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Scourge of Scotland
So this is Scotland…the land of the purple heather.
Harriet Hunter is back again, this time battling against time in her final semester of study. Friendships have imploded, boys are on the horizon and the best friends Harriet has come from a time 600 years earlier. Feeling like a fish out of water, Harriet struggles to find her place in her little Tasmanian high school and in her wider world. Ever since her trip back to Verona six months before, Harriet has searched relentlessly for the key to her time travelling ability…does she belong in contemporary reality, or will she go back to the place that feels more like home at time: Verona.
The winter solstice holds part of the secret, propelling Harriet back to the time of Macbeth - straight into a bloody battle for crown and kingdom. With an unexpected guest in tow, Harriet takes on the persona of a travelling noblewoman far from home. But this time it isn’t just mistaken identities and overbearing fathers that she has to battle against. This time its powerful dark magic, murderous intentions and slain kinsmen who cloud Harriet’s vision of what she must accomplish in 11th Century Scotland.
Who is Harriet here to save, and will she succeed before she returns to her own reality?
Price reimagines the classic tragedy of Macbeth from the perspective of a modern woman accustomed to the attitudes and prejudices of her own time: not those of a pre-medieval society.
Harriet Hunter is back again, this time battling against time in her final semester of study. Friendships have imploded, boys are on the horizon and the best friends Harriet has come from a time 600 years earlier. Feeling like a fish out of water, Harriet struggles to find her place in her little Tasmanian high school and in her wider world. Ever since her trip back to Verona six months before, Harriet has searched relentlessly for the key to her time travelling ability…does she belong in contemporary reality, or will she go back to the place that feels more like home at time: Verona.
The winter solstice holds part of the secret, propelling Harriet back to the time of Macbeth - straight into a bloody battle for crown and kingdom. With an unexpected guest in tow, Harriet takes on the persona of a travelling noblewoman far from home. But this time it isn’t just mistaken identities and overbearing fathers that she has to battle against. This time its powerful dark magic, murderous intentions and slain kinsmen who cloud Harriet’s vision of what she must accomplish in 11th Century Scotland.
Who is Harriet here to save, and will she succeed before she returns to her own reality?
Price reimagines the classic tragedy of Macbeth from the perspective of a modern woman accustomed to the attitudes and prejudices of her own time: not those of a pre-medieval society.
252 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2018
10 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Price
7 books12 followersImagine you had the power to change history. Your actions, your decisions, your values will alter the way that history remembers some of our most famous literary characters. What would you do with that power?
Harriet Hunter is a Tasmanian teenager living a normal, carefree life. Until she is catapulted back in time to medieval Verona: into a story of betrayal, love, family feuds and bloodshed. Every decision that Harriet makes is based on her knowledge of Romeo and Juliet – and as she makes her moves, the story threatens to skid out of control. Can Harriet give Romeo and Juliet their happy ending? Or will it all end in tragedy?
“An interesting twist on a classic tale. The book is easy to read and very enjoyable. I particularly liked how I wasn't able to guess where the story was going to take me. The author was able to create strong female characters in time when female empowerment was non-existent. Looking forward to reading Marissa's next book.” – Emma Heywood.
“An excellent read with a very clever storyline. This book had me hooked from the first chapter using a classic story with a modern day twist. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Even though it is classified as for older teens, it will appeal to teens and adults of all ages.” – Kim Williams
Mother of two, Marissa Price, is a high school teacher who also runs The Literature Factory, teaching literacy and creative writing skills to kids in the local community. She is passionate about reading and writing, and hopes to reach out to a new generation of readers through her own stories.
For further information, please contact Marissa Price at theliteraturefactory@hotmail.com.
Further information is available at www.theliteraturefactory.com.au or marissapriceauthor.com.
Harriet Hunter is a Tasmanian teenager living a normal, carefree life. Until she is catapulted back in time to medieval Verona: into a story of betrayal, love, family feuds and bloodshed. Every decision that Harriet makes is based on her knowledge of Romeo and Juliet – and as she makes her moves, the story threatens to skid out of control. Can Harriet give Romeo and Juliet their happy ending? Or will it all end in tragedy?
“An interesting twist on a classic tale. The book is easy to read and very enjoyable. I particularly liked how I wasn't able to guess where the story was going to take me. The author was able to create strong female characters in time when female empowerment was non-existent. Looking forward to reading Marissa's next book.” – Emma Heywood.
“An excellent read with a very clever storyline. This book had me hooked from the first chapter using a classic story with a modern day twist. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Even though it is classified as for older teens, it will appeal to teens and adults of all ages.” – Kim Williams
Mother of two, Marissa Price, is a high school teacher who also runs The Literature Factory, teaching literacy and creative writing skills to kids in the local community. She is passionate about reading and writing, and hopes to reach out to a new generation of readers through her own stories.
For further information, please contact Marissa Price at theliteraturefactory@hotmail.com.
Further information is available at www.theliteraturefactory.com.au or marissapriceauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 8, 2018
Another great book by Marissa. This time she delved into the world of Macbeth. I love how Marissa doesn't just retell a story, but she makes it her own. I didn't know how the story was going to unfold until the very last minute which kept me interested right until the end. I don't know the story of Macbeth as well and Romeo and Juliet but this book has motivated me to read more. I loved how the characters are based on historical figures with background provided at the end of the book. Looking forward to the next installment next year!
March 28, 2019
Completely forgot this book was on my shelf. Picked it up by chance. A hugely enjoyable read. Good writing. Loveable characters. Harriet's awesome and a great role model for young girls. Hope her adventures continue.
November 21, 2025
Scourge of Scotland is an exhilarating, time bending adventure that masterfully blends historical fiction, fantasy, and teen drama. Marissa Price delivers a narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, following Harriet Hunter as she navigates the complexities of modern high school life while grappling with the staggering responsibility of time travel.
Harriet’s journey to 11th-century Scotland is intense and immersive. Price reimagines Macbeth with a fresh lens, placing a modern, independent minded heroine into a world of political intrigue, dark magic, and deadly ambition. The stakes feel immediate, the historical setting vivid, and the characters both past and present are richly drawn. The tension between Harriet’s contemporary mindset and the brutal realities of medieval Scotland adds layers of insight, humor, and suspense.
With themes of courage, self discovery, and the struggle to reconcile identity across time, this book is both a thrilling historical adventure and a deeply relatable story of a young woman finding her place in a complex world. It’s perfect for fans of time travel fantasy and historical re imaginings.
Harriet’s journey to 11th-century Scotland is intense and immersive. Price reimagines Macbeth with a fresh lens, placing a modern, independent minded heroine into a world of political intrigue, dark magic, and deadly ambition. The stakes feel immediate, the historical setting vivid, and the characters both past and present are richly drawn. The tension between Harriet’s contemporary mindset and the brutal realities of medieval Scotland adds layers of insight, humor, and suspense.
With themes of courage, self discovery, and the struggle to reconcile identity across time, this book is both a thrilling historical adventure and a deeply relatable story of a young woman finding her place in a complex world. It’s perfect for fans of time travel fantasy and historical re imaginings.
July 24, 2019
Firstly, I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book. Many many thanks.
Harriet time travels to Scotland to the time of Macbeth. And this time she did not travel alone.
I was really engrossed in this book right from the beginning till the end. I did not know what would happen next and it was an interesting spin on the classic. While I was reading, I was surprised that I was at the end and I really did not want it to end. I would have continued reading on and on and on.
I love historical fiction and this series is one of my favourites. Can't wait for the next one.
Harriet time travels to Scotland to the time of Macbeth. And this time she did not travel alone.
I was really engrossed in this book right from the beginning till the end. I did not know what would happen next and it was an interesting spin on the classic. While I was reading, I was surprised that I was at the end and I really did not want it to end. I would have continued reading on and on and on.
I love historical fiction and this series is one of my favourites. Can't wait for the next one.
November 7, 2018
Love, love, love this! My daughter is enthralled. One minute you are settling down to read, the next it's hours later & your were lost. Just what you want & need from a great book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews