REVIEW Tour: Magnar by Mary Morgan

Title: Magnar
Author: Mary Morgan

Series: Wolf Clan of Southerland #1

Pages: 304

Date Published: August 26th, 2020

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Format: Kindle

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Source: Goddess Fish Blog Tours
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Synopsis:

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

~My Thoughts~

As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Magnar has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. He carries around some family drama, a dash of residual romantic angst, and a heady crop of conflict between his human and wolf self. 

I loved the delicious mix of history (Nordic, Celtic, English, etc.) and the paranormal. I thought I considered myself a pretty big history buff, but I struggled to place this one at first. It was just so outside the realm of what I expect in the genre - which I loved! Magnar's birthplace is not where his loyalty lies, instead, he swears his life to the king of England and his strongest loyalties to Scotland. When a member of the King's inner circle is killed, Magnar is forced to marry Elspeth, the murdered man's sister, in order to strengthen alliances. 

Right from our first introduction to Magnar, we're treated to the complex emotions he has regarding his family, his past, and his king. He is the epitome of brooding hero, and I loved getting to see it all from his perspective rather than from the heroine's. But speaking of heroine, Elspeth is no shrinking flower herself. She's got wits and a smart tongue to keep Magnar on his toes, and it made for a fun and enjoyable relationship. 

I was excited to know this is the first of a series. I enjoyed getting to know Magnar and company and the history came across as well-researched, even the areas where it was clear the author was making some creative liberties. 

~Try an Excerpt!~

The king rose from his chair. “Lord Sutherland has prepared chambers for you both.”

“Chambers in the south tower?” asked Magnar, taking a hold of her elbow.

Lord Sutherland gave him a slight nod.

Startled once again by the man’s silent movements, Elspeth remained mute, trying to control the warring emotions from the man’s touch. The heat of his fingers seared into her gown and onto her skin.

Giving the king a small smile, she permitted Magnar to usher her out of the great hall. Erik kept a steady pace with their movements as he continued to entertain their overly bold guide with yet another tale of how they escaped their home.

Her steps slowed as the torchlight danced off the giant tapestry hanging on the wall near the stairs. The eyes of a white wolf bore into Elspeth as she drew near. Though only the head of the animal was represented within the woven threads, she half expected the wolf to jump out at her.

Elite Guards. Wolves. King William.

Elspeth returned her attention to the man holding her in his grip. “I heard my brother once mention the elite guards for the king. He spoke with reverence and with fear. They are loyal to the king but had one leader—one who all of Scotland should fear because of his magic.”

The man’s eyes darkened and a smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Your brother was wise in his account.”

Elspeth’s heart pounded fiercely within her chest. “You are the leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland.”

~Meet Mary!~ 

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
Mary will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.a Rafflecopter giveaway