Magnar

Mary Morgan

Aug 2020 · The Wolves of Clan Sutherland Book 1 · The Wild Rose Press Inc

About this ebook

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king's last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate. After Elspeth Gunn's brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well. In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

Ratings and reviews

This book was such an interesting, intriguing, stimulating, and thrilling read!!! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this book, but it was an overall enjoyable read that included complex and well described characters, intense and enthralling action scenes, and a creative story line filled with deep, rich, historical content. I loved that this book was inspired by the author’s previous trip to Northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands. You can feel the creativity leap off the pages as you delve further into this story. The author takes you on an extraordinary trip filled with lavish details that open your eyes to a whole new time and place. I liked Elspeth as she was a bit of a spitfire, sassy, strong, and kept Magnar on his toes! Magnar was definitely the more rough, brooding, complicated, muddled character with a darker, secretive side. He was a tough, fierce leader of his group, the Wolves of Clan, Sutherland and his loyalty and devotion to Scotland was admirable. I really liked that both characters were quite stubborn which certainly made for some entertainingly witty banter! I loved the amount of historical content and precision. The author is clearly well-versed in the cultures, traditions, and rituals of the Viking age as she comfortably integrates their practices into a creative and clever tale! Combined with her own unique advantage having spent time in Scotland only further added to the reliable and credible details throughout the story line. I also really enjoyed the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book that is strongly featured throughout the story. That plus her love and passion of all things historical is clearly evident from page one. I enjoyed the story line and felt engaged in the story structure and plot points. The writing was steady and easily flowed. I also really enjoyed the extras the author included in the book. At the beginning of the book there is a glossary of old Norse terms, which was especially useful as this book featured many old Norse phrases throughout the story that helped keep this book convincingly in the Viking age. The author also attached a list of, “The Nine Noble Virtues of Wolf Lore,” which was a great introduction to learning the rules and ropes of Wolfe Lore. In addition, at the end of the book, the author included a “Note from the Author,” which provided further insight and understanding into the story and the author’s process. And mentions exciting details for book two in the series! I liked that the author used old language and terminology in her writings as it made the story feel more time-period accurate. 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 The Wolves of Clan Sutherland Book Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it! I think all historical romance readers, Scottish/Viking fans, and paranormal romance lovers 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.**

I found this to be an interesting tale. Magnar was such a dedicated warrior, loyal to his king, and very protective. Elspeth was a strong woman, loyal to and protective of her family, doing what she had to for survival. Danger threatened, but Elspeth and Magnar found the strength together. I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

This book has it all for those who love a medieval book laced with a smidge of the paranormal. I really enjoyed this book, the first in a new series by this author (oh and I can't wait to read about Rorik's story in the next one). The author blended Celtic and Viking lore, Norse mythology and Christianity, and an amazing cast of characters all set against a beautiful backdrop of Scotland/northern isles. I enjoyed Magnar's loyalty, honor, and compassion, and Elspeth was his perfect match, a confident, headstrong leader herself. I felt invested in the characters and their journey, including the surrounding cast (I really like romances that are not just an island of the two leads, but rather encompass the other characters into the story as it unfolds). Their chemistry was sweet yet spicy, and I appreciated the paranormal elements (wolf shifters, and a bit of magic), without it being overwhelming. A nice blend of historical and mystical.

About the author

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.Visit Mary's website where you'll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels. http://www.marymorganauthor.com