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The Warrior Brothers of Skye #1
Blood Feud
A forced marriage ... and a passion that could forge peace or start a war.
Tea is the daughter of a Pictish chieftain upon Dark Ages Isle of Skye. To end feuding, Tea's brother has promised her to the leader of a neighboring tribe. Furious at her brother's betrayal—for she blames the enemy for her parents' deaths—Tea rails against her fate.
Galan mac Muin is a young chief determined to end decades of blood feud between the two warring tribes—even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. But when he meets Tea on the day of their handfasting he dares to hope this statuesque embittered beauty might eventually warm to him.
Tea isn't prepared for her powerful attraction to the dark and brooding man she has just married. Yet together Galan and Tea have the chance to forge a new future—one that will ensure lasting peace—if only they can let go of the past.
BLOOD FEUD is the emotional first book in THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE series. Follow the lives and loves of three Pict warrior brothers: Galan, Tarl, and Donnel. Fans of well-researched and immersive Historical Fiction and Scottish Historical Romance will love this series set in Dark Ages Scotland.
Tea is the daughter of a Pictish chieftain upon Dark Ages Isle of Skye. To end feuding, Tea's brother has promised her to the leader of a neighboring tribe. Furious at her brother's betrayal—for she blames the enemy for her parents' deaths—Tea rails against her fate.
Galan mac Muin is a young chief determined to end decades of blood feud between the two warring tribes—even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. But when he meets Tea on the day of their handfasting he dares to hope this statuesque embittered beauty might eventually warm to him.
Tea isn't prepared for her powerful attraction to the dark and brooding man she has just married. Yet together Galan and Tea have the chance to forge a new future—one that will ensure lasting peace—if only they can let go of the past.
BLOOD FEUD is the emotional first book in THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE series. Follow the lives and loves of three Pict warrior brothers: Galan, Tarl, and Donnel. Fans of well-researched and immersive Historical Fiction and Scottish Historical Romance will love this series set in Dark Ages Scotland.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2017
849 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castel
94 books398 followersMulti-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
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Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 25, 2017
Jayne Castel is known for framing a fictional love story around true characters and events, usually set in early Medieval or Dark Ages time frames. In Blood Feud she delves even deeper into time, landing in the land of Picts (Scotland), around the time of Rome's decline in Great Britain. This also means that historical facts are fewer, the culture more fictional and the emphasis is even greater on the romantic leads. Still, she does a credible job of making you feel like you are living in 4th century hovels in a cold Scottish landscape where shaggy ponies are the mode of transportation and piles of furs on dirt floors are where you sleep.
The set-up is between warring tribes, where after one horrific battle, the heirs apparent decide not to go the way of their fathers and opt for peace. It is a brave, unexpected move. Tea will be sent to marry Galan to secure the commitment. Bitterly resentful Tea is a stereotypical heroine in the "forced marriage" trope. Galan, on the other hand, is a surprise. He coaxes her along, winning her over with patience and respect.
"She was about to defy him - but when she met Galan's storm-grey eyes, her words of scorn caught in her throat. She had expected to see a stern expression upon his face, but his look was almost pleading. Did it matter so much to him?"
This is an emotional book, with the evolving relationship between Galan and Tea at the heart. However, the siblings of both factor into the story, adding humor and depth. Parts of this novel are incredibly poignant, and the occasions where Tea is called upon to sing a lament at burial cairns of loved ones made my heart hurt. These moments reminded me very much of the gorgeous, touchingly sad song, "We Will Go Home (Song of Exile)," sung by the character Vanora in the 2004 film King Arthur.
This was a beautiful, somewhat quiet story that told the tale of a great love built on a great respect. I enjoyed it.
Book source: ARC from the author.
The set-up is between warring tribes, where after one horrific battle, the heirs apparent decide not to go the way of their fathers and opt for peace. It is a brave, unexpected move. Tea will be sent to marry Galan to secure the commitment. Bitterly resentful Tea is a stereotypical heroine in the "forced marriage" trope. Galan, on the other hand, is a surprise. He coaxes her along, winning her over with patience and respect.
"She was about to defy him - but when she met Galan's storm-grey eyes, her words of scorn caught in her throat. She had expected to see a stern expression upon his face, but his look was almost pleading. Did it matter so much to him?"
