Truth be told, upon completion of CORONACH-- the new paperback reissue of the terrific 2007 tale of Scotland's Highland genocide-- I struggled for words. I could describe the novel's soaring and sweeping storyline. I could outline the historical, political, military and socio-cultural context within which that storyline unfolds. I could detail the larger-than-life lives of those who inhabit that context. I could characterize the scribe's writing as clean, clear and concise. I could signal the significance of the work for modern audiences. I could explain why a book such as this is a worthwhile investment of time and headspace, or why it will tug on heartstrings. Truth be told, however, upon completion of CORONACH, I struggled for words. Except, perhaps, for one. EPIC.

Set against the background of the 18th century Jacobite rebellion, CORONACH is a historical novel that takes the legend of the '45 and places it within the context of a century of war. It tells the story of a battle-hardened English soldier who saves an infant who will become his heiress, whilst a Franco-Scottish laird offers refuge to a boy damaged by unspeakable horror. A powerful saga of love and the human cost of war.

I found it difficult to put this book down, such was the hold it had on me. Every one and everything was real.

I have categorised this as "Epic" and indeed it is. The stories of these characters are told over a period of some 45 years, the landscapes sweeping and the writing consummate with that description. It is almost a cliche to say that I lived in those cold climes of the Highlands when the action was set there, that I cared immensely for the welfare of the main characters, but the honest truth is that I did. Sitting, reading, in the warm sunshine of my garden, I would shiver when winter reached Glen Sian, the fictional setting for most of the book.

And a final warning: don't read the end until you get there: it is dramatic and unexpected-- one of the best last pages I have ever read.

A book that will stay with you for a very long time.

An epic 782-page book that is not for the faint-hearted.

Set in Scotland in 1746 during the bloody military occupation of the Highlands, gut-wrenching atrocities set a distinctly dark tone from the outset. But when English soldier Mordaunt saves an infant from the horrors of 18th-century rebellion, a girl who is later to become his heiress and love obsession, the novel adopts a more lyrical, poetic tone.

A classic contrast between love and war, the story of these two lives bound by fate, unfolding amidst bloody battle, is enthralling. Taking a look at what life might have been like in 18th century Scotland, this is a mighty read that appeals to the reader's compassion and humanity.