Scottish Historical Fiction

This story will take you on a medieval Scottish adventure. The historical figures might have lived, but their lives were fictionalized in this story. An earl lived half his life in prison. Now, he and his son are prisoners of the Scottish king. How will they find their freedom? The king wants to keep the son, but Malcolm won't go without him. The rescue will be an adventure. When Malcolm went to prison, he left a wife behind. Could they rekindle their romance after nearly two decades? If you like Medieval Scottish historical fiction, where historical figures are brought back to life, you might enjoy this richly detailed story.

I like that the author brings to this book the historical information or facts that transpired during the the ruling of King of Scott’s. Added to this story is the romance that takes place during this time. These moments are exciting and charming at the same time. I love the book.

This is the second installment of the series Last Flame of Alba. This was quite the story with intrigue and romantic drama and I was captivated from the very start. Halla's husband, Malcolm, the Earl of Ross, has been in prison half his life, and Halla remains on the outside picking up the pieces and overseeing the earldom on her own and has earned the respect of her clan. Betrayed by a man who she once considered a friend, her son also ends up in prison alongside her husband. Halla and the women of her family along with a friend, Mairead, plan a daring escape for the men, but Malcolm does not come, as he is not ready to face Halla. Assisting them, Mairead lands in trouble and Halla goes off to rescue her. When Halla and his family begin to face new dangers, Malcolm can't stay back and goes to their aid.
Filled with intrigue, romance, adventure, and danger, this was a very captivating read which kept me glued from start to finish. A very enjoyable and fast-paced story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
My thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I grabbed this one based on how book one ended but I have to admit, I read a few chapters and found myself drifting. There are so many characters and the story felt like it was dragging right out of the gates.

I will always pick up a book by Mary Lancaster, this series just isn't for me.

I really enjoyed this book. Exciting, entertaining, and well written, I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic drama. Strong characters and lots of adventure. Malcolm MacHeth has been imprisoned for half his life, but now his eldest son has joined him. Lady Halla MacHeth has been ruling her husband's lands while he's been away. Now she's furious and it's time to act.

I really enjoyed the story presented about the history of the MacHeth’s. All people are real but a story created based on facts know of the time. Great fun and a fast read. I will definitely read the 3rd in the series when it is available.

I just reviewed A Constant Blaze by Mary Lancaster. #AConstantBlaze #NetGalley

Exciting, entertaining, and well-written, I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic drama. When men's ambition results in disaster, it is the women in their lives that have to pick up the pieces. Halla, Lady Ross, has earned the respect of her clan whilst her husband languished in captivity, as a result of her leadership and prowess with a bow and arrow. Betrayed by a man who was once a friend, Halla's son ends up incarcerated with his father, the Earl of Ross. The women in the family and their friend Mairead are central to the rescue of both men, bringing about a daring escape, for which Mairead pays a price. Sadly, Lord Malcolm is not yet ready to face his wife, thereby leaving her face yet more skulduggery. Fortunately, he comes to his senses in time to go to his wife's aid and hopefully win her trust once again. The novel is fast-paced, with wit, feisty women, and men who protect their women at all costs. It is also a standalone and comes to an excellent conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Malcolm MacHeth, one time Earl of Ross and pretender to the throne of Scotland, has already languished in prison for half his life when his eldest son is betrayed and joins him in captivity. Malcolm’s wife, Halla, who has ruled his old earldom alone, turns the disaster into a daring plan to free both men. But then Malcolm spoils everything; he doesn’t come home. Hurt and insulted, with only the companionship of her faithful harpist, Muiredach, Halla leaves the safety of Ross to rescue Mairead, the brave young woman who has risked her life for the MacHeths and is now in trouble. Malcolm, who taught himself to endure captivity, finds his new freedom even more of a challenge. But when fresh dangers threaten Halla, his family, and his people, he can only ride to their aid.
The second book in the series & another captivating read, which I devoured in a couple of sittings as I was desperate to know if Malcolm & Halla would find their HEA after being apart for so long. Strong characters, a fast paced story with intrigue, surprises, adventure & of course love. I highly recommend it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Malcolm MacHeth has been imprisoned for half his life, but now his eldest son has joined him.

Lady Halla MacHeth has been ruling her husband's lands while he's been away. Now she's furious and it's time to act.

The love between our hero and heroine has already faced more than a few tests but this time it could be the last. With grown up warriors as their sons, to rile either of them could be fatal.

Lots of adventure, excitement and intrigue from great characters fill the pages.

A historical romance with lots of surprises.

This book is the culmination of the troubles this family have faced, but you could enjoy it on it's own.

Great fun.

5 stars

Mary Lancaster is a consistent delight. I'm enjoying this medieval series. This is the second book, and though it isn't a necessity I think you gain more from having read the first one. Halla has been on her own for 20 years as her husband, Malcolm has been imprisoned by the King of Scots. She's the Lady of Ross, has three adult children and has run Malcolms' kingdom in the meantime. Her son, Donald has been captured as so she intiates a daring adventure to free him and her husband. She's helped by Mairead, the Lady of Kingowan who has acted as a go between and who she wonders whether was Malcom's lover as well. The escape is succesful but then Mairead is threated and Halla goes with her harpist and a couple of soldier escort to rescue her. Good story. Lovely to see Malcolm eventually reunited with Adam the seer and his daughter. Excited for the next episode.

I believe you will enjoy this series and heartily recommend it. Some lovely romantic and passionate scenes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The goings on in this wonderful historical work of fiction are set during the Middle Ages, roughly around 1153 and onward. The story opens a window for a glimpse of times when warring clans clambered for ascendancy especially for the coveted position of the King of Scots, by those claiming to have royal blood and be the rightful heir.

Alas for Malcolm Aed MacHeth, around whom this story centers, along with his sons and wife Halla, Lady Ross. Several of the books' characters were true-to-life figures, of whom this Malcolm, the Earl of Ross, once was. Of course, this being fiction as well as historical, some of the "facts and figures" will be altered; I believe they that call that author's license.

The title, A Constant Blaze, is rather apt as the author, Mary Lancaster, keeps the punches coming and the reader rarely can guess what will happen next. I really enjoyed reading this with all the intrique, galloping horses and strumming harpist. Some may take exception though to the intimate encounters intimated and described. All in all, a book worth reading.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

October 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Seriously, this was a great story line, excellent pacing, and perfect characters who knew how to let off steam and stay alert.