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An exciting historical-romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights after the countrywide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307.Forewarned of the French king's shocking edict, Ewan, Gabriel and Jacques, along with a young squire, escape to Scotland and specifically, Ewan's ancestral home.A remote bastion, situated in the coastal Highlands, Castle Cathan is a place long affiliated with the Templars. But it is a secular domain, not beholden to the strict rules that dictate a Templar's life. Each knight, then, must struggle to maintain his disciplined lifestyle and keep his faith. Not easy, when the way ahead is uncertain and the mighty Templar order is on the brink of collapse. Book One, Ewan. It is not enough that Ewan MacKellar has been exiled and forced to flee to his family home. When tragedy strikes soon after his return, he is also forced to surrender his beloved white mantle, discard his holy vows, and assume another role.He now faces a conflict of loyalties, a battle he struggles to resolve as he finds himself falling in love. But misplaced greed forces a betrayal, one that all but breaks Ewan's heart. Yet, from the guilt of that betrayal comes a remarkable act of courage and an astonishing turn of events that can only be described as miraculous.Will Ewan at last find his destiny? And what of Gabriel and Jacques, his Templar brothers-in-arms? As Ewan's story winds to a close, it becomes clear that theirs is only just beginning.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
135 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Avril Borthiry
33 books56 followersUnique tales. Unforgettable characters.
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 22, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Totally spellbound reading this book , I was lost in a world I didn’t want to leave .
I started reading in the morning and continued till night I just couldn’t tear myself away .
Avril is such a talented writer and im so glad to have discovered her books.
Ewan is a Templar Knight, who returns home to a world and family much changed since he left 12 years earlier.
Her finds his sister grown and his brother the new Laird missing .
Now it’s up to him to find his brother, or take over the clan, and renounce his vows .
Cristie is the base born daughter of a neighbouring Laird , since her fathers death and her brothers rise to the Lairds position, she has moved to the castle.
She’s a quiet, unassuming young lady keeping to herself, until her brother decides her has found a use for her , and it’s not one she relishes.
A wonderful book full of tension , deceit, loss , and love .
It really is a brilliant story and I can’t wait for more in this series. Gabriel , Ruaidri and Jacques are all screaming out for their own books .
In the meantime I highly recommended you read this one.
Enjoy!
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
Totally spellbound reading this book , I was lost in a world I didn’t want to leave .
I started reading in the morning and continued till night I just couldn’t tear myself away .
Avril is such a talented writer and im so glad to have discovered her books.
Ewan is a Templar Knight, who returns home to a world and family much changed since he left 12 years earlier.
Her finds his sister grown and his brother the new Laird missing .
Now it’s up to him to find his brother, or take over the clan, and renounce his vows .
Cristie is the base born daughter of a neighbouring Laird , since her fathers death and her brothers rise to the Lairds position, she has moved to the castle.
She’s a quiet, unassuming young lady keeping to herself, until her brother decides her has found a use for her , and it’s not one she relishes.
A wonderful book full of tension , deceit, loss , and love .
It really is a brilliant story and I can’t wait for more in this series. Gabriel , Ruaidri and Jacques are all screaming out for their own books .
In the meantime I highly recommended you read this one.
Enjoy!
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
January 18, 2019
Exceptional!! A highly charged story with fantastic, passionate characters that held me spellbound until the end. Three Templar Knights, fleeing for their lives. Fascinating history that has survived through the ages with just as much interest today.
Returning home to Castle Cathan after having left twelve years earlier, Ewan finds a family much changed, as was the realm around him. Finding his brother missing, he knows he needs to find him or he would be forced to give up his vows and act as leader to the clan. Christie, bastard daughter of a nearby Laird, finds herself moving to the castle after the death of her father and her brothers takeover in his place.
As she wants is to live quietly and keep to herself, but her brother has other plans for her, which she has no fondness for...
This tale has a little of it all to make up an amazing story, will with suspense and strong emotions that I could only feel. Ms Borthiry is now on my must read author's list and I cannot wait for the other books in this series. Do not miss this one!
Returning home to Castle Cathan after having left twelve years earlier, Ewan finds a family much changed, as was the realm around him. Finding his brother missing, he knows he needs to find him or he would be forced to give up his vows and act as leader to the clan. Christie, bastard daughter of a nearby Laird, finds herself moving to the castle after the death of her father and her brothers takeover in his place.
As she wants is to live quietly and keep to herself, but her brother has other plans for her, which she has no fondness for...
This tale has a little of it all to make up an amazing story, will with suspense and strong emotions that I could only feel. Ms Borthiry is now on my must read author's list and I cannot wait for the other books in this series. Do not miss this one!
January 21, 2019
Ewan
By Avril Borthiry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a new series that will follow the fates of three templer knights after the arrest of the Templer knights that took place in France on Friday October 13th, 1307.
Ewan MacKellar has been exiled and forced to leave his family home. Then tragically he is also made to surrender his white mantle. The white mantle that means everything to him. Surrendering this mantle means he must now discard his holy vows, vows that have always meant everything to him, and take on a new role. Now he comes home after 12 years to find alot has changed. His Brother the current Laird is missing and he must find him. Christie is the base born daughter of a neighboring Laird. She is a quiet young woman who moves to the castle. All she wants is to live a quiet life, but her brother has other plans for her and it is not something that she is particularly keen on.
Avril Borthiry is a new author to me and to say I'm impressed is putting it mildly. She is immensely talented and the amount of research that she must have put into this book astounds me. Ewan was an incredible character. Christie I felt sorry for as it seems horrible men of this time would use women with no regard and didn't care if they were family either. This story was rich in love, loss, and deceit. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Borthiry soon.
By Avril Borthiry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a new series that will follow the fates of three templer knights after the arrest of the Templer knights that took place in France on Friday October 13th, 1307.
Ewan MacKellar has been exiled and forced to leave his family home. Then tragically he is also made to surrender his white mantle. The white mantle that means everything to him. Surrendering this mantle means he must now discard his holy vows, vows that have always meant everything to him, and take on a new role. Now he comes home after 12 years to find alot has changed. His Brother the current Laird is missing and he must find him. Christie is the base born daughter of a neighboring Laird. She is a quiet young woman who moves to the castle. All she wants is to live a quiet life, but her brother has other plans for her and it is not something that she is particularly keen on.
Avril Borthiry is a new author to me and to say I'm impressed is putting it mildly. She is immensely talented and the amount of research that she must have put into this book astounds me. Ewan was an incredible character. Christie I felt sorry for as it seems horrible men of this time would use women with no regard and didn't care if they were family either. This story was rich in love, loss, and deceit. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Borthiry soon.
January 18, 2019
Ewan by Avril Borthiry is an absolutely fascinating story! Ewan is the first book I’ve read by this author and to say I enjoyed it would be an understatement. I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the writing. The story was engaging and the characters even more so! There is not a character in this story that I wasn’t intrigued by in some way. The intensity of the emotions pouring out of this book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I felt every emotion and I cried right along with the characters. Christi and Ewan have made the list of my all time favourite historical romance couples! This was an absolute page turner. I could not stop reading this book anymore than I could stop breathing. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!
December 10, 2018
This is a great story, featuring a Templar knight, which in itself is unusual. There is suspense, and surprise, and I enjoyed the story. Much of it I would rate 5 stars. The pacing was uneven, which is why I rated it 4 stars rather than 5, but it was very enjoyable. The characters were completely engaging. I'm glad to see this is the start of a series. There were several secondary characters that would shine in a book of their own.
March 20, 2019
4.5/5.0
Although this novel starts out with a bit of a slow roll, the plot soon intensifies and becomes hard to put down!
Read full review in the 2019 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Although this novel starts out with a bit of a slow roll, the plot soon intensifies and becomes hard to put down!
Read full review in the 2019 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 26, 2019
Ewan
The Sword and the Spirit Book 1
Avril Borthiry, author
Where do I begin? This is my first book by this author and to say I was beyond impressed with the novel is putting it mildly. Magnificent, extraordinary comes to mind.
The story took place in the Medieval times in the year of our lord, 1307 and primarily in Western Scotland. The hero, Ewan MacKellar is the second son of the Laird Calum MacKellar. Now a Templar Knight, he returns home, after being gone for over twelve years. He has two of his Templar brothers accompanying him and they are seeking refuge from the French government. Once home, he finds his father has died, his older brother is missing and his younger sister, Morag is beside herself. Before his brother, Ruaidri went missing, he had agreed to wed the daughter of another Laird in hopes of joining the two clans together. With his brother missing, Ewan feels compelled to honor his brother's pledge and agrees to marry Lady Elspeth MacAulay or so he thinks.
