Highlander Unbroken

Highland Adventure, Book 8

By: Vonda Sinclair

Narrated by: Dave Gillies

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Torture has driven Neacal MacDonald to the brink of madness.

As the new chief of the MacDonald clan, Neacal will do whatever it takes to honor his late father and to help his clan thrive. But whispers of his madness abound and many in his clan turn traitor, wanting MacDonald of Sleat to lead them instead. Conflict ignites between the bitter rivals when Sleat garners the help of the man who tortured Neacal in the past.

Can one woman's song pull him back and begin to heal his soul?

Everything has been ripped from Anna Douglas except her angelic voice and the will to survive. When she meets Neacal MacDonald, she recognizes something familiar in him...stark loneliness and pain. His past could be even more tragic and tarnished than hers. No one must learn her true identity or about the brutish man declaring she is his wife, for he will stop at nothing to reclaim her. Though Neacal vowed to never trust a woman again, he cannot resist the secrets in Anna's eyes or her spellbinding song, which threatens to break down the icy walls surrounding his tormented heart.

©2016 Vonda Sinclair (P)2017 Vonda Sinclair

True love finds a way.

I was completely enthralled with this story. Neacal and Anna are two people who have experienced devastating events in the past. They become aware of each other when Anna sings in Neacal’s castle. Neacal is the clan chief but many of his clan refuse to recognise him as such and he is trying to prove himself a worthy chief. Anna has her secrets and although they have deep feelings for each other there are forces at work to prohibit them from taking it further. This is a fast paced story with dangerous enemies and traitors but also of good friends that can be relied on. Dave Gillies gave an excellent narration as usual that holds the listeners interest and keeps one involved in the story.

Lovely story

The hero was very reasonable, I only wish the heroine was less annoying and not such a whiny wimp.

Highlander Unbroken

When Vonda Sinclair and Dave Gillies partner together, you know you're going to have a fabulous audible experience! Vonda's characters are always so well developed and thought out you can easily feel like you are there with them and they were real. Her attention to the smallest detail makes the story exciting to read, as well as providing a fabulous, believable visual experience. Partner all of that with the exceptional vocal talent of Dave Gillies, and the book just comes to life taking you with it. Don't miss the book, but Really don't miss out on this audio version. This is a 5 Star book with a 5 Star performance by Dave Gillies.

Excellent!

The story is interesting and will keep you enthralled to the last page. Dave Gillies brings each character to life and makes you either love them or hate them. not to be missed!

Midevil intrigue

Grab a cup of coffee and curl up with this wonderful romance. Vonda Sinclair continues to bring romance in the highlands to her readers. Dave Gilles continues to bring the Scottish voices alive in the narrated version of this book. Can't wait to start book 9!!!! Sing
Ce starting this series I have not been watching tv with my husband. I even fall asleep with the headphones on.

Wonderful!!l

Where does Highlander Unbroken rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This one is ranked among the very best. Dave Gillies is a wonderful Scottish narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Highlander Unbroken?

When his dog always helped him through his troubled dreams.

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

The wonderful Scottish accent.

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

When the man loves a woman and admits it.

Any additional comments?

Well written and flowed great.

Traitor or Supporter?

This eighth book in the Highland Adventures Series is another exciting story. Neacal has been tortured and suffered unspeakably and has now been forced to lead his clan as laird after the death of his evil brother. Unfortunately not everyone is pleased with the decision to make him laird and he must discover who the traitors or supporters are before it’s too late. Anna, a traveling singer in the castle, has suffered as well but holds her secrets close in order to stay safe. This is a story of betrayal, revenge, jealousy, rescue, romance and more. There is plenty of action and evil characters to hold your interest, along with the sweet romance between Neacal and Anna. Dunn, Neacal’s wolfhound, was an enjoyable addition to the story as well. As usual, Dave Gillies does an amazing job of narrating the story, bringing all the characters to life, while Vonda Sinclair takes us on a journey to the highlands of Scotland of old.

A story to take your heart to Scotland

Any additional comments?

Neacal McDonald never wanted to be chief, laird to his clan.  He knew he was damaged goods having been severely tortured for a crime he didn’t commit.  How can he lead the clan when he could hardly control the rage still living within him?

Anna Douglas joined a traveling musical group, using her exquisite voice to put food in her belly. She had been on the run for two years, escaping a life which terrified her. The band of musicians found the McDonald clan a place where they were appreciated and had been entertaining for some time. 

Neacal found solace in Anna’s lovely voice; it somehow reached into his very soul, giving him a very unsettled feeling, but somehow soothing and calming. His emotions are uncontrollable, ragged-edged, ever since a woman had deceived him.  Can he ever trust a woman again?

Anna is just plain skittish.  When you learn of her past, you will see she is a woman of strength and good heart.  With all that has befallen her, she is still able to see the good of life, the good in people.  In Neacal she sees a good man, one she admires, one she could fall in love with, but her past still haunts her, preventing her to move forward. Perhaps it’s time for her to leave this clan.

As Neacal takes command of his clan, there are people who talk he is mad, not a good leader, etc.  Spies are among his people.  Who are his enemies, who can he trust? Talk unsettles his clan, but there are those who still have faith in him.  

The character Sleet is a most interesting and devilish character.  He’s sleazy, sowing lies with his forked tongue.  Beware the worm within your circles, dear read. He/she can do the most harm!

I loved the listen.  The nerve-wracking plot kept me gasping with each turn of event. Truly! It is amazing what the human spirit can overcome.  Author Vonda Sinclair propels us into such a story, compelling and enthralling with scene after scene of palpable terror, each scene coiling angst ever higher.

Narrator Dave Gillies, one of my favorite narrators, makes the story personal, with intimate tone where appropriate. His superb technique of eliciting tension through his tone and vocal pacing, perfectly matches the intent of the author. I’ve read or listened to most of this series.  I’ve missed of few of them and will rectify my error.  A superb series from a talented writer who takes me to Scotland to meet the cruel, the honorable, the compassionate, and above all experience the power of love. Every. Single. Time.

Bottom Line:    5-star Review

Series and author highly recommended for those who crave adventure and seek justice in a historical setting.

Crazy like a fox.

Neacal is the new Laird and not everyone is comfortable with his unorthodox behavior. Neacal was tortured and that is bound to change a person but there was little understanding from some of his clansman about this. There were plenty of bad guys in this story. It made for an interesting ending skirmish. The love story was great. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I saw where someone noted Anna as a wimp. I did not see this at all. She was a survivor and did what it took to survive. If anything I found her a bit too self sacrificing at times. The truth of this story is that Neacal was highly intelligent and so was Anna. I am glad that 2 soul mates found each other.