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Celtic Blood #1
Highland Raven
Destined to become Queen of Scotland.
Bound by blood to the Celtic gods.
Scotland, 1026--Gruoch, descendant of the line of MacAlpin, should have been born into a life of ease. But fate is fickle. Her father's untimely death, rumored to have been plotted by King Malcolm, leaves her future uncertain and stained by the prophecy that she will avenge her family line.
Escaping to one of the last strongholds of the old Celtic gods, Gruoch becomes an adept in arcane craft. Her encounters with the otherworld, however, suggest that magic runs stronger in Scotland than she ever imagined. Haunted by dreams of a raven-haired man she's never met, Gruoch soon feels her fate is not her own. She is duty-bound to wed a powerful lord, if not the Prince himself; however, she's not sure she can stop her heart when she meets Banquo, a gallant highlander and druid.
Fans of Outlander and Mists of Avalon will relish this sweeping Scottish Historical Fantasy that tells the tale of Gruoch, a woman struggling to escape her fate without blood on her hands.
"A great novel that captures realistically a world of witches and fairies, warrior women and barbaric men, and a woman exploring a life she had no idea existed" Author Carrie L. Wells
"A rich tale of lore and legend that will trap you faster than a fairy ring" Fabulous and Fun Book Reviews
Bound by blood to the Celtic gods.
Scotland, 1026--Gruoch, descendant of the line of MacAlpin, should have been born into a life of ease. But fate is fickle. Her father's untimely death, rumored to have been plotted by King Malcolm, leaves her future uncertain and stained by the prophecy that she will avenge her family line.
Escaping to one of the last strongholds of the old Celtic gods, Gruoch becomes an adept in arcane craft. Her encounters with the otherworld, however, suggest that magic runs stronger in Scotland than she ever imagined. Haunted by dreams of a raven-haired man she's never met, Gruoch soon feels her fate is not her own. She is duty-bound to wed a powerful lord, if not the Prince himself; however, she's not sure she can stop her heart when she meets Banquo, a gallant highlander and druid.
Fans of Outlander and Mists of Avalon will relish this sweeping Scottish Historical Fantasy that tells the tale of Gruoch, a woman struggling to escape her fate without blood on her hands.
"A great novel that captures realistically a world of witches and fairies, warrior women and barbaric men, and a woman exploring a life she had no idea existed" Author Carrie L. Wells
"A rich tale of lore and legend that will trap you faster than a fairy ring" Fabulous and Fun Book Reviews
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2014
5078 people are currently reading
8352 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,705 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
July 17, 2020
Ah. I really wanted to like this one. The premise was so intriguing and drew me in. A Macbeth retelling in Lady Macbeth’s voice, with a lot of historical fantasy elements thrown in, and reframing the tale in the religious struggles of the dark ages between traditional pagan worship and the spread of the White Christ. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it so much.
I should mention the book’s abrupt ending. I know – it’s only the first book in a four-part series. But nonetheless, I think it is bad form to end the book so abruptly. This was a minor point, however.
What really bothered me was throwing in everything but the kitchen sink which bred a kind of Mary Sueism. Lady Macbeth – Gruoch – is a heck of a character to work with, and historically her lineage was impressive. I knew the book would have historical fantasy in it, so I accepted it just fine when she learns ancient magic in a pagan coven. Then it turns out she’s the incarnation of Cerridwen, a very powerful goddess. Wow. That’s quite something. But she’s also destined to become one of the Wyrd sisters, practising dark otherworld magic too. Okay, this character is really, extremely powerful. Oh, but she’s also a reincarnation of the ancient queen Boudicca. Uh… And that’s kind of a problem. Gruoch is too special. She simultaneously holds several very important and powerful positions, which stretches suspension of disbelief, not to mention threatens the tension in the story because there’s very few who actually have more power than she does. To be honest, I think the story would have been better if Gruoch had not been an incarnation of Cerridwen or Boudicca. She already had enough going on with joining a coven and becoming a Wyrd sister, not to mention being born so close to the crown. That’s enough specialness for anyone to handle.
And then there were the sex scenes which were too heavy on the purple prose for my tastes, and didn't seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the story.
I also wanted to mention that I initially started this book as an audiobook, but quickly switched to a standard book because I didn’t enjoy the narrator.
I guess I won't be continuing with this series.
4 out of 10
July 5, 2025
This is the first Melanie Karsak book I've read and I loved it! As a longtime practicing pagan of the Celtic tradition it resonated so truly with me. Karsak's research is impeccable. I adore Gruoch! She's so young but already such an impressive heroine. The pagan rituals and celebrations were wonderful. I want to follow Gruoch to the old lands and never leave! The cast of strong women and the pagan men who still followed the old ways and revered those women was such a nice break from today. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this wonderful series!
July 4, 2024
[The End]
Bambi: Nooooooooooo! It can't be over!
[Frantically checking Audible to see if the next book is out]
No! Gah! ::flails::
It's been a while since I had that reaction to the end of a book, but I was utterly captivated by Highland Raven. It was just so... so... magical, for lack of a better word. And I can't say enough good things about the narrator, Lesley Parkin. She really did a fabulous job with the accents and tenor of the story - she brought all the characters and the setting to life with a lyrical cadence.
So this story is about Shakespeare's Lady MacBeth... with some paranormal twists. Now it has been many years since I read Shakespeare in school, so I really can't much about the correlation between this story and Shakespeare. And I could really care less the storylines meshed or not - I was thoroughly entertained by Melanie Karsak's tale.
Pledged to the Morrigan at her birth by her vengeance-driven father, our heroine is known by many names: Gruoch, Corbie, Boudica, Cerridwen, Lady MacBeth. She is of the royal line of MacAlpin, with ties to the thrones of Scotland and Ireland. Cerridwen's family follows the old Gods at a time when Christianity is sweeping the land, so the story is full of Celtic and Pictish rituals and mythology. But Karsak weaves even more magic into the story with fae interludes, prophecy, wizardry and travel between realms. I liked Cerridwen as our warrior woman heroine. I loved that she was capable and curious and emotional. At this point, I'm not really seeing Cerridwen as Lady MacBeth... she is a young girl who is stretching her wings (literally) to learn family traditions and cope with her fate as best she can.
