Exciting and dark novel about a hugely superstitious and perilous period of history, and a weak ruler. Set at the time of King James, this story starts at Edinburgh Castle in 1590, where Lady Vivian Sinclair is a ward of the King. She spends her days in the still room mixing up medicines and herbal remedies to heal people, she also suffers from prophetic visions, and has helped the king avoid an assassination attempt, amongst other visions. The king believes in witchcraft, and evil, and has appointed a witch finder in Scotland, despite this he does not see Vivian as evenly, and wishes to protect her. In order to keep Vivian safe, as people are generally distrustful of her healing skills and visions, he marries her off to an much older man, Laird Dugald Campbell.
Reluctantly Vivian does as she is bid, she spends months at Dugald’s bedside caring for him, and easing his pain, but he dies and as soon as he does, the clans people and the village turn against her as they mistrust her gifts, as she flees, she is found by Quinn Douglas.
Quinn has been sent by his twin brother to find Vivian and bring her to him in the East. King James has arranged another marriage to Reid. Reid is busy fighting, and has sent Quinn in his stead. Vivian is highly reluctant to wed again, and doesn’t want to go with them, however, she soon realises that she is at huge risk because of the bounty on her head from the Witch-finder. Vivian’s desire is to return to the convent where she grew up and devote her life to the healing arts.
They travel with a couple of Quinn’s clans men, and her maid Gellis, who escapes to join her. As they travel, Vivian is plagued by debilitating visions, eventually she confides in Quinn, who is not scared or mistrustful of this gift at all. They are also pursued by Rupert Campbell, the witch-finder., and they are constantly ambushed by bounty hunters, as they flee, they are irresistibly attracted to each other, Quinn feels strongly protective of Vivian, and she increasingly trusts and cares for him. She is frequently nursing his injuries, and they grow closer and closer. Eventually they recognise their love for each other, but how can they escape the Witch-finder, and what about the royallly decreed marriage to Reid?
Exciting plot, satisfying romance and great main characters. There are a couple of American anomalies, such as creek for stream, but pacy and interesting. Enjoyed it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, all opinions my own.