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A SYNOPSIS Catrìona Robertson has what 18th century Scottish Highlanders call Second Sight. It's not all that rare,
but in her family it's been fatal. After having a vision of her brother's life-changing accident at the Games at Blair
Castle, then watching in horror as it comes true, her family begins believing in her powers. Cat desperately needs to find
a way to harness her "gift" and heal her mother's debilitating disease, but fate seems to have something else
in store.
When the Pretender to the Scottish throne, the Jacobite Prince Charles, decides to seize his rightful
place from the Hanoverian King George, her powers are put to the ultimate test. Cat becomes an unwilling liaison between her
clan Chief and the Prince, foretelling the outcome of each battle of the Rising of 1745.
Though warned of the
outcome of their participation in the fight, her father and brothers are drawn into it, as if by malevolent forces. Unwilling
to let her visions of death come to fruition, Cat does everything in her power to keep them out of harms way, finding herself
thrust into the very heart of what she fears the most. ABOUT THE BOOK Eyes of Garnet is a historical fiction, with a paranormal twist, set in 18th century Scotland about a young
girl, Cat, as they all call her, trying to find her way with Second Sight. While learning about her gift and the craft of
herbology with a very ancient mentor, she is given a new name: Garnet, which stands for courageous, fiery, independent and
determined. As Garnet begins seeing the death of her family and clansmen in a war with the Hanoverian English, she tries everything
in her power to keep her father and brothers from the pyres of the dead at Culloden. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary is an artist, graphic designer, and floral designer when not
writing. She designed the covers of her books, as well as this website. Her love of genealogy and history were the sparks
that ignited her writing about 18th century Scotland. Though not of Scottish descent (in this lifetime, anyway), she has a
deep passion for anything Scottish (with the exception of haggis). REVIEWS A great book to curl up with!
Reviewer: Tammy Rajaniemi
(Lunenburg, MA)
Eyes of Garnet has been wonderfully descriptive, making it easy to
picture the surroundings and put yourself in Catriona's shoes. Thanks to the author for including a glossary in the back.
I am anxiously awaiting a sequel!
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Eyes Of Garnet -- A wonderful gripping story!
Reviewer:
B. H. Martin "gallery owner" (Blue Hill, ME)
Mary Duncan's thoroughly researched historical novel of 18th
century Scotland takes us on a journey of intrigue, family unrest, Scotland's friction with England AND the heroine Catriona's
gift of the "Sight"! A bit of the feel of Camelot, and the strength of the peoples to survive any and all tyranny.
Well Done!!!!!
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A must read for anyone over 12!
Reviewer: Catherine Emmons (S. Berwick, ME)
This book is wonderfully written. You can tell the author put a LOT of
time researching the historical facts and making them relevant to the storyline. A very easy book to read. Even with some
of the Gaelic terms it is very understandable. The glossary helps as well. My 13-year-old daughter is reading it for the 2nd
time, and absolutely loves it. We both cannot wait until the sequel comes out.
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A good read!
Reviewer: an avid reader - a retired teacher (Townsend,
MA)
The story is the kind you want to read to the end - at the end you are waiting for the next book to carry the story
forward in to a new time and into new places.
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Learn Some Scottish History
Reviewer: Dawn, married to a Scottish
Highlander (Florida) My
husband is a Robertson. I thought I would read this book to get a lttle education. I realize it is fiction but the story could
be true. The research done by the the author is outstanding. I truly enjoyed the way the author wrote how the people really
spoke back then. It reminded me of Zora Hurston's classic, Their Eyes Were Watching God. This may become a classic too.
******************************************************************************************** The
Eyes have it! A great read. Reviewer: John Cummings (Tampa, Florida) The Sight: a gift or a curse? Whatever it is, Cat
has it, and it makes for interesting, realistic experiences in 18th century Scotland. The reader is filled with anticipation
as to what will be the next forcasted event and how it will be fulfilled. And the drama is set for her next adventure across
the ocean. Anticipate it.
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An
Enchanting Tale...
Reviewer: Catherine Funaiole Intoci, Librarian
(Commack, NY)
This expertly researched tale is a terrific mix of history and fiction that will keep the reader engaged
right up to the very last page.The author has created delightful characters in a turbulent time and the reader will not only
enjoy the story but may learn something too! This is a top-notch recommendation for all adult and young adult readers.
******************************************************************************************** Eyes of Garnet is a true gem!
Terri (TerriRainer@aol.com), a pre-published
author
This is Mary Duncan's first novel. It's one of those gems that often gets buried in the slush pile, simply
because she made the conscious decision NOT to let her creativity be stifled by conforming to what is 'commercially viable'
in the literary world. That is such a shame. This is a book that I didn't put down until I had finished it. It is certainly
hard to put into a genre. Historical, YES paranormal, somewhat romance, NO. It has been shelved by bookstores in the literary
section. This is the story of Catrìona Robertson, a young girl growing up in a very turbulent 18th century Scotland.
She has the gift of second sight (can see into the future) and learns the art of healing. It becomes a gift (trying to help
her ill mother) and a curse (seeing the death of those she loves). I must tell you first off, that this is only the first
in many more to come (fingers crossed here) in a series of books following Cat's life. Mary Duncan is a wonderful story
teller, and her use of the Scottish vernacular is not only colorful, but it truly makes you able to 'hear' her characters
loud and clear as you read this often tragic tale of events leading up to the battle at Culloden and the subsequent Scottish
clearings. Mary also uses quite a bit of Gaidhlig (Gaelic), and has a glossary in the back, instead of working in the translation
after the character says it, like so many writers do. This is an extremely well researched, well-written novel that I hope
one day to see picked up by a large publisher.
Ellsworth American Interview
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