Highland Raven Audiobook By Melanie Karsak cover art

Highland Raven

The Celtic Blood Series, Book 1

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Highland Raven

By: Melanie Karsak
Narrated by: Lesley Parkin
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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 Destiny Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Medieval Romance Royalty Middle Ages Highlander Magic Heartfelt Scotland

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)
Magical Celtic Elements • Intriguing Historical Fantasy • Authentic Scottish Accent • Well-developed Characters
Highly rated for:
All stars
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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.

Enchanted story

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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.

Beautiful Narrarion

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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!

I love this story & narration!

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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.

Such a good story!

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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.

good but wish it didn't tie into Macbeth

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I enjoyed listening to Highland Raven, I liked the narrator's voice. Her voice ties the story to the Scottish location; She did a good job changing her voice with each character. I was hooked on the story and the main character too. I have already started book 2.

Good Read

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If you've ever looked into divination, past lives, runes or wicca, read this, and never even mind the whole Macbeth thing. Because, to be honest, I remember zilch from Shakespeare's Macbeth.
But I know that there are times in every woman's life when she wishes to be included in a tribe of women, to be taught herb lore and mysteries. To be an aspect of the Goddess and to find her inner calling. Go on this journey with Corbie, as she becomes Cerridwen.
You'll love what you find.

Also please give a medal to the person who got Lesley Parkin to read this story. Her Scottish accent totally convinced me I was in 11th century Scotland, following future Lady Macbeth. Beautiful.

Pet peeve: the lady on the cover of this book should probably have been raven black-haired, like the heroine. I like her braided updo, though :)

I still have 3 hours left of this story... so, gotta go.

See you in our next life together!

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Grabbed my soul

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The narrator did an excellent job but for me something was just missing in this story. It was decent enough but didn't pull me in. I don't think I'll continue with the trilogy.

Just okay

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What did you like best about Highland Raven? What did you like least?

I thought I would enjoy the narrators heavy accent, but it was too distracting. The writing was tailored more towards a young teen, with simple sentences with limited structure.

Would you ever listen to anything by Melanie Karsak again?

No.

Disappointing

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I strongly recommend this series. The majority of listeners rated this work as 4/5 stars. Not sure what was going on with the few glaring and mean negative comments I saw. Melanie Karsak is a highly accomplished author. I have 20 years experience teaching literature and history. I’m not easily pleased with historical fiction, but what Karsak did with the story of Lady MacBeth astounded me. Yes, the genre is historical fantasy which requires a lot of historical research and a strong talent for creative imagining. Highland Raven (and the series) accomplishes both. Well done!!!

Update: I just finished reading the last of the Celtic Blood series on Kindle. The books read very smoothly. I can't believe how finely crafted the stories are. I could hardly make myself stop reading. The characters are interesting and complex, the plot is unpredictable and contains exciting adventures and adrenaline powered cliffhangers. I spent a little time reading about the real-life background for this series as I went. I liked how Karsak creatively incorporated the essence of what we know about the people, the Druids, and the historical period while fantasizing to create a detailed story. The series' ending is brilliant. Happy reading!

Incredible, richly written and engaging!

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