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The Pict Wars #2
Warrior's Secret
Some secrets will break your heart. Friends to lovers and unrequited love set in Ancient Scotland.
Ailene is the bandrui—seer—of The Eagle tribe. With her role comes much responsibility. She lives a solitary existence and prefers it that way. Ailene doesn't realize that her best friend, Muin, is in love with her.
Muin is The Eagle chieftain's son. He's loved Ailene since they were children yet has never gotten up the courage to tell her. But with their island under siege from marauders from the mainland, he's running out of time.
It's only when Ailene dreams of Muin's death that she starts to see her best friend in a different light… only, has her change of heart come too late?
Warrior's Secret is Book #2 in The Pict Wars series set in ancient Isle of Skye, Scotland. Readers who enjoy Diana Gabaldon, Hazel Hunter, and Kathryn Le Veque will love this high-action, emotional Scottish Historical Romance.
Ailene is the bandrui—seer—of The Eagle tribe. With her role comes much responsibility. She lives a solitary existence and prefers it that way. Ailene doesn't realize that her best friend, Muin, is in love with her.
Muin is The Eagle chieftain's son. He's loved Ailene since they were children yet has never gotten up the courage to tell her. But with their island under siege from marauders from the mainland, he's running out of time.
It's only when Ailene dreams of Muin's death that she starts to see her best friend in a different light… only, has her change of heart come too late?
Warrior's Secret is Book #2 in The Pict Wars series set in ancient Isle of Skye, Scotland. Readers who enjoy Diana Gabaldon, Hazel Hunter, and Kathryn Le Veque will love this high-action, emotional Scottish Historical Romance.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2019
163 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castel
94 books398 followersMulti-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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Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
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
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 20, 2019
I really do like this author's historical romances, love the era this series is set in - my gawd I don't know how man survived given their raw, savage brutality towards each other. The author's world building is brilliant, so much so I'm thankful I didn't live in that time!
Loved the friends to lovers story between Ailene and Muin, it was refreshing that SHE pushed him away initially and then had to do the chasing to catch him.
Now the wait for Talor's book early next year, he meets his match in a badass chieftains warrior daughter. Bring it. 😁
Loved the friends to lovers story between Ailene and Muin, it was refreshing that SHE pushed him away initially and then had to do the chasing to catch him.
Now the wait for Talor's book early next year, he meets his match in a badass chieftains warrior daughter. Bring it. 😁
January 1, 2020
4 1/2 "Seer" Stars!!
I love this series. This society and the characters and just everything about it is great Brutal and heartbreaking at times, but so very compelling and redeeming too. Aliene was a great leading lady. So strong and courageous even through self doubt. Muin stole my heart. Loved it!! I can't wait for Talor's book!
This was a great end to the year and the decade! Bring on some goodreads in 2020!! 🎉🥂
Happy reading!
I love this series. This society and the characters and just everything about it is great Brutal and heartbreaking at times, but so very compelling and redeeming too. Aliene was a great leading lady. So strong and courageous even through self doubt. Muin stole my heart. Loved it!! I can't wait for Talor's book!
This was a great end to the year and the decade! Bring on some goodreads in 2020!! 🎉🥂
Happy reading!
November 17, 2019
"Ally," Her name came out like a croak so he tried again."Ally...I'm in love with you." Muin had finally said it. As she kept silent he plowed on. "I've loved you for years, but always from afar. I need you like air. Being around you and not tellin you is killing me." Silence "You can't love me in that way, can you?" She shook her head, eyes glittering with tears.
They had been best friends since they were young. She looked at him as a brother but felt she could not feel anything more. Muin was the son of the Eagle Chiefton and Ailene was the seer of the Eagle tribe. Could she ever look at him as more?
Jayne Castel has such a gift, bringing this ancient civilization to life with her descriptions and historical knowledge. From the first page I was mesmorized and drawn into the characters and surroundings. I have not read a lot of stories set in this time and it is fascinating to image how they lived and what they endured. Just amazing and I cannot wait until the next in this series!
They had been best friends since they were young. She looked at him as a brother but felt she could not feel anything more. Muin was the son of the Eagle Chiefton and Ailene was the seer of the Eagle tribe. Could she ever look at him as more?
Jayne Castel has such a gift, bringing this ancient civilization to life with her descriptions and historical knowledge. From the first page I was mesmorized and drawn into the characters and surroundings. I have not read a lot of stories set in this time and it is fascinating to image how they lived and what they endured. Just amazing and I cannot wait until the next in this series!
November 22, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up.
Serving as seer for the Eagle tribe, Ailene lives a little apart from the rest of the tribe and prefers it that way. She has good friends and that is enough for her so she walks about with the proverbial blinders on and has no idea that her best friend, Muin, is in love with her.
Muin, firstborn son of the Eagle chieftain has always loved Ailene but never wanted to risk admitting his feelings to her. With their island now under attack from a ruthless mainland tribe, he knows he must reveal his feelings sooner rather than later. But when he reveals himself, Ailene rejects him. It is only when she dreams of Muin's death that Ailene realizes she has been hiding her true feelings for Muin from herself out of fear. But with their island under increasingly heavy attacks, it may be too late for her to reveal her feelings.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to my Kindle. There was somuch danger and suspense and I was stressed for my favorite characters. I didn't care much for Ailene at first, but she grew on me, as did Muin because I'm a sucker for a pining hero. I did have some trouble keeping the large cast of characters straight and remembering who was related to whom and how, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. This one is great for anyone who likes some action and adventure with their romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Serving as seer for the Eagle tribe, Ailene lives a little apart from the rest of the tribe and prefers it that way. She has good friends and that is enough for her so she walks about with the proverbial blinders on and has no idea that her best friend, Muin, is in love with her.
Muin, firstborn son of the Eagle chieftain has always loved Ailene but never wanted to risk admitting his feelings to her. With their island now under attack from a ruthless mainland tribe, he knows he must reveal his feelings sooner rather than later. But when he reveals himself, Ailene rejects him. It is only when she dreams of Muin's death that Ailene realizes she has been hiding her true feelings for Muin from herself out of fear. But with their island under increasingly heavy attacks, it may be too late for her to reveal her feelings.
This story kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to my Kindle. There was somuch danger and suspense and I was stressed for my favorite characters. I didn't care much for Ailene at first, but she grew on me, as did Muin because I'm a sucker for a pining hero. I did have some trouble keeping the large cast of characters straight and remembering who was related to whom and how, but this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. This one is great for anyone who likes some action and adventure with their romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2019
Love💕, Adventure🔪💪👊, Betrayal💀
Isle of Skye, 389 AD. ADULT Historical Romance💕 and Adventure.
Jump in the Way Back Machine🔭 and find yourself in a primitive Pict seaside🌊 village! The author does a wonderful job of 🌎world building with great descriptions and intimate details of everyday ancient village life and politics.
The Eagle villagers have been driven out from their main fortress and into smaller fortified villages by a large invading force called the Serpents🐍. They want their fortress back! They align with the Wolf🐺 and Stag tribes to attack the Serpents🐍.
In the book, Ailene💃, the village's seer, casts the bones and sees a bad sign. She recommends they do not attack the fortress now, but the village chieftains🐺💪🔪 want to do it now, just before the snows of winter.
The Eagle chieftain's adult son, Muin🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪, has always been in love💕 with the young seer, Ailene💃💋, but she thinks of him as a brother. That is, until he puts his hands on her and kisses💋💋 her! Now she's totally confused!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this book with KU.
Life was so short and brutal then. I imagine the average life span was 30 to 40 years due to death in childbirth, disease, accidents, and fighting.
Isle of Skye, 389 AD. ADULT Historical Romance💕 and Adventure.
Jump in the Way Back Machine🔭 and find yourself in a primitive Pict seaside🌊 village! The author does a wonderful job of 🌎world building with great descriptions and intimate details of everyday ancient village life and politics.
The Eagle villagers have been driven out from their main fortress and into smaller fortified villages by a large invading force called the Serpents🐍. They want their fortress back! They align with the Wolf🐺 and Stag tribes to attack the Serpents🐍.
In the book, Ailene💃, the village's seer, casts the bones and sees a bad sign. She recommends they do not attack the fortress now, but the village chieftains🐺💪🔪 want to do it now, just before the snows of winter.
The Eagle chieftain's adult son, Muin🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪, has always been in love💕 with the young seer, Ailene💃💋, but she thinks of him as a brother. That is, until he puts his hands on her and kisses💋💋 her! Now she's totally confused!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this book with KU.
Life was so short and brutal then. I imagine the average life span was 30 to 40 years due to death in childbirth, disease, accidents, and fighting.
November 14, 2019
The Warrior’s Secret: A Dark Ages Scottish Romance (The Pict Wars Book 2) by Jayne Castel
The writing is engaging, witty, emotional, and heartbreaking. It is everything I look for in historical romance.
Ailene was the Eagle tribes bandeau who had never steered the clan wrong. Muin is the Eagle chief’s son and Ailene’s best friend until he couldn’t hide his feelings for her any longer. Ailene is shocked and caught off guard at Muin’s confessions and tells him it can’t be because she doesn’t think of him that way, they are friends! War looms and Ailene reads the bones for the fait of all four of the wing isles clans against the serpent clan who had stole their castles and homes. She has a lot on her mind and she’s now not sure what she sees is clear, but if she’s wrong it could be at a devastating cost that she alone will have to bare.
I enjoyed this book so much! I strongly recommend it to everyone who loves a great medieval historical with a strong and emotional storyline, great characters, and a steamy romance to keep you warm on a cold night.
Happy Reading♥️
Content: Adult Rated
Steamy Romance: explicit open bedroom door scenes. (4 flames)
The writing is engaging, witty, emotional, and heartbreaking. It is everything I look for in historical romance.
Ailene was the Eagle tribes bandeau who had never steered the clan wrong. Muin is the Eagle chief’s son and Ailene’s best friend until he couldn’t hide his feelings for her any longer. Ailene is shocked and caught off guard at Muin’s confessions and tells him it can’t be because she doesn’t think of him that way, they are friends! War looms and Ailene reads the bones for the fait of all four of the wing isles clans against the serpent clan who had stole their castles and homes. She has a lot on her mind and she’s now not sure what she sees is clear, but if she’s wrong it could be at a devastating cost that she alone will have to bare.
I enjoyed this book so much! I strongly recommend it to everyone who loves a great medieval historical with a strong and emotional storyline, great characters, and a steamy romance to keep you warm on a cold night.
Happy Reading♥️
Content: Adult Rated
Steamy Romance: explicit open bedroom door scenes. (4 flames)
January 27, 2025
HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER!!. I was so excited to continue on my journey with the different tribes and the relationships between them. I adore Ailene (the bandrui) of The Eagle tribe and her childhood friend Muin. Everyone and I mean everyone can relate to the heartache one feels when they have feelings for someone and haven't the slightest clue on how to tell them, or even bigger, IF they should share those feelings at all. This book had me crying for the love and loss of different people in the tribe that you start to see as your own family. The description of the islands and lands of Scotland is wonderful. I also was so thrilled to see some Scottish Gaelic in there, which I have been learning to speak. If you love Scotland or the rich history, read these books. Yes, the characters are fictious, but there is truth in there and it is worth the read.
September 16, 2020
This story takes places in 389 AD Scotland. Muin, a warrior, is secretly in love with his best friend, Ailene, a Bandrui/Seer. It isn't until Ailene has a vision of Muin's death that she realizes she returns his feelings. This is a somewhat short novel, only 256 pages, but Jayne Castel (the author) packs a lot in there. I loved the romance and the characters.
I also found the time period interesting. There is not a lot known about the Pict culture. So it is fascinating that Jayne Castel took on this little known group of people. Warrior's Secret is a good read from a historical perspective as well because the author I believe strived to make this as accurate as possible and bring their culture to life.
I also found the time period interesting. There is not a lot known about the Pict culture. So it is fascinating that Jayne Castel took on this little known group of people. Warrior's Secret is a good read from a historical perspective as well because the author I believe strived to make this as accurate as possible and bring their culture to life.
March 17, 2022
A quick read, but I felt this one didn’t focus as much on the couple as others. I’ll read the next, but the beginning of the series felt like it was going one direction and this one feels out of step somehow. It’s not enough to stop the story from being decent, but it could have been more…there was definitely a lack of build-up in the relationship between the hero and heroine.
