Heir to a Prophecy

by Mercedes Rochelle

Shakespeare's Witches tell Banquo, Thou Shalt Get Kings Though Thou Be None. Though Banquo is murdered, his son Fleance gets away. What happened to Fleance? As Shakespeare's audience apparently knew, Banquo was the ancestor of the royal Stewart line. But the road to kingship had a most inauspicious beginning, and we follow Fleance into exile and death, bestowing the Witches prophecy on his illegitimate son Walter. Born in Wales and raised in disgrace, Walter's efforts to understand Banquo's murder and honor his lineage take him on a long and treacherous journey through England and France before facing his destiny in Scotland.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, Historical

418 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2014

About the author

Born and raised in St. Louis MO, Mercedes Rochelle graduated with a degree in English literature from University of Missouri. Mercedes learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

Reviews

[Nimue Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercedes Rochelle picks up on one of the conundrums in Macbeth. For the modern reader/ audience, it’s a bit of an oddity that Macbeth is told he will be King, while his friend Banquo is told he will have heirs who are kings. It means nothing to us.

Starting from this prophecy, the author takes us into the history, known and mythologized, of the Stuart line. The line of Kings that led to James the 1st, the intended audience for the play. Many of the characters from Macbeth are visible in this tale. We find out what happened to Macolm, Seward, MacDuff, and others. Shakespeare took actions that lasted more than a decade and condensed them down into five acts. Mercedes puts the time scales back in, following the journey of Fleance, and then his son Walter, to unravel the threads of fate that do indeed seem to make Banquo an ancestor of kings. It is a fascinating tale, blending fiction, fact and myth into a very convincing whole.

While Macbeth murders his way to the top, one Harold Godwineson is wangling for position as the aging King Edward fails to produces a Saxon heir, and on the continent, William of Normandy looks hungrily to the north. What follows is, of course, epic, and will change the face of England forever.

Readers of historical fiction will love this book. If you tend towards fantasy then the mix of supernatural influence, castle building, backstabbing politics and epic battles could easily tempt you out of your usual genre.

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

Mercedes Rochelle's Heir to a Prophecy was an interesting choice for me. The fact that it is historic fiction and relates to the royal Stewarts were major selling points, but I personally feel Shakespeare overrated and wasn't at all convinced the book would work. The realist in me screamed proceed with caution, but I hoped for the best am happy to report the risk proved worthwhile.

Historically speaking, the novel touches a lot of wonderful material and I actually like how it acts as a sort of bookend to the play on which it is based. There are a few graphic scenes, but I felt the content necessary and entirely appropriate to the subject matter.

I liked the balance Rochelle managed to create between fact and fiction and was pleasantly surprised at how she was able to manipulate the Shakespearean elements of the story without allowing them to overwhelm her own vision and voice. Ideally I have liked fewer protagonists and more character development, but I'm not at all disappointed with the time I spent with this piece.

A highly creative read, Heir to a Prophecy was both fun and original. A solid selection for fans of both historic fiction and light fantasy.

[Marsha Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heir to a Prophecy, by Mercedes Rochelle is an absorbing tale dealing with the prophecy told by Shakespeare's witches to Banquo, the ancestor of the royal Stewart line. "Thou Shalt"Get Kings Though Thou Be None"

The prophecy and the witches steer the fate of the books main character, Walter, son of Fleance, who is the son of Banquo. Rochelle takes the reader along for the ride of Walter's remarkable life and the people and events that happen to him. Walter is very well written and we understand his character and his motives for his decisions and why he does what he does. Supporting characters such as King Malcolm Canmore are equally well written. The author knows the period in which she writes extremely well and puts the reader into the 11th century mind set quite easily.

I am very passionate about the medieval time period and really enjoy reading books that take place in that scope of history. I especially enjoyed reading a book with such a unique plot line and being able to learn something more of the Stewart ancestry.

A fantastic author that I hope publishes many more books that I will happily read.

[Arleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those familiar with Shakespeare’s Macbeth will recognize from this story the characters of Banquo, Fleance and the Three Weird Sisters. While they set the stage, the protagonist throughout most of the narrative is Walter Stewart—beginning with his early life as a Welsh outcast, to his glory days as the King of Scots’ confidante. Malcom III’s defeat over Macbeth, William the Conqueror’s Battle of Hastings and the subsequent uprisings in Northern England are among the action filled pages.

