What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ghosts of Culloden Moor #1
The Gathering
THE GATHERING is an introduction to a series of romantic Highlander ghost stories. You'll want to read this before the individual warriors come along. (It's got a wee romance of its own.)
Soncerae is a Muir Witch with impressive power. But is she strong enough to save the souls of 79 young warriors who cannot escape the moors of Culloden? She tempts them with the revenge they seek but hopes she can prove to them that a heart's desire can mean so much more.
LACHLAN is next.
Soncerae is a Muir Witch with impressive power. But is she strong enough to save the souls of 79 young warriors who cannot escape the moors of Culloden? She tempts them with the revenge they seek but hopes she can prove to them that a heart's desire can mean so much more.
LACHLAN is next.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2015
1038 people are currently reading
1271 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 1, 2017
Quite surprised how short this was! Time travel, Scotland and the 1745 - definitely cashing in on the Outlander craze - you always start these type of books with a bit of trepidation, and although it was short - a bit of a appetizer for the rest of the series, it wasn't too bad and I will give the next book the series a go.
January 27, 2018
Good start to what looks like a very interesting series.
June 25, 2018
Prequel to the series. I doubt I will read all 79 of these books but I will most definitely read a few more! Interesting start to a fantasy time travel romance series.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
August 19, 2017
Drivel. Within four pages I had pegged it as a US author trying to 'write Scottish ' would a wee bit of language research kill you! It's a pet hate of mine and instantly puts my back up. We don't say 'tailgate '...
and the mixed 'scots' and 'English '... just no!
and the mixed 'scots' and 'English '... just no!
August 10, 2015
Great set up to the beginning of a promising series. ;)
November 28, 2015
Just a short novella to set up the series, and I liked it! Makes you want to keep going :)
May 14, 2020
This is a very short introduction to The Ghosts of Culloden Moor series. It definitely did it's job! I'm ready to pick up the next one right away.
October 13, 2018
There's a few books in this series that caught my eye. Since they all stated I needed to read this one first I thought I would grab it. I'm looking forward to reading some of the books in the series. I'm not sure I'll read all 79 books but we shall see! Hoping to find a couple of new authors too! ;o)
February 24, 2016
Didn't like this much so won't be reading the rest of the books. Sorry just didn't gel with me.
June 28, 2017
A very quick read but I'm tempted enough to try the next.
October 31, 2016
Hmm... interesting premise but somewhat lacking in execution. I thought I'd give it try so I read The Gathering and then Lachlan. There wasn't a real ending for Lachlan, the author called it a temporary ending for now. So Lachlan was good, but short without a solid ending, and the next book in the series, Jamie, is $2.99 for 108 pages. Really? Why should I keep reading if the stories are so short, cost money for many of them (only some are available through Kindle Unlimited) and may not have real endings? I'd probably keep reading if they were all Kindle Unlimited but at this point, I'm two books in with no satisfactorily completed story for anyone.
Read
May 16, 2020Just wasn't for me...
September 22, 2017
This really seems like a fun and interesting start to pretty great sounding series. Not sure if I'm going to read every ghosts story but a few sound really good.
October 24, 2025
it feels like an extended prologue for book one. A bit boring and not really necessary.
February 1, 2018
Very interesting! Can't wait to read about all these Highlanders. Reading Lachlan next! Very good short intro.
November 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this short intro into The Ghosts of Culloden Moor series. I spotted the book on Kindle Unlimited and being a huge fan of Highland fiction, I downloaded it.
Having been lucky enough to visit Culloden, I can appreciate the atmospheric setting there and think this series might just become another favourite. Walking along the battlefield I have often wondered what horrors those young men saw and what they went through. I am looking forwards to falling their individual journeys and finding out more about Soncerae.
Having been lucky enough to visit Culloden, I can appreciate the atmospheric setting there and think this series might just become another favourite. Walking along the battlefield I have often wondered what horrors those young men saw and what they went through. I am looking forwards to falling their individual journeys and finding out more about Soncerae.
July 23, 2018
I have read every book in the series to date, but am not going to review 80 novellas. So, I will say here, what I absolutely LOVE about this series:
1) Short, quick little love stories. Great for an easy afternoon read.
2) It is a series--I love when you meet characters and love them, and then when the book is done, there's more. Makes my heart happy.
