“Go out and tell all those you meet, Caledon has risen. Caledon will be protected and defended. And to you who would cause her harm, be prepared. A new fight has come.”After the destruction of the Jacobite forces at Culloden, Scotland is divided, vulnerable and leaderless, with survivors from both sides seeking to make sense of the battles they have fought against their fellow Scots.James Og … flees Drumossie, seeking the protection of his uncle’s house in Sutherland. It is here that James learns that the Northern Highlands hold a secret power only he can wield: Caledon. When Ensign John Mackay begins hunting Og’s family, James realises he must harness this power to defeat the enemies of Scotland.But, as the ageless Caledon awakes, so too does an ancient evil. When it allies with Mackay, the small Clan of Caledon faces enemies at every turn, discovering that even those closest to them may seek to destroy them.
more
This book is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful, historical adventure!!
This book is filled with engaging, realistic historical content that drives the story line and provides captivating, easy to picture details!!
I was very intrigued to find a book filled with historical and fantasy content on the same page. This definitely made the book thought-provoking, compelling, and fascinating!
One of the best features of this book is the significant amount of accurate, intriguing Scottish Highlands time-period detail that the author weaved into this book. It is no wonder the author has a Master’s Degree in Highlands History and is well-versed in the culture and customs that she was able to provide such cohesive knowledge and references in her writing.
This book has strong world building, stimulating and suspenseful fight scenes, thrilling drama, stirring vengeance, interesting characters – and offers the reader an enjoyable, steady paced read!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is book one of this new book series. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all historical, fantasy readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Caledon
Author: Virginia Crow
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 20 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A griping mix of history and fantasy. I love that it was set in Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. Although I wasn’t a big fan of all the characters, it was still a very enjoyable read.” Male reader, aged 52
“I so wish this novel wasn’t part of a series of books. I enjoyed it but then – cliffhanger. How annoying. Anyway, if you enjoy or have an interest in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll enjoy this story. Plenty of fighting, battling, twists and turns – oh, and a big dollop of fantasy too. Possibly a little predictable in parts, and I think a strong-willed editor might have insisted the author shorten the novel – it’s pretty long! But, overall, a dynamic read with plenty happening.” Female reader, aged 65
“The author is skillful at mixing her historical knowledge with charismatic characters and a stirring plot. Best character is James – brave, sort of cool; most annoying character is Mary – please stop whining! Sort of spoilt too. It’s a block of a book but fantasy readers love that. I would read the sequel.” Male reader, aged 30
“A little confusing in parts, so you will have to work hard to keep up with the sub-plots. I congratulate the author on putting together such a ‘big!’ adventure with a strong, underlying historical feel to it.” Female reader, aged 70
To Sum It Up:
‘A complex fantasy adventure with a strong sense of place.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Caledon’s story is like a high mountain path. It is sinuous, sometimes abrupt, sometimes mild and wider, sometimes it gives you time to breathe and sometimes takes it away. From plain level, through clusters or the alpine meadows to the lone, barren peak, what does not change is the beauty, sad or hopeful, of the imagines that surround you. Imagines formed by real historical aspects, tribulations of heart and duty, sacrifices, myths, and magic. Even in death, I hoped to meet again… (hmmm no spoilers here). The combinations are sometimes tragic and sometimes heartening. The satisfaction you have when reaching the top deserves the few hours spent reading the story.
The language is modern, even if a bit different, enriched but not hampered, just enough to help you hear the echoes of the Culloden battle and what came afterward. High ideals and ancient duties make our hero/s fight and sacrifice for the greater good, the people of Caledon, as Caledon is not only the land or man, is the spirit of all Scotts together. If men fail to fight, then their unique spirit will come to their aid. The battle is not easy and the dangers don’t always come from the face enemy nor the salvation.
If you want a comparison, think to a just a bit darker Rob Roy (1995) and add some elements of myth and folklore. Enjoy! But be aware: if you are not already, you could become fascinated by Scottish history and myths.
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/2020/03/review-caledon-by-virginia-crow.html