Summer Warrior
Set in 12th century Scotland, Summer Warrior is book 1 in The Clan Donald Saga, the story of Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won the heart of a Norse princess.
First Place winner in the 2020 Chaucer Awards for Pre-1750s Historical Fiction, 2nd place in the Incipere Awards and a "Discovered Diamond" and Finalist in the Readers Choice Awards.
First Place winner in the 2020 Chaucer Awards for Pre-1750s Historical Fiction, 2nd place in the Incipere Awards and a "Discovered Diamond" and Finalist in the Readers Choice Awards.
“Walker’s superb storytelling makes history come alive!” – Danelle Harmon, NY Times Bestselling Author Somerled’s parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. But when the Norse invaded Argyll and the Isles, his family’s fortunes fell with those of his people. All hope seemed lost when he rose from the mists of Morvern to rally the Gaels, the Scots and the Irish. Sweeping across Argyll and the Isles like a fast-moving storm, brilliant in strategy and fearless in battle, Somerled began retaking his ancestral lands, driving away the invaders and freeing the people from the Norse stranglehold. In doing so, he would win the title Somerle Mor, Somerled the Mighty, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne and, eventually, Lord of the Isles. This is the unforgettable story of the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won the heart of a Norse king’s daughter. On AMAZON Read an excerpt. See the Pinterest storyboard! |
A Spellbinding Tale! Beautiful Worldbuilding! Excellent read! Meticulously Researched!
“Walker weaves a spellbinding tale of heroism and adventure coupled with a touching love story.”
A Reader's Review |
“Walker’s world building is beautiful, magical and intricate; lifelike and credible. The romance between Ragnhild and Somerled is tangible and unmistakable. A captivating and delightful story.”
– The Reading Café |
"An excellent read with enough true historical facts to make it interesting to Clan members and an intriguing love story between Somerled and Ragnhild. A fine balance!"
– Bill McDaniel, Clan Donald’s High Commissioner |
“Summer Warrior is a meticulously researched, beautifully written saga of truth, love and history. Walker is a is a true shining star of the genre.”
– Chicks, Rogues & Scandals |
An example of historical fiction at its very finest!
From Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite:
"Author Regan Walker has penned an enthralling tale of heroism and love that transcends time and place. Her sweeping story of Somerled and Ragnhild gives us two characters that seem almost out of place in a time characterized by violence, a low value for human life, and a bitter struggle just to survive. This tale reminds us that everyday common people of the time were no different to us today – they wanted to live their lives in the best way possible and to pass on a better existence to their children.
The story is expansive and although it is essentially a love story and a beautiful one, at that, there is no shortage of excitement, action, and battle. Somerled is a tough, fair, and principled leader who always puts his people’s needs before his own. In a time when royalty and nobility were to be feared and often despised for their callous treatment of everyday folk, his character shows that it is indeed possible to rule with humility, kindness, and fairness. The story swings from one perspective to another and never allows the reader to become bored or want to take a rest. It just drags you along helter-skelter from one dilemma and adventure to the next. This is a fantastic read and one I can highly recommend. I will certainly be seeking out more of this author's work."
See the full review.
"Author Regan Walker has penned an enthralling tale of heroism and love that transcends time and place. Her sweeping story of Somerled and Ragnhild gives us two characters that seem almost out of place in a time characterized by violence, a low value for human life, and a bitter struggle just to survive. This tale reminds us that everyday common people of the time were no different to us today – they wanted to live their lives in the best way possible and to pass on a better existence to their children.
The story is expansive and although it is essentially a love story and a beautiful one, at that, there is no shortage of excitement, action, and battle. Somerled is a tough, fair, and principled leader who always puts his people’s needs before his own. In a time when royalty and nobility were to be feared and often despised for their callous treatment of everyday folk, his character shows that it is indeed possible to rule with humility, kindness, and fairness. The story swings from one perspective to another and never allows the reader to become bored or want to take a rest. It just drags you along helter-skelter from one dilemma and adventure to the next. This is a fantastic read and one I can highly recommend. I will certainly be seeking out more of this author's work."
See the full review.
The background photograph by Paul Marriott, taken from the Isle of Man where the Clan Donald Saga begins, is used with his permission; and the banner image of the Isle of Skye by photographer Kenny Muir is used with his permission. My thanks to them both!