Worth Dying For

The Bruce Trilogy #2

by N. Gemini Sasson

One day. One battle. Bannockburn, 1314.

The rise of Robert the Bruce. The vengefulness of James Douglas. And the ruin of Edward II.

Robert the Bruce has known nothing but hardship since seizing Scotland’s crown. Parted from his wife and daughter and forced to flee through the Highland wilderness, he struggles to unite a kingdom divided by centuries old blood feuds. The price, however, must be paid in lives and honor.

Falling to temptation, Robert’s only means of redemption -- and to one day win his wife Elizabeth back -- is to forgive those who have wronged him. One by one, Robert must win back Scotland’s clans and castles. The one man who can help him purge the land of English tyranny is the cunning young nobleman, James ‘the Black’ Douglas, who seeks vengeance on those who took both his inheritance and his father’s life.

With the death of Longshanks, Edward II ascends to the throne of England. His first act as king is to recall the banished Piers Gaveston. Too soon, Edward learns that he cannot protect the one he loves most and still preserve his own life and crown. To those who demand the ultimate sacrifice, he must relinquish all power. To have his revenge, he must do what his father never believed him capable of -- defeat Robert the Bruce on the field of battle.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, 14th Century, Historical, Fiction

340 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2010

About the author

Former teacher and track coach. Runner, gardener, dog lover and sometimes farmer. Author of medieval historical fiction: The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer.

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasson's second volume of her Bruce trilogy is as good as the first. Again, I am surprised by her handling of battle and combat scenes. She does not write those scenes like the typical female author. That alone is a compliment to her skill in my mind.

Sasson takes the popular view of Edward II's personality. I had hoped just a little that she might make a nod to some of the uncertainty that exists in actual historical research about Edward. But her story does not suffer and her characters are all well developed, consistent as human beings can be, and true to their context.

The history is good and accurate where Sasson wants it to be and she has the grace to admit that where she departs from good history she does it deliberately.

I'm looking forward to volume 3.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This second book about Robert the Bruce is about him gathering his army to him from all over Scotland. There are many small battles and the book ends with the Battle of Bannockburn (near Stirling) where Robert the Bruce, outnumbered two to one, defeated King Edward II of England. I recommend this book to everyone.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated this book even more than the first, which I very much enjoyed. WORTH DYING FOR takes the reader deeper into the characters, to the point where I felt I knew them all intimately. Not just Robert, ("A sliver of the devil danced upon his tongue...") but James, his loyal and fierce warrior, "The Black Douglas," Edward II (I always want to write "poor Edward,") Piers, Isabella, Thomas Randolph, Elizabeth, Aithin, Robert's brother Edward, Christiania--the seductive yet sad character who seems to know she has no power but what men afford her, and, with just a few perfectly chosen words, the exquisite Lady Rosalind, whom I desperately want to see more of. The scene where Elizabeth is prisoner to Longshanks is chilling. Every one of these characters (and Scotland itself) becomes unforgettable, larger than life, in these pages.

Again and again I marveled at the descriptions and beautiful word choices, which encompass humans, nature, character, love, hatred, and the singular, magical land of Scotland.

Book two is darker than book one. It must have been hard to write of the suffering of both men and beasts, but the author does not flinch away from it. Reading her account, I was left wondering why men follow others into war and I defy the reader to not feel the wretchedness of these men and thus all men who go to war. What makes it "worth dying for." And that is the crux of this book. We see the two sides--the vast army Edward commands by force, threat, fear, and the smaller army commanded by Robert, consisting of men who follow willingly, out of love and honor, who face their deaths believing it means something.

"The new mash of fighters melts into a blur as crazed and complete as a swarm of locusts devouring a field of grain."

One of the things I like least about historical fiction are the descriptions of battles. I expected this to be no different. But it was. I was propelled along, seeing it all so gruesomely vivid in my mind it was like I was there. Especially at Bannockburn. The horror, the gore, the death, the suffering. I could almost smell the blood, and I was able to follow along with what was happening, the ebb and flow of battle. I often get lost in the details other authors employ (The Last of the Amazons, in particular) and come to a point where I simply don't care. I just want to get through it. This never happened in WORTH DYING FOR.

Love is not forgotten, nor glossed over, either. The author explores Robert's love for his wife and daughter, which one might expect, but she also "lays bare" the expert seduction Christiana mets out and the uncontrollable passion Robert feels for Aithin, the love of his childhood.

James, "The Black Douglas," is again an irresistible persona--even more so. He exudes magnetism.

I was impressed with the knowledge this author brings to these stories. I can't imagine the amount of research it took to become so intimately comfortable with all these characters, this era, and these events.



"As I looked out on a sea of faces--their eyes set on the thin strand of tomorrow, their heartbeats echoing with the rhythm of all their yesterdays--I thought surely I looked upon all the sons of Scotland of all the ages there in one place at one time, ready to fight for the very fistful of dirt they were each standing on. And in that I never saw more truth...than to truly live, was to have something worth dying for."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book one, The Crown in the Heather, I was wanting a bit more detail in some parts, where it felt rushed or something, this one delivered in a big way. Wow. The Crown may have been the appetizer, this was definitely the main course and very satisfying. I'm hoping the next in this trilogy, The Honor Due a King will be the dessert.

Sasson fleshes out the characters more, so that the reader gets more emotionally attached. The battle scenes are horrific and Sasson does well at bringing them to life. I was sitting on the edge of my seat during some of them. To break up some tension, there would be humorous banter before a fight that brought a chuckle. Some that reminded me of the sword scenes in Princess Bride, just a shade. Surprisingly, I found myself almost sympathetic of Edward II during his many pity-parties. Now that's good writing! When an author can show all the colors, not just the black and white.

This "main course" does leave room for dessert and I can't wait to read it. Judging by the title, The Honor Due a King, it's going to be really good.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful history lesson. This was an outstanding 2nd book in the trilogy about Robert the Bruce's battles with Edward I and Edward II. The language and descriptions are perfec

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book follows Robert the Bruce as he quests to defeat English and Scottish factions to become King of the Scots. From his younger years learning about war and politics from his grandfather to his assuming the mantle of power, this book is easy to read. This series (this is the second in the trilogy) is what I would call "history lite." It's fiction built on a skeleton framework of facts. If you're interested in this time in English and Scottish history: Edward I, Edward II, Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and more, you'll enjoy this book. Strong characters, strong plot, and good pacing...it's a real page turner.

[Dolly Mastrangelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling

Enjoyable book about Robert the Bruce against King Edward of England. Keeps you on the edge of your seat as the two forces challenge one another. David against Goliath.

[Barbara Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Continuing the saga of the battle between English king Edward ll and the Robert the Bruce, the king of Scotland. So engrossing is the read, I forget to do anything else. Much better than the movie but isn't that the usual case? Onto the #3.

[Darren Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast easy reading, with too much romance

Easy reading and seems historically accurate but I am no expert.
Too much romance for my liking would have preferred more on the politics and battles of the time.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this series. Love King Robert the Bruce and his Scots. No matter the odds, they keep fighting for Scotland. Looking forward to book 3

[Karen Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!!

[Denise Samans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

So far I have read the first and second book in this series. I've enjoyed the historical events and the story wrapped within them!!

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I'm enjoying the series " Bruce Trilogy ". This was good the first one so far is the best. Always find Scottish history fascinating.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth Dying For continues the struggles for the Scottish Crown. Robert Bruce and his companions live to see Scotland live free, while King Edward of England fights to retain control over this errant land. Bruce seeks to unite Scotland to forever by driving the English from Scotland's hills and lochs. He depends on his men, especially James "The Black" Douglas. But Robert aches for his old life, and that of his loved ones. His wife, daughter and two sisters are captives of Edward. His three brothers have forfeited their lives for Robert and his cause. And still there is no end in sight to the bloodshed to free Scotland. Robert is still stuggling to even be able to fight, but is unable to surrender. His heart pines for his wife and child. Though he pushes on, he often wonders if the price of freedom is too high to pay.
James has nothing to lose, but his life. He faithfully follows his king, and never doubts his commander's ability. Fearless in battle, he is a faithful friend and ally.
Edward is stuggling to hold his kingdom and loved ones together, even as he eyes another kingdom. Piers is the love of Edward's life and his true reason for breathing. But Piers is hated by the other jealous nobles. To keep Piers save, Edward would give up his crown.And why must his father mock him from the grave? Has Longshanks not done enough to ridicule Poor Edward.

If Sasson's first book was an introduction to the cast, her second book throws the reader into the soap opera and drama. The fighting and battles quickly start and keep crashing like waves on the loch's shore. My poor Scottish Lords! Wearied to the bone, they must push on.
Like the first book in The Bruce Trilogy, Worth Dying For goes back and forth between Robert, James and Edward's points of view. This allows the reader to see the characters in their full depth and life. Robert, once strong, is now weakened by doubt and loneliness. James becomes a strong and confident leader with a magnetism that draws others to him. Edward snivels and allows himself to be bullied by his subjects and wife. I found myself falling in love with James, all while feeling sympathy for Edward and his lover Piers.
The fighting in this book picks up and becomes the focus. Both sides fight to the death and suffer losses.
The prose in the end of Worth Dying For is lovely and to die for! I felt captured by the spirit of Scotland, like I was standing on the lines at Bannock Burn.
One of my favorite quotes: “And in that I never saw more truth...than to truly live, was to have something worth dying for."
I recommend that you go buy all of these books, you will need them!!!

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bruce Trilogy, the first being The Crown In The Heather. It begins in 1306. The story is told in the first person but by several of the key players in this part of Scottish history. Robert the Bruce has been crowned King of Scotland but, Scotland is splintered into fighting factions as well as constantly invaded by the English who are now, with the death of Longshanks, ruled by Edward II. Robert's wife and daughter have been forced to flee for their lives and have been captured and held by Edward II. It is a tale of war, struggle, endurance, and a will to save and reunite a country torn apart.

Robert tells his part of the story including agony of being unaware of what his wife is going through and his passion for his country and his men. His greatest ally and friend is the young nobleman, James Douglas, often referred to by his enemies as The Black Douglas. James seeks revenge on those who stole his inheritance and who murdered his father. The story he tells is equally as compelling as the story told by Robert, his king.

The third player who also relates his feelings and plans is the villain - England's King Edward II. Edward is incompetent and influenced, as so often happens with weak leaders, by the men he surrounds himself with. We also keep track of what is happening with Robert's wife, Elizabeth, through the chapters narrated by Edward II.

Thus the book is a work of fiction based on fact and happenings that gives the reader insight into what could have been going through the minds of these historical figures as history played out in a time of wars and power struggles. I was struck by just how incredibly miserable the business of war would have been in that time, not that war is ever anything but miserable. If it had not been summer when I read this I am sure I would have read it wrapped in a blanket. Battle weary men enduring cold rain, wet blankets, riding and walking for hours and hours at a time without a dry stitch of clothing... I did feel that it probably gave a very accurate and realistic picture of what that was like.

I like reading about warriors and heroes and Scotland, so this was a good read. I would not want to have lived in that time, but I like to visit there in the pages of a book

[Lonni · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the Scottish enthusiast. Author is quite good at describing the Scottish countryside which is enjoyable.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

$3.99

Robert the Bruce proclaimed himself king of Scotland in 1306, but Scotland wasn’t ready for him any more than the English were ready to let him be king of Scotland. His wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Marjorie, were held prisoner first by Edward and then Edward II. The Scots had to be won over person by person, clan by clan in this story (taking place from 1306-1314) of Scotland’s continuing fight for independence, for life, for freedom, something that they have learned is worth dying for. This story is told through three different points of view, those being Robert the Bruce, James Douglas, and Edward II. It wasn’t difficult to tell when Edward was sharing the story, but the “voices” of King Robert and James Douglas were more similar. Edward II didn’t even to come close to having his father’s skill in leading his army even though there were four times as many English as Scots. The Scots were loyal because they chose to whereas the English had to be bribed. You know what will last although Edward II didn’t get that. King Robert did and in the end against all odds was triumphant.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Robert Bruce is still fighting for Scotland's freedom from King Edward II's rule. His men are injured and starving, but are still going to fight for what is rightfully theirs. King Edward II of England is having troubles of his own with the nobles of England that are suppose to be supporting him. In the battle of Bannockburn, Robert has finally United the feuding clans of Scotland in order to fight their English foe. Robert's wife and daughter are still being held captive by Edward in London. Robert has had to do many things that test his honor in order to gain small Scottish victories, yet still believes in honor above all.