This beautifully written story was told with such grace and fluidity that once I began reading it; it was hard to put down. Not only did the story-line read smoothly and with elegance, the language in it held true to the era and country. Likewise, the history and research that was put into writing this book was most obvious. As the reader, I was drawn into the era and felt like I was there riding the waves with the characters. The description of the lands and its surroundings were phenomenal. I could just picture the scenery in my mind, as it was described so well.
The story-line tugged at my heart strings and I found myself wanting to write the ending myself. There were moments of precious tenderness, hopefulness, yet stubbornness, disappointment and fear. With all these emotions playing a role in the story, the author brought the story to a close with a climatic end and yes leaving an opening for the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a well rounded and mostly definitely well written novel. I look forward to the next book in the series. I was honored to be afforded an advanced review copy. I voluntarily leave this review.
The Sword and the Spirit Book 1
Avril Borthiry, author
Where do I begin? This is my first book by this author and to say I was beyond impressed with the novel is putting it mildly. Magnificent, extraordinary comes to mind.
The story took place in the Medieval times in the year of our lord, 1307 and primarily in Western Scotland. The hero, Ewan MacKellar is the second son of the Laird Calum MacKellar. Now a Templar Knight, he returns home, after being gone for over twelve years. He has two of his Templar brothers accompanying him and they are seeking refuge from the French government. Once home, he finds his father has died, his older brother is missing and his younger sister, Morag is beside herself. Before his brother, Ruaidri went missing, he had agreed to wed the daughter of another Laird in hopes of joining the two clans together. With his brother missing, Ewan feels compelled to honor his brother's pledge and agrees to marry Lady Elspeth MacAulay or so he thinks.
This beautifully written story was told with such grace and fluidity that once I began reading it; it was hard to put down. Not only did the story-line read smoothly and with elegance, the language in it held true to the era and country. Likewise, the history and research that was put into writing this book was most obvious. As the reader, I was drawn into the era and felt like I was there riding the waves with the characters. The description of the lands and its surroundings were phenomenal. I could just picture the scenery in my mind, as it was described so well.
The story-line tugged at my heart strings and I found myself wanting to write the ending myself. There were moments of precious tenderness, hopefulness, yet stubbornness, disappointment and fear. With all these emotions playing a role in the story, the author brought the story to a close with a climatic end and yes leaving an opening for the next book in the series.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a well rounded and mostly definitely well written novel. I look forward to the next book in the series. I was honored to be afforded an advanced review copy. I voluntarily leave this review.
June 25, 2020
I found ‘Ewan’ to be a most atmospheric and satisfying read and I am looking forward to delving deeper into Avril Borthiry’s ‘The Sword and the Spirit’ series.
A love story borne from arduous circumstances, it weaves the beauty of the Scottish highlands and the mystery of the Templar Order, resulting in a unique and captivating tale. Just as you feel you are sure where the story is headed, the author effortlessly throws in a spectacularly unexpected twist or turn right up until the last pages.
I particularly loved the Scottish dialogue which ran through the book which was authentically done and helped lend to the atmospheric highland flavour of the story.
The characters were impossible not to fall in love with - particularly the strong yet caring character of Templar knight Ewan and the gentle and loveable naivety of Cristie.
Beautifully written, this book is rich in character, plot and charm and it’s well-thought our characters will stay with me. It became such a loved night time read, I shall genuinely miss its company now I have finished it.
Bravo, Avril Borthiry. Your consistency in great story telling is second to none. I highly recommend this book and I am thoroughly looking forward to following up this read with ‘Gabriel’.
A love story borne from arduous circumstances, it weaves the beauty of the Scottish highlands and the mystery of the Templar Order, resulting in a unique and captivating tale. Just as you feel you are sure where the story is headed, the author effortlessly throws in a spectacularly unexpected twist or turn right up until the last pages.
I particularly loved the Scottish dialogue which ran through the book which was authentically done and helped lend to the atmospheric highland flavour of the story.
The characters were impossible not to fall in love with - particularly the strong yet caring character of Templar knight Ewan and the gentle and loveable naivety of Cristie.
Beautifully written, this book is rich in character, plot and charm and it’s well-thought our characters will stay with me. It became such a loved night time read, I shall genuinely miss its company now I have finished it.
Bravo, Avril Borthiry. Your consistency in great story telling is second to none. I highly recommend this book and I am thoroughly looking forward to following up this read with ‘Gabriel’.
August 3, 2020
The history, spiritual mystery, and legends of the Templar Knight brotherhood surface throughout this engaging story. Ewan and two other Templars escape France just prior to the mass arrest of members of the Order on Friday, October 13, 1307. The Order sends them to Ewan's Scotland ancestral home, Castle Cathen, associated with the Templars since Ewan's grandfather. (His story unfolds in the prequel "A Sprig of White Heather" which I recommend reading prior to beginning this book.) Faced with the demise of the Templar Order which anchors Ewan's life, further heartache and tragedy confront him when he returns to Castle Cathen after twelve years' absence. Suddenly Ewan finds himself Laird, forcing him to release his Templar vows. Deception, greed, cruelty, and betrayal surround Ewan's marriage for clan alliance and survival. But circumstances differ from what they seem. A woman's courage born of love and guilt (plus a bit of divine intervention,I think) leads to a miraculous conclusion to the story. Sex, only within marriage, does not occur until near the final chapter. I enjoyed this book very much, and I look forward to the other two Templars' stories as they struggle to adjust their disciplined, faith-filled lifestyle to a world not governed by their holy vows.
April 16, 2020
Ewan MacKeller returns from his Crusades, escaping France with his Templar friends Gabriel and Jacques.
But his unexpected return comes at a time of turmoil, deception, tragedy and evil, which has engulfed Castle Cathan his family home in Scotland.
He now has to come to terms with the possibility of a new of life, which will be a struggle for this honourable Templar Knight, who is a fierce warrior but a gentle man with a humorous and kind disposition.
Committing to honour a marriage agreement formally made by his older brother, he is drawn into deceit and conflicts of loyalty, by the beautiful but frightened Cristie Ferguson, who holds dark secrets of her own.
As he puts his vows aside, picks up the mantle of Laird and opens his heart to love, plots, lies and cruelty catch him unaware.
Avril Borthiry takes you on an emotional journey as she captures this era beautifully, twisting and turning you through each chapter.
Her characters are extremely likeable, strong, complex and believable.
This is my first book of Avril's and it certainly won't be my last. I loved this book and felt completely immersed in Ewan's world.
I highly recommend it!
But his unexpected return comes at a time of turmoil, deception, tragedy and evil, which has engulfed Castle Cathan his family home in Scotland.
He now has to come to terms with the possibility of a new of life, which will be a struggle for this honourable Templar Knight, who is a fierce warrior but a gentle man with a humorous and kind disposition.
Committing to honour a marriage agreement formally made by his older brother, he is drawn into deceit and conflicts of loyalty, by the beautiful but frightened Cristie Ferguson, who holds dark secrets of her own.
As he puts his vows aside, picks up the mantle of Laird and opens his heart to love, plots, lies and cruelty catch him unaware.
Avril Borthiry takes you on an emotional journey as she captures this era beautifully, twisting and turning you through each chapter.
Her characters are extremely likeable, strong, complex and believable.
This is my first book of Avril's and it certainly won't be my last. I loved this book and felt completely immersed in Ewan's world.
I highly recommend it!
January 31, 2019
A Spellbinding Story of Highland Betrayal
I have now read Ewan twice since its release! The epic and tragic history of the Templar Knights has always fascinated me. Couple that history with a gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, salvation and romance in a Highland setting! I have read every published book by Avril Borthiry and she never disappoints in giving heart stopping, heart pounding and heart wrenching stories!
Ewan and Christies' story is another tale of a hard won romance with so many challenges. The twists and turns of the story kept me reading way into the night even the second time when I knew the ending!!
I am so looking forward to the stories of Gabriel and Jacques, Ewan's Templar brothers.
I highly recommend Ewan, an exciting and often heart rending story!
I have now read Ewan twice since its release! The epic and tragic history of the Templar Knights has always fascinated me. Couple that history with a gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, salvation and romance in a Highland setting! I have read every published book by Avril Borthiry and she never disappoints in giving heart stopping, heart pounding and heart wrenching stories!
Ewan and Christies' story is another tale of a hard won romance with so many challenges. The twists and turns of the story kept me reading way into the night even the second time when I knew the ending!!
I am so looking forward to the stories of Gabriel and Jacques, Ewan's Templar brothers.
I highly recommend Ewan, an exciting and often heart rending story!
February 5, 2019
What a way to start a new series!! Ewan by Avril Borthiry is the first book in The Sword and the Spirit series. I am fairly new to Avril’s books and after reading this I can tell you that I am going to become a big fan. This medieval highland Knights of the Templar is truly a one of a kind story. Avril has a true talent and is amazing at her descriptions. It was like watching a movie. Her characters are so intense and you can’t help but fall in love with Ewan and Cristie. This story has rescue, deceit, evil, greed, an imposter, threats, kindness, friendships, a sister’s love, a prodigal son, pride, understanding, sacrifice and love. It truly has it all and you must read this book as I highly recommend that you do!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
April 3, 2019
This book was just okay for me. I thought the author went overboard with her "wee" adjective for practically anything just to make sure we knew that the character speaking was Scottish. The story was okay, but pretty predictable. Based on this story, I won't be reading any of the other books in the series.
