Isobella felt a cold draft, then saw a green mist. The mist materialized into the ghost of black Douglas. They talked of many things, then the earth vibrated, the wind whipped around the sisters, the last thing the ghost said was "fear nae ye."

1515 Scotland, Isle of Mull. The sisters found themselves in a meadow. Ahead were men with swords drawn staring at them. The men had been engaged in battle when the two women suddenly appeared. They ignored the bodies strewn around them and were still as statues. The battle resumed and ended quickly. The focus was now on the sisters.

My assumption that Renaissance Scotland was brutal, filled with uneducated, barbaric men and women stands corrected. This story was a wonderful testament to the Scotland of old. The witty banter and humor between the main characters proved education was not lacking. A clan chief thought not of who to kill or maim next, but the best strategy to help his people. It was a big responsibility. It's a shame a lot of things about the Scottish people are probably lost in history. This book is a work of fiction but the author obviously did a lot of research on Scotland. At times I felt the wonder and experience Isobella described. The focus of the story centered on Isobella and Alysandir. Elizabeth became a minor character. I hope that means another book is planned. The ending was great, no strings hanging.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Theresa B.
February 8, 2011