Her Legendary Highlander by Nicole Locke – an atmospheric historical novel of two determined and damaged people


Her Legendary Highlander by Nicole Locke
This is a story of two people discovering things about themselves and each other. An historical romance set in the reign of Edward I, this is a book concerned with people far away from power and politics in many ways, though it does refer to some of families who have substantial wealth. Nicole Locke has written a number of books linked by the Warstone family, and a search for a particular Jewell which has enormous, if legendary, significance. This is very much a standalone book; nothing is mentioned of the previous novel until well into the book. It features a determined and resourceful young woman, Andreona, who has a plan to be reconciled with her family by an enormous act of bravery. There is a man, Malcolm, whose mission can not be ignored whatever the sacrifice it entails. The novel’s setting is of a harsh countryside, a journey, and people who have to make decisions. The possessions and conditions faced by the characters are historically accurate, and there has been research into the life of people which never interrupts the narrative but gives it a pleasing solidarity. It is most effective at drawing the reader into the story, to establishing interest into the fate of the characters most involved. This is a tremendous read of real feeling which I was very glad to have the opportunity to read and review.
As the book opens Andreona is keeping watch from a tower she has constructed with a group of women. The purpose of the careful and difficult construction is far more than accommodation; she has always had a difficult relationship with her father owing to her illegitimacy and his practice of acquiring money and property by any means. As she discusses with her lifelong friend Uracca, she wants to obtain his good opinion by presenting him with prisoners and their property. She is therefore pleased to see two men approaching who may well fall into the traps they have carefully laid for unwary travellers. Not everything goes to plan, however, and the two men are revealed as Malcolm, a fighter of some standing and experience, and his associate Finlay. After some tough revelations, it seems that Andreona and Malcolm must make decisions about what to attempt next as both know that they are facing enormous risks, not just for themselves, but for others that they care about.
Both Malcolm and Andreona have had difficult, if not impossible, backgrounds. These seem to be brutal times, and there are horrific incidents in both of their past lives which make it so difficult for them to trust anyone ever again. Drawn together by circumstance, these are conflicted characters whose memories may never allow them to be truly at peace. Any physical attraction they may feel for each other must be weighed against the loss of trust they have both experienced. They are also at enormous risk from those who are desperate to obtain what they may carry, an item so precious that people have died to find and keep it. This is a well written mature book with no easy answers, but a lot of realistic atmosphere. I recommend this as well as Locke’s other books as an enjoyable and enthralling read.