This is an emotional book, with the evolving relationship between Galan and Tea at the heart. However, the siblings of both factor into the story, adding humor and depth. Parts of this novel are incredibly poignant, and the occasions where Tea is called upon to sing a lament at burial cairns of loved ones made my heart hurt. These moments reminded me very much of the gorgeous, touchingly sad song, "We Will Go Home (Song of Exile)," sung by the character Vanora in the 2004 film King Arthur.
This was a beautiful, somewhat quiet story that told the tale of a great love built on a great respect. I enjoyed it.
Book source: ARC from the author.
March 17, 2018
Loved the story, loved the hero Galen and am fascinated with the period the author picked. Unfortunately Tea took the shine off, I'm not a fan of prickly heroines and Tea was a pro at prickly. I felt for her that she was forced into a marriage she wanted no part of but I didn't like how long she pushed away for and how she hurt Galen.
Tea aside, a thoroughly enjoyable read. On to the next one.
Tea aside, a thoroughly enjoyable read. On to the next one.
February 4, 2018
4 solid stars!
After years of feuding, the new chiefs of the Eagle and Wolf tribes want to make an attempt at peace. To seal the deal, they agree to a marriage alliance, much to the horror of the intended bride, Tea.
Galan, as Eagle chief, is willing to take one for the team, but never did he imagine himself wedded to such a strong, beautiful woman; Tea takes him completely by surprise.
Galan made for a great alpha hero. He was the perfect foil to Tea and her stubborn hot-headedness with his calm, cool, and collected personality. Obviously, he figured out what their marriage could be before she did, and I loved that he fought for her.
She lifted her chin, her heart fluttering at the power of his gaze that stripped her bare and called her a liar.Another great heroine!! I'm on a roll of amazing stories that have the hero and the heroine in an epic battle of wills. In this case, an alpha and his unwilling bride during the dark ages on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!
After years of feuding, the new chiefs of the Eagle and Wolf tribes want to make an attempt at peace. To seal the deal, they agree to a marriage alliance, much to the horror of the intended bride, Tea.
Galan, as Eagle chief, is willing to take one for the team, but never did he imagine himself wedded to such a strong, beautiful woman; Tea takes him completely by surprise.
Few women railed against the world like Tea did - and sometimes her fire threatened to consume her.But Tea is holding on to her fire with good reason...(sorry, no spoilers :) and refuses to accept the marriage. The results made for a very entertaining story:
"It is a bitter irony that while our tribes are now at peace you and I are at war."Blood Feud and its setting was like nothing I've ever read before. The author did a nice job of portraying tribal life in 4th century Scotland; the cold, the food, the traditions, the living conditions. I would have liked to read more scenes of Tea settling into her life with the Eagle tribe, but at the same time, I appreciated that the sole focus of the book was her relationship with Galan.
Galan made for a great alpha hero. He was the perfect foil to Tea and her stubborn hot-headedness with his calm, cool, and collected personality. Obviously, he figured out what their marriage could be before she did, and I loved that he fought for her.
"I always knew it would be like that for me - that there would only ever be one woman. That woman is you, Tea.~SWOON~ Such good stuff.
December 30, 2021
I like the "marriage of convenience" trope - it's reasonable to expect it in a medieval romance and, this being fiction and all, it has the added bonus that you know to story will lead to the couple realizing that they've been magically brought together with their One & Only (*phew!*).
What I strongly dislike is that, too often for my comfort (I reckon that the adequate number of times for this to occur would be "never"), this trope is paired with a scene where a rape drug of some kind is fed to the bride during the marriage banquet, to liven things up a bit during the nuptial night and tastefully introducing the idea that the lady might have been resenting the union at first, but the attraction for her husband was there all along, the drug merely bypassed her prideful composure and helped her being true to her feelings.
Peachy.
How and why, exactly, date rape drugs (never explicitly referred to as such, of course, because that would be in poor taste) became a trope in romance, I'm not sure: let's just say that I was less than thrilled to find a "love potion" (sounds much better this way, right?) 20% into my beach read and positively aggravated when Castel decided to shift the narrative from the fact that Tea's siblings drugged her so that she'd be "participative" (UGH) during her wedding night to the fact that the morning after she lied to her husband about how much she actually remembers of their night together. Because apparently, that's the issue at hand here: she's a prude ashamed of her sexuality and would rather hide behind some excuse - they drugged me! - rather than admit she's into her husband. Who are you kidding, girl? We aaaall know you wanted him anyway!
