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Jacobite Chronicles #5
Pursuit of Princes
THE FIFTH BOOK IN THE CAPTIVATING SERIES WHICH FOLLOWS THE LIVES OF BETH AND ALEX MACGREGOR, THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.The rebellion is over. Prince Charles is in hiding, the Jacobite clans are scattered to the four winds, and in Inverness the Duke of Cumberland plans a brutal retribution against the Highlanders who rose against his father. His intention; to ensure they can never rise again.Alex, knowing Beth to be dead, leads his men into a vicious war of attrition against the British Redcoats, who have destroyed everything in life he ever held dear. Only his desire for revenge keeps him alive.Meanwhile the Duke of Cumberland is hatching a plan that he is confident will reveal the true identity of Sir Anthony Peters, the man who made a fool of the king, the duke and all society, a man he wishes to capture more than anyone else alive.JOIN THE CONTINUING REBELLION OF THE MACGREGORS AND THEIR FIGHT FOR REVENGE AND SURVIVAL IN…THE JACOBITE CHRONICLES
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2017
421 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Julia Brannan
17 books334 followersJulia has been a voracious reader since childhood, using books to escape the miseries of a turbulent adolescence. After leaving university with a degree in English Language and Literature, she spent her twenties trying to be a sensible and responsible person, even going so far as to work for the Civil Service for six years.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 29, 2017
Another Great Addition to the series
I was very much looking forward to this book and had in my head that this was, unfortunately, the last one in The Jacobite Chronicles - Brannan, I'm so thrilled you didn't end it yet (even if we have to wait until next year).
Once again, Brannan takes you back in time to 18th century England. She masterfully illustrates different view points, while staying true to each character and the situations they find themselves in. Other than that - the series is definitely worth your time if you're an historical fiction fan, but start with book one because they're just a good read.
I was very much looking forward to this book and had in my head that this was, unfortunately, the last one in The Jacobite Chronicles - Brannan, I'm so thrilled you didn't end it yet (even if we have to wait until next year).
Once again, Brannan takes you back in time to 18th century England. She masterfully illustrates different view points, while staying true to each character and the situations they find themselves in. Other than that - the series is definitely worth your time if you're an historical fiction fan, but start with book one because they're just a good read.
August 6, 2017
Engrossing!!!
Again, Julia Brannan has researched and written this latest book in the series with great skill by drawing on the history of Scotland and England after the Battle of Cullendon....or should I say Massacre at Culloden. It made my stomach turn....the vicious attempt to exterminate a culture and the genocide of its people is described in detail. It's no wonder the electorate Prince William has gone down in history as the 'Butcher' of Cumberland.
The unconditional love between Alex and Beth is written with great feeling...made me tear up on more than one occasion as I read this outstanding book. The plot is intelligent and the book was hard to put down. Although fiction, I can readily believe such commitment and sorrow played out during this ugly time when politics and religion merged into such a bloody clash in this era.
Do we never learn? I wholeheartedly and urge readers of history and historical fiction to read this amazing series. I personally would pay almost any price to read the next installment of this series and congratulate the author on her ability to bring us into this era and educate in doing so!
Again, Julia Brannan has researched and written this latest book in the series with great skill by drawing on the history of Scotland and England after the Battle of Cullendon....or should I say Massacre at Culloden. It made my stomach turn....the vicious attempt to exterminate a culture and the genocide of its people is described in detail. It's no wonder the electorate Prince William has gone down in history as the 'Butcher' of Cumberland.
The unconditional love between Alex and Beth is written with great feeling...made me tear up on more than one occasion as I read this outstanding book. The plot is intelligent and the book was hard to put down. Although fiction, I can readily believe such commitment and sorrow played out during this ugly time when politics and religion merged into such a bloody clash in this era.
Do we never learn? I wholeheartedly and urge readers of history and historical fiction to read this amazing series. I personally would pay almost any price to read the next installment of this series and congratulate the author on her ability to bring us into this era and educate in doing so!
January 13, 2025
The “Pursuit of Princes” kept me reading and reading to get to the finish. After finishing Book 4, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Some startling events occurred. (No spoilers). It was tough going at times though reading about the Battle of Culloden and the ongoing destruction of the rebel’s homes and families (by the British redcoats) in the aftermath was truly horrifying. The treatment of prisoners in the Tower of London, wasn’t good however it was way beyond that in Newgate prison. I look forward to read how the author (Julia Brannan) wraps up these chronicles in Book 6!
