The Highlander's Tale: Alex

By: Julia Brannan

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells, Will M. Watt, Karen Matheson

1719, the Highlands of Scotland

The Jacobite rising has failed. The Stuart king remains in exile in Italy, leaving Clan Gregor’s dreams of restoring their name and lands unattainable.

In despair Alexander, chieftain of the Loch Lomond MacGregors, hopes that his young but gifted son Alex will one day restore the clan’s fortunes.

Yearning to please the father he loves, Alex embarks on a gruelling education which at times seems senseless to him. He hopes to one day exceed his father, becoming a cultured and influential chieftain, who can win battles both with words and weapons.

Clan life has always been dangerous and even more so for the MacGregors. A series of brutal events strikes at the heart of the family and threatens the clan’s very existence.

Can Alex, still a child, somehow save the clan and those he loves or must he turn his back on them and forge his own future?

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Beautiful story!! Fantastic narration!!

Loved everything about this book! It is so well written and read beautifully narrated. I enjoyed it very much!

An absolute triumph

This book is a treasure whether read standalone or if the reader is already familiar with the Jacobite Chronicles, but even moreso if you've read them. Reading the childhood of Alex, Duncan, and Angus MacGregor might not sound like compelling reading, but the story is woven so masterfully that even I, as one who isn't even fond of children, could not put it down. The heartfelt descriptions of parents observing the people their children are becoming are fascinating and touching. Knowing the story of the MacGregor brothers as adults from the main book series makes seeing how they grew up an absolute delight.

The narration by Wil M Watt and Mary Jane Wells is truly extraordinary, probably the best narration I've ever listened to. And the addition of a lovely Gaelic lullaby sung by the incomparable Karen Matheson is the icing on the cake.

This is one I know I could listen to over and over, and no doubt will.

Such a compelling listen

I have read all the Jacobite Chronicles and side novels and eagerly awaited Alex’s story. The narration is impeccably done by Will M. Watt, Mary Jane Wells and Karen Matheson. Their talent at bringing the story and characters alive is incredible, regardless of funny scenes, sad scenes or achingly gut wrenching scenes. I truly enjoyed their narration and the way in which it gripped me from the first words read. Of course, Julia Brannan writes so beautifully and weaves a masterful tale. Another triumph in Julia’s Jacobite tales.

An absolute amazing story

Loved it! The story, the writing, the narration is amazing. The best of this series.

Amazing story

Julia Brannan is an incredible story teller and the narrators did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.

Absolutely stunning performances, well written!

Absolutely stunning performances, well written, truly wonderful to get Alex's history! This brings so much to understanding what made Alex who he is when you meet him in The Jacobite Chronicles. This broke my heart in so many ways with the tragedy and the beauty of the highlanders circumstances. Historical accuracy is once again wonderfully woven into the story. I really loved experiencing Alex, Duncan, Angus, and other characters as they grew into the men and women we meet later. This story was an emotional experience, so be ready to lose yourself in the beauty and the tragedy!

Mary Jane Wells, Will M. Watt, and Karen Matheson deliver wonderful performances in DUET that really bring the story to life. I enjoyed every word and I'm so grateful this author prioritizes quality audiobooks with incredibly talented performers!

Wonderful Story

Everything about this book was excellent! Story and narrations could never be bested. I wish there were more like it available.

Awesome

An amazing story! I am huge fan of all things Jacobean. Julia Brennan is a master author; her characters and powerful storytelling ability is awe inspiring. The audible version is narrated perfectly. I was just as enthralled with listening as I was when reading it on my kindle. Going back to revisit Jacobite Chronicles series.

Fascinating story and beautifully performed

This was such an enjoyable and touching coming of age story about a beloved character, Alex McGregor of the Jacobite Chronicles. I loved learning about his family, clan, and childhood. As a reader I really cared about the characters, their hard life, and the many difficulties they faced. Both narrators were remarkable with the variety of accents and characters, an excellent audiobook experience.

Excellent Story

I listen to this book because I am a huge fan of Mary Jane Wells, and find books that she is narrating. I’m not sure I would’ve ever found this book if not for that. The performance is fabulous. A very moving story with lots of tears and pure joy.