I had high hopes for this one - medieval Scotland! I haven't found a lot of authors who write historical fiction set in the middle ages that doesn't revolve around royalty. This is my second book by Ms. Graeme-Evans (the first was also set in medieval Scotland), and as much as I loved her t.v. series McLeod's Daughters, her books just haven't done much for me. A hundred pages in and I don't really care about any of the characters - they just bug me! When I'm not looking forward to picking up the book again, that's when it's time to put it up!

What a great read! I was thoroughly enthralled throughout. The fact that half was written from a male perspective in the past added to the mystique. I am a huge fan and am looking forward to Posie's next book with great expectations. ( )

Not a bad read, but the comparison to Outlander is not accurate. ( )

Wild Wood is a dual narrative that draws you in from the very beginning and I was entranced by the hulking presence and history of Hundredfield; located on the Scottish borderlands. Jesse is the key to the past and her narrative in the 1980s is read alongside that of Bayard, a male character in the 1300s. I'll readily admit that I didn't want to leave Bayard's chapters at all, and each time I had to leave for one of Jesse's chapters I cried out nooooo in my head. I wanted to stay with this battle-hardened warrior and was desperate to find out what was going to happen to him, his brother Maugris and strange, mute wife.

My interest in Jesse's part of the tale steadily crept up on me and I couldn't wait for the story to meet in the middle so to speak. I love to read novels by authors who believe that the past bleeds into the present, and Posie definitely belongs to this category; as does fellow Australian author Kate Morton, and recently discovered author Kate Riordan.

By the time I finished reading Wild Wood, I felt as though I'd wandered some of the rooms of Hundredfield but was hungry for more. I particularly wanted to know more about the character of Hawise.

Luckily for me, I was fortunate enough to interview Australian author Posie Graeme-Evans and put all of these questions - and more - to her, click here to read it: http://www.carpelibrum.net/2015/03/wild-wood-blog-tour-review-and.html ( )

It’s 1981 and Jesse arrives in London amidst the lead up to the wedding of Charles and Diana. Jesse is on a quest to find out who she really is. A quest which takes her from Sydney, Australia to the wilds of the English borderlands!
1831. Bayard and Maugris return from battle to find their older brother has wed and is ruling the estate, Hundredfield, with a cruel hand.

A hauntingly captivating story spanning centuries. Steeped in superstition, the supernatural, myth and legend it takes the reader from the 14th century to the 20th century.

The style of writing changes as the story moves back and forth between 1831 and 1981. The present told in third person whilst the past is in first person narrated by Bayard Dieudonne. I liked the different styles and found the change easy to adapt to. It also helped set the two stories apart.

I loved Bayard; he is very sensitive and guards his true feelings from those around him. It wasn’t a time of sensitive men. He quite often bares his soul and you will find yourself on his side. I could have quite happily read a whole story on Bayard alone.

Jesse’s side of the story started slow and confusing which was a reflection of Jesse’s state of mind. As one side of the story gathers pace so does the other therefore, not leaving one side flat.

Some chapters left me breathless as they battled against raiders and harsh winters, a constant battle to stay alive. These people were devout Christians and the description of the 14th century Christmas dinner was marvellous.

Some readers may work out the twists and family secrets but I’m never good at that so I had no clue to the final revelations. Well I thought I had a clue but I was completely wrong!

As the story evolved the pace quickened and I could almost feel Graeme-Evans exhaustion as the books ends. She has put a lot into this story. It’s very draining emotionally. Although, it’s not all high drama! There are elements of underlying humour and I laughed out loud as Graeme-Evans slips a fart joke in amongst the drama.

I recommend this book to everyone, no matter what genre you read I am sure you will enjoy “Wild Wood”.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy to read and review. ( )