A perfect introduction to the many and varied castles in Scotland. The author writes with knowledge and confidence in her material also she writes with a good deal of humour and personal insight. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pictures of the castles are superb and very evocative.
In it she breaks the country down into its various parts so any visitor can pick from their intended destination as to what interesting castles to visit, and the obligatory ghost stories and ancient fables of course. A very enjoyable trip through a beautiful, ancient country. My thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the Author for an ARC of this book.

I was thrilled when I was able to review this book. Having spent some time visiting the United Kingdom, I was amazed by the sheer number of castles I didn't see. Ms. Maxwell gives a thorough description of castles both still standing and long gone. Makes me wish I was just a little younger so I could check some out. I am glad I read this book so I could visualize these majestic buildings through the author's eyes. Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Maxwell.

This was a likeable guide to Scottish castles, written in a chatty and conversational manner, with a little bit of history thrown in. I would have liked a few more pictures to be included.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It had me turned pages without even realizing. It was so good!

Pros: This book on Scottish castles is part travelogue and part history lesson. I think some readers will be surprised to learn how many Scottish castles are in ruins. I loved reading about castles I have visited before—my favorites are in the Highlands section.

Cons: I was surprised that this book contains only black and white photos. I’m wondering if that is just in this ARC and that the printed book will be in color.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword History for the opportunity to read this book.

'A History and Guide to Scottish Castles' by Jenna Maxwell filled me with excitement when I saw the title. However that excitement vanished as I read. It was not what I expected it to be. I felt like I was reading a book length personal blog about a super-long family vacation. And if it was meant to be a guide, then information about times to visit each castle, if you can visit them, should have been included. I think this book would have been better served with a different layout, one in which each castle is individually profiled. Also, the pictures could have been in color. Scotland is a beautiful, sometimes mystical, country. The pictures in this book don't do the land or the castles any true justice. This is one of the few books, I'm sad to say, was an overall letdown for me. I really wish it hadn't been though.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

After reading this book, All I wanna do is to travel trough these beautiful and historical places in Scotland( Really, It's on of my dream trips ever!) As a History lover, this narrative with pictures is inspiring and full of ancient stories about people and the stunning country. I loved to know a little more and I also have made a list to the castles that I want to visit someday, if God allows. Book Approved!

I asked to have an ARC of this book, basically because of all the highlander romances I have read over the years, but never would I have imagined anyway how many castles there might be in Scotland. Although some of them are now just ruins, others are inhabited, habitable or even haunted, so I would say there is something for everyone.

Ho chiesto di avere un'ARC di questo libro, fondamentalmente per via di tutti i romance con gli highlander che ho letto nel corso di questi anni, ma mai avrei comunque immaginato quanti castelli ci potessero essere in Scozia. Anche se alcuni di essi ormai sono solo delle rovine, altri invece sono abitati, abitabili o anche posseduti dai fantasmi, quindi direi che ce n'è per tutti i gusti.

A History and Guide to Scottish Castles is a book that takes the reader on an exciting tour through both popular and more hidden castles. The popular sell tickets and the hidden castles are off the beaten trail. Both are such fun to explore - which is what Maxwell does for us.
With histories and stories to complement the castles - the architecture and backdrop of these magnificent gifts of history set against a Scotland so fetchingly described that it feels like you are right there.
An enjoyable read - I will revisit it again!

Loved this book. Lots of interesting information to digest. This is a great read for anyone who loves to read about history. Very well written

This a wonderful guide to some of Scotlands many castles ranging from the huge visitor attractions to smaller hidden beauties.

I am Scottish and consider myself reasonably well travelled within my country but there were many castles I had not heard of featured in the book and it has certainty inspired me to add a few destinations to my future travels.

The author has clearly researched her subject and her passion for what she is writing about is evident.

There are details of the history of the castle and discussions of how they relate in popular culture eg featuring in films and what they have inspired (find out what castle inspired the infamous Red wedding in Game of Thrones)

I loved the fact that the author included personal anecdotes throughout the discussion including visiting castles with her family, it was a nice touch.

The photographs of the castles are beautiful.

A lovely book that would make a wonderful gift.