A Game of Sorrows

Alexander Seaton, Book 2

By: S.G. MacLean

Narrated by: Crawford Logan

Second historical thriller in the Alexander Seaton series sweeps the hero back to his roots in Ulster, and a family living under a curse and riven with long-held secrets

It is 1628, Charles 1 is on the throne, and the British Crown is finally taking control of Ulster.

Returning to his rooms one night, Alexander Seaton is shocked to find a stranger standing there - a man who could be his double. His name is Sean O'Neill, and he carries a plea for help from Maeve O'Neill, forbidding matriarch of Alexander's mother's family in Ireland. All those who bear their blood have been placed under a poet's curse: one by one they are going to die. Only Alexander is immune, his O'Neill heritage a secret from all but his closest family.

Alexander travels to Ulster, to find himself at the heart of a family divided by secrets and bitter resentments. As he seeks out the author of the curse, he becomes increasingly embroiled in the conflict until - confronted with murder within his own family - his liberty and, finally, his life, are at stake.

©2010 S.G. MacLean (P)2025 Quercus Publishing

Research: 5 Story: 1

This is a crazily unlikely and confusing story, primarily because the protagonist is not clearly delineated. He is hesitant and then he rushes in. He has worked to erase past mistakes and make a rewarding life for himself, then he throws it all away for a hazily outlined adventure in Ireland. It is obvious that the author (who has written other MUCH better books) wanted to write about Ireland in the early 1600s. Ms. MacLean's later Seeker series is much superior to the Alexander Seton books. This is because, perhaps, she learned how to create interesting characters with understandable motivations. Her knowledge of the geography and period are unquestionable.