I am not usually a fan of the love triangle... but this one has me quite intrigued. I was very excited by Cerridwen's visions of a raven-haired man with eyes full of love. I thought I had an epic love story on my hands. But then along comes Banquo, who had a special connection to Boudica as Prasutagus. We see a lot of soul magic happening and it appears that Cerridwen and Banquo have been reconnecting time and again through each life. So, not remembering much MacBeth at the time, I was confused as to whose team I should be on! I think this allowed me to really feel the same conflict that Cerridwen was feeling when she had the soul-deep connection on one hand, but was still curious about the raven-haired man from her visions on the other hand.
This story ended on a cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait to see what's next in store for Cerridwen and MacBeth. I only wish these stories were longer because I was not ready for this one to end. While I am sure reading the story in print is great, I highly encourage you to give it a shot in audio because the narrator is fantastic.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
Bambi: Nooooooooooo! It can't be over!
[Frantically checking Audible to see if the next book is out]
No! Gah! ::flails::
It's been a while since I had that reaction to the end of a book, but I was utterly captivated by Highland Raven. It was just so... so... magical, for lack of a better word. And I can't say enough good things about the narrator, Lesley Parkin. She really did a fabulous job with the accents and tenor of the story - she brought all the characters and the setting to life with a lyrical cadence.
So this story is about Shakespeare's Lady MacBeth... with some paranormal twists. Now it has been many years since I read Shakespeare in school, so I really can't much about the correlation between this story and Shakespeare. And I could really care less the storylines meshed or not - I was thoroughly entertained by Melanie Karsak's tale.
Pledged to the Morrigan at her birth by her vengeance-driven father, our heroine is known by many names: Gruoch, Corbie, Boudica, Cerridwen, Lady MacBeth. She is of the royal line of MacAlpin, with ties to the thrones of Scotland and Ireland. Cerridwen's family follows the old Gods at a time when Christianity is sweeping the land, so the story is full of Celtic and Pictish rituals and mythology. But Karsak weaves even more magic into the story with fae interludes, prophecy, wizardry and travel between realms. I liked Cerridwen as our warrior woman heroine. I loved that she was capable and curious and emotional. At this point, I'm not really seeing Cerridwen as Lady MacBeth... she is a young girl who is stretching her wings (literally) to learn family traditions and cope with her fate as best she can.
I am not usually a fan of the love triangle... but this one has me quite intrigued. I was very excited by Cerridwen's visions of a raven-haired man with eyes full of love. I thought I had an epic love story on my hands. But then along comes Banquo, who had a special connection to Boudica as Prasutagus. We see a lot of soul magic happening and it appears that Cerridwen and Banquo have been reconnecting time and again through each life. So, not remembering much MacBeth at the time, I was confused as to whose team I should be on! I think this allowed me to really feel the same conflict that Cerridwen was feeling when she had the soul-deep connection on one hand, but was still curious about the raven-haired man from her visions on the other hand.
This story ended on a cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait to see what's next in store for Cerridwen and MacBeth. I only wish these stories were longer because I was not ready for this one to end. While I am sure reading the story in print is great, I highly encourage you to give it a shot in audio because the narrator is fantastic.
I received a copy of this audiobook at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
July 12, 2019
OK, I have to confess, I got this book because of the cover. Highlands, stone circle.... my Outlander loving heart just started beating faster. Then, when I started reading, I couldn't stop. Celtic mythology, the old ways, Scotland and magic...I was lost in time and could have stayed hidden in the coven forever. The story was over way too soon and now I just can't wait to follow this raven on her journey onward. Thank you Melanie for lifting the veil and showing me the ways of the Goddess
February 5, 2017
4,5 Stars
Wow what a story!
First of all look at that cover <3
The end left a lot of questions, but the rest of the story was beautiful and magical.
Wow what a story!
First of all look at that cover <3
The end left a lot of questions, but the rest of the story was beautiful and magical.
July 30, 2018
I think I've burned through all the worthwhile Highland novels, and while futilely searching for more, this showed up as a suggestion in my Amazon feed. Marketed as a book about the old gods of the Isles and appealing to fans of Outlander and Mists of Avalon (both of which I really enjoyed), I was totally lost.
The first book completely drew me in. The ways of the old gods are always fascinating for me to read about. I like contemplating other ways of living, other religions and practices, and other ways of viewing the world. This is not an accurately historical novel--a lot of creative license was taken, you need to know that up front, or you may be disappointed. This is a fantasy novel. And the pace of these novels does move along kind of slowly, but it will be at least a 4 novel series when the 4th book comes out, and maybe more, so it's kind of a saga and if you go into it knowing that, it sits better. Besides that, I didn't mind the slow pace when I found the characters and setting enchanting, if somewhat dismal (this is Lady Macbeth we're talking about here, after all).
These are also not very "fluffy" in terms of feel-good emotions and happenings. This is a gritty, graphic, violent, sexually-free series where the realities of life as a woman at this time are often very grim.
Despite all of those disclaimers, I really enjoyed this first book and the rest of the series so far.
The first book completely drew me in. The ways of the old gods are always fascinating for me to read about. I like contemplating other ways of living, other religions and practices, and other ways of viewing the world. This is not an accurately historical novel--a lot of creative license was taken, you need to know that up front, or you may be disappointed. This is a fantasy novel. And the pace of these novels does move along kind of slowly, but it will be at least a 4 novel series when the 4th book comes out, and maybe more, so it's kind of a saga and if you go into it knowing that, it sits better. Besides that, I didn't mind the slow pace when I found the characters and setting enchanting, if somewhat dismal (this is Lady Macbeth we're talking about here, after all).
These are also not very "fluffy" in terms of feel-good emotions and happenings. This is a gritty, graphic, violent, sexually-free series where the realities of life as a woman at this time are often very grim.
Despite all of those disclaimers, I really enjoyed this first book and the rest of the series so far.
July 31, 2018
I recently bought a kindle paperwhite so thought this would be the perfect time to read some of the Scottish inspired books I've got on my TBR. Highland Raven is set in Scotland in 1026 and follows Gruoch, who goes on to become the wife of Macbeth. I will admit that I've never actually read or seen Macbeth so I don't know the story.
