Highland Raven: The Celtic Blood Series, Book 1 (Unabridged‪)‬

*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Gruoch, raised by her loving aunt and cruel husband, is destined to be called by the goddess. When the goddess calls, Aunt Madelaine tells her husband that Gruoch is going to a convent to study the White Christ, but truly she's going to learn the old ways of their people.

This is the first story I've heard narrated by Lesley, and I'm highly impressed. The thick accent of the time and place comes through and feels genuine. Emotion and spirits of the characters come through the rise and fall of her tone. I was really drawn to her narration. Lesley even gives different feel to voices for different characters.

The writing feels so real when I listen to Lesley narrate. The brutal treatment woman lived under as wives and servants alike. The story starts slower, setting the stage of where Gruoch comes from and what she's seen to bring her to who she is. This is Lady MacBeth and her journey through life.

This is one of those stories I was drawn into and really enjoyed, yet it's difficult to write about. I don't want to give away anything as I want you to have all the feels as you experience the story as well.

This story is Gruoch's. Who is Gruoch? She's who we know as MacBeth. This story tells of what she's experienced as she has grown up. On the day she was born her father called to the goddess. That goddess has answered and will call on Gruoch when she's older. Gruoch lives a good, but at times difficult, life with her aunt as her father fights for their king, and his brother. But then finds she lives permanently with her aunt when her father dies, on a mission for his brother.

Gruoch has lived through much with the way woman are seen and treated in this time. Watching the hatred and love that men could show woman, but mostly the mistreatment above all. She's even been at the receiving end as well.

The story really gets going for me when Gruoch receives the message that it's time to go live with the ladies of the goddess and learn the ways of old. However, Gruoch is different. She's of an older blood. Soul magic. Gruoch finds who she was by who she meets. There is a magical feel of old ways to all Gruoch lives through. She has a connection to the goddess, she believes thanks to her father's doing at her birth. I love when Gruoch goes to the ladies, all that she learns and sees, so much magic.

Aaah. Sid. Sid is very different. She's alone in seeing the faerie folk. And she can really see them! Gruoch sees enough to believe it, and so do I. Sid shows Gruoch her past life, one they shared. And when Druid named Banquo arrives at the holiday celebration, Gruoch sees more of that past life. A past life she loves and would do anything to have again. However, Gruoch is having visions of another man. And this man can see her as well. Who is he and what does he mean to her? And the goddess has other plans for Gruoch.

Gruoch is one strong woman. She witnesses abuse and stands in it's face when she realizes at a young age as to what's happening. Even when that abuse finds her. Gruoch also feels love. She finds dear friends and the man that's dear to her. She stands for herself and not just as a pawn for her uncle, the King, to pass around, although she knows she could be married off as a political piece.

I enjoyed the magical feel we get while Gruoch is learning the old ways of her people. This story is set in Scotland and we get that magical historical feel from it.

There is more books to come with Gruoch and her life. I know there's more to come as we haven't gotten through MacBeth's story fully yet, and I very much look forward to what's to come!

Highland Raven is a book rich in fantasy with bits of Celtic history and folklore woven in. Given that the story is fantasy it was easy to suspend judgment about any perceived discrepancies and just enjoy the story for what it is.
I really quit liked Gruoch’s story.
She’s a young lady that’s a bit naive about some things but she gradually grows and learns along the way.
Gruoch’s destiny has been pre-determined but she is determined it would seem to defy the fates and create a destiny of her own choosing. Willing to fight to overcome whatever hardships she must to be with those she loves. First she must learn about the past and remember things long forgotten because the past and future are intertwined. With each secret she discovers another riddle most be solved.
I loved the narrator. She has a lovely voice and does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
I’m looking forward to jumping into the second part of Gruoch’s journey and finding out what happens next.

*Just a note: there are some things to do with abuse, sex and religious beliefs that some might not be okay with reading. If you have triggers or are easily offended then this book may not be for you.