Highland Raven

The Celtic Blood Series, Book 1

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Lesley Parkin

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Very very Imaginative

I enjoyed this story, although at times it seemed light and trite, some how. And yet, being very compelling certainly. I found myself very intrigued and interested in wanting to know how much of this was based on the actual mythologies involved and hinted to within this story. The author has certainly done a keen job of weaving them together it as far as my tiny knowledge or awareness of them, Celtic, English (reference and parts about Avalon and Merlin, King Authors court), Norwegian. In her way the Author connects her heroine right from the start to Lady Macbeth and known historical periods tying the legendary/mythogiogical to bits/parts of that which is known of the origins of the civilizations and the Picks. Sounds too much I know, but this is well done, fun exciting. At first I was disappointed in the narration but perhaps intended or by a process of settling in and improving or maybe i got used to it, I don't know. I did really overall very much enjoy this book, particularly in the light of past books not so much into the realm of fantasy but history and essentially more current compared to this story, references and experiences of the Fey world and having the gift of Sight.

I could not stop listening

To start and to be upfront, this is not a stand-alone book. Sure, you could listen to book one and stop, and never know the depths you will drawn into the other three books. The narration of these four books is outstanding! I found myself sitting in my garage listening long after I’d arrived home. Taking a few extra minutes in the bathroom at work to listen just 2-3 minutes. I caught myself, wide eyed and mouth open in shock at the end of book three. I wanted to post a review here at book one to let others readers know, this series is spectacular! The magic, the suspense, the vengeance, the regrets. So good I could not stop listening.

Plots Afoot

I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this before.

This story immerses you into the strange and magical world of the Scottish Highlands as we follow the story of Gruoch, from her time in her uncle's court to her time spent learning the old ways in a community of women.

In a world where the old gods are alive and can speak directly to you, commanding you to do your duty to them, are you really able to control your own fate?

An expansive story with so many different plots afoot it's amazing one doesn't trip over them. This book also has hints of Shakespeare's Macbeth. It's not a retelling, not by a long shot, but fans of The Bard may find themselves occasionally thinking, "hey, that sounds familiar."

Magic and romance abound in this epic audiobook. And the narrator is top quality.

Transported back in time!

Wow, what a prologue! Hooked me immediately! I loved this book and will definitely listen to the rest of the series. Great story and brought to life by great narration! Highly recommend it!

Clever twist on a well known tale.

This is the story of Lady Macbeth, told from her point of view. It’s a clever new twist on the story told by Shakespeare. I’m intrigued by Cobie’s early history. Finding the plaintive thread of Banquo and Corbie’s love story very compelling and will definitely be listening to the follow up novel soon. I thought it was narrated beautifully. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.