I quite enjoy this particular genre - the retelling of history, with all the research we have (and it is impressive, how much we know, considering how long ago these events took place), mixed with fabrications of the author's own imagination to fill in the blanks. I particularly like when, as she does here, the book ends with a small section of what we truly know, what records have told us, and how she pieced that information together to make the story. Fascinating. In any case, this book was very well written. Gruadh was a great female lead, one showing strength and fortitude, but still a women. Her pride and willfulness, that the author wrote as lifelong traits, seemed exactly what one would expect from a leading lady in old Celtic tradition (though I think that perhaps she may not actually have been quite that outspoken, realistically). The picture painted of Macbeth was very interesting to read. All I previously knew was based on Shakespeare's version, which is obviously fictionalized, and apparently very different than the "truth," as we know it from when records we have. I really liked this more historically accurate painting of him - and of his time reigning over a peaceful Scotland (rare, in the history that country). All in all, a very thorough exploration of Celtic culture and tradition, particularly regarding the belief in magic, herbs, "sight," etc. - Mother Enya and Catriona were beautiful characters. This was a nice historical interpretation and I respect the passion for the Lady Gruadh that the author has - you can really feel it in the writing.