Oh, but the Kindle Unlimited cover does have me cracking up over the headless dude with a biohazard tattoo near his navel, omg, where do they get these stock photos?🤣
Oh, but the Kindle Unlimited cover does have me cracking up over the headless dude with a biohazard tattoo near his navel, omg, where do they get these stock photos?🤣
May 24, 2020
Muin and ally
Great story and well written its hard when there is a one sided love and the other party doesn't know muon confessed all to ally which kind of three a loop hole in there which cause muon to be devastated but I. The end all righted itself and they became lovers very much in love . Mean while there is battles in the future will be excited to see where the third book takes us into the final chapter this is a good series and would highly recommend
Great story and well written its hard when there is a one sided love and the other party doesn't know muon confessed all to ally which kind of three a loop hole in there which cause muon to be devastated but I. The end all righted itself and they became lovers very much in love . Mean while there is battles in the future will be excited to see where the third book takes us into the final chapter this is a good series and would highly recommend
October 10, 2020
Superb!
#2 of 3 - great read extending the saga of the Pict people. Ms. Castel is a very good writer, her stories are never boring and the weaving of people & places is seamless. As previously stated, this is a new author to me, I find I like her very much!! On to book 3.
#2 of 3 - great read extending the saga of the Pict people. Ms. Castel is a very good writer, her stories are never boring and the weaving of people & places is seamless. As previously stated, this is a new author to me, I find I like her very much!! On to book 3.
March 10, 2022
4.5 Stars
Another great read with lots of action which was brutal at times.
I love a good friends to lovers story and this was defiantly a good one.
Cant wait to get started on Talor's book.
Another great read with lots of action which was brutal at times.
I love a good friends to lovers story and this was defiantly a good one.
Cant wait to get started on Talor's book.
May 22, 2020
Well drawn characters draw you in and furious action keeps you reading. You feel part of this well written tale and can't wait for the next one to be out.
February 4, 2021
Muin♥️Ailene
May 28, 2021
Wrote a review and lost it but it’s great—off to read the next awesome adventure!
March 14, 2024
Warrior's Secret
A good story, it kept me reading. I hope peace will last. But I know it will not. Now I am going to wait for the next one.
A good story, it kept me reading. I hope peace will last. But I know it will not. Now I am going to wait for the next one.
May 30, 2024
interesting story
I have read this book. I can’t quite get into the Viking world. I know life had to be hard in those times. It’s still a good story.
I have read this book. I can’t quite get into the Viking world. I know life had to be hard in those times. It’s still a good story.
September 22, 2024
Infatuated with her from a young age but was still screwing another woman 🗿
October 30, 2024
I love these quick little romances. Friend’s to lovers is my kryptonite. 4th century baddie female warriors is also my kryptonite, and I don’t know if I want to be them or be in love with them.
November 14, 2019
Warriors Secret
The Pict Wars #2
Jayne Castel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ailene is the bandrui seer of The Eagle tribe. It is a role that contains a huge amount of responsibility and leaves her living a solitary existence that she really doesn’t mind at all. In fact she prefers living that way. She’s so used to being alone that she doesn’t even realize that Muin, who has been her best friend for her whole life is really in love with her.
Muin is the son of The Eagle chieftain. For as long as he can remember he has been in love with Ailene never having the courage to tell her. But with their island under siege from another tribe, he’s running out of time to tell her. When he finally does tell her he doesn’t get the reaction he was hoping for from her.
It’s only after Ailene has dreams of Muins death that she starts to see her best friend in a new light, but has this revelation come when it is too late to change the way his heart may now feel? Or will Muin accept her for what she is and understand that she only needed time?
Jayne Castel is such an amazingly talented author. From the moment I opened this book until the minute I set it down at the end I was consumed and sent back in time. I felt like I was a part of this story. I felt like I knew Ailene and Muin and that they were old friends of mine. I don’t think that I have ever read a pict story that was so sweet. The love that Muin and Ailene had for each other was so innocent considering the wars going on around them that you couldn’t help but love them as well. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book of the pict wars. Thank you so much for writing these brilliant stories Ms. Castel.
The Pict Wars #2
Jayne Castel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ailene is the bandrui seer of The Eagle tribe. It is a role that contains a huge amount of responsibility and leaves her living a solitary existence that she really doesn’t mind at all. In fact she prefers living that way. She’s so used to being alone that she doesn’t even realize that Muin, who has been her best friend for her whole life is really in love with her.
Muin is the son of The Eagle chieftain. For as long as he can remember he has been in love with Ailene never having the courage to tell her. But with their island under siege from another tribe, he’s running out of time to tell her. When he finally does tell her he doesn’t get the reaction he was hoping for from her.
It’s only after Ailene has dreams of Muins death that she starts to see her best friend in a new light, but has this revelation come when it is too late to change the way his heart may now feel? Or will Muin accept her for what she is and understand that she only needed time?
Jayne Castel is such an amazingly talented author. From the moment I opened this book until the minute I set it down at the end I was consumed and sent back in time. I felt like I was a part of this story. I felt like I knew Ailene and Muin and that they were old friends of mine. I don’t think that I have ever read a pict story that was so sweet. The love that Muin and Ailene had for each other was so innocent considering the wars going on around them that you couldn’t help but love them as well. I really can’t wait to see what happens in the next book of the pict wars. Thank you so much for writing these brilliant stories Ms. Castel.
November 8, 2019
Bloody and Gritty Third Century Scotland
The Isle of Skye in the third century is a rough and tumble place where even the strongest die and few live a long peaceful life. However, friendship and love can survive, but just barely.
In all honesty, I am not a big fan of early century Europe. I have read numerous books by many authors about this barbaric era and none seemed to change my opinion. Which is why after reading Warrior's Secret I was surprised by my feelings for Jayne Castell's tightly woven world.
This book is both complex and simple, tender and brutal. I suppose the well described world of the Isle of Skye tribes helped, but so did the well developed personalities of the many characters. For example, I really liked both starring characters, Muin and Aileen. They are childhood friends but as adults they each see the other differently than the other feels. Their different perceptions almost tear their relationship apart – almost. Thankfully, their ending is happy, but the ending for some of their friends and kin, not so much.
Content alert: The author has tried to stay true to the supposed idioms of the period, so any “vulgarities” have less impact. That said, the sexual content is very descriptive, as is the violence.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
The Isle of Skye in the third century is a rough and tumble place where even the strongest die and few live a long peaceful life. However, friendship and love can survive, but just barely.
In all honesty, I am not a big fan of early century Europe. I have read numerous books by many authors about this barbaric era and none seemed to change my opinion. Which is why after reading Warrior's Secret I was surprised by my feelings for Jayne Castell's tightly woven world.
This book is both complex and simple, tender and brutal. I suppose the well described world of the Isle of Skye tribes helped, but so did the well developed personalities of the many characters. For example, I really liked both starring characters, Muin and Aileen. They are childhood friends but as adults they each see the other differently than the other feels. Their different perceptions almost tear their relationship apart – almost. Thankfully, their ending is happy, but the ending for some of their friends and kin, not so much.
Content alert: The author has tried to stay true to the supposed idioms of the period, so any “vulgarities” have less impact. That said, the sexual content is very descriptive, as is the violence.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
November 10, 2019
Jayne Castel has done it again! She's written another novel I could not put down once I started it. I read a LOT of historical romance books, most forgotten, some not. This author's work stays with you. I've waited a long time for Book 2 of the Pict Wars, so long that I thought I had forgotten Book 1. Once I started it, however, it all came back to me. Having read the previous three Warrior Brothers of Skye books, of which this is a continuation, I was well acquainted with all the characters. It was like re-visiting old friends. Their stories all came back to me. The Pict Wars portray the next generation, their adult children. Every book was excellent, by the way. Highly recommended!
This is the story of Aileen, a seer, and Muin, her childhood best friend who is in love with her, unbeknownst to her. Theirs is a story of unrequited love, facing your fears and opening yourself up to love all while trying to fight and survive a brutal attack on their beloved island by a marauding tribe of invaders.
