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The Flight of the Heron

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About this listen

It is 1745, and the Jacobite rebellion is on the rise.

Ewen Cameron, a principled young Scottish Highlander, is destined and honoured to serve Bonnie Prince Charlie, the young Pretender, and to help the 'rightful King' ascend to the British throne.

Major Keith Windham is a career soldier with the English Army - seemingly the antithesis of Ewen. He is jaded, worldly and loyal to the Crown but, ultimately, an outsider.

Their fates are linked inextricably when a highland prophecy tells Ewen that the flight of a heron will predict five meetings with an Englishman who will cause him much harm but also render a great service.

Ewen is sceptical, but the prophecy proves true when he meets Englishman Keith Windham - and a gripping tale of adventure, danger and true and lasting friendship is set into motion.

Both are men who are willing to die for their honour and their beliefs. Each is on an opposing side. But who will emerge the victor?

With action, historical adventure and lyrical descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, The Flight of the Heron is sure to appeal to fans of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and Peter May’s Lewis trilogy.

Public Domain (P)2021 Creative Content Ltd Destiny Historical Historical Fiction Romance Highlander Royalty

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary and timeless tale, brought vividly to life by Peter Forbes's brilliant narration." (Peter May)
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I became addicted to the story and listened at every opportunity. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would and only bought it based on previous good reviews. Not being very familiar with this period of history, Peter Forbes, (a genius narrator) brought the Jacobite story to life and one can imagine the Scottish landscape and the passionate beliefs. Having finished it today, I am buying the next in the series - The Gleam in the North straight away!

What a joy to listen to

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A sweeping historical story of friendship and heroism. It conjures up images of the Scottish Highlands and the people who lived there. Oh and not all Englishmen are enemies！

Loved it!

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A well narrated tale of intrigue between 2 main characters whose fates intertwine across Scotland. A little long and drawn out but a great listen!

Honour and homeland

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To reacquaint myself with DK Broster's novel has been a pleasure, although it's never really left my imagination. Written a hundred years ago, this eighteenth century tale of two lives fatefully entwined during the second Jacobite rebellion continues to resonate.

Ewan Cameron and Keith Wyndham are on opposite sides of the conflict, yet their lives cross several times. Each encounter happens at a critical juncture, with the actions of one holding the fortunes of the other in their hands. Ties of obligation and gratitude deepen into a friendship that, if you were reading a modern novel, you could easily describe as the start of a queer romance. That DK Broster seems to have been queer herself only adds weight to that thought. The actual romance element (Cameron and his betrothed) is dealt with and then largely forgotten.

Broster's writing is vivid, emotional, based on fact, and takes pains to differentiate between the ways Scots can talk: Gaelic, Gaelic inflected English, Lowlands dialect, educated Edinburgh. This point is brought to life by Peter Forbes' excellent narration.

I don't know why someone decided to make audio versions of these books, but I'm very, very glad they did.

Such a pleasure

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I've been hoping for this book to be performed for years. Ewan's Cameron was I think my first ' adult ' crush and I have loved this and the following books for over 50 years. I t is beautifully and sympathetically read by Peter Forbes. A beautiful soft highland accent. Wonderful story , wonderfully read. An absolute joy. I'm only sorry that 5 stars is the most I can give it. Highly , highly recommended. And at last - after 50 years - I know how those beautiful Gaelic names and phrases should really sound. Now on to the next in the trilogy , which I've just bought.

Wonderful.

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