Bloodlines: A Crown of Blood and Honor, Book 2
One rebellion is over, and Fleance, the son of Banquo, is king in 11th-century Scotland. He mourns the death of the former king and his good friend, Duncan, in battle. However, before he can establish his reign, he must deal with rebellion at home and animosity from abroad. Banquo’s adoptive father, Magness, believes Fleance is too weak to be king and so leads a rebellion. At the same time, Collum of Norway believes Fleance seeks revenge for the death of his father. He renounces the love of his life in order to marry Rachel, a woman of the royal Scottish bloodline.
These challenges provide for a bracing series of battles that transform Fleance into a true King of Scotland. Rachel is kidnapped, and her faith strengthens her for the cruel obstacles she faces on a daily basis. One very loyal follower chooses to pay the ultimate price in order that his king will prevail against all opposing forces. Fleance is very royal in outer composure but also very human, with multiple doubts about his worthiness and ability to be the king Scotland most needs at this moment in history. It’s a generation after the brutal regicide committed by Macbeth. While all the prophecies uttered by the three hags have come true, there are new promises; Fleance must decide whether these women are witches whose words bring devastation to the kingdom or wise women who speak truths that dare not be ignored.
Bloodlines is the second book in this series after the first, Banquo’s Son. T. K. Roxborogh has penned a notable series depicting how civil war and romance changed the course of Scottish history. Excellent, exciting historical fiction!