February 22, 2025
Book 5 of 6 covers several POVs scattered across the UK.
Alex, Angus, and Ian are fulfilling their blood oath to Maggie and taking out redcoats when they’re able, guerilla warfare style and I’m here for it with help of course from Graham, Kenneth, and a few others.
Richard is terrorizing the people of the highlands and his own men like the sadistic prick he is.
We spend some time with Caroline and Edwin, as well as Sarah and a little of Anne, Philippa, and the wonderful Harriet. In fact, Richard comes home on leave expecting Anne to be there to beat up on and sexually assault, only to find the above mentioned people including Oliver, Philippa’s husband, in his house preventing him.
And we see the darker side of some of the British army higher ups and how they treat their prisoners but one in particular.
I am leaving out a solid 25-30% of the POVs because, well, I have to.
But I think the pacing of this book is solid. There’s very little downtime, and that’s only to kind of give you historical background or for the characters to plot. Nearly all of the main or runner up characters are solid, as they have been most of the series; I mean take Richard for example. He is a piece of shit but is written so well that I feel fury when he comes up, long before he actually does something terrible to another person. Alex is written as a man you would follow anywhere because he nearly always fully explains himself and his reasonings, and you know he’d never sell you short intentionally. Even Angus, being so like his older brother, inspires great loyalty. I think Lady Caroline is an angel. Watching her struggle with her loyalty to King and Country but also her concern, compassion, and friendship with her former friends turned traitor just proves again that Julia Brannan is a wonderful writer who refuses to give you blank, flat characters.
Also, it's worthwhile to note that if you've read the Outlander series, I think Diana Gabaldon made Prince Charles seem an utter fool; even at the beginning of Dragonfly I wondered how on Earth he got as far as he did. But Julia Brannan presents Charles in such a way that if you have any Jacobite supporting tendencies (for the series and time period of course, not now in the 2020's lol) you would not hesitate to follow him. I'm sure the truth lay somewhere in between, but I've done some generic, slightly more than surface level searches over the last couple of years, and history does show that the Bonny Prince would have made a good ruler. He was charismatic, he inspired loyalty, he was kind and respectful across the board. But I digress.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
Reread completed 2/21/25
Man this one is so sad. Cumberland's "pacification" of the Highlands is heart-wrenching. Alex learning to live without Beth is gutting. Angus and Alex trying to move forward without their brother. Lochiel's got two broken legs, Prince Charles is on the run and hiding. John Murray has been captured and is assumably giving up the rebels so far not captured. Everything and every one is in complete disarray; is the rising done? Will King Louie come through?
Caroline and Edwin offer a nice viewpoint though, regarding the feudal system the highlands were still operating under, and how no matter what people think of King George at least he's got parliament to help hold him in check. Would King James abolish all other forms of government and rule as a single monarch? He wouldn't force Catholicism on everyone, I believe that, but what about unchecked power? He couldn't even get his rising off the ground, he didn't fight for his throne, he doesn't seem to be capable of being a good leader. Prince Charles though, I think he had it in him, though he was clearly very spoiled even if he was willing and able to get down in the mud and muck with the highland clans. At some point in this story, he's crying to Lochiel I think, maybe Alex as well, about the "tuppence" his father or King Louie expect him to live on, and the Scots are just like "are you fucking kidding me, do you know how many of our people were killed in the battle, and after the battle, and how many have been imprisoned, or are starving with their villages burned down around them?" but they don't say it. Though I sure af would.
Idk. Big spoiler in this one similar to book one, beginning of two, so I can't tell you anything about it otherwise it ruins all sorts of shit. Excellent series, excellent characters, I just love everything about them!
Alex, Angus, and Ian are fulfilling their blood oath to Maggie and taking out redcoats when they’re able, guerilla warfare style and I’m here for it with help of course from Graham, Kenneth, and a few others.
Richard is terrorizing the people of the highlands and his own men like the sadistic prick he is.
We spend some time with Caroline and Edwin, as well as Sarah and a little of Anne, Philippa, and the wonderful Harriet. In fact, Richard comes home on leave expecting Anne to be there to beat up on and sexually assault, only to find the above mentioned people including Oliver, Philippa’s husband, in his house preventing him.
And we see the darker side of some of the British army higher ups and how they treat their prisoners but one in particular.
