It’s 1619 in Scotland, a time of intolerance, when healers are hanged as witches. A child born of mysterious parentage is given to fisher folk to raise as their son. Dughall grows up in a family bound by love and morality, becomes a healer, and displays psychic abilities. His life is torn apart when he’s claimed by his real father, a cruel and powerful lord who tries to mold him in his image. Dughall must define himself, in the midst of a struggle between an Earl, a Duke, and the family who wants him back...

What reviewers say...

"Scotland in the year 1619 A.D. was a place where healers were hanged as witches, Catholics and Protestants sought to suppress each other, and a child born of unknown parentage is raised by fisher folk as their own son. Young Dughall growing up in a family that emphasized love and morality becomes a healer, displays psychic abilities, and loves a village girl. Then one day a cruel and powerful lord claims Dughall as his father and seeks to mold the talented and conscientious Dughall into a copy of himself. The first of a planned trilogy, "Dark Birthright" is the fascinating and deftly written story of a young man's struggle amidst the political turmoil, religious strife, and dangerous highland world of 17th century Scotland. Of special note is the descriptive introduction of the fisher folk and villagers that still worship the Goddess despite the risk of being put to death as witches. "Dark Birthright" is particularly recommended for readers with an interest in well-rendered historical fiction." - Midwest Book Review - August 2007 - midwestbookreview.com

"Dark Birthright is a lovingly crafted piece of fiction that was written by
Jeanne Treat, a woman of extraordinary insight and ability...... Because of her strenuous research, this book has all the qualifications a historical novel requires to be truly head and shoulders above the rest of the genre, and you will simply love the fast paced action, the facts about the time period and the location, as well as the language that simply seems to flow from Mrs. Treat's pen. This book is highly recommended!" - RoundTableReviews.com


What readers say...

"Dark Birthright, a new novel by Jeanne Treat, is set in northeast Scotland during the early 1600’s. One can almost smell the salty air of the North Sea emanating from its pages as the story of a handsome but evil lord and his determination to dominate his look-alike son unfolds. A good man, the son has powers of his own, of which the lord has no knowledge. While one inflicts pain, the other is a healer. Who shall survive? The first book in a trilogy featuring the Hay and Gordon clans, Dark Birthright delivers its readers into a world of secrets, mysticism, and the ancient ways of the Celts and their descendants. Exciting and filled with action, danger, and romance, this story will send your heart racing." - Carolyn Hale Bruce, co-author of the Rebel King series of books

"Dark Birthright is an amazing read. For me Blackheart was the best damn character, a cruel and powerful man who saw what he wanted and took it.....with style! As I ventured further into the book, I found myself submerged deep in Scotland’s mysterious past, a past wrought with witchcraft, romance, desire and violence and I must admit I loved every minute of it! Having a reasonably good knowledge of historical places and events in Scotland’s past, I do believe that Dark Birthright gives the reader an insight into what 17th century Scotland would have been like." - Jamesie Johnston of Albannach, a Scottish tribal drumming band

"I just wanted to drop a line and say that I found your book, Dark Birthright, to be amazing and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the reference to the old ways as well as the effect that Christianity had on 17th century Scotland. I found the characters contained a depth that I could relate to as well as empathize with. The descriptions of the locations were so vivid that I found myself picturing the roughness of the stone and even the smell of the heather. It brought back images of my trips to Scotland. A place that is very dear to my heart. Your writing style pulls one into the story and makes the following to completion a necessity. Bravo, and I look forward to the sequel." - David G. MacKenzie

"On the rocky coast of Scotland, an epic story unfolds. Dark Birthright delivers a heart-rending tale of love and survival amidst the greatest odds. Wonderful...Inspirational...Unforgettable." - Linda A. Lavid, author of Paloma, Rented Rooms, and Thirst

"Dark Birthright, set in 17th century Scotland, will indulge fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and their interests in historical fiction. Jeanne Treat creates captivating illusions of benevolence, ruthlessness, and devotion, entwined within the hands of fate in this truly intriguing tale." - Shannon Curtis, member of the Ladies of Lallybroch

"I was in awe over this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The author makes you feel like you are right there living in seventeenth century Scotland with these characters. The descriptions of the people and their daily lives in the cottages, castles, seascapes and woods makes your senses come alive. I became connected with these people. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry at times and I felt a lot of sensual passion. I can't wait for the next book to come out in this trilogy. This is one fantastic book." - Heidi S.

"Although I read a lot, some books just can't hold my attention or they become a chore to finish. Dark Birthright is not one of those books! From the minute I started reading it I didn't want to stop. The imagery was vivid, yet it didn't slow me down. I could see the small fishing boats, smell the salt air, hear the whispers, and feel the chill in the air. I fell in love with (some of) the characters and felt like I was living among them. Reading the book evoked a lot of different emotions and I found my heart pounding during some of the scenes. This book is exciting, fast paced, mysterious, and ends with you wanting more. I highly recommend this book." - Thomas C.

What the clans say...

Dark Birthright was reviewed in "The Urlar", the magazine of the Clan MacPherson Association. Here is what Becky Dodge had to say:

"Once I started, I could not put it down. It has many different facets, not only the history but also legend, myth, and a touch of ancient Celtic beliefs, characters that really seem to be from that period, family intrigues and the mystery of how the relationships developed to create the personalities of the principal characters. I actually felt anger, sympathy, and several other emotions as I got to know the characters. There is sadness or cheerfulness at the events and emotions whenever certain characters enter the scene again – some of those happy and some a bit sad. One really becomes a part of this book quickly and it is a very good read! I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to visit and be a part of Scotland in the early seventeenth century."