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Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:Journey to a world of ancient magic, breathtaking sensuality, thrilling time-travel.... Journey to the world of The Dark Highlander. Crisscrossing the continents and the centuries, here is a novel as gripping as it is sensual—an electrifying adventure that will leave you breathless....I am Dageus MacKeltar, a man with one good conscience and thirteen bad ones, driven to sate my darkest desires…
From his penthouse lair high above Manhattan, show more Dageus looks out over a glittering city that calls to the darkness within him. A sixteenth-century Scot trapped between worlds, he is fighting a losing battle with the thirteen Druids who possess his soul, dooming him to an eternity of sexual pursuit. When Chloe Zanders, student of antiquities, is drawn into his world, she finds the insatiable alpha male an irresistible lure.Before long, she is caught up in an ancient prophecy that will sweep her back into time to medieval Scotland. Plunged into a world of... show less
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The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Book #5 Highlander Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
Chloe Zanders is so not happy about her current situation. She has been told she will be loaning a rare book to a wealthy patron, she will be happy about it, and she will be the one to deliver it to said patron. Yeah, because this is exactly why she went to school and earned that degree. Since her good looks and winning personality aren’t going to pay the bills, Chloe has no choice but to do as her boss says which is exactly how she has found herself searching the home of one Dageus MacKeltar.
When Dageus MacKeltar returns home to find a shapely pair of legs and one fine ass sticking out from underneath his bed, he is show more understandably and at once confused and excited. When he pulls the feisty little minx out from under his bed and she threatens to take the ancient (and recently stolen! OK, borrowed) books he has stashed there and turn in him, well, he does the only thing a rational man can do, he ties her to the bed. Since breaking his sacred vow to save his brother, Dageus has been searching for a way to expel the spirits of the thirteen dark Druids who now possess him. The ancient books are vital to his mission and if he can’t find a way to be rid them, the world is in for one hell of an ass whipping. To make matters far, far worse, Dageus now has a “prisoner” he is fiercely attracted to and there is an ancient, super-secret, wretchedly awful group that is working toward helping Dageus unleash the bad that now possess him.
Chloe knows she should be frightened beyond reason by the sexy and brooding thief (OK, borrower!) who has taken her hostage but she can’t seem to drum up much fear. Sure, she’s tied to the bed but the bed is big and soft, Dageus feeds her really well, and the times she is free to roam around leave her lusting for both the man and the artifacts he has in his home. Additionally, the more he talks about the ancient texts he has (and will totally return!) the more intrigued she is by his “work.” Though she doesn’t know exactly what he’s involved with, Chloe does know her education can be put to good use if he will allow her to help. In no time flat, Chloe finds herself whisked away to Scotland and on the hunt to help save the man she is coming to like more and more each day.
Chloe and Dageus don’t just travel to Scotland, they travel through Scotland’s centuries back to the time and place of Dageus’s birth. Living with his family (his delightful father, stepmother, and half-siblings) is as exciting as it is rewarding for Chloe. Her love of history and artifacts is indulged at every turn and her time with Dageus’s family is the best she has ever had. The family readily accepts Chloe and Dageus will too once he realizes she will stand by him, 12 nasty souls or no. The search for an answer and a plan is hatched within the walls of the castle and when push comes to shove, Chloe is ready and willing to help Dageus defeat the most significant forces he has ever known. What neither are prepared for is what they will have to give up in order to save one man’s soul and the world from true evil.
The Bottom Line: LOVED. THIS. BOOK. This series just keeps getting stronger the further I go and I was wrapped up in this one from page one. It helped significantly that Moning continued the MacKeltar’s story in this read rather than putting it off for another book or two. I very much appreciated the smooth easy slide from Drustan and Gwen’s story right into Dageus and Chloe’s. Once again, the time travel element didn’t really bother me (like it normally would minus a Tardis) because of the characters. Going back to Dageus’s home and getting the follow-up to his father and Nell’s story was so heartwarming and welcome and the jump back into the present brings Drustan and Gwen even further into the story which is just as welcome. In all, this book has a bit of everything I like: a feisty as hell heroine, a smoking hot, dark yet caring hero, some fine naughty bits, and just enough paranormal drama and action to keep me involved and not overwhelmed. show less
Book #5 Highlander Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:
Chloe Zanders is so not happy about her current situation. She has been told she will be loaning a rare book to a wealthy patron, she will be happy about it, and she will be the one to deliver it to said patron. Yeah, because this is exactly why she went to school and earned that degree. Since her good looks and winning personality aren’t going to pay the bills, Chloe has no choice but to do as her boss says which is exactly how she has found herself searching the home of one Dageus MacKeltar.
When Dageus MacKeltar returns home to find a shapely pair of legs and one fine ass sticking out from underneath his bed, he is show more understandably and at once confused and excited. When he pulls the feisty little minx out from under his bed and she threatens to take the ancient (and recently stolen! OK, borrowed) books he has stashed there and turn in him, well, he does the only thing a rational man can do, he ties her to the bed. Since breaking his sacred vow to save his brother, Dageus has been searching for a way to expel the spirits of the thirteen dark Druids who now possess him. The ancient books are vital to his mission and if he can’t find a way to be rid them, the world is in for one hell of an ass whipping. To make matters far, far worse, Dageus now has a “prisoner” he is fiercely attracted to and there is an ancient, super-secret, wretchedly awful group that is working toward helping Dageus unleash the bad that now possess him.
Chloe knows she should be frightened beyond reason by the sexy and brooding thief (OK, borrower!) who has taken her hostage but she can’t seem to drum up much fear. Sure, she’s tied to the bed but the bed is big and soft, Dageus feeds her really well, and the times she is free to roam around leave her lusting for both the man and the artifacts he has in his home. Additionally, the more he talks about the ancient texts he has (and will totally return!) the more intrigued she is by his “work.” Though she doesn’t know exactly what he’s involved with, Chloe does know her education can be put to good use if he will allow her to help. In no time flat, Chloe finds herself whisked away to Scotland and on the hunt to help save the man she is coming to like more and more each day.
Chloe and Dageus don’t just travel to Scotland, they travel through Scotland’s centuries back to the time and place of Dageus’s birth. Living with his family (his delightful father, stepmother, and half-siblings) is as exciting as it is rewarding for Chloe. Her love of history and artifacts is indulged at every turn and her time with Dageus’s family is the best she has ever had. The family readily accepts Chloe and Dageus will too once he realizes she will stand by him, 12 nasty souls or no. The search for an answer and a plan is hatched within the walls of the castle and when push comes to shove, Chloe is ready and willing to help Dageus defeat the most significant forces he has ever known. What neither are prepared for is what they will have to give up in order to save one man’s soul and the world from true evil.
The Bottom Line: LOVED. THIS. BOOK. This series just keeps getting stronger the further I go and I was wrapped up in this one from page one. It helped significantly that Moning continued the MacKeltar’s story in this read rather than putting it off for another book or two. I very much appreciated the smooth easy slide from Drustan and Gwen’s story right into Dageus and Chloe’s. Once again, the time travel element didn’t really bother me (like it normally would minus a Tardis) because of the characters. Going back to Dageus’s home and getting the follow-up to his father and Nell’s story was so heartwarming and welcome and the jump back into the present brings Drustan and Gwen even further into the story which is just as welcome. In all, this book has a bit of everything I like: a feisty as hell heroine, a smoking hot, dark yet caring hero, some fine naughty bits, and just enough paranormal drama and action to keep me involved and not overwhelmed. show less
Ok Daegus is now tied for my favorite book with his twin brother! I loved this book. From the very beginning you're drawn into this world where a man with evil inside him desperately tries to fight it and find a way to rid himself of it. Enter the innocent nerd who completely entrances him! It's a self-proclaimed nerd's fantasy!! We get more time travel, which I'm loving! We get to see Drustan and Gwen again, and even better we get to see Silvan and Nell and see what happened with them after Gwen got sent back! The whole of the book was packed with mystery, romance and a sense of foreboding. And those pesky Fae are messing in things again! A must read for any Moning fan!
A wonderful alpha male mixed with a heroine who could have been paralysingly (boringly) good, but ended up being full of spirit and more than up to the job. Am looking forward to reading the next two books!
*****
Reread 21 May 2014
Rating: 4 stars
I'm harder on my ratings now but I still really enjoyed this book. Moning writes some great 'mundane' situations made humourous mixed in with the fantastical. Loved the narration - that beautiful Scottish brogue is melt-worthy.
*****
Reread 21 May 2014
Rating: 4 stars
I'm harder on my ratings now but I still really enjoyed this book. Moning writes some great 'mundane' situations made humourous mixed in with the fantastical. Loved the narration - that beautiful Scottish brogue is melt-worthy.
This is the first book I've ever read by Karen Marie Moning, and talk about starting on a high. I absolutely love this book for several reasons. First, Daegus is one of the most delicious male characters ever created. He's powerful, dangerous, beautiful, brilliant, and just sophisticated enough that you don't always recognize the primal menace staring out from those golden eyes. Enter his female counterpart, Chloe, who's purity of heart and exceptional intelligence makes her the perfect match for someone like Daegus. She gives booknerds a good name. Then there's the story, which is fun, original, and stands well on its own but also marks a major turning point in the larger storyline of the Highlander series. Add a liberal dose of sex show more appeal, and you have one doozy of a novel. show less
The Dark Highlander
4.5 Stars
Spellbinding romance and an engaging story although the ending is a little anti-climactic.
Daegus and Chloe have explosive chemistry and the build up to the consummation of their relationship is intense and compelling. Chloe is a sweet, nerdy and spirited heroine. Her passion for her work, insatiable curiosity and quirky mannerisms are endearing - loved the way her fingers would curl in reaction to ancient artifacts and relics.
Daegus is a mesmerizing hero and the depth of his love for Chloe leave you breathless. Nevertheless, the portrayal of his tortured psyche could have been more detailed and intense.
The secret society plot has potential but is unfortunately underdeveloped and the villains never seem to show more pose a real threat. Moreover, the ending is lukewarm as all the action takes place off page and is related in retrospect (hence the 4.5 rather than 5 star rating).
Adam's book is next and given his Puckish nature, it should be interesting to say the least. show less
4.5 Stars
Spellbinding romance and an engaging story although the ending is a little anti-climactic.
Daegus and Chloe have explosive chemistry and the build up to the consummation of their relationship is intense and compelling. Chloe is a sweet, nerdy and spirited heroine. Her passion for her work, insatiable curiosity and quirky mannerisms are endearing - loved the way her fingers would curl in reaction to ancient artifacts and relics.
Daegus is a mesmerizing hero and the depth of his love for Chloe leave you breathless. Nevertheless, the portrayal of his tortured psyche could have been more detailed and intense.
The secret society plot has potential but is unfortunately underdeveloped and the villains never seem to show more pose a real threat. Moreover, the ending is lukewarm as all the action takes place off page and is related in retrospect (hence the 4.5 rather than 5 star rating).
Adam's book is next and given his Puckish nature, it should be interesting to say the least. show less
Dageus is a spiritually tormented hero, which crosses over into the physical. Battling the 13 evil entities means he must try in any way to keep them at bay. Sex is his way of holding onto this life. This is also a time travel, but not in the sense that he is going to a place he's never been, such as in KOTH. Dageus is already in the future and must return to his own time in order to try and find the information he seeks to try and cure himself of these dark beings. This was a great book with laughs, romance, and yes...even tears! I loved it.
This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.
I know that, on at least one occasion, I've mentioned that I don't go for Time Travel/Highlander books, but after reading Shadowfever, I wanted to give KMM another try. Thus, I spent a great deal of time at my local used bookstore (not a rare occurrence) looking through her Highlander series. Since the books are connected, but can be read as stand-alones (though KMM says she thinks your experience will be enriched by reading them in order), I allowed myself to choose the one that most appealed to me. Plus, um, I saw The Dark Highlander on a list of books with alpha heroes. Ahem. After having read it, I suspect all of KMM's heroes are alphas. Which is not something I object to.
I show more also want to add, here and now, that I've decided that I'm a big fan of the well-defined arm with the metal cuff/band/thingy around it. Well-oiled six pack abs and veiny, bulging arms don't really do it for me. But there's something about that arm band thing that I can really get behind. I also appreciate that the model doesn't have waist-length black hair. I tried very, very hard to ignore every passage in the book that mentioned it.
This book satisfied me in that it makes it clear that Karen Marie Moning is a talented writer. She knows how to craft heroines that are likable, sweet and innocent without being TSTL. Furthermore, Dageus (the eponymous Dark Highlander) is an infinitely more satisfying hero than Barrons. I know I could be tarred and feathered for saying such a thing but, hey, it's my blog. Though I'm partial to the first person narrative, it occurs to me that Dageus' turns at telling the story do a lot for humanizing a character that is, essentially, very similar to Barrons. Because part of the story is told from his perspective, we know that he has emotions and a conscience. I also really appreciated that, although sex keeps Dageus' demons at bay, he has enough sense to realize that, if he went looking for another woman in order to "save" Chloe from his, er, passions, he would lose her. This was especially satisfying after having read J.R. Ward's Lover Eternal. In Lover Eternal, sex calms Rhage's inner demon, thereby justifying what I consider an infidelity. KMM doesn't let the same thing happen with Dageus. He knows that, inner demons or no, Chloe would see it as unfaithfulness. It's bizarre, but coming across the same scenario, with the hero making an entirely different choice, helped me to put my irritation with Lover Eternal to rest. Thanks KMM!
What wasn't satisfying for me was the ending. I've come to the conclusion that KMM doesn't really know how to write them. The Dark Highlander went along swimmingly until the denouement. I can't get into specifics without spoilers (duh), so I'm going to try to be as vague as possible while still making sense. Basically, it was all too easy. I mean, I'm always glad for a happy ending, but this one came waaaaaaaay too conveniently. And simply. After such a complex storyline, it fell flat. And I was enormously irritated at how much took place off-screen. It's all: this happens. Now three weeks have passed. Then this happens. Another three weeks pass. Everyone rides off into the sunset. Gr! I'm still upset about it!
I will say that, flaws and all, The Dark Highlander made me want to read some of the other books in the series. I want to go back for Drustan and Gwen's story and I think I'll really enjoy Adam Black's. Mm. I just wish there was less of the long hair. Gee-ross. But at least KMM's heroes don't have mustaches. Note to self: be thankful for small favors. show less
I know that, on at least one occasion, I've mentioned that I don't go for Time Travel/Highlander books, but after reading Shadowfever, I wanted to give KMM another try. Thus, I spent a great deal of time at my local used bookstore (not a rare occurrence) looking through her Highlander series. Since the books are connected, but can be read as stand-alones (though KMM says she thinks your experience will be enriched by reading them in order), I allowed myself to choose the one that most appealed to me. Plus, um, I saw The Dark Highlander on a list of books with alpha heroes. Ahem. After having read it, I suspect all of KMM's heroes are alphas. Which is not something I object to.
I show more also want to add, here and now, that I've decided that I'm a big fan of the well-defined arm with the metal cuff/band/thingy around it. Well-oiled six pack abs and veiny, bulging arms don't really do it for me. But there's something about that arm band thing that I can really get behind. I also appreciate that the model doesn't have waist-length black hair. I tried very, very hard to ignore every passage in the book that mentioned it.