I'm not going to lie: after such a... hmm... rocky? start, there was no saving the book for me - it didn't help that the rest of it was one manufactured drama after another, with the usual "strong-willed" female heroine that really comes across like an unreasonable, hysterical harpy and the cherry on top of a monologuing, crazy villain.
Jayne Castel writes wonderfully evocative, well-researched, compelling medieval romance: if you want to read one of those, go for The Whispering Wind and skip this cringe-fest.
What I strongly dislike is that, too often for my comfort (I reckon that the adequate number of times for this to occur would be "never"), this trope is paired with a scene where a rape drug of some kind is fed to the bride during the marriage banquet, to liven things up a bit during the nuptial night and tastefully introducing the idea that the lady might have been resenting the union at first, but the attraction for her husband was there all along, the drug merely bypassed her prideful composure and helped her being true to her feelings.
Peachy.
How and why, exactly, date rape drugs (never explicitly referred to as such, of course, because that would be in poor taste) became a trope in romance, I'm not sure: let's just say that I was less than thrilled to find a "love potion" (sounds much better this way, right?) 20% into my beach read and positively aggravated when Castel decided to shift the narrative from the fact that Tea's siblings drugged her so that she'd be "participative" (UGH) during her wedding night to the fact that the morning after she lied to her husband about how much she actually remembers of their night together. Because apparently, that's the issue at hand here: she's a prude ashamed of her sexuality and would rather hide behind some excuse - they drugged me! - rather than admit she's into her husband. Who are you kidding, girl? We aaaall know you wanted him anyway!
I'm not going to lie: after such a... hmm... rocky? start, there was no saving the book for me - it didn't help that the rest of it was one manufactured drama after another, with the usual "strong-willed" female heroine that really comes across like an unreasonable, hysterical harpy and the cherry on top of a monologuing, crazy villain.
Jayne Castel writes wonderfully evocative, well-researched, compelling medieval romance: if you want to read one of those, go for The Whispering Wind and skip this cringe-fest.
March 22, 2018
This was a good Historical. I’ll read the next in the series.
March 7, 2018
Believe in Us...
4+ "Believe in us." Stars!!
I loved this story! I fell for Galen very early on. Tea was extremely stubborn. I understood it early on, but after a while it was annoying. But even with that I liked her a lot. Jayne Castle has a new fan! I will be on to the next book in the series very soon. Happy reading!
4+ "Believe in us." Stars!!
I loved this story! I fell for Galen very early on. Tea was extremely stubborn. I understood it early on, but after a while it was annoying. But even with that I liked her a lot. Jayne Castle has a new fan! I will be on to the next book in the series very soon. Happy reading!
February 19, 2019
I loved this book!
Tea spends most of the book bitter, angry and stubborn. Most of the time these heroines get annoying very quickly but I found myself rooting for Tea. I wanted her to stick to her standards and not give into a handsome face. She's so strong minded and my heart truly went out to her.
Galan stole my heart straight away too. He was so patient with Tea and treated her nothing less than an equal. He didn't try to act the big guy and put his new wife in her place. He treats her like the warrior she is and admires her for it.
The author captured scenes so well. I could see, hear, smell and taste everything without it distracting from the plot. The dialogue was very natural and you could hear the characters emotions with only a few words spoken. Very well written.
My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. Galan and Tea are such bold characters that I would have loved to delve into a big thick book about them and their journey. I hope the rest of the series makes up for it.
Absolutely recommend and so happy I found this new author.
5 stars.
Tea spends most of the book bitter, angry and stubborn. Most of the time these heroines get annoying very quickly but I found myself rooting for Tea. I wanted her to stick to her standards and not give into a handsome face. She's so strong minded and my heart truly went out to her.
Galan stole my heart straight away too. He was so patient with Tea and treated her nothing less than an equal. He didn't try to act the big guy and put his new wife in her place. He treats her like the warrior she is and admires her for it.
