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Black Doe
Not yet published
Expected 5 Aug 26A killer who dreams another’s dreams. A mother whose secret will sire a nightmare.
The Black Doe assassins are legends, shadows who never leave a target alive. Bridei, one such Black Doe is sent to end the threat of the rising warlord Drust, armed with a knife rumoured to be the only weapon that can harm him. Caught in the act, she is stabbed with her own weapon, crucified, and left to die.
Bridei survives, rescued on the brink of death, but the knife is gone. To complete her mission and regain her stolen memories, she must find her lost weapon, and she must kill. If Drust is not dead by the Bealltainn, she will be hunted down by the Black Does and die a stranger to herself.
Tisiphone's sons are raised on tales of the Black Does and tales of Rome. They carry great potential: in their veins runs the blood of the mighty Roman general Agricola, mingled with the blood of Cruithne. Any one of them might be named chieftain one day. Yet as the invaders encroach ever further north, what was once a blessing may soon become a curse.
When Tisiphone’s husband Lutrin travels south to find work and does not return, she finds herself keeping a secret that could ruin them all. It will take all her wit and strength to protect her sons from losing their birthright and from the darkness of thwarted ambition.
Two women who’ll do anything to protect what’s theirs. Come Bealltainn, there’ll be blood on the bracken.
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"Smith's historical fantasy novel takes a grim journey through myth-laden ancient Scotland following an assassin whose deadly mission evolves into a deeper struggle with identity and fate. A harsh, evocative vision of Celtic lands where memory, violence, and myth shape every destiny." ― Kirkus Reviews
"Hauntingly beautiful, an exceptional book." ― Anna Smith Spark
"Through the stories of two women and their gradually intersecting narratives, both beautifully crafted, Black Doe draws back the curtain on a past we think we know, but which is in fact as strange and forbidding as the folkloric creatures that live alongside its people. An accomplished novel which wears its considerable research lightly, Cleland Smith is a skilful storyteller. This haunting historical epic will linger long after you finish reading." ― Lucy Holland
"Bloody and brilliant. Black Doe packs a hefty emotional punch among the fighting, plotting, magic and mythology of a time we know so little about." ― Cameron Johnston
"A haunting, elemental tale of motherhood and sacrifice, seamlessly combining history and mythology with an authentic Scottish voice. Lyrical and gripping right up to the final incandescent page. One of the best Scottish fantasies I've ever had the pleasure of reading." ― Neil Williamson
"Beautifully written, Black Doe is a deft historical fantasy tale that manages to be both thrilling and heart-rending at once." ― Shona Kinsella
The Black Doe assassins are legends, shadows who never leave a target alive. Bridei, one such Black Doe is sent to end the threat of the rising warlord Drust, armed with a knife rumoured to be the only weapon that can harm him. Caught in the act, she is stabbed with her own weapon, crucified, and left to die.
Bridei survives, rescued on the brink of death, but the knife is gone. To complete her mission and regain her stolen memories, she must find her lost weapon, and she must kill. If Drust is not dead by the Bealltainn, she will be hunted down by the Black Does and die a stranger to herself.
Tisiphone's sons are raised on tales of the Black Does and tales of Rome. They carry great potential: in their veins runs the blood of the mighty Roman general Agricola, mingled with the blood of Cruithne. Any one of them might be named chieftain one day. Yet as the invaders encroach ever further north, what was once a blessing may soon become a curse.
When Tisiphone’s husband Lutrin travels south to find work and does not return, she finds herself keeping a secret that could ruin them all. It will take all her wit and strength to protect her sons from losing their birthright and from the darkness of thwarted ambition.
Two women who’ll do anything to protect what’s theirs. Come Bealltainn, there’ll be blood on the bracken.
----
"Smith's historical fantasy novel takes a grim journey through myth-laden ancient Scotland following an assassin whose deadly mission evolves into a deeper struggle with identity and fate. A harsh, evocative vision of Celtic lands where memory, violence, and myth shape every destiny." ― Kirkus Reviews
"Hauntingly beautiful, an exceptional book." ― Anna Smith Spark
"Through the stories of two women and their gradually intersecting narratives, both beautifully crafted, Black Doe draws back the curtain on a past we think we know, but which is in fact as strange and forbidding as the folkloric creatures that live alongside its people. An accomplished novel which wears its considerable research lightly, Cleland Smith is a skilful storyteller. This haunting historical epic will linger long after you finish reading." ― Lucy Holland
"Bloody and brilliant. Black Doe packs a hefty emotional punch among the fighting, plotting, magic and mythology of a time we know so little about." ― Cameron Johnston
"A haunting, elemental tale of motherhood and sacrifice, seamlessly combining history and mythology with an authentic Scottish voice. Lyrical and gripping right up to the final incandescent page. One of the best Scottish fantasies I've ever had the pleasure of reading." ― Neil Williamson
"Beautifully written, Black Doe is a deft historical fantasy tale that manages to be both thrilling and heart-rending at once." ― Shona Kinsella
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 5, 2026
About the author
Cleland Smith
2 books22 followersHi, I'm Cleland Smith. I'm a Scottish writer, born in Inverness and raised in Dingwall by the Cromarty Firth. I have a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Glasgow, an MA in Creative and Life Writing from Goldsmiths College, London and a Diploma in Education and Training.
Over the years I have worked as a supermarket store detective, a call-centre knowledge engineer, a business analyst in the banking sector, as the development manager for an award-winning online learning company and as a college lecturer. My debut science-fiction novel, Sequela, was awarded a Kirkus star and was named to the Kirkus Best Books of 2013. My second novel, the historical fantasy Black Doe, comes out in August 2026.