This story is a perfect introduction to 11th century Scotland, England and Wales (and even a bit of Brittany), with minute descriptions of the kingdoms and their people and ways of life. I tend to read and review books with a female protagonist, but had no trouble emphasizing with Walter and his plight. Anyone interested in the events of the 1066 Norman invasion of England will find a detailed account, with particular eloquence regarding battle scenes that even those not inclined to war novels will appreciate. There is a bit of romance, never overly described, and a host of admirable characters. Walter’s transition is the most remarkable facet of the novel, and I would liken him to Elizabeth Chadwick’s William Marshal from The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. I was also intrigued to meet several characters mentioned in Jean Plaidy’s Norman trilogy.

[K.T. Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Actual Rating 3.5**
Characters

This book mostly follows Walter, but it doesn't start there. It starts with Fleance. Walter is an interesting character to follow. However, there are lots and lots of characters that you'll meet. This story isn't told from their point of view but rather in a narrative voice...most of the time. Sometimes the story-line dips into third person, making the POVs fluid. This actually gibes the novel a visceral feel. 

Plot

This story is not so much about characters. It is a story of lives. Lives lived and lost.  Set in the 1000s. It has a historical novel feel with a overlay of a fictional backdrop. Prophecy and an established story results in many of the plot points being predictable...right up to the end. This story starts almost as abruptly as it ends—which was a bit of a bump in the road for me. It takes you on a journey though, an interesting and unexpected journey. 

Overall

The writing has a historical feel and is long winded. Takes on a telling style, rather than showing, because of the narrative like writing. That being said there are some very powerful lines. However, the past and future story telling can be very jarring at times. Like someone reading a book and paraphrasing as they read. Which means it sort of meanders and then just ends. Very abruptly. The journey until you get there is interesting. 

Rating

3.5 (rounded up)

Readers of historical novels and those who like Shakespeare will enjoy this book. It takes you on a winding tale.

Where did I get a copy?

Author sent me a copy. This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweeping chronicle of the time period from the late 10th C through the 11th C on the British Isles. The author took on the monumental task of putting life into the snippets of historical record and the lore that represents that time. Truly this book would make an incredible 3+ hour feature movie done in the style of a Lord of the Rings. I can honestly say if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings you will enjoy this book.



Fans of early English, Welsh and Scottish history will also want to read this book. As a historian, I did find the technical work crafted by the author to be impressive and extensive.



If I had any issue with this book, it was the seeming lack of direction exhibited in the last 25% to 30% of this work. It really seemed that in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, the book could have been brought to a nice conclusion.

I had first thought this was a book that was led by the prophetic sayings of the three witches - it seemed to be up to that point. Another one of my issues is that after their last appearance, they just seemed to disappear from the story.



Overall a great read that sheds new light on an era usually left in darkness. A very well-done piece of scholarly fiction.



My Rating: 4.5 stars



Reviewed by: Mr. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well crafted story on the makings of the royal Stewart line. Rochelle masterfully combines history, fiction and myth creating a fascinating and riveting read. No worries if you haven't read Macbeth, you'll understand fully where Shakespeare's Macbeth ends and this story begins.

Banquo is murdered, his son escapes, however the story continues with focus on Banquo's grandson Walter. The prophecy is through Walter with just the right of amount of supernatural element via the weird sisters to add interest and entertainment. Walter is a solid character, he comes of age, finally he masters control of his anger and pursues predictions.

Rochelle proves originality and executes balance - enough Shakespeare married with fiction equal in weight. Doses of myth suiting the narrative.

Historical fiction enthusiasts with all certainty will enjoy this book. Fans of fantasy with supernatural peppering, political strife and fierce battles will appreciate Mercedes Rochelle's creative and imaginative page turning tale.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I've come to help avenge Banquo's death."
Malcolm smiled sadly. "Then you shall not leave my side until it is done."

Walter knew nothing of his ancestry, only that he was illegitimate and his grandfather, Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, had cast out his daughter, Walter's mother, Nesta, and murdered Fleance, Walter's father. Walter knew nothing of his father's past until he was visited by three mysterious old women, who spoke of prophecy and destinies and other such dangerous things.

Walter has two choices. He could ignore the old hags and live the life he wanted. Or, he could take heed of their warning and follow the path they laid out before him and become The First Stuart of Scotland.

From a desperate escape from assassins to the crowning of the rightful King of Scotland, Heir to a Prophecy by Mercedes Rochelle is the utterly compelling story of how Banquo's grandson paved the way for a generation of kings.

Those who have read Shakespeare's infamous Scottish play will be familiar with brave and valiant Banquo, who like Macbeth failed to understand the cost of the weird women's prophecy, nor was he prepared for the ugly realisation that if he were indeed the father of kings then Macbeth, his dearest friend, would become a dagger hidden in the shadows of the night. *"Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly," Banquo cried if you recall, for the instruments of darkness so often tell the truth, and thus Banquo dies. Rochelle has picked up the story from that remarkable play and has taken her readers with good Fleance as he flees for his life. But how did Banquo's son go on to father the Stuart dynasty? In this remarkable work of Historical Fiction, Rochelle has presented her readers with a plausible answer but without losing the essence, the superstition and the mythical element that is so prevalent in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Rochelle has stuck with tradition and allowed the Three Witches to control the narrative and, of course, toy with the protagonists. By doing this, Rochelle has not only captured the very essence of Shakespeare's play, but she has given us a story that is rich and vibrant and utterly compelling from start to finish. Heir to a Prophecy is the type of book that one will forego sleep to finish, and it is also one that would be next to impossible to forget.

Although Heir to a Prophecy opens with Banquo's death and Fleance's subsequent flight to Wales, it is Fleance's son, Walter, whose story this really is. Born a bastard, Walter is on first encounter, seemingly inconsequential. He comes from nothing. He is nobody. His mother, Princess Nesta, daughter of Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, had been thrown unceremoniously from Court and has been disowned by her family because of her love affair with Fleance. With a tremendous strength of spirit and a dogged determined to battle on, Nesta makes the best of a bad situation. I adored Nesta. She has such capacity for love and is yet used so cruelly by her father. His disappointment, his anger, leaves no room for reason. Lost and alone, without her lover, Nesta is determined to bring up her child the best way she can. How can you not admire such a character for that?

Walter is a troubled youth. He knows nothing of his father's heritage until the night he encounters the same three women who had visited his grandfather and King Macbeth in a heath near Forres. Unlike, Macbeth, Walter does not want to hear the weird women's prophecy, nor does he want to heed it, although he has sense enough to fear it. We, lucky readers, witness Walter's struggle with who he is and what he has seen. We watch him become a temperamental youth to a knight of honour. We follow him in battle and love. We watch him become the man he was destined to be. I thought Rochelle really nailed Walter's characterisation. He isn't this elevated man of goodness who his grandfather is portrayed as being. Walter makes terrible mistakes and conscientious decisions which have consequences — consequences that he is willing to answer. Walter is an incredibly complex character who has many layers which makes him endlessly fascinating. He is a fantastic protagonist who drives this story forward. It was an absolute pleasure, nay privilege, to read his story.

As one would expect from this time, there are, along with Walter, a host of historical characters. From Malcolm III Canmore: King of Scotland to the bastard Norman, William the Conqueror. All of these historical characters bring something unique to the narrative. Malcolm was a character who I liked very much, whereas William — he certainly knew how to plan a battle. Rochelle pens historical figures such as Harold Godwinson with an elegant sweep of her quill. Rochelle has breathed life into this vast cast of historical figures, and she has portrayed them in a remarkably realistic way — paying close attention, of course, to the historical sources from this time. I thought the portrayal of all the characters I encountered in this novel was brilliantly executed.

The historical scope of this book is vast. This was a time of warriors and kings, where the fate of a nation was decided upon a battlefield, as was petty grievances. Heir to a Prophecy is at times incredibly violent as war plays out between the pages. When it comes to battle scenes they can either make or break a book — Rochelle has captured the desperation, the fear, the sights, the smells, the abject terror and the anticlimactic relief when it was all over. The battle scenes are brilliantly portrayed in this novel. Rochelle has painted a very vivid picture of war and what it was like during the 11th Century. Kudos Ms Rochelle. Kudos indeed.

With a nod to Shakespeare, and with a keen sense of the era and the people that dominated it, Rochelle has presented her readers with a book that is immensely readable and thoroughly entertaining. Reading Heir to a Prophecy is like taking a spontaneous trip through time to a dark and dangerous past where heroes were born, and legends were made.

If you are looking for your next great Historical Fiction read, then look no further than Heir to a Prophecy by Mercedes Rochelle, for within the pages of this book you will witness exiled friends fight for the right to return home. And you will stand shoulder to shoulder, and you will finally cry *"Hail, King of Scotland!"

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

* Shakespeare,William — Macbeth Act 3, Scene 3 (Wordsworth Limited Edition 1996)
* Shakespare, William — Macbeth Act 5, Scene 8 (Wordsworth Limited Edition 1996)

[Kit Perriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any one fascinated by Shakespeare's Macbeth will love the question behind Mercedes Rochelle's debut book: How do the sons of Banquo come to rule Scotland? The three weird sisters tell Macbeth's companion that "Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none" - a promise that sets in motion the deadly events of the famous play.

Heir To A Prophecy (Hampshire: Top Hat Books, 2014) follows a fragmented trail through Scottish history - tracing the line from Banquo's son Fleance to King James Ist of England - with a similar mix of fact, fiction, and supernatural interference as found in the original tale. We know that Banquo is murdered on Macbeth's orders, but that his son Fleance escapes. In Rochelle's version he goes into exile in Wales at the court of Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, where he woos and impregnates the king's daughter, Nesta.

Nesta bears an illegitimate son called Walter, who enlists in Harold Goodwineson's service and ends up fighting at Dunsinane and Hastings. Along the way he befriends Prince Malcolm, King Duncan's heir to the Scottish throne. Years later, Walter settles in Malcolm's court and is rewarded for his services, becoming the first Steward of Scotland. This legitimizes his position, and prepares the way for future descendants of the royal house of Stuart.

Rochelle's portrayal of the three witches is particularly interesting. They appear at various points in her story to advance their original prophecy, but rather than being the weird old hags of Shakespeare's era they are associated with the Norns of Scandinavian mythology - fates who control mankind's destiny. But aside from this nod to the bard, Rochell wisely does not attempt to imitate one of the great literary masterpieces with a sophisticated, high-brow response. Instead she writes a plain, rollicking tale that should have broad appeal for those readers who like a fast-paced romp through history.

This novel is nicely edited and presented. The setting, however, is too broad a time-period to examine and explore the various situations in any great depth. Heir[s] To A Prophecy could well have been a whole series, with each book focusing on one central character - Fleance, Walter, and so on!

[Dennis Burkholder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
HEIR TO A PROPHECY
By Mercedes Rochelle
At first I was not sure what to expect, but the further I got into the story, the more I enjoyed this tale from Wales, to England to Scotland, to Normandy, back to England, and finally back to Scotland.
The time period around the last days of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of England, to the days of the Norman Conquest and the formation of the Kingdom of Scotland was never one that I had studied or read much about. But from reading Mercedes’ book, I not have a greater appreciation for the period.
It takes you on a trip through history that spans decades. A trip so pleasurable that it was very hard to set down because you wanted to keep reading to find out how it was to end.
My book review notes tell me that I should record my impressions and note effective passages for quoting. But where would I begin? The book as a whole was in my opinion a romp. There are too many passages that would require equal billing to quote.
Because of this book I have begun to study the period, not just the Norman Conquest but the later days of Anglo-Saxons, the constant troubles with both the Scots and the Welsh. Things I had not realized before or if I did it was on the perpetual.
The book was well written; it followed the trials and tribulations of Walter, the bastard son of a Scottish prince and a Welsh princess. We follow him as he flees a cruel and desperate life as a bastard’s son, to a retainer of Harold, who was to become king. From there he becomes the close friend and confident of Malcom who would become the Scottish king to Normandy and then to Hastings where he fights beside William the Conqueror. We follow him to Scotland and the wars that were fought between England and Scotland for supremacy on the Isles. And, then to his death beside his friend and king. In the end we find that his family become the kings predicted by fate under the name Stuart.
There is much more that I cannot describe. You must read the book yourself. For myself, I enjoyed it so much that I intend to read it a second time just because I can.
Reviewed By Dennis Burkholder
I give it Five Stars.

[Mercedes Rochelle]

You don't have to be a lover of Shakespeare to follow this story, but my impetus came from Macbeth and the Witches, who predicted that Banquo would be the father of Kings. Poor Banquo was soon murdered in an effort to defeat this prophecy, but his son Fleance fled the scene... and the country as well.

His escape led him to north Wales and the court of Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, who took him in as a noble exile and gave him a place with his family. Alas, Fleance fell in love with princess Nesta, and their illicit affair resulted in her pregnancy. Their illegitimate son Walter was the next link in the Witches' prophecy, and it is his story that leads the reader across England to Scotland, Brittany and Wales.

Walter enlists in Harold Godwineson's service against the Welsh, accompanies Prince Malcolm to the Battle of Dunsinane, and even fights at the Battle of Hastings alongside his new father-in-law, Count Alain le Rouge. But ultimately he settles in Scotland alongside his friend King Malcolm, eventually attaining the rank as first Steward of Scotland and ancestor of the Stewart line of kings.

After Hastings, the young Eadgar Aetheling, true Anglo-Saxon heir, shows up at Malcolm's court hungry and need of shelter. He brings his mother and sisters, and Malcolm falls in love with the beautiful Margaret, who thinks herself destined for the church. But because of her he supports Eadgar, and Margaret eventually weds Malcolm and bears him many children.

Eadgar's ill-fated rebellions draw the wrath of King William the Conqueror, and Scotland must struggle to keep England at bay. Watch as Walter helps Malcolm hold his kingdom together in the late turbulent eleventh century.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you take a book that includes Scottish history, makes me think of Shakepeare's 'Scottish play' *ahem* and has thoroughly engaging story? You get one very happy reader on the Back Porch (me), that's what!

While MacBeth was an historical person, Shakespeare's play took liberties with the history on which it was based, including apparently, the existence of Fleance, son of Banquo. Even the Stuart kings of Scotland claimed to be descended from Fleance, which would give them a genealogical connection to the fabled King Arthur. But then, the kinds and queens of that age were not adverse to rewriting history in order to strengthen their images or their claims to a throne.

I could really feel Fleance's fear in the opening scene, when he and his father Banquo are set upon by a trio of assassins. Fleance manages to escape but his father was not so lucky. Where one minute he had been the son of a good friend of the king, now he was a young man, practically alone in the world.

Ms. Rochelle has a good grasp of descriptive language. If there was a sound, I could 'hear' it. If there was a smell, my nose would twitch with it.

It was fascinating to experience the prophesy of the three witches wind its way through Heir to a Prophecy. Fleance's son, Walter, becomes Royal Steward ... and the rest is history. Or is it? Regardless, Heir is a wonderful narrative and it can enrich your reading history.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare play and so when I saw Heir to a Prophecy, it was a no-brainer to listen to it. I don't know what I was expecting in all honesty. A sequel to Macbeth but not nearly as good maybe? I couldn't have been more wrong. Heir to a Prophecy does pick up where Macbeth kind of finishes but the story told within this book is fascinating. How Mercedes Rochelle managed to research and compile all the information into such an enjoyable listen is a magnificent accomplishment. We had love, marriage, wars, negotiations, foreign travel, hostage taking, there was not a single moment in the entire 13 hours that something extraordinary wasn't taking place. I feel like a need a rest from the exhaustion of listening to so much action. Then there are the details, so elegant and so precise, that make this book into a really special listen. Bishops not shaving their moustaches, Normans with weird hairstyles. The research that it took to include this level of specification is mind-boggling. Let's not forget the narration. Kevin E. Green has to be English, Scottish, French, Welsh, Danish and so on. He does a superb job and that on its own deserves a standing ovation. Couple together exquisite and elegant writing and outstanding narration and Heir to a Prophecy is a joyous way to spend 13 hours that you won't regret.

[Michelle Stockard Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of my favorite historical novels are retellings of famous literary works, or stories surrounding supporting characters from those works. So Heir to a Prophecy was a book that intrigued me from my first reading of the synopsis. Centering around the (short) life of Banquo, his son, Fleance, and the three witches, and mainly their prophecy concerning Banquo and his descendants, from Shakespeare's MacBeth, the book is an exciting incite into what Shakespeare intended...that Banquo was the founder of the royal Stewart (Stuart) line.

This is an interesting and engaging story surrounding the history of Scotland, England and Wales in the 11th century. There is a lot of war and battles, but not overwhelmingly so. The character of Walter, his complexity, balances out the big action parts. As the grandson of Banquo, and son of Fleance, Walter has a lot of revenge on his plate. As the story progresses, we get to see what moves Walter and what makes him the man he becomes.

This being her first book of fiction, I am very impressed. It's obvious that Rochelle is passionate about history and knows her stuff to boot. The historical accuracy and detail in this book is amazing. Her next book is titled, Godwine Kingmaker, and I can't wait to read it!

[H.M. Gooden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not my usual genre, this book was tempting for the time period involved. Although I was familiar with Macbeth, I had never considered the details surrounding the play.
At times difficult to read for the sometimes difficult subject matter, but always realistic and captivating; this book is well worth a read for a lover of historical fiction, as well as anyone who was ever required to read Macbeth.
Finally, a novel about the play that makes you care about the people we’ve met so long ago. A moving and interesting read

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book: Heir To A Prophecy by author: Mercedes Rochelle published by Top Hat Books for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I enjoyed this action packed work of historical fiction of 11th century France, England & Scotland. The tale follows Walter (Stuart), of lineage to the Royal Stewarts, through his service and perils with the early kings of England and Scotland.
Very descriptive action plots. Outstanding human character development.
A highly recommended read!

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘It all began with the witches’ prophecy.’

In Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, after prophesying that Macbeth ‘shalt be King hereafter’, the three witches end their prophecy with these words for Banquo:

‘Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.’

In the play, Banquo is murdered shortly afterwards, and Fleance flees from Scotland and out of the play. But have you ever wondered what happened to Fleance afterwards? In Ms Rochelle’s novel, we follow Fleance as he escapes into Wales and joins the court of the King, Gruffydd ap Llewelyn. Fleance meets Gruffydd’s daughter Nesta. They have a child together, a son named Walter. It is through Walter that the witches’ prophecy will eventually be fulfilled, and it is Walter who is the main character in this novel.

‘It takes more than an unfortunate birth to dishonour a man.’

Ms Rochelle has woven fact and fiction with elements of fantasy in her portrayal of some of the key events of the 11th century. From Scotland to Wales we accompany Fleance, from Wales to England, Scotland and France we accompany Walter as he grows from a youth into a responsible adult. Walter becomes friends with Malcolm, son of Duncan, who will become King of Scotland in 1058. Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy will fight for the crown of England in 1066. And every so often, Walter will be visited by the witches, mostly through his dreams:

‘The Norns seem to have an interest in my future. I believe in them.’

I enjoyed this novel. I’m familiar with Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, as well as portrayals of Macbeth in a number of novels of historical fiction. While Shakespeare’s Macbeth provides a starting point for Ms Rochelle’s novel, and the prophecy by the witches (the weird sisters or the Norns) provides a connection to the play, the novel itself is not bound by the play. Banquo, Fleance and Walter may be fictional characters, but many of the other characters are historical, as are many of the events portrayed. I particularly enjoyed how Ms Rochelle portrayed the challenges faced by Malcolm as he became King of Scotland. If you enjoy well-written historical fiction grounded in fact, and if you ever wondered what happened to Fleance after Banquo was murdered, you may well enjoy this novel.

Note: I was offered, and accepted, a copy of this novel for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read MacBeth but that did not cause any problems with my enjoyment of Heir to a Prophecy. I had in fact, minimal knowledge about the story; I knew the main characters and the basics of the story but that was it. What I’m trying to impart is to not let a lack of knowing that story stop you from reading this one. If you do you will miss out on a really good book.

What you are getting in this story is a little bit of fantasy, a lot of war (blood and guts and all but it was a brutal time.) a little bit of romance and a ripping good tale of how the Stuart line came to be. It’s a period in history that I have not read much about so it was fascinating to me. Ms. Rochelle really knows how to bring a period to life and this was one of those books where I didn’t want to put it down and I truly felt as if I was living the story.

It starts with the murder of Banquo and moves through his son, Fleance’s life but really focuses on Banquo’s grandson, Walter, for it is through Walter that the witches prophecy will come true. Walter is at times a reluctant participant in his own life but he is a smart man who learns to control his temper and ultimately follows his path. I loved this character. Of course it’s all a mash up of fiction and fact but it is done so well that i was lost in the story and didn’t care. I followed up afterward to sort what was what as I always do.

The book is a page turner, well researched and just a fascinating look at a lost time in the history of Scotland and Wales. The record that is left is woven together with the bits from MacBeth and the author’s imagination to take the reader on a trip through time that won’t be forgotten.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction novel that follows the Shakespearean character Banquo and his child Fleance and then his child Walter. The book mainly is focused on Walter's life which is set around 1050ish, and features the Norman invasion of England and the various fighting between the English and the Scottish. It really provides a nice snapshot of this time period - of the role of women (mainly to stay at home and have children), of the warfare that predominated the time period, etc. Walter struggles during his life to remain a good man and he befriends various rulers - the King of Scotland and William the Conquerer and tries to help them become better men too. Throughout the book, the three witches from Macbeth appear to bestow their prophecies on Banquo's kin, but really this Shakespearan connection is a small one. The book really is about a Scottish man who becomes a warrior and his life in that pursuit. It was an enjoyable read about that time period and I liked the character of Walter.

I won this copy in one of the Goodreads giveaways.

[Lamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book and well-wrote also despite winning this here and was amazed and can't wait to recommend this to friends!

[Rand]

Is there a list on this site for books that build off the Bard?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s good but not great. Shakespeare did it better. The first few hours of the novel held my interest. We meet Banquo and Fleance and someone’s daughter. A romance blossoms, a pregnancy is unexpected. Bad things happen. The pregnant daughter is banished from the castle and disowned. She has to live like a peasant and raise her son, Walter, as such. But after that point, I started to lose interest. Some small moments hooked my attention here and there but quickly fizzled out. I went into this expecting high drama and action, some supernatural spookiness, and great betrayal (because the description mentioned Shakespeare’s play Macbeth). What I got was a little more than a lengthy History Channel telling of events.

The pacing was slow but there are a few fights and battles. I did like Walter’s connection to several older men in the story, who fill in here and there for his long-absent father. The story could have ended 2 or 3 hours earlier with the heroes making it back from a great battle. However, the tale continued on with a documentary-like rendition of historical events following that battle. There’s big leaps in time and new characters brought in near the end that I’m sure were important historically but don’t really matter for Walter’s tale.

The ladies were mostly romantic interests and comforters. The exception are the Three Witches who provide our tiny, sole bit of supernaturalness – the prophecy! The element that I expected to be far bigger in this tale as it makes up part of the title. The women have no agency, make no plot-important decisions, and are practically without individual personalities. In fact, you could leave them out of this book entirely and the story would not be affected. For me, this was a let down.

In the end, I was left wanting more. But with that said, I can tell this story was written with care and with factual historical events in mind. If you are looking for a book based on historical fact for events surrounding Shakespeare’s Macbeth, then this is probably a good one to pick up. If you’re looking for a rousing tale of battles, glory, honor, and some supernatural spice, then this isn’t that book. 3/5 stars.

The Narration: Kevin E. Green gave a decent performance. He had a range of voices though sometimes two or more character voices bled into one another in a group discussion and I had trouble keeping track of who was who. The ladies sounded like ladies during the few times they did have lines. When it comes to regional UK accents, I have been spoiled lately by Richard Elfyn’s performances of Puleston’s Inspector Drake mysteries. So I couldn’t help but compare Green’s performance to those books in this one aspect. I needed more regional accents. No one sounded Welsh to me even though a chunk of the book takes place in Wales with Welsh characters. The pacing was good for most of the book but stayed the same stalwart, dependable rate for the action scenes as if the narrator was reporting on a long-dead battle. I needed more action and emotion in the narration for those moments. There were no tech issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an audiobook to give a fair and unbiased review*

Walter is determined to make his own way in the world. After his mother was disinherited by her father, the prince of Wales, Walter leaves to make his own fortune, and find his place. While he hates to leave his mother, he wants something more than the life of a servant for them both.

I enjoyed this story. It drew me in from the start, and I really enjoyed it. It did take me a bit longer to get through this one, as moving and Covid distracted me from reading. The one dislike I had to this audiobook was the narrator whistled on his S sounds. I had to take this one in shorter doses, but overall, it was just as great as all of her other books! I highly recommend this one!

[Jean Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I have to admit that I have never read Macbeth nor seen the play, but I did have a basic understanding of the story of Macbeth. Author Rochelle takes the play and fleshes it out in vivid detail. There is so much history crammed into the pages of this book and it is a lot to absorb. Early Scottish kings, William the Conqueror and the end of Saxon England. There's something for everyone who loves historical fiction; battles, romance, tragedy and survival. It's an epic read.

[Contentmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best!
I was fascinated by this tale from the first page. The writing is so well done, I was captivated by this tale of kingship, romance and family ties. This book in a DO NOT MISS! Highly recommend!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heir to a Prophecy

Interesting historical fiction about ancient Scotland and the line of Kings. Great background as to the historical events with a fictional story woven around these events. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[S. Nomakeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched historical fiction. I admire all works by Mercedes Rochelle this was no exception.