Review: Epic drama, romance, Scottish heritage and Celtic folklore fan *perfection*
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 30, 2012
Highland King is a lot more than a rite of passage story, it is an adventure through time and humanity. We all dream of knowing the gods, of being higher born, of having a greater calling, and this is completely personified in Doncann.The setting is so authentic and realistic you become a time traveler, catapulted back to a time when men fought with swords, own and fought for clan lands, and ruling a land was an honor only birth bestowed.You like Doncann, there's nothing not to like. I loved it when he had fighting lessons from Scythach. I don't know, maybe it was the idea that this ancient Celtic goddess who taught Cu Cullain how to fight on the Isle of Skye that tickles me pink, a woman teaching a man how to fight like a man (actually how to fight like a woman) it just was the cherry on the cake for me. I LOVED IT. She's not going easy on him. And she teaches him to fight with his mind always being sharp, on the ball, learning different techniques - which was all very well explained and revealed through Doncann's character. It didn't feel contrived, but I got a smirk reading about how the future king gets his lessons from a Celtic goddess (one I got the impression he had a thing for)He gets pretty cheeky with her at times. He's also soul lost in love with Morag. Their romance is very touching, and I like that she had a role to fulfill too (more than just as arm candy for the future king).BUT, it all falls apart, betrayal is everywhere, their necks are always on the line, Doncann is exiled unfairly - it's heartbreaking, but it's only in complete despair that we find our true strength. The author cleverly gives you a lot of clues along the way, but you only twig at the culmination. So that was very well done too.Your sense (need) for justice will be tested severely in this read. You'll find yourself getting cross at how backwards and unfair life is, and at the same time you'll relish the tale of a traveler, sleeping under the stars, cooking over a fire (where goddesses come to chat), and the epic enigma of the standing stones and what they really mean. Highland King is a must read for anyone in love with the Celtic tales, Scottish loyalties, a love of Arthurian type reads, and for those of you who like a good period suspense / romance / battle saga. In fact even if you're a Gabaldon fan, you'll enjoy this read, (A lot)The battle scenes are not for the squeamish. I think this is a decent read for both genders. This is Game of Thrones type stuff, and definitely satisfies the lust and bloodlust of every reader. I also don't think it's a coincidence that Orion (the warrior) is the constellation depicted on the cover.5 stars from me.