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Highland Ballad #1
The Hostage of Glenorchy
Scotland 1556
After overhearing a plot to kill Mary Queen of Scots, Abby Gordon is sent from Paris to the Laird of Glenorchy's home at Kilchurn Castle for safety. Disguised as a boy, she becomes a lute player among the household musicians where she encounters the laird's hostage, the attractive Iain MacGregor, a pawn in the laird's struggle for power in Scotland's turbulent politics. But is Iain really a hostage to fortune or is he playing his own dangerous game? As Abby's feelings intensify for this Glenorchy hostage she is caught in the web of intrigue that permeates the household and is drawn deeper and deeper into danger.
With spice, wit and action packed plotting, Kristin Gleeson's Highland Ballad Series is as compelling as Diana Gabaldon's Outlander novels.
'A highland ballad brought to life - plays sweetly on the heart-strings.' Jean Gill, The Troubadours Quartet
After overhearing a plot to kill Mary Queen of Scots, Abby Gordon is sent from Paris to the Laird of Glenorchy's home at Kilchurn Castle for safety. Disguised as a boy, she becomes a lute player among the household musicians where she encounters the laird's hostage, the attractive Iain MacGregor, a pawn in the laird's struggle for power in Scotland's turbulent politics. But is Iain really a hostage to fortune or is he playing his own dangerous game? As Abby's feelings intensify for this Glenorchy hostage she is caught in the web of intrigue that permeates the household and is drawn deeper and deeper into danger.
With spice, wit and action packed plotting, Kristin Gleeson's Highland Ballad Series is as compelling as Diana Gabaldon's Outlander novels.
'A highland ballad brought to life - plays sweetly on the heart-strings.' Jean Gill, The Troubadours Quartet
Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2016
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About the author
Kristin Gleeson
31 books115 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Kristin Gleeson is originally from Philadelphia but has lived in West Cork in Ireland for a number of years where she plays the harp and sings, in addition to painting the beautiful landscape around her. She holds a Masters in Library Science and a Ph.D. in history, and for a time was an administrator of a large archives, library and museum in America and also worked as a public librarian in America and Ireland. She has won numerous awards for her writing
Myths and other folk tales have always fascinated her and she combined her love of these tales with her harp playing and performed as a professional harper/storyteller at events in Britain, America and Ireland.
She has also written history freelance and published articles and essays in reference works and academic books.
Myths and other folk tales have always fascinated her and she combined her love of these tales with her harp playing and performed as a professional harper/storyteller at events in Britain, America and Ireland.
She has also written history freelance and published articles and essays in reference works and academic books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 24, 2016
I’m a great fan of Kristin Gleeson’s work, in particular the way she effortlessly combines the culture, customs and language of the period with highly entertaining historical adventures.
The Hostage of Glenorchy is no exception. In this vibrant tale, we follow Abby a talented young lute player, as she flees 16th century Paris disguised as a boy, and embarks on a journey of intrigue, spiced by scheming, politics, danger and romance. With knowledge of a plot to assassinate Mary Queen of Scots, will Abby’s skill as a musician save her from peril or will she find herself immersed in yet more skulduggery? As usual for this author, the story evolves at a cracking pace, and the Scottish setting and assorted characters combine to make this first book in a new series quite addictive. Abby and Iain, the hostage of the story, are a couple both at odds and at one with each other and I’m definitely looking forward to their continuing adventures.
A recommended read for all fans of Scottish Historical Fiction.
The Hostage of Glenorchy is no exception. In this vibrant tale, we follow Abby a talented young lute player, as she flees 16th century Paris disguised as a boy, and embarks on a journey of intrigue, spiced by scheming, politics, danger and romance. With knowledge of a plot to assassinate Mary Queen of Scots, will Abby’s skill as a musician save her from peril or will she find herself immersed in yet more skulduggery? As usual for this author, the story evolves at a cracking pace, and the Scottish setting and assorted characters combine to make this first book in a new series quite addictive. Abby and Iain, the hostage of the story, are a couple both at odds and at one with each other and I’m definitely looking forward to their continuing adventures.
A recommended read for all fans of Scottish Historical Fiction.
September 4, 2022
Lots of characters thrown into the story for no good reason that I could see. Some teasers that were never resolved. And finally, the book just stopped! There we were, progressing in the story and it just stopped. I mean, yes, I'm sure that the next book carried on but really, a book needs to be sufficient unto itself. And now, I'll never read the next book.
