Three men, a series of Highland contests, one prize: the chief’s daughter.
As the daughter of the chief, Marion McEwan has no say in who her husband will be—a troublesome fact when the one man she doesn’t wish to marry, her awful cousin Simon, is the leading contender for her hand. So when Marion’s father hosts a gathering for the purpose of choosing her husband, she welcomes the broader selection. He invites a few select men—her cousin included—to participate in a series of contests to test their strength, fortitude, and worthiness. The victor will win her hand in marriage. Marion’s plan? Do whatever she must to steer the outcome of the games away from what seems a terrible fate.
When Cormac McEwan receives a summons from his chief, he has no choice but to report to Castle Moraigh right away. Unmarried and with little to his name, it comes as a pleasant surprise to learn that he’s been thrown in the running to marry the chief’s daughter. Win the place as Marion’s husband, and Cormac would be set, his family taken care of—his sister protected. The only problem? Someone doesn’t want to play fair, and they seem bent on making certain that Cormac doesn’t make it out of Castle Moraigh alive.
Facing a common enemy, Marion and Cormac find themselves working together. But can they rig the games and keep Cormac safe? Or will Marion find herself married to a brute?
**This is book two in the Myths of Moraigh Trilogy. The books are not stand-alone novels and must be read in order for full comprehension, but each novel has its own satisfying love story.
4.5 ⭐️ 🐑 I loved the first book in this series and I do believe it’s best to read it in order because of the overarching political plot. 🐑 This book starts directly where book 1 ends with some Highland games to win the hand of Marion and be the next chief in line. Marion’s father has picked 3 men to contend. Her despicable cousin, a Moraigh man and an unknown outsider. Marion always knew the fate of her future was up to her father but as she tries to sabotage the games for one, it fails and hurts another. 🐑 Cormac is happy to receive notice from the chief to visit although he has no idea why. And as flattering as it is to be in line for chief and win the chief’s daughter, he feels unsuitable but he’s drawn to Marion. Maybe it’s the fairies weaving their magic. But someone is out to hurt him. 🐑 This follows multiple POV and I’m eager for the next book! The Highland games was fun but there were days between events and I felt that switch in POV slowed the pacing. This series shows how much of a master mind Kasey can be at weaving multiple narratives with a touch of whimsy, romance and intrigue.
And so the plot thickens….I have so many questions and I really want to start the third book ASAP! Unfortunately my school load tomorrow probably won’t let me…🥲 I loved being able to learn more about Morion in this book and reading from her POV. I loved Comrac! He was such a sweetheart! I do love how all these books are individual romances but one continually story…it keeps the suspense up without the extended romance! 😉😂
4.5 Stars The first book stole my heart and this is a close second. I was desperate for some major swoon, but outside of that I have absolutely no complaints. The setting, clan tension, Scottish games, and series continuation were well done and make me eager for book three. The full cast of characters have become those fictional friends I can't wait to meet again. Marion's father has decided to select the next clan chief, one who will marry his daughter and lead the clan to prosperity. Three champions - Simon, Ian, and Cormac - are selected and a series of games initiated. As much as Marion would love to choose the victor, she is wary of developing feelings knowing her father's will holds the final say. I hope Kasey decides to continue writing in this time and space in the future. These two books have been such a happing reading experience for me. There are so few books out there, particularly in this genre, to take me on an adventure through Scottish folklore and history. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I am here for all Kasey Stockton books, but after reading this book I am here to tell you I AM HERE for all of Kasey Stockton's books!
I had such a hard time setting this book down and if I'm being honest, I rarely did. Things did not get done and I don't feel bad about it. The story caught my attention right from the beginning and held all of the way to the end. I don't know how I will wait for book 3, but I will wait because now I need to know what happens next!
The two main character's banter was excellent and the romance was oh so swoony! The conflict was intriguing, the pacing was perfection and the setting of Scotland was idyllic. I really can't say enough good things about this book! It has earned a spot on my favorites list and I'll happily re-read it again and again until book 3 comes out!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
“She shook her head. “Ye’re a flirt, then?” “No’ usually, nae.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. “But ye bring it out in me.”
Cue the bagpipes and pass the haggis because Kasey Stockton absolutely nailed this historical Scottish romance!!
Through the Fairy Tree is POSITIVELY STUNNING AND FANTASTIC in every way!!
Did I just use caps and multiple exclamations? Yes, yes I did. Because what else do you do when you seriously love a book this much?
Let me just set it up for you, m’kay?
🏞️Picture the Scottish Highlands. 💃Enter Marion, the chief’s daughter - smart, strong-willed, beautiful - and single. 🏹The chief chooses three men to compete in a series of Highland games. 🏆The prize for the winner? He will be the next clan chief. 💍Oh. And he will also marry Marion. 🧔Enter Cormac - honorable, brave, kind, and turn-your-head handsome - surprised to be chosen to compete…but not at all disappointed after meeting Marion. ❤️
Do you see where I am going with this?
The suspense, the intrigue, the myths, and oh mylanta, the swooniest chemistry ever between Cormac and Marion 🔥😍 - combine all of this together and you can see why I am telling you that this is a MUST READ!
Honestly, my friends, I am running out of superlatives to describe how much I love this book so I am just going to say go read it. You can thank me later. Absolutely 5 stars!!
*Note: Read Journey to Bongary Spring first - it will help overarching events make more sense.
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
4.5 stars - Kasey Stockton can whisk me away to historical Scotland any day! Cormac is a dreamboat: kind, considerate, respectful, protective, and with a good (handsome) head on his shoulders. Honestly, Marion drove me nuts in book 1 and in the beginning of this book, too, but her growth in this book is super satisfying. By the end, I adored her. I love this series. Between the national politics, the clan disputes, the ridiculously romantic moments (um, the first kiss in this book is 🔥), and the Scottish setting right off the loch, it's got a little bit of everything! Can't wait for book 3!
Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are mine.
The plot thickens! This is the sequel to the first book in the Myths of Moraigh series. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one because it picks up right where the first book ends. An action-packed plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
This is a sweet romance. You need to read the first one. This is one of those stories where all the characters flow into one story line. You get different points of view from many different characters. I liked this but found it slow. It was sweet but nothing really pulled me in. I do want to read the third. A new love interest is in each book.
Dear Lady Stockton, Once again, you have exceeded my expectations and written a story so captivating, I know I shall be thinking of it for weeks to come! You succeeded at writing a story that didn’t change setting (not really, anyway) but never grew dull, and it is rich, full, and beautifully well done! You know I have adored your Regencies and contemporaries since I discovered your books, but you’ve proven you can write Scottish historical romances just as masterfully. I must tell you that I love how immersive an experience this book felt. While I do not claim to be an expert on the Scottish accent, the way you wrote in the accent was exceptional. I’ve had a Scottish voice in my head for days and I don’t see that ending any time soon. If anything I say comes out a wee bit Scottish, you now know why. I also find it impressive how well you write a book from so many POVs without it being overwhelming. Every single POV adds to the overall storyline, and I see how things from the first book played an important role in this one. I was ceaselessly amazed at how seamless the story felt despite so many POVs. In addition, there is a lot going on here but it doesn’t feel overdone. Every single thread, every subplot, feels necessary. Your story shines all the brighter for every single piece. (Side note: the Highland games interspersed throughout was a really fun touch. I spent a long time researching and watching videos of the events and I loved picturing your characters competing in those events!) It’s possible I’ve praised your storytelling enough now. Allow me to move on to your characters. Cormac is absolutely swoony. You’ve written a perfect book boyfriend and I don’t mind saying it. I loved his integrity and kindness, his care for his sister and the way he treated everyone with respect (even when they didn’t deserve it). I also love Marion, and her spunk and vivacity. And oh, how I loved how good Cormac was for her! He helped bring out the best in her and encouraged her to be better than she was. I loved that dynamic! I have mixed feelings about Alexander & Katherine, though this book has me tipping in favor of them. The ending was especially good for them both. I do not like Simon. Or Brian. But I’m sure you guessed that. Ian is such a dear and I desperately want to see more of him in future. Ooh, I also really like Miles. I need his story! I am exceptionally curious how things will work out for Ealann. I want her story, too. There are a lot of pieces to her puzzle that I want to be able to put in place and I look forward to doing that. My only bones to pick with this book involve a semi-cliffhanger (and you know how I feel about those) and a certain someone not getting his comeuppance about a certain stone. As all the virtues of this book far outweigh any cons, that is all I shall say on the matter. Your place on my favorite author list is still firmly in place. I look forward to more of your books in future to just prove how much you deserve to be there. Yours, Jessica
**Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh my word. The first book in this series was AWESOME. And this book was AMAZING!!! SO. GOOD. The whole story/plot line is so well done and completely addicting! As much as I would love to have everything at once (no cliffhangers or waiting period!) I’m loving the plot spanning between the books. It’s so seamless and sucks your right in! And while we do have separate love stories the overall theme and main plot is the same. And it’s even better because there isn’t any time in-between events. All of the second book happens immediately after the events of the first -one continuing story! I love it!!!
We first are introduced to Marion in Journey to Bongary Spring. She is the clan chief’s daughter and has perfected the art of eavesdropping… which is how she first comes to meet our hero for this story, Cormac McEwan. Cormac has been summoned by the chief to participate in a series of games to determine the next Clan leader and the man who will marry Marion.
I love Marion and Cormac. They are so well suited for each other! Cormac has officially entered the Dream Man List 😂. He’s positively wonderful! A loyal, honest, gentle, honorable man. Marion is intelligent, strong, and fully capable of becoming the next chief’s supportive wife. Thankfully events turn out where her heart and her duty to the clan both can be satisfied.
I could go on and on gushing about how much I loved this story! If you haven’t already, you should definitely check this series out! Scotland, men in kilts, rival clans, the threat of war, and a bit of romance. What more could you want?
And lastly, I am SO excited for Miles’ story!!! He’s been a favorite from the beginning and I have a feeling his story will be my favorite! Can’t wait!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“She knew he was here to compete, but she’d had no idea she was meant to be the prize. Oh, that was far more conceited than necessary. She was not the prize. The role of next chief of Clan McEwan was the prize.”
Marion has resigned herself to the knowledge that her father will be choosing the man who will marry her and succeed him as chief after he passes. Still, she does not anticipate that her father would choose a competition of strength and skill, as a means to find a man worthy to take on the role. She wants to trust his judgment for her future, but how can she when he seems to only be looking for a man who will make a good chief, and not one, who will be a good husband for his daughter.
Taking matters into her own hands, she resolves to rig the game; her hand, while perhaps not hers to give, will at least not be left up to fate.
This was a delightful story with touches of humor, tension, and warmth that made it come alive. Marion and Cormac were such a good pair throughout the story and I loved their banter and the push and pull of their relationship with Marion knowing that she would be happiest with him, but also realizing that the outcome of the games could break her heart beyond repair if she was not careful. I also enjoyed the moments between Cormac and his sister and am excited to read her story next.
If you know what’s good for you, never turn down a scottish romance when Kasey Stockton has had her hand in the mix. It’s a combination that never disappoints.
I am really enjoying this trilogy. I skimmed through Journey to Bongary Springs for a refresher, but it wasn't really needed. While this is a trilogy, the author gave enough backstory in this book to help the reader remember what happened before. I really appreciate that. I don't usually enjoy reading series with cliffhanger because I'm too impatient and I don't want to forget important parts when I finally get to read the next book. I didn't feel that way with this one. That being said though, I can't wait for the final book to come out and to finally have all the answers.
Now, onto the love story. I really loved Cormac's character. He is the perfect hero. Such a brave, kind and caring man who would make a great leader. He immediately is intrigued by Marion and quickly notices her strengths. I enjoyed their story and how their relationship took shape. There are some challenges and goofs along the way, but these two are perfect for each other.
Scotland. Competitive Highland games to win the hand of the chief’s daughter and become the next leader. A villain you’ll love to despise. Mystery. Politics. A common enemy between enemy clans. Strategy to convince the chief of who will be the best leader. Differing opinions with each member of the family about who Marion should marry. Divided loyalties. Murder attempts. Secret identities. A smart strategic heroine that doesn’t blindly run into things.
You guys! This had it all. I am even more of a Kasey Stockton Fan. I love this trilogy and cannot wait for the next one. I literally gasped when I realized I read the last chapter. I want more! I cannot wait for Miles’ story!
I loved Marion’s story and I hope you do too! Available May 9th!
Scottish Highlands. A Tournament. A champion to win the hand of lady Marion. Danger. Civil Unrest. A Castle. A Loch. An unknown villain. Witty banter. Sweet chemistry. Sword dancing. Log throwing (it's called something else but I went with log for everyone to understand). Running. A Selkie. The Fairy Tree. Eavesdropping. Love. Family. More danger. Sword fighting. And soooo much more!
This book was incredible! I didn't want to put it down. I didn't want it to end. Yes, there is a cliffhanger. But it is well worth reading and waiting for the next book. Yes, you really do need to read the books in order with this trilogy. This is definitely not a stand-alone read.
I adored the first book but this one is my favorite so far. And another but...the third one is probably going to trump this one for being my favorite. I just have a feeling. With everything that has been set up in the first two books for the third one, I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! *Squeallllll!!!*
Seriously, if you love books set in Scotland, kind of medieval times, READ THESE BOOKS!!!!!
I'm going to be very patient while I wait for the third one. Hee Hee!!! Maybe reread this one. *Happy sigh*
I loved Marion and Cormac's first meeting. *snickering* Seriously so many funny and heart pounding scenes between these two. Their banter is the best! The chemistry that builds between them is sooo gooooood!!!! I've been reading Kasey's books for several years now and have loved them, her contemporary and her Regency books. But this one is my favorite so far!!! This girl can write!!!
Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Some sweet kisses and nothing more.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
3.2 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book literally picks up where the first one left off. So while the story follows two different MCs, due to the overarching plot, I suggest these books be read in order. Like the first, the story was engaging and the characters likeable. I really liked that Marion and Cormac actually spent a lot of time together. This made their relationship grow more organically and made their romance more believable.
Overall I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. On to the final in the series.
I really enjoyed this Scottish romance. I loved how the book continued the story from the previous book and I look forward to reading the next book. I loved how Marion was a strong character and how she wanted to control her own future. I love Cormac and how he is a strong protecter but is also a peacemaker. I liked how Marion and Cormac’s romance developed. I also like that we are set up for what might happen in the next book.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
This book has some Brave vibes (Disney movie) and I loved it. Fighting for the chiefs daughter through Scottish games. So much fun. I loved Cormac and Marion. Likable strong characters. This is a great series and I’m excited for book 3.
This is a series that is rich in Scottish culture. The stories continue from book to book so it is really necessary to read them in order to get the most out of the story. Marion McEwan is the daughter of the chief and she has always understood that she would have a husband chosen for her. When it seems that her father will pick her cousin Simon, she is very disturbed. She is surprised when her father decides to hold a competition inviting a few chosen men to compete for her hand. The competition will test their strength, fortitude and worthiness because whoever becomes her husband will also become the next chief after her father's death. Marion is rooting for anyone but her cousin Simon who is included in the list.
Cormac McEwan is very surprised to receive a summons from his chief, and he travels to Castle Moraigh with his sister. Cormac's father had been a good friend of the Chief. He is surprised at being included in the group of contenders and when he first meets Marion, he is quite taken with her. I really liked Cormac who showed on more than one occasion his great compassion towards his sister and then towards Marion. As time goes on, he wants to win the contest not to be the chief but to win the lady but there is someone who is trying to interfere with him winning the games.
There's lots of intrigue going on in the background of this story concerning the Jacobite's and the English soldiers trying to overthrow them.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
He was equal parts proud of the woman Marion had become and apologetic to the man she would marry. ~ Alexander McEwan
So glad that I waited until book 3 released so I could read these straight through. I don’t think I could have handled the wait.
Chief McEwan has determine Marion must wed soon and the best way to find a capable suitor is to have some friendly Scottish competitions. He invites 3 lads to compete, not only for her hand but to also take his place as chief once he is gone.
That Marion, she is something else. Fiery, sneaky, stubborn, strong willed and meddling. She despises one of the participants and decides to ensure he doesn’t succeed. Unfortunately, her plans continue to backfire and Cormac is the one who suffers.
Loved the competitions, especially the sword dance. I loved Cormac and his tenacity, his integrity, and his brotherly love for his sister.
The brewing Jacobite rebellion is an interesting parallel storyline. I’m so curious to know who Blue Bonnet is? Where is Hugh? Is Captain Hunt going to continue his witch hunt? And most importantly, will Miles find his selkie?
This book was good! I think I liked the first one better. These books make me want to google the history of the jacobites. Cormac was my favorite character. Honestly this book makes me excited for next books romance the most.
SPOILERS and book notes: 1743 Picks up RIGHT where the last one ended. Carmac and his bright red hair is going to be a fantastic addition. Him and Marian have the best discussions. Both confident individuals with firey and big personalities. Eek I love their flirting! And that cormac is going to fight for this lass. But I love Ian and he is in the running too! Same with sleezy Simon. I am glad that Marian is so nice to cormacs sister. Eeeeek I love miles and Ealann’s meetcute!! She was swimming in the loch between their two clans at night and he almost crashed into her with his rowboat. He thought her a kelpi. She had been training as a healer back in her home town. And his mother is sick and she gave him advice! But not each others names! Eeek Kieren and Isobel wedding!! They are love sick fools. Hehe who is the Jacobite spy blue bonnet?? COrmak got chosen as future chief and Marinn’s husband!
“He was equal parts proud of the woman Marion had become and apologetic to the man she would marry.” -McEwan
“When yer faced with trials and ye dinna believe ye will come through them victorious, hope is the guiding force that will help ye put one foot before the other. Hope will lead ye to the light.”
Three men will compete to become the new chief of Moraigh and marry Marion McEwan. As much as Marion wants to keep her feelings out of it, one of the contestants is winning her heart. Can allow her heart feel and if so, what if he doesn’t win the contest?
We’re back in Scotland where political tension is rising between the clans and the black watch and red coats. These books are so well written. You feel like you’re in the Scottish Highlands bare feet in mud next to the loch. The characters are so well done. They journey through a time of learning to trust each other, hope, and letting go of control. I can’t do it justice. If you like Scottish historical romance, this is probably a book for you.
Book review: Through the Fairy Tree by Kasey Stockton . “When yer faced with trials and ye dinna believe ye will come through victorious, hope is the guiding force that will help ye put one foot before the other. Hope will lead ye to the light.” . What a delightful read. I didn’t realize that this was the second book in the series until I started it but it was easy to understand. I will go back and read the first one though. I loved the Highland contests. I had to look them all up because I had never heard of any of them but I loved learning more about Scottish culture. I enjoyed watching YouTube videos of modern people completing these contests and trying to imagine what it would have looked like back in these days. I loved listening to the music played on a clàrsach (which naturally I had to look up because I didn’t know what it was either). I loved the romance, the mystery and danger, and I am excited to read the book prior and the book that’s coming next! . My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Content: clean
And it just keeps getting better! Through the fairy tree is the second book in the Myths of Moraigh trilogy. Marion is expected to marry whomever her father chooses as the next Clan McEwan chief. When she hears Simon, her cousin, is one of the lead contenders, her skin begins to crawl. She doesn’t trust him and will go to all extremes to make sure he does not win. Cormac has been summoned to Moraigh Castle, but he has no idea why. When he arrives and realizes he is to compete in a series of Highland games for the hand of Marion and the next clan leader. Let the games begin. Great plot and wonderfully written. Attention to detail is perfect. The characters are well defined and a pleasure to get to know. Some characters are a crossover from book 1, so I would encourage readers to start with book 1, Journey to bongary spring. Now the anticipation, waiting for book 3
This series has been wonderful. I can be confident this author can take me out of a reading rut. I've never watched Poldark but do know about it. In reading this I can imagine this might be a good copmarison. There is political intrigue, a strong sense of community and loyalty, a running story line that carried over to this book from the last. We delve deeper and there are more seeds for the storyline to grow in the next book. Good suspense. Who do you trust? What will happen? Lost of moving parts but the plot was never convoluted. A great saga. I'm really invested in the side characters and want to know their fate and like reading about them as well. I loved the historical part and stopped to look up about Scotish games as I read. I'm excited for the foreshadowing and hints for the next book. This series is a for sure re-read and should be read in order.
An intriguing “Myths of Moraigh” tale. McEwan, chief of the McEwan clan, holds a contest to choose a husband for Marion, his daughter, as well as to determine who will be the next chief. Marion is distrustful of Cormac at first, but soon grows to accept him. Their interactions are a lot of fun. Of course, best laid plans don’t always work out. Ealann, Cormac’s sister, wants to return home soon, but she meets someone new, gives some medical advice, but won’t give him her name. Will she end up leaving Moraigh, or will she end up staying? This was an interesting tale of rival clans, rival contestants, and rival nationalities. And who set the fire at Moraigh? This was not a cliffhanger necessarily, but there are a few mysteries that still need resolving. Also, the audio was well done. The Scottish accent was excellent, as well as the variation of the narrated voices.
I loved Marion's story! It was a bit of a slow start for me but the story developed nicely and I fell in love with the characters. Marion has accepted that her husband will be chosen for her. Her father, the chief, holds a competition and invites three men. Cormac is invited because of their father's relationship and Marion soon sees that he is a good man. I think it was funny that she tried to rig the games to help Cormac win but because of misunderstandings actually hurt his chances. I loved their growing feelings for each other and their first kiss was fire!! I also loved Ealann, Cormac's sister. Cormac's speech to Marion's father was so sweet! Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
The deep dive into Scotland's clans and life is gloriously fun! Contests to win the heart, or at least the hand, of the Clan Chief's daughter go awry first as she interferes, and then as others do. The back and forth banter between Marion and Cormac are one of my favorite things to find in a book. As events move forward, they will have to work together to frustrate someone who seems bent on eliminating the competition, but it just may leave Marion married to someone else. If you haven't read the first book, Journey to Bongary Spring, be sure to start there! It's always better to read a journey from the beginning and you get to know the characters in this book there first. Five stars for a clean read that is a wonderful read too!
This was such a fun story! I absolutely loved reading it. The characters were so engaging, I felt like I was right there in the castle with them. Marion was this blend of mischievous nymph and strong leader. I loved her eavesdropping and the humor she brought to the story. Cormac was such a good match for her wit and their banter definitely made the romance swoony. The writing was top notch and just really well-paced. It's the kind of book you don't want to put down. I like how the romance is standalone, but the overall plot is pulling through from the first book and will be completed in book three. While you can read this one by itself, I highly recommend reading this series in order. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ever since meeting Marion in Journey to Bongary Spring I have been anxiously awaiting a story for her and a hero to win her heart! I was most definitely not disappointed in Cormac. He came into the story and checked all the boxes. I love their banter, quick wit, and sweet moments, as well as the surrounding mystery that continues in this installment of the series. I, of course, like many others are eagerly awaiting the next book, because though we get to see a semblance of happy-ending there is still questions to be answered and story left to tell! I really am never disappointed when I read a Kasey Stockton story and will continue to love these fantastic reads! Can't recommend enough, but definitely need to read the series in order!
If given the time, I could have read this in a day. It is a fast paced, adventure full of mystery and entertainment and romance. A beautiful addition to the Myths of Moraigh series! I am eager to read the third book and know it will read the entire series again once I have them all to read consecutively. Ms Stockton has woven a clever and fascinating Scottish tale throughout the entire series!
Note: this is not a stand alone, you will need to read “Journey to Bongary Springs” first.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.