This book seems to be an introduction to Gruoch and set before she even meets Macbeth. I enjoyed this book but I will admit that the pacing was a little odd. The plot seems to be a mash of multiple stories and myths from Celtic folklore, but that is exactly what I am in the mood for right now so I really enjoyed reading it. I almost felt like I was doing a quiz, seeing how many different Celtic myths I noticed throughout.
I really liked reading from Gruoch's POV and I look forward to starting the next book in the series, Highland Blood, tonight. I'm just hoping that the second book will have a slightly quicker pace, we will see.
This book seems to be an introduction to Gruoch and set before she even meets Macbeth. I enjoyed this book but I will admit that the pacing was a little odd. The plot seems to be a mash of multiple stories and myths from Celtic folklore, but that is exactly what I am in the mood for right now so I really enjoyed reading it. I almost felt like I was doing a quiz, seeing how many different Celtic myths I noticed throughout.
I really liked reading from Gruoch's POV and I look forward to starting the next book in the series, Highland Blood, tonight. I'm just hoping that the second book will have a slightly quicker pace, we will see.
January 17, 2019
Not terrible, but not very interesting. Writing style was meh at best, could have benefited from a much more brutal editor. No real depth from main character, things kept happening without examination, early hints of good sex scenes didn't deliver. World building was lacking, magic use within that world had some head-scratching moments. Odd anachronisms throughout, and some questionable retellings of known myths and stories that made it sound like research involved a quick Wikipedia check. Read the THREE afterwards in the kindle edition in which the author explains the MacBeth curse as it relates to her book. I feel like she was trying for humor, it came across like an excuse and I found myself further annoyed with the story.
July 25, 2018
Sadly I didn’t finish this book. It sounded interesting, I was really interested when I began reading it but that was where my interest stopped. I just didn’t connect with this book at all, it felt bland. I skimmed ahead to see if it got better but I also had up with that.
February 14, 2022
Melanie Karsak begins her Celtic Blood Series with Highland Raven, an introduction to 16 year old Grouch, or, as you may be more familiar, Lady Macbeth. If you appreciate the Bard's work and wonder what inspired his rich, tortured, and damaged female characters...this historic fantasy is for you! Karsak brings us to the Scottish Highlands in the early 11th century and she dabbles in religion, myth, and legend to provide a powerful, gripping back story for one of the most "ruthless" women in literary history. Warning: you'll certainly see Lady Macbeth in a different light after reading Karsak. This text is a harrowing ride through time slips, Universe leaps, and rituals of all sorts. And, of course, love. The women are fierce, love hard, and sacrifice much. You will not be disappointed - I'm especially grateful this is a series! I can't wait to see what happens next!
- Reviewed by Amee O.
- Reviewed by Amee O.
December 7, 2018
3 1/2 starts...pacing was a bit odd but overall a different yet enjoyable read.
July 16, 2020
3.5 stars
October 2, 2016
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Gruoch, raised by her loving aunt and cruel husband, is destined to be called by the goddess. When the goddess calls, Aunt Madelaine tells her husband that Gruoch is going to a convent to study the White Christ, but truly she's going to learn the old ways of their people.
This is the first story I've heard narrated by Lesley, and I'm highly impressed. The thick accent of the time and place comes through and feels genuine. Emotion and spirits of the characters come through the rise and fall of her tone. I was really drawn to her narration. Lesley even gives different feel to voices for different characters.
The writing feels so real when I listen to Lesley narrate. The brutal treatment woman lived under as wives and servants alike. The story starts slower, setting the stage of where Gruoch comes from and what she's seen to bring her to who she is. This is Lady MacBeth and her journey through life.
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
Gruoch has lived through much with the way woman are seen and treated in this time. Watching the hatred and love that men could show woman, but mostly the mistreatment above all. She's even been at the receiving end as well.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets. There is a magical feel of old ways to all Gruoch lives through. She has a connection to the goddess, she believes thanks to her father's doing at her birth. I love when Gruoch goes to the ladies, all that she learns and sees, so much magic.
Aaah. Sid. Sid is very different. She's alone in seeing the faerie folk. And she can really see them! Gruoch sees enough to believe it, and so do I. Sid shows Gruoch her past life, one they shared. And when Druid named Banquo arrives at the holiday celebration, Gruoch sees more of that past life. A past life she loves and would do anything to have again. However, Gruoch is having visions of another man. And this man can see her as well. Who is he and what does he mean to her? And the goddess has other plans for Gruoch.
Gruoch is one strong woman. She witnesses abuse and stands in it's face when she realizes at a young age as to what's happening. Even when that abuse finds her. Gruoch also feels love. She finds dear friends and the man that's dear to her. She stands for herself and not just as a pawn for her uncle, the King, to pass around, although she knows she could be married off as a political piece.
I enjoyed the magical feel we get while Gruoch is learning the old ways of her people. This story is set in Scotland and we get that magical historical feel from it.
There is more books to come with Gruoch and her life. I know there's more to come as we haven't gotten through MacBeth's story fully yet, and I very much look forward to what's to come!
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Gruoch, raised by her loving aunt and cruel husband, is destined to be called by the goddess. When the goddess calls, Aunt Madelaine tells her husband that Gruoch is going to a convent to study the White Christ, but truly she's going to learn the old ways of their people.
This is the first story I've heard narrated by Lesley, and I'm highly impressed. The thick accent of the time and place comes through and feels genuine. Emotion and spirits of the characters come through the rise and fall of her tone. I was really drawn to her narration. Lesley even gives different feel to voices for different characters.
The writing feels so real when I listen to Lesley narrate. The brutal treatment woman lived under as wives and servants alike. The story starts slower, setting the stage of where Gruoch comes from and what she's seen to bring her to who she is. This is Lady MacBeth and her journey through life.
This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.
This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.
Gruoch has lived through much with the way woman are seen and treated in this time. Watching the hatred and love that men could show woman, but mostly the mistreatment above all. She's even been at the receiving end as well.
The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets. There is a magical feel of old ways to all Gruoch lives through. She has a connection to the goddess, she believes thanks to her father's doing at her birth. I love when Gruoch goes to the ladies, all that she learns and sees, so much magic.
Aaah. Sid. Sid is very different. She's alone in seeing the faerie folk. And she can really see them! Gruoch sees enough to believe it, and so do I. Sid shows Gruoch her past life, one they shared. And when Druid named Banquo arrives at the holiday celebration, Gruoch sees more of that past life. A past life she loves and would do anything to have again. However, Gruoch is having visions of another man. And this man can see her as well. Who is he and what does he mean to her? And the goddess has other plans for Gruoch.
Gruoch is one strong woman. She witnesses abuse and stands in it's face when she realizes at a young age as to what's happening. Even when that abuse finds her. Gruoch also feels love. She finds dear friends and the man that's dear to her. She stands for herself and not just as a pawn for her uncle, the King, to pass around, although she knows she could be married off as a political piece.
I enjoyed the magical feel we get while Gruoch is learning the old ways of her people. This story is set in Scotland and we get that magical historical feel from it.
There is more books to come with Gruoch and her life. I know there's more to come as we haven't gotten through MacBeth's story fully yet, and I very much look forward to what's to come!
December 11, 2019
I'm glad that this was a Kindle Unlimited book so I didn't spend any extra money on it. But I do regret the HOURS I spent listening to this.
I doubt that I will continue with this series. It's a mish-mash of a bunch of different genre and story elements. It's all over the board between Scottish Historical Fiction, Dark Arts (witchcraft, etc), Mythology, Past Lives, Faeries with MacBeth references thrown in for good measure.
Meh -- too scattered for me.
I doubt that I will continue with this series. It's a mish-mash of a bunch of different genre and story elements. It's all over the board between Scottish Historical Fiction, Dark Arts (witchcraft, etc), Mythology, Past Lives, Faeries with MacBeth references thrown in for good measure.
Meh -- too scattered for me.
Read
November 14, 2022I started off loving this book. I spent a day reading and thought it was great. I loved the magical aspects and the Celtic history. But, there were a couple of sexual incidents I didn't like. I carried on and then at 66%, the author lost me when she turned the main character's attention onto threesome love interests. This isn't why I read. If I wanted to read erotica books then I would go buy those books. I'm setting this aside and will not be carrying on with the series.
March 26, 2022
I have put off reading this book and I am so mad at myself! 🤨
This story has it all…
▪️Highlander ✔️
▪️Celtic Lore ✔️
▪️Bad arse female MC ✔️
▪️Forbidden romance ✔️
▪️Secrets ✔️
▪️Druids ✔️
▪️Royals who are scheming ✔️
▪️ Amazing secondary characters ✔️
If you enjoyed GOT, LOTR, and other fantastic stories…give this series a try. Author Melanie Karsak has captured my attention with her amazing world building, plot creation, and beautiful angst 🦄 I will always give her books a try from here on out!
On to Book 2 Highland Blood ⭐️❤️🔥👀
This story has it all…
▪️Highlander ✔️
▪️Celtic Lore ✔️
▪️Bad arse female MC ✔️
▪️Forbidden romance ✔️
▪️Secrets ✔️
▪️Druids ✔️
▪️Royals who are scheming ✔️
▪️ Amazing secondary characters ✔️
If you enjoyed GOT, LOTR, and other fantastic stories…give this series a try. Author Melanie Karsak has captured my attention with her amazing world building, plot creation, and beautiful angst 🦄 I will always give her books a try from here on out!
On to Book 2 Highland Blood ⭐️❤️🔥👀
July 7, 2020
Not the “”Outlander” I was looking for but an interesting take on a well known character giving her a back story that was entertaining and plausible with foreshadowing to her future actions
December 21, 2014
With such a title, Lady Macbeth Daughter of Ravens, it is impossible not to think immediately to Shakespeare's Macbeth, the work that is considered as his most tragic one (and the blurb of our book will dispel any doubt). Thinking to the Shakespearean Macbeth will not be wrong, since the characters of the classic story play also in Karsak’s where once again everything is or will be influenced by political decisions of others. However, until now, I do not believe I can say that it is a retelling.
It is not a retelling primarily because the events of the Ravens Daughter take place before she becomes Lady Macbeth. We get to know her at age of 16, and she knows already all the drawbacks of being a woman not only in that period of time, but also of being a woman of noble birth and very close to the king on the line of succession. Why? Because there is no freedom, no free will, but only the strings and machinations, alliances for the benefit of the one who, for now, occupies the throne.
The action of this first volume focuses and takes place in the period in which the heroine's basic character takes shape, in which she is formed as a woman, in which she takes the decisions that will affect her for life. A period in which she will (re)discover love and she will become aware of the risk of losing it.
Everything happens in a world full of magic and restrictions. In a world where not only the people have plans and aspirations of absolute power, but also the old Celtic deities that have been or will be replaced by the "White Christ". A world in which few will still follow the old ways, but they will follow it resolutely. A world where the evil and darkness are accepted as normal, natural and necessary as good and light. A world where death is the end of life, but not of the existence. Superstitions, legends, traditions, ancient rituals and historical facts will be found in abundance and will leave their mark on the fate and soul of our heroine. The writer offers a large amount of information that I wanted to check immediately, to give them historic landmarks and to absorb them.
Our heroine's actions are influenced by others since her birth, her life thread is routed from her first cry as a newborn. Then she will found herself as a main element in a game of all those who crave for power. All those who can, will manipulate regardless the world they belong to.
The romance is pretty intense. Love at first sight (that exists contrary to what someone say) between Lady Macbeth and Banquo appears to be every woman's dream, but unfortunately for these lovers their love seems to be, once again, under a tragic star.
I liked this first volume of the series, but it only sets the stage, the premises, the goals and indicate what lies ahead, but leaving room for surprises too. Even if it is hard to presume that there will be a HEA, it remains to be seen how our heroine will manage, who for the moment avidly accumulates everything she discover or learn, but still fails to elude from the influence of others.
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2014...
It is not a retelling primarily because the events of the Ravens Daughter take place before she becomes Lady Macbeth. We get to know her at age of 16, and she knows already all the drawbacks of being a woman not only in that period of time, but also of being a woman of noble birth and very close to the king on the line of succession. Why? Because there is no freedom, no free will, but only the strings and machinations, alliances for the benefit of the one who, for now, occupies the throne.
The action of this first volume focuses and takes place in the period in which the heroine's basic character takes shape, in which she is formed as a woman, in which she takes the decisions that will affect her for life. A period in which she will (re)discover love and she will become aware of the risk of losing it.
Everything happens in a world full of magic and restrictions. In a world where not only the people have plans and aspirations of absolute power, but also the old Celtic deities that have been or will be replaced by the "White Christ". A world in which few will still follow the old ways, but they will follow it resolutely. A world where the evil and darkness are accepted as normal, natural and necessary as good and light. A world where death is the end of life, but not of the existence. Superstitions, legends, traditions, ancient rituals and historical facts will be found in abundance and will leave their mark on the fate and soul of our heroine. The writer offers a large amount of information that I wanted to check immediately, to give them historic landmarks and to absorb them.
Our heroine's actions are influenced by others since her birth, her life thread is routed from her first cry as a newborn. Then she will found herself as a main element in a game of all those who crave for power. All those who can, will manipulate regardless the world they belong to.
The romance is pretty intense. Love at first sight (that exists contrary to what someone say) between Lady Macbeth and Banquo appears to be every woman's dream, but unfortunately for these lovers their love seems to be, once again, under a tragic star.
I liked this first volume of the series, but it only sets the stage, the premises, the goals and indicate what lies ahead, but leaving room for surprises too. Even if it is hard to presume that there will be a HEA, it remains to be seen how our heroine will manage, who for the moment avidly accumulates everything she discover or learn, but still fails to elude from the influence of others.
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2014...
August 26, 2016
4.5 Stars
Melanie Karsak does it again! Highland Raven is a delightful mix of historical and fantasy that pulls inspiration from Shakespeare's Macbeth. The story centers on Lady Macbeth, before she ever took that name and is instead Gruoch MacAlpin the daughter of a royal bloodline and at the heart of magic from the Celtic gods.
Karsak has made her way onto my favorites list with her The Harvesting series, and are among my favorite audiobooks because of her care at picking amazing narrators who bring her stories to life. She doesn't disappoint with Highland Raven. I will admit to being somewhat hesitant with this one since it's a little different from her other novels, but that worry was pretty much pointless because I really think she knocked it out of the park with Highland Raven. We are given a chance to look at Grouch as she grows up and begins to learn that her fate has been set before her by the old gods, and that she is not only bound as a relation to the King but also by the old magics that still linger in the land. We get a surprising amount of religious strife as Christianity starts it's hold on the area and as those who still believe in the Celtic gods struggle to hold onto that heritage in the face of outright disapproval. Then there is the magic itself...I completely adored all the chapters in which Gruoch spent with the coven, as that is when we really start to see the Bard's work pulled in and weaved into the story-line in bits and pieces.
There was so much I wasn't expecting as far as the characters go. Grouch (Lady Macbeth) is portrayed as a power hungry woman who is completely lost to her husband's ambition in the original Shakespearean play, she pulls the strings behind his rise and we occasionally see the three fates at important moments lingering. In Highland Raven we see her as a woman who is placed with tremendous power and finds love not with Macbeth, but with Banquo. She is strong willed, curious, and glad to have this higher purpose, though the power behind her isn't one that allows for weakness or mercy. Then there is Sid...who is burdened with a gift of her own, but becomes a fast friend to Grouch and is completely delightful.
The narration, as a mentioned before, is perfection. Lesley Parkin does an excellent job with the reading and really makes each character stand out with a variety of different accents. She does read a bit on the slow side but she does have a pretty steady pace and a fantastic reading voice.
There is so much I wish I could talk about when it some to HR, but this review has gone on long enough already without adding in even more rambling about character development and fantastic scene setting. Karsak is definitely an author to keep an eye out for, and I really love her range. I'll be keeping up with this series for sure and I can't wait to see how Lady Macbeth handles the new revelation at the end of this book.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie Karsak does it again! Highland Raven is a delightful mix of historical and fantasy that pulls inspiration from Shakespeare's Macbeth. The story centers on Lady Macbeth, before she ever took that name and is instead Gruoch MacAlpin the daughter of a royal bloodline and at the heart of magic from the Celtic gods.
Karsak has made her way onto my favorites list with her The Harvesting series, and are among my favorite audiobooks because of her care at picking amazing narrators who bring her stories to life. She doesn't disappoint with Highland Raven. I will admit to being somewhat hesitant with this one since it's a little different from her other novels, but that worry was pretty much pointless because I really think she knocked it out of the park with Highland Raven. We are given a chance to look at Grouch as she grows up and begins to learn that her fate has been set before her by the old gods, and that she is not only bound as a relation to the King but also by the old magics that still linger in the land. We get a surprising amount of religious strife as Christianity starts it's hold on the area and as those who still believe in the Celtic gods struggle to hold onto that heritage in the face of outright disapproval. Then there is the magic itself...I completely adored all the chapters in which Gruoch spent with the coven, as that is when we really start to see the Bard's work pulled in and weaved into the story-line in bits and pieces.
There was so much I wasn't expecting as far as the characters go. Grouch (Lady Macbeth) is portrayed as a power hungry woman who is completely lost to her husband's ambition in the original Shakespearean play, she pulls the strings behind his rise and we occasionally see the three fates at important moments lingering. In Highland Raven we see her as a woman who is placed with tremendous power and finds love not with Macbeth, but with Banquo. She is strong willed, curious, and glad to have this higher purpose, though the power behind her isn't one that allows for weakness or mercy. Then there is Sid...who is burdened with a gift of her own, but becomes a fast friend to Grouch and is completely delightful.
The narration, as a mentioned before, is perfection. Lesley Parkin does an excellent job with the reading and really makes each character stand out with a variety of different accents. She does read a bit on the slow side but she does have a pretty steady pace and a fantastic reading voice.
There is so much I wish I could talk about when it some to HR, but this review has gone on long enough already without adding in even more rambling about character development and fantastic scene setting. Karsak is definitely an author to keep an eye out for, and I really love her range. I'll be keeping up with this series for sure and I can't wait to see how Lady Macbeth handles the new revelation at the end of this book.
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2020
One part MacBeth prequel, one part Mists of Avalon, one part Romeo & Juliet. Shaken, not stirred.
Lesley Parkin did an excellent job on the audio narration. Her accent was the perfect mix of authenticity and listenability. Although it seemed just a bit thick at the start, I quickly got used to it and found it fit the material brilliantly. Her voices are all excellent and authentic. Her vocal inflections are similarly excellent, and her control of tempo is very good.
The first thing that struck me about this novel is at the start it goes above and beyond to show the world of 1026 Scotland. It very clearly draws the cultural and political landscape of the country before drawing closer to the main character.
Each of the major characters in the book are well drawn, with their own personalities and quirks and each stays at least reasonably true to that development in their character.
Although there are some slow points where I just wanted the author to get on with it, in the main the pacing is solid with plenty of forward momentum in the story and the character development.
The magic is not something I'm fond of, however. This is one of those books where the magic can basically do whatever the author needs it to do, with no real structure as to what the cost of the magic is or how/why it works. I'm a much bigger fan of magic with rules and structure.
Now, I'm not normally one to complain about sex in a book. I don't mind it, so long as it's well written. But I have to admit here that it was a bit excessive. At certain Celtic festivals and whatnot it is, of course, expected that you'll see things like that. But it seemed as though the author was taking ever opportunity to show every bit of sex possible. And much of it does nothing to advance the plot or to build on the character development.
I also feel that the book draws just a bit too heavily on The Mists of Avalon for inspiration. There are so, so, so many scenes that I can point to an exact scene in MoA that it was based on. In many ways, even the flow of the story is clearly heavily based on that earlier work. With the extreme detriment that this work does not have anything remotely resembling the depth of Bradley's work.
I did enjoy how things came together for the ending, though I have to admit to some disappointment at the lack of forward motion in the plot. Based on the description, I really thought the story would end up leading into MacBeth, or at least seeing Gruoch meet MacBeth in the flesh, as it were.
I'm honestly not certain if I'll ever continue this series or not, I have very mixed feelings about it.
Lesley Parkin did an excellent job on the audio narration. Her accent was the perfect mix of authenticity and listenability. Although it seemed just a bit thick at the start, I quickly got used to it and found it fit the material brilliantly. Her voices are all excellent and authentic. Her vocal inflections are similarly excellent, and her control of tempo is very good.
The first thing that struck me about this novel is at the start it goes above and beyond to show the world of 1026 Scotland. It very clearly draws the cultural and political landscape of the country before drawing closer to the main character.
Each of the major characters in the book are well drawn, with their own personalities and quirks and each stays at least reasonably true to that development in their character.
Although there are some slow points where I just wanted the author to get on with it, in the main the pacing is solid with plenty of forward momentum in the story and the character development.
The magic is not something I'm fond of, however. This is one of those books where the magic can basically do whatever the author needs it to do, with no real structure as to what the cost of the magic is or how/why it works. I'm a much bigger fan of magic with rules and structure.
Now, I'm not normally one to complain about sex in a book. I don't mind it, so long as it's well written. But I have to admit here that it was a bit excessive. At certain Celtic festivals and whatnot it is, of course, expected that you'll see things like that. But it seemed as though the author was taking ever opportunity to show every bit of sex possible. And much of it does nothing to advance the plot or to build on the character development.
I also feel that the book draws just a bit too heavily on The Mists of Avalon for inspiration. There are so, so, so many scenes that I can point to an exact scene in MoA that it was based on. In many ways, even the flow of the story is clearly heavily based on that earlier work. With the extreme detriment that this work does not have anything remotely resembling the depth of Bradley's work.
I did enjoy how things came together for the ending, though I have to admit to some disappointment at the lack of forward motion in the plot. Based on the description, I really thought the story would end up leading into MacBeth, or at least seeing Gruoch meet MacBeth in the flesh, as it were.
I'm honestly not certain if I'll ever continue this series or not, I have very mixed feelings about it.
February 21, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew that it was about Lady Macbeth, but that was about all I knew. That was enough to intrigue me.
The story starts with Gruoch's birth. Her father is the Scottish king, and her mother dies in childbirth. She is raised by her aunt, her father's sister (who calls her Corbie). The early part of the book focuses on her life with her beloved aunt and her aunt's abusive husband. I found myself drawn into the story right away and wondering what would happen with these characters. But then, Corbie is sent off to learn magic and the ways of the old Gods. She discovers that the old Gods are still strong in Scotland and that they want their revenge for being cast aside. A good portion of the book focuses on Corbie learning the magic of the old Gods and finding that she is connected to the Weird Sisters in some way.
Corbie (who is eventually renamed to Cerridwin, but i'll keep calling her Corbie for ease of understanding) falls in love with Banquo. The relationship is definitely insta-love, but there are mystical reasons for this, so I was able to accept their instant connection. She is also drawn to one of her fellow female adepts. (There's a threesome involved--not my favorite part of the book, but that's just me. I prefer monogamous relationships in life and in my books.) But, considering who Corbie's father is, she can't simply choose who to love or, especially, who to marry. Plus Corbie discovers that the old Gods might have plans of their own for her. She has very little say over the direction her life will take.
I found it interesting to see Lady Macbeth as a protagonist and to imagine the path that could have eventually led to her becoming the villain in Shakespeare's play. I did find the book to be a bit slow, but that's probably just because I wasn't as engaged with the parts that focused on the magic as I was with the characters themselves (especially Corbie). Overall, I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
The narration:
Lesley Parkin is an excellent narrator, and her Scottish Brogue was a joy to listen to. This is one narrator I would actually seek out when I'm looking for audiobooks!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew that it was about Lady Macbeth, but that was about all I knew. That was enough to intrigue me.
The story starts with Gruoch's birth. Her father is the Scottish king, and her mother dies in childbirth. She is raised by her aunt, her father's sister (who calls her Corbie). The early part of the book focuses on her life with her beloved aunt and her aunt's abusive husband. I found myself drawn into the story right away and wondering what would happen with these characters. But then, Corbie is sent off to learn magic and the ways of the old Gods. She discovers that the old Gods are still strong in Scotland and that they want their revenge for being cast aside. A good portion of the book focuses on Corbie learning the magic of the old Gods and finding that she is connected to the Weird Sisters in some way.
Corbie (who is eventually renamed to Cerridwin, but i'll keep calling her Corbie for ease of understanding) falls in love with Banquo. The relationship is definitely insta-love, but there are mystical reasons for this, so I was able to accept their instant connection. She is also drawn to one of her fellow female adepts. (There's a threesome involved--not my favorite part of the book, but that's just me. I prefer monogamous relationships in life and in my books.) But, considering who Corbie's father is, she can't simply choose who to love or, especially, who to marry. Plus Corbie discovers that the old Gods might have plans of their own for her. She has very little say over the direction her life will take.
I found it interesting to see Lady Macbeth as a protagonist and to imagine the path that could have eventually led to her becoming the villain in Shakespeare's play. I did find the book to be a bit slow, but that's probably just because I wasn't as engaged with the parts that focused on the magic as I was with the characters themselves (especially Corbie). Overall, I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
The narration:
Lesley Parkin is an excellent narrator, and her Scottish Brogue was a joy to listen to. This is one narrator I would actually seek out when I'm looking for audiobooks!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
December 8, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book for the tour to read and review. No other compensation was offered nor would it have been accepted. The following is my honest review.
I have been a reader of Shakespeare since I was in middle school. My brother and I even bought one another a complete collected works book one year for Christmas which we laughed about.
But then I hit high school and I had this literature teacher who was amazing. And we read many of Shakespeare's works, including MACBETH. And you know...I remember thinking how loathsome Lady MacBeth was, urging her husband to commit murder just to achieve her own agenda for a crown. And I remember thinking how she deserved her fate, her offstage suicide, how it was just that guilt ate at her and ate at her, driving her to madness. OUT, OUT DAMN SPOT!
So, naturally, I wanted to read Melanie Karsak's Lady Macbeth. I do love a story told from the villain's side. I especially love it when an author makes you feel for that villain, see that villain as human, that that person is not just pure evil. And wow...Melanie Karsak does not disappoint. This is not the first book I've read from this author, and I will certainly be reading the rest in this series.
This book has everything that I love to escape into: magic, passion, overcoming a societal expectation, women of strength and courage, romance, political machinations, a plot that is intricate and detailed and woven around a story you already know some of, action, and more. I cannot wait to read on and see what happens to Corbie as she encounters the next phase of her life, to see her with Macbeth, to see how this all plays out, and why she urged MacBeth to kill Duncan and why the guilt ate at her so. Was it for her part in that death? Was it for abandoning or being abandoned by her love? What is going to happen to her love? She's a pawn, both politically and otherwordly as a goddess has claimed her as her tool. Poor Lady Macbeth. I feel for you already!
I have been a reader of Shakespeare since I was in middle school. My brother and I even bought one another a complete collected works book one year for Christmas which we laughed about.
But then I hit high school and I had this literature teacher who was amazing. And we read many of Shakespeare's works, including MACBETH. And you know...I remember thinking how loathsome Lady MacBeth was, urging her husband to commit murder just to achieve her own agenda for a crown. And I remember thinking how she deserved her fate, her offstage suicide, how it was just that guilt ate at her and ate at her, driving her to madness. OUT, OUT DAMN SPOT!
So, naturally, I wanted to read Melanie Karsak's Lady Macbeth. I do love a story told from the villain's side. I especially love it when an author makes you feel for that villain, see that villain as human, that that person is not just pure evil. And wow...Melanie Karsak does not disappoint. This is not the first book I've read from this author, and I will certainly be reading the rest in this series.
This book has everything that I love to escape into: magic, passion, overcoming a societal expectation, women of strength and courage, romance, political machinations, a plot that is intricate and detailed and woven around a story you already know some of, action, and more. I cannot wait to read on and see what happens to Corbie as she encounters the next phase of her life, to see her with Macbeth, to see how this all plays out, and why she urged MacBeth to kill Duncan and why the guilt ate at her so. Was it for her part in that death? Was it for abandoning or being abandoned by her love? What is going to happen to her love? She's a pawn, both politically and otherwordly as a goddess has claimed her as her tool. Poor Lady Macbeth. I feel for you already!
Read
June 4, 2020No rating as I didn't reach the 50% mark. DNF at 23%. Stories that feature witches are not my thing, and the narrative style (first person, singular) made my mind up for me.
December 6, 2014
Lady Macbeth
This is a wonderful blend of history and fantasy. The writing is as always superb. I would highly recommend this book, and all of Melanie Karsak's books to anyone!!
This is a wonderful blend of history and fantasy. The writing is as always superb. I would highly recommend this book, and all of Melanie Karsak's books to anyone!!
January 5, 2016
I need more now! If you love historical novels and fantasy novels, then this is the perfect book for you! I was unable to put this book down and am totally craving for more.
November 27, 2021
intriguing and mesmerizing
Ancient times and portals between life and death, and a determined young woman who is as powerful as she (appears) powerless to change her destiny…
Ancient times and portals between life and death, and a determined young woman who is as powerful as she (appears) powerless to change her destiny…
November 22, 2022
I give this book a 3.2. Having no prior knowledge of Scottish history or folklore, I still found this book interesting.
Gruouch/Corbie/Cerridwen is the daughter of Boite, I guess, a fearsome warrior and brother to the king. I'm not really sure why his particular bloodline is so special. Her mother dies during childbirth, so she is sent to be raised by her father's half-sister.
At 16, she is secretly sent to a coven to learn the old ways of the Scottish gods. This is around the time when Christianity is spreading and practicing any other faith was not acceptable. During her time at the coven she learns some of the old ways but also is to be to goddess Cerridwen reincarnated. She also Queen Boudicca. It's a lot I know. Oh, she's also a Wyrd Sister. During her visions with them, she sees her future dark-haired King but doesn't know who he is or how he comes to marry him.
During her time at the coven, she also meets her husband from a past life and because of their "soul tie" she feels that she's meant to be with him. Oh yeah, before she's sent tonthe coven she is to be betrothed to someone to solidify the King's (her uncle) stronghold in the region.
This book was kind of all over the place and a lot of pertinent information was left out. The author appears to have written this book under the presumption that everyone who picks it up is familiar with Scottish history and folklore. Cerridwen's father is significant in the royal bloodline but it's not sufficiently explained. How Gruouch is all those other people reincarnated AND a Wyrd sister isn't explained very well, and the plot didn't really progress in a way that made sense. I think the premise of the book is great. I just wish the execution was better. Because the book truly ended in what seems like the middle of a chapter, I'm going to read the next book.
This author has written 74 books and quote a few of them sound really interesting. I just hope I can enjoy her other writings enough to look pass the clunkiness of the writing style.
Gruouch/Corbie/Cerridwen is the daughter of Boite, I guess, a fearsome warrior and brother to the king. I'm not really sure why his particular bloodline is so special. Her mother dies during childbirth, so she is sent to be raised by her father's half-sister.
At 16, she is secretly sent to a coven to learn the old ways of the Scottish gods. This is around the time when Christianity is spreading and practicing any other faith was not acceptable. During her time at the coven she learns some of the old ways but also is to be to goddess Cerridwen reincarnated. She also Queen Boudicca. It's a lot I know. Oh, she's also a Wyrd Sister. During her visions with them, she sees her future dark-haired King but doesn't know who he is or how he comes to marry him.
During her time at the coven, she also meets her husband from a past life and because of their "soul tie" she feels that she's meant to be with him. Oh yeah, before she's sent tonthe coven she is to be betrothed to someone to solidify the King's (her uncle) stronghold in the region.
This book was kind of all over the place and a lot of pertinent information was left out. The author appears to have written this book under the presumption that everyone who picks it up is familiar with Scottish history and folklore. Cerridwen's father is significant in the royal bloodline but it's not sufficiently explained. How Gruouch is all those other people reincarnated AND a Wyrd sister isn't explained very well, and the plot didn't really progress in a way that made sense. I think the premise of the book is great. I just wish the execution was better. Because the book truly ended in what seems like the middle of a chapter, I'm going to read the next book.
This author has written 74 books and quote a few of them sound really interesting. I just hope I can enjoy her other writings enough to look pass the clunkiness of the writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2019
Outstanding!
Historically, very little is known of the early life of Gruoch, later known as Lady Macbeth. Immortalised by Shaekespeare as a conniving, power -hungry shrew, audiences have been fascinated by her for centuries.
Karsak weaves a kinder tale of the young Gruoch in this excellent work of historical fantasy. History, magic and fantasy combine to tell a story of a young woman searching to discover her destiny and calling in life, while still learning who she is and the power she holds over men.
This story is so powerfully and beautifully written that it is easy to forget that this is fiction, and to believe that this really is Gruoch’s story. We see Gruoch’s strengths and vulnerability, her loyalty and hatred, her past and glimpses of her future. As readers, we love those she loves and despise those she hates, and we become deeply invested in her hopes and dreams.
The author has also incorporated some lovely nods to Shakespeare’s play, littering quotes and references to the text throughout the narrative. This very cleverly lends credibility and legitimacy to Karsak’s story, reinforcing that sense of reality and closeness to Gruoch that the reader feels from almost the first page onwards.
The story delivers a fascinating blend of mystery, fantasy, romance, and adventure in an expertly crafted package that is almost impossible to put down once started.
Historically, very little is known of the early life of Gruoch, later known as Lady Macbeth. Immortalised by Shaekespeare as a conniving, power -hungry shrew, audiences have been fascinated by her for centuries.
Karsak weaves a kinder tale of the young Gruoch in this excellent work of historical fantasy. History, magic and fantasy combine to tell a story of a young woman searching to discover her destiny and calling in life, while still learning who she is and the power she holds over men.
This story is so powerfully and beautifully written that it is easy to forget that this is fiction, and to believe that this really is Gruoch’s story. We see Gruoch’s strengths and vulnerability, her loyalty and hatred, her past and glimpses of her future. As readers, we love those she loves and despise those she hates, and we become deeply invested in her hopes and dreams.
The author has also incorporated some lovely nods to Shakespeare’s play, littering quotes and references to the text throughout the narrative. This very cleverly lends credibility and legitimacy to Karsak’s story, reinforcing that sense of reality and closeness to Gruoch that the reader feels from almost the first page onwards.
The story delivers a fascinating blend of mystery, fantasy, romance, and adventure in an expertly crafted package that is almost impossible to put down once started.
April 6, 2020
I don't often read historical fiction, and I don't know exactly what I was expecting from this book. But it was a pleasant surprise! The world-building is a bit complex, probably partially since I'm American and not super familiar with that part of history, but it's still an enjoyable read. It was certainly a world I got lost in! The characters are beautifully written, although I did have a bit of a hard time following along with the old names when several characters were introduced at the same time.
Still, despite those, I'm still giving this a 4-star because it's that good! I really connected with the FMC and it had me feeling all the feels! I also really appreciate the bi-sexuality sprinkled in. It was something I wasn't expecting from a historical fiction book. I can't wait to listen to more of this series!
As for the narration, I thought she did a beautiful job. Her accent was Scottish, so it fits perfectly with the story. She also spoke clearly and I never had a hard time following along despite the accent.
Still, despite those, I'm still giving this a 4-star because it's that good! I really connected with the FMC and it had me feeling all the feels! I also really appreciate the bi-sexuality sprinkled in. It was something I wasn't expecting from a historical fiction book. I can't wait to listen to more of this series!
As for the narration, I thought she did a beautiful job. Her accent was Scottish, so it fits perfectly with the story. She also spoke clearly and I never had a hard time following along despite the accent.
March 16, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! The story is rich with magic, adventure, and folklore. I was hooked right from the beginning. I liked the Grouch right away, which is rare because most of the time it takes awhile for me to warm up to them. All of the characters were great! I enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters as well and loved how they all made the story come together. Loved the magic and the folklore the author weaved into the story. This book is definitely binge worthy! I devoured it in one day. Not sorry. I am excited that there are more books! I look forward to reading what comes next! I give this 5 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
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