This book satisfied me in that it makes it clear that Karen Marie Moning is a talented writer. She knows how to craft heroines that are likable, sweet and innocent without being TSTL. Furthermore, Dageus (the eponymous Dark Highlander) is an infinitely more satisfying hero than Barrons. I know I could be tarred and feathered for saying such a thing but, hey, it's my blog. Though I'm partial to the first person narrative, it occurs to me that Dageus' turns at telling the story do a lot for humanizing a character that is, essentially, very similar to Barrons. Because part of the story is told from his perspective, we know that he has emotions and a conscience. I also really appreciated that, although sex keeps Dageus' demons at bay, he has enough sense to realize that, if he went looking for another woman in order to "save" Chloe from his, er, passions, he would lose her. This was especially satisfying after having read J.R. Ward's Lover Eternal. In Lover Eternal, sex calms Rhage's inner demon, thereby justifying what I consider an infidelity. KMM doesn't let the same thing happen with Dageus. He knows that, inner demons or no, Chloe would see it as unfaithfulness. It's bizarre, but coming across the same scenario, with the hero making an entirely different choice, helped me to put my irritation with Lover Eternal to rest. Thanks KMM!
What wasn't satisfying for me was the ending. I've come to the conclusion that KMM doesn't really know how to write them. The Dark Highlander went along swimmingly until the denouement. I can't get into specifics without spoilers (duh), so I'm going to try to be as vague as possible while still making sense. Basically, it was all too easy. I mean, I'm always glad for a happy ending, but this one came waaaaaaaay too conveniently. And simply. After such a complex storyline, it fell flat. And I was enormously irritated at how much took place off-screen. It's all: this happens. Now three weeks have passed. Then this happens. Another three weeks pass. Everyone rides off into the sunset. Gr! I'm still upset about it!
I will say that, flaws and all, The Dark Highlander made me want to read some of the other books in the series. I want to go back for Drustan and Gwen's story and I think I'll really enjoy Adam Black's. Mm. I just wish there was less of the long hair. Gee-ross. But at least KMM's heroes don't have mustaches. Note to self: be thankful for small favors. show less
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Author Information
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Karen Marie Moning was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She received a bachelor's degree in society and law from Purdue University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a bartender, a computer consultant, and an insurance specialist. Her first book, Beyond the Highland Mist, was published in 1999. She writes the Highlander series, the Fever show more series, and the Fever World series. Her first graphic novel, Fever Moon, was published in 2012. Her novels have won numerous awards, including the RITA Award for best novel in 2001 for The Highlander's Touch. Karen's title's Feverborn and High Votage made the New York Times Bestseller List. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Awards
Series
Work Relationships
Is contained in
Beyond the Highland Mist / To Tame A Highland Warrior / The Highlander's Touch / Kiss of the Highlander / The Dark Highlander / The Immortal Highlander / Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Dark Highlander
- Original title
- The Dark Highlander
- Original publication date
- 2002-10-01
- People/Characters
- Chloe Zanders; Dageus MacKeltar; Drustan MacKeltar; Gwen Cassidy; Adam Black; Aoibheal (show all 11); Silvan MacKeltar; Katherine O'Malley; Simon Barton-Drew; Giles; Tom
- Important places
- Scotland, UK; Manhattan, New York, New York, USA
- Epigraph
- Time is the coin of your life.
It is the only coin you have,
and only you can determine how it will be spent,
Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
—CARL SANDBURG - First words
- In a place difficult for humans to find, a man, of sorts—it amused him to go by the name of Adam Black among mortals—approached a silk-canopied dais and knelt before his queen.
- Quotations
- Tom, I have my master's in ancient civilizations and speak as many languages as you do. You've always said my opinion counts. Does it or doesn't it?
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)He'd claimed his mate, and the future loomed ahead of them, resplendent with promise.
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- Reviews
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- Rating
- (4.10)
- Languages
- 5 — English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 27
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 6