I have already ordered the third and last book in this series and look forward to the conclusion of this epic historical confrontation between Scotland and England.

[Jackie Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Robert the Bruce series by Sasson, this one covers the 8 year struggle for Scotland's struggle for independence from England in the early 14th century. Told from the points of view of the major characters (Robert the Bruce, James Douglas and Edward II of England), the novel covers the bloody war if independence, major battle by battle, of the Scots. The battle scenes are bloody and explicit, and one has a clear idea of the sacrifices and difficult lives of soldiers who fight for their freedom. This series is definitely worth reading by any lover of English/Scottish history.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow again! this the 2nd in The Bruce Trilogy is just as good albeit in a different way. We hear much more from King Edward and James Douglas than in the first installment and there is much more in terms of court politics and battle strategy. There is little in terms of relationship altho this edition does delve into the relationship between Isabella and Edward from Edward's POV. This book ends with the Scots spanking of the Brits at Bannockburn. As I stated in my previous review the history in this is amazing. Having some Scots in me myself I found this absolutely fascinating.

[tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, 4.5 stars. Very well written. Well-defined and vibrant writing — considering how murky historical fiction literature can be when dealing with so many characters, titles, countries, wars, and OMG…the tangled blood relations that are beyond what we would consider a complicated family tree these days.
If it wasn't for another author, Sharon Penman, being the master storyteller of this genre, I would easily have rated it 5 stars.

(This is the second book of the "The Bruce Trilogy.")

[Faith Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth Dying For: the fight for freedom continues

This is the second book in the Robert the Bruce trilogy. It continues the story of his fight for the freedom of Scotland from British domination. This is an objective retelling of this well-known history. It is entertaining reading, and as far as I can telll, historically accurate and not too exaggerated. I look forward to reading the third book, to find out how the story ends.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last of the trilogy about Robert the Bruce, and I thoroughly enjoyed all three. I was not used to different characters having different chapters from their voice, but it was worth getting used to. I already have her "4th" in the series, Isabeau, in my Kindle. I appreciate the pictures she painted of the time, and to learn more about these giants of the past, as well as their burrs.

[♫Angielee♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of The Bruce Trilogy really builds on the characters. You really get to know them better and start to feel that you know each one personally.

Robert the Bruce, James "The Black" Douglas, King Edward II,

Very important battles are fought in this book and the author does a wonderful job of describing them.

[Nicole Gerrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a worthy successor to the first one in the series and I got my wish of more details about the political maneuvering of Robert the Bruce an James Douglas. Can't wait to read the last one in the series

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of a trilogy I am enjoying very much. Sasson is an excellent writer, engaging and well writen this book is worthy of reading for shear enjoyment. Parts are fictious and parts are fact, but an very good read.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #2 in Robert The Bruce Trilogy. It's a great book if you enjoy historical fiction like I do. It is historically correct and that's important! So many characters interweave together during this turbulent time in history.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the trilogy. I liked the way the author bent the history only a bit to enhance the story. As a child I had gone to the cave where Robert the Bruce had been inspired by the spider but was not aware of his part in Scottish history until I read these books.

[Phyllis Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of The Bruce trilogy, Worth Dying For, was just as good as the first. I can't say how much I love this author. Her books are so easy to read. I can't put them down. I'm looking forward to reading the next.

[g. hARRISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read

Third book already ordered. So well written in my humble opinion. Well paced with superbly descriptive passages. A joy to read, even though I am an Englishman !