Kudos to Ms Castel for such a well written depiction of Dark Ages Scotland. She writes with such realism, excitement and suspense, plus heartfelt emotion felt by her characters. She makes this time period come alive! I can hardly wait for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the story of Aileen, a seer, and Muin, her childhood best friend who is in love with her, unbeknownst to her. Theirs is a story of unrequited love, facing your fears and opening yourself up to love all while trying to fight and survive a brutal attack on their beloved island by a marauding tribe of invaders.
Kudos to Ms Castel for such a well written depiction of Dark Ages Scotland. She writes with such realism, excitement and suspense, plus heartfelt emotion felt by her characters. She makes this time period come alive! I can hardly wait for Book 3!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 18, 2021
Unrequited love—the heartache burns through the pages and scorched your fingers as you read of Muin’s love for Ailene
A touching story placed in the mists of Scotland’s ancient history. Realistic people and events, set in the midst of conflicting clan politics, set up this well-written historical novel. The reader is drawn TO the main characters, and thus INTO the story.
It is 373 AD on the isle of Skye, and Ailene’s widowed mother succumbs to an illness, leaving Ailene an orphan. Offering her comfort, and a promise of lifelong companionship is 5 year old Muin. An “old soul” at age 5m Muin love Ailene and grows up alongside her as a dependable “friend” as far as Ailene is concerned.
16 years later, 389 AD, finds the isle in tumult: tribes must battle to the death or make alliances to survive the attack of other aggressive tribes. Reaching adulthood, Muin is a Warrior and Ailene is a young seer. When Muin confesses his love for Ailene, can Ailene appreciate the precious gift of his heart? Can their friendship survive the pressures of clan battles that destroy their village?
A must read for those who love reading of those long ago times, when life was so tenuous for the ancient people of the Scottish Isles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A touching story placed in the mists of Scotland’s ancient history. Realistic people and events, set in the midst of conflicting clan politics, set up this well-written historical novel. The reader is drawn TO the main characters, and thus INTO the story.
It is 373 AD on the isle of Skye, and Ailene’s widowed mother succumbs to an illness, leaving Ailene an orphan. Offering her comfort, and a promise of lifelong companionship is 5 year old Muin. An “old soul” at age 5m Muin love Ailene and grows up alongside her as a dependable “friend” as far as Ailene is concerned.
16 years later, 389 AD, finds the isle in tumult: tribes must battle to the death or make alliances to survive the attack of other aggressive tribes. Reaching adulthood, Muin is a Warrior and Ailene is a young seer. When Muin confesses his love for Ailene, can Ailene appreciate the precious gift of his heart? Can their friendship survive the pressures of clan battles that destroy their village?
A must read for those who love reading of those long ago times, when life was so tenuous for the ancient people of the Scottish Isles.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2020
4 Stars
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).
a good job writing family and friends in this book from pervious and upcoming characters in the series.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.
I’m not a huge fan of ‘internal dialogue’ in books. I can only take so much before I start skimming through pages and I found myself doing that with this book/series. But nothing that that was to annoying for me.
romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) I’d rate it 3.5/5 (rated PG 17).
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order but i think you miss the true storyline if you don’t read the series in order.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).
a good job writing family and friends in this book from pervious and upcoming characters in the series.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.
I’m not a huge fan of ‘internal dialogue’ in books. I can only take so much before I start skimming through pages and I found myself doing that with this book/series. But nothing that that was to annoying for me.
romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) I’d rate it 3.5/5 (rated PG 17).
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order but i think you miss the true storyline if you don’t read the series in order.
November 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a new fan of the authors and have been making my way through her novels and it's interesting to see her progression as a writer.
This book focuses on Muin and Ailene's story, two characters who have been friends for a long time. Muin has been in love with Ailene for years, however has never told her how he feels. As the story progresses we see Ailene realise that she also loves him back. Overall the characters were likeble and the book was fast paced and engaging. There wasn't any waffling, every scene contributed to the overall story. A story of this nature is always diffucult as the characters already have a history that you don't get to witness so we don't necessariy see the love develop between the characters as well as I would've liked. That would be my only criticism; I wanted more! I hope this author considers lengthening her books as they're such a joy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book focuses on Muin and Ailene's story, two characters who have been friends for a long time. Muin has been in love with Ailene for years, however has never told her how he feels. As the story progresses we see Ailene realise that she also loves him back. Overall the characters were likeble and the book was fast paced and engaging. There wasn't any waffling, every scene contributed to the overall story. A story of this nature is always diffucult as the characters already have a history that you don't get to witness so we don't necessariy see the love develop between the characters as well as I would've liked. That would be my only criticism; I wanted more! I hope this author considers lengthening her books as they're such a joy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2020
Jayne Castel does something amazing every time she writes a book: she combines love, passion, family loyalty, historical accuracy, and absolute kick butt action scenes. To do one of these really well is unique and shows great talent, but to write all of these so well your readers feel like they are right there, watching as it happens, describes a talent that can only be described as pure brilliance. That pure brilliance writer is Jayne Castel.
Muin and Ailene are best friends who find a once in a lifetime love, but it's not an easy path. There is danger, passion, loss, and ultimately love in their story. They have to look to each other to determine what is truly important.
I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. I encourage you to take the risk if you haven't read one of Jayne's books before, because that risk will reward you greatly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Muin and Ailene are best friends who find a once in a lifetime love, but it's not an easy path. There is danger, passion, loss, and ultimately love in their story. They have to look to each other to determine what is truly important.
I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. I encourage you to take the risk if you haven't read one of Jayne's books before, because that risk will reward you greatly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2020
” Warrior’s Secret- A Dark Ages Scottish Romance (The Pict Wars Book 2)by Jayne Castle is a tale of one Ailene is the bandrui—seer—of The Eagle tribe...and her childhood friend...Muin is The Eagle chieftain's son....set in the ancient Isle of Skye...Ailene unaware that Muin pines for her...until he finally works up enough courage to tell her...BUT with the Cruthini tribe....causing warfare to break out ...Ailene has an obligation to put ALL her efforts towards predicting for the Eagle Tribe as a whole ...in order to ensure victories...she must not dilute her energies at such a crucial time...BUT when she dreams of Muin’s demise ...her attitude changes. Will they win against the Cruthini tribe!!? Will there be a HEA for Ailene and Muin!!? Read and See!!
Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2019
I LOVE this story. This story is the second in a series and I did not read the first installment of the series. This did not hinder my understanding of this world or the greater situation that was going on in the characters' lives as the world building was done well. The author does a good job at setting up and describing the environment to give the reader a good understanding of the history of the clan and of the character relationships. The main characters are so enduring, the pacing was excellent, and it was a wonderful journey to their HEA. The love story progression was so natural and sweet with dashes of sexy. I love this story so much that I am picking up the first book and eagerly waiting for the third installment.
November 14, 2019
Muin is the Chief’s son and has been in love with Ailene forever.
Eilene is the tribe’s seer and only sees Muin as a very dear friend.
When Muin tells Ailene how he feels about her, she rebuffs him. Humiliated by her remarks he distances himself from her, turning bitter and angry.
When Ailene has a premonition of Muin’s death and then the death of many warriors, she finally realises what she will lose and rushes off to tell him and warn the tribe Chiefs of per premonition.
Ailene is a young Seer and struggles with her position in the Tribe. Muin does not cope with her rejection well.
This next instalment in the Pict wars is full of action and intrigue, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Eilene is the tribe’s seer and only sees Muin as a very dear friend.
When Muin tells Ailene how he feels about her, she rebuffs him. Humiliated by her remarks he distances himself from her, turning bitter and angry.
When Ailene has a premonition of Muin’s death and then the death of many warriors, she finally realises what she will lose and rushes off to tell him and warn the tribe Chiefs of per premonition.
Ailene is a young Seer and struggles with her position in the Tribe. Muin does not cope with her rejection well.
This next instalment in the Pict wars is full of action and intrigue, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 14, 2019
A great story from beginning to end. A story of friendship and love and realizing what you have before it is too late. Great descriptions of the Isle of Skye and great depth to the characters.. Aileen has tunnel vision when it comes to her childhood friend Muin who is in love with her. But when Aileen who is the tribes seer has a dream about Muin dying , it is then that she awakens to realize her feelings for Muin and his for her. But with all the fighting around them is it too late? A must read to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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