I am leaving out a solid 25-30% of the POVs because, well, I have to.
But I think the pacing of this book is solid. There’s very little downtime, and that’s only to kind of give you historical background or for the characters to plot. Nearly all of the main or runner up characters are solid, as they have been most of the series; I mean take Richard for example. He is a piece of shit but is written so well that I feel fury when he comes up, long before he actually does something terrible to another person. Alex is written as a man you would follow anywhere because he nearly always fully explains himself and his reasonings, and you know he’d never sell you short intentionally. Even Angus, being so like his older brother, inspires great loyalty. I think Lady Caroline is an angel. Watching her struggle with her loyalty to King and Country but also her concern, compassion, and friendship with her former friends turned traitor just proves again that Julia Brannan is a wonderful writer who refuses to give you blank, flat characters.
Also, it's worthwhile to note that if you've read the Outlander series, I think Diana Gabaldon made Prince Charles seem an utter fool; even at the beginning of Dragonfly I wondered how on Earth he got as far as he did. But Julia Brannan presents Charles in such a way that if you have any Jacobite supporting tendencies (for the series and time period of course, not now in the 2020's lol) you would not hesitate to follow him. I'm sure the truth lay somewhere in between, but I've done some generic, slightly more than surface level searches over the last couple of years, and history does show that the Bonny Prince would have made a good ruler. He was charismatic, he inspired loyalty, he was kind and respectful across the board. But I digress.
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
Reread completed 2/21/25
Man this one is so sad. Cumberland's "pacification" of the Highlands is heart-wrenching. Alex learning to live without Beth is gutting. Angus and Alex trying to move forward without their brother. Lochiel's got two broken legs, Prince Charles is on the run and hiding. John Murray has been captured and is assumably giving up the rebels so far not captured. Everything and every one is in complete disarray; is the rising done? Will King Louie come through?
Caroline and Edwin offer a nice viewpoint though, regarding the feudal system the highlands were still operating under, and how no matter what people think of King George at least he's got parliament to help hold him in check. Would King James abolish all other forms of government and rule as a single monarch? He wouldn't force Catholicism on everyone, I believe that, but what about unchecked power? He couldn't even get his rising off the ground, he didn't fight for his throne, he doesn't seem to be capable of being a good leader. Prince Charles though, I think he had it in him, though he was clearly very spoiled even if he was willing and able to get down in the mud and muck with the highland clans. At some point in this story, he's crying to Lochiel I think, maybe Alex as well, about the "tuppence" his father or King Louie expect him to live on, and the Scots are just like "are you fucking kidding me, do you know how many of our people were killed in the battle, and after the battle, and how many have been imprisoned, or are starving with their villages burned down around them?" but they don't say it. Though I sure af would.
Idk. Big spoiler in this one similar to book one, beginning of two, so I can't tell you anything about it otherwise it ruins all sorts of shit. Excellent series, excellent characters, I just love everything about them!
March 5, 2023
I started book 1 in the series unsure of whether I wanted to read about the Jacobites again, but the entire series so far has exceeded my expectations! Book 5 takes a turn in a different direction from the previous books and there are enough twists and turns to make it hard to predict how the book will end. Even so, I found the book difficult to read at times; it was an awful time in history full of brutality and suffering. There are several scenes of violence that are so graphic I had to skip over them and that's why I couldn't give it 5 stars. Since most of those are related to a fictional character, I'm not sure they enhance the story. But there were also some very satisfying sub-plots with nice surprises and a few unfinished ones that I hope will be resolved in Book 6, which I have just started and am already enjoying.
March 13, 2022
The Battle of Culloden is surely destined for the history books but more immediately the devastation caused by its aftermath has reverberated through the Jacobites like shockwaves from a massive explosion. With the rebel army defeated, the Duke of Cumberland has ordered his Redcoats to burn the rebel's homes, destroy their crops and kill their livestock, leaving their women and children with no place to live so they will starve or die from exposure, or both. But Alex MacGregor's small band of men has not surrendered and never will. Believing Beth was killed at Culloden, Alex swears a blood oath to avenge her death.
Recovering from a gunshot wound and subsequent surgery, Beth is kept in the Tower of London until the Duke has her transferred to Newgate prison, thinking the privation will cause her to give up Sir Anthony's identity. When she remains silent and expresses contempt for the Duke he has her put in solitary confinement under torturous conditions. Since Alex hasn't come for her as he promised, Beth believes he is dead and wants only to join him in death. And she comes dangerously close to realizing her death wish.
