Only once in a blue moon are we lucky enough to stumble upon the works of a writer as talented as Raymond St. Elmo. It is only under the clear cool light of that distant orb that his words come into focus, transporting his audience to worlds that delight the reader as much as his shape-shifting characters challenge his ever-resourceful hero.

On second thought, if your reading device is backlit, that works pretty good too.

Moon Tartan picks up where Blood Tartan left off—with Rayne Gray on his honeymoon. As delightful as that may sound, and Rayne Gray is certainly delighted by his lovely bride, Lalena, there’s a bit more horror than honey under that post-nuptial moon. Rayne has already met a few of his new in-laws, but he’s about to be introduced to a whole new clan; only to learn they are not always what they appear to be. And there is still unfinished business back in Londonish involving yet another clan and some of Rayne’s old frenemies. As must be expected in a tale about a spadassin on his honeymoon, there is plenty of murder, mayhem, and occasionally, a bit of romance.

Others may wish upon stars, but I would wish upon the moon instead. Wish that I could write with the wit, with the wisdom, with the eloquence of Raymond St. Elmo.

So proud a thing it is to be us.

Gives me chills.12 s Kel136 3

An excellent entry to a very unique series

Goddamn, I love this book. Mister St. Elmo seems to revel in clever word choice and creating the most delightful phrases. the first, the second book feels crafted rather than simply written, as if each sentence was given special attention, and so demands attention from the reader. But it isn’t just the writing style that makes this book excellent. Our hero the spadassin, the incomparable Rayne Gray, is such a wonderful character. Skilled and intelligent, principled and stubborn, he narrates his adventures once again with anecdotes, musings, and humorous commentary that engage and entertain throughout.

As the world inches closer by the day to industrial revolution, Rayne Gray takes up his self-imposed responsibility to right the injustices of the era. He leaves his new wife to establish order in their wedding-gifted haunted castle while he returns to the city “[t]o kill a man, affirm social justice, place flowers upon a grave, and recover a fortune stolen […]”. Upon arriving in the city, he finds... himself - no, not in some revelation of self-discovery - literally, another Rayne Gray. As he endeavors to check items off his to-do list, he crosses paths again with family members and old acquaintances.

If you d The Blood Tartan, you will be delighted in this sequel. If you finished The Blood Tartan unsure of your feelings, I would encourage you to pick up The Moon Tartan - we get more of Gray, more of the family, some development of our characters and some introductions of new ones, and all-around another excellent entry in this very unique series.8 s Amy MarieAuthor 7 books32

The second book in the Quest of the Five Clans books is even better than the first! It has gothic romance, fantastical creatures of all shapes and sizes, philosophical wit and charm, and a very Monte Cristo-type revenge seeking plot. It takes a talented writer to have you cheering for a cold-blooded killer! But Rayne Gray is quite the charmer - and you'd have to be to land a vampire spouse and convince her not to bleed you dry after every lover's quarrel (And no, this is no Twilight sparkly vampire romance!)

I'm a huge fan of this author's eloquence, poetic turn of phrase, and uncanny ability to make me laugh with wit that flows so smoothly in his writing. The narration is top notch, a soliloquy that has you hanging on every word and greedy for the next chapter, and now the next book. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series! fantasy philosophical8 s Lukasz1,532 248

Difficult week. No time for insightful .

An intriguing novel. Vampires, minotaures, death, mayhem, peotry, beheading with a scythe, philosophical ramblings and stuff.

Hopefully, I'll have time to write a review during weekend.self-published7 s Steve422 89

Continuing with volume 2 in this highly original and imaginative fantasy series by a favourite author. I’m still a little surprised how this series compares with previous books by this author, which are usually more contemporary, sort of magical realist, stories. However it does share with them beautiful use of language, some of the most enjoyable prose I’ve found myself reading in recent years.

The tale continues with the main character, Rayne Grey, now becoming familiar with the family of his new wife, a vampire leader of a clan of magical beings in Highland/Gaelic Scotland. Plus the intriguing and weird politics and feuds between this clan and other related clans of magical beings. Rayne also has business back at his original home, the alternative 18th century England where he was betrayed by friends who are part of the new business elite of the Industrial Revolution of that period.

It really is an interesting plot, a very unusual fantasy in a recognisable historical setting.
But the thing that sets this story apart for me is the prose the author uses, which I’ve also enjoyed in his other rather different books.
The story has a lot of Words! It is very descriptive, with Rayne describing his thoughts, his doubts, his observations and intentions in great detail. This could become tedious in other hands except that the author’s skill with language makes it a pleasure to read. As in his other books I found I might start to lose track of the plot because I was enjoying the prose, and the intelligent observations, so much. Plus quotes liberally thrown in from William Blake and Shakespeare! I think it treads the right side of the line between an affectionate, light literary style and a pretentious one.

Any problems? Well, I’m thinking that the hero Rayne Grey is maybe just a little too perfect as a hero. Skilled with sword, experienced in the martial arts more generally, brave, observant for danger, sensuous in his relationship. He does develop to a degree as a character, but as he’s pretty well rounded already it doesn’t give him too far to develop. I have a weakness for a hero who has shakier foundations, but that’s part of my preference for morally unsound heroes.

I’m certainly looking forward to continuing this five book series, as planned, over the course of this year. Easy, easy 5*.fantasy raymond-st-elmo7 s Jim HeterAuthor 17 books8

Rayne Gray is a fascinating character.
He is called the Seraph, and he is a spadassin with a conscience.
What is a spadassin, you ask? Spadassin is a French word, meaning expert swordsman, and Gray is that, but it is nearly synonymous with the more familiar word "assassin." He kills at the pleasure of those who pay him to do so. He is the "fast blade for hire," having learned his skills on the battlefields which in our history were the Napoleonic wars, but in this alternate history remain unnamed.
But this we learned in the first book (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...). We also learned that he was something of a Robin Hood to the common folk, who call him the Seraph and count him an angel of hope. Thus we see that his philosophy carries with it the burden of a conscience, which sets him against former friends whose schemes are built on the backs of such honest people.
Now, in book two, forced to flee Londonish with the queen of the Blood Tartan clan as his new bride, he becomes embroiled in the Clash of the Tartans, where his chance of surviving the endless blood feuds seems slim. Will his battle-tested survival skills be enough to save him once again?6 s Maurice Arh15

Just as good as the last one!
In this latest installment from the rambunctious and ruminative Rayne Grey, the hero takes time out from his quest to spend his honeymoon in a labyrinthine castle on a craggy Scottish island, an interlude that turns out to be more about getting to know his homicidal in-laws than about what honeymoons are usually thought to be for. Having survived this course in practical matrimony he is presumably ready to face anything, and sure enough he returns in due course to the city and to his ongoing battle with the powers that be. Divers alarums follow, including some plot developments that you might have expected to be kept for the final installment. Given that the series still has three more books to go, this suggests future episodes will diverge in new and interesting directions. I can’t wait.6 s Jerry Jenkins130 7

TL;DR Better than the last one. If you are on the fence about this series, please give it a shot.

The Moon Tartan was somehow a more enjoyable reading experience than the previous installment to the series. We continue our adventure with the philosophical, witty spadassin Rayne Gray as he returns south to wrap up some unfinished business. The result is a funny, yet captivating story filled with intrigue, violence, and romance.

I don't really know how to go about reviewing this book besides gushing about how much I enjoyed it. St. Elmo's writing is superb. Rayne Gray's voice is distinct and refreshing, which, now that I think about it, seems to be a trend. The action scenes are well-written without being over the top, the fantasy elements are just subtle enough to leave the reader wanting more, and the characters feel alive and full of depth. I even d the romance, which is very rare for me.

There is so much to about this book. Is it perfect? No, everyone has their own personal preferences. But I will stand by my statement that this series is criminally slept on. Raymond St. Elmo is slated to become one of my all-time favorite authors, and as soon as my paycheck hits, I'm ordering the next book. Please try them out. fantasy the-5-star-club7 s Rob GregsonAuthor 3 books21

Beautifully written and intelligently conceived.
I've read (I think) all previous works by this author and enjoyed every one. This, the second in his 'Quest of the Five Clans' series, is every bit as engrossing as The Blood Tartan, with all the usual hallmarks: fast-paced action cleverly enriched with poetic language, sly wit and philosophical observation.
One aspect of the story that particularly appealed to me was the contrast between the Clans, with their strong sense of kinship and belonging, and on the other hand, the great crowds of ordinary city-dwellers who appear to be drifting - rudderless and displaced - towards an industrialised future in which few will have any identity beyond that of 'worker' or a number on a roster. Here, people risk losing all sense of self, and of being part of a greater, wider humanity. It's a clever, absorbing tale with great relevance at a time such as now, when politicians rise to power on promises of walls and division.
This is just one aspect of a book that addresses many themes; ideas such as guise and appearance, duplicity, revenge and what a life of violence can do to a man. But don't get me wrong; this is no turgid, academic thesis; this is a captivating story, written in a unique and inimitable style. Many aspiring writers have their own favourite authors from whom they borrow style and inspiration, but The Moon Tartan is not an imitation of fantastic literature; this is the thing itself.5 s Greg MerittAuthor 3 books130

Raymond St. Elmo is a master manipulator of the English language. His prose is poetic, charming, funny and, at times, philosophical. The Moon Tartan is the second installment in Quest of the Five Clans and, I must say, even better than the first (if that's even possible). The Moon Tartan picks up where The Blood Tartan left off with the reader once again following Rayne Gray, a spadassin (expert swordsman) and a most fascinating character. Rayne Gray returns to London to "kill a man" and runs into all sorts of mayhem. Suffice it to say that if you creatures of all kinds and lots of action written in a narrative style that is refreshing and daunting in its clever wordplay that makes the reader think, then this is the series for you. I'm at a loss of why Raymond St. Elmo is not a world-renowned author by now! He is one of the few writers that can keep a reader engaged no matter the subject. A treat for sure and highly recommended. If you haven't read Raymond St. Elmo, you are truly missing out.6 s Miguelular63 2

Worthy the crown of summer laurel he bears

There is a certain je ne sais quoi with Mr. St. Elmo's work. The story's weight is far more than the page count with words light enough to dance upon the air. My high school French was enough for a dusty tea party. Somehow I manage to forget there is a vampiric nature to this tale and that is a good thing. What wise words could I tell person whose considering continuing this tale........ Why not you travelled the road less followed already, continue forth kind fellows, rewards await the adventurous, answers come for the curious.

To my comrades of commentary and peers to the review:
Thank you as your words here are interesting as the tales of Raymond St. Elmo. His literary style seems to evoke many things uncommonly found elsewhere.

Exit stage left.....6 s Marcin11

Another fun read from Raymond St. Elmo.
This is a third book by this author and yet again in am in awe on how great his writing is.
The language used is so pretty that it makes me want to read another one.
I also think that Mr St. Elmo is one of the few writers that could describe the process of paint drying and it would be an enchanting read.5 s Mike FutcherAuthor 2 books28

"This narrative depicts an endless night-path down which I stumble, slashing and philosophizing." (pg. 172)

While the author himself has become one of my favourite writers, Raymond St. Elmo's Quest of the Five Clans series does not rotate at my natural speed, or along my favoured orbits. It's a mad, disorderly adventure, overdosed with shape-shifters and outlandish personages. But, as with the previous instalment in the series, The Moon Tartan ended up winning me over simply by its quality.

I found it difficult to orient myself at first, and even by the end I had to work to keep my wits about me. St. Elmo uses an odd, stop-start syntax in The Moon Tartan that gives me something akin to motion sickness (his other, non-Clan novels are more flowing). At its worst, it leads to clumsy lines of faux-regal dialogue "This castle fast bests me" (pg. 120). The content itself – a relentless procession of moon-touched loons dip in and out of the story – makes it hard to identify quite what the story/quest/narrative is meant to even be, and is so random in its fantastical creativity that it's not always clear what the rules of the story are, and what is possible.

But then, perhaps it's my fault for not being able to hold my literary liquor. The Moon Tartan is rich and theatrical, and consistently involving, with the originality and erudition that I'm always seeking out (and so rarely find) in contemporary fiction. Though the book never settles, I – as reader – did manage to, and the main confrontations – such as the ones with the Laird Mac Tier and, later, with Dealer and the Aldermen – are tense, thrilling and great theatre. In such powerful moments (which, it should be said, soon outweigh the book's more challenging features), The Moon Tartan shows itself as intoxicating writing, a lunatic Zorro. While the series is not, as I said, at my preferred speed or inclination, I would have d this much less from a writer less capable of delivering it. St. Elmo is a singular writer and I know that, once I have recovered, I will be keen for another round of whatever he's concocting.

"I sighed, drained the wine-cup, reached to place it upon an ancient throne." (pg. 76)5 s Zeb12 1 follower

I gave the previous book 5 stars, but it was a grudging 5 stars. If Goodreads were to provide more precise system, a more fair rating would have seen me award 4.95 stars instead. The issue was all down to the indents on the Kindle edition. They took up a quarter of the line. And it's a damn shame as 4.95 is a long way from 5 stars.

The Moon Tartan Kindle edition did not have this issue. The tabs went in about as far as a tab should - no more, no less. And for this reason I have no qualms with awarding the full 5 stars, with no asterix to be seen damning Goodreads slapshod 5 star system.

Heartily recommended to anyone who enjoys a good yarn AND enjoys the way that yarn is told. Mr St Elmo has a way with words, and it's a way I enjoy very much! I have no issue with the utilitarian prose that pervades fantasy, and love many of it's practitioners, but I also love to see words used with a passion for words, and these books do that.

And Rayne Gray is one of the best and most kickass characters in fantasy. Whether trapped by dolls, picking off guards, or harvesting wheat, The Seraph is as formidable as they come.

Alas, I am now a a fair way through The Harlequin Tartan and the indents take up near a third of the page. Who knows where the rating will go with that one.5 s Holly35 1 follower

Just "Wow!"

The world building, the characters, the revenge! This series quietly gets under your skin and into your dreams. Start at the beginning, read til the end, and watch the shapes in the shadows.5 s K.V. WilsonAuthor 6 books61

The story flowed seamlessly from the first book to the second, where we meet the wild Moon Tartan clan. Rayne also goes on a quest back to London "to kill a man" and must face his equal in battle - a man he calls "Rayne Grayish" as he poses as Rayne himself. I would love to see this made into a play. It has elements of Shakespeare (a clear favourite of the author), clever banter, and exciting battle scenes. I very much recommend this series.immortals-and-incarnations3 s Iain M RodgersAuthor 1 book32

Speechless.
It's difficult to write a review when rendered speechless. I gave book one in the series five stars, this one also deserves five stars, perhaps six, perhaps an entire constellation.
Just read it yourself and decide.3 s M.H. ThaungAuthor 7 books31 Read

In The Moon Tartan, Rayne Gray pursues both vengeance and duty while navigating the complexities of his newly acquired family. It’s a toss-up whether they or his old enemies will get to him first. With Gray’s mix of present-day concerns and reminiscences of the past, we get a fuller picture of both himself and the historical environment he inhabits.

It’s very readable with lovely, rich prose. I say this as someone who almost always prefers “functional” writing, so the author’s on to something here. It probably helps that the book’s fairly short: and for me this isn’t a series that I’d binge-read over a weekend. I’ll take my time before picking up the next one, which is something to look forward to.3 s Rod52

Enjoyable read. A bit lengthy in internal musings of the protagonist Rayne, but author writes well. Will keep reading.3 s Jack Hayne159 3

A marvelous sequel to Blood Tartan. This story and prose feels tighter, and was surprisingly gratifying.

Raymond St. Elmo pulls no punches and gives us a strange world that is at once mundane and magical all at once. I appreciate that Gray’s foil is killed in this book, because it would have been easy to keep this tension over the next three books. Yet, this left me excited to see where Grey’s journey will take him.

The theme of marriage and change is also a welcomed, rather than a solitary, individualistic ubermensch. To see mad man, which Gray certainly is, gain some humanity is fun. All the while dealing with the consequences of a cross cultural life.

(91% A-. Made me laugh out loud)This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review2 s Jay Brantner360 23

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