait to read the next installment.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the backdrop of Scottish history and the fiery passion between Serena and Keenan. I have a soft spot for Scottish Highlanders and this story didn't disappoint!

[Julie Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this 4 1.2 stars really. beautifully written, and a great blend of romance, magic history. I will definitely read more of this author

[Katharine E. Squasic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like very much!

Good character development of principles. Hope for more definition of larger story line in future books. Good read for tweens.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a wonderful Fantasy / Romance.
Although fairly predictable it is a quick read and thoroughly enjoyable.
Recommended.