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A warrior in need of redemption. A young woman with scars that time won't heal. A love that will change their lives forever.

Eithni believes herself too damaged to ever find love, and Donnel vows he will never love again. Can they find their way out of the darkness together?


A healer upon Dark Ages Isle of Skye, Eithni enjoys her life with the tribe of The Eagle. However, the scars of the past--and harrowing memories of the man who stole her innocence--make it impossible for her to find happiness.


The 'Battle Eagle', Donnel, is a warrior of renown. Only bitterness has soured his character. He lost his wife in childbirth and now can't even bear to look at his son. The infant is a reminder of the woman he loved and lost. These days Donnel is intent on wreaking vengeance upon the world.


Although cowed by his anger, Eithni challenges Donnel about his bitterness. She's determined to bring father and son together--even if he rejects her help. The Gathering of the Tribes upon the isle that summer changes Eithni and Donnel's lives forever. A chain of events brings them together, forcing them both to change and to open their hearts. But is love enough to heal the wounds of the past?


BATTLE EAGLE is the emotional third book in THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE series. Follow the lives and loves of three warrior brothers: Galan, Tarl and Donnel.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2018

168 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Castel

94 books398 followers
Multi-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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5 stars
191 (51%)
4 stars
125 (33%)
3 stars
46 (12%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie A..
1,245 reviews559 followers
June 20, 2018
4 STARS!
"Come here, lass." There was a tremor in Donnel's voice that she had never heard before, and an aching tenderness.
Lots of sweet romance and adventure in this one!

We're back on the unforgiving Isle of Skye during the 4th Century among the Eagle Tribe (yay! I've been waiting for this one!) for Donnel and Eithni's story. As we know from previous books, neither of them has had an easy time of it:

After tragedy struck two years ago, Donnel has become bitter and bent on self-destruction.
He would grieve no more over his dead wife. But he would make the world pay.
Eithni is a healer who has suffered violence of the worst kind, but is working toward putting her past behind her.
She was tired of cowering.
This reluctant duo was so obviously made for each other, and I LOVED the direction the author took them in to move the plot forward. I'm a total sucker for 'equality' between the hero and heroine.

I really liked that Eithni and Donnel's bitter-sweet relationship was built up with patience, piece by piece. Even though Battle Eagle would probably qualify as a slow burn, I didn't mind at all. The solid writing kept me engaged from beginning to end.
"You expect the earth to carry the stains of battle forever, but as soon as the first rain comes they're washed away."

A cool slender hand enclosed over his forearm. "If only it was the same with us," she replied softly. "If only the rain could wash the past away."
Yes, I'll admit that there was a bit of old-school cheese going on near the end of the story, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. In fact, I really enjoyed this entire series! All three books were very solid reads:

Book 1: Blood Feud 4 STARS
Book 2: Barbarian Slave 4 STARS
Book 3: Battle Eagle 4 STARS

I look forward to more from this author! Eeek! Looks like there will be a spin-off series :D Can't wait!!!
Profile Image for Bev .
2,230 reviews481 followers
June 4, 2018
A sweet, slow burn HR. I've been looking forward to Battle Eagle since Eithni and Donnel were introduced in Galen's book. Both D & E had a lot of healing to do; Donnel to get over the loss of his beloved wife in childbirth, and Eithni after being subjected to rape at the hands of Forcus.

I loved how the author played this, and even forgave Donnel his verbal diarrhoea!

4 stars
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews132 followers
October 8, 2018
Donnel and Eithni finally get their story, and it is a compelling read, full of building attraction and heated looks. These two, because of their past histories, are very, very careful around one another. The lust they generated getting to the "I love you" commitment was juicy. For all that, it wasn't my favorite in the series, I think mainly because the action was way down. In the end, there are finally some battle scenes, and the details were really glossed over, which was a letdown for me. But the feels. They are really explored in this story of two damaged souls healing one another.

I adore the fact that Castel can't leave the Isle of Skye behind and will continue with the next generation. Can. Not. Wait.

3.5 rounded to 4 stars.

Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,557 reviews274 followers
June 3, 2018
4+ "Healing" Stars!

I really enjoyed this story a lot. It was a bit slow at times and it was definitely a slow burn romance. But given both Donnel's and Eithni's past, slow was called for.

I'd loved both these MC from book 1 and I desperately wanted them both to heal and find lasting love. This is a standalone, but for the greatest enjoyment, I think reading the series in order is best. Happy reading!

Reading Order: Blood Feud (The Warrior Brothers of Skye #1) by Jayne Castel Barbarian Slave (The Warrior Brothers of Skye #2) by Jayne Castel Battle Eagle (The Warrior Brothers of Skye #3) by Jayne Castel
Profile Image for Laura Elizabeth.
620 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2018
The first two books in this series were pretty good. This one was meh for me.
Profile Image for Jan.
1,105 reviews249 followers
December 16, 2020
3.5 stars. Interesting setting - Isle of Skye in the 300s. Strong characters and a decent romance. I read this book for my December 2020 read for HRBC Romance Across the Ages challenge: Ancient World. I have now read the complete trilogy.
28 reviews
August 14, 2018
Having loved the first two books in the Warrior Brothers of Skye, and already been drawn into the tragedies that surrounded both Donnel macMuin and Eithni, I was looking forward to reading this story - and it didn't disappoint.

Donnel macMuin is a renewed warrior of the Eagle tribe on the dramatic isle of Skye who lost his wife in childbirth. He can not bring himself to look at his son, who robbed him of his love, and has poured all his anger and despair into fighting, winning himself a great name as a warrior. Only his self-destructive path brings trouble for his tribe.

Eithni was left physically and emotionally scarred after her brutal treatment at the hands of the treacherous leader of the Wolf tribe (now dead). A skilled healer, she has set up a new life among the Eagle tribe, hoping to forget her past.

Her great empathy and passion for healing draws her to Donnel, only the self-destructive warrior rebuffs her every attempt to help him.

Battle Eagle is a fast-paced, intriguing and heart warming story that draws you into the world of Dark Ages Scotland. I thoroughly recommend.
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
731 reviews14 followers
June 6, 2018
Donnel macMuin had lost his wife and he could not stand looking at his son. He sent him to live with a family in the fort. He is angry, bitter and wants vengeance. Eithni was a member of the Wolf but because of circumstances, she had left and came to live among the Eagles. She was a healer and was welcome everywhere. She thought Donnel a most handsome man but she did not want any man.
This was an interesting story about these people who lived so long ago and the hardships they went thru. I enjoyed the tale of the three brothers, Donnel, Galen, Tarl, the struggle, and joy with each other and their families. The characters you begin to like right away and cheer them on. The descriptions of the mountains, the meadows, and the forests were superb. The plot gets a little complicated such as when they go to the Gathering of the clans, things get very difficult, so many Alpha men. I have enjoyed other books by this author and I have never been disappointed.

I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
1,005 reviews603 followers
December 28, 2023
I liked this book best of all.

My emotions around Donnell flip-flopped between book one and book 2. In book 1 I found him to be a good character that was easy to like. But when his circumstances changed he became a bitter, selfish asshole. The time I ended booked two, he definitely was not my favorite character. So I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about coming into this book, knowing I didn’t liked him (particularly around the way he completely cut his infant son out of his life and didn’t want anything to do with his own child.)

Donnell made some very selfish choices. When he was exiled and forced away from his family, that’s when I felt the book really started to get good. He and Eithini both needed to address the issues from their past, and their separation from their families allowed them to do that.

It’s a slow burn for these two, but I felt that was needed given Eithini‘s past rape that she had to face.

I felt there was the most growth with this couple, and appreciated their story.

Overall, this was a good series.
102 reviews
March 18, 2019
Battle against himself.

Donnel has a hard time losing his beloved wife and goes on raging against the world. He fights every one and it affects his relationship with his brothers. Eithni tries to get him to reach out to his son. She is equally angry and frightened by him. But then Loxa comes along from the Boar Tribe and doesn't accept NO from Eithni. He forces himself on her. Donnel saves her twice. But he takes it too far. He is banished from the tribe. Eithni feels responsible and goes with him. It was difficult to survive away from their tribe. But it is a healing experience for them both.
969 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2020
Donnel and eithni

Great story and well written hard to put the books down in this series as you want to know how there going to end donnel was so lost after his first wife die in with child birth sickness which left his young son without a mother and a father as Donnelly blamed his son for his wife's passing and then he had so much hate in comes the healer who save his life they clauses from the get go and once he was banished within followed her but they had their HEA and Donnelly made peace with his family would highly recommend this series would have like to had a little more in the epilogue
Profile Image for Andrea.
11 reviews
February 18, 2019
Good Read

i couldn't wait to read their story. Both Eithnie and Donnel had been broken. I thought it was going to be a bit darker cause of what Eithnie went through . There were times I felt like there was too much details in one or the other and not enough of them together. Towards the last half of the book though, the story really starts to take flight. Towards the end there is such heartfelt moments that the book becomes a very worthy read. Happy to have read this series. Definitely recommend it. But start it at Galans story of you haven't yet.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,306 reviews24 followers
February 9, 2020
Prepare to stay put until the book is finished. This is a fitting conclusion to this series, although I do wish for more. I loved Eithni from her first mention in this series and Donnel was the right one for her. Her physical size was no hint to how strong her character was. His strength, size and warrior status made you expect a brute. You got a wounded lion lashing out at everyone. Watching him regain his hard won equanimity with her patient help made a good red. Now on to her next Skye series, then the Pict series.
15 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2019
Terrific series.

