What readers say...

"I liked Dark Birthright, but I LOVED Dark Lord.  I think the way you handled the complicated history of the times is brilliant." - Debra Barry

"I just wanted to drop a line and say that I found your book, Dark Birthright, to be amazing and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the reference to the old ways as well as the effect that Christianity had on 17th century Scotland.  I found the characters contained a depth that I could relate to as well as empathize with. The descriptions of the locations were so vivid that I found myself picturing the roughness of the stone and even the smell of the heather. It brought back images of my trips to Scotland. A place that is very dear to my heart.  Your writing style pulls one into the story and makes the following to completion a necessity.  Bravo, and I look forward to the sequel."  -  David G. MacKenzie

"My husband and I met you at the New Hampshire Highland Games and received an autographed copy of Dark Birthright from you.  We have both read the book twice and we have to tell you it was incredible!  It is one of the best books we have ever read.  We just had to write and ask you if there will be another book similar to this or even a sequel...  What about a movie?  I can actually visualize certain actors playing the parts.  Now that would be awesome." - Cindy from Lowell, MA

"On the rocky coast of Scotland, an epic story unfolds.  Dark Birthright delivers a heart-rending tale of love and survival amidst the greatest odds.  Wonderful...Inspirational...Unforgettable."  -  Linda A. Lavid, author of Paloma, Rented Rooms, and Thirst

"Dark Birthright is an amazing read. For me Blackheart was the best damn character, a cruel and powerful man who saw what he wanted and took it.....with style!  As I ventured further into the book, I found myself submerged deep in Scotland’s mysterious past, a past wrought with witchcraft, romance, desire and violence and I must admit I loved every minute of it!  Having a reasonably good knowledge of historical places and events in Scotland’s past, I do believe that Dark Birthright gives the reader an insight into what 17th century Scotland would have been like."
Jamesie Johnston of Albannach, a Scottish tribal drumming band

"The excerpt on the book's website hooked me immediately.  Now I am hooked on Jeanne Treat.  It has been weeks since I read this book and I am still thinking and wondering about the characters and their lives.  Dark Birthright was enthralling!  I know it's fiction but it was so real to me.  This book is not just words on a page; you are there.  You feel all the sensory stimuli and the whole gamut of emotions.  The sketches of the characters are the icing on the cake.  It takes you back to a time when life was simpler but much harsher.  When holistic medicine was a way of  life, not a treatment choice.  When you could be executed for your beliefs.  When ESP was gift to be used wisely, not a joke.  When government or authorities were the wealthy landowners, not elected officials.  What a treat to see love and fidelity between a man and a woman; parent and child and the great value and respect given to elders.  I would love to see this book become a movie.  Johnny Depp would be a great Earl of Huntly.  Hope the second book is at the publisher's already." -  Carolyn aka The Cool C, Western New York

"Dark Birthright, set in 17th century Scotland, will indulge fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and their interests in historical fiction. Jeanne Treat creates captivating illusions of benevolence, ruthlessness, and devotion, entwined within the hands of fate in this truly intriguing tale."  -  Shannon Curtis, member of the Ladies of Lallybroch 

"Dark Birthright, a new novel by Jeanne Treat, is set in northeast Scotland during the early 1600’s. One can almost smell the salty air of the North Sea emanating from its pages as the story of a handsome but evil lord and his determination to dominate his look-alike son unfolds. A good man, the son has powers of his own, of which the lord has no knowledge. While one inflicts pain, the other is a healer. Who shall survive?  The first book in a trilogy featuring the Hay and Gordon clans, Dark Birthright delivers its readers into a world of secrets, mysticism, and the ancient ways of the Celts and their descendants. Exciting and filled with action, danger, and romance, this story will send your heart racing."  -  Carolyn Hale Bruce, co-author of the Rebel King series of books

"I received Dark Birthright on Friday and finished it Monday morning. I could not put it down. The story was beautiful and thrilling. The characters were wonderful. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. I am anticipating the sequel next year.  I have already loaned the book to my mom to read." - Teresa Carpenter

"What a fantastic book!  I used to devour books - and just stopped reading twelve years ago.  Until I found Dark Birthright!  What a book!  Thank you so much for leading me back to the joy of reading." - Donna M. from Baraga, MI

"I just finished your book. I enjoyed it very much. It kept my interest and held my attention from beginning to end.  Your characters were very well developed and I felt as if I knew them . The story sucked me in and had me feeling as if I was there.  Thanks for a good read.  Keep up the great work, can't wait for the next one."  -  Robin B.

"I am almost done with the book and am starting to talk like a Scot.  I pick up/mimic accents and languages within minutes of meeting people, but I never had it happen from a book.  I love the word blootered."  -  Diana 

"This book had me captivated from the start! I could not wait to find out how things would play out. I loved how I could get to know each character separately. Now I can't wait for the next book!"  -  Robin S.

"I was in awe over this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The author makes you feel like you are right there living in seventeenth century Scotland with these characters. The descriptions of the people and their daily lives in the cottages, castles, seascapes and woods makes your senses come alive. I became connected with these people. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry at times and I felt a lot of sensual passion. I can't wait for the next book to come out in this trilogy. This is one fantastic book."  -  Heidi S.

"Although I read a lot, some books just can't hold my attention or they become a chore to finish. Dark Birthright is not one of those books! From the minute I started reading it I didn't want to stop. The imagery was vivid, yet it didn't slow me down. I could see the small fishing boats, smell the salt air, hear the whispers, and feel the chill in the air. I fell in love with (some of) the characters and felt like I was living among them. Reading the book evoked a lot of different emotions and I found my heart pounding during some of the scenes. This book is exciting, fast paced, mysterious, and ends with you wanting more. I highly recommend this book."  -  Thomas C.

"I absolutely loved your book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. Please let me know when you are ready with another one or if you have any other novels you have written and where I can get them. You weave a great tale!"  -  Judy B.  of Amherst, NY

"The book arrived Thursday evening and I finished the last few chapters with my morning coffee on Saturday morning.  Fabulous; my interest was peaked from the very first page. I couldn't put the book down. It's been a while since I've read a book that allowed me to feel the emotions of the characters. By the end I was saddened that there wasn't more, can't wait for the next book. The sketches are a nice touch."  -  Lisa, Toronto, Canada

"As a fan of Karen Marie Moning, I am always looking for other authors of Scottish historical fiction.  I received Dark Birthright on Friday and finished it on Monday.  I couldn't put it down!  When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about the characters and what could happen to them next.  I recommend this book and can't wait for the next one."  -  Lois, Ohio

"Unbelievably Captivating Book...  After the first few chapters, you will not want to put this book down.  The characters will enter your heart, your mind, and your soul.  By the end, you will wonder about the next book in this trilogy."  -  KMS, Pendleton, NY

"I enjoyed Dark Birthright very much.  It was light and easy to read.  Entertainment in the form of words.  It is a ray of sunshine in my book collection.  I loved the ending, and each event that got me to it was exciting and thrilling.  I was impressed with the very positive theme that was consistent all the way through to the end.  I have read it a couple of times and each time it was a great experience in the world of fiction."  -  Cindy Williams, North Carolina

"As a first time author, Jeanne Treat has managed to captivate her audience with a variety of characters who keep the readers on their toes. So much is happening so fast that it is hard to put the book down. Each chapter leaves you hanging, wanting to know what is going to happen in the next chapter. As a fan of Thriller and Suspense books (Stephen King, Dean Koontz) I was reluctant. I didn't know if I was going to be able to get into the story line. I found out by the end of the first chapter that I was already hooked and the suspense that I like so much was there. The book was excellent. I recommend it to everyone."  -  Jessica D.

"I recommend Dark Birthright for anyone who loves a tale well told.  From the opening chapter, this book grabs hold not only of your imagination, but your heart as well.  I normally do not read a book in a single sitting, but Dark Birthright is the exception.  I started it on a Friday evening and did nothing else until Sunday morning (to my family's consternation).  The story is gripping, the characters well defined, and the pages sumptuously illustrated.  I heard that a sequel is in the offing and can only hope I do not have to wait too long to continue Dughall's journey."  -  Greg

"Dark Birthright has restored my passion for reading novels!  The joining together of history and fiction was remarkable.  Scotland in the 1600’s was a captivating and forbidding place, and Jeanne Treat captured that air perfectly.  I was continually eager to get back to reading this book, I simply can’t wait for the next one!"  -  Jillian Z.

Joanne - I was there!  - the visualization took on a reality for me!  Marona - I liked the intimacy I felt with each character.  MaryLou - Captivating storyline.  I felt like I was part of the action and became enthralled with the characters.  Robin - I could not put it down and now I can't wait for the sequel! - Expanding Horizons Book Club of Western New York

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Dark Birthright

Mystery... Romance... and Violence in 17th century Scotland