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A Crown of Blood and Honour #2
Bloodlines
An epic tale of love, loss and revenge set amidst the turmoil of Scotland after Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
The rebellion is over, Scotland has its rightful king, and the battlefields lie still—for now. Fleance, son of Banquo, has brought a new dawn to Scotland, and in the process become a very different man from the lowly huntsman who rode north to save his country.
A generation has passed since Macbeth, but still there are evil forces at work across the land. Civil war is imminent, and there are traitors at the castle gates. The witches who foresaw Fleance’s rise to power are watching and scheming once again. And there is turmoil, too, within the king’s own soul: urged to marry a princess and strengthen his claim to the throne, he must choose between Rachel, of royal bloodline, and his first love, Rosie, whom he left behind.
With the rebels circling and his crown starting to slip, the time has come for Fleance to prove that Scotland is in his heart as well as in his blood.
Revised edition: This edition of Bloodlines includes editorial revisions.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2010
17 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Roxborogh
17 books54 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Tania Roxborogh.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 6, 2016
I want to thank Net Galley for a copy of this book to review.
I wish I had read the blurb better before getting this book. It's number two in the series and although it can be read as a stand alone as I did, I really should have read the first book to get the full impact. I recommend any would be reader read the first book before reading this one. I was really in the dark about who had blood feuds against who and although I picked it up, it seems like it diminished my enjoyment.
It's set in 11th century Scotland and I have no idea how historical accurate it is. Fleance has just become King and left his love, Rosie, an inn keeper's daughter. A king must marry a royal and he is destined for Rachel, daughter of a king. Princess Rachel is well trained in healing arts and is sweet as can be. Fleance and Rachel share a vision of making Scotland better for the people.
Still there are rebels to conquer, kidnappings to be overcome and battles with invaders from Norway. There is never a quiet time for the King to get his bearing and he makes some really stupid mistakes. He undertakes a mission alone not once but twice. Really?
It was a readable and the author is from Dunedin, New Zealand. Dunedin is the number one place I would like to visit. It has an entire Scottish castle brought brick by brick to New Zealand. How cool is that? Now that's a story I'd like to read.
I wish I had read the blurb better before getting this book. It's number two in the series and although it can be read as a stand alone as I did, I really should have read the first book to get the full impact. I recommend any would be reader read the first book before reading this one. I was really in the dark about who had blood feuds against who and although I picked it up, it seems like it diminished my enjoyment.
It's set in 11th century Scotland and I have no idea how historical accurate it is. Fleance has just become King and left his love, Rosie, an inn keeper's daughter. A king must marry a royal and he is destined for Rachel, daughter of a king. Princess Rachel is well trained in healing arts and is sweet as can be. Fleance and Rachel share a vision of making Scotland better for the people.
Still there are rebels to conquer, kidnappings to be overcome and battles with invaders from Norway. There is never a quiet time for the King to get his bearing and he makes some really stupid mistakes. He undertakes a mission alone not once but twice. Really?
It was a readable and the author is from Dunedin, New Zealand. Dunedin is the number one place I would like to visit. It has an entire Scottish castle brought brick by brick to New Zealand. How cool is that? Now that's a story I'd like to read.
April 5, 2019
This second installment continues the story of Fleance, the son of Banquo, a minor character from Shakespeare's MacBeth.
Fleance is now King and is set to marry, but still has to deal with rebellions, and struggle with his feelings for his former love, Rosie. I felt both he and Rachel, his betrothed, grew as characters in this story. Rachel becomes a lot more independent and self-reliant, for reasons readers will soon understand.
Overall its a nice, pleasant story. I understand its aimed at Young Adults: and as such it tends to be fast paced and exciting. There are some slower scenes though, which allow for characters to explore their feelings or relationships. Its also clean, so although a general market title, would fulfill the requirements of some Inspy publishers. With some Caveats: as its supposed to be a sequel to the Scottish Play, the three witches to make an appearance.
As last time my only complaint was with the historical details: many details are changed, and some are invented, which is not mentioned in the author's note or anywhere in the book. So for example, this is meant to be set in 1058, 12 years before the Norman Conquest, and Harold Godwinson makes a brief appearance: but so does Matilda of Scotland: an Anglo-Saxon Princess who did not marry into Scottish royalty until several years after the Conquest.
In fact the King that she married did not actually take the throne until two years after this novel is set: but here she's an old woman and a widow.
I do understand this is artistic license, but I think it should be mentioned, and the family tree in the front which gives invented dates could prove confusing.
It was also sort of hard to ignore the presence of stone castles in Scotland before the Norman Conquest, as well as a reference to character eating with a table fork. Those were not introduced to Western Europe until several centuries later.
Like the Shakespeare play it takes is queue from, this series is sort of more like fantasy with a historical flavour. Taken as such, its an interesting and worthwhile read.
Fleance is now King and is set to marry, but still has to deal with rebellions, and struggle with his feelings for his former love, Rosie. I felt both he and Rachel, his betrothed, grew as characters in this story. Rachel becomes a lot more independent and self-reliant, for reasons readers will soon understand.
Overall its a nice, pleasant story. I understand its aimed at Young Adults: and as such it tends to be fast paced and exciting. There are some slower scenes though, which allow for characters to explore their feelings or relationships. Its also clean, so although a general market title, would fulfill the requirements of some Inspy publishers. With some Caveats: as its supposed to be a sequel to the Scottish Play, the three witches to make an appearance.
As last time my only complaint was with the historical details: many details are changed, and some are invented, which is not mentioned in the author's note or anywhere in the book. So for example, this is meant to be set in 1058, 12 years before the Norman Conquest, and Harold Godwinson makes a brief appearance: but so does Matilda of Scotland: an Anglo-Saxon Princess who did not marry into Scottish royalty until several years after the Conquest.
In fact the King that she married did not actually take the throne until two years after this novel is set: but here she's an old woman and a widow.
I do understand this is artistic license, but I think it should be mentioned, and the family tree in the front which gives invented dates could prove confusing.
It was also sort of hard to ignore the presence of stone castles in Scotland before the Norman Conquest, as well as a reference to character eating with a table fork. Those were not introduced to Western Europe until several centuries later.
Like the Shakespeare play it takes is queue from, this series is sort of more like fantasy with a historical flavour. Taken as such, its an interesting and worthwhile read.
November 12, 2019
Great read
Another great book from the author enjoying these books looking forward to reading the next book in the series recommended
Another great book from the author enjoying these books looking forward to reading the next book in the series recommended
February 19, 2017
I loved this book! Roxborough wove fiction into history with such skill and detail that it truly made me feel like I was there. The characters and situations were very detailed- complex- and truly showed some great character depth. It was refreshing to finally see some characters with their own emotions, thoughts, and personalities. I didn't read the first of the series, which I didn't really feel like was an issue, but I think reading it in order would have enhanced my enjoyment even more
**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review**
**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review**
February 21, 2016
(Thank you NetGalley for an early release copy)
Bloodline's picks up where "Banquo's Son" left off. Fleance is now King of Scotland, his friend Duncan having been knocked off in book 1 by by a crossbolt meant for Fleance. (If you haven't yet read "Banquo's Son", you need to stop reading this review and read that book first!).
Fleance wants to be a good king, and in a move very unusual for his time, Fleance reaches out to his subjects to hear their complaints and actually helps them. But there are forces working against him, some of which (or perhaps I should say whom) would just as soon see him dead. And then there's the fact that he needs a queen; he'd prefer that it be Rosie, but the lovely Rachel is a much better choice politically (and a pretty great catch at that).
Without going into detail, Fleance's need to be good and do good ends up with him getting into some pretty hairy pickles: war, treachery, kidnapping, you name it, he has to face it down.
Bloodlines is a good sequel to "Banquo's Son", and judging by how it ends, there will be another book in the works. I hope so, and I will happily read it when it comes out.
Bloodline's picks up where "Banquo's Son" left off. Fleance is now King of Scotland, his friend Duncan having been knocked off in book 1 by by a crossbolt meant for Fleance. (If you haven't yet read "Banquo's Son", you need to stop reading this review and read that book first!).
Fleance wants to be a good king, and in a move very unusual for his time, Fleance reaches out to his subjects to hear their complaints and actually helps them. But there are forces working against him, some of which (or perhaps I should say whom) would just as soon see him dead. And then there's the fact that he needs a queen; he'd prefer that it be Rosie, but the lovely Rachel is a much better choice politically (and a pretty great catch at that).
Without going into detail, Fleance's need to be good and do good ends up with him getting into some pretty hairy pickles: war, treachery, kidnapping, you name it, he has to face it down.
Bloodlines is a good sequel to "Banquo's Son", and judging by how it ends, there will be another book in the works. I hope so, and I will happily read it when it comes out.
July 17, 2014
I loved this book - read it even faster than the first one, as it was very hard to put down. I liked the different viewpoints and the complex characters of Fleance, Rachel and Rosie, and the other characters surrounding them. Is it right to choose honour and duty over love? What does honour involve? When should mercy be shown? Difficult questions are raised and worked through in a comprehensive and through-provoking way.
I was never sure who Fleance would end up marrying, as both women are fantastically strong-willed, determined people. In fact, the whole book is nicely unpredictable - just as Fleance isn't always sure who to trust, neither was I - obviously wily politicians never change. The plain, harsh world of Scotland is nicely contrasted with the more luscious French court (great description of roasted peacock!). Most of all I appreciated a heroine (Rachel) who did not doubt her faith or her duty and was prepared to even help the enemy. Fantastic stuff - can't wait to read the third book.
I was never sure who Fleance would end up marrying, as both women are fantastically strong-willed, determined people. In fact, the whole book is nicely unpredictable - just as Fleance isn't always sure who to trust, neither was I - obviously wily politicians never change. The plain, harsh world of Scotland is nicely contrasted with the more luscious French court (great description of roasted peacock!). Most of all I appreciated a heroine (Rachel) who did not doubt her faith or her duty and was prepared to even help the enemy. Fantastic stuff - can't wait to read the third book.
April 11, 2016
In 11th century Scotland, rulers were mostly determined by bloodlines, that is, unless they were wiped out. It was a time when people listened to witches’ prophesies, and one such prophesy stated that Fleance, son of Banquo, would become king one day. That day comes sooner than expected, when King Duncan dies from battle injuries.
Fleance is an honorable man but not of royal blood. He believes in duty and responsibility and living in accordance with the teachings of his deceased father. Most of all, he loves Scotland and will do whatever he can to unify his people. That includes turning his back on young love and agreeing to marry the princess, Rachel, who is Duncan’s sister.
When Rachel is kidnapped by the King of Normandy, Fleance must decide whether to follow Rachel and try to rescue her himself or stay and attempt to defeat the rebels who believe that he is not fit to rule Scotland.
The author tells a good story that reads like historical fiction
Fleance is an honorable man but not of royal blood. He believes in duty and responsibility and living in accordance with the teachings of his deceased father. Most of all, he loves Scotland and will do whatever he can to unify his people. That includes turning his back on young love and agreeing to marry the princess, Rachel, who is Duncan’s sister.
When Rachel is kidnapped by the King of Normandy, Fleance must decide whether to follow Rachel and try to rescue her himself or stay and attempt to defeat the rebels who believe that he is not fit to rule Scotland.
The author tells a good story that reads like historical fiction
December 15, 2016
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this through Netgalley for an impartial review.
Being the second in the series, I was a little bit nervous that this could not be as good as the first (purchased due to this being given to me). Though slightly disappointed at some points, the storyline kept me engrossed throughout. The characters have taken on a life of their own in my head and I cannot help but hope that this series will be taken through to another book - I am sure that the action and events in this semi-fictional historical saga has enough in its legs to do that. I see this series in film one day - I can only hope...
Being the second in the series, I was a little bit nervous that this could not be as good as the first (purchased due to this being given to me). Though slightly disappointed at some points, the storyline kept me engrossed throughout. The characters have taken on a life of their own in my head and I cannot help but hope that this series will be taken through to another book - I am sure that the action and events in this semi-fictional historical saga has enough in its legs to do that. I see this series in film one day - I can only hope...
January 23, 2017
Crown of Blood and Honor book 2
More Scottish politics, complicated friendships, romantic and wishful relationships, Vikings being rude and the witches are back. Overall, an enjoyable read.
More Scottish politics, complicated friendships, romantic and wishful relationships, Vikings being rude and the witches are back. Overall, an enjoyable read.
May 21, 2018
The ending left me a little blah. I felt it was very anti-climatic and didn’t fully wrap things up. But I still enjoyed the premise of the tale.
October 9, 2018
Great follow-up to the first book! I really enjoyed the plot twists and turns
October 28, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley who provided me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I hadn't realized this was the second in a series about Fleance, the son of Banquo from Macbeth. So, I had to go back and read Banquo's son first.
I'm so glad I did.
I've been fortunate to find spinoffs from Macbeth to read before and this one--with another perspective on the upheaval caused by Macbeth's disgraced coup--was a great addition to that cluster of books.
In Bloodlines, Fleance grows into his identity as Banquo's son as the prospect a Scottish civil war looms and he takes the crown, which most see as his right due to complex family lineages. Macbeth's witches play a background but important role in this story with their dubious prophecies. Fleance must decide between two women he loves, decide who will stand by him as queen.
Fleance proves himself to be thoughtful, respectful, dignified and aware of the harm he may cause to the two loves he has, but also to his country. The story is well written and I didn't want it to end. The complexities of the machinations that inevitably come to the surface when power is on the line are masterfully handled by Roxborogh.
I strongly recommend this story to anyone with a love of royal politics, Scottish stories, romances, and Shakespearean drama.
I hadn't realized this was the second in a series about Fleance, the son of Banquo from Macbeth. So, I had to go back and read Banquo's son first.
I'm so glad I did.
I've been fortunate to find spinoffs from Macbeth to read before and this one--with another perspective on the upheaval caused by Macbeth's disgraced coup--was a great addition to that cluster of books.
In Bloodlines, Fleance grows into his identity as Banquo's son as the prospect a Scottish civil war looms and he takes the crown, which most see as his right due to complex family lineages. Macbeth's witches play a background but important role in this story with their dubious prophecies. Fleance must decide between two women he loves, decide who will stand by him as queen.
Fleance proves himself to be thoughtful, respectful, dignified and aware of the harm he may cause to the two loves he has, but also to his country. The story is well written and I didn't want it to end. The complexities of the machinations that inevitably come to the surface when power is on the line are masterfully handled by Roxborogh.
I strongly recommend this story to anyone with a love of royal politics, Scottish stories, romances, and Shakespearean drama.
February 4, 2016
The rebellion is over, Scotland has its rightful king, and the battlefields lie still—for now. Fleance, son of Banquo, has brought a new dawn to Scotland, and in the process become a very different man from the lowly huntsman who rode north to save his country.
A generation has passed since Macbeth, but still there are evil forces at work across the land. Civil war is imminent, and there are traitors at the castle gates. The witches who foresaw Fleance’s rise to power are watching and scheming once again. And there is turmoil, too, within the king’s own soul: urged to marry a princess and strengthen his claim to the throne, he must choose between Rachel, of royal bloodline, and his first love, Rosie, whom he left behind.
With the rebels circling and his crown starting to slip, the time has come for Fleance to prove that Scotland is in his heart as well as in his blood.
A fantastic book - enjoyed it throughly - just wish I had read the first in the series first.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
A generation has passed since Macbeth, but still there are evil forces at work across the land. Civil war is imminent, and there are traitors at the castle gates. The witches who foresaw Fleance’s rise to power are watching and scheming once again. And there is turmoil, too, within the king’s own soul: urged to marry a princess and strengthen his claim to the throne, he must choose between Rachel, of royal bloodline, and his first love, Rosie, whom he left behind.
With the rebels circling and his crown starting to slip, the time has come for Fleance to prove that Scotland is in his heart as well as in his blood.
A fantastic book - enjoyed it throughly - just wish I had read the first in the series first.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
September 9, 2018
This is an alternate historical fiction series set in Scotland in 11th century. Unfamiliar readers will need to read the first in the series (unlike myself - though I am familiar background to this particular setting).
It is the tale of Macbeth, Banquo, and the prophesy of the three witches: "thou shalt get kings, thou thou be none".
So following the death of his father Banquo (Book 1), Fleance is exiled in England, vowing revenge. Following the deaths of both Duncan and Macbeth, Fleance becomes King of Scotland. Obviously plenty of action, intrigue and treachery as Fleance strives to become the ideal king with rebels and rivals circling like ravens over a battlefield. Book 3 - Birthright, follows on from this tale.
It is the tale of Macbeth, Banquo, and the prophesy of the three witches: "thou shalt get kings, thou thou be none".
So following the death of his father Banquo (Book 1), Fleance is exiled in England, vowing revenge. Following the deaths of both Duncan and Macbeth, Fleance becomes King of Scotland. Obviously plenty of action, intrigue and treachery as Fleance strives to become the ideal king with rebels and rivals circling like ravens over a battlefield. Book 3 - Birthright, follows on from this tale.
June 18, 2016
I read this before I knew it was part of a series and not the first! That did not matter to me however and I did not put this book down until I was finished it. You know you are reading a good book when loved one's questions to you are answered with a frustrated "Just a minuet! I am reading!". I will be looking for the others in the series and reading them also.
January 30, 2016
A very good book that I have enjoyed it so much!
Want to read
March 5, 2016Enjoyed the book.
January 12, 2016
Interesting read. It was nice to find out what happened to Flea, Rosie & Rachel. But more of a romance rather than a historical novel. The first book was far more gripping.
January 16, 2016
Epic
Very well written. Hopeful that a further book is in the works... Really want to find out the rest of their stories
Very well written. Hopeful that a further book is in the works... Really want to find out the rest of their stories
April 12, 2016
Sorry, but I couldn't get into this book at all. Sorry again. Perhaps my head wasn't in the right place for this genre. Will try again in the future.
May 3, 2014
I loved this book, just like the first one :)
December 22, 2015
Bloody boring, struggled to read up to page 24. Couldn't wait to toss it out
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews