The Hostage of Glenorchy

A Highland Romance of Tudor Scotland (The Highland Ballad Series, Book 1)

By: Kristin Gleeson

Narrated by: Linda McDade

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Scotland 1556. No one can know her true identity, and the castle's mysterious hostage is irresistible, but will it bring betrayal - or even death?

After overhearing a plot to kill Mary Queen of Scots, Abby Gordon is sent from Paris to the Laird of Glenorchy’s home at Kilchurn Castle for safety. Disguised as a boy, she becomes a lute player among the household musicians where she encounters the laird’s hostage, the attractive Iain MacGregor, a pawn in the laird’s struggle for power in Scotland’s turbulent politics. But is Iain really a hostage to fortune or is he playing his own dangerous game? As Abby’s feelings intensify for this Glenorchy hostage she is caught in the web of intrigue that permeates the household and is drawn deeper and deeper into danger.

With spice, wit, and action-packed plotting, Kristin Gleeson’s Highland Ballad Series is as compelling as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels.

©2016 Kristin Gleeson (P)2021 Kristin Gleeson

Interesting historical novel w a little romance

The Hostage of Glenorchy is an interesting historical novel about a widow who, when sent from France to Scotland by her father to avoid plots at court, decides to dress as a man in order to pursue playing her music, The story is entertaining with a little romance, although, at least in this book, the romance is not central to the story. This is the first book of a trilogy, so alas, the story does not end with the closing of the book. I would like to read or listen to the next two books and find out what happens next.

The narrator of the audiobook does a pretty good job. She has an accent that fits the story but can make her a little harder to understand at times. She also lacks some of the variety in her voice that I would have appreciated.

"I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Loved it!

I loved this book... I can't wait to hear more of this story. The Characters are very likeable. and a their storyline is quite pertinent to the same interests of many... Scotland during this Time Period was intriguing and dangerous. The Narration was very good! Kudos to this presentation.

Good Historical Romance. Not too racy.

This was a great read! An easy to flow plot with interesting characters, It’s one of those books that you can listen to while doing other things and that makes it great. The narration was consistent and flowed smoothly. ( no awkward multiple change in accent attempts)

Having read the reviews before starting the book, I was well aware that it is not a stand alone story. and also I agree that the author did an outstanding job of leaving the reader wanting more!

Sent to Scotland to learn the language.

Abby Gordon overhears a plot to kill the Queen. So is sent from Paris to Scotland. Disguised as a boy so she can play the music only allowed to men. She meets the hostage held in Scotland. Does he know she is a woman? or does he think she is a young lad? The narrator gave a good performance on the many characters in this novel.


This book
was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Good story, leaves you wondering

I realize tis is part one but the ending does not close the book. It is more like the end of a chapter. I prefer multi volume books that each have their own ending but are continued in the next volume. I did not feel like tis was a complete book.

The narration fits the book. You can listen to a sample so make sure you like her narration style and voice.

I was given this book at my request and have left this review voluntarily.

good but not enough resolution

I enjoyed this book and definitely want to know what happens next. I do think it ended rather abruptly without enough resolution. I realize it is the first of a series but it didn't feel like a complete book but more of a chapter ending.