Review: Kilts and magic - yes please
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 10, 2014
Review Courtesy All Things Urban FantasyCRIMSON HEART marks the first time I’ve read a book in a series without having read the ones that came before – but kilts and magic? Then adding in the bonus of a historical bent? Come on. It’s a complete home-run, book wise. For me, anyway.Truth told, if I were reading this for my personal collection, I’d probably have rated it higher, but since the focus of ATUF is urban fantasy and paranormal works, I have to factor that into the review. Don’t get me wrong, there is a paranormal aspect to the story through the gifts bestowed on Searc and his family, and it plays an integral part of the plot. The majority of the story, though, is a historical romance focusing on the time of Mary Queen of Scots and the unrest in Scotland at the time.Full disclosure aside, I truly enjoyed CRIMSON HEART and can’t wait to read the others in the series before it. There’s just enough history, humor, drama, romance, mystery and history without it feeling bogged down by any of those. The mystery kept me guessing, the romance had me smiling, and I laughed out loud several times. Not to mention all the tugging on my heartstrings from Searc, and his wonderful family.Even though part of a series, CRIMSON HEART is complete in itself with no cliffhangers left behind. Searc and Elena are richly developed characters and I loved reading their journey together. The supporting characters, especially Marie de Guise, made their story even better and one I wouldn’t mind revisiting.