What do you think?
Rate this book
Highland Wars #1
Highland Hunger Collection
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
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 afford to like the formidable, captivating, Highlander who seems to be following her, and yet she can't seem to walk away. Macrath wants nothing more than to protect the enchanting warrior lass, but doing so may get in the way of his need for revenge. What starts out as a race to survive turns into passion to endure together. May the gods be forever in their favor...
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 afford to like the formidable, captivating, Highlander who seems to be following her, and yet she can't seem to walk away. Macrath wants nothing more than to protect the enchanting warrior lass, but doing so may get in the way of his need for revenge. What starts out as a race to survive turns into passion to endure together. May the gods be forever in their favor...
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2014
59 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Knight
142 books1,934 followersEliza 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 9, 2015
AWESOME!!
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!!!
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!!!
November 5, 2014
I've reviewed E. Knight's Highland Hunger novel, which was first released in several parts before being condensed into the whole. I am always all for serial releases, though I missed this one and read the book when it was completed as one. It's a planned book series, as well.
I was first intrigued by the branding of this book. Eliza and her graphic artist, Kim I think, did a cool job of branding this series with appealing graphics for the book cover, bookmarks, other graphics, etc. Take that from someone that's been in marketing for 18+ plus years. So, yes, the graphics pulled me in. What else? Well, I love the movies and TV show, Highlander, and I've liked Scottish lore since I was little and I lived in England and my American parents were enamored by Scotland. I also like Disney's Brave, does that count? Also, I like plaid. Joking.
Now if that wasn't enough, I also really like the medieval times, their games, their Kings and Queens, their legends, and their drama. I like their fierce and strong women as well. Furthermore, in regards to what this book seems to take a nod from, I also REALLY like the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, which by the way, I read the books before the movies and find them extremely well-written. With the use of the phrases, "Let the Games Begin" and "May the Gods Be Forever In Their Favor" it's pretty obvious that there is a reference used. I thought maybe she could have left off using the latter phrase and opted for something more Scottishly original; however, it may sell books.
However, E. Knight brings us a really well-brainstormed and imaginative story from the Scottish Isles set in the medieval times in which a male and female are chosen every five years from a series of war games. They are married and rule the land until the next games. I liked her unique twist on the games and that there are two winners to be married at the end. It's very interesting the dynamics that this two-win marriage created between the game players in the book. I love this premise!!
When I first opened the novel, I was immediately drawn in by the "legend," which was a kind of prologue that told of King Olaf and the legend of how the games began. I'm a sucker for that type of thing. I would have enjoyed reading more of that story. However, I enjoyed meeting the protagonist female warrior, Ceana, from the start and watch the story from her eyes. I liked her determination. The first couple chapters, though fine, weren't enthralling enough for my taste however. Maybe I wanted more legend, or more visuals, but I didn't feel sucked into the story anymore.
As the novel went on, it gave me a darker taste of these games to the death as the characters deal with all sorts of emotion stemming from the killing, the stress, the decisions, the mourning, and basically, being human. I am glad she gave them their humanity, whether it be in being sad for those who had died, or in the feral attraction between Ceana and Macrath. Of course, E. Knight will write adult fiction in a sexy and real way. She accomplished that well. I am sure she knows how to write the steamy romance that most romance readers are pinning for! It is probably more dark than what some romance would read, however. There is violence, which doesn't bother me, as I read so much horror. I think no matter, it fit in with the theme of the book and the plot. I liked that part of it better than the romance part.
I haven't read any of her other works beside her Eliza Knight Tudor Series, so I can't speak of how this compares to her other romances, as I don't normally read a ton of romance unless it is underlying to a historical fiction. If you're wondering though, of course it does have sex, violence, and a dark side, but no more than many other things I read. It isn't overdone and most adults should be fine reading it, but I don't think it should be given to your teen reader if you are strict about sex in their reading.
It was entertaining in many parts and lulled in others. It wasn't a book in which I wanted to turn the pages like flash lightening. I had hoped it would be. I would have preferred more grit myself and for her lead lady to be more of an independent warrior that needed no man. I probably would have been able to read even more dark and war-like parts myself. And I'm not into the story line where males get jealous of each other and fight over the female. Or when the man is possessive or dominant. That is just me and so I don't want to mislead my own followers. But understanding what E. Knight writes, I can see it fits her writing and her fans would love it. Anyone who likes a heavy romance set amid some drama will love it.
One other hold up for me was that I was halted a little in getting into the story in a fluid fashion by her sentence structure. Though in most parts fine, in quite a few cases I didn't like the short, choppy, or incomplete sentences. That is the editor in me though, wanting to fix the sentences and make them flow more. I also wanted to remove or place many commas. I didn't notice this as much in her Tudor series, so I am not sure why it was hiccuping me so bad here. I also like sentences filled with emotion, details, or visuals and felt her needed a little more work. I am so sorry to say this, but I have to be honest, and as I've been an editor for a long while in all shapes and forms, I hope it's nothing more than just helpful. If others aren't bothered by this in their reading, then that is quite alright too.
I enjoyed checking it out and I'd continue to read the rest of the series. I applaud her for trying something new and I think it's really different from anything in the historical fiction realm. I'll be giving it a 4 on Amazon for her imagination and plot construct, but I'd like to give it a 3 for better editing and depth to characters and details. And I'd give it a 5 for marketing and packaging! I'd even buy dolls if she put them out for purchase.
Overall, if you like steamy medieval romances from the Scottish Highlands and are looking for something entertaining, imaginative, and fun to heat up your dark nights, then start with Highland Hunger and enjoy her unique historical romance series. Romance fans will stand up and cheer for the victors!
I was first intrigued by the branding of this book. Eliza and her graphic artist, Kim I think, did a cool job of branding this series with appealing graphics for the book cover, bookmarks, other graphics, etc. Take that from someone that's been in marketing for 18+ plus years. So, yes, the graphics pulled me in. What else? Well, I love the movies and TV show, Highlander, and I've liked Scottish lore since I was little and I lived in England and my American parents were enamored by Scotland. I also like Disney's Brave, does that count? Also, I like plaid. Joking.
Now if that wasn't enough, I also really like the medieval times, their games, their Kings and Queens, their legends, and their drama. I like their fierce and strong women as well. Furthermore, in regards to what this book seems to take a nod from, I also REALLY like the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, which by the way, I read the books before the movies and find them extremely well-written. With the use of the phrases, "Let the Games Begin" and "May the Gods Be Forever In Their Favor" it's pretty obvious that there is a reference used. I thought maybe she could have left off using the latter phrase and opted for something more Scottishly original; however, it may sell books.
However, E. Knight brings us a really well-brainstormed and imaginative story from the Scottish Isles set in the medieval times in which a male and female are chosen every five years from a series of war games. They are married and rule the land until the next games. I liked her unique twist on the games and that there are two winners to be married at the end. It's very interesting the dynamics that this two-win marriage created between the game players in the book. I love this premise!!
When I first opened the novel, I was immediately drawn in by the "legend," which was a kind of prologue that told of King Olaf and the legend of how the games began. I'm a sucker for that type of thing. I would have enjoyed reading more of that story. However, I enjoyed meeting the protagonist female warrior, Ceana, from the start and watch the story from her eyes. I liked her determination. The first couple chapters, though fine, weren't enthralling enough for my taste however. Maybe I wanted more legend, or more visuals, but I didn't feel sucked into the story anymore.
As the novel went on, it gave me a darker taste of these games to the death as the characters deal with all sorts of emotion stemming from the killing, the stress, the decisions, the mourning, and basically, being human. I am glad she gave them their humanity, whether it be in being sad for those who had died, or in the feral attraction between Ceana and Macrath. Of course, E. Knight will write adult fiction in a sexy and real way. She accomplished that well. I am sure she knows how to write the steamy romance that most romance readers are pinning for! It is probably more dark than what some romance would read, however. There is violence, which doesn't bother me, as I read so much horror. I think no matter, it fit in with the theme of the book and the plot. I liked that part of it better than the romance part.
I haven't read any of her other works beside her Eliza Knight Tudor Series, so I can't speak of how this compares to her other romances, as I don't normally read a ton of romance unless it is underlying to a historical fiction. If you're wondering though, of course it does have sex, violence, and a dark side, but no more than many other things I read. It isn't overdone and most adults should be fine reading it, but I don't think it should be given to your teen reader if you are strict about sex in their reading.
It was entertaining in many parts and lulled in others. It wasn't a book in which I wanted to turn the pages like flash lightening. I had hoped it would be. I would have preferred more grit myself and for her lead lady to be more of an independent warrior that needed no man. I probably would have been able to read even more dark and war-like parts myself. And I'm not into the story line where males get jealous of each other and fight over the female. Or when the man is possessive or dominant. That is just me and so I don't want to mislead my own followers. But understanding what E. Knight writes, I can see it fits her writing and her fans would love it. Anyone who likes a heavy romance set amid some drama will love it.
One other hold up for me was that I was halted a little in getting into the story in a fluid fashion by her sentence structure. Though in most parts fine, in quite a few cases I didn't like the short, choppy, or incomplete sentences. That is the editor in me though, wanting to fix the sentences and make them flow more. I also wanted to remove or place many commas. I didn't notice this as much in her Tudor series, so I am not sure why it was hiccuping me so bad here. I also like sentences filled with emotion, details, or visuals and felt her needed a little more work. I am so sorry to say this, but I have to be honest, and as I've been an editor for a long while in all shapes and forms, I hope it's nothing more than just helpful. If others aren't bothered by this in their reading, then that is quite alright too.
I enjoyed checking it out and I'd continue to read the rest of the series. I applaud her for trying something new and I think it's really different from anything in the historical fiction realm. I'll be giving it a 4 on Amazon for her imagination and plot construct, but I'd like to give it a 3 for better editing and depth to characters and details. And I'd give it a 5 for marketing and packaging! I'd even buy dolls if she put them out for purchase.
Overall, if you like steamy medieval romances from the Scottish Highlands and are looking for something entertaining, imaginative, and fun to heat up your dark nights, then start with Highland Hunger and enjoy her unique historical romance series. Romance fans will stand up and cheer for the victors!
December 5, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
BEWARE THIS HAS EXTREME VIOLENCE THROUGH OUT.
A Scottish solution to fueding clans is to have a competition every five years where two people ( a male and female) from each clan are submitted to participate in six trails of combative nature until only two people are left. Those two are married and serve a five year term to keep the peace until the next tournament.
It is non-stop carnage!
BEWARE THIS HAS EXTREME VIOLENCE THROUGH OUT.
A Scottish solution to fueding clans is to have a competition every five years where two people ( a male and female) from each clan are submitted to participate in six trails of combative nature until only two people are left. Those two are married and serve a five year term to keep the peace until the next tournament.
It is non-stop carnage!
October 22, 2018
I like this author but didn’t care for this story. It reminds me of Hunger Games, which I didn’t like. I wish the author concentrated more on the relationship of Macrath and Ceana instead of the Games. I liked both characters, but felt Ceana personality wasn’t strong enough to succeeded. She didn’t seem like a good match for Macrath. I will continue to read this author, but not this series.
April 3, 2018
Highland Hunger
I love her stories, and the love she puts in them, they are very good. I have a lot of her books and am in to the next one. Ada G.
I love her stories, and the love she puts in them, they are very good. I have a lot of her books and am in to the next one. Ada G.
November 2, 2014
This is book one in the Highland Wars series.
Ceana's brother, the chief of her clan has just been murdered and she must step up and take his place as laird. To save her clan, she must join in the war games. She must make it to the end and be named princess in order to have the money and the power to save her people.
Macrath, the bastard son of an earl, has been sent to the games at the whim of his step-mother who has been trying to get rid of him since he was born. Knowing the he must win to thwart her plans, he never thought to find a woman that might make him forget about revenge.
Can Ceana and Macrath overcome the odds and win the war games to save her clan and find everlasting love?
This is definitely not your typical medieval romance. Yes, most have talk of battles and going off to war but they don't take place entirely on the battlefield like this one does. But having said that, I did really enjoy it.
The book reminded me of an action packed medieval movie. The time frame was pretty short and the scenes went pretty quickly. Even though the plot only took a couple of days, you can definitely see how going through what Ceana and Macrath went through could bring them together quickly.
I'm definitely excited to see what the rest of the series has in store for us. What will Ceana and Macrath do once they are the rulers?
Ceana's brother, the chief of her clan has just been murdered and she must step up and take his place as laird. To save her clan, she must join in the war games. She must make it to the end and be named princess in order to have the money and the power to save her people.
Macrath, the bastard son of an earl, has been sent to the games at the whim of his step-mother who has been trying to get rid of him since he was born. Knowing the he must win to thwart her plans, he never thought to find a woman that might make him forget about revenge.
Can Ceana and Macrath overcome the odds and win the war games to save her clan and find everlasting love?
This is definitely not your typical medieval romance. Yes, most have talk of battles and going off to war but they don't take place entirely on the battlefield like this one does. But having said that, I did really enjoy it.
The book reminded me of an action packed medieval movie. The time frame was pretty short and the scenes went pretty quickly. Even though the plot only took a couple of days, you can definitely see how going through what Ceana and Macrath went through could bring them together quickly.
I'm definitely excited to see what the rest of the series has in store for us. What will Ceana and Macrath do once they are the rulers?
January 25, 2015
First of all, I have to state, that I don't normally read books in this genre. In fact, this is the first one. I won this copy in an author giveaway. Well, readers hold onto your seats! This book is a roller coaster ride of non-stop action interspersed with sexy love scenes.
When her brother is murdered during a hunt, Ceana becomes the new laird.In order to help her starving clan, she decides to join the deadly games, which are held every five years.The survivng male and female warriors receive honours,prizes, and will marry and rule jointly as Prince and Princess for the next five years. Although she is physically at a disadvantage, compared to many of the competitors, Ceana has determination. This is the only way to help her clan.
Macrath has his own reasons for being there. He is a bastard son and his father's wife has nominated him in hopes that he, as her legitimate son's rival,will be killed.
Will Ceana and Macrath succeed?
When her brother is murdered during a hunt, Ceana becomes the new laird.In order to help her starving clan, she decides to join the deadly games, which are held every five years.The survivng male and female warriors receive honours,prizes, and will marry and rule jointly as Prince and Princess for the next five years. Although she is physically at a disadvantage, compared to many of the competitors, Ceana has determination. This is the only way to help her clan.
Macrath has his own reasons for being there. He is a bastard son and his father's wife has nominated him in hopes that he, as her legitimate son's rival,will be killed.
Will Ceana and Macrath succeed?
July 16, 2015
Ceana MacRae brother has been murdered. That leaves her as Laird. The Clan is starving, after years of attacks. There is only one way to help her Clan, that is to enter the games for the title and lands that go with Sitheil. These lands go to the last man and woman standing at the end of the games.
Macgrath Mor is a bastard son , and has been sent to the games by his father's wife. She and her son are hoping that he will be killed in the games.
The games our heroes are involved in are brutal in the extreme. But it is not just brute strength that will be needed. Through it all an intense attraction between them could cause them to make even more enemies.
A very exciting, non stop action story. Some gory battles and a little hot sex.
Macgrath Mor is a bastard son , and has been sent to the games by his father's wife. She and her son are hoping that he will be killed in the games.
The games our heroes are involved in are brutal in the extreme. But it is not just brute strength that will be needed. Through it all an intense attraction between them could cause them to make even more enemies.
A very exciting, non stop action story. Some gory battles and a little hot sex.
November 1, 2014
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review.
Eliza Knight is such a FUN author! This is the second book I read by her and I hear one audio book as well. She does not disappoint. Her hero and heroine are always fun and entertaining. Highlander Hunger is no exception. It was blood thirty, thrilling and entertaining. Kind of like The Hunger Games meets Braveheart. Ceana was a FAN-tastic heroine. She was so butt-kicking I loved it! Not to be outdone, Macrath was equally entertaining. I highly recommend and enjoyed this fun adventure!
Eliza Knight is such a FUN author! This is the second book I read by her and I hear one audio book as well. She does not disappoint. Her hero and heroine are always fun and entertaining. Highlander Hunger is no exception. It was blood thirty, thrilling and entertaining. Kind of like The Hunger Games meets Braveheart. Ceana was a FAN-tastic heroine. She was so butt-kicking I loved it! Not to be outdone, Macrath was equally entertaining. I highly recommend and enjoyed this fun adventure!
June 10, 2015
Wow, medieval Hunger Games, except way more believable! I can see this actually occurring in that savage and bloody time period. I loved the characters. Bloodthirsty, brutal, and amazing, with just enough sweet romance between Ceana and her warrior. I would love to see this as a TV series! Bravo Eliza! I'll definitely be following this series!
I read and would recommend the Kindle eBook version that contained all five games.
I read and would recommend the Kindle eBook version that contained all five games.
January 5, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book!! Parts of it were demented, but that made it better!
Ceana and Macrath come from different worlds, practically, but something draws them together. They are both fighters, strong in their beliefs and extremely loyal. I loved to see their relationship develop as well as them grow as individuals. I highly recommend it to fans of Scottish stories with a unique tale and love conquering all!
Ceana and Macrath come from different worlds, practically, but something draws them together. They are both fighters, strong in their beliefs and extremely loyal. I loved to see their relationship develop as well as them grow as individuals. I highly recommend it to fans of Scottish stories with a unique tale and love conquering all!
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.
December 22, 2016
Wonder, and different!
This is a dark book. Lots of death as the games proceed. But yet two people find each other and love against the odds. Very well written. Eliza brings out a different side to her writing.
This is a dark book. Lots of death as the games proceed. But yet two people find each other and love against the odds. Very well written. Eliza brings out a different side to her writing.
March 27, 2015
LOVED IT!!
Loved it! Eliza Knight has me hooked! Can't wait to continue the series and more! Fell in love with the main characters immediately!
Loved it! Eliza Knight has me hooked! Can't wait to continue the series and more! Fell in love with the main characters immediately!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews