Eighteen-year-old James Douglas can only watch, helpless, as the Scottish freedom fighter, William Wallace, is hanged, drawn, and quartered. Even under the heel of a brutal English conqueror, James’s blood-drenched homeland may still have one hope for freedom, the rightful king of the Scots, Robert the Bruce. James swears fealty to the man he believes can lead the fight against English tyranny.… tyranny.
The Bruce is soon a fugitive, king in name and nothing more. Scotland is occupied, the Scottish resistance crushed. The woman James loves is captured and imprisoned. Yet James believes their cause is not lost. With driving determination, he blazes a path in blood and violence, in cunning and ruthlessness as he wages a guerrilla war to restore Scotland’s freedom. James knows that he risks sharing Wallace’s fate, but what he truly fears is that he has become as merciless as the conqueror he fights.
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I enjoy Historical Fiction.
Great book on Scottish life in past history
Much too violent and graphic, which I realize is part of Scotland’s history but not something I can read for “entertainment”.
Good fiction based on the Scottish struggle for independence. A little slow in places.
Informative with wonderful characters.
very interesting and informative. L looked up information on the rest of the life of The Black Knight. He accomplished much in his lifetime.
Good action but not much character development.
I haven’t quite finished reading but it really is a good read
A wonderful ride into the English and Scottish countrysides, with lots of historical events and places woven into the story. I was drawn into the life of the main character, and craved revenge from the English for all that was done to him and his country. A good read.
I am now reading everything I can find by this author, great characters, historically informative.
And a real page turner.
Although it was based on historical characters and events, I suspected that the hero, James Douglas, in particular, was portrayed without much concern for what he was really like. I was disappointed that the book didn’t really end but just stopped. I realize it was the first of a series, but still. Nonetheless it was exciting to read.
The plot grabs you making it hard to stop reading.
J.R. Tomlin has yet to write a book that doesn’t completely grip me. A historical story of Scotland’s battle against the ruthless King Edward “Longshanks” of England, graphically recounted through the character James Douglas.
James earned his knighthood by saving the life of Robert the Bruce and became a trusted fighter who becomes a formidable …
Good insight into the history of Scotland-England conflict, and akso a good read.
Tomlin did his research on the period and it is reflected in the interesting details of the narrative. The adventurers of the protagonist are an entertaining read, and the character development is well-done. There are couple of fairly explicit steamy scenes that should steer a young teen away .otherwise it is entirely appropriate book for the teen …
Very entertaining historical novel of special interest to Scottish history enthusiasts
Awesome look at the Scot’s beyond William Wallace.
I enjoyed learning about the ascension of Robert the Bruce to become King of Scotland in the early 1300’s and the battles with the forces of Edward Longshanks. Gritty, realistic and provided a good outline of the battles between the clans. A period of history that I have not read about much.
I liked reading about this book because after doing my family tree on Ancestry – I found I have Douglas ancestors. I love history and enjoy stories of Scotland and Robert the Bruce. Good story. Would like to read more from this author.
For people who loved the movie “Braveheart” this book is a must!