"Pursuit of Princes" is Book five in The Jacobite Chronicles and again had me up reading well into the wee morning hours. The reappearance of the now Captain Richard Cunningham imbues this book with a sense of dread and despair at the malevolence his character exudes and the danger he poses to Beth. Then there is the quieter evil but no less malignant nature of the Duke of Cumberland masquerading as a civilized man. Au contraire! He just covers his tracks better than Richard. Plausible deniability and all that. Five stars.
Do I now plunge into the final book six or take a breather with something a little lighter, hmm?
Recovering from a gunshot wound and subsequent surgery, Beth is kept in the Tower of London until the Duke has her transferred to Newgate prison, thinking the privation will cause her to give up Sir Anthony's identity. When she remains silent and expresses contempt for the Duke he has her put in solitary confinement under torturous conditions. Since Alex hasn't come for her as he promised, Beth believes he is dead and wants only to join him in death. And she comes dangerously close to realizing her death wish.
"Pursuit of Princes" is Book five in The Jacobite Chronicles and again had me up reading well into the wee morning hours. The reappearance of the now Captain Richard Cunningham imbues this book with a sense of dread and despair at the malevolence his character exudes and the danger he poses to Beth. Then there is the quieter evil but no less malignant nature of the Duke of Cumberland masquerading as a civilized man. Au contraire! He just covers his tracks better than Richard. Plausible deniability and all that. Five stars.
Do I now plunge into the final book six or take a breather with something a little lighter, hmm?
January 24, 2021
I was very excited when this next book in the series was released in audio! Jacobite Chronicles is a shining example of what Historical Romance can be! Julia Brannan has done her research and beautifully weaves her wonderful story with her vibrant, complex characters into historically accurate occurrences and people from that time in history. Pursuit of Princes begins after the Battle on Culloden Moor, in a time of absolutely devastating loss and absolutely abhorrent treatment of the Scottish people following the rising. The characters we have grown to love throughout this series are struggling mightily to recover from seemingly insurmountable odds. I experienced the full gambit of emotional responses throughout this book and cannot wait to see what happens next in this exciting adventure!
Let’s talk about the performances! Wow! Duet narration (Will voicing all of the male parts and Lucy voicing all of the female parts) is my jam, and Will Watt once again delivered phenomenal flawless performances of multiple accents ranging from Scottish with exquisite Gaelic to multiple British accents representing the varied ages, social classes, and regions. Just WOW! Lucy Rayner is a new narrator to me and she did an excellent job! I look forward to listening to more of her work.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book so I can find out what happens to all of these wonderful characters! I very highly and enthusiastically recommend this entire series!
Let’s talk about the performances! Wow! Duet narration (Will voicing all of the male parts and Lucy voicing all of the female parts) is my jam, and Will Watt once again delivered phenomenal flawless performances of multiple accents ranging from Scottish with exquisite Gaelic to multiple British accents representing the varied ages, social classes, and regions. Just WOW! Lucy Rayner is a new narrator to me and she did an excellent job! I look forward to listening to more of her work.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book so I can find out what happens to all of these wonderful characters! I very highly and enthusiastically recommend this entire series!
November 27, 2025
What a series The Jacobite Chronicles has been so far, and WHAT A BOOK The Pursuit of Princes, its fifth installment, was!
You know when your protagonists are at their lowest, and the bad guys keep winning, and you're just waiting for the latter to get what they deserve? Well, let me just say the author DELIVERS! It was one of the few moments in my life when I felt such huge satisfaction from reading the ending of a book. I'm not a violent person by any means, but my God, I cherished every moment of that last chapter/scene!
Overall, this book hit all the right notes. The separation between certain characters kept the tension and emotional stakes sky-high. There was grief, heartbreak, and gut-wrenching realism in the depictions of the Jacobites’ suffering at the hands of the British army. And through it all, there was this incredible cast of characters that made everything feel so real and, at times, relatable! I swear the character development continues to blow me away with each book.
An honorable mention would have to go to Caroline and Sarah, who, among others, were the real heroes of the story. Their bravery, devotion, and loyalty will forever be etched in my heart.
You know when your protagonists are at their lowest, and the bad guys keep winning, and you're just waiting for the latter to get what they deserve? Well, let me just say the author DELIVERS! It was one of the few moments in my life when I felt such huge satisfaction from reading the ending of a book. I'm not a violent person by any means, but my God, I cherished every moment of that last chapter/scene!
Overall, this book hit all the right notes. The separation between certain characters kept the tension and emotional stakes sky-high. There was grief, heartbreak, and gut-wrenching realism in the depictions of the Jacobites’ suffering at the hands of the British army. And through it all, there was this incredible cast of characters that made everything feel so real and, at times, relatable! I swear the character development continues to blow me away with each book.
An honorable mention would have to go to Caroline and Sarah, who, among others, were the real heroes of the story. Their bravery, devotion, and loyalty will forever be etched in my heart.
November 27, 2017
Okay, but.... (spoilers?)
I’m really tempted to take off a star. Why? Well, the good news is that this is mostly a good read, like the previous entries. The bad news has to do with the ending - there isn’t one!
What do I mean? Well, this is the Jacobite Chronicles. After Culloden (book 4), the Jacobite cause was basically dead. So I was assuming this volume would bring us to final resolutions for the various plot threads and sign off. But at the end, although many threads have been handled, the story is set up to continue into book 6 - and beyond? So when will the “Jacobite” chronicles end?
I expected a series with that name to end after the era ends. I was expecting some satisfying or sad conclusions. Now I see it’s intended to just go on, in the way the Hitchhiker’s Trilogy continued after book 3, if not quite so amusingly.
I’m really tempted to take off a star. Why? Well, the good news is that this is mostly a good read, like the previous entries. The bad news has to do with the ending - there isn’t one!
What do I mean? Well, this is the Jacobite Chronicles. After Culloden (book 4), the Jacobite cause was basically dead. So I was assuming this volume would bring us to final resolutions for the various plot threads and sign off. But at the end, although many threads have been handled, the story is set up to continue into book 6 - and beyond? So when will the “Jacobite” chronicles end?
I expected a series with that name to end after the era ends. I was expecting some satisfying or sad conclusions. Now I see it’s intended to just go on, in the way the Hitchhiker’s Trilogy continued after book 3, if not quite so amusingly.
December 28, 2017
Jacobite Chronicles 1-5
Love the history, love story and the action. Amazing writing staying with true history taking only small liberties. Great summaries at the beginning of each book. Waiting not so patiently for book 6! Wondering if “The Tides of Fortune” is the final in the series??? Book five deals with the incarceration of Beth at New Gate prison and what she endures and Alex healing from wounds from the battle at Culloden on April 16,1745. Beth was shot in the head a presumed dead but was saved by Prince William his self and returned to England with him with the care of his surgeon. When she recuperated she was interrogated on several occasions but never gave any pertinent information to the authorities. There are too many twists and turns to mention but I highly recommend this series for history buffs and those who love a strong love story.
Love the history, love story and the action. Amazing writing staying with true history taking only small liberties. Great summaries at the beginning of each book. Waiting not so patiently for book 6! Wondering if “The Tides of Fortune” is the final in the series??? Book five deals with the incarceration of Beth at New Gate prison and what she endures and Alex healing from wounds from the battle at Culloden on April 16,1745. Beth was shot in the head a presumed dead but was saved by Prince William his self and returned to England with him with the care of his surgeon. When she recuperated she was interrogated on several occasions but never gave any pertinent information to the authorities. There are too many twists and turns to mention but I highly recommend this series for history buffs and those who love a strong love story.
August 11, 2025
Awesome read!
I really enjoyed this book. I've been engrossed by the story and really appreciate the detail and historical accuracy. It has also increased my vocabulary, as it often uses words that are no longer used today. The only thing I find frustrating is not knowing Gaelic and therefore not only not knowing how to pronounce the statements, but what they are saying and not being able to find out, leaving only "context clues" to figure it out. I DO appreciate the times when it IS translated in the following text. Overall though, I am really glad I found this series and am looking forward to reading the last book, hoping Beth and Alex will somehow find each other again.
I really enjoyed this book. I've been engrossed by the story and really appreciate the detail and historical accuracy. It has also increased my vocabulary, as it often uses words that are no longer used today. The only thing I find frustrating is not knowing Gaelic and therefore not only not knowing how to pronounce the statements, but what they are saying and not being able to find out, leaving only "context clues" to figure it out. I DO appreciate the times when it IS translated in the following text. Overall though, I am really glad I found this series and am looking forward to reading the last book, hoping Beth and Alex will somehow find each other again.
September 17, 2017
This was an excellent addition to the series, and I wish 2018 was here now so I could get my hands on the next one! I started this series a few years ago because of my love of Outlander and interest in this period of history (The Jacobite Uprising of '45 and the years leading up to & following it), but this series stands completely on it's own. It is definitely worth a read for fans of Outlander, but also for anyone who enjoys well researched historical fiction that also includes some mystery and romance!
Definitely recommend starting with Book 1 (Mask of Duplicity) and reading the series in it's entirety!
Definitely recommend starting with Book 1 (Mask of Duplicity) and reading the series in it's entirety!
May 20, 2024
Riveting but Brutal
This next to last episode of the Jacobite Chronicles deals primarily with the aftermath of the unsuccessful Scottish rising for the Stuart king. Naturally, it does so in the context of the characters I've come to know and care about in one way or another over the previous four books. Even without Brannan's vivid descriptions of Richard's depravity, the English reprisals against the Scots are horrific and amount to genocide on a scale only slightly smaller than those intended to exterminate the Irish. Now, on to the last book, which I fervently hope is a more pleasant read than this one. Slainte!
This next to last episode of the Jacobite Chronicles deals primarily with the aftermath of the unsuccessful Scottish rising for the Stuart king. Naturally, it does so in the context of the characters I've come to know and care about in one way or another over the previous four books. Even without Brannan's vivid descriptions of Richard's depravity, the English reprisals against the Scots are horrific and amount to genocide on a scale only slightly smaller than those intended to exterminate the Irish. Now, on to the last book, which I fervently hope is a more pleasant read than this one. Slainte!
August 1, 2017
WOW
Not too long ago I read book 1 in this series which prompted me to purchase books 2, 3 and 4, and went on a ready binge. Finally book 5 came out, and I just finished it. Now, I must wait till Spring 2018 to see what happens next. All I will say is: if you love Scotland's history with the Jacobite battles, and if you so enjoyed Outlander, then you WILL LOVE this series. The characters are so real, I feel like I was right there in the story. I cannot say enough, nor will I tell the story. That is for you to read.
Not too long ago I read book 1 in this series which prompted me to purchase books 2, 3 and 4, and went on a ready binge. Finally book 5 came out, and I just finished it. Now, I must wait till Spring 2018 to see what happens next. All I will say is: if you love Scotland's history with the Jacobite battles, and if you so enjoyed Outlander, then you WILL LOVE this series. The characters are so real, I feel like I was right there in the story. I cannot say enough, nor will I tell the story. That is for you to read.
August 7, 2017
Just finished Pursuit of Princes by Julia Brannan and cannot wait for the next book. (not pushing Julia but this is a bit of a cliffhanger) In Pursuit of Princes we are treated to the aftermath of Culloden.
The book was well researched and brings out the brutal treatment of the Highlanders (the loyal Jacobites and those who fought for the British army) which eventually earned the Duke of Cumberland the nickname of Butcher. It also highlights the horrific conditions of the prisons at this time.
The book was well researched and brings out the brutal treatment of the Highlanders (the loyal Jacobites and those who fought for the British army) which eventually earned the Duke of Cumberland the nickname of Butcher. It also highlights the horrific conditions of the prisons at this time.
August 30, 2017
Be prepared .....
I have so enjoyed this series... this one is paced slightly differently too the others. Because the characters have all been separated , you are flitting from one to the other. This in no way is detrimental to the story. Quite the opposite. At first you get lulled into an easy pace, then wham, once again the author throws in a , I've got too know what happens next again and again. With twists ,as a bonus thrown in. Once again the biggest disappointment is the book ends and we now have too wait for the next instalment. Jo
I have so enjoyed this series... this one is paced slightly differently too the others. Because the characters have all been separated , you are flitting from one to the other. This in no way is detrimental to the story. Quite the opposite. At first you get lulled into an easy pace, then wham, once again the author throws in a , I've got too know what happens next again and again. With twists ,as a bonus thrown in. Once again the biggest disappointment is the book ends and we now have too wait for the next instalment. Jo
April 13, 2018
Another winner in this captivating series! The saga is compelling, and the author uses the characters to explain the feelings and justifications of both sides of the conflict. The descriptions of the prisons and the treatment of those in captivity as well as the brutality of the English soldiers gave me chills. Lots of sub-plots as well. It was one of those books that I hated to finish, but I couldn't wait to see how things would unfold. Can't wait for the next book...this series really has it all!
March 3, 2020
❤❤❤❤❤ These books have had me hooked since page 1 of book 1 and this installment was no different. It draws you in,and you feel the characters emotions. This book take on such a journey through the highlands at such a devastating period of time, and it's such a page Turner that I have found myself soo sucked into pages and story that when I look up, its way past my bed time lol (3 am). I also love how she tells the true history part at the end of each book. I highly recommend this entire series.
March 29, 2020
Brannan is a master of using dialogue
Conversations are key to moving this saga forward. Personalities and circumstances emerge throughout Brannan’s expert use of the voices and thoughts of her characters. I feel when they feel, fear as they do, cringe, love and rejoice when they do. I want to be ‘in’ this story and have difficulty coming back to reality when I put the book down. I cheer for those who have trustworthy characters and jeer any who are ‘bad to the bone.’ With talent to turn a phase, quip a retort and pour out sarcasm, Brannan paints her characters in bold, vibrant colors by what comes out of their mouths throughout the entire series of books. With nearly no editing mistakes, along with impeccable vocabulary, the books in this series are above most ebooks. I am impressed with so many expanded storylines that slip in to enhance the plot seamlessly. My thoughts of “Boy, I didn’t see that coming!” occurred frequently, followed with appreciation that the story was definitely richer and would not have been so satisfying without it.
Conversations are key to moving this saga forward. Personalities and circumstances emerge throughout Brannan’s expert use of the voices and thoughts of her characters. I feel when they feel, fear as they do, cringe, love and rejoice when they do. I want to be ‘in’ this story and have difficulty coming back to reality when I put the book down. I cheer for those who have trustworthy characters and jeer any who are ‘bad to the bone.’ With talent to turn a phase, quip a retort and pour out sarcasm, Brannan paints her characters in bold, vibrant colors by what comes out of their mouths throughout the entire series of books. With nearly no editing mistakes, along with impeccable vocabulary, the books in this series are above most ebooks. I am impressed with so many expanded storylines that slip in to enhance the plot seamlessly. My thoughts of “Boy, I didn’t see that coming!” occurred frequently, followed with appreciation that the story was definitely richer and would not have been so satisfying without it.
July 28, 2017
Historical fiction at its best
This 5th book in this marvelous series, is Julia's best yet. I have read many books on this time in Scottish history and I have to say Jullia's recounting of it, through the lives of Alex, Beth and their friends, family and clan. It is th.e best recounting of those desperate times for the highlanders, at the hands of Butcher Billy Cumberland. I am now waiting eagerly for the next installment of this excellent series.
This 5th book in this marvelous series, is Julia's best yet. I have read many books on this time in Scottish history and I have to say Jullia's recounting of it, through the lives of Alex, Beth and their friends, family and clan. It is th.e best recounting of those desperate times for the highlanders, at the hands of Butcher Billy Cumberland. I am now waiting eagerly for the next installment of this excellent series.
November 17, 2017
Pursuit of Princes by Julia Brannan has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
"I love this series! It is so very well done, well written and very well thought-out. Truly, I cannot think of a moment when I was not engaged and interested; the characters and descriptions are colorful and imaginative; the dialogue is excellent and realistic. Book 5 is terrific!"
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"I love this series! It is so very well done, well written and very well thought-out. Truly, I cannot think of a moment when I was not engaged and interested; the characters and descriptions are colorful and imaginative; the dialogue is excellent and realistic. Book 5 is terrific!"
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
January 10, 2018
Good reading!
I gave this series of books a 5 star rating because I was so engrossed in the story I couldn't stop reading it. At first I thought the list of characters was so long that I would never be able to remember who was who. The author made following the characters easy by capturing the essence of each one of them. I recommend this series to anyone who is interested in history, romance, society, and how different social classes interact.
I gave this series of books a 5 star rating because I was so engrossed in the story I couldn't stop reading it. At first I thought the list of characters was so long that I would never be able to remember who was who. The author made following the characters easy by capturing the essence of each one of them. I recommend this series to anyone who is interested in history, romance, society, and how different social classes interact.
September 7, 2018
I wasn’t sure I would like Pursuit of Princes. With the rebellion all but over, I couldn’t see this series becoming anything other than a traditional romance. How wrong I was…
The Pursuit of Princes was actually one of my favourite books of the series. With the characters now split across several locations and in very different situations, we “saw” each of them at their very best and/or worst. It was at times incredibly sad and horribly violent.
I am still slightly ambivalent to Alex, I liked Anthony much more (I accept that the kindnesses I liked in Anthony were actually glimpses of Alex - but Alex sometimes has a surly side that I didn't see with Anthony), but it was great to see Angus step up, and I love Kenneth and Graeme. Beth has to be one of the most courageous fictional characters in historical fiction - she is amazing. Sarah and Carolyn are the most wonderful friends, and Richard and Newcastle the most evil enemies.
I loved this book. I can’t wait to start Tides of Fortune.
The Pursuit of Princes was actually one of my favourite books of the series. With the characters now split across several locations and in very different situations, we “saw” each of them at their very best and/or worst. It was at times incredibly sad and horribly violent.
I am still slightly ambivalent to Alex, I liked Anthony much more (I accept that the kindnesses I liked in Anthony were actually glimpses of Alex - but Alex sometimes has a surly side that I didn't see with Anthony), but it was great to see Angus step up, and I love Kenneth and Graeme. Beth has to be one of the most courageous fictional characters in historical fiction - she is amazing. Sarah and Carolyn are the most wonderful friends, and Richard and Newcastle the most evil enemies.
I loved this book. I can’t wait to start Tides of Fortune.
June 9, 2022
Book five continues the story of the last Jacobite rebellion. It takes place during the year immediately after the battle of Culloden. This book was so hard to read because of the many atrocities committed by the English army. It still amazes me how cruel some people can be toward others and the inhumane way they can treat other human beings. However, I liked the way this novel ended, and now I can’t wait to start book six.
February 17, 2025
I can't put this series down. Wonderful, strong, colourful characters that keep growing throughout this historically based saga. Julia Brannan weaves intriguing characters, love, passion, sacrifice, deception war and the struggle to survive and triumph in every page.
I have already started the final book in this series and will be sorry when I finish it as I will miss the world that it takes me to.
I have already started the final book in this series and will be sorry when I finish it as I will miss the world that it takes me to.
January 29, 2018
This was the best book of the series, simply because it actually followed up on the well developed secondary characters from the series. So often I feel like authors leave behind characters and you are left wondering what happened to them. This was a nice way to include them without it feeling tedious and moved the story along. I'm eager to read the final novel in the series later this year.
January 30, 2018
Great suspense ends with surprise
The book describes the Scots continued rebellion after Cullegon battle, with the proscribed McGregor Clan, while unknown to th clan the chietains pregnant wife Elizabeth is being tortured and starved in Londen, to give up the true Idenity of her husband.
The book describes the Scots continued rebellion after Cullegon battle, with the proscribed McGregor Clan, while unknown to th clan the chietains pregnant wife Elizabeth is being tortured and starved in Londen, to give up the true Idenity of her husband.
August 31, 2020
This series is soooo good!!! I highly recommend it. I’m bumming that the next book (#6) is the last. I don’t want it to end!!! Incredible historical detail. Incredible writing. Wonderful characters that jump off the page. A fabulous love story. All around excellence. I’m so glad I came across the first book Mask of Duplicity because it’s been a great ride!
July 13, 2024
A heartbreaking Story
Book 5 of The Jacobite Chronicles pulls at the heartstrings and I cried so much. Be prepared for it as it is upsetting and painful. This author writes so descriptive that it almost feels like you are there and watching it happen in real time. I’m glad I have book 6 ready to go!
Book 5 of The Jacobite Chronicles pulls at the heartstrings and I cried so much. Be prepared for it as it is upsetting and painful. This author writes so descriptive that it almost feels like you are there and watching it happen in real time. I’m glad I have book 6 ready to go!
November 1, 2024
Outstanding strength and loyalty
The strength, respect and loyalty of the female characters in this series is bar none remarkable!
The Highlanders are also above and beyond in their strength, respect and loyalty!
The inclusion of historical facts is another draw to this series.
My hats off to the author!
The strength, respect and loyalty of the female characters in this series is bar none remarkable!
The Highlanders are also above and beyond in their strength, respect and loyalty!
The inclusion of historical facts is another draw to this series.
My hats off to the author!
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