Reclaimed: A Highland Historical Trilogy

The MacKay Banshees 1-3

By: Kerrigan Byrne

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Meet the MacKay Banshees...

Katriona -

Her last memory is of her violent death, and now she's screaming for vengeance. He's a Laird with enough sins to stain his soul, but he's cursed for the crimes of another. With a clan divided, an impending marriage, and whispers of dark magic threatening the Highlands, a tempting Banshee is the last thing he needs in his chambers.

Kylah -

She was brutalized and burned alive, but denied her vengeance by a cruel twist of fate. He's a ruthless and brilliant Druid driven mad by his quest for retribution. Two Souls have lost themselves in the tormented secrets of the past and can only find redemption in the dangerous desires they thought long dead.

Kamdyn -

She's a Banshee assassin who's not yet killed a man, and her first mark had a carnal proposition too seductive to resist. He's the notorious Laird of Shadows, a rogue Berserker terrorizing the Highlands in search of a warrior's death. When a mistaken kiss binds their souls together, she must prove that love, not fear, changes the course of destiny. Because if she doesn't, she'll have to slay him or face unthinkable consequences.

©2013 Kerrigan Byrne LC (P)2013 Natalie Ainge

Even better than Unclaimed!

I thoroughly enjoyed Kerrigan Byrne's first set of novellas, Unclaimed, and it quickly became a go-to when I was low on book money and needed to re-visit my own library. So, naturally I was thrilled to see Audible had made another set of her novellas available. This set, Reclaimed, I like even better than the first! Both are well-written and well-narrated, but I just enjoyed the characters more in this set than the previous, and find myself now wanting to listen to this one more than Unclaimed.

The one thing I'd like to note that Ms. Byrne did that is quite impressive, is that each story is highly individual to each pairing. Sometimes in a series an author ends up re-creating character patterns or relationships, where it becomes hard to separate different couples from each other after you've read through six. Not so with these six total highland historical novellas. Each is unique, and as I listened to each for the first time, they all felt fresh and new.

And I know some people don't love short stories, but if you're waffling, these are the ones to give it a go with! Even though each story is only a few hours, they don't feel underdeveloped at all. They really are well balanced - if you like PNR or historical romance with a little magic, it's not even a question. Just add to cart. And if you haven't listened to her other stories, add those too.

More paranormal than romance.

This story lies squarely in the paranormal genre. Metaphysics are a fun addition to a story, but I prefer them as garnish, not the meat of the book. This book is comprised of three short stories, so they move quickly without as much character development as I like. You get plenty of Celtic/Nordic lore: banshee, berserkers, faeiries, and Druids. If you choose books for their paranormal content, you will like this better than I.

Three sisters are brutally murdered by fire. Their mother is seriously burned, but survives.
The stories of this book begin with the sisters' afterlives as banshee. The mother's story line is mingled with her daughters', but is unclear and doesn't seem to go anywhere.

Because these are short stories, everything happens abruptly. The written-in-stone paranormal rules that govern these creatures just conveniently fall away when it's time to conclude each story. In retrospect, these stories seem more like a prologue to some epic Highland tale than a stand alone book. Maybe that's the plan. The author has assembled these powerful creatures into one clan through marriages, now the real the story can begin??

The narrator has a nice voice but seems to be getting as tired of the story as I by the end and some later segments sound a little robotic.

So, again, if you choose books just for paranormal content, you will like this selection better than I. If you choose books for a complete story or for romantic exchanges, you may be disappointed.

Wow, be prepared to swept into the highland mist.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read this book and the audio grabs you up and sweeps you away!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Reclaimed: A Highland Historical Trilogy?

There were just too many memorable moments to pick one. These stories have it all laughter ,sadness, longing and plenty of hot love scenes.

What about Derek Perkins’s performance did you like?

So easy to get caught in the stories and lost to his narration. Loved his voice!! Derek could talk to me all day long !

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Katrina & Rory are both fierce and their story matches them sizzling hot! Will Rory survive Katriona's need for vengeance or will their building attraction send them both up in flames.

Kylah & Daroch travel along a slow sensual road . Kylah determined to discover everything Daroch is keeping from her. Daroch ignores the desire building for the little banshee until it flares into a love they cannot deny.

Kamdyn & Soren She may be petite but she is a banshee determined . Soren a beserker warlord whose world is of shadows and blood. He fears no one and yet seeing this tiny assassin he fears that he & his beserker has found their mate. For one stolen night of love Soren and his beserker agree to accept death at the hands of Kamdyn . Can Kamydn do as the queen has commanded and kill Soren come morning.

Any additional comments?

This is my first audio I have got to say it's amazing!! I have read Kerrigan's books and love them.Hearing them come alive through Derek's narration is a whole new experience.
I thought this would be great for driving. But operating a car or riding a bike may be hazardous to your person as its so hot to listen to!! I thought it best to get a spare pair of earbuds taking no chances . Be warned Reclaimed will claim you and not release you until you finish!

Sexy magic!!

I am a new fan of Kerrigan Byrne and her audio books have made me a fan of Derek Perkins.
I have loved everything Kerrigan has written. I found this trilogy sad and wonderful. How could such tragic events spawn romance? I enjoyed the magic, folklore, and the humor.

Auditory Bliss

I was eagerly awaiting the release of Reclaimed after having devoured Unleashed. Any expectations I had were completely blown out of the water. Kerrigan Byrne and Derek Perkins demonstrate why they make such a dynamic team. With Byrne's master storytelling and artful prose, and Perkins' exquisite performance, this series delights and surprises at every turn. The mix of romance, mythology, mystery, and humor in these novellas has set a high bar for other writers in this genre. I can't wait to hear what Byrne and Perkins do next! Here's to looking forward to the evening commute!