I love the escapism of reading books set in this era. I was totally captivated by this series and had to buy all three books so I could read them straight through. Got to start on the next generation now. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes historical romance fiction. Just enough treachery and violence to make it interesting on more than one level. A well written, easy to read series that provide a good few hours of escapism.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,452 reviews28 followers
August 21, 2019
Bitterness over bravery

Donnel has a fierce temper warring against the world for the lost of his first wife! He is on a path to self destruction! Ethinia is the healer of the tribe and little does she know it in need of healing herself! Donnel anger has him killing an enemy and almost starts a war! Ethinia joins him in his banishment and they slowly begin the journey to heal each other! Tear worthy!
149 reviews
November 5, 2020
WONDERFUL ending

to a great series. Dinner & Eithni story is perhaps my favorite of the three. Two very damaged people coming together to a more perfect life; it took a bit but the writing takes the reader in interesting directions, never in a straight line, and that is what keeps one up at night!!

The Pict Wars, set 20 years later, started me on this journey and I am so glad it did!
Profile Image for Lail.
267 reviews33 followers
January 15, 2019
I have been waiting to read Donnel's story, and I was not diasappointed! I really enjoy Jayne's creativity in the great characters she brings to life, and the heart wrenching, edge of your seat, exciting, and heart warming storylines that make me await her next book! I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review this author's work.
Profile Image for Angela.
569 reviews
March 28, 2021

Wonderful ending to a great series. Donnel & Eithni story is perhaps my favorite of the three. Couldn't put it down. loved both characters, they were broken and healed each other. loved how the relationship between them gradually evolved. loved the part of the book they were surviving alone, facing nature.
So happy for Talor!!

Donnel ❤️ Eithni
2 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2018
Up all night

As good as all the others.I have read all of Jaynes books and not disliked any of them she really brings the past to light in her stories.Cannot wait for the next series.Keep on telling all those stories Jayne.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
June 27, 2018
Can these two Eithni and Donnel who have things in their past learn how to move forward that was the question I wanted to be answered in this well-written story so it kept me turning pages until the end. A book I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
6 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2019
Great characters. Believable story. Great read.

Another great story by Jayne Castel. Characters are interesting. It takes you through a range of powerful emotions, happy, sad, excited, scared. Set in Dark Ages Historical Fiction that is so believable.
Profile Image for Ellie Thomas.
Author 61 books76 followers
March 7, 2020
The third book in this excellent series by Jayne Castel is an excellent combination of romance and historical fiction. By this stage, I feel like I have grown to know the tightly-knit communities on the Pictish Isle of Skye that the author has created. A very enjoyable read indeed.
125 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2020
Great read

I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed them all. Great reads all of them. Keeping you interested and reading so you find out what happens next. Until your eyes cannot read any more. Would recommend them
84 reviews
May 18, 2020
It was interesting

The book was good it was just to slow for me at times. I needed a little more adventure and drama .the healer to me was just not very interesting and the battle eagle just did not convey his love for her very well, I just didn't feel it there
Profile Image for Leya.
578 reviews23 followers
November 30, 2020
Great story on the consequences of anger, and unforgivenes and healing from abuse. The two main characters story arch's was well written loved how they both where able to find a way to overcome their pain.
Profile Image for Hollie.
90 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2021
Another great from Castel

It had been a while since I read the first and second of this series so this could easily be read as a stand-alone. It’s got everything from romance to battles and heroic women. You won’t be disappointed with any Jayne Castel story!
Profile Image for Sara.
224 reviews
October 31, 2021
This was the third book in an awesome series, The Warrior Brothers of Skye. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and this book. So many emotions in this book, from anger, hate, grief and finally love. This book had it all! I highly recommend this historic series.
170 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2023
Bravo

Love Love Love Battle Eagle! The pain of the past consumes the present to the point Donnal is nothing but rage and vengeance boiling over... So filled with angst and emotion...
HEA was worth the journey to get there!
296 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2018
I enjoyed this story of two broken souls who've become embittered by loss and one motherless child who helps them heal and open their hearts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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