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. As her mother’s debilitating disease worsens,
Cat must find a way to harness her “gift” and heal the chronic affliction, 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 harm's 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.
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Eyes of Garnet is a true gem!
Terri (TerriRainer@aol.com), a 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 Gàidhlig (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.
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A great book to curl up with!
Reviewer:
Tammy Rajaniemi (Lunenburg, MA)
Eyes of Garnet
has been wonderfully descriptive, making it easier to picture the surroundings and put yourself in Catrìona's shoes.
Thanks to the author for including a glossary in the back. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel!
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Eyes of Garnet—A
wonderful, gripping story!
Reviewer: B.H. Martin "Gallery
owner" (Blue Hill, ME) Mary Duncan's throughly researched historical novel of 18th century Scotland takes us on a
journey of intrigue, family unrest, Scotland's friction with England AND the heroine Catrìona's gift of the
"Sight"! A bit of the feel of Camelot, and the stength of the peoples to survive any an all tyranny. Well Done!!!!
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A must read for anyone over 12!
Reviewer: Catherine Emmons (S. Berwick, ME)
This book (Eyes of Garnet)is wonderfully written. You can tell the author put
a LOT of time in 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 second 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 school 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 into 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 little education. I realize it is a fiction, but the story could be true. The research done by the author is outstanding.
I truly enjoyed the way the author wrote how the people really spoke spoke back then. It reminded me of Zora Hurston's
classic Their Eyes Were Watching God. This may become a classic, too.
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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.
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