The author captured scenes so well. I could see, hear, smell and taste everything without it distracting from the plot. The dialogue was very natural and you could hear the characters emotions with only a few words spoken. Very well written.
My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. Galan and Tea are such bold characters that I would have loved to delve into a big thick book about them and their journey. I hope the rest of the series makes up for it.
Absolutely recommend and so happy I found this new author.
5 stars.
February 3, 2019
3 to 3.5 stars. I read this one for the February challenge for Romance Across The Ages 2019. It's set in Dark Ages Scotland/ Isle of Skye, 4th century AD.
Enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage tropes. Tea, a warrior woman who is a daughter and sister of chieftains, is forced into a political marriage with an enemy chief, in an effort to broker peace between the two tribes.
There are a few ups-and-downs along the way, but Tea and Galan are well-matched, and hate turns to love. There are some dramatic moments in the book, and a little bit (but not too much) violence.
Castel writes a decent plot, and she describes the settings beautifully. It was a 'dark' and violent time in many ways, and life was hard. But at the same time, the earth was cleaner and more beautiful then, and she conveys that well. Unfortunately IMO her characters aren't quite as well drawn. You can imagine them physically, and see their personalities, but I didn't really 'feel' them the way I like to in a book. They were a little flat and 2-dimensional, perhaps.
Having said that though, I still enjoyed the read. It's not a long book, and the story moved along quickly. I've already read Bk 2 (which I didn't like quite as much as this one), and I may consider reading Bk 3 at some stage.
Well worth a read for the depiction/ imaginary creation of life in that far time and place.
Enemies-to-lovers, forced marriage tropes. Tea, a warrior woman who is a daughter and sister of chieftains, is forced into a political marriage with an enemy chief, in an effort to broker peace between the two tribes.
There are a few ups-and-downs along the way, but Tea and Galan are well-matched, and hate turns to love. There are some dramatic moments in the book, and a little bit (but not too much) violence.
Castel writes a decent plot, and she describes the settings beautifully. It was a 'dark' and violent time in many ways, and life was hard. But at the same time, the earth was cleaner and more beautiful then, and she conveys that well. Unfortunately IMO her characters aren't quite as well drawn. You can imagine them physically, and see their personalities, but I didn't really 'feel' them the way I like to in a book. They were a little flat and 2-dimensional, perhaps.
Having said that though, I still enjoyed the read. It's not a long book, and the story moved along quickly. I've already read Bk 2 (which I didn't like quite as much as this one), and I may consider reading Bk 3 at some stage.
Well worth a read for the depiction/ imaginary creation of life in that far time and place.
May 7, 2023
Intriguing Isle of Skye Love Story set in the 4th Century
Set in the Dark Ages of Scotland on the Isle of Skye, this is the story of warring groups and a peace reluctantly gained by a handfasting. Tea, the daughter of a Pictish chieftain of the Wolf tribe, is forced by her brother to handfast with Galen, chief of the Eagles, a tribe responsible for the death of her parents.
Galen is delighted with his fierce bride, well, except that she hates him. She is beautiful and courageous, a warrior. Tea wants nothing to do with the Eagles but the kindness shown her by Galen wears away her hostility.
This is the first book in The Warrior Brothers of Skye series. Well-researched with great descriptions of the isle and the tribes living there in the 4th century, including what they ate. The story brings treachery, betrayal and much angst to the fore.
Those who love history in their historical romance and great historical details, as I do, will enjoy this tale from long ago Scotland. Castel does a great job of drawing the reader into the story and the lives of the characters.
Set in the Dark Ages of Scotland on the Isle of Skye, this is the story of warring groups and a peace reluctantly gained by a handfasting. Tea, the daughter of a Pictish chieftain of the Wolf tribe, is forced by her brother to handfast with Galen, chief of the Eagles, a tribe responsible for the death of her parents.
Galen is delighted with his fierce bride, well, except that she hates him. She is beautiful and courageous, a warrior. Tea wants nothing to do with the Eagles but the kindness shown her by Galen wears away her hostility.
This is the first book in The Warrior Brothers of Skye series. Well-researched with great descriptions of the isle and the tribes living there in the 4th century, including what they ate. The story brings treachery, betrayal and much angst to the fore.
Those who love history in their historical romance and great historical details, as I do, will enjoy this tale from long ago Scotland. Castel does a great job of drawing the reader into the story and the lives of the characters.
May 28, 2017
It's hard to find a good novel set in Pictish times and this is one of those. The beautiful descriptions of scenery almost make you wish to be there until you discover how truly hard life was. This book equally balances the raw nature of reality of that age with a love story that makes you yearn for things to work. If you know little of the Picts, this is a good history lesson and if you are very familiar, you will not be bored by the action. Very well written with surprises along the way, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 21, 2018
This is a very good book, quite unusual that it is in the time of the pics. First book I have read from this author and after reading this one will definitely continue with this series. Great characters and exciting story always what I have to have in a book. It's also very well written. Recommended
March 25, 2018
4+ Stars
This was a really great historical romance. HR is not my thing, but I can usually be swayed by some Scottish love. This was new for me in that it was in the Dark Ages, rather than you're typical Highlander timeframe, but still great all around.
I love the arranged marriage/enemies-to-lovers trope in an HR and this was no exception. You add in the brutality of the times and warring clans made for great plot. And the slow build of the romance and eventual sexy times between the two MCs was on point.
This author is new to me and I look forward to reading to reading more. Cheers!
This was a really great historical romance. HR is not my thing, but I can usually be swayed by some Scottish love. This was new for me in that it was in the Dark Ages, rather than you're typical Highlander timeframe, but still great all around.
I love the arranged marriage/enemies-to-lovers trope in an HR and this was no exception. You add in the brutality of the times and warring clans made for great plot. And the slow build of the romance and eventual sexy times between the two MCs was on point.
This author is new to me and I look forward to reading to reading more. Cheers!
May 25, 2017
I found this to be a very good book that just kept you wanting to know what would happen next . It is Galan mac Muin and Tea's story of their marriage to each other to stop a feud amongst their people, and what it will take for them to accept each other. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 12, 2018
3.5 stars
Another surprisingly good read. Heavy on the history and heavy on the romance, but a really good balance of both. For an indie historical romance, the writing is pretty good and stuck fairly close to actual Pictish history (or what little we know of it). I'm impressed. Now, onto the next one.
Another surprisingly good read. Heavy on the history and heavy on the romance, but a really good balance of both. For an indie historical romance, the writing is pretty good and stuck fairly close to actual Pictish history (or what little we know of it). I'm impressed. Now, onto the next one.
September 7, 2018
I was intrigued by the setting for BLOOD FEUD: 366 A.D., Jayne Castel was a new author to me, and what a spectacular and wonderful discovery it was! Ms. Castel’s prose is vivid and eloquent, the writing is impeccable, the story flows seamlessly, the dialogues are splendid (without the aid of unnecessary Scottish dialect: all the characters are Scottish). The author’s attention to detail, and historical detail is staggering: I felt I was transported in time, and I had never read a romance in this sort of setting before, and it’s positively awe-inspiring. Our couple – Tea and Galan – are wonderful characters, engaging with strong personalities, and Galan is the sort of hero I wish I saw more often in historical romances. Even the secondary characters are absolutely splendid!
The romance is just perfect! It progressed organically, and it’s not easy for Tea and Galan, as the BLOOD FEUD is not easily solved. There is a lot of action, betrayal, all sorts of totally unexpected – and realistic – plot twists. Clan wars usually bore me to death, and I was enthralled! I very highly recommend BLOOD FEUD, even if you’re not a fan of Scottish romances, of ancient romances; if you love captivating storytelling, great writing, and superb characters, this is the book for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The romance is just perfect! It progressed organically, and it’s not easy for Tea and Galan, as the BLOOD FEUD is not easily solved. There is a lot of action, betrayal, all sorts of totally unexpected – and realistic – plot twists. Clan wars usually bore me to death, and I was enthralled! I very highly recommend BLOOD FEUD, even if you’re not a fan of Scottish romances, of ancient romances; if you love captivating storytelling, great writing, and superb characters, this is the book for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up! Read in 1 day so I obviously liked it. A few complaints though - the hero was too accommodating and apologetic with the heroine even when she was being stupid and unreasonable. He seemed a little weak for that. There was a character in the book that was a blatant plot device. I knew when they were introduced that they wouldn't survive. These people rode horses everywhere and arrived in a short period time, hmmm. After riding all day, the heroine then pushed her horse to ride another half day. The horse would've balked. Realistically, she'd have gotten a fresh one. One character said she was pregnant for 7 moons but when labor started 2 months later, she said the baby was coming early. There were other things like that. The heroine could be too hard headed and proud sometimes.
I put any other quibbles aside. I will read the next book!
I put any other quibbles aside. I will read the next book!
October 28, 2024
The hero was wonderful in this book, and the heroine was so frustrating.
December 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It's my first book by this author.
There are genuine reasons for the hostility between them. Galan is so patient with Tea but he is also human and makes mistakes.
I would definitely try book 2 when it comes out.
There are genuine reasons for the hostility between them. Galan is so patient with Tea but he is also human and makes mistakes.
I would definitely try book 2 when it comes out.
December 15, 2017
Readers will love Galan, the strong, loyal and chivalrous hero.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 17, 2019
Humm
Wow that plot twist though.... not gonna lie this was a good book there’s pride and compassions all rolled into one.
Wow that plot twist though.... not gonna lie this was a good book there’s pride and compassions all rolled into one.
March 31, 2020
I kept hoping Galan would tell Tea to shove her pride up her stubborn ass and be rid of her once and for all.
Want to read
November 20, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/17/2020)! 🎁
May 30, 2017
Set in the island of Skye, during the fourth century, Blood Feud tells the tale of two tribes who have been at war for generations.
After a terrible clash, when the leaders of the Wolf and Eagle tribe are killed, their chieftains eldest sons on both sides – both now leaders of their peoples – decided the time has come for the Blood Feud to end that has cost them both so much. Determined to achieve peace despite the cost, the new ruler of the Wolf Clan forces his sister, Tea, a strong and proud Pictish warrior woman, to wed Galan, the new ruler of the Eagles.
Tea despises her new husband, believing his father responsible for her own mother’s rape and murder, and hates her once beloved brother for sacrificing her in this way for a peace she doesn’t believe in. Only Tea slowly finds there is much to admire about her new husband, Galan, and much to desire. But can she give in to her passions without feeling a traitor to her people and all she believes in?
Blood Feud was a wonderful book. The world building and history were masterfully done. I felt immersed in the lives of the ancient Picts – a world that was both fascinating and brutal – without feeling deluged by historical facts. Tea is a fabulous, complex figure. Her pride and her conviction stop her seeing her husband for the man he is, but at the same time you can't help but admire her strength and courage. Galan is a wonderful hero, whose charisma and strength ooze off the page.
Be prepared for a tale that is in equal parts harrowing and deeply moving.
After a terrible clash, when the leaders of the Wolf and Eagle tribe are killed, their chieftains eldest sons on both sides – both now leaders of their peoples – decided the time has come for the Blood Feud to end that has cost them both so much. Determined to achieve peace despite the cost, the new ruler of the Wolf Clan forces his sister, Tea, a strong and proud Pictish warrior woman, to wed Galan, the new ruler of the Eagles.
Tea despises her new husband, believing his father responsible for her own mother’s rape and murder, and hates her once beloved brother for sacrificing her in this way for a peace she doesn’t believe in. Only Tea slowly finds there is much to admire about her new husband, Galan, and much to desire. But can she give in to her passions without feeling a traitor to her people and all she believes in?
Blood Feud was a wonderful book. The world building and history were masterfully done. I felt immersed in the lives of the ancient Picts – a world that was both fascinating and brutal – without feeling deluged by historical facts. Tea is a fabulous, complex figure. Her pride and her conviction stop her seeing her husband for the man he is, but at the same time you can't help but admire her strength and courage. Galan is a wonderful hero, whose charisma and strength ooze off the page.
Be prepared for a tale that is in equal parts harrowing and deeply moving.
October 25, 2020
I honestly believe that if the characters could come to life in my home as well as they do in my mind I would be covered with the Lifts of the old Galic world in the 4 & 5, 6 & 7 centuries at the date after the death of Christ!
I also have another author that I will have to start to reread his series!
The main author is a sister to the king and she has taken the robe of the Christian nuns, she has also hand tasted for a year and a day to the man who is an Anglo-Saxon priest. I hops. I hope I spell the name is the series; Sister Fidelma.
She holds one of the highest legal positions as a lawyer and can judge some minor cases if the high judge is not available!
Women in the Galic world they could hold prosperity, positions in the monarchy. It has taken women centuries to be able to live that life.
The Viking women were trained to be warriors.
I love the historical fiction, and fantasy of that time period.
By the way the author of the Sister Feel a series is Peter Tremayne and as to date the series touts the number of 31 books!
Dang seems to be a mega rereading is in order for me!
It is a fantastic series!
I also have another author that I will have to start to reread his series!
The main author is a sister to the king and she has taken the robe of the Christian nuns, she has also hand tasted for a year and a day to the man who is an Anglo-Saxon priest. I hops. I hope I spell the name is the series; Sister Fidelma.
She holds one of the highest legal positions as a lawyer and can judge some minor cases if the high judge is not available!
Women in the Galic world they could hold prosperity, positions in the monarchy. It has taken women centuries to be able to live that life.
The Viking women were trained to be warriors.
I love the historical fiction, and fantasy of that time period.
By the way the author of the Sister Feel a series is Peter Tremayne and as to date the series touts the number of 31 books!
Dang seems to be a mega rereading is in order for me!
It is a fantastic series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2019
THIS WAS OKAY, THOUGH NOT FANTASTIC.
HERO became the leader of his clan after the tragic death of his father. He wants peace and accepts to marry the enemy's sister. While he is prepared to face rejection and hate, he didn't expect to want to like his beautiful wife who is VERY against him and their marriage. Hero isn't hard not to like, he's quiet and brooding though always thinking of what's best for his people. The only flaw he has is jumping to conclusions.
HEROINE was a bit hard to swallow in the beginning because she was an absolute shrew. Most highland historicals have heroines facing the same situation but they often take it in stride. Here, she all out proclaims her hate of it and her brother for forcing her marriage. It takes awhile for her to thaw and her husband is always the one offering the olive branch.
OVERALL the passion was fantastic but as for the emotional element, well it was there but could have used some working and more depth.
HERO became the leader of his clan after the tragic death of his father. He wants peace and accepts to marry the enemy's sister. While he is prepared to face rejection and hate, he didn't expect to want to like his beautiful wife who is VERY against him and their marriage. Hero isn't hard not to like, he's quiet and brooding though always thinking of what's best for his people. The only flaw he has is jumping to conclusions.
HEROINE was a bit hard to swallow in the beginning because she was an absolute shrew. Most highland historicals have heroines facing the same situation but they often take it in stride. Here, she all out proclaims her hate of it and her brother for forcing her marriage. It takes awhile for her to thaw and her husband is always the one offering the olive branch.
OVERALL the passion was fantastic but as for the emotional element, well it was there but could have used some working and more depth.
March 14, 2023
The plot and the writing were excellent and I had a really fun time reading.
But alas, I really struggled to like our heroine Tea. Now this is 100% a 'it's not you, it's me' thing - Jayne Castle writes amazing characters and Tea is seriously well written and grows as a person throughout the book - but damn - she's hard work. In fact, for most of the book she's fucking horrible. She's one of those 'I'm just so ANGRY' people who are at boiling point 24/7. I pictured her walking around with permanent psycho eyes and flares nostrils, this chick was primed to be furious, outraged, annoyed and offended every god-damned second she is on the page. Quite frankly I found her to be an exhausting, annoying bitch.
Also - there are five feasts in this book. Five. Good news if you looove reading about trestle tables groaning under piles of cooked meat and men getting raucous as the ale flows - I personally got fed up of reading about endless bloody feasts and ended up skipping them.
But alas, I really struggled to like our heroine Tea. Now this is 100% a 'it's not you, it's me' thing - Jayne Castle writes amazing characters and Tea is seriously well written and grows as a person throughout the book - but damn - she's hard work. In fact, for most of the book she's fucking horrible. She's one of those 'I'm just so ANGRY' people who are at boiling point 24/7. I pictured her walking around with permanent psycho eyes and flares nostrils, this chick was primed to be furious, outraged, annoyed and offended every god-damned second she is on the page. Quite frankly I found her to be an exhausting, annoying bitch.
Also - there are five feasts in this book. Five. Good news if you looove reading about trestle tables groaning under piles of cooked meat and men getting raucous as the ale flows - I personally got fed up of reading about endless bloody feasts and ended up skipping them.
September 27, 2018
I so admire writers who write fantasy based on fact well. What must they be thinking when they create worlds of wonder that the average person knows nothing about? Blood Feud is a novel where the scenes, characters, and setting are so vivid, you can almost taste the pork roasting on a spit over an open fire and feel the cold wind whistle across your face.
The story is well written and edited. It times it was a little bloody for my taste, but I guess they were brutal times, and what else could you expect from a novel with such an apt title. The characters were well cast and believable. I especially liked Galan and Donnel. Now I really want to read Donnel's story.
If you are looking for a historical tale with great imagery, a forced marriage trope, and strong characters, give Blood Feud a try. Oh, and the cover is great.
The story is well written and edited. It times it was a little bloody for my taste, but I guess they were brutal times, and what else could you expect from a novel with such an apt title. The characters were well cast and believable. I especially liked Galan and Donnel. Now I really want to read Donnel's story.
If you are looking for a historical tale with great imagery, a forced marriage trope, and strong characters, give Blood Feud a try. Oh, and the cover is great.
February 20, 2019
After the first couple of chapters, Instarted to skip parts and I literally skimmed through the end. Ekstra one star is for the hero because he was cute. But impossibly cute. One cannot be that patient I do not believe that.
The h was TSTL. It made it pretty hard for me to read. The grief scenes were not naturel. I had the feeling of forced sadness. The author wanted to bring depth to the book by killing people and I find these kinds of vain deaths quite irritating. I liked the side characters, especially her sister and I know the third book is about her but I do not think I can bear her writing even for her.
Maybe the problem is I could not feel what they feel. I could not feel the heat, the love, the hate, the anger. Nothing. I felt like it is a child's book with mature content. And there was no surprise-at least for me. I did not expect it anyway so this is no problem actually.
The h was TSTL. It made it pretty hard for me to read. The grief scenes were not naturel. I had the feeling of forced sadness. The author wanted to bring depth to the book by killing people and I find these kinds of vain deaths quite irritating. I liked the side characters, especially her sister and I know the third book is about her but I do not think I can bear her writing even for her.
Maybe the problem is I could not feel what they feel. I could not feel the heat, the love, the hate, the anger. Nothing. I felt like it is a child's book with mature content. And there was no surprise-at least for me. I did not expect it anyway so this is no problem actually.
May 14, 2017
Great story with lots of emotion, history and feeling. This is the first story by Jayne Castel that I have read, and I look forward to reading more.
We accompany the lead characters on a journey of trust and understanding through war and peace within their island home. I feel that Ms Castel has put a lot of time into researching this period in Scottish history and this flows into the storyline.
As some of the leads travel out of the story, I feel that we will meet up with those characters in the future. This is not a short read, but is really good and worthy of the time invested in it.
We accompany the lead characters on a journey of trust and understanding through war and peace within their island home. I feel that Ms Castel has put a lot of time into researching this period in Scottish history and this flows into the storyline.
As some of the leads travel out of the story, I feel that we will meet up with those characters in the future. This is not a short read, but is really good and worthy of the time invested in it.
February 18, 2019
Couldn’t Put It Down
This a gripping plot from beginning to end. Galan agrees to marry Tea to bring peace to and an end to the feud between their tribes. Tea hates Galan and his tribe but is forced into the marriage by her brother the clan Chief. On the wedding night she submits to the consumption only because her sister gives her a love potion, however, she is furious the next morning. Tea ensures Galan knows she hates everything about him, but is soon no match for his patience and kindness towards her. There is an unexpected twist of betrayal at the end. I’ll let you find out how it ends. Good story.
This a gripping plot from beginning to end. Galan agrees to marry Tea to bring peace to and an end to the feud between their tribes. Tea hates Galan and his tribe but is forced into the marriage by her brother the clan Chief. On the wedding night she submits to the consumption only because her sister gives her a love potion, however, she is furious the next morning. Tea ensures Galan knows she hates everything about him, but is soon no match for his patience and kindness towards her. There is an unexpected twist of betrayal at the end. I’ll let you find out how it ends. Good story.
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