January 16, 2018
***WARNING*** This is not a stand-alone book! An interesting story with several well-drawn characters but an abrupt, unsatisfactory ending. This is the first book in a series so perhaps issues will be resolved in book two.
Gabrielle "Abby" Gordon is sent from Paris to Kilchurn Castle in Scotland for safety and to serve as a companion to the ailing wife of the laird. All she wants is play her lute but knows that a woman can never be considered as a musician so she disguises herself as a young man. Things go down hill from there -- a hostage, a sad bride-to-be, a suspicious death, and a firebrand reformer who accuses Abby of being a witch.
No graphic sex or violence
Gabrielle "Abby" Gordon is sent from Paris to Kilchurn Castle in Scotland for safety and to serve as a companion to the ailing wife of the laird. All she wants is play her lute but knows that a woman can never be considered as a musician so she disguises herself as a young man. Things go down hill from there -- a hostage, a sad bride-to-be, a suspicious death, and a firebrand reformer who accuses Abby of being a witch.
No graphic sex or violence
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January 14, 2018I found the start of the book rather confusing at times - there is no real explanation as to why Abby would decide to pretend to be a boy, and no explanation as to how she is so miraculously transported to Scotland when her father only decided that morning that she was going to leave.
I liked the writing but the story dragged with not much real tension or conflict - the 'plot' at the start seemed to fade away into insignificance, and the 'plot' with Iain as hostage was never really developed to my satisfaction. In the end I was left feeling a little bemused and I don't care enough about the characters to read the next in the series.
I liked the writing but the story dragged with not much real tension or conflict - the 'plot' at the start seemed to fade away into insignificance, and the 'plot' with Iain as hostage was never really developed to my satisfaction. In the end I was left feeling a little bemused and I don't care enough about the characters to read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2018
Right off the hop, the title does not aptly represent the content of the book. Only a few sentences were said about the hostage, and how he came to be at Castle Kilchurn - the rest of the story concentrated on Abby who disguised herself as a boy. An easy read, which in turn allowed the reader to get engrossed in the story and wonder what in the world the young "lad" is going to get into next! It was fast paced and full of mystery, intrigue, murder and of course what novel would be complete without a bit of romance? Literally minutes after her true identity is revealed, she is having romantic thoughts about the hostage, where none had existed before. Having said that, I found the story line very difficult to follow - they were all over the castle, in each other's chambers, in the stables, and neighboring farms. Had a hard time placing characters and determining their significance to the story.
On the plus side, being of Scottish descent I enjoyed the way the author incorporated Scottish history into the book.
Like so many others have said, the way the "book" ended so abruptly was highly disappointing - not even a cliff hanger - you expect to turn the page and see what happens to her. BUT.. thanks to KINDLE I was able to pick up the 2nd book in the series for less than $1.00 and continue reading immediately. Hopefully the Mists of Glen Strae will provide a little more detail and closure.
I originally gave the book a 5, but have downgraded to a 3.
On the plus side, being of Scottish descent I enjoyed the way the author incorporated Scottish history into the book.
Like so many others have said, the way the "book" ended so abruptly was highly disappointing - not even a cliff hanger - you expect to turn the page and see what happens to her. BUT.. thanks to KINDLE I was able to pick up the 2nd book in the series for less than $1.00 and continue reading immediately. Hopefully the Mists of Glen Strae will provide a little more detail and closure.
I originally gave the book a 5, but have downgraded to a 3.
February 24, 2018
Just finished THE HOSTAGE OF GLENORCHY. I usually enjoy reading Scottish-themed historical fiction, and do so often. This is the first of a three-volume series. It is, unfortunately, the literary equivalent of a television series' end-of-season cliff hanger episode (think "Who Shot J.R.?" and Dallas). The story is OK, as are characters, and especially the flavor of historic Scottish culture. But there is no resolution with the abrupt ending. No answers. Just a "stay tuned" and buy the next book. I give it two out of five stars.
January 21, 2018
Abruptly Ended
The story goes on with some interesting events. Then it abruptly ends with no explanation of the mysteries contained within the events. Of course, the reader is referred to the next installment. The best part is not in the book itself, but in the historical summary in the ending notes. These are not woven into the book. I hate it when author's employ such ploys to get readers for subsequent books!
The story goes on with some interesting events. Then it abruptly ends with no explanation of the mysteries contained within the events. Of course, the reader is referred to the next installment. The best part is not in the book itself, but in the historical summary in the ending notes. These are not woven into the book. I hate it when author's employ such ploys to get readers for subsequent books!
