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Celtic Blood #3
Highland Vengeance
Everything Gruoch loves has turned to ash.Scotland, 1032With Gillacoemgain gone, Gruoch rides north with her newborn son and a broken heart. While she desperately clings to hope, Gruoch’s new alliance with Macbeth proves more challenging than she ever anticipated. Only her unexpected reunion with an important person from her past offers solace. All may yet be well, but the raven’s wary eyes cannot help but notice clouds gathering on the horizon.Continue Gruoch’s epic saga in Highland Vengeance, a Scottish Historical Fantasy, Book 3 in The Celtic Blood Series by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2018
1660 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,714 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
September 9, 2018
An abrupt ending, but a satisfying read
Honestly, I wish this series went on for another three books. Another six books! I was reluctant to pick up the first one, thinking a book about Lady Macbeth would be depressing (after all, Lady Macbeth is not the most sympathetic of characters, and we know what end she came to), but Karsak makes Gruoch’s story utterly engrossing, and this Lady Macbeth is NOT the woman you think you know from Shakespeare. Like The Mists of Avalon, it’s a refreshing take on a classic tale, viewed through the women’s lens, at a time when Christianity is starting to take over but the old ways are still strong in Scotland, and magic runs deep.
Deftly told, this series gives a whole new flavor to Shakespeare’s play. And if you, like I did, have let the play hold you back from picking up the first book in this series, I hope you’ll open your mind. This series is one of Karsak’s best. Book Three brings our heroine’s vengeance to a head, culminating in an abrupt ending.
Honestly, I wish this series went on for another three books. Another six books! I was reluctant to pick up the first one, thinking a book about Lady Macbeth would be depressing (after all, Lady Macbeth is not the most sympathetic of characters, and we know what end she came to), but Karsak makes Gruoch’s story utterly engrossing, and this Lady Macbeth is NOT the woman you think you know from Shakespeare. Like The Mists of Avalon, it’s a refreshing take on a classic tale, viewed through the women’s lens, at a time when Christianity is starting to take over but the old ways are still strong in Scotland, and magic runs deep.
Deftly told, this series gives a whole new flavor to Shakespeare’s play. And if you, like I did, have let the play hold you back from picking up the first book in this series, I hope you’ll open your mind. This series is one of Karsak’s best. Book Three brings our heroine’s vengeance to a head, culminating in an abrupt ending.
December 22, 2018
I first feel I should apologize for giving the first two books in this series 3 stars. The more I read, the more I realized the genius of Melanie Karsak. She took an important but rather small character from Shakespeare's MacBeth, and wove her story of Gruoch/Lady MacBeth seamlessly with historical fact and fiction, folklore, and magic. True characters gained quite a different perspective from Karsak's telling. I LOVED IT! Brilliant. Of course the ending (SPOILER ALERT) is far from how the Bard tells it , but I love the Goddess power of it. I love the Druid magic and that all the main characters really lived. What a storyteller! Historical fiction at its most fun.
November 3, 2021
This book picks up right after events from book 2.
I was still reeling from events of book 2 and I was so sad.
We get our first glimpse of Macbeth. He is so changeable, he made me nervous for our poor heroine.
We catch up with old faces and meet new.
I thought this story was quite sad, very emotional.
Well written.
Gruoch tries to deal with the changes in her life, she has a tough time.
I thought some things she only realises later on were fairly obvious but maybe that's due to our foreknowledge of the Macbeth story and my suspicious mind.
Ready for book 4.
I'm still really sad about Gillacoemgain. 💞💕💔
I was still reeling from events of book 2 and I was so sad.
We get our first glimpse of Macbeth. He is so changeable, he made me nervous for our poor heroine.
We catch up with old faces and meet new.
I thought this story was quite sad, very emotional.
Well written.
Gruoch tries to deal with the changes in her life, she has a tough time.
I thought some things she only realises later on were fairly obvious but maybe that's due to our foreknowledge of the Macbeth story and my suspicious mind.
Ready for book 4.
I'm still really sad about Gillacoemgain. 💞💕💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
With this installment in the series, we enter the period where Gruoch finally becomes Lady Macbeth. I don't think that's a spoiler because she's pretty much predestined to be Lady Macbeth from the first novel. This one involves some of the harsher realities of a marriage of convenience (and of being a vassal) in this barbaric time in history.
What I would have liked to see more of was Gruoch utilizing her goddess training to her advantage. What was all that training for anyway, if not to protect her and her own?? The first novel had so much old-world magic in it and in the next two, it seems Gruoch has forgotten all about the power within her. She does eventually come to remember who she is and that becomes very satisfying for the reader. I'm really looking forward to how she uses that in the coming novel(s).
What I would have liked to see more of was Gruoch utilizing her goddess training to her advantage. What was all that training for anyway, if not to protect her and her own?? The first novel had so much old-world magic in it and in the next two, it seems Gruoch has forgotten all about the power within her. She does eventually come to remember who she is and that becomes very satisfying for the reader. I'm really looking forward to how she uses that in the coming novel(s).
May 11, 2020
This book was heartbreaking. The choices that Grouch has made for the sake of her child is just sad. It actually made me cry. All the heartbreak she had to endure in the second book, was continued into the third and it doesn't stop. The choices Grouch made are one she has to live with forever. She will carry those decisions for the rest of her life and they take a toll on her. Its sad to see someone who thought she knew what she wanted, so sad and was forced to make choices that cost her the happiness she wish she had. The ending of this one isn't necessarily a cliff hanger, so I waited about two days before I bought the second book. That was all I could last before I had to know how this series ends.
April 28, 2018
Highland Vengeance
So freaking good!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Melanie Karsak is an amazing author with a fantastic array of series and stories. This is one of them. The characters are phenomenal. I love the way Karsak writes strong female heroes. Corbie is intelligent, powerful, feminine and flawed. It's the flaws that make Karsak's characters relatable and realistic. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. I highly recommend this series and this book.
So freaking good!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Melanie Karsak is an amazing author with a fantastic array of series and stories. This is one of them. The characters are phenomenal. I love the way Karsak writes strong female heroes. Corbie is intelligent, powerful, feminine and flawed. It's the flaws that make Karsak's characters relatable and realistic. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. I highly recommend this series and this book.
March 27, 2021
This was longer than book 2 and much better; I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do have one minor complaint, which is that Gruoch was seemingly unaware of what was, to the reader, an obvious plot point ( ). It seemed out of character for a typically shrewd woman; or else, if the intent was that she knew subconsciously, but was suppressing it, maybe the description should have been tweaked so it wasn't so obvious to the reader.
Anyway, it's a minor point in an otherwise very enjoyable read.
Anyway, it's a minor point in an otherwise very enjoyable read.
June 27, 2020
Best series I've read in a very long time!
This is one of those series you absolutely don't want to end. You want to savor the last book and take your time because you know it is the last you will read of these characters but you cannot. You just can't stop yourself from reading "just one more chapter"!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for these stories!
This is one of those series you absolutely don't want to end. You want to savor the last book and take your time because you know it is the last you will read of these characters but you cannot. You just can't stop yourself from reading "just one more chapter"!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for these stories!
April 21, 2018
Amazing!!
This is a fantastic, historically based drama series which goes beyond anything you could ever imagine! Everyone needs to read this to learn about the old religion and beliefs, as well as societal politics that never made it to the history books.
This is a fantastic, historically based drama series which goes beyond anything you could ever imagine! Everyone needs to read this to learn about the old religion and beliefs, as well as societal politics that never made it to the history books.
December 2, 2018
Powerful Celtic adventure.
If you love all things Celtic, are a fan of the Mists of Avalon, then this series is for you. The story is engaging and full of magic. It reminds is of the old ways.
If you love all things Celtic, are a fan of the Mists of Avalon, then this series is for you. The story is engaging and full of magic. It reminds is of the old ways.
April 12, 2021
I cannot get enough of this series!!!
Highland Vengeance by Melanie Karsak is the 3rd novel in the Celtic Blood series.
Such an emotional ride as Gruouch's destiny is unfolding! I've been completely captivated from the the very beginning and each novel keeps getting better.
Highland Vengeance by Melanie Karsak is the 3rd novel in the Celtic Blood series.
Such an emotional ride as Gruouch's destiny is unfolding! I've been completely captivated from the the very beginning and each novel keeps getting better.
May 20, 2019
ALL HAIL LADY GRUOCH!!!
September 1, 2024
This series is one of my favorites. Karsak vividly brings to life ancient Scotland and tells the story of Macbeth through Gruoch - a strong, powerful woman. I’d say ahead of her time, but we’ve regressed. Women were respected and known as fearless leaders in ancient history. This book brings the formation of the Church into it and Karsak does a great job showing the beginning of the undermining of women brought about by modern religion and its priestly advisors. It’s subtle but powerful to read.
I love the mystical themes running through the story. Every time I put the book down the mists clear and I’m shocked to find myself back in this century. Truly transports you.
I love the mystical themes running through the story. Every time I put the book down the mists clear and I’m shocked to find myself back in this century. Truly transports you.
October 13, 2021
THE CLIFFHANGERS IN THIS SERIES MAKE ME WANT TO DIE or actually just immediately purchase the next book so that’s why I did. I stayed up until 11:50 to finish this one because the end made my heart squeeze and I am obsessed.
This book was probably my favorite of the entire series. Seeing Cerridwen really come into her own, powerful and magical and beautiful, it really was enchanting.
This book was probably my favorite of the entire series. Seeing Cerridwen really come into her own, powerful and magical and beautiful, it really was enchanting.
September 12, 2018
Review
A good read with lots of action and suspense told by the daughter of Boite. An interesting look at life in medieval times: healers, religions, gods, houses, castles, transportation, food, positions, clothing, friendships, families, love, war, weapons, childbirth, hate, and more are all covered.
A good read with lots of action and suspense told by the daughter of Boite. An interesting look at life in medieval times: healers, religions, gods, houses, castles, transportation, food, positions, clothing, friendships, families, love, war, weapons, childbirth, hate, and more are all covered.
June 5, 2018
This is the third book in the series. Gruoch has lost everything - her man, her husband, and her ability to be who she is surrounded by court intrigue and keeping her son safe from those who would want to kill him because who he is.
Gruoch is also Lady Macbeth - more of a historical figure than Shakespeare - though the book is peppered with some of the quotes. She has been shown the future and people in her lives but not always the way she thinks of them.
Though there are typos which threw me every now and then, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the ending. I went back several times since I was reading on Kindle to make sure I had the ending and didn't miss anything and thought to myself "Dang, that was good."
I have added this author to my list to read in the future and look forward to her books - I'm even going to attempt her Alice in Wonderland - though I'm not a big fan of the originals. Great job!
Gruoch is also Lady Macbeth - more of a historical figure than Shakespeare - though the book is peppered with some of the quotes. She has been shown the future and people in her lives but not always the way she thinks of them.
Though there are typos which threw me every now and then, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the ending. I went back several times since I was reading on Kindle to make sure I had the ending and didn't miss anything and thought to myself "Dang, that was good."
I have added this author to my list to read in the future and look forward to her books - I'm even going to attempt her Alice in Wonderland - though I'm not a big fan of the originals. Great job!
November 10, 2018
This third book in the Celtic Blood series, retelling the story of Lady Macbeth, is even more dramatic than the first two, and an excellent read. Other than saying we see Corbie become Lady Macbeth in this book, I'm not going into any more detail about the plot - you can get an idea from the book description and I HATE spoilers!! - but if you've read the first two books in the series you definitely won't want to miss this one... And with its cliffhanger ending, I'm certainly dying to read the next instalment asap! And if you've not started the series yet, why not give book 1 a try - it's not a stuffy Shakespeare story!
I've also now listened to the audiobook of the story, again excellently narrated by Leslie Parkin, and can honestly say it really brings it to life. If you can, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook - you won't regret it!
I've also now listened to the audiobook of the story, again excellently narrated by Leslie Parkin, and can honestly say it really brings it to life. If you can, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook - you won't regret it!
February 7, 2024
MacBeth and Gruoch are married and their marriage is anything but perfect. It's hard for Gruoch to deal with the touch of madness that runs through MacBeth. Gruoch is reunited with her beloved Banquo through the estrangement, but love will have to be put on hold as King Duncan wages war against the north. The book ends in an epic battle that was well written and left me feeling satisfied. Gruoch joined the war in her late husband's armor for vindication, and I wasn't disappointed.
This is a great series, and I'm excited to wrap it up with the 4th and last book soon!
This is a great series, and I'm excited to wrap it up with the 4th and last book soon!
April 14, 2018
Cliffhanger ending! Hoping story continues
Rare is the book series I can’t put down or just quit reading after one or two books. But not The Celtic Blood Series. The story started a bit slow and was somewhat confusing at first and then midway through the story lines began to interweave and I was hooked!
Strong female characters. Would make a great movie.
Rare is the book series I can’t put down or just quit reading after one or two books. But not The Celtic Blood Series. The story started a bit slow and was somewhat confusing at first and then midway through the story lines began to interweave and I was hooked!
Strong female characters. Would make a great movie.
May 5, 2018
Definitely my favorite of the series so far! I always enjoy reading alternate versions of old stories and Macbeth is a great one with so many rich characters and storylines to plumb. The old villain Lady Macbeth is cleverly rewritten with ancient mythology sprinkled in. I’m ready to grab my armor and sword and kick some patriarchal ass!
August 2, 2018
Vengeance is won!
But, I am left wanting. What happens next? Cerridwen, Banquo, MacBeth, Lulach, Crearwy, Madelaine, Tavis...this cannot be the end of this tale. It must not be. Ms. Karsak finish your grand story, don't let these characters go unfinished. Your readers beseech you. We must know. There must be happiness in the end.
But, I am left wanting. What happens next? Cerridwen, Banquo, MacBeth, Lulach, Crearwy, Madelaine, Tavis...this cannot be the end of this tale. It must not be. Ms. Karsak finish your grand story, don't let these characters go unfinished. Your readers beseech you. We must know. There must be happiness in the end.
December 7, 2019
Loving this series!!
I am obsessed with this story!! The combination of history with the added magical world we all hope is out there! It's the best of both worlds. I love a book with one narrative and so much to detail that I can feel myself in the story even with just the mundane stuff of day to day living...do NOT want this series to end...but here I go in the last book
I am obsessed with this story!! The combination of history with the added magical world we all hope is out there! It's the best of both worlds. I love a book with one narrative and so much to detail that I can feel myself in the story even with just the mundane stuff of day to day living...do NOT want this series to end...but here I go in the last book
March 28, 2021
It Just Keeps Getting Better & Better
I read the first book in Kindle Unlimited and was enthralled. I immediately read the other three books. When I could afford it, I bought the whole series so I could read it again and again. It’s that good. I urge those of you who love Scotland, history, magic, and a strong heroine to read this whole series from the beginning.
I read the first book in Kindle Unlimited and was enthralled. I immediately read the other three books. When I could afford it, I bought the whole series so I could read it again and again. It’s that good. I urge those of you who love Scotland, history, magic, and a strong heroine to read this whole series from the beginning.
December 1, 2021
This book didn't disappoint. It really was a fast paced, couldn't put down book. Sometimes, the third book in a series seems to get a lull in it, but this book didn't slow down at all. I'm sad knowing that there is only one more book in this series. I'm loving the story way to much for it to all come to an end so soon. That being said, I can't wait to start book #4!
January 8, 2022
A heroine!
Let the women write their own histories! We`ll get it right, without the absurd translation of men. Is it wrong of me to think this story wS probably much closer to the truth. Go ahead, read it. Let me know if you agree. Who am I? We survived!
Celtic daughter of Fae
Let the women write their own histories! We`ll get it right, without the absurd translation of men. Is it wrong of me to think this story wS probably much closer to the truth. Go ahead, read it. Let me know if you agree. Who am I? We survived!
Celtic daughter of Fae
March 17, 2018
Vengeance mine
To live in a time of vengeance not knowing if friend will turn foe with trade of money, power or both. We think our lives are hard nowadays. To be a woman back then you had to have great strength and strong will. I had such high hopes for Macbeth.
To live in a time of vengeance not knowing if friend will turn foe with trade of money, power or both. We think our lives are hard nowadays. To be a woman back then you had to have great strength and strong will. I had such high hopes for Macbeth.
May 24, 2018
Amazing.
I absolutly loved this series. The way is started to the way it ended. <3 Very well done. Lots of ups and down. Its so easy to love the main character and grieve for her, be happy for her. 10/10 would recommend
I absolutly loved this series. The way is started to the way it ended. <3 Very well done. Lots of ups and down. Its so easy to love the main character and grieve for her, be happy for her. 10/10 would recommend
July 8, 2018
Loved this series! Loved the characters. Loved the story line. Wish there were more so I could follow the Queen! She worked hard, against strong men and won in the end. Good job Melanie Karask!
July 30, 2018
4.5 stars . First two books in the series were 5++ stars! Absolutely loved them . And I loved this one as well, but the first two had me on a different level. Definitely read this series if you are considering it !!
The author is currently writing a fourth book to my understanding :) :) yay!!
The author is currently writing a fourth book to my understanding :) :) yay!!
July 12, 2020
Feeling the Power of the Goddess!
This is the third book in the series. So far it’s by far the meatiest. It slowly built to a thrilling conclusion that made me nearly scream like the Morrigu myself. If you love strong women and worship the Goddess, you will love this book.
This is the third book in the series. So far it’s by far the meatiest. It slowly built to a thrilling conclusion that made me nearly scream like the Morrigu myself. If you love strong women and worship the Goddess, you will love this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews