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Highland Wars #1.1

Highland Hunger: Game One

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***This is part one of a five part serial novel.***

An unclaimed land in the Scottish isles is ruled by the male and female victors in a series of war games every five years. Named Chief and Lady of the land, they rule the vast holding, and protect the people by divine right, until the next game begins.

After her brother’s death Ceana is named laird. The only way for her clan to survive the ravages of the Highlands is to join in the war games. Bastard son of a powerful earl, Macrath is placed in the games by his vengeful stepmother. He must survive for the ultimate retribution.

Ceana can’t stand the arrogant Highlander who seems to be following her, and yet she can’t seem to walk away. Macrath wants nothing more than to be rid of the troublesome need to protect the warrior lass. What starts out as a race to survive turns into passion to endure together.

May the gods be forever in their favor…

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2014

5 people are currently reading
138 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Knight

142 books1,955 followers
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

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5 stars
36 (33%)
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39 (36%)
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23 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,656 reviews34 followers
August 14, 2014
Wow! What an exciting read,I was gripped from the start and didn't want the book to end!!!! Can't wait for next weeks instalment!
I am already wondering what Ceana and Macrath are doing and how they are going to fare in the next round of games- Role on 18th August!!
Profile Image for Katie.
1,323 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2021
Hoopla has some interesting recs for me. This was another audiobook and actually seemed to be all of the Highland Wars, 1.whatever number. It's basically the Hunger Games in ancient Scotland. Even the catchphrase may the gods be in your favor was over the top. If you like that idea, you'll love it as it was rather action-packed. I, however, did not know that and couldn't help rolling my eyes whenever I heard the phrase. (I've realized that my expectations have a lot to do with my feelings on a book.)
Profile Image for Patty☇.
145 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2021
I love ANYTHING highlander and overall I did enjoy most of this series. I thought the blood and guts part went on forever. And ever. If you love a woman slicing the front of another woman and have it described that the women's inside fell out onto the ground...Then this series is for you.

I was very frustrated from the beginning because the laird of a clan and his little sister go out hunting ALONE. ? Then Surprise! they're attacked. Oh and apparently, their clan has been attacked a lot. Perfect time to go out hunting ALONE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria Mercedes .
540 reviews
October 16, 2020
This is my second book and second series, it was provided by the Audible Escape package, I loved the audio so much I went shopping on Amazon for the entire series.
The narrator is perfect. The story is awesome!
Profile Image for Bea.
133 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2024
Hunger games meets highland historical romance. Very interesting and good series. A slow 🔥 book. Well written.
Profile Image for Darlene.
719 reviews32 followers
December 15, 2014
http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...

I was first introduced to Eliza Knight’s writing when I began reading her Highlander novels and really enjoyed them. These novels are a little escape from the day to day reality of life and I always look forward to snuggling up with the dog and indulging in one. Highland Hunger is no exception and from the first word to the last I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book. This book reminded me of the Hunger Games but with one sexy Highlander hunk of man to drool over and one independent and spunky woman both set on winning the war games so they can rule their Scottish land. Very exciting!

Ceana never intended to compete in the war games but when her brother is killed she is named laird and has no choice but to go in order to protect her clan. Macrath has been sent to the play in the war games by his stepmother who despises him as he is the bastard son of his father who is a powerful earl. Macrath would like nothing better than to win and set his stepmother and half brother in their place once and for all. When Ceana and Macrath set eyes on each other it is an instant attraction but Ceana knows that she has to concentrate on the games not a man. Yet she can’t help herself especially since Macrath is set on trying to protect her. As the games wear on the passion between the two grows and their only goal is to win the games and rule together. Will they get through the increasingly difficult challenges and manage to not get themselves killed? Will Macrath finally exact his revenge? And just who is Beatrice who lords over the war games?

This was a great story with non-stop action and very steamy and sexy trysts between Ceana and Macrath. These two make a great couple and since this is the first book in a series I can’t wait to see what will happen next when they begin to rule over their lands. It should be very interesting! If you love your steamy Highlander stories then Highland Hunger is a must read! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Killion.
4 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2014
“Rules are important here. We heed them. Live by them. Die by them.”

This first installment of the Highland Hunger War Games by Eliza Knight was a fantastic start!

We're introduced the games, which produces a winning male and female, providing the winners with status and wealth for five years, with a legend of games past that already has you wondering how much bloodshed there will be.

We first meet Ceana in the midst of her finding her brother dead. Being the only other eligible member of the clan, Ceana is named laird. With this new title, she sets out to prove her role and find peace among rivals by joining the games. She's not the most skilled candidate, but what she lacks in strength, she makes up for with wit.


Our hero is the silent, brooding Highlander, Macrath, who is entered into the games by his wicked stepmother. He's very confident in his ability to win the games since his life and pride are on the line.


When our two strong-willed characters meet on the first day of the games, they seem to have an instant attraction to one another. After being let loose to fend for themselves they find one another in the woods where they grasp on to one another to keep alive.

The novella does leave you hanging waiting for the second of the five games to start, but I'm certain the wait will be well worth it. It's fast paced and well written tale. You'll be sure to 1-Click the next installment!
Profile Image for Meg - A Bookish Affair.
2,484 reviews219 followers
October 29, 2014
"Highland Hunger" kicks off a brand new series from author Eliza Knight. In this book (which takes place in lovely Scotland - yay!), Ceana's world has been turned upside down. She is now fighting for her title as "Laird" after her brother dies and it is up to her to enter the war games to defend her clan (a tall order for a woman in this world). Of course, there is a romance to be had between Ceana and Macrath, a highlander who is also in the war games. If you've read any of Knight's books before, you know that it is the area of romance where she really shines!

Ceana and Macrath are an awesome couple. You have Ceana, who is a very no-nonsense women bound by duty to her clan. She knows what she has to do and is not afraid to jump in with both feet in order to get it done even though the stakes are high. And Macrath (oh, Macrath, who I have a little bit of a literary crush on) is a wonderful counterpart to Ceana. He is strong and brave and I can see exactly why Ceana finds him so absolutely irresistible! Their chemistry definitely jumped off the page for me and I loved reading about how their relationship changed throughout the book! I can't wait to see what is in store for them in the coming books!

I have been very excited for this series to come out and I was most definitely not disappointed. This is an exciting new series that will be a treat for those who love highlanders like I do! This book was definitely a promising start!
Profile Image for C.A. Szarek.
Author 29 books191 followers
March 9, 2015

This was the first book I've ever read by Eliza Knight & it definitely won't be the last!

I love everything about this book. I really don't have one negative thing to say LOL!

The darkness and harsh violence was an accurate testament to the time the book Took place in. Not something that you normally see historical romance, but it was refreshing in away because of its realism.

I absolutely loved the hero! I also very much liked Ceana. I liked how she was this tough girl but inside she was mushy and scared at times. On the same note that he wrote was a big tough guy that also had a tender heart. The perfect alpha.

I loved them together from the start. And I enjoyed watching them be there for each other while they try to survive the games.

I really like the authors address at the end explaining the part of the book that was historically accurate as well as the stuff she took creative license with. I always love that at the end of the book that is based in a real place in real section of time. It's like a debriefing in a way and it's awesome.

I very much look forward to the second book in the series and checking out all the rest of the books by Eliza Knight!!!
Profile Image for Patricia Wissore.
695 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2015
I should have read the reviews before reading this one. I will say I loved the story idea and the writing was excellent. The only reason it wasn't a 5 star for me (and it's my own fault) was that I didn't realize how dark this story was going to be. Only 2 victors left standing at the end of the games should have clued me in as well. I finished the story and almost felt like I'd just finished a combination of Game of Thrones combined with Hunger Games. Again, the story idea was great, just reading the book put me through an emotional ringer I wasn't prepared for!
Profile Image for Debbie.
347 reviews
August 11, 2015
This was the first book that I have read by Eliza Knight and I absolutely loved it! When I started it I wasn't sure but the characters grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. I haven't watched the Hunger Games or anything like them so had nothing to compare the book with. All I know is that I couldn't put it down and I fell in love with Ceana and Macrath. I will definitely be looking for the other books in the series!
Profile Image for Irene.
586 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2016
Well, this was a blend of Hunger Games and Scotish Romance. It was nice but at the same time brutal. No details but all the inferences of deviant behaviour of some characters are there - several almost descriptions of almost rape, lots of deaths. So this book is not for faint hearted.
Profile Image for MLOW.
1,860 reviews1 follower
Want to read
September 10, 2016
I got this as part of the Lords of the Isles collection
365 reviews
January 20, 2019
In the multi-author book collection called Lords of the Isles
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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