January 31, 2018
Cliff Hanger
Quite often I have read books that made me want to read another book by that author. This is not that case, in this book I was left right at a critical point in the plot and it just ended. I don't know how to handle that. It was a good story until it just abruptly ended.
Quite often I have read books that made me want to read another book by that author. This is not that case, in this book I was left right at a critical point in the plot and it just ended. I don't know how to handle that. It was a good story until it just abruptly ended.
December 28, 2021
I read this book for free and freely leave a review -- because the author deserves something in compensation.
Contrary to the subtitle, this is not a romance novel. It is a well-researched story with plenty of tension and a likable heroine. I looked forward to reading a bit more of this story every evening, enjoying the pace and the intrigue. which ranged from household drama to political infighting among countries, as well as conflict between religions. All of these produced an uncertain environment that kept main character Abby constantly off-balance and at risk, and kept this reader turning the pages.
Similar to many reviewers, my main complaint with this novel is that the ending was abrupt and left the story incomplete. While I understand that this is book one of a series, simply leaving the heroine in a situation that was not immediately life-threatening was insufficient. It did not provide the reader with a satisfying ending. Even with this bitter disappointment, I do not regret reading the story.
Contrary to the subtitle, this is not a romance novel. It is a well-researched story with plenty of tension and a likable heroine. I looked forward to reading a bit more of this story every evening, enjoying the pace and the intrigue. which ranged from household drama to political infighting among countries, as well as conflict between religions. All of these produced an uncertain environment that kept main character Abby constantly off-balance and at risk, and kept this reader turning the pages.
Similar to many reviewers, my main complaint with this novel is that the ending was abrupt and left the story incomplete. While I understand that this is book one of a series, simply leaving the heroine in a situation that was not immediately life-threatening was insufficient. It did not provide the reader with a satisfying ending. Even with this bitter disappointment, I do not regret reading the story.
February 12, 2018
I really wanted to like this as I love middle ages, especially UK settings but I just couldn't get into it. I didn't think the character development was there and though the storyline was ok, it wasn't really unique or anything. It just seemed flat. Your basic girl pretends to be a boy story. I included it in Historical-fiction category because actual historical figures are in the story but I think the actual story is totally made-up.
I don't think I can really add anything to the synopsis already published but will just say I found myself skipping and not really feeling like I was missing anything. This book is the first in a series so ends on a bit of a cliff but I actually have no desire to read anymore, which is not usually the case when I enjoy the story.
Wish I had better things to say.
*There are a few swear words, some suggestive terms, but no sex, at least in the first one.
I don't think I can really add anything to the synopsis already published but will just say I found myself skipping and not really feeling like I was missing anything. This book is the first in a series so ends on a bit of a cliff but I actually have no desire to read anymore, which is not usually the case when I enjoy the story.
Wish I had better things to say.
*There are a few swear words, some suggestive terms, but no sex, at least in the first one.
April 13, 2021
Abby Gordon 18yrs is a musician and plays the lute, her father being the best lute player around and plays for Queen Mary of Scotland, but he is also a womaniser and Abby hears a plot to assassinate Queen Mary and flees France disguised as a boy musician and ends up playing for the laird of Kilchum castle, and falls for a hostage at the castle but the hostage is not in the dungeons but in a locked room is he in fact a hostage ? or there for other, reasons, these are dangerous times and Abby herself is in danger as she is caught wandering the castle in the night with no reasonable explanation Abby herself has to get away in what turns out to be the ending but the title states book 1 so more to follow. I did find a few faults with the story and the narrator did have a beautiful Scottish accent but I did find it a very hard struggle to understand and kept going back over the dialogue to make sure I heard right, which did put me off eventually but did manage to finish it.
May 24, 2021
The Hostage of Glenorchy is an interesting historical novel about a widow who, when sent from France to Scotland by her father to avoid plots at court, decides to dress as a man in order to pursue playing her music, The story is entertaining with a little romance, although, at least in this book, the romance is not central to the story. This is the first book of a trilogy, so alas, the story does not end with the closing of the book. I would like to read or listen to the next two books and find out what happens next.
The narrator of the audiobook does a pretty good job. She has an accent that fits the story but can make her a little harder to understand at times. She also lacks some of the variety in her voice that I would have appreciated.
"I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
The narrator of the audiobook does a pretty good job. She has an accent that fits the story but can make her a little harder to understand at times. She also lacks some of the variety in her voice that I would have appreciated.
"I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
January 20, 2022
A few pieces missing
From the beginning it's hard to understand why Abby was to be sent to Scotland, as it seemed like her father intended for her to go even before the possibility that she had heard something that could put her in danger had she been found out. Her decision to disguise herself points to her own fears. That said, she is unusually reckless in that she is constantly in situations that could easily make her identity known. Beyond that, why are the laird's sons so cruel? How does the Frenchman fit into a conspiracy? What is the real reason that Iain is a hostage? The book ends abruptly and not in a satisfying way but I will march on to see if any loose ends are tied in the next book in the series. Right now I'd say that it would have been better to consolidate the novels.
From the beginning it's hard to understand why Abby was to be sent to Scotland, as it seemed like her father intended for her to go even before the possibility that she had heard something that could put her in danger had she been found out. Her decision to disguise herself points to her own fears. That said, she is unusually reckless in that she is constantly in situations that could easily make her identity known. Beyond that, why are the laird's sons so cruel? How does the Frenchman fit into a conspiracy? What is the real reason that Iain is a hostage? The book ends abruptly and not in a satisfying way but I will march on to see if any loose ends are tied in the next book in the series. Right now I'd say that it would have been better to consolidate the novels.
January 12, 2018
One of the few !
Worth it's stars for being one of the few Scottish spin offs that is peopled by could have been of their time and are not mearly adopting a phony accent and wearing fancy dress.
There is more atmosphere here and the historical setting and references make sense , a nice change from the often placing "Some where in the Highlands" at "Sometime in the past "
I enjoyed being where I was and when so much that the quite frothy story line had me several chapters into book two before writing this opinion.
Not profound but well done and enjoyable.
Worth it's stars for being one of the few Scottish spin offs that is peopled by could have been of their time and are not mearly adopting a phony accent and wearing fancy dress.
There is more atmosphere here and the historical setting and references make sense , a nice change from the often placing "Some where in the Highlands" at "Sometime in the past "
I enjoyed being where I was and when so much that the quite frothy story line had me several chapters into book two before writing this opinion.
Not profound but well done and enjoyable.
January 13, 2018
Not a stand alone novel. This is just the first book, there are two more (I think). A saga adventure that takes Gabrielle or Abby from being a musician (lute player) from the French court to the highlands of Scotland. Overhearing a plot to assassinate the Queen of Scots by poison, Abby was sent by her father to Scotland for her own protection. Alas, there was also danger there in several shapes and forms. The story is full of thrills, mysteries, betrayals, religious zealots, spies and all the other necessary twists and turns to make this first book of the trilogy(?) a Good Read.
January 21, 2018
Ends in the middle
This could have been a 5 star book, until it ended. There is no closure to the story. No indication as to the safety of the main character. At one moment she's escaping and then it just ends in the middle. It would be different if there was an indication as to where she would go. There ore other books listed as pre-order from the offer, but no clue if they continue the story. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed what I read, it ended in the middle. I probably won't read this author again.
This could have been a 5 star book, until it ended. There is no closure to the story. No indication as to the safety of the main character. At one moment she's escaping and then it just ends in the middle. It would be different if there was an indication as to where she would go. There ore other books listed as pre-order from the offer, but no clue if they continue the story. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed what I read, it ended in the middle. I probably won't read this author again.
February 9, 2018
I knew when I started this book it was part of a series, obviously. Still, I expected it to do something -- to tell a complete story in itself. Instead, I was left at the end wondering not only "what's next" but "what?" The narrative simply stopped.
It was not strong enough to make me want to read further. Perhaps if Book 2 came available on one of the free sites, but even then it's only a maybe.
It was not strong enough to make me want to read further. Perhaps if Book 2 came available on one of the free sites, but even then it's only a maybe.
April 11, 2021
This was a great read! An easy to flow plot with interesting characters, It’s one of those books that you can listen to while doing other things and that makes it great. The narration was consistent and flowed smoothly. ( no awkward multiple change in accent attempts)
Having read the reviews before starting the book, I was well aware that it is not a stand alone story. and also I agree that the author did an outstanding job of leaving the reader wanting more!
January 2, 2022
Alive of music
This short glimpse of life in the Scottish realms was rich with the intrigue of political plotting. The travels of a young woman alone through this rugged regions seems fanciful at best. Women were not safe from abuse since they were considered of less value than men. The greatest disappointment about this book was the abrupt ending of the story in midstream. The reader is left hanging like the season ending scenes of a Latin novela.
This short glimpse of life in the Scottish realms was rich with the intrigue of political plotting. The travels of a young woman alone through this rugged regions seems fanciful at best. Women were not safe from abuse since they were considered of less value than men. The greatest disappointment about this book was the abrupt ending of the story in midstream. The reader is left hanging like the season ending scenes of a Latin novela.
February 22, 2018
Wonderful Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical Scottish book. It had great imagery, plot, and characters. I’m anxious to read the rest of the series as this book ended with a cliff hanger and I don’t really enjoy abrupt endings to books. There were some grammatical errors as well so instead of five stars, I gave it four.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical Scottish book. It had great imagery, plot, and characters. I’m anxious to read the rest of the series as this book ended with a cliff hanger and I don’t really enjoy abrupt endings to books. There were some grammatical errors as well so instead of five stars, I gave it four.
March 16, 2018
Enjoyable historical novel
Feisty, musically gifted young woman ahead of her time, over hears a plot to poison Mary Queen of Scotts. She leaves the French court in disguise and finds herself jumping from the frying pan into the fire stuck in a feud between rival Scottish clans. Plenty of adventure, beautiful music and a little romance.
Feisty, musically gifted young woman ahead of her time, over hears a plot to poison Mary Queen of Scotts. She leaves the French court in disguise and finds herself jumping from the frying pan into the fire stuck in a feud between rival Scottish clans. Plenty of adventure, beautiful music and a little romance.
March 29, 2018
This was a pretty enjoyable historical fiction book. Abby, the female protagonist dresses as a young man in the early part of the book, which isn't terribly uncommon in these sorts of books. I've read enough gender benders to wonder how the woman/girl pulls this off so easily. So many don't address a couple aspects that would be important but at least one issue is addressed here.
January 12, 2018
Who was truly the hostage?
This book has so many twist and turns that your head is confused as to what is truly going on in the story. What is Gabriel's true aim? Does she merely want the opportunity to play her instrument, or is there more to gain?
This book has so many twist and turns that your head is confused as to what is truly going on in the story. What is Gabriel's true aim? Does she merely want the opportunity to play her instrument, or is there more to gain?
January 15, 2018
It was an interesting read. But it hardly should have been called an ending. The end of the chapter, maybe. But this is apparently a longer book than she could put in one book, so she just chopped it off, left it dangling. Guess I'll still give her a 5 star tho.
January 20, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed the story back ground research was great and tied in well with the tale. Story stops abruptly in the middle of the 'escapes' of both the hostage and the musician, which is most annoying
I enjoyed the story back ground research was great and tied in well with the tale. Story stops abruptly in the middle of the 'escapes' of both the hostage and the musician, which is most annoying
January 22, 2018
Lots of Action
The Hostage of Glenorchy was exciting especially after the midpoint. I didn’t like how it finished not knowing if the two loves would be reunited... Well written and I liked the characters.
The Hostage of Glenorchy was exciting especially after the midpoint. I didn’t like how it finished not knowing if the two loves would be reunited... Well written and I liked the characters.
January 22, 2018
I would give this book a 4 if it were indeed a whole book. These book series hook you with a cliff hanger after a mere 270 pages. The Author did a great job, it was an interesting historical romance.
February 3, 2018
Intrigue
Abby is sent to Laird Campbell's to keep her safe after she over hears a plot to kill Queen Mary of Scotland. She's supposed to go to be a companion to the lairds wife but Abby has other ideas and poise s as a young lad and that's when trouble finds Abby.
Abby is sent to Laird Campbell's to keep her safe after she over hears a plot to kill Queen Mary of Scotland. She's supposed to go to be a companion to the lairds wife but Abby has other ideas and poise s as a young lad and that's when trouble finds Abby.
February 7, 2018
A very intriguing read.
I love historical mysteries and this one kept me engaged from page one. Great character development and plot line. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I love historical mysteries and this one kept me engaged from page one. Great character development and plot line. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
February 8, 2018
Don't leave me hanging!
Enjoyed the tale, but the story leaves you hanging. I guess there is no other option but to continue on to book two in the series. I hope it's worth the pursuits. Will keep you posted.
Enjoyed the tale, but the story leaves you hanging. I guess there is no other option but to continue on to book two in the series. I hope it's worth the pursuits. Will keep you posted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews