I grew up watching movies like Clash of the Titans, BeastMaster, and Highlander (one of my favorites!) so it was no wonder when I began writing that myths and legends worked their way into my stories.
Every culture has hundreds of legends and millions of myths, and Scotland has more than some. The great thing about writing fiction is that I can add any of these myths and legends into a story. And some I just make up.
In MIDNIGHT’S MASTER, the first book in my Dark Warriors series (continuation of the Dark Sword series), the series uses its own myth and legend. When I had the first kernel of an idea for the series, I knew I would need something substantial for a legend. Since the series takes place in Scotland, it opened up many possibilities. After all, Britain itself is steeped in magic and lore.
I admit, there is something different about Scotland. You can feel it upon the land, smell it in the air. Is it magic or just the history of the land? I like to think its magic. J
With primeval gods trapped inside my Highlanders who happen to fall in love with Druids, I realized I could take my mythology back hundreds of years.
Rome, as we know, invaded and conquered much of Britain. But not Scotland. Why is that? Is it because of the Celts? Do we believe anything written in that history since it was written by Rome?
So, that got me thinking. What if Rome wasn’t able to conquer Scotland not just because of the Celts, but because of the Druids as well? What if those Druids used their magic to help the Celts in ways no one could imagine? And what if that’s the real reason Rome left Britain, never to return.
Those questions gave me the legend I needed that it was the magic of the Druids who helped the Celts push Rome out once and for all. That mythology spawned the Dark Sword/Dark Warriors series.
But as I’ve mentioned above, my Dark Sword series is continuing on as Dark Warriors. Why, you may ask? Well, magic is the basis for the series, and it’s that magic that helps propel my Highlanders into modern day Scotland where the evil has gained and advantage, and my medieval heroes learn about the modern world – and the modern women.
A MYSTERY OUT OF TIME
Gwynn Austin has no idea why her father has disappeared on a mysterious trip to Scotland. When she goes on a desperate mission to search for him she finds more than she bargains for in a ruggedly handsome, wickedly exciting Highlander who exudes danger and mystery. And when she discovers her own link to Scotland she’ll have to trust her heart to help lead her…
A LEGEND IN THE FLESH
Propelled through time by powerful Druid magic, Logan Hamilton uses his immortality and powers of the god inside him to help prevent the awakening of an ancient evil in the modern world. He never expects to find help in the form of a beautiful, alluring, and all too temping woman whose passion and strength matches his own. Together, Logan and Gwynn must fight for their love – before a demon from the past destroys them both…
I’ll be giving away a signed copy of DARKEST HIGHLANDER to a commenter. So talk to me. 
To find out more about me, read more about the Dark Sword series, see pics of the Warriors, take the quiz, download wallpaper, or search characters please visit my website at www.donnagrant.com.
hugs,
D
Honorary Mention of Book Sluts 'R' Us Blogger Awards by 
I love it when myths and legends are woven into & inspire great stories. I would love to read DARKEST HIGHLANDER thank you.
Thanks for stopping by, Mary!
This sounds so good, I would love to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Thanks, Debbie!
I LOVE reading about Highlanders and would love to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
What’s not to love about Highlanders, right?
That must have been great fun to create your own mythology.
It really is, Maureen. It’s one of my favorite things to do when creating a series.
Wow – love it all! I am also a Highlander fan – I still remember my introduction to Connor and the rest! My thanks, also for the opportunity to win one of your fantastic books – I agree with Maureen, too – how cool that is to create your own mythology!
I loved the previous series but didn’t know you would continue it – can’t wait to check it out! Thanks for a great post and I wish you all the best
Yes, I’m trying to let readers know that the series is continuing, just under a different series name.
Highlanders are my favorite!! I would love to win a copy!!
Hi Donna! Love it when the magic been mixed with history in a story, one reason why I love your books. If I may ask what is the name of your favourite books that combined those two aspects? Thx:)
Thanks, Aretha!
There aren’t a lot of historical paranormal stories out there, or I should say there wasn’t. I’ve seen an uptick in them recently, and I hope one day its a big enough subgenre to be recognized. For now, I can say one of my favorite authors who combines historical and paranormal is Shana Abe. Check out her Drakkon series. Love THE SMOKE THIEF!
One of my favourite movies from youth is also Highlander
Those MacLeods are something else 
MIDNIGHT’S MASTER sounds very interesting, I am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you!
This series sounds amazing. I haven’t had the chance to read any of your books, but would love to after hearing about the excerpt. thanks for the giveaway!
Yay. Thanks, Merisha!
I love reading good versus evil books. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in contest.
Awesome!
I love the Dark Sword series and can’t wait to read the Dark Warrior series!
Whoohoo! Thank you, Sarah!!!
Looking forward to reading it.. going out today and buying a couple of your books.. to read while i recover from surgery..
Sorry to hear about your surgery, but hopefully the books will help pass the time.
Looking forward to reading it.. going out today and buying a couple of your books.. to read while i recover from surgery..
thanks for sharing
Love Highlanders. Your series sounds awesome.
Thanks, Crystal!
I love when books contains myths, legends, highlanders and Scotland. You’ve just combined all my fav’s and I cannot wait to get my hands on this book and backtrack through your others as well
Yay! I hope you enjoy them.
Big fan of your books Donna. Love the Dark Sword series. Would love to win and read this book.
I love Scottish myth and legends. I love learning about new stuff when I am reading. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks so much, Chris!!
Highlander is one of my favorite films. I just read that they might be remaking it with Ryan Reynolds. Hopefully they do a great job.
I’ve been to England many times but I never made it to Scotland. I hope to visit there someday.
Congratulations on the new release, Donna!
Thanks, Stacie!
Now, I like Ryan Reynolds, but I can’t see him in Connor MacLeods part. :S
I agree that there is nothing not to love about a Highlander.
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This weekend I also read that Ryan was taking over The Highlander films. I think he’d make a good Highlander
Wow. Where are y’all reading about Ryan doing Highlander. I’m curious about that.
Very nice post. The book sounds series sound good.
Thanks!
Sounds gooood to me!
Enjoy myths and legends of different cultures, add in Highlanders and magic… you got my attention!
lol. Just what I want to hear.
I too, enjoy myths and your book intrigues me. I would love to jump into reading this new book of yours with both feet!
Thanks, Belinda!
I love the mystery and lore of Scotland. Makes me anxious for my first trip there next year. Ive had a bit of an obsession for books on Scottish legends and magic lately. Definetly on the TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win ‘Darkest Highlander’.
Thanks for the chance to win ‘Darkest Highlander’. Can’t wait to visit Scotland for the first time next year. Definetly adding to the TBR list.
Crappy iPhone. Didn’t show my first post. Living out of cell range really sucks sometimes.
Jennifer, you’re going to LOVE Scotland. We’ve tentatively planned on returning next summer (2013) and I can’t wait!
New to you, now I must read. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love Highlander stories (afterall, “there can be only one”). I love time travel stories. I love books with strong, smart heroines. This sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the giveaway.
Scotland, Highlander and Druids… all the magic and myths are so intriguing. Makes me with I had some Scottish blood in my ancestry! I just started reading your books, and they are wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win one.
Scotland is surrounded in myth and legend and when woven into these stories the people and places just seem to burst from the pages. I loved the Highlander movie so much I bought a Macleod broad sword like Conner uses in the movie. It hangs on my dining room wall.
I’m such a sucker for anything medieval!
Loved the post and fell in love with your writing when I read Shadow Highlander. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway for I have Darkest Highlander heading my way. I cannot wait to delve into it!
Legends and myths still resonate today and help keep the magic alive. I still read PNR stories first and always look for twists on the standards.