Book Review: A Scottish Shield Maiden (Scotlanders - Mythic Clans) by Heide Middlebrook

*Editorial Book Review*

A Scottish Shield Maiden

(Scotlanders - Mythic Clans)

By Heide Middlebrook

Publication Date: 23rd July 2025

Publisher: Passion Leaf Press

Page Length: 355

Genre: Historical Romance

A Northman will risk it all to protect a captured Scottish maiden whose clan bloodlines from ancient mythic kings unleashes a power in her grasp unlike any other.....

Trapped: LadyCatriona MacLaenden is by her stepfather’s cruel demands as she yearns to learn the skills belonging to a warrior. The chief forces Catriona to hunt using her “instinct in senses”, a strength unleashed from her clan’s mythical origins. When harnessed after she presses her palm onto solid terrains, her power finds weight signatures tracking those unseen in the distance.

Fate takes hold when Catriona is discovered by Northman spy, Lord Rorik Kolbeck, who sees the makings of a possible shield maiden shadowed within her. Lord Kolbeck seeks to strike an accord in exchange for a bold escape – Catriona’s sister’s happiness for his lost brother being found.

A chance taken will lead her into the battles for The Kingdom of Norway, whose lands have been ravaged in a hundred-year war by kings fighting for the throne.

Dare she trust a Northman whose ancestors once hunted her own? The battle will not only lie with swords and training needed to survive the war-torn kingdom, but the sparks she feels in a betrayal toward her clan’s ancestry when her passions begin to rise for the Northern warrior, whose bold and protective ways may steal her heart.

Scotlanders - Mythic Clans is a series of standalone books each featuring a protective swoon-worthy hero, a strong bold heroine, rich historical settings, daring adventures, spice, and an epic happily ever after!

At his mere touch, her breath strangely caught, and her lashes flew open to discover his eyes darted to the joining of flesh before meeting her gaze. One swift shake, he dropped her palm as if it were hot as the flames in the hearth behind her.

He is determined to do anything to find his brother, even if it means marrying a woman he has never met.

 

She refuses to stand by and watch her sister marry a stranger. But she never expected that she would be his bride.

 

Fate will bring Lady Catriona and Lord Rorik Kolbeck together, but will the past tear them apart?

 

Get ready to be captivated by Heide Middlebrook’s stunning novel, “A Scottish Shield Maiden”. With its compelling characters and richly imagined settings, this story will sweep you away to a world brimming with valour, passionate love, unwavering loyalty, and thrilling adventure.

 

The setting is vividly portrayed, immersing the reader in the enchanting atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands. The narrative features lush and intricate descriptions of fog-draped landscapes, where trees rise majestically, veiled in mist that changes with the shifting light. Each moment in these Highlands feels alive, with whispers of ancient tales carried on the brisk winds. The striking contrast between the serene beauty of the Highlands and the intense political intrigue simmering within the castles, with their formidable stone walls, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Secretive glances and hushed conversations hint at power struggles and unseen tensions that threaten to erupt at any moment. Additionally, the fjord winding toward Oslo, characterised by its verdant forests and hauntingly fog-laden shores, heightens the sense of anticipation, suggesting that conflicts are looming on the horizon. The interplay of this picturesque setting and the impending turmoil makes the landscape itself a character in the story, one that carries the weight of history and the promise of change. The setting is essential to the success of the story, and Middlebrook has skilfully crafted a realistic and immersive backdrop for her tale, inviting readers to explore its rich textures and deeper meanings.

 

Lady Catriona is a direct descendant of Clan MacLaenden. She possesses extraordinary abilities that attract even the most powerful lords and kings, who seek to exploit her gifts for their own ambitions. Deeply connected to the natural world, Catriona can sense the subtle vibrations of the earth beneath her palms. This unique skill allows her to perceive the presence of both animals and humans, as well as discern the intentions hidden within their hearts. By touching someone, she can determine if they are telling the truth. However, her powers also expose her to the darker aspects of human nature. Despite this vulnerability, Catriona uses her abilities to provide aid in desperate situations, whether she is battling tumultuous waves at sea or tracking someone down. Harnessing her magic demands a significant amount of energy, often leaving her exhausted. Catriona’s compassion is her most radiant trait—a fierce light amid shadows of doubt and despair. Her capacity for forgiveness is equally profound, transforming hurt into healing. Lady Catriona is a character who navigates the complexities of her world, captivating the reader’s heart with her unwavering spirit and timeless grace. She is a determined and insightful woman, caught in a tumultuous struggle between her growing feelings for Rorik and her unwavering loyalty to her clan. As a Viking, Rorik embodies the fierce spirit of his ancestry, yet his lineage is fraught with darkness; his forebears nearly decimated Catriona’s people. The weight of their shared history looms heavily over her heart, complicating the tender emotions that threaten to blossom amidst her clan’s ancient feud. Catriona is beautifully rendered as a heroine who undoubtedly earns the respect and love of the reader.

 

Rorik is portrayed as a profoundly conflicted leader, caught in a turbulent struggle between his unwavering sense of duty, his sudden and intense love for Catriona, and the haunting shadows of his past. He constantly strives to navigate the intricate web of his responsibilities, driven by an unrelenting determination to shield his siblings from the staggering debts left by their late father. This burden forces him into a precarious alliance with the formidable Lady Sigrid, a figure both feared and reviled, whose malevolence knows no bounds. The precariousness of Rorik’s situation deepens when he receives news that his younger brother, Lord Erik, has been accused of killing a king’s guard and has taken the king’s most favoured subject, young Knute, by force. Rorik knows that Erik is innocent of these charges, but both Erik and Knute are missing. He hopes that, with Catriona’s help, he can track down his brother and Knute to prove Erik’s innocence. However, he is mindful of the toll that using her skills takes on Catriona’s body, yet she is as determined as he is to find Erik. Rorik stands out as a remarkably brave and honourable character, embodying the ideals of courage and integrity. His noble actions, whether in the heat of battle or in moments of compassion, resonate deeply with the reader, making him a figure to admire and root for throughout the story. Each decision he makes reflects a steadfast commitment to his values, further endearing him to the reader.

 

This novel features several antagonists, where the boundaries between good and evil are intriguingly blurred. At the forefront is Skarde, the quintessential villain—cruel and ruthless, he embodies a relentless ambition and an insatiable lust for power. His sharp, biting dialogue reveals an arrogance that drips from every word, showcasing his utter disregard for those he tramples in his quest for dominance. In stark contrast stands Lady Sigrid, a richly layered character cloaked in mystery and driven by a hidden agenda. As the narrative unfolds, her complex motivations come to light, painting her as a pivotal player in a web of political intrigue. Though she is willing to manipulate others to serve her own interests, her character is illuminated by unexpected moments of gratitude and even tenderness. Yet, her reprehensible treatment of Rorik complicates the reader’s ability to feel sympathy for her, even as her troubled past reveals the shadows that shaped her choices. The outlaws that roam the forest are painted in shades of ruthlessness; their chaotic behaviour cloaked in an unsettling yet discernible order. Magnús the Shield evokes a sense of intrigue and uncertainty, prompting the reader to question his trustworthiness. Yet, despite the ambiguity surrounding his motives, he remains an integral figure, woven deeply into the fabric of the story’s unfolding drama.

 

“A Scottish Shield Maiden” by Heide Middlebrook is a mesmerising historical romance that weaves together enchanting threads of magic, offering readers a truly captivating experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s rugged, dramatic landscapes and the picturesque beauty of the Kingdom of Norway, the narrative unfolds with exquisite detail and vibrant imagery. Each page invites you to wander through a world brimming with passion, adventure, and a touch of the mystical. If you cherish heartfelt romances featuring dynamic, intricately crafted characters who leap off the page and tug at your heartstrings, then this alluring tale undoubtedly deserves a treasured spot on your bookshelf—a timeless gem to revisit and savour time and again.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

The Coffee Pot Book Club

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Heide Middlebrook

Heide Middlebrook writes historical romance novels and stories as an independent author. History captured her interest as a young girl after touring historical sites, then as a teenager a love for romance reading took root. Earning her career diploma in freelance writing led her to pen magazine articles, but it was an overwhelming desire to weave a love story occurring during a historical event that inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist. Why the romance genre? Those happily ever afters!

Many of her novels are set atop of the Scottish Highlands because of her fascination about the fierce spirit of the people found within Scotland’s history coupled with her Scottish heritage.

She currently resides in south Florida with a herd of four legged friends, including one very opinionated cat.

When not creating stories, she loves to connect with fellow writers in the literary community and continues to hone her craft by attending writing conferences. Her recent activities include the 2024 Historical Novel Society virtual conference in England, along with the 2024 Writing Workshops of Boston, Tampa, Texas, and the February 8th and 9th, 2025 History Quill virtual convention.

In 2024 she established her imprint Passion Leaf Press.

She is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, the Historical Novel Society, and the Romance Writers of America.

Connect with Heide:

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