Highland Raven

The Celtic Blood Series, Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

Destined to become Queen of Scotland. Bound by blood to the Celtic gods.

Scotland, 1026 - Gruoch, descendant of the line of MacAlpin, should have been born into a life of ease. But fate is fickle. Her father's untimely death, rumored to have been plotted by King Malcolm, leaves her future uncertain and stained by the prophecy that she will avenge her family line.

Escaping to one of the last strongholds of the old Celtic gods, Gruoch becomes an adept in arcane craft. Her encounters with the otherworld, however, suggest that magic runs stronger in Scotland than she ever imagined.

Haunted by dreams of a raven-haired man she's never met, Gruoch soon feels her fate is not her own. She is duty-bound to wed a powerful lord, if not the Prince himself; however, she's not sure she can stop her heart when she meets Banquo, a gallant highlander and druid.

Fans of Outlander and Mists of Avalon will relish this sweeping Scottish historical fantasy that tells the tale of Gruoch, a woman struggling to escape her fate without blood on her hands.

©2014 Clockpunk Press (P)2016 Clockpunk Press

Critic reviews

A great novel that captures realistically a world of witches and fairies, warrior women and barbaric men, and a woman exploring a life she had no idea existed (Author Carrie L. Wells)

A rich tale of lore and legend that will trap you faster than a fairy ring ( Fabulous and Fun Book Reviews)

Enchanted story

What did you love best about Highland Raven?

The story from a long time ago

What did you like best about this story?

The old pagan ways, the goddess and the traditions.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Cerridwen was in her raven form and took revenge on Alister

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

When she meets all the sisters and learn the old ways

Any additional comments?

Lesley Parkin voice makes the story even better.

Beautiful Narrarion

The narrator’s voice is perfect. The storyline was good, but sometimes difficult to follow due to all of the detailed names. If I had been able to read them as we went it would have helped me keep better track of places and characters. That being said, the narrator did vary her speech for different characters which helped differentiate them more easily.
Very enjoyable overall.

I love this story & narration!

This story is fantastic! I adore the inclusion of the Celtic Goddesses and worship. I have moved on to book 2 and I am definitely not disappointed. I love the strength that Gruoch is growing as she learns more about herself. Historical fictions are my favorite and I put this storytelling up will Diane Diana Gabaldon, Diana L. Paxson & Juilet Marillier. I'm so glad I found this series!

Such a good story!

I really liked this series! Even if you don’t like Shakespeare, you’ll find it enjoyable if you like historical fiction and the supernatural. If you do like Shakespeare (like me) you’ll love this interesting new take on Lady MacBeth.

good but wish it didn't tie into Macbeth

I really liked the story though be came disappointed when it started to mention Macbeth. Hoped it was just a "common" name but when similar phrases from the Shakespeare text popped up it was hard to miss. Still good and plan to read the next in the series, just as a theater major I wasn't looking for another Macbeth tale.