February 28, 2025 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW – Born to Trouble (The Clan Donald Saga Book 4), by Regan Walker

#histfic #historicalfiction #saga #scotland

Book Blurb

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Scotland, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles and heir to the earldom of Ross, welcomes King James home after a long captivity in England. Yet behind the façade of royal approval lies a web of treachery. Alexander’s father triumphed at the Battle of Harlaw, securing for his son the title Earl of Ross, but Alexander must navigate a perilous court where loyalty is a fleeting shadow if he is to keep it.

The nobles defeated at Harlaw, threatened by Alexander’s growing power, whisper in the king’s ear, urging him to curb the formidable Lord of the Isles. Once an ally, King James turns against Alexander, imprisoning him in the grim confines of Tantallon Castle. Yet Alexander holds the unwavering loyalty of the Highlanders and Islesmen, who will rise in rebellion for the wrongs done to their beloved lord.

In a life fraught with conflict and trouble, Alexander captures the attentions of three women—each vying for his affection. But only one truly holds his heart. As alliances shift and passions ignite, can Alexander claim his rightful title and the woman he loves while navigating the treachery surrounding him.

Release scheduled for 27th February 2025

My Review – A tantalizing tale crafted by a talented author. 5 stars

Born to Trouble is the fourth and final book in Regan Walker’s Clan Donald Saga. I found it to be a tantalizing tale of duty, honour and desire, expertly crafted by an author adept at breathing life into the people, places and history of 15^th century Scotland. The book can be read as a standalone, but I feel that readers who enjoy delving into this time period would appreciate reading earlier instalments.

The book is aptly named as the central character of Alexander of Islay faces many challenges, political and personal. The arrival of King James, held captive for many years by the English, impacts many including Alexander, a powerful force in his own right. The king not only has his own agenda but the nobles of Scotland, some of whom do not have Alexander’s interests at heart, vie for power and influence.

The author does an excellent job of illustrating these political machinations which result in Alexander’s imprisonment, his future uncertain. I enjoyed the tension inherent within the read and found myself wondering whether Alexander would survive and whom he could trust in his quest to ensure his own safety and the future of those he holds dear.

I found the character of Alexander to be strong and noble, attempting to remain loyal to his king but ultimately staying true to himself, his heart’s desire, his family and his clansmen. Amidst the backdrop of these shifting sands of politics, he also strives to find his soulmate. This is no easy feat as there are three women who seek his attention. I appreciated the skill in which the author depicted these women, and their differing motivations and characters. I also enjoyed the references to characters and events featured in the earlier instalments and meeting some of them again.

The author has a way of writing which brings the time period and its traditions to life and portraying characters with which we can identify and empathise with. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the king’s court and the home life of Alexander as well as the time travelling by ship to and from the isles and the various bloody confrontations which occur throughout the tale.

Recommended to readers of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy the history of Scotland.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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ARC REVIEW – The Strongest Heart (The Clan Donald Saga #3), by Regan Walker

#historicalfiction #saga #Scotland #ScottishHistory

Book Blurb

Set in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, this is the story of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, the grandson of both Angus Og Macdonald, whose story is told in book 2, and King Robert II. Donald was a man strong of faith, character and heart who would lead the clan into battle before seeing the Kingdom of the Isles destroyed by an ambitious man who would be king.

In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.

A man of keen intelligence, strategy and faith, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota Leslie, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.

What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlow.

My Review

A powerful tale of honour, loyalty and fortitude, penned by a gifted storyteller – 5 stars

The Strongest Heart is the third book in the Clan Donald Saga by Regan Walker. Spanning the late 14^th and early 15^th centuries, it chronicles key events in the life of Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles. I found the book to be another character-driven and insightful foray into the history of the dynasty. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend the previous novels in the series, Summer Warrior and Bound by Honor, to gain more understanding of the period.

I was entertained throughout by this powerful read – Regan Walker is a talented storyteller, whose words conjure up a vivid sense of place and time. The domestic scenes and the dialogue between Donald, his wife and those closest to him give the reader an insight into his character and motivations, as do his interactions with his contemporaries. It is evident that the author has paid great attention to the historical sources available. Donald’s relationship with the Kings of England and his allies in Ireland illustrate the strength of the MacDonald clan at that point in history.

The book contains a substantial amount of personal and political intrigue as Donald deals with rebellion from within his own ranks and the ever-present threat in the guise of the Albany Stewarts. Throughout Donald is portrayed as a man who is just, loyal, and fair, not to mention well educated and skilled at diplomacy. He is also a man who does not shy away from making difficult decisions. I enjoyed learning how these traits permit him to both conserve and strengthen the MacDonald legacy and protect the lives of his kin.

The book is populated by a number of engaging characters, not least that of Mariota, his wife, who is portrayed as wise and devoted. I found her to be a worthy companion for Donald and enjoyed reading about their courtship and their life together.

Recommended for readers of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in the history of Scotland, Ireland and England.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.