The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands)

Michael Phillips is one prolific author.He’s published 23 works of non-fiction. He’s edited 27 works of the Scottish writer George MacDonald, whose books had such an impact on C.S. Lewis. He’s edited five works of Harold Bell Wright and Ralph Connor. (Wright was the first American to sell more than one million copies of a novel, and the first American writer to earn more than $1 million. I’ve read only one of his works, “The Shepherd of the Hills.” Connor was a Canadian novelist.) Phillips has also co-authored 13 novels with his wife Judith Pella, and written more than 40 original novels.My introduction to his writing happened some three decades ago, when the edited versions of George MacDonald’s books began to be published. While the books were widely popular in 19th century Britain, they contained large chunks of Scottish dialect and detailed descriptions that wouldn’t work as well with modern readers. I read quite a few of the novels, chiefly on the knowledge that C.S. Lewis loved them.I also knew that Phllips was especially fond of writing trilogies, except they’re less trilogies and more three-part novels. One of his novels called “The Inheritance” popped up in an ad. Having been surprised once years ago, when an author published book one of a supposed trilogy that turned out to be a three-volume novel without explanation or disclaimer, I checked. And, yes, “The Inheritance” was the first installment of a three-part novel.It’s a story about a fictitious island in The Shetlands called Whale’s Reef. For centuries the island has been largely owned and managed by the laird of the Tulloch clan. The current laird, Macgregor Tulloch, dies without a will, although most on the island believe his chief and a great-nephew, David Tulloch, would become the new laird. But complications with the estate arise, and another great-nephew, fisherman Hardy Tulloch, makes a claim. David is generally loved by the people of Whale’s Reef and Hardy is rightfully seen as something of a bully.But it turns out that there’s someone with a stronger direct claim, a young American named Loni Ford. She works at an investment firm in Washington, D.C., and is enjoying early success. Raised by her Quaker grandparents, she knows little about her own parents or the families they came from. As it turns out, her mother is the direct descendant of “the old laird,” Macgregor’s father.And complicating all of this is the designs of a rather stereotyped, flamboyant Texan who’s determined to gain control of Whale’s Reef to build an oil refinery. That will likely mean the end of the island’s fishing and wool industries which employ almost all of its people.Phillips has a gift for telling a good story. I started reading skeptically – I was suspicious that a three-part novel could hold my attention. Well, the skeptic was wrong. I’m hooked. The second in the “Secret of the Shetlands” series is “The Cottage” and the third is “The Legacy,” just published July 4.“The Inheritance” is the start of what promises to be a great family saga.

Many undertake to share stories with people through writing novels with various points of view, themes, and different genres. Few books are able to touch the soul of a reader deeply; perhaps a few will still be remembered for a long time. Books take the audience to all sorts of places, on adventures and beg the reader to release the mind’s ability to “imagine”.In a way that I haven’t come across in many books, both fiction and nonfiction, Michael Phillips shares a very heart-gripping tale. At first I wrestled with some of the language spoken by characters on Shetland Island, even though the author wrote it with more of an English dialect. I am not gifted in languages, even English, so it is a blessing to have a friend who edits my reviews! Part of the story takes place on the island or the mainland; other parts take place in America.What struck me hardest was the more I read, the deeper the story went to encompass more themes and characteristics. At first it seemed there was a hint of something special in the story with the Prologue, then the sense of mystery came out of nowhere as an added pull to keep reading. It is a rich, historical piece of fiction to be sure; yet, don’t be surprised to see aspects and themes such as ancestors, treasures, love, tension and more.Faith is one of the themes that shows up later in the book, and I am sure you will understand why when you sit to enjoy the novel. Personally, I eagerly await the sequel to book one as the story continues and perhaps to a third installment. The chapters are very short which moves the story along at an engaging pace without losing readers. The plot is complex, the characters intriguing and there are a multitude of themes. However, there is a richness to the novel that will definitely leave an imprint on the heart and mind of readers for a long time as there is a message that can be understood and practiced in anyone’s life if they so choose to do so.To me this is the best of Michael Phillips that I have read and thoroughly loved in a long time, and I hope you will enjoy the book too!

A cliffhanger ending obviously sets up the second installment of a new series. This was mostly interesting, but there were so many names that I wanted to consult a family tree more than once throughout the story. It sometimes felt disjointed in the time-settings, such as the end, which flashed back to 1953 out of the blue.I'm not from Texas, but was offended by an '80's JR Ewing caricature showing up in a 21st century novel. The TX oilman talking about "ropin' the little filly" was just plain silly. His stereotype was overdone.The faith elements are minor, with hints of quiet, godly strength in a small few of the characters.

I'll admit I was a little impatient to have the story lines come together... but was surely not disappointed with the direction of things; the twists and turns kept me interested!And then the ending.Omgoodness.Had to immediately get the next book!!

I do enjoy all things British , Irish and Scottish, however many of the shows i watch on Britt box and Acorn can have a lot language that I’d prefer not to listen to . I was drawn to this story as I have previously read some of George MacDonald’s work which had been edited by Michael Phillips, consequently I knew that I would be able to enjoy reading his fiction with out the unnecessary language prevalent in other fictional writers. So far I have not been disappointed.

Can't go wrong with this author. Always sad to reach the end of his books.

I am always excited when a new Michael Phillips is available. This book certainly did not disappoint my expectations. I enjoy his stories set in Scotland (although I may be a little biased here) and the setting for this new series just brings alive the history of the Shetlands and its people. With history, intrigue, suspense, romance and spiritual input what more could one ask for. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this mix.

I now can't wait for the next book to see what happens. I'm frustrated that this is not likely to be out until later in the year.

Like an old car's engine trying to start on a cold morning, this story jumps around, coughs and splutters through confusing generations of people until the end. It is engaging enough to convince you to keep reading, but its definately a book you can put down and walk away from for a while.

From the very first few pages where we're introduced to 3 characters who turn out to play ostensibly minor roles in this book, I was hooked. These characters (and a majority of the main characters) were people I could care about, that I wanted to have good things happen for. I loved the setting on Whales Reef in the Shetlands, and the way the author wrote the 'accent' into the book. (I found myself reading 'in accent' on a number of occasions.)The bit of mystery and intrigue surrounding the inheritance and the lairdship really intrigued me, too; as well as the mysterious 'Texan', whom I'm fairly confident we've not seen the last of!When I started reading, I assumed that, though this book is the first of a series, each book could be read as a stand-alone story. Not so, and so I'm off to locate the next installment in the series!