Susan Fraser King
Author of Lady Macbeth
About the Author
Works by Susan Fraser King
Laird of Twilight (The Whisky Lairds, Book 1): Historical Scottish Romance (The Whisky Lairds Series) (2019) 5 copies
Laird of Secrets (The Whisky Lairds, Book 2): Historical Scottish Romance (The Whisky Lairds Series) (2020) 3 copies
Laird of Rogues (The Whisky Lairds, Book 3): Historical Scottish Romance (The Whisky Lairds Series) (2023) 3 copies
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- King, Susan Longhi
- Other names
- King, Susan
Gabriel, Sarah
King, Susan Fraser - Birthdate
- 1951
- Gender
- female
- Education
- University of Maryland (BA|Studio Art)
University of Maryland (MA|Art History) - Organizations
- Romance Writers of America
Novelists, Inc.
Washington Romance Writers - Awards and honors
- Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Best Medieval Novel)
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Career Achievement in Medieval Historical Romance) - Relationships
- Word Wenches (writers collective)
- Short biography
- Susan Longhi was born on 1951 and raised in upstate New York and moved to the Washington, D.C. area as a teenager. She earned a Bachelor of Artsdegree in studio art and a Master of Arts degree in art history from the University of Maryland. She has lectured in art history and art theory, andis a Ph.D. candidate in medieval art history at the University of Maryland.
She married David King, they had three sons. Following the birth of her third son, Susan took a leave of absence from graduate school. Gaininginspiration from a multitude of research notes, she turned her attention to writing fiction set in the medieval period that so fascinated her. Theresult was The Black Thorne's Rose, set in 13th Century England.
Susan King is a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc. She has been on the Board of Directors of Washington Romance Writers and is currently a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in Scotland. She has lectured widely and often on historical research and art history, as well ason different aspects of writing.
Susan King lives with her husband and their three sons in Gaithersburg, Maryland. - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- New York, New York, USA
- Places of residence
- New York, New York, USA
Maryland, USA - Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
Good historical fiction brings back to life the historical figures they portray. Queen Hereafter definitely qualifies as good historical fiction, as Ms. Fraser King brings Queen Margaret to life in this beautifully written tale of her life during the first few years of her reign. Crystal clear descriptions and an attention to detail that in no way detracts from the story, the reader becomes immersed into life in eleventh century Scotland. One can clearly visualize life in the castle, trips show more overland, and the minutiae of castle living, which only heightens the enjoyment of the story.
Margaret is quite the character. Strong-willed, intelligent and yet extremely pious, the reader comes to understand her fears and doubts. Her exacting standards are understandable and yet add a level of realism to this revered saint. She is not as perfect as historians may lead one to believe, and Ms. Fraser King has no problems showcasing this. If anything, Margaret becomes human again under Ms. Fraser King's pen.
The plot involving Eva was a nice addition but rather unnecessary to the story. It does more to highlight the messy political situation that was to be the heart of English/Scottish relations for centuries to come than further along Margaret's story. If anything, Queen Hereafter shines more as a history lesson than as an actual novel. This becomes especially true when one reads the Author's Note about how well-documented Queen Margaret's life was and how little Ms. Fraser King had to imagine.
Queen Hereafter is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre, as it moves away from Tudor history and focuses on even earlier English/Scottish relations. The accuracy and care Ms. Fraser King uses to paint a picture of early Scottish royal life enhances an already charming story, one that is fodder for fairy tales. The growing love between Margaret and Malcolm is endearing, as is their battle of wills. Fun and funny, Queen Hereafter is a treat for any historical fiction lover. show less
Margaret is quite the character. Strong-willed, intelligent and yet extremely pious, the reader comes to understand her fears and doubts. Her exacting standards are understandable and yet add a level of realism to this revered saint. She is not as perfect as historians may lead one to believe, and Ms. Fraser King has no problems showcasing this. If anything, Margaret becomes human again under Ms. Fraser King's pen.
The plot involving Eva was a nice addition but rather unnecessary to the story. It does more to highlight the messy political situation that was to be the heart of English/Scottish relations for centuries to come than further along Margaret's story. If anything, Queen Hereafter shines more as a history lesson than as an actual novel. This becomes especially true when one reads the Author's Note about how well-documented Queen Margaret's life was and how little Ms. Fraser King had to imagine.
Queen Hereafter is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre, as it moves away from Tudor history and focuses on even earlier English/Scottish relations. The accuracy and care Ms. Fraser King uses to paint a picture of early Scottish royal life enhances an already charming story, one that is fodder for fairy tales. The growing love between Margaret and Malcolm is endearing, as is their battle of wills. Fun and funny, Queen Hereafter is a treat for any historical fiction lover. show less
I got an ARC from NetGalley as the title has changed to Laird of Storms... I LOVED this one! It started off strong and I could hardly put it down. Actually, I didn't đ I was hooked all afternoon and well into the evening yesterday. I found the plot to be positively captivating and the characters emotionally compelling. I found Meg to be a little frustrating at times while I impatiently waited for her to make the right decisions about Dougal, but it made a great buildup for the ending. show more Also, I love Dougal, he's such a strong and kind person throughout the whole thing. As for Sir Roderick, ooooooo I so wanted to pop him one good time. (ภâ˘Ě_â˘Ě)ภEspecially during a particular scene in CH17. I had to set my Kindle down and walk away for a minute there. Luckily, he redeemed himself by the end. And what a satisfying ending! Definitely recommend this one. show less
How does one start a review of a book as well written and engaging as Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King? Should I start by telling the story of my high school senior English teacher who acted out the Shakespeare play Macbeth, thus starting my long obsession with the queen who desperately tries to wash blood from her hands or should I start by saying I am usually disappointed by historical fiction? How about a little of both.
During my senior year we were blessed with an English teacher who show more secretly wanted to act. When it came time to read Shakespeare Mr. Fraser (no relation to the author) taught us how to enjoy the bardâs prose by getting on his desk as he acted out the play. Watching Mr. Fraser act out a one man sword fight is a cherished memory I hope to always keep.
Lady Macbethâs anguish over the death of King Duncan followed me through my life. I vowed I would never do something that would cause lifelong regret or sorrow. Many times in my 20s I would stop myself from doing something stupid by asking if this action would cause me to constantly want to wash it from my soul. Lady Macbeth kept me from causing myself mental scars. I never gave the person Lady Macbeth much thought, it was what she represented that stood out for me. To be honest I did not know she was a real person, I thought she and Macbeth were fictional characters or at least composites made up by Shakespeare.
As I started to seriously study Irish and English medieval history I wanted to complement my studies with historical fiction. As a lifelong reader I assumed I would fall in love with this genre, but sadly I am a critic of it. Oh I have my favorites; Peter Ellisâs Brother Cadfael, and Bernard Knightâs John Crowner, but more often than not I find issue with authors who are either so busy adding description the plot is ignored or the author feels no need to describe the times in which the book is set. King weaves a tight tapestry of both plot and character. King researched both Scotland and the Macbeths; her book shows just how well she accomplished this.
Lady Macbeth is the story of the last Celtic King and Queen of the Scots and the story of 11th century Scotland itself. Macbethâs story is told as history, not as a tragedy; though I became so engrossed in their lives that the tragedy came because I knew there was only one ending to their story. The death of Macbeth was as upsetting to me as it was to Lady Macbeth as she talked of his last heroic effort to save Scotland from English rule.
Other reviewers have mentioned how the voice of the Scottish queen burns off the page, yet it bares repeating. King has written a character so life like, it is as if she and King spent many long hours together. If you appreciate strong female characters who are noble in the face of adversary and are strong when necessary then you will really appreciate this book.
When Macbeth kills Gruadhâs husband and takes her as his wife the book could have turned into the typical story of a man and women who dislike each other but somehow come to adore each other. King manages to write their story as it probably did happen, not how modern readers come to expect. As Gruadha rages over what has happened those around her accept it as a matter of fact. The people around her accept that Gruadhaâs husband was an inept lord and that Macbeth was the better choice. Gruadha accepts her fate and the fate of her people because this was the norm. She and Macbeth slowly trust and respect each other. Though the reader is never privy to their private life, you do get the sense that these two people do love each other. As the end of the book nears it becomes harder and hard for Lady Macbeth to finish the tale as it means reliving the death of her husband.
Forget what you learned about Macbeth from Shakespeare; read this book for the characters and human drama. Read the book because it is one of those rare books that remind us readers why we spend so much time curled around our couches. I have to warn you, once finish this book finding your next good read will be a challenge. show less
During my senior year we were blessed with an English teacher who show more secretly wanted to act. When it came time to read Shakespeare Mr. Fraser (no relation to the author) taught us how to enjoy the bardâs prose by getting on his desk as he acted out the play. Watching Mr. Fraser act out a one man sword fight is a cherished memory I hope to always keep.
Lady Macbethâs anguish over the death of King Duncan followed me through my life. I vowed I would never do something that would cause lifelong regret or sorrow. Many times in my 20s I would stop myself from doing something stupid by asking if this action would cause me to constantly want to wash it from my soul. Lady Macbeth kept me from causing myself mental scars. I never gave the person Lady Macbeth much thought, it was what she represented that stood out for me. To be honest I did not know she was a real person, I thought she and Macbeth were fictional characters or at least composites made up by Shakespeare.
As I started to seriously study Irish and English medieval history I wanted to complement my studies with historical fiction. As a lifelong reader I assumed I would fall in love with this genre, but sadly I am a critic of it. Oh I have my favorites; Peter Ellisâs Brother Cadfael, and Bernard Knightâs John Crowner, but more often than not I find issue with authors who are either so busy adding description the plot is ignored or the author feels no need to describe the times in which the book is set. King weaves a tight tapestry of both plot and character. King researched both Scotland and the Macbeths; her book shows just how well she accomplished this.
Lady Macbeth is the story of the last Celtic King and Queen of the Scots and the story of 11th century Scotland itself. Macbethâs story is told as history, not as a tragedy; though I became so engrossed in their lives that the tragedy came because I knew there was only one ending to their story. The death of Macbeth was as upsetting to me as it was to Lady Macbeth as she talked of his last heroic effort to save Scotland from English rule.
Other reviewers have mentioned how the voice of the Scottish queen burns off the page, yet it bares repeating. King has written a character so life like, it is as if she and King spent many long hours together. If you appreciate strong female characters who are noble in the face of adversary and are strong when necessary then you will really appreciate this book.
When Macbeth kills Gruadhâs husband and takes her as his wife the book could have turned into the typical story of a man and women who dislike each other but somehow come to adore each other. King manages to write their story as it probably did happen, not how modern readers come to expect. As Gruadha rages over what has happened those around her accept it as a matter of fact. The people around her accept that Gruadhaâs husband was an inept lord and that Macbeth was the better choice. Gruadha accepts her fate and the fate of her people because this was the norm. She and Macbeth slowly trust and respect each other. Though the reader is never privy to their private life, you do get the sense that these two people do love each other. As the end of the book nears it becomes harder and hard for Lady Macbeth to finish the tale as it means reliving the death of her husband.
Forget what you learned about Macbeth from Shakespeare; read this book for the characters and human drama. Read the book because it is one of those rare books that remind us readers why we spend so much time curled around our couches. I have to warn you, once finish this book finding your next good read will be a challenge. show less
Thank you to eBook Discovery for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not having read book one of the series and never having read any of Susan Kingâs book I was hoping for an interesting historical romance set in Scotland â and â that is just what I found in this novel.
Mairie Macraeâs brother Iain was captured, accused of treason and is being held in jail. Mairie is determined to keep Iain from the hangmanâs noose and is willing to break the law to do so. show more With reivers, thieves and others out to thwart her her task is not simple. When she waylays Rowan Scott, newly dubbed deputy to the warden holding her brother, she realizes she might be in over her head. She does her best to get Rowan on her side but he is dealing with his own issues so does not make it easy. Rowan and Mairie are drawn to one another but with spies to find, brothers to save, Spanish gold gone missing, a child to bring home and a magic mirror to deal with they are definitely kept busy.
This book reminds me of other historical romances set in this time period and location. Both Mairie and Rowan are strong characters who will do what needs to be done. I enjoyed the story and felt the conclusion was well handled. I do have to say that this book is more fantasy than fact based reality but it was an enjoyable way to spend the day. show less
Not having read book one of the series and never having read any of Susan Kingâs book I was hoping for an interesting historical romance set in Scotland â and â that is just what I found in this novel.
Mairie Macraeâs brother Iain was captured, accused of treason and is being held in jail. Mairie is determined to keep Iain from the hangmanâs noose and is willing to break the law to do so. show more With reivers, thieves and others out to thwart her her task is not simple. When she waylays Rowan Scott, newly dubbed deputy to the warden holding her brother, she realizes she might be in over her head. She does her best to get Rowan on her side but he is dealing with his own issues so does not make it easy. Rowan and Mairie are drawn to one another but with spies to find, brothers to save, Spanish gold gone missing, a child to bring home and a magic mirror to deal with they are definitely kept busy.
This book reminds me of other historical romances set in this time period and location. Both Mairie and Rowan are strong characters who will do what needs to be done. I enjoyed the story and felt the conclusion was well handled. I do have to say that this book is more fantasy than fact based reality but it was an enjoyable way to spend the day. show less
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- Rating
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