Reviewed:
This is an older tale, from an author that has a very, varied, collection of story tropes. I enjoyed, as much for the style of writing as the story weaving and subject matter. Being set in Scotland rather than America is an added draw for a glimpse at a different culture.
Fair warning, the codes for this one are a little misleading, and if published more recently would probably include trigger codes for violence and sexual violence...
The start is a brutally abrupt and vicious recollection of a mother's murder, and a child's re-grounding in the light of that experience. The fostering of the main character, Gavin, and the development of his world view - eventually leading to tragic repercussions - is handled quite sensitively. That handily also prepares the reader for the abrupt hard turn to violence that can be reconciled to his emerging character.
The story is, in many ways exactly what you could expect from the title and synopsis, but that sells it so short, and leaves so much out! That said, I might have passed if the description had been more inclusive, and I am glad I didn't.
The main love interest is Gavins foster sister, and that develops and works well, although the addition of the girl he saves from assault feels a little gratuitous, and for me doesn't ever mesh. Certainly the tensions in the family as things come into the open work well within the story, and play through the second brutally gruesome assault and murder.
Along the way, vengeance is served, the 'romance' box is checked, the baddies suffer, the goodies (mostly) prosper, and the final getaway works well for the story in a happily ever after style - what more could a reader expect?
The writing is strongly paced, and laid out so well, that even the less believable parts (gift gun, passport controls, injury detail, London link, somewhat clueless police, quantity of hand guns) work in the story. I would also have to say the body count was unbelievable, for Scotland, but fit in terms of storyline.
There are a few minor grammar bumps along the way, but nothing to confuse or slow the reader down, and I consumed the whole story in one sitting. Rare, for me.
Overall, a good story, and enjoyable escape from reality!
Myth
Reviewed:
Great story with a well thought out plot. Just enough sex to keep things interesting. If you are looking for stroke material move on, but if you want to read an engaging story about retribution and justice, then read on!
Few technical errors, none of which detracted from the story. There is a sequel to this which I have not yet read but I plan to!
The author pushed several of my buttons in a good way, I am a fan of the Sackett's a western family created by Louis L'Amour, matter of fact I always thought those stories would be great if they had a little more on camera sex! No this story is not a western, but the main character is influenced by reading westerns in terms of his sense of right and wrong.
All in all a great read!