Review: Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Strong characterizations and a totally gripping premise will draw you into this remarkable story, but it is the interaction between the hero and heroine which keeps you devouring every word. Kimberly Killion has crafted a most satisfying story set in early sixteenth century Scotland featuring the spirited individuals who lived and loved during this turbulent period in history.
When young Calin MacLeod sneaked into the castle belonging to an enemy of his clan, he saw his own father killed. A daring move by the future laird sets into motion a plan for revenge which will deeply affect him and many who live in Scotland. He waited eighteen years to carry out his plot, but when Calin goes to retrieve the woman whose secret past is only known to a select few, he finds the feisty female whom he will marry is not going to be easily won over.
Akira Neish was raised within the clan led by the man who murdered his father. Calin has never spoken with his betrothed, and has only corresponded with her through a few letters. She has some fanciful ideas about the man to whom she has been promised, and none of them fit the male who says he will be marrying her soon. Akira has lived a poor life but one filled with the love of family, although an odd birthmark has made her the ridicule of those living around her, some even proclaiming she is a witch. So when she discovers Calin is now the laird of his clan, she cannot help but wonder why such a commanding man would want to marry someone like her and frequently questions the reasons behind his actions. With the fate of many lives in his hands, Calin know he must convince Akira to believe him while still deceiving her by not revealing several key facts, ones which can drastically alter their futures and even those residing in Scotland.
Kimberly Killion brings historical stories to life with unparalleled believability. From the very first, this fascinating tale of retribution and duty quickly turns into a romance filled with conflicts and danger. Though this love story between Calin and Akira takes years before they officially meet, their guarded connection before then only adds more intrigue to their destined union. There are numerous profoundly touching moments all throughout HIGHLAND DRAGON, and I found myself completely riveted time and again as I awaited the outcome of these often crucial dilemmas. Both Calin and Akira demonstrate much strength as they cope with adversity, especially when their sense of duty is at odds with their inner feelings. These two express themselves with such honest conviction, and some of their conversations had me laughing while others brought tears. Several of the retorts delivered by Akira are candidly shocking, and others lead to clever banter between characters. While they prove their devotion for Scotland in many ways, their love for one another is portrayed with so much compassion plus desirous yearning, and any intimacy between this couple is depicted with passionate enthusiasm and sincerity. There is much colorful imagery in the story, and this attention to details makes the scenes realistically credible. The dialogue for these dynamic Scottish characters is masterfully written by Ms. Killion, as their exchanges take you to another time yet every meaning is expertly understandable. There are lots of memorable characters in this story, both main and secondary, and I did not want to say good-bye to many of them. Hopefully, Ms. Killion has another book in mind for one of these beloved characters. HIGHLAND DRAGON is a must-read, as its emotional impact and historical details are unforgettably notable.
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Genre: historical ISBN: 978-1420104417 Page Count: 352 Price: $ 5.99 Reviewer: Amelia Richard |
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Sultry Star Rating: 5 Stars Author's Website: http://www.kimberlykillion.com/ |
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