Beyond the Highland Mist

Highlander, Book 1

By: Karen Marie Moning

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

An alluring laird....

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland.

Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the 16th-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time....

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side.

Great Scot! Don't miss our other titles in the Highlander series.

©2007 Karen Marie Moning (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Phil Gigante's handling of the prose in Moning's clever paranormal romance is smooth and engaging, but it is his character voicings that truly make this recording one to remember." (AudioFile)

Superficial yet full of 90’s Tropes

Very superficial and disjointed. The description of the book appears to be full of my kind of catnip... but it was very thinly done when it comes to believable character arc, plot and emotional investment. Side characters are very flimsy and stereotypical, only there to serve the main characters.
I think the narrator’s talent only emphasized those flaws, turning the story campy and over-the-top in comparison.
I do remember reading this as a teenager and liking it... but tastes change with time and life experience.

Enchanting / Frustrating

Would you listen to Beyond the Highland Mist again? Why?

No, I would not listen to this again, because the narration/production was poor. As I don't have time to read actual books usually, I don't regret the credit, but recommend a more traditional reading experience for others. I've never been bothered enough to offer the caution. I will acknowledge that it's bearable, and I still couldn't stop listening for desire to hear the tale... I may listen to the next in the series despite the narration issue, but it won't be without reservation.

The narrator, whom I see is unfortunately responsible for the rest of this series, which I am starting to really enjoy, does a fantastic job regarding the basic telling of the story, but fails in all other respects. The men sometimes sound like one another making it difficult to distinguish who is speaking at times. That said, the main male voice was superbly strong and appealing. His portrayal of the women was distractingly poor (impossible to forget this was just a man reading a script - more thought on the narrator than the story at those times - it sounded as if he was mocking women when reading their lines, though I know that was not the intent).

Expected a more realistic Scottish brogue. Adrienne's fake female accent moved in and out between standard American, New Orleans/Deep South, and the same bad attempt at a Scottish accent.

Occasionally, the production involved whispers from the fairies... Had to replay more loudly and more slowly to make out the words. Frustrating!

What did you like best about this story?

The ambience was lovely. There was intense satisfaction when the characters were finally honest and communicating with each other (as well as themselves). For all of his flaws (being DENSE primarily), I had sympathy for the male lead, and was happy when he was.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Phil Gigante?

Possibly. This series only. Necessity only. Wonderful male voice. Exception to my answer if female narrates alongside him.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This was a fun book I wish I had "read" traditionally, but too much focused on introspective thoughts and feelings that would not translate to film well, so I cannot answer this...

Any additional comments?

I TRULY enjoyed the story. 

When it began, I was itching to turn it off. The storyline was corny (fairies whisking a woman away from the 20th century to torment a man in the past. She's chosen, because she "hates beautiful men," because one hurt her. The motive against the guy in the past is jealousy, because he unwittingly pleased the fairy queen... Yeah, OK... That plus bad narration equalled BAD!

As the story progressed, I never developed sympathy for the woman, and I found the writing a little immature, BUT, I DID start to become attached to the characters overall. I wanted to know how they would resolve their issues. I was frustrated by the lack of communication that caused pointless problems. I was overjoyed when they healed some of their emotional wounds. I could relate to their hopes. 

The descriptions were vivid, and very good. Charming. For all the many flaws, I stayed up till daybreak listening till the end. I can't imagine how much more I'd have enjoyed it in paperback form or if they'd tied up a few loose ends better. 

 I think I'm ambivalent. I did enjoy it enough to be unable to "put it down," but I was also disappointed. Don't expect too much, and you'll be OK. I read a review that compared this to "Outlander," which was what I expected. As a comparison, it's a total insult to that series. By itself, for what it is... It's a fun read...

What a great series

Couldn't stop listening to this book and series. I got all of them and love the story lines and the endings the author has a way to keep you interested, intrigued and satisfied,. The narrator was absolutely perfect. Phil Giganti nailed it. I would recommend all of the books in this series. LOVED IT!!!

Love the narrator

Hated Adrienne. Seriously grow up. Whining constantly about how all me that are handsome are terrible human beings just because her first boyfriend was a handsome criminal. So go find an ugly one if you’re lonely. The male lead was beyond patient with her. Get a grip. I had no respect for the characters. Stopped listening at about chapter 17. Kept thinking it would get better.

palate cleansing story

A plain old cheesy romance. The narrator is ridiculous, the characters are underdeveloped, and the story is predictable. Just as a forgettable, throw away, for entertainment only romance should be and I loved it. i was never invested beyond the length of the read. It is perfect for after you have been enmeshed in a book or series where the plot, world, and characters became what you looked forward to when you weren't reading and what you miss when the story ends. You can't just jump into another one right away of equal depth so read this book. It is everything a romance should be without all the depth.

Pretty good story

What did you love best about Beyond the Highland Mist?

I like the story OK--though not the best I've ever read.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I liked the parts where she is learning about her "Laird." The least interesting was the parts about the gardens etc.

What does Phil Gigante bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like is brogue--very well done. Unfortunately he really does not do female parts well at all--too artificial sounding. I wish there had been male and female readers. Phil is great when he does all the male roles!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I'm only 85% finished with the book--sort of lost interest. Maybe it will pick up.

Excellent reader, average story.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you like romance novels with steamy sex scenes and a an average plot, this is for you. Sort of junk for for the reader - enjoyable, but not high art.

Has Beyond the Highland Mist turned you off from other books in this genre?

A little bit. Things that you can skim over when reading a book you must sit through while listening to one.

Which character – as performed by Phil Gigante – was your favorite?

I didn't so much have a favorite character, as an admiration for the performance as a whole. He read some of the most silly sex scenes with style. I admire him for that.

Delightfully Frustrating Romantic Allegory

A 20th century woman, distrusting of men, is thrust into 16th century Scotland by an evil mystical jester aimed at revenge. Forced to marry a Scottish laird and deal with some primitive 16th century marriage traditions, Adrienne deals as best she can. The foundation of the story, albeit a bit shaky initially, is consistent throughout. Both of the main characters are tormented by past experiences and their hang ups stall the romance.

Moments in the story are incredibly frustrating, even feel like it drags out at times. But all in all, Beyond the Highland Mist is a fun read. The first in the series, Beyond... seems to get mixed reviews. This is one of those books you'll have to decide for yourself... it's either love it or not.

FYI: Like other readers of the series noted previously, Books 4-7 do not have to be read after 1-3, so I opted to try reading them out of order.

Loved it!

I enjoyed listening to it! I had read the book. Knew I would enjoy it!

LOVE THIS BOOK

Where does Beyond the Highland Mist rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

LOVE THIS STORY!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Wish that highlanders in the story were real

Have you listened to any of Phil Gigante’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

LOVE PHIL GIGANTE VOICE. I actual have a the books he reads for. even if I dont like the books I love his VOICE