Review
Because of her strenuous research, this book has all the qualifications a historical novel requires to be truly head and shoulders above the rest of the genre. This book is highly recommended!
--RoundTablereviews.com
Dark Birthright is the fascinating and deftly written story of a young man's struggle amidst the political turmoil, religious strife, and dangerous highland world of 17th century Scotland. Well-rendered historical fiction. --MidWestBookReview.com
One becomes a part of this book quickly and it is a very good read! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to visit and be a part of Scotland in the early 17th century. - Becky Dodge --The Urlar, magazine of the Clan MacPherson Association
Grab a mug of coffee and curl up with this book. You will soon find yourself feeling the spray of the sea on your face and smelling the apple wood burning on the hearth. This is one book not to be missed. --Lighthouse Literary Reviews
This is definitely a tale for everyone. It is rich with history, myths, magic, and the paranormal. Characters you'll fall in love with and those who you may actually hate. --Paranormal Romance Reviews - Karen Michelle Nutt
Dark Birthright, a novel by Jeanne Treat, is set in northeast Scotland during the early 1600 s. One can almost smell the salty air of the North Sea emanating from its pages as the story of a handsome but evil lord and his determination to dominate his look-alike son unfolds. A good man, the son has powers of his own, of which the lord has no knowledge. While one inflicts pain, the other is a healer. Who shall survive? The first book in a trilogy featuring the Hay and Gordon clans, Dark Birthright delivers its readers into a world of secrets, mysticism, and the ancient ways of the Celts and their descendants. Exciting and filled with action, danger, and romance, this story will send your heart racing. --
Carolyn Hale Bruce, co-author of the Rebel King series of booksBecause of her strenuous research, this book has all the qualifications a historical novel requires to be truly head and shoulders above the rest of the genre, and you will simply love the fast paced action, the facts about the time period and the location, as well as the language that simply seems to flow from Mrs. Treat's pen. This book is highly recommended! --
RoundtableReviews.comOnce I started, I could not put it down. It has many different facets, not only the history but also legend, myth, and a touch of ancient Celtic beliefs, characters that really seem to be from that period, family intrigues and the mystery of how the relationships developed to create the personalities of the principal characters. I actually felt anger, sympathy, and several other emotions as I got to know the characters. There is sadness or cheerfulness at the events and emotions whenever certain characters enter the scene again some of those happy and some a bit sad. One really becomes a part of this book quickly and it is a very good read! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to visit and be a part of Scotland in the early seventeenth century. --
Becky Dodge, for "The Urlar, magazine of the Clan MacPherson Association
From the Back Cover
The vision that moved me to write this book...I walked barefoot along a bay through sand hills and grasses, feeling the power of the wind and sea. In the light of the moon, I crossed a rocky beach and began the steep climb up a cliff side path. My soul belonged in this place. I was sure of it, though there was no recognition of the rows of stone cottages above or the body that carried me to the top. I was pure consciousness, moving through a landscape like an animal, without love or hate or fear or judgment.
*
The cliffs were a blend of red and black rock, dotted with patches of heather and thistle. Sea gulls cried raucously and flew landward as a storm rolled in from the south, bringing thunder and lightning and cold rain. It felt like home. On an outcrop of rock overlooking the sea, my dark curls rose into the air with the wind and spray. I looked down and stretched my fingers, marveling at the fairness of my skin and the hair on the back of my hands. Flexing the muscles in my arms and back, I felt the power of a young man's body. "Ahhh." My voice was deep and resonant and definitely male. As I gazed below at the wild waters and treacherous rocks, I was glad to be back in the flesh.
*
The vision faded and left me with a burning desire, like the longing of a river to merge with the sea. Deep in my heart, I knew that I must find this place and write its story. So began a two year trek that took me to seaports, castles, and sacred sites in Scotland, and tested my moral and spiritual beliefs. More than a dozen Seventeenth Century Scots lived in my head, guiding my pen. It was a madate from beyond the veil.
