A Warrior's Taking

by Margo Maguire

A love that can transcend time . . . 981 A.D.: Brogan Mac Lochlainn has heard of a magical stone that bestows great powers. Now the slaying of his father, the chieftain, has placed the clan's protection in Brogan's hands and he will brave any danger to possess the stone. But only the strongest sorcery will carry the fearless Scottish warrior to the talisman for it is hidden in Ravenfield, an English estate . . . 900 years in the future 1813: Sarah...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061256269
• ISBN13: 9780061256264
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Great read for lovers of paranormal romance

I just finished reading 'A Warrior's Taking' and absolutely loved the refreshing original storyline intermingling magic, romance, and mystery with a bit of humor. Of course, a magic wielding Warrior who speaks with a Scottish brogue and mutters the occasional Gaelic word or phrase is a fantastic addition to the story. Needless to say, I'm anxious to get started on 'Temptation of the Warrior'. The premise of the Druzai, Dragheens, sitheans, and the mystical, magical world of Coruain is a fantasy lover's delight. I'd love to read more about the home land of Brogan and the circumstances that lead up to the desperate quest to seek the brigha-stone. Just a suggestion, but perhaps a spin off series dedicated to the magical world of Coruain. I'd definitely be an instant fan! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and felt it somewhat reminiscent of Moning's Druid Kelter line. After all, what girl can resist an alpha male Scotsman with a magical lineage who happens to be over six feet and speaks Gaelic with the resonance of a buttery burr?

4.5 Klovers - Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques

There is only one way Brogan's clan may defeat their enemy - they must find and retrieve the Blood Stones, which have been hidden in different times and places. Brogan's search takes him to England approximately 900 centuries into the future where he cannot use any of his sorcery lest he be discovered by his enemies before he has found the precious talisman. But in his quest to find the magical stone, he finds something even more precious - Sarah Granger. She stirs him in ways no woman in his own time ever has. If he didn't know better, he would say she was his céile mate. Sarah doesn't know quite what to think of the nearly naked stranger who washed up on their beach. She does know he isn't telling her everything, although she finds she trusts him in spite of that knowledge. And she can't deny the way her body responds to the mysterious man... I absolutely loved A Warrior's Taking, the first book in Margo Maguire's The Sorcerer series! Although this is the first time I have read any of Maguire's work, I am captivated by both the story and her writing talent! Sarah is an admirable heroine, persevering in the face of adversity time and again, and never losing her empathy for others even as she finds herself scorned by her peers and abandoned to an unfortunate fate after the death of her father. Having finally found a true home caring for her late cousin's family, she will do anything to protect and care for the children left in her care when they are orphaned, no matter the sacrifice or hardship for herself. Brogan is the kind of hero women fantasize about - strong, mysterious, noble, and still a good bit roguish in all the ways that count! Fighting his intense attraction to Sarah, he is determined to do right by her. His plan? Knowing he can't be with her himself, he decides he must help her find a husband, or at least teach her the ways to attract a man. As with all good love stories, his plans soon backfire on him, as he finds himself hopelessly in love with the winsome Sarah. Ms. Maguire does a magnificent job of blending a bit of paranormal fantasy with an old-fashioned historical, weaving a world that is wonderfully believable. The romance between our lead couple rings true, and the suspense is intriguing. As I came to the story's end, I found myself disappointed that it had finished, but quickly cheered myself with the knowledge that this is only the first in a series I am definitely going to be reading more of!

Magical time travel worth reading

Margo Maguire does not disappoint in her latest novel. Both main characters are really likeable. The story is a bit mystery, magic and time travel The heroine is long suffering Sarah Granger. She is governess to two girls who, by the way, are also likeable The family receives word that her charge's father is killed in battle fighting Napoleon. Sarah has no family and is frankly very worried what will happen to her make shift family. She dearly loves them. A distant cousin of her employer is coming to take possession of their home, Ravenfield. The hero, Brogan MacLochlainn, is a Druzai chieftain's son who lives 900 years in the past. He, like other Druzai, can perform magic. When his father is murdered by the truly evil sorceress Eilinora, he goes on a quest to discover a magical blood stone which, when united with the other stone in his family's possession, can defeat evil. Unfortunately, the stone has been hidden 900 years into the future somewhere in Ravenfield. When our hero and heroine meet he is washed ashore, nearly drowned. The family takes him into their home and sparks fly. There is instant attraction but Brogan is on a mission to find the stone. He cannot help but be drawn into the affairs of this family. He genuinely likes them and wonders why there are no protectors for them. He wrestles with a desire to see Sarah wed to a good human, (he calls them Tuaths) and keeping her for himself. Brogan is flabbergasted that Tuath males have not offered for Sarah. He decides he will boost her self esteem by buying her a beautiful dress for an upcoming musical soiree so she can attract these ridiculous Tauths. He also engages in some harmless flirtation with her, after all he believes she needs the practice. Little does he realize he is falling in love with her himself. Sarah is very suspicious of her house guest, yet enchanted by his charm and caring heart. Sarah is truly selfless but not self-righteous. She is not accepted by the townspeople because she is the daughter of a drunkard. She is lovely but no man wants to marry her due to her father. Adding to this romantic plot line is the quest for the bloodstone. Brogan must find the stone quickly, no easy feat considering there are caves and castle ruins to be explored. Also he cannot use his magic as it will alert the sorceress. There are other magical creatures around Ravenfield, almost guardians really, and little imps too. Only Brogan sees them and they can be a help or hindrance. The ending is nicely written and I was surprised a couple of times throughout the novel. Brogan is sweetly devoted to both his Druzai family and Sarah. His inner dialogue is revealing and his actions are tempered with compassion. He is still alpha male and it is easy to see why Sarah fell for him so fast. I usually am not a fan of time travel but this one is definitely worth keeping.

strong romantic fantasy

In 981 in the Isle of Coruain, Druzai warrior Brogan MacLochlainn learns his father High Chief Kieran was killed by the evil sorceress Eilinora who also stole his scepter of power. Neither he nor his brother Merrick has time to grieve their loss as their people's enemies will not allow that luxury. Instead, while Merrick placates the elders to buy them time, he must travel to the future seeking an ancient blood stone that is critical if he and his people are to survive their more powerful adversaries. In 1813 in North Cumbria, an impoverish Tuath, Sarah Granger worries about her future and more so those of her preadolescent wards Margaret and Jane Barstow since her employer died and his heir seems only interested in ancient ruins. The three females met Brogan when he lies near dead and near naked on the beach they collect cockles on. Although Brogan wants Sarah, Druzai law forbids warriors from making it with Tuath women. He decides he must find her a mate who will worship her like he does; not realizing she chose him. This is the opening act of what looks like will be a strong romantic fantasy trilogy. The story line is fast-paced but also filled with full dimensional characters. The two young children add depth to the audience understanding of Sarah while Brogan struggles with love vs. the law and with completing his mission without using magic. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this fine tale as love proves the most powerful magic in the Margo Maguire mythos. Harriet Klausner