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Caledon
"Go out and tell all those you meet, Caledon has risen. Caledon will be protected and defended. And to you who would cause her harm, be prepared. A new fight has come."After the destruction of the Jacobite forces at Culloden, Scotland is divided, vulnerable and leaderless, with survivors from both sides seeking to make sense of the battles they have fought against their fellow Scots.James Og flees Drumossie, seeking the protection of his uncle's house in Sutherland. It is here that James learns that the Northern Highlands hold a secret power only he can Caledon. When Ensign John Mackay begins hunting Og's family, James realises he must harness this power to defeat the enemies of Scotland.But, as the ageless Caledon awakes, so too does an ancient evil. When it allies with Mackay, the small Clan of Caledon faces enemies at every turn, discovering that even those closest to them may seek to destroy them.
- GenresFantasyHistorical
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2020
5 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Crow
16 books127 followersVirginia grew up in Orkney, using the breath-taking scenery to fuel her imagination and the writing fire within her. Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together. She enjoys swashbuckling stories such as the Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and is still waiting for a screen adaption that lives up to the book!
When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She lives in a far flung corner of Scotland in a house like a castle which is a full-time job in itself.
She loves cheese, music and films, but hates mushrooms.
When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She lives in a far flung corner of Scotland in a house like a castle which is a full-time job in itself.
She loves cheese, music and films, but hates mushrooms.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 30, 2022
Caledon's story is like a high mountain path. It is sinuous, sometimes abrupt, sometimes mild and wider, sometimes it gives you time to breathe and sometimes takes it away. From plain level, through clusters or the alpine meadows to the lone, barren peak, what does not change is the beauty, sad or hopeful, of the images that surround you. Images formed by real historical aspects, tribulations of heart and duty, sacrifices, myths, and magic. Even in death, I hoped to meet again... (hmmm no spoilers here). The combinations are sometimes tragic and sometimes heartening. The satisfaction you have when reaching the top deserves the few hours spent reading the story.
The language is modern, even if a bit different, enriched but not hampered, just enough to help you hear the echoes of the Culloden battle and what came afterward. High ideals and ancient duties make our hero/s fight and sacrifice for the greater good, the people of Caledon, as Caledon is not only the land or man, is the spirit of all Scotts together. If men fail to fight, then their unique spirit will come to their aid. The battle is not easy and the dangers don't always come from the face enemy nor the salvation.
If you want a comparison, think to a just a bit darker Rob Roy (1995) and add some elements of myth and folklore. Enjoy! But be aware: if you are not already, you could become fascinated by Scottish history and myths.
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
The language is modern, even if a bit different, enriched but not hampered, just enough to help you hear the echoes of the Culloden battle and what came afterward. High ideals and ancient duties make our hero/s fight and sacrifice for the greater good, the people of Caledon, as Caledon is not only the land or man, is the spirit of all Scotts together. If men fail to fight, then their unique spirit will come to their aid. The battle is not easy and the dangers don't always come from the face enemy nor the salvation.
If you want a comparison, think to a just a bit darker Rob Roy (1995) and add some elements of myth and folklore. Enjoy! But be aware: if you are not already, you could become fascinated by Scottish history and myths.
