Caledon by Virginia Crow Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 22nd January 2019
Publisher: Crowvus
Page Length: 180 (A4 size) – the book is approx. 80,000 words
Series: Caledon (Book One)
Genre: Historical Fantasy

Synopsis

"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.

My Thoughts

After Culloden, James Og, outlawed, wounded and pursued by Hanoverian soldiers under the command of Ensign John Mackay, seeks help from his uncle, Robert Mackenzie, and cousins, Donald and Mary (Jamie's fiancée). While fleeing to the coast to find a ship to take them to the continent, Robert is killed and Mary is captured by the soldiers. Jamie continues to run, leaving Mary to her fate, until a misstep causes a tumble down a ravine.

Surprised to be alive, Jamie experiences a dream in which he learns he has been chosen to be Caledon and his quest is to help the suffering Scots people. He will not do this alone, but with the aid of a small band of followers who will be drawn to him and bear the six Scottish traits: strength, zeal, nobility, stealth, wisdom and power. It is for Jamie to discover which of his band possesses which trait and who he can trust.

Bewildered and unsure of the task he has been given, he is reunited with Donnie, the one person he really trusts, and together they set off to rescue Mary and fulfil the first part of Jamie's quest.

I don't read much historical fantasy, but have read one of Virginia Crow's earlier novels, The Year We Lived (my review) which blended medieval folklore and superstition. In Caledon she does much the same, only this time she entwines Scottish myths and legends with the unrest of post-Culloden Scotland, against the backdrop of the rugged Scottish highlands.

The core characters are varied, but Jamie's band are all likeable. All have valid reasons for joining clan Caledon. Their traits are revealed to Jamie by their actions in various times of crisis, as is the eile (animal totem) of each one. Jamie sees himself as a coward, first for Culloden and then abandoning Mary, but as his quest progresses, he gains in confidence. He does not always follow the instructions he receives through his dreams, which often leads him and his band of followers into danger, especially from his nemesis John Mackay and another, who was once close to him but now wishes him ill.

Caledon is a great adventure story. My only gripe is that it finished with some of the threads unresolved, but as this is book one of a series, it is to be expected. I loved the blend of history and fantasy, and look forward to the continuation of Jamie's quest.

Where to Purchase

Universal Link : Amazon AU : Amazon CA : Amazon UK : Amazon US :

Meet the Author

Virginia grew up in Orkney, using the breath-taking scenery to fuel her imagination and the writing fire within her. Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together. She enjoys swashbuckling stories such as The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and is still waiting for a screen adaption that lives up to the book!

When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration. She also helps out with the John o' Groats Book Festival which is celebrating its 4th year.

She now lives in the far-flung corner of Scotland. A doting spaniel-owner to Orlando and Jess, Virginia soaks up in inspiration from the landscape as she ventures out with her canine companions.

She loves cheese, music, and films, but hates mushrooms.

Connect with Virginia:
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