Thank you to Net Galley who provided me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I hadn't realized this was the second in a series about Fleance, the son of Banquo from Macbeth. So, I had to go back and read Banquo's son first.

I'm so glad I did.

I've been fortunate to find spinoffs from Macbeth to read before and this one--with another perspective on the upheaval caused by Macbeth's disgraced coup--was a great addition to that cluster of books.

In Bloodlines, Fleance grows into his identity as Banquo's son as the prospect a Scottish civil war looms and he takes the crown, which most see as his right due to complex family lineages. Macbeth's witches play a background but important role in this story with their dubious prophecies. Fleance must decide between two women he loves, decide who will stand by him as queen.

Fleance proves himself to be thoughtful, respectful, dignified and aware of the harm he may cause to the two loves he has, but also to his country. The story is well written and I didn't want it to end. The complexities of the machinations that inevitably come to the surface when power is on the line are masterfully handled by Roxborogh.

I strongly recommend this story to anyone with a love of royal politics, Scottish stories, romances, and Shakespearean drama.

This was an enjoyable historical fiction novel. I do recommend that one starts with the first book, in order to understand the back stories. Of course, I had to research some of the historical mentions. It was a well written story and was a great escape book.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an alternate historical fiction series set in Scotland in 11th century. Unfamiliar readers will need to read the first in the series (unlike myself - though I am familiar background to this particular setting).

It is the tale of Macbeth, Banquo, and the prophesy of the three witches: "thou shalt get kings, thou thou be none".

So following the death of his father Banquo (Book 1), Fleance is exiled in England, vowing revenge. Following the deaths of both Duncan and Macbeth, Fleance becomes King of Scotland. Obviously plenty of action, intrigue and treachery as Fleance strives to become the ideal king with rebels and rivals circling like ravens over a battlefield. Book 3 - Birthright, follows on from this tale.

I loved this book! Roxborough wove fiction into history with such skill and detail that it truly made me feel like I was there. The characters and situations were very detailed- complex- and truly showed some great character depth. It was refreshing to finally see some characters with their own emotions, thoughts, and personalities. I didn't read the first of the series, which I didn't really feel like was an issue, but I think reading it in order would have enhanced my enjoyment even more