June 5, 2020
Loved the book. It was everything a romance should be. Two people thrown together by intrigue and cunning, having to fight for a romance that seems impossible. Loved the Scottish backdrop as well. The way it was written, I could feel the rain and wind and hear the waves crashing against the rocks. It's a book that takes you right back to the time of the knights. Have already downloaded book 2.
October 12, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved it. The Templar knights are dramatic characters. The events in this story are quite dramatic too and there are several miracles involved. Ewan and Cristie are pulled together due to machinations and circumstances but nevertheless it is a sweet if turbulent romance. I can’t wait to read the stories of Gabriel and Jaques!
March 5, 2024
Beautiful Lilt
Rarely do I find an author with such cadence and expression in language to describe each moment as seen through explicit details as this individual. This was a new author for me, and a free book to boot! The depth of feeling placed within each character gave them life.
The exploration of the era, and the genre itself, kept me turning the page.
Rarely do I find an author with such cadence and expression in language to describe each moment as seen through explicit details as this individual. This was a new author for me, and a free book to boot! The depth of feeling placed within each character gave them life.
The exploration of the era, and the genre itself, kept me turning the page.
December 2, 2018
Another outstanding story!
Ms. Borthiry is an excellent storyteller and has never disappointed me. This tale of a knight forced back to his family home is yet another example of her gift. There are many twists and turns and of course, love...you will enjoy it!!!
Ms. Borthiry is an excellent storyteller and has never disappointed me. This tale of a knight forced back to his family home is yet another example of her gift. There are many twists and turns and of course, love...you will enjoy it!!!
November 27, 2020
Betrayal, Honor and Love
Wonderful book. Have always been interested in the Knights Templar and this story depicted the turmoil within them. This is first book of Avril Borthiry's I have read and she is now one my new favorite authors.
Wonderful book. Have always been interested in the Knights Templar and this story depicted the turmoil within them. This is first book of Avril Borthiry's I have read and she is now one my new favorite authors.
February 26, 2024
Fighting for Christ and family
This is a beautiful tale of the Knights fighting for God. Their were being pursued and killed. Many hid and resumed new lives. This is a tale of a few. It's A wonderful story full of hate but more importantly love!
This is a beautiful tale of the Knights fighting for God. Their were being pursued and killed. Many hid and resumed new lives. This is a tale of a few. It's A wonderful story full of hate but more importantly love!
October 27, 2024
This is a wonderful book!
I’m crazy about this author! She knows how to tell a great story! She is great with history, characters, emotions and everything has depth. She’s creative and descriptive. I love this book!!
pamarella
PRCS
I’m crazy about this author! She knows how to tell a great story! She is great with history, characters, emotions and everything has depth. She’s creative and descriptive. I love this book!!
pamarella
PRCS
January 6, 2019
Great book!
I loved reading Ewan's story as he and Christie struggled to find peace, love and a place to belong. Great start to the series! Can't wait to read the rest!
I loved reading Ewan's story as he and Christie struggled to find peace, love and a place to belong. Great start to the series! Can't wait to read the rest!
January 10, 2019
Great love story. Interesting characters. Intriguing Templar addition. New author for me. Need to read a couple more novels before firm likeability.
May 22, 2019
Amazing
I was completely hooked from the first page and read this book in one sitting!! I cannot wait for Gabriel story!
I was completely hooked from the first page and read this book in one sitting!! I cannot wait for Gabriel story!
January 18, 2021
Ewan❤️Cristie
August 6, 2023
Awesome read
I loved the intrigue throughout the whole story, it actually kept me on my toes so seeing what would happen next! The love story that unfolds is sweet too.
I loved the intrigue throughout the whole story, it actually kept me on my toes so seeing what would happen next! The love story that unfolds is sweet too.
March 7, 2024
Great reading
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was mostly clean of sex. Enjoy historic novels. Would read again and recommend to friends
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was mostly clean of sex. Enjoy historic novels. Would read again and recommend to friends
March 1, 2024
This book was so good I did not put it down till I had finished it I loved it one of my best reads this year
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews