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Celtic Blood #2
Highland Blood
Scotland, 1032—When a marriage contract calls Gruoch away from Ynes Verleath, she leaves with the hope she'll be reunited with Banquo. But fate has different plans. Lies, betrayal, and violence await her. Set on a collision course with destiny, Gruoch soon finds herself thrust into the arms of another man. Her dreams shattered and rattled by unexpected brutality, it becomes more than Gruoch can handle. The raven, however, is no stranger to carnage. Fierce power grows inside Gruoch, and more than anything, it craves bloody revenge.Readers 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. Continue the Celtic Blood Series with Book II, Highland Blood.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2016
1585 people are currently reading
1268 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 192 reviews
October 11, 2021
Ouch my soul.
Karsak did it again. She managed to maintain the magic of the first book and continue the story in a way that made me read the entirety of it in one day.
It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and mystical and infuriating.
Time to start book three.
Karsak did it again. She managed to maintain the magic of the first book and continue the story in a way that made me read the entirety of it in one day.
It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and mystical and infuriating.
Time to start book three.
November 30, 2018
I am so glad I randomly picked up this series on my Kindle as I really enjoy it and find the authors writing really easy to read. Set in 11th C Scotland we follow Gruoch, the woman who goes on to become Macbeth’s wife, however in these first two books we explore her life before she even meets him.
Trigger Warning> for rape in this book, the scene is a little graphic & right at the beginning of the book. I thought the author did a good job of writing about our MC dealing with the attack, and it does seem as if this difficult subject is one close to the authors heart.
This was a much shorter book than the first, which I quite liked as I found the pacing much better. This is one of those books you read & wish the story was simply just about people being happy. I loved the relationship which developed!
Trigger Warning> for rape in this book, the scene is a little graphic & right at the beginning of the book. I thought the author did a good job of writing about our MC dealing with the attack, and it does seem as if this difficult subject is one close to the authors heart.
This was a much shorter book than the first, which I quite liked as I found the pacing much better. This is one of those books you read & wish the story was simply just about people being happy. I loved the relationship which developed!
February 10, 2020
Beautifully written and expertly crafted.
In this excellent sequel to ‘Highland Raven’, Karsak continues the magical, mystical story of Gruoch as she continues to learn of her destiny amid the complexity of both worlds to which she belongs.
As with the first book in this series, Gruoch’s story is so beautifully written and expertly crafted that the reader becomes deeply invested in the events and characters of the story, sharing Gruoch’s fears, pain, and hopes as her life takes compelling twists and unpredictable turns. She is a complex and powerful woman, strong and admirable, and steadfast in the face of conflict and danger. Yet, she is never portrayed as perfect, never unrealistically good, and never so contrived as to not be believable.
There are some lovely references to Shakespeare’s ’Macbeth’, woven seamlessly into the narrative. This establishes close ties between that story and this one, even though the events of this series thus far happen before those in the famous play.
The story delivers a fascinating blend of history, mystery, fantasy, romance, and adventure in an deeply engaging read that, once started, demands to be consumed.
In this excellent sequel to ‘Highland Raven’, Karsak continues the magical, mystical story of Gruoch as she continues to learn of her destiny amid the complexity of both worlds to which she belongs.
As with the first book in this series, Gruoch’s story is so beautifully written and expertly crafted that the reader becomes deeply invested in the events and characters of the story, sharing Gruoch’s fears, pain, and hopes as her life takes compelling twists and unpredictable turns. She is a complex and powerful woman, strong and admirable, and steadfast in the face of conflict and danger. Yet, she is never portrayed as perfect, never unrealistically good, and never so contrived as to not be believable.
There are some lovely references to Shakespeare’s ’Macbeth’, woven seamlessly into the narrative. This establishes close ties between that story and this one, even though the events of this series thus far happen before those in the famous play.
The story delivers a fascinating blend of history, mystery, fantasy, romance, and adventure in an deeply engaging read that, once started, demands to be consumed.
November 3, 2018
Any writer who uses rape as a plot device is a lazy writer. Double shame for denying our heroine the pregnancy preventive she directly asked for after the rape. Shame shame shame.
January 31, 2019
Trigger warning: the book opens with the main character being raped. I'm deeply disappointed with what I thought was going to be a very enjoyable fantasy series.
September 18, 2024
Omg so many feelings. Finished in one day a rarity for me. I cried I felt and empathized with Cerridwen so much 🥹
July 20, 2021
forced bitch BS
Was decent until she got raped and then it started spouting gross forced birthing rhetoric. "You were violently raped by your cousin but you must have this baby, who cares about you, children are innocent and you're so strong, you must." Just absolutely gross. I won't read another book by this author.
Was decent until she got raped and then it started spouting gross forced birthing rhetoric. "You were violently raped by your cousin but you must have this baby, who cares about you, children are innocent and you're so strong, you must." Just absolutely gross. I won't read another book by this author.
July 23, 2019
True to form, Melanie Karsak, doesn't disappoint her readers. At least this particular reader (ME). You have the fae, Celtic magic, Kings and Queens, witches and the fates. The magic of the old religion of Medieval Scotland and the rich history of the land is explored.
Regardless of the brutal (trigger) rape of our main character, we are shown what is indicative of the time. The unpleasantness of the scene captures Gouch's strength and brings her to the ladies of the old religion. There she finds that the babies futures have been written in the stars as is her destiny. She must look within herself and find the strength to carry on. She does. For herself. For her babies. For her country.
Gouch later marries even though her Druid, Banquo is still in her life in one-way shape or form. Highland Blood also leaves us with a cliffhanger, but lucky for you the series is finished.
Five Stars and a tip of a Nerd Girl hat!! I love love, love Melanie Karsak.
Regardless of the brutal (trigger) rape of our main character, we are shown what is indicative of the time. The unpleasantness of the scene captures Gouch's strength and brings her to the ladies of the old religion. There she finds that the babies futures have been written in the stars as is her destiny. She must look within herself and find the strength to carry on. She does. For herself. For her babies. For her country.
Gouch later marries even though her Druid, Banquo is still in her life in one-way shape or form. Highland Blood also leaves us with a cliffhanger, but lucky for you the series is finished.
Five Stars and a tip of a Nerd Girl hat!! I love love, love Melanie Karsak.
May 20, 2019
A really great follow-up to book 1! This series has so much potential.
4.5 story
5 narration
4.5 story
5 narration
November 21, 2022
Highland Blood is Book 2 in Melanie Karsak's Celtic Blood Series. You think you know Lady Macbeth, don't you? Trust me - you don't. Karsak's backstory for one of Literature's most misunderstood women is riddled with twists and turns, joy and grief, and love and terror. I've been impressed with Karsak's layered approach to character development, exploration of myth, legend, and story arc, and play with setting. Warning: make sure you're ready with Book 3 when you read Book 2's closing sentence. You will not be able to turn the pages fast enough…
- Reviewed by Amee O.
- Reviewed by Amee O.
January 23, 2023
I really loved parts of this book, but my grief for Gillacoemgain and disgust for Duncan, and also for Gruoch's overall fate, (and all of the people pressuring her...) prevent me from giving 5 stars. I loved Gillacoemgain best. I hoped the best for him and Gruoch, even as I knew it couldn't be...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
TW: SA in the first chapter. Ruined most of the book for me.
November 11, 2025
This series has everything I love. Fantasy, historical fictional, romance, and drama. So moving I can cry. I don’t know how it’s not more well known. I can see this as a tv series.
July 30, 2018
This is a strange novella set between two larger novels in the series. I think maybe the books are broken out by stages of Gruoch's life, I don't know. This is the kinder of her life's time periods, even while it involves one of the worst scenes in the series.
June 29, 2023
The 2nd book is just as good as the 1st. Loved it! I'm officially addicted to this series.
January 21, 2019
I’m really enjoying this series, so happy to have found it. The magic of the old religion in Medieval Scotland, with a bit of history mixed in, make for a worthwhile, fun read for those interested in this genre.
September 7, 2018
A Sympathetic Look at Lady MacBeth
It took me a long time to pick up the first book in this series — why would I want to read about a doomed character, I thought? I’m so glad I finally overcame my reluctance and gave it a try! Karsak’s reimagining of the life of Gruoch (the eventual Lady MacBeth) is impossible to put down!
If you enjoyed The Mists of Avalon, you’ll probably love this series. Motivations that seem 2-dimensional in Shakespeare’s play are given depth and a Feminist perspective in Karsak’s vision. Gruoch isn’t just a power-hungry monster, but a fully sympathetic, living, breathing, vulnerable, 3-dimensional person, with a complex history.
Really, she’s simply a woman in a man’s world, hungry for love and freedom, like so many who have gone before and come after her.
Well, that, and a bit of magic.
She hasn’t even met MacBeth by the end of Book 2, but already we can understand why she might want Duncan dead, and it has nothing to do with wanting to be Queen of Scotland!
Karsak paints a rich picture of life in 11th century Scotland—how constrained it was for high born women, who were traded to seal political alliances, and how Christianity was pushing out the old religion. She also captures the complexity of feeling that young people experience as they discover love and deep emotions.
A masterful blend of historically-flavored fiction and fantasy, plus of course some Shakespearean references thrown in, sometimes in unexpected places.
I’m already downloading Book 3!
It took me a long time to pick up the first book in this series — why would I want to read about a doomed character, I thought? I’m so glad I finally overcame my reluctance and gave it a try! Karsak’s reimagining of the life of Gruoch (the eventual Lady MacBeth) is impossible to put down!
If you enjoyed The Mists of Avalon, you’ll probably love this series. Motivations that seem 2-dimensional in Shakespeare’s play are given depth and a Feminist perspective in Karsak’s vision. Gruoch isn’t just a power-hungry monster, but a fully sympathetic, living, breathing, vulnerable, 3-dimensional person, with a complex history.
Really, she’s simply a woman in a man’s world, hungry for love and freedom, like so many who have gone before and come after her.
Well, that, and a bit of magic.
She hasn’t even met MacBeth by the end of Book 2, but already we can understand why she might want Duncan dead, and it has nothing to do with wanting to be Queen of Scotland!
Karsak paints a rich picture of life in 11th century Scotland—how constrained it was for high born women, who were traded to seal political alliances, and how Christianity was pushing out the old religion. She also captures the complexity of feeling that young people experience as they discover love and deep emotions.
A masterful blend of historically-flavored fiction and fantasy, plus of course some Shakespearean references thrown in, sometimes in unexpected places.
I’m already downloading Book 3!
January 6, 2025
This story is just as riveting as the first book, and the plot is starting to converge with the events of Shakespeare's Macbeth. I love how strong and independently-willed Gruoch is, especially when she marries Gillacoemgain and becomes the Lady of Moray. Her use of her medicinal skills to help the village-folk cure their sick, and protects them from her husband's slimy underling.
I did not, however, appreciate the odd pro-birth narrative in the beginning. I am not turned away from rape scenes, but when the leader of her coven, Epona, forced her to keep the product of that rape when Gruoch asked for the aborting drink, she gave our protagonist reasons that sounded super conservative: the child is innocent; you're stronger than that. I almost stopped reading here. But I liked the other book so much, and wanted to see how this one ends, so I mustered on; and I'm glad I did. In the end, when she gives birth to her twins, we learn that Epona had seen a vision when Gruoch first came to her for aid that the daughter would be her successor. So *that* was her motive! Kinda sick... also the pregnancy forces Gruoch to accept a husband she didn't love earlier than she would have liked, and while he was a good man, it does feel weird that something so traumatic was used as a plot point in this way.
Onward I go to the third book!
I did not, however, appreciate the odd pro-birth narrative in the beginning. I am not turned away from rape scenes, but when the leader of her coven, Epona, forced her to keep the product of that rape when Gruoch asked for the aborting drink, she gave our protagonist reasons that sounded super conservative: the child is innocent; you're stronger than that. I almost stopped reading here. But I liked the other book so much, and wanted to see how this one ends, so I mustered on; and I'm glad I did. In the end, when she gives birth to her twins, we learn that Epona had seen a vision when Gruoch first came to her for aid that the daughter would be her successor. So *that* was her motive! Kinda sick... also the pregnancy forces Gruoch to accept a husband she didn't love earlier than she would have liked, and while he was a good man, it does feel weird that something so traumatic was used as a plot point in this way.
Onward I go to the third book!
December 27, 2018
This is book 2 in the series, you must read all the books and in order for this series to make sense, it is a continuing story.
The story picks up straight from book 1.
Our heroine is involved in a very unpleasant scene(possible triggers for some) at the very start but then she enters her arranged marriage.
I am not a fan of the Hero or heroine not being with only each other but I think in book 1 as much as you want Gruoch and Banquo to have the future they planned you know it won't be that easy.
I also find it hard to believe that a Hero or heroine really love each other when they move on with someone else but the explanation for this, in the time that has past and the political pressure really works.
Gillacoemgain is amazing, he is a real Hero in this book.
There are some extremely emotional scenes in this book, I don't want to spoil it but one you know is coming and the second concerning a difficult decision Gruoch has to make is extremely sad.
We visit some friends from book 1 and meet some dear new ones.
Though she is with Banquo in book 1 in this book there are only intimate scenes with the heroine and the Hero of this book, Gillacoemgain. I 💕💞 him.
Ends on a cliffhanger.
The story picks up straight from book 1.
Our heroine is involved in a very unpleasant scene(possible triggers for some) at the very start but then she enters her arranged marriage.
I am not a fan of the Hero or heroine not being with only each other but I think in book 1 as much as you want Gruoch and Banquo to have the future they planned you know it won't be that easy.
I also find it hard to believe that a Hero or heroine really love each other when they move on with someone else but the explanation for this, in the time that has past and the political pressure really works.
Gillacoemgain is amazing, he is a real Hero in this book.
There are some extremely emotional scenes in this book, I don't want to spoil it but one you know is coming and the second concerning a difficult decision Gruoch has to make is extremely sad.
We visit some friends from book 1 and meet some dear new ones.
Though she is with Banquo in book 1 in this book there are only intimate scenes with the heroine and the Hero of this book, Gillacoemgain. I 💕💞 him.
Ends on a cliffhanger.
July 10, 2019
This series is turning out to be a guilty pleasure of mine. Each book is fairly short, but packed to the brim with everything I love: fairies, old Pictish Queens, murder most foul, and witches staring prophetically into cauldrons. As someone who grew up on the British isles, the magic weaved into Gruoch's (the main character) tale feels familiar and homely, reminiscent of the magic in those stories I grew up listening to as a child. Of all the books I've read over the past few years, this is the only series that makes me homesick for the little girl picking wild berries in the woods that I once was. The one who saw burial mounds in the slope of every hill and fairy rings in every circle of mushrooms. What would I give to be her again?
May 11, 2020
I immediately bought the second book after finishing the first. Grouch is literally torn between two people. She does what she must to survive, but it definitely costs her happiness. In this book, more characters are introduced and you just cant help but love them. This book has some triggers (of rape) for some, and I really was disappointed because the author doesn't warn about it in her blurb. This book really gives you the perspective of what women went through during this time period. And I am not just talking about Grouch. You get perspective of what other characters had to endure to survive.
I will say, I was not expecting this book to end the way it did. So what did I do? Dive into the third book right after.
I will say, I was not expecting this book to end the way it did. So what did I do? Dive into the third book right after.
December 17, 2018
I listened to this story on Audible without having read the book first, but I don't feel I lost anything from doing this - it was so excellently narrated by Lesley Parkin that the whole world came to life in my head as she wove the story, like a movie playing behind my eyelids (I closed my eyes to enjoy it best, not to sleep, honest!). It's a truly spellbinding story, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes fairytale and myth retellings (it's a version of the early life of Lady Macbeth), fantasy stories, or just something a bit different. I'm loving this series, and will definitely be listening to book 3 ASAP!
January 21, 2019
My only complaint about this series is that it should have been one book. I have delighted in the first two books of the series during a snowstorm which allowed me to stay in front of the fire reading most of the last three days. But book 1 and book 2 are definitely one united story, not the usual separation you feel reading from one book to the next in a series. So, if you plan to start the first book my advice is to already have the second book on hand.
Outstanding writing and storytelling. Highly recommended to anyone who loved Mists of Avalon or any other detailed story of the Highland or Celtic magic.
Outstanding writing and storytelling. Highly recommended to anyone who loved Mists of Avalon or any other detailed story of the Highland or Celtic magic.
May 12, 2021
Holy Toledo! What an AMAZING Writer and Story!
The Celtic Blood Series grabs your imagination right from the start and only gets better and better. I can’t believe this series is on Kindle Unlimited where really great books are difficult to find.
Incredible historical fiction with descriptions of the Middle Age lifestyle that is true to its very dark side, the struggle between Christianity and the Gods and Magic of the Old Way, the politics of court life in early Scotland and how the struggle for power and relevance manipulated women relatives into key players against their will..just wow. Can’t wait to read the third book.
The Celtic Blood Series grabs your imagination right from the start and only gets better and better. I can’t believe this series is on Kindle Unlimited where really great books are difficult to find.
Incredible historical fiction with descriptions of the Middle Age lifestyle that is true to its very dark side, the struggle between Christianity and the Gods and Magic of the Old Way, the politics of court life in early Scotland and how the struggle for power and relevance manipulated women relatives into key players against their will..just wow. Can’t wait to read the third book.
March 30, 2024
This was an exciting sequel to Highland Raven. Gruoch continues her journey into the realm of love and magic found in both the real world and the otherworld, where she develops new friendships while honing her craft as a healer and in wizardry. As she learns more of her role to be the future Queen of Scotland.and those trying to control her life though various events, plotting their desired outcomes, she is forced into making decisions that cause her a great deal of heart break. With bits of her destiny revealed to her, she vows to take revenge on those who have twisted her fate and those that she loves. Looking forward to book 3 Highland Revenge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
I thought the first book (Highland Raven), was great but the second (Highland Blood) is even better. The ending of #1 was such a cliffhanger I didn’t hesitate to purchase the second in the series. Little did I know I would devour it within two days. I didn’t even consider buying the series when I came across ‘Highland Raven’ in my prime reading recommendations. I wish I had. I highly recommend buying the entire series. You’re going to want to pick up the next book right from where you’ve left off.
October 31, 2023
This was a great continuation of the story. I loved how the relationship between Gruoch and her husband developed into love when it certainly did not start out that way. This adventure is making me see the historical Queen of Scotland in a whole new light. I love how the coven and the mystical realm of the Wyrd sisters plays into the story, paying homage to Shakespeare's version of events. I immediately bought the third book in the series and started it. I can't stop! (Plus there was no graphic, in detail, weird sex scenes in this one so that was a super plus for me.)
May 30, 2025
As heartbreaking as this book is, it was a huge step up from the first of the series. It really felt like a lot of things I was confused about kind of came together. The book overall felt more structured and cohesive and I enjoyed it a lot more than I did Highland Raven.
Gruoch is a great character, and walking with her through her trauma and grief tore my heart to shreds. Melanie Karsak has a way of tearing my whole heart and soul right out of my body, putting it back together gently and then doing it all over again.
Gruoch is a great character, and walking with her through her trauma and grief tore my heart to shreds. Melanie Karsak has a way of tearing my whole heart and soul right out of my body, putting it back together gently and then doing it all over again.
June 12, 2019
Surprised!
I wasn't sure if I'd like these books initially, but...it has really surprised me how engrossed I've become! Its so interesting seeing the growth of a character...and there has been. Corbie has gone through so much and grown in these books and every joy and heart ache...I felt it. Not many books inspire so much feeling, but this one had me laughing at times, and feeling choked up at others. Love this series!
I wasn't sure if I'd like these books initially, but...it has really surprised me how engrossed I've become! Its so interesting seeing the growth of a character...and there has been. Corbie has gone through so much and grown in these books and every joy and heart ache...I felt it. Not many books inspire so much feeling, but this one had me laughing at times, and feeling choked up at others. Love this series!
November 20, 2019
I had a small criticism for book 1, due to the sentence structure, but in this one the writing is better...and the story took me along so that I didn't think about it anyway...every author has their style! Now my only complaint is that the books are too short--I'm already on to book 3!
If you like magic, goddesses, and an exciting story that features war, kings, romance, and the political intrigue that goes along with it, you will love this series!
If you like magic, goddesses, and an exciting story that features war, kings, romance, and the political intrigue that goes along with it, you will love this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews