by Jack Whyte
Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC
A review by John Irvin
CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY ROBERT THE BRUCE!!!
“…Where would these supposedly free men come from? No man today—here in Scotland at least, or even in England—is free of duty or obligation to someone, be it knight, lord, or baron. That’s the way of the world.” –Robert Bruce
From the description:
One of the most famous warriors of his generation, Robert the Bruce led his people during the Wars of Scottish Independence against the King of England. His reign saw Scotland recognized as an independent nation. What forces might have shaped young Robert into a national hero? Jack Whyte creates a window into Bruce’s world, showing the blood and bone of the man destined to become Scotland’s greatest king.
In 1284, ten-year-old Robert Bruce is witness to an extraordinary gathering of noblemen, including King Edward of Englahd, King Alexander of Scotland, and Lord Angus Mohr MacDonald of Islay. What he learns about the nature of power will change his life forever.
When King Alexander dies without an heir, Scotland falls into chaos. The potential for civil war brings a growing threat of invasion from England as Edward I, young Bruce’s hero and feudal patron, develops an obsession with adding Scotland to England’s crown by conquest.
Bruce soon comes to realize that one man’s hero is another’s villain and that duty to his people trumps all. He will have to resolve the conflicts of his own personal, feudal, and national loyalties to unite Scotland’s warring factions and become its savior.
Presenting an historical account the way Jack Whyte does makes it that much more agreeable if one doesn’t necessarily enjoy reading books full of facts. His narrative breaths life into the dead bones of the past, maybe taking a little creative license here and there, he lays out a fascinating story about a boy who became one of Scotland’s greatest rulers.
I love history, I love fiction, when you put them together—creating what I’ve heard is called Faction—I think that is simply grand.
This work is rather deep in some parts, but I still enjoyed learning a unique perspective of this chaotic time in Scotland’s history.
I’m certain this book will most likely only attract those who are of Scottish descend—like me—or those who simply enjoy reading narratives about the Dark Island and its neighbors.
Jack Whyte was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters for his contribution to Canadian popular fiction—he is Scottish-bred and now lives in British Columbia.
Finishing this intriguing historical fiction, I’ve already ordered another of the books in the series—The Guardian Series—and I’m looking forward to reading that one as soon as possible.
So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: ROBERT THE BRUCE.
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