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
April 29, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Caledon
Author: Virginia Crow
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 20 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A griping mix of history and fantasy. I love that it was set in Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. Although I wasn’t a big fan of all the characters, it was still a very enjoyable read.” Male reader, aged 52
“I so wish this novel wasn’t part of a series of books. I enjoyed it but then – cliffhanger. How annoying. Anyway, if you enjoy or have an interest in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll enjoy this story. Plenty of fighting, battling, twists and turns – oh, and a big dollop of fantasy too. Possibly a little predictable in parts, and I think a strong-willed editor might have insisted the author shorten the novel – it’s pretty long! But, overall, a dynamic read with plenty happening.” Female reader, aged 65
“The author is skillful at mixing her historical knowledge with charasmatic characters and a stirring plot. Best character is James – brave, sort of cool; most annoying character is Mary – please stop whining! Sort of spoilt too. It’s a block of a book but fantasy readers love that. I would read the sequel.” Male reader, aged 30
“A little confusing in parts, so you will have to work hard to keep up with the sub-plots. I congratulate the author on putting together such a ‘big!’ adventure with a strong, underlying historical feel to it.” Female reader, aged 70
To Sum It Up:
‘A complex fantasy adventure with a strong sense of place.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Caledon
Author: Virginia Crow
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 20 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A griping mix of history and fantasy. I love that it was set in Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. Although I wasn’t a big fan of all the characters, it was still a very enjoyable read.” Male reader, aged 52
“I so wish this novel wasn’t part of a series of books. I enjoyed it but then – cliffhanger. How annoying. Anyway, if you enjoy or have an interest in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll enjoy this story. Plenty of fighting, battling, twists and turns – oh, and a big dollop of fantasy too. Possibly a little predictable in parts, and I think a strong-willed editor might have insisted the author shorten the novel – it’s pretty long! But, overall, a dynamic read with plenty happening.” Female reader, aged 65
“The author is skillful at mixing her historical knowledge with charasmatic characters and a stirring plot. Best character is James – brave, sort of cool; most annoying character is Mary – please stop whining! Sort of spoilt too. It’s a block of a book but fantasy readers love that. I would read the sequel.” Male reader, aged 30
“A little confusing in parts, so you will have to work hard to keep up with the sub-plots. I congratulate the author on putting together such a ‘big!’ adventure with a strong, underlying historical feel to it.” Female reader, aged 70
To Sum It Up:
‘A complex fantasy adventure with a strong sense of place.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 18, 2023
James Og is a wanted man in a divided Scotland. He fled Drumossie, and ran for his uncle’s house, desperate for protection, but rather than finding safety, but brought the danger with him. James’ arrival forces his cousins, Mary and Donald, to flee, for their name, Mackenzie, is of a divided clan, and the only thing worse than being a Mackenzie, is to be a Mackenzie caught harbouring a fugitive.
After the death of their father, Mary and Donald find themselves separate, choosing different paths. While Donald chooses to follow his cousin, Mary can no longer stand the sight of him, for James did nothing to try and stop her father’s death. Both find themselves following new paths, but the directions they go in are dramatically different, and the siblings find themselves on opposing sides of a new war.
There is a secret power, hidden in the Northern Highlands, that James stumbles upon while running – Caledon. A legend that appears to be true, James takes on the power of Caledon, and slowly builds up a united force fighting for the greater good of Scotland – Power, Stealth, Zeal, Strength, Nobility, and Wisdom. Together with Donald, James travels Scotland and they fight injustice, although they have one target in particular. Ensign John Mackay was the one who killed Donald’s father, and he is on a mission to hunt down James, and kill the Clan of Caledon, one by one.
I have read two books by Virginia Crow before, and absolutely loved them, so I went into this book with the highest of expectations. I am happy to say, I was not disappointed. This is an absolute masterpiece of a mythic, historical novel. Simple words on a page brought an entire world to life, and I was entranced from beginning to end.
The power of Caledon changes everything in this novel. James is, for lack of a better word, a coward, who would run from a fight for fear of death rather than jump in to save someone. With Caledon, though, he grows brave, ready and able to fight against whatever he needs to. The change in him is clear, showing just how much Caledon affects him. It brings out the best qualities, pushing down the worst, allowing him to fulfil a destiny already prewritten.
Out of all of the members of the Clan of Caledon, I must say, my absolute favourite was Donnie. He is not a fighter, but would follow James to the end of the earth if needed. He is so incredibly loyal to his cousin, and although he is not quite as competent as the others at sneaking around unnoticed, he is kind and caring. I adored his character, and especially the bond between him and James, for together they became a force unstoppable, even though they were sometimes like children running around and play fighting.
As much as I love Donnie, though, I absolutely loathed his sister. Mary blames James entirely for her father’s death, and decides that he must also die. She makes it her mission to be his downfall, and quickly runs to the person who hates James just as much as she does – Ensign John Mackay. Mary is a devious, horrible person, and although I liked her in the first chapter or so, a deep hatred quickly developed, and I couldn’t stand to even read her name. The author has done a great job at creating characters to both love and hate. The problem occurred when the characters I loved and the characters I hated ended up in the same room…
Although this is a fabulous book, and Virginia Crow is quickly becoming a favourite author, whose books I absolutely have to read, I must say, there are aspects of this novel that I didn’t like… for the sole reason that they completely destroyed me. Why the author feels the need to play with my emotions like this, I don’t quite know, but what I do know is that I didn’t appreciate it at all. In particular, there is one part of this book that I hated reading, just because of how upset it made me. I won’t spoil it, but if you’ve read this book, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
When I reached the end of this book, and saw the words “The Quest of Caledon will Continue” I prepared myself to find out that book 2 wouldn’t be out for ages, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it has already been released, and that I won’t have to wait to read it. I will definitely be buying it and reading on, for I haven’t yet had enough of the Clan of Caledon, although there are definitely characters that I will sorely miss as I read on.
After the death of their father, Mary and Donald find themselves separate, choosing different paths. While Donald chooses to follow his cousin, Mary can no longer stand the sight of him, for James did nothing to try and stop her father’s death. Both find themselves following new paths, but the directions they go in are dramatically different, and the siblings find themselves on opposing sides of a new war.
There is a secret power, hidden in the Northern Highlands, that James stumbles upon while running – Caledon. A legend that appears to be true, James takes on the power of Caledon, and slowly builds up a united force fighting for the greater good of Scotland – Power, Stealth, Zeal, Strength, Nobility, and Wisdom. Together with Donald, James travels Scotland and they fight injustice, although they have one target in particular. Ensign John Mackay was the one who killed Donald’s father, and he is on a mission to hunt down James, and kill the Clan of Caledon, one by one.
I have read two books by Virginia Crow before, and absolutely loved them, so I went into this book with the highest of expectations. I am happy to say, I was not disappointed. This is an absolute masterpiece of a mythic, historical novel. Simple words on a page brought an entire world to life, and I was entranced from beginning to end.
The power of Caledon changes everything in this novel. James is, for lack of a better word, a coward, who would run from a fight for fear of death rather than jump in to save someone. With Caledon, though, he grows brave, ready and able to fight against whatever he needs to. The change in him is clear, showing just how much Caledon affects him. It brings out the best qualities, pushing down the worst, allowing him to fulfil a destiny already prewritten.
Out of all of the members of the Clan of Caledon, I must say, my absolute favourite was Donnie. He is not a fighter, but would follow James to the end of the earth if needed. He is so incredibly loyal to his cousin, and although he is not quite as competent as the others at sneaking around unnoticed, he is kind and caring. I adored his character, and especially the bond between him and James, for together they became a force unstoppable, even though they were sometimes like children running around and play fighting.
As much as I love Donnie, though, I absolutely loathed his sister. Mary blames James entirely for her father’s death, and decides that he must also die. She makes it her mission to be his downfall, and quickly runs to the person who hates James just as much as she does – Ensign John Mackay. Mary is a devious, horrible person, and although I liked her in the first chapter or so, a deep hatred quickly developed, and I couldn’t stand to even read her name. The author has done a great job at creating characters to both love and hate. The problem occurred when the characters I loved and the characters I hated ended up in the same room…
Although this is a fabulous book, and Virginia Crow is quickly becoming a favourite author, whose books I absolutely have to read, I must say, there are aspects of this novel that I didn’t like… for the sole reason that they completely destroyed me. Why the author feels the need to play with my emotions like this, I don’t quite know, but what I do know is that I didn’t appreciate it at all. In particular, there is one part of this book that I hated reading, just because of how upset it made me. I won’t spoil it, but if you’ve read this book, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
When I reached the end of this book, and saw the words “The Quest of Caledon will Continue” I prepared myself to find out that book 2 wouldn’t be out for ages, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it has already been released, and that I won’t have to wait to read it. I will definitely be buying it and reading on, for I haven’t yet had enough of the Clan of Caledon, although there are definitely characters that I will sorely miss as I read on.
April 3, 2020
This book is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful, historical adventure!!
This book is filled with engaging, realistic historical content that drives the story line and provides captivating, easy to picture details!!
I was very intrigued to find a book filled with historical and fantasy content on the same page. This definitely made the book thought-provoking, compelling, and fascinating!
One of the best features of this book is the significant amount of accurate, intriguing Scottish Highlands time-period detail that the author weaved into this book. It is no wonder the author has a Master’s Degree in Highlands History and is well-versed in the culture and customs that she was able to provide such cohesive knowledge and references in her writing.
This book has strong world building, stimulating and suspenseful fight scenes, thrilling drama, stirring vengeance, interesting characters – and offers the reader an enjoyable, steady paced read!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one of this new book series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all historical, fantasy readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is filled with engaging, realistic historical content that drives the story line and provides captivating, easy to picture details!!
I was very intrigued to find a book filled with historical and fantasy content on the same page. This definitely made the book thought-provoking, compelling, and fascinating!
One of the best features of this book is the significant amount of accurate, intriguing Scottish Highlands time-period detail that the author weaved into this book. It is no wonder the author has a Master’s Degree in Highlands History and is well-versed in the culture and customs that she was able to provide such cohesive knowledge and references in her writing.
This book has strong world building, stimulating and suspenseful fight scenes, thrilling drama, stirring vengeance, interesting characters – and offers the reader an enjoyable, steady paced read!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one of this new book series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all historical, fantasy readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
April 2, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
I found this book immersive. The world felt real and like I could walk right into it. Given that this is historical fantasy, it’s at least partly based on Earth. Even so, the descriptions were lush and engaged multiple senses. I wanted to explore the forests and towns that I only got glimpses of.
The main cast of characters was interesting. They banded together with unsurpassed loyalty. It was a bit odd that the main group was five men and one woman, but I guess it spoke to the times. The mix of lore, magic, and adventure came together well. That said, while the world fascinated me, I felt a bit lost in the main conflict. There is a family feud at the core of the story, and unless I missed something, I wasn’t sure why.
My main issue with this story was Mary. I think she’s supposed to be unlikeable, and she certainly is. Even so, she came across as too unlikeable for me. She whined about how everyone abandoned her but never did anything to show she was someone worth standing beside. She just expected people to fall at her feet, but she was nasty to almost everyone. She despises the hero, but he helps her anyway. It’s very, well, heroic, but after how she treats him, I can’t understand why he’s nice to her, even if it’s the hero’s prerogative to be nice.
The story wrapped up everything while leaving plenty of room for a sequel. This one wasn’t quite for me, but those who are more into historical fantasy may find this to their liking.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
I found this book immersive. The world felt real and like I could walk right into it. Given that this is historical fantasy, it’s at least partly based on Earth. Even so, the descriptions were lush and engaged multiple senses. I wanted to explore the forests and towns that I only got glimpses of.
The main cast of characters was interesting. They banded together with unsurpassed loyalty. It was a bit odd that the main group was five men and one woman, but I guess it spoke to the times. The mix of lore, magic, and adventure came together well. That said, while the world fascinated me, I felt a bit lost in the main conflict. There is a family feud at the core of the story, and unless I missed something, I wasn’t sure why.
My main issue with this story was Mary. I think she’s supposed to be unlikeable, and she certainly is. Even so, she came across as too unlikeable for me. She whined about how everyone abandoned her but never did anything to show she was someone worth standing beside. She just expected people to fall at her feet, but she was nasty to almost everyone. She despises the hero, but he helps her anyway. It’s very, well, heroic, but after how she treats him, I can’t understand why he’s nice to her, even if it’s the hero’s prerogative to be nice.
The story wrapped up everything while leaving plenty of room for a sequel. This one wasn’t quite for me, but those who are more into historical fantasy may find this to their liking.
March 26, 2020
A young woman Mary, her father, her brother Donald and her fiancé James are fleeing their home while being shot at. As the battle rages on Mary’s father is shot. Mary is left alone to take care of her father when the enemy John Mackay finds them.
After being whisked away by Mackay Mary soon fears the worst of her brother and fiancé so agrees to marry Mr. Mackay. Mary sets out to find her brother and fiancé to extract her revenge on a battle weary journey.
Caledon is filled with action and suspense as battle after battle rages on, Mary, Donald and James fight for what they each believe to be the truth. Caledon is filled with fighting, betrayals, magic, truths, lies, suspense, action, heat ache and twists and turns that keep the pages turning.
If this sounds like something you might enjoy then I would like to suggest that you pick up you copy today to begin this journey with some amazing characters.
After being whisked away by Mackay Mary soon fears the worst of her brother and fiancé so agrees to marry Mr. Mackay. Mary sets out to find her brother and fiancé to extract her revenge on a battle weary journey.
Caledon is filled with action and suspense as battle after battle rages on, Mary, Donald and James fight for what they each believe to be the truth. Caledon is filled with fighting, betrayals, magic, truths, lies, suspense, action, heat ache and twists and turns that keep the pages turning.
If this sounds like something you might enjoy then I would like to suggest that you pick up you copy today to begin this journey with some amazing characters.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews