This is a story of a man, Gavin
Carstares, Earl of Glenlyon, who is tortured by memories of the Scots he could
not save at the Battle of Prestonpans at the beginning of the Jacobite Uprising
in 1745. And now he has given his life to saving those who are fleeing the
English after the tragedy at Culloden Moor when the Scots were slaughtered.
To assure the last ship carrying Scots to
safety can leave Scotland, Gavin captures an English general's daughter, Rachel
de Lacy, agreeing to give her back when the ship sails. Rachel is betrothed to the
evil Sir Dunstan Wells, a hero of the battle of Culloden Moor, a man committed
to killing Highlanders.
Once Rachel is taken captive, she
discovers all she was told is a lie and is appalled at the cruelty shown toward
the Scots. And she comes to love the mysterious Gavin. Who wouldn’t? He is
sensitive, caring, strong and loyal.
Cates does a splendid job showing us
Gavin’s suffering from what he believed was his own cowardice. He wants Rachel
but knows he must return her. However, Rachel has a mind of her own and she’s a
good shot. Most of the story takes place in or near a cave where the Scots hide
and shelter those fleeing, including some orphans. There are some endearing
secondary characters. The battles are over and the focus is on saving as many
as they can.
No one does better than Cates at
bringing to life the plight of the Irish and the Scots at the hands of the
English. This is a good one in the series.
The Culloden's Fire series:
Crown of Mist
(Prequel)
Gather the Stars
Angel's Fall
Crown of Dreams
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