As well as writing, I run workshops and work as an audiobook narrator. I currently live in Surrey with my husband, my two children and our cats, Maisie and Charlie.
I have also published three collections and one pamphlet of poetry under the name Angela Cleland.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy
From its visceral start to its compelling end, Black Doe is a historical fantasy which delivers on emotive impact, engaging characters, intense scenes and authentic setting. We are taken to the north of Scotland in the second century AD. The Romans occupy the south, but in the north, an older way of life, set around clan and hearth, still holds, as does an uneasy peace with them invaders. There is magic here too. Fae creatures such as kelpies are to be found, or best avoided, as are the mages and witches found amongst the people.
This is the story of two women. Bridei the assassin, the Black Doe of the title, who’s mission to kill an ambitious and blood-thirsty clan leader goes badly wrong, and who’s efforts to make good on her mistakes and complete her kill make up one half of the story. The other is Tisiphone, wife and mother, who’s story is one of loss and desperate struggle to hold her family together. These two narratives lend the book its strength.
Bridei’s tale is in the immediate – it is fast-paced and immersive. We are there for every turn of the knife, every opportunity for the kill, every whispered promise and lie. Tisiphone’s story is told to us, as she recounts it to another, and it is captivating in the telling, as we learn of the hard paths of her life. That these two women will meet up is certain. It is how and why of it that keeps you turning the page. A need to know runs thorough this story, as urgent as Bridei’s need to kill and Tisiphone’s need to preserve the lives of her children.
Leaning a touch more towards historical than fantasy, if a character-led story packed with emotional twists and turns, yet still keeping up a steady measure of action and suspense is what you’re after, then Black Doe is your go-to. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the story of two women. Bridei the assassin, the Black Doe of the title, who’s mission to kill an ambitious and blood-thirsty clan leader goes badly wrong, and who’s efforts to make good on her mistakes and complete her kill make up one half of the story. The other is Tisiphone, wife and mother, who’s story is one of loss and desperate struggle to hold her family together. These two narratives lend the book its strength.
Bridei’s tale is in the immediate – it is fast-paced and immersive. We are there for every turn of the knife, every opportunity for the kill, every whispered promise and lie. Tisiphone’s story is told to us, as she recounts it to another, and it is captivating in the telling, as we learn of the hard paths of her life. That these two women will meet up is certain. It is how and why of it that keeps you turning the page. A need to know runs thorough this story, as urgent as Bridei’s need to kill and Tisiphone’s need to preserve the lives of her children.
Leaning a touch more towards historical than fantasy, if a character-led story packed with emotional twists and turns, yet still keeping up a steady measure of action and suspense is what you’re after, then Black Doe is your go-to. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
The Black Doe is the story, not only, of Bridei and Tisiphone, but of all women, in the past, present and future.
What I loved about this book is the narrative, on one side, we have Bridei, the black doe, the assassin, with whom, I shared every moment, every thought, every struggle and every change.
On the other side, Tisi tells her story as if in some kind of interview, and I got to witness the struggles of a woman, a wife, a captain and a mostly a mother, who fights to keep everything and everyone together.
The plot is so captivating, I kept turning the pages even if the beginning was a bit slow, but once I dove in, there was no coming back. The story has that something, like a hypnotising atmosphere that made me want to know what comes next, what is the relation between these two women and will they ever meet? And this, for me, is when a book really delivers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I loved about this book is the narrative, on one side, we have Bridei, the black doe, the assassin, with whom, I shared every moment, every thought, every struggle and every change.
On the other side, Tisi tells her story as if in some kind of interview, and I got to witness the struggles of a woman, a wife, a captain and a mostly a mother, who fights to keep everything and everyone together.
The plot is so captivating, I kept turning the pages even if the beginning was a bit slow, but once I dove in, there was no coming back. The story has that something, like a hypnotising atmosphere that made me want to know what comes next, what is the relation between these two women and will they ever meet? And this, for me, is when a book really delivers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the best historical fantasy novels I've ever read. The feel of place and time period is spot-on for me, and knowing a fair bit about Scotland, the Picts, and that time period myself, I know there has been a lot of research done for this book.
Black Doe seamlessly blends fantasy with the history and mystery of Iron Age Scotland. It's an exquisite and compelling book, rich in character and atmosphere, and it all just works together marvellously well. The magic and Fae-Others mesh brilliantly with the historical nature of the book while feeling wholly natural in the land and mythology.
Black Doe seamlessly blends fantasy with the history and mystery of Iron Age Scotland. It's an exquisite and compelling book, rich in character and atmosphere, and it all just works together marvellously well. The magic and Fae-Others mesh brilliantly with the historical nature of the book while feeling wholly natural in the land and mythology.
July 1, 2026
ADVANCED READER COPY
Black Doe is a historical fantasy novel that tells the story of two women; a mother and an assassin. A writing style that gives the vibes of epic fantasy writers John Gwyne and Robin Hood, Black Doe is the book you want to read.
I was kindly gifted this book by the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Black Doe is a historical fantasy novel that tells the story of two women; a mother and an assassin. A writing style that gives the vibes of epic fantasy writers John Gwyne and Robin Hood, Black Doe is the book you want to read.
I was kindly gifted this book by the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really liked the concept here. Celtic lands on the edge of Rome mixed with folklore and these Black Doe assassins makes for a darker, more grounded kind of fantasy. It leans more on atmosphere than spectacle, which I appreciated
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews