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krobart's review against another edition
2.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/day-595-turn-of-the-tide/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/day-595-turn-of-the-tide/
richardms1967's review against another edition
5.0
Margaret Skea's debut novel is the sort of gem that can increasingly be found among the small presses these days.
Choosing an underused period of history (the late 16th century) for the story, she tells a tale of feuding Scottish noble families each eager to gain the favour of the incumbent King, James VI. In amongst all the machinations is Munro, a man with loyalties to one side and friendships on the other.
The story is a good one, with plenty of political manoeuvring, violence, love and tragedy in the mix. The intrigue goes right to the final page and there's plenty of room for another novel to take Munro's story on to the next stage. One thing that stood out for me was the little details, the description of everyday life and the lot of the normal family just trying to survive in that time. That was wonderfully done.
The quality of Margaret's writing is also worth noting. Her research and the language she uses makes you believe that you're there, that you're seeing and hearing the people talking in a realistic way. The chaos and muck of a (for then) big city are illustrated just as effectively as the wide-open expanses of the highlands. Margaret also has a wonderful knack for beautiful similes and uses them effectively.
So, an excellent debut well worth seeking out, and, hopefully, we may get to read more from Margaret in the future.
Choosing an underused period of history (the late 16th century) for the story, she tells a tale of feuding Scottish noble families each eager to gain the favour of the incumbent King, James VI. In amongst all the machinations is Munro, a man with loyalties to one side and friendships on the other.
The story is a good one, with plenty of political manoeuvring, violence, love and tragedy in the mix. The intrigue goes right to the final page and there's plenty of room for another novel to take Munro's story on to the next stage. One thing that stood out for me was the little details, the description of everyday life and the lot of the normal family just trying to survive in that time. That was wonderfully done.
The quality of Margaret's writing is also worth noting. Her research and the language she uses makes you believe that you're there, that you're seeing and hearing the people talking in a realistic way. The chaos and muck of a (for then) big city are illustrated just as effectively as the wide-open expanses of the highlands. Margaret also has a wonderful knack for beautiful similes and uses them effectively.
So, an excellent debut well worth seeking out, and, hopefully, we may get to read more from Margaret in the future.
emelwood's review against another edition
4.0
This book is definitely not my usual type of reading, and I was a little apprehensive when starting it. Initially I found the different family allegiances etc. quite difficult to follow, and had to refer frequently to the list at the start of the book. As it went on, though, I began to get better at recognising who was who, allowing my reading (and so my experience of the story) to flow better. There were a couple of unexpected twists which kept me intrigued and the characters were generally engaging and well rounded. I'm hoping to see some of the lesser characters more developed/explored in a sequel...!
kasbeth's review
5.0
I love how her descriptions and period voice make me feel as if I'm acrually there, I can almost smell the moors and fish harbours, feel the chill and rain, smell the rain as it comes, that for me is a good book. It's a case of oh my god!! What an emotional roller-coaster to start the day with, no spoilers though but wow, Margaret certainly writes an awesome book, now I've started to learn some Scottish speak thanks to the useful glossary at the back and getting the hang of old English I'm still hooked. I've just finished and, wow, don't know how to describe the story as it takes you on an emotional and gripping story, there's action and romance in equal amounts, a fantastic story that I can wait to continue in her next book A House Divided.
bookdancing's review
4.0
4.5 stars actually
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Turn_of_the_Tide_by_Margaret_Skea
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Turn_of_the_Tide_by_Margaret_Skea
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