3) While the general formula is the same (what romance book isn't?) each person's story is inventive and different--some remarkably so. It is amazing how there really haven't been any repetitious tales so far.
4) The Bugler, MacNabb & The Blacksmith are my three favorites.
5) If you're part of Kindle Unlimited--they're FREE!
6) I love the heart behind it--I'm a history teacher and history geek, so the love that Ms. Muir has for her historic brethren that were slaughtered at Culloden is touching and very original.
Yes it has a supernatural element, but it is minimal and not one that would creep you out if you're sensitive to that--I hate anything supernatural myself and love the series..so do with that what you will. No demons or anything like that, and the "witch" character is nothing like what you think. It is more folklore based than anything else. If you can handle Harry Potter, this is nothing. Try it!
1) Short, quick little love stories. Great for an easy afternoon read.
2) It is a series--I love when you meet characters and love them, and then when the book is done, there's more. Makes my heart happy.
3) While the general formula is the same (what romance book isn't?) each person's story is inventive and different--some remarkably so. It is amazing how there really haven't been any repetitious tales so far.
4) The Bugler, MacNabb & The Blacksmith are my three favorites.
5) If you're part of Kindle Unlimited--they're FREE!
6) I love the heart behind it--I'm a history teacher and history geek, so the love that Ms. Muir has for her historic brethren that were slaughtered at Culloden is touching and very original.
Yes it has a supernatural element, but it is minimal and not one that would creep you out if you're sensitive to that--I hate anything supernatural myself and love the series..so do with that what you will. No demons or anything like that, and the "witch" character is nothing like what you think. It is more folklore based than anything else. If you can handle Harry Potter, this is nothing. Try it!
June 13, 2018
This is the introduction to a series of time travel ghost. I love stories about highlanders and time travel. I was looking for something, just didn’t know what until I ran across the story about the Blacksmith. Looking at it I discovered the series, and of course had to start at the beginning. This is the beginning and tells the start of their adventures.
It is very short, but gives the back ground you need to understand the rest. I will be reading on in the series.
It is very short, but gives the back ground you need to understand the rest. I will be reading on in the series.
September 24, 2021
a short story
This was just a short story and has no resolution. Rather a waste because once into the story it stops and you have to get another piece. I like the story to have some sort of ending.
This was just a short story and has no resolution. Rather a waste because once into the story it stops and you have to get another piece. I like the story to have some sort of ending.
November 14, 2015
A prequel to the series. Definitely grabs your attention and makes you want to pick up the next book. Looking forward to this series
February 17, 2024
Fun to Revisit Delightful Series in Audiobook Format
Audiobook review of Books 1 & 2 bundle (which I didn't see here on Goodreads)
I initially read probably the first 20 or so books of this absolutely delightful Scottish paranormal series back in 2017 and 2018 as I prepared to go to Scotland for the second time. The books are incredibly well written, and the series has a fascinating premise. This particular audiobook bundle contains the first two books of this series. The first is a relatively short novella setting up the entire series’ premise. Essentially, 79 men who fell at the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746 haven't yet chosen to release themselves from their earthly bonds. They feel they still have something left to do. They've hung out around the battlefield all this time, unseen by the visitors to the battlefield. But their existence is about to change. A very young girl, a baby when they first meet her, becomes kind of their mascot. She can see them and has no fear of them. They can tell there's something different about the wee bairn. She and her parents come to Culloden and their amazing visitor center (which I've visited several times) at least once per year. On her 16th birthday, she let the 79 know that their dead lives are about to change! Essentially each of them will be given a task to do helping another, and if they're able to help the appropriate person or people, they will get a boon and be able to move on. What motivates them is they all believe their boon will be to have a moment where they can talk with the spirit of Bonnie Prince Charlie and ask him why he made the decisions on that horrible day that sealed their fate. In fact, some dead soldiers are hoping to do a little more than just talk. The first book, the one actually called The Gathering, sets up this premise.
Book two in this bundle focuses on the first spirit to gain corporeal form, given two days to do a deed to help another. He has no idea what it is—none of the men will know what their task will be—as part of their challenge is to figure that out. This particular story is so touching. I loved the old Scottish man the hero and heroine met who helped them out. The heroine is an American visiting Scotland, and the hero first thinks that he is supposed to do something for her. So he sticks to her like white on rice! They get turfed out of where she's staying because she's not supposed to have another guest in her room without paying more. Luckily, they find a kindly old Scottish man, a widower who still desperately misses his wife, who kindly takes them in. It's stormy for a few days, the hero's time in corporeal form is soon to end, and the conversations between the three over their time together are fascinating to follow. The story actually became incredibly touching at the end. I don't want to give it away because, well, you just shouldn't do that in a review like this. But if you love stories about lasting love--even love that transcends death—and closure, this book is probably something you would enjoy. And, this hero—as well as others we’ll meet further along in the series--has a choice to make at the end. The boon, shall we say, doesn't have to be that they get their moment with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
I enjoyed the narration of the book. The book only has two narrators, one male and one female, and the female was able to do both a good Scottish accent for the wee witch and an American one for the heroine. I enjoyed the male narrator’s voice as well. I just wish he was actually Scottish. This entire series is set in Scotland and has Scottish heroes. I believe the narrator's from Ireland, and my remembrance of the accents there—from when I spent college time in Ireland—he sounds like he's from the north. A perfectly pleasant accent to listen to in any audiobook—and I think I've actually listened to one other narrated by him—but I just wanted to hear that pure Scottish accent I so loved when I visited that country. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, as he did a good job. He just didn't sound Scottish!
I received a promo code for the 2-audiobook bundle, but that did not affect my review.
Audiobook review of Books 1 & 2 bundle (which I didn't see here on Goodreads)
I initially read probably the first 20 or so books of this absolutely delightful Scottish paranormal series back in 2017 and 2018 as I prepared to go to Scotland for the second time. The books are incredibly well written, and the series has a fascinating premise. This particular audiobook bundle contains the first two books of this series. The first is a relatively short novella setting up the entire series’ premise. Essentially, 79 men who fell at the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746 haven't yet chosen to release themselves from their earthly bonds. They feel they still have something left to do. They've hung out around the battlefield all this time, unseen by the visitors to the battlefield. But their existence is about to change. A very young girl, a baby when they first meet her, becomes kind of their mascot. She can see them and has no fear of them. They can tell there's something different about the wee bairn. She and her parents come to Culloden and their amazing visitor center (which I've visited several times) at least once per year. On her 16th birthday, she let the 79 know that their dead lives are about to change! Essentially each of them will be given a task to do helping another, and if they're able to help the appropriate person or people, they will get a boon and be able to move on. What motivates them is they all believe their boon will be to have a moment where they can talk with the spirit of Bonnie Prince Charlie and ask him why he made the decisions on that horrible day that sealed their fate. In fact, some dead soldiers are hoping to do a little more than just talk. The first book, the one actually called The Gathering, sets up this premise.
Book two in this bundle focuses on the first spirit to gain corporeal form, given two days to do a deed to help another. He has no idea what it is—none of the men will know what their task will be—as part of their challenge is to figure that out. This particular story is so touching. I loved the old Scottish man the hero and heroine met who helped them out. The heroine is an American visiting Scotland, and the hero first thinks that he is supposed to do something for her. So he sticks to her like white on rice! They get turfed out of where she's staying because she's not supposed to have another guest in her room without paying more. Luckily, they find a kindly old Scottish man, a widower who still desperately misses his wife, who kindly takes them in. It's stormy for a few days, the hero's time in corporeal form is soon to end, and the conversations between the three over their time together are fascinating to follow. The story actually became incredibly touching at the end. I don't want to give it away because, well, you just shouldn't do that in a review like this. But if you love stories about lasting love--even love that transcends death—and closure, this book is probably something you would enjoy. And, this hero—as well as others we’ll meet further along in the series--has a choice to make at the end. The boon, shall we say, doesn't have to be that they get their moment with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
I enjoyed the narration of the book. The book only has two narrators, one male and one female, and the female was able to do both a good Scottish accent for the wee witch and an American one for the heroine. I enjoyed the male narrator’s voice as well. I just wish he was actually Scottish. This entire series is set in Scotland and has Scottish heroes. I believe the narrator's from Ireland, and my remembrance of the accents there—from when I spent college time in Ireland—he sounds like he's from the north. A perfectly pleasant accent to listen to in any audiobook—and I think I've actually listened to one other narrated by him—but I just wanted to hear that pure Scottish accent I so loved when I visited that country. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, as he did a good job. He just didn't sound Scottish!
I received a promo code for the 2-audiobook bundle, but that did not affect my review.
February 11, 2022
WARNING: this is a short prologue and not a full story per se!
I never knew about the ghosts of Culloden until I heard the Scottish female singer, Isla Grant, sing the ballad "The Ghosts of Culloden". I loved the song the moment I heard it. So when Amazon put the first 4 books of this series on sale as a boxed set in Kindle, I absolutely HAD to buy it!
I was not disappointed.
This short story tells of 79 spirits who did not go into the light after they were killed at the Scottish battle of Culloden in 1746. They stayed on the battlefield after death and haunted it though nobody could see or feel them, they could observe the visitors who came to see the battlefield.
At last, there came a couple who brought their 3-month-old baby girl with them. That baby saw the ghosts! Every year the parents brought the child back and she was able to talk with the leader of the "dead fighters". Finally, at the age of 16, the young girl came to the battlefield with an offer for each of the 79 spirits, and therein lies the beginning of the tale! :) I read this short story last night and today, I just had to begin the first book of the actual series!
If you like magic, supernatural, witches, and ghosts, you MUST buy this book and the boxed set. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I never knew about the ghosts of Culloden until I heard the Scottish female singer, Isla Grant, sing the ballad "The Ghosts of Culloden". I loved the song the moment I heard it. So when Amazon put the first 4 books of this series on sale as a boxed set in Kindle, I absolutely HAD to buy it!
I was not disappointed.
This short story tells of 79 spirits who did not go into the light after they were killed at the Scottish battle of Culloden in 1746. They stayed on the battlefield after death and haunted it though nobody could see or feel them, they could observe the visitors who came to see the battlefield.
At last, there came a couple who brought their 3-month-old baby girl with them. That baby saw the ghosts! Every year the parents brought the child back and she was able to talk with the leader of the "dead fighters". Finally, at the age of 16, the young girl came to the battlefield with an offer for each of the 79 spirits, and therein lies the beginning of the tale! :) I read this short story last night and today, I just had to begin the first book of the actual series!
If you like magic, supernatural, witches, and ghosts, you MUST buy this book and the boxed set. I don't think you will be disappointed.
January 24, 2018
The 79 Ghosts of Culloden Moor. They are stuck on Culloden Moor all 79 of them. For many a year they have watched people come and go. They have watched the self proclaimed witches come and do whatever it is witches do, but nothing ever changes until one year when a couple come with a baby, a baby that they feel something for. This little baby named Soni is special. She can see them and strangely enough isn't scared of them. For years they wait and watch Soni grow as her parents bring her to Culloden Moor. Then one year she doesn't come on time, but comes at night. There is something different this year they all can feel it. She is giving them all a chance to redeem themselves they are told and she has already made the deal. Who will be first to go? And can they complete this act of bravery? What will happen when they do it? Will they finally get the chance to get what they feel is revenge on Bonnie Prince Charlie?
L.L Muir writes a fantastic story to start us off on an incredible journey that you won't want to miss.
L.L Muir writes a fantastic story to start us off on an incredible journey that you won't want to miss.
February 19, 2024
Ghosts of Culloden Moor:
Audiobooks: Source: Booksprout. The author has an interesting and immersing writing style complete with likeable characters, humor and romance, and old-fashioned honor and ethics. I enjoyed the well done narration by the two readers. The Scot is easy to understand. The young witch is the perfect character.
THE GATHERING, #1 - This is my first audiobook and I was surprised it held my attention. (Thirty-one years with a husband that kept his TV blaring trained me to block noise.) At first, I was confused by the book's set up. It turned out there's a seven chapter prequel before The Gathering. Both stories are interesting and immersing, have wonderful characters and a gamut of emotions. From tragedy to wonder, this romance filled with just as much humor as sadness and a touch of magic. 5*
Lachlan, #2 - This is an interesting story, too. Set in America, Lachlan discovers his duty. Being a ghost has its advantages. 5*
Audiobooks: Source: Booksprout. The author has an interesting and immersing writing style complete with likeable characters, humor and romance, and old-fashioned honor and ethics. I enjoyed the well done narration by the two readers. The Scot is easy to understand. The young witch is the perfect character.
THE GATHERING, #1 - This is my first audiobook and I was surprised it held my attention. (Thirty-one years with a husband that kept his TV blaring trained me to block noise.) At first, I was confused by the book's set up. It turned out there's a seven chapter prequel before The Gathering. Both stories are interesting and immersing, have wonderful characters and a gamut of emotions. From tragedy to wonder, this romance filled with just as much humor as sadness and a touch of magic. 5*
Lachlan, #2 - This is an interesting story, too. Set in America, Lachlan discovers his duty. Being a ghost has its advantages. 5*
August 22, 2024
I loved this story of the ghosts of Culloden Moor. Many men died on the battlefield of Culloden Moor. 79 ghosts have not moved on wanting their revenge. When Sencerae is brought to the battlefield as an infant they all came to see her. As she grew up each year on the solace, they would play with her and spend time. Now that she is 16, she has offered them a chance to be alive for 2 days to perform an act of mercy so that she will grant them a boon, and they can move on. This first book gives me great hope for the entire series. Rule McEwan or number 9 as he is known, is offered to be the first one sent back. The story is romantic and touching.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2020
Soncerae is brought to the Culloden Battleground each year by her parents. This has been going on since before she could walk. At each visitation she sees and ultimately communicates with 79 fallen soldiers of Bonnie Prince Charlie. These 79 men are now spirits that can't leave Culloden for some reason. When Soncerae becomes a teenager she is determined to help them move on with her witchcraft.
Lachlan, the first to be sent out must rescue someone and he doesn't know who but he is determined to do so so he can seek his revenge on the man who sent him to die!
I enjoyed the beginning. I hope I will enjoy Lachlan's story when I get around to reading it!
Lachlan, the first to be sent out must rescue someone and he doesn't know who but he is determined to do so so he can seek his revenge on the man who sent him to die!
I enjoyed the beginning. I hope I will enjoy Lachlan's story when I get around to reading it!
June 30, 2021
I have read several of the Culloden Moor books now. They are fun and historically interesting. The idea and concept of the ghosts of this heinous battle wondering around for years where they perished watching it and the people visiting what is their graves is and interesting one. I have enjoyed all the books so far and the back stories of these poor slain people. How they end their days of being chained to this land is what these books are about. Each book keeps you reading the next as you want to see what will happen to them all. There is plenty of mystery, intrigue, romance and fun. Quick reads as you wont want to put them down.
November 25, 2024
Not sure what to make of this.
The premise seems interesting. Although 79 books for 79 ghosts on Culloden Moor. Seems like a large undertaking. The changing tenses bothered me; going from first person to plural first person. It was a bit disconcerting to follow. I a giving it 3 stars as it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. It was also incredibly short. I’ll probably give the next book a go and decide the fate of the rest of the series based on that one. Hope it is written in third person and not first person as I dislike first person immensely.
Didn’t realise that there is another story (Rule McEwan) after the prequel. Another review will be added after I read Rule McEwan’s story.
The premise seems interesting. Although 79 books for 79 ghosts on Culloden Moor. Seems like a large undertaking. The changing tenses bothered me; going from first person to plural first person. It was a bit disconcerting to follow. I a giving it 3 stars as it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. It was also incredibly short. I’ll probably give the next book a go and decide the fate of the rest of the series based on that one. Hope it is written in third person and not first person as I dislike first person immensely.
Didn’t realise that there is another story (Rule McEwan) after the prequel. Another review will be added after I read Rule McEwan’s story.
January 4, 2021
The Gathering by L.L. Muir is the first I'm a series called The Ghosts of Culloden Moor. The setting takes place in Culloden where do many list their lives figuring for independence.
A young witch offers help to allow chosen warriors to for revenge.
The characters are enjoyable as they stumble through a new time with different customs, money, etc. Do they actually choose the ability for revenge or do they choose a new life?
With many books in the series you can read the stories of many brave warriors and who they encounter.
A young witch offers help to allow chosen warriors to for revenge.
The characters are enjoyable as they stumble through a new time with different customs, money, etc. Do they actually choose the ability for revenge or do they choose a new life?
With many books in the series you can read the stories of many brave warriors and who they encounter.
February 15, 2024
This was my first L.L. Muir's book. This is the first book in the Ghosts of Culloden Moor Series, a Scottish Paranormal Romance. The story is original, and intriguing. This short novella is a good introduction to the series. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series. Andrew McDermott and Jenn McGuirk did a great job bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews