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The Insurrection Trilogy #3
Kingdom: Insurrection Trilogy Book 3 by Robyn Young
Published in the year of the 700th anniversary of a pivotal event in Scottish history - the Battle of Bannockburn - comes the conclusion of Robyn Young's epic trilogy about Robert the Bruce, one of history's greatest rebels.
An epic story comes to a thrilling climax as Robert the Bruce nears the fulfilment of his destiny.
Robert has achieved his great ambition to be crowned King of Scotland, but in so doing has provoked the wrath of Edward of England. Raising the feared dragon banner, the English king marches north, determined to recapture the kingdom.
But the English are not Robert's only enemies. By murdering his great rival, John Comyn, he has split the kingdom apart and with his forces depleted and many of his own countrymen turned against him, Robert is forced to flee into the wilderness. He has a crown, but no country, the will to lead, but no real authority.
The road before him is all but impossible, with treachery and heartbreak at every turn, but Robert must try slowly, surely, to regain the military advantage and the respect of a nation.
Fighting from hidden strongholds and the Western Isles, with the support of a few brave men and the alluring noblewoman, Christiana, Robert drives towards the place where he will meet Edward II and decide the future of Scotland, in an epic confrontation near the village of Bannockburn.
An epic story comes to a thrilling climax as Robert the Bruce nears the fulfilment of his destiny.
Robert has achieved his great ambition to be crowned King of Scotland, but in so doing has provoked the wrath of Edward of England. Raising the feared dragon banner, the English king marches north, determined to recapture the kingdom.
But the English are not Robert's only enemies. By murdering his great rival, John Comyn, he has split the kingdom apart and with his forces depleted and many of his own countrymen turned against him, Robert is forced to flee into the wilderness. He has a crown, but no country, the will to lead, but no real authority.
The road before him is all but impossible, with treachery and heartbreak at every turn, but Robert must try slowly, surely, to regain the military advantage and the respect of a nation.
Fighting from hidden strongholds and the Western Isles, with the support of a few brave men and the alluring noblewoman, Christiana, Robert drives towards the place where he will meet Edward II and decide the future of Scotland, in an epic confrontation near the village of Bannockburn.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Robyn Young
38 books490 followersRobyn Young is the Sunday Times bestselling author of the BRETHREN and INSURRECTION trilogies and the NEW WORLD RISING series. She also writes crime thrillers as Erin Young.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 11, 2022
Read this book in 2014, and its the 3rd and final volume of the excellent "Insurrection" trilogy.
In this tale Robert the Bruce has achieved his goal and is crowned King of Scotland, but enemies within are massing especially after the Bruce's murder of John Comyn, and not to forget on the other side of the border King Edward II, the weak son of the formidable King Edward I, is looking for chances to invade Scotland.
With Scotland divided and King Robert the Bruce on the run to the Western Isles, Scotland is open for invasion, the only way for Robert the Bruce to authorise his Kingship is to lead from the front, and from the Western Isles, supported by the formidable noblewoman, Christiana, and a few brave men, he will enter Scotland to hold the throne and show that he can be a leader to all the Scots.
The ultimate confrontation for Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland against the forces of King Edward II of England will take place in the year AD 1314 at a place called Bannockburn, and there Robert the Bruce will defeat the the English and finally establish his Kingdom once and for all Scots.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific last outing to this amazing trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Kingdom Conclusion"!
In this tale Robert the Bruce has achieved his goal and is crowned King of Scotland, but enemies within are massing especially after the Bruce's murder of John Comyn, and not to forget on the other side of the border King Edward II, the weak son of the formidable King Edward I, is looking for chances to invade Scotland.
With Scotland divided and King Robert the Bruce on the run to the Western Isles, Scotland is open for invasion, the only way for Robert the Bruce to authorise his Kingship is to lead from the front, and from the Western Isles, supported by the formidable noblewoman, Christiana, and a few brave men, he will enter Scotland to hold the throne and show that he can be a leader to all the Scots.
The ultimate confrontation for Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland against the forces of King Edward II of England will take place in the year AD 1314 at a place called Bannockburn, and there Robert the Bruce will defeat the the English and finally establish his Kingdom once and for all Scots.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific last outing to this amazing trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Kingdom Conclusion"!
October 27, 2014
Oddly, I had mixed feelings when I finally got to open this last instalment in Robyn Young's Insurrection Trilogy.
The first in the series, Insurrection, is one of my favourite books and reading it was a real highlight of my 2013 reading year, but there is no escaping the fact that this is a trilogy, and if you know anything about the Robert the Bruce story, and the Wars of Scottish Independence, then you will know some of the highs and lows of this book, and this trilogy as a whole.
My mixed feelings were these. Sadness, excitement, reluctance.
Sadness, knowing it was all going to come to an end. I had waited so patiently for this book's release. Was thrilled to the bone to find myself alone with it on a quiet evening. But I was still a little sad to see the story reach its zenith.
Excitement, as this is a story – so much of it based in fact - of many climaxes. You do not have to wait for this final book for major historical events to unfold.
The battles, the betrayals, the demise of William Wallace, the unimaginable and unjustifiable crimes against the Bruce's friends and family. There is not one book in this series that does not have one or more of these poignant moments in British and Scottish history as its backbone. But in Kingdom, you have one of the biggest. You have Bannockburn
Reluctance, because this is not a series. This is a trilogy. The bucks stops here, folks, and if you got attached, prepare yourself for it all to end. There are no more after this one. The story has concluded.
I so often see authors writing long winded series' when they could have written a trilogy. I took comfort in knowing that this was not going to happen here. These magnificently written Insurrection books would wind up with book three.
There were enough important and fascinating events happening during this period of time that the author could have quite easily made the books shorter and stretched them into six books, but why would she do that, when she can turn them into a powerful trilogy? Each book an epic in their own right?
I for one, am glad this author has the guts to write epic books and complete them in the third instalment. It is truly refreshing and I can not wait for her next trilogy. I will devour them as readily as I have devoured these.
The first in the series, Insurrection, is one of my favourite books and reading it was a real highlight of my 2013 reading year, but there is no escaping the fact that this is a trilogy, and if you know anything about the Robert the Bruce story, and the Wars of Scottish Independence, then you will know some of the highs and lows of this book, and this trilogy as a whole.
My mixed feelings were these. Sadness, excitement, reluctance.
Sadness, knowing it was all going to come to an end. I had waited so patiently for this book's release. Was thrilled to the bone to find myself alone with it on a quiet evening. But I was still a little sad to see the story reach its zenith.
Excitement, as this is a story – so much of it based in fact - of many climaxes. You do not have to wait for this final book for major historical events to unfold.
The battles, the betrayals, the demise of William Wallace, the unimaginable and unjustifiable crimes against the Bruce's friends and family. There is not one book in this series that does not have one or more of these poignant moments in British and Scottish history as its backbone. But in Kingdom, you have one of the biggest. You have Bannockburn
Reluctance, because this is not a series. This is a trilogy. The bucks stops here, folks, and if you got attached, prepare yourself for it all to end. There are no more after this one. The story has concluded.
I so often see authors writing long winded series' when they could have written a trilogy. I took comfort in knowing that this was not going to happen here. These magnificently written Insurrection books would wind up with book three.
There were enough important and fascinating events happening during this period of time that the author could have quite easily made the books shorter and stretched them into six books, but why would she do that, when she can turn them into a powerful trilogy? Each book an epic in their own right?
I for one, am glad this author has the guts to write epic books and complete them in the third instalment. It is truly refreshing and I can not wait for her next trilogy. I will devour them as readily as I have devoured these.
January 11, 2018
Robyn Young knows how to write battle scenes!!! For as much as I knew the trajectory of Robert the Bruce's final push to secure the throne, I was completely caught up in the changing alliances, the treacherous topography, the evolving battle plans, the human price to this Scottish Kingdom!
This series was a great read for HF fans and those of us with Scots blood beating hard in our hearts!!
This series was a great read for HF fans and those of us with Scots blood beating hard in our hearts!!
December 28, 2022
“Voltaire is thought to have said, ‘history is the lie commonly agreed upon’, and when dealing with the life of Robert Bruce that statement often seems to ring true.” Robyn Young has pieced together a narrative based on many accounts and because of the medieval period and related works available, has had to make some choices, and motivations based on blank spots in history or because of contentious records. Don’t get me wrong though - she has written a solid telling of Robert Bruce’s life. As in the previous two books in the trilogy, her bibliography is lengthy and impressive. She studied everything she could get her hands on, and travelled to various location in and around Scotland to research the sites and speak to historians.
I was quickly swept up with the current of Robert Bruce’s rise in this novel. At times I couldn’t put the book down. I was curious how Robyn Young was going to lay out Bruce’s life in this final instalment of the trilogy. Bannockburn quickly approached as I was nearing the end. I was worried if this was the end of the novel, how she would explain the rest of Robert Bruce’s life. Those thoughts were laid to rest as the life, legacy, and kingdom were explained beautifully.
If you are interested in the life of Robert Bruce, the Scottish War of Independence, Edward I, James Douglas, the Comyns, or anyone/anything else related, I highly recommend this trilogy. The narrative is expertly told, and it really feels like you’re there.
I was quickly swept up with the current of Robert Bruce’s rise in this novel. At times I couldn’t put the book down. I was curious how Robyn Young was going to lay out Bruce’s life in this final instalment of the trilogy. Bannockburn quickly approached as I was nearing the end. I was worried if this was the end of the novel, how she would explain the rest of Robert Bruce’s life. Those thoughts were laid to rest as the life, legacy, and kingdom were explained beautifully.
If you are interested in the life of Robert Bruce, the Scottish War of Independence, Edward I, James Douglas, the Comyns, or anyone/anything else related, I highly recommend this trilogy. The narrative is expertly told, and it really feels like you’re there.
March 10, 2019
This trilogy was fantastic. Plenty of bloodshed, gore and changing loyalties. Enjoyed every chapter.
October 1, 2025
A satisfying final part to the trilogy. Really appreciate seeing everything going on in both kingdoms throughout this book. Gave all characters a lot more depth and investment in their causes. As well as giving readers investment in all their lives regardless of loyalties. Robyn Young has done such an excellent job of turning history into a semi-fictional tale. Can really tell the research has supported such an empathetic retelling. Will look to read more from her in the future.
January 28, 2021
Rijk gedetailleerde roman over de strijd tussen Engeland en Schotland in de 14e eeuw. Laatste deel van een trilogie. Naar mijn mening is deel drie het beste
Het kostte me bij deze trilogie veel moeite om in het verhaal te komen, misschien door de vele namen. En daar ben ik slecht in. Ik kreeg echter wel een goed beeld van het leven in die tijd. Als je van historische romans houdt, is dit boek zeker een aanrader.
Het kostte me bij deze trilogie veel moeite om in het verhaal te komen, misschien door de vele namen. En daar ben ik slecht in. Ik kreeg echter wel een goed beeld van het leven in die tijd. Als je van historische romans houdt, is dit boek zeker een aanrader.
September 29, 2015
If there’s one thing that author Robyn Young has excelled at with Kingdom, it’s the sheer attention to detail that many writers of historical fiction would do well to learn from. If ever you wish to be dropped into the muck and mire, and pure visceral experience of what life was like in years gone by, complete with sights, sounds, smells and all the attendant discomfort, Young achieves this in bucketloads.
In Kingdom, she ties together the final conflicts faced by Scotland’s King Robert Bruce, as he struggles against the English King Edward, and strives for a united, independent Scotland. Consequently, it’s easy to see where so much of the enmity between the two nations stems from, and both sides have blood on their hands and treachery staining their souls.
Edward’s hunt for Robert drives the Scottish king close to his end so many times, it’s almost impossible to believe that Robert’s tenacity resulted in his survival. That he was able to bounce back at all is a miracle. Yet so history would lead us to believe, and this epic is brought to life in Kingdom in a way that is gripping.
That being said, the very qualities of this story that deliver such a vivid tableau of a Robert’s struggles are the very things that hamper it. I found it difficult to relate to any of the large cast of characters precisely because Young was attempting to paint in such broad strokes. Her voice is very much omniscient, which kept me from immersing in the story nor feeling any particular emotional investment.
People die, horribly and often in most gruesome fashions, yet I couldn’t bring myself to care for their deaths. In Young’s intention to capture the bigger picture, she has, unfortunately had to sacrifice the engagement with narrative arcs in favour of interpretation of the greater events. That being said, this is still a thrilling read with some interesting assessments that will no doubt give history buffs much to consider. Those who’re not completely au fait with the history of the British Isles and who haven’t read the preceding two books may, however, find all the name-dropping and references to past events bewildering, though savvy readers will jump right in and be swept away by the turmoil.
In Kingdom, she ties together the final conflicts faced by Scotland’s King Robert Bruce, as he struggles against the English King Edward, and strives for a united, independent Scotland. Consequently, it’s easy to see where so much of the enmity between the two nations stems from, and both sides have blood on their hands and treachery staining their souls.
Edward’s hunt for Robert drives the Scottish king close to his end so many times, it’s almost impossible to believe that Robert’s tenacity resulted in his survival. That he was able to bounce back at all is a miracle. Yet so history would lead us to believe, and this epic is brought to life in Kingdom in a way that is gripping.
That being said, the very qualities of this story that deliver such a vivid tableau of a Robert’s struggles are the very things that hamper it. I found it difficult to relate to any of the large cast of characters precisely because Young was attempting to paint in such broad strokes. Her voice is very much omniscient, which kept me from immersing in the story nor feeling any particular emotional investment.
People die, horribly and often in most gruesome fashions, yet I couldn’t bring myself to care for their deaths. In Young’s intention to capture the bigger picture, she has, unfortunately had to sacrifice the engagement with narrative arcs in favour of interpretation of the greater events. That being said, this is still a thrilling read with some interesting assessments that will no doubt give history buffs much to consider. Those who’re not completely au fait with the history of the British Isles and who haven’t read the preceding two books may, however, find all the name-dropping and references to past events bewildering, though savvy readers will jump right in and be swept away by the turmoil.
January 3, 2018
An absolute corker of a novel! Beautifully written, it brings history alive through its characters, all of whom seem very real. As for its depiction of the battle of Bannockburn - outstanding. For me, though, what I enjoyed most of all were the relationships between these people, none of which were straightforward or easy and they're the richer for it.
November 7, 2014
This is a well written and very interesting novel but I found it became tedious in the middle with the endless battles and surmounting deaths on both sides. But the basic struggles of Edward I and Robert Bruce were well presented.
April 15, 2018
Μάάάάάλιστα!!
Πάει η τριλογία Insurrection της Robyn Young! Όλα τα ωραία κάποτε τελειώνουν!
Όπως είχα γράψει και στις αξιολογήσεις των προηγούμενων βιβλίων της σειράς, η τριλογία αυτή αποτελεί ουσιαστικά ένα βιβλίο και όχι τρία διαφορετικά! Άρα και το τρίτο βιβλίο, το Kingdom δηλαδή, αποτελεί μία ιστορική νουβέλα με ήρωα το Robert Bruce!
Παρόλα αυτά, αν και στα δύο πρώτα βιβλία έβαλα 5 αστεράκια χωρίς κανέναν ενδοιασμό, εδώ δυσκολεύτηκα λίγο. Ο λόγος είναι σχετικά απλός. Όπως και στα προηγούμενα βιβλία, η συγγραφέας προτίμησε να προσπαθήσει να καλύψει σε αυτή την τριλογία όλα τα βασικά γεγονότα της ζωής του Robert Bruce από την παιδική του ηλικία έως τη Μάχη του Bannockburn, η οποία αποτέλεσε την κρισιμότερη στιγμή σε ό,τι αφορά τους αγώνες για την ανεξαρτησία της Σκωτίας. Αυτό, όμως, έχει ως συνέπεια να χάσουν τα βιβλία (ιδίως το τελευταίο) τη συνέχεια και τη συνοχή τους. Τα ονόματα των ευγενών, τα οποία είναι αμέτρητα, καθώς και οι συνεχόμενες αλλαγές στρατοπέδων δυσκολεύουν την ανάγνωση. Παρόλα αυτά, το βιβλίο δεν αποτυγχάνει να βυθίσει τον αναγνώστη μέσα στην ιστορία προσφέροντας καθηλωτικές εξιστορήσεις των μαχών, πλούσιες ��εριγραφές των τοπίων και απαράμιλλες σκιαγραφήσεις των χαρακτήρων. Ξεφεύγει τελείως από όλα εκείνα τα μυθιστορήματα που προσπαθούν να ωραιοποιήσουν την εποχή του Μεσαίωνα δίνοντας έμφαση στο ρομαντισμό και την ευγένεια των ιπποτών. Όχι. Στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία του 14ου αιώνα κυριαρχούσε η μοναρχία, η φεουδαρχία, η προδοσία, η βαρβαρότητα και η βρώμα! Πολλή βρώμα, ρε φίλε! Έτσι απλά!
Αφήνοντας ένα δάκρυ να κυλήσει, κλείνω την τριλογία Insurrection της Robyn Young και πάμε για άλλα!
Πάει η τριλογία Insurrection της Robyn Young! Όλα τα ωραία κάποτε τελειώνουν!
Όπως είχα γράψει και στις αξιολογήσεις των προηγούμενων βιβλίων της σειράς, η τριλογία αυτή αποτελεί ουσιαστικά ένα βιβλίο και όχι τρία διαφορετικά! Άρα και το τρίτο βιβλίο, το Kingdom δηλαδή, αποτελεί μία ιστορική νουβέλα με ήρωα το Robert Bruce!
Παρόλα αυτά, αν και στα δύο πρώτα βιβλία έβαλα 5 αστεράκια χωρίς κανέναν ενδοιασμό, εδώ δυσκολεύτηκα λίγο. Ο λόγος είναι σχετικά απλός. Όπως και στα προηγούμενα βιβλία, η συγγραφέας προτίμησε να προσπαθήσει να καλύψει σε αυτή την τριλογία όλα τα βασικά γεγονότα της ζωής του Robert Bruce από την παιδική του ηλικία έως τη Μάχη του Bannockburn, η οποία αποτέλεσε την κρισιμότερη στιγμή σε ό,τι αφορά τους αγώνες για την ανεξαρτησία της Σκωτίας. Αυτό, όμως, έχει ως συνέπεια να χάσουν τα βιβλία (ιδίως το τελευταίο) τη συνέχεια και τη συνοχή τους. Τα ονόματα των ευγενών, τα οποία είναι αμέτρητα, καθώς και οι συνεχόμενες αλλαγές στρατοπέδων δυσκολεύουν την ανάγνωση. Παρόλα αυτά, το βιβλίο δεν αποτυγχάνει να βυθίσει τον αναγνώστη μέσα στην ιστορία προσφέροντας καθηλωτικές εξιστορήσεις των μαχών, πλούσιες ��εριγραφές των τοπίων και απαράμιλλες σκιαγραφήσεις των χαρακτήρων. Ξεφεύγει τελείως από όλα εκείνα τα μυθιστορήματα που προσπαθούν να ωραιοποιήσουν την εποχή του Μεσαίωνα δίνοντας έμφαση στο ρομαντισμό και την ευγένεια των ιπποτών. Όχι. Στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία του 14ου αιώνα κυριαρχούσε η μοναρχία, η φεουδαρχία, η προδοσία, η βαρβαρότητα και η βρώμα! Πολλή βρώμα, ρε φίλε! Έτσι απλά!
Αφήνοντας ένα δάκρυ να κυλήσει, κλείνω την τριλογία Insurrection της Robyn Young και πάμε για άλλα!
February 12, 2018
A brilliant end to the trilogy. Really engrossing - I've been reading it in every spare moment I could get. There are a lot of supporting characters to keep track of, but by now we know most of them from the first two novels and Young does a good job distinguishing them so we never get confused about who is who.
I like the fact that we see events from both sides, both the English and Scottish perspective and we understand the historical context of the various alliances etc. I also like that Robert Bruce is portrayed in a balanced way - his faults and doubts as well as his successes. Obviously, the author has researched deeply into this era - and notes at the back of the book explain in detail what is recorded historical fact and what has been added or remains unknown.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series.
I like the fact that we see events from both sides, both the English and Scottish perspective and we understand the historical context of the various alliances etc. I also like that Robert Bruce is portrayed in a balanced way - his faults and doubts as well as his successes. Obviously, the author has researched deeply into this era - and notes at the back of the book explain in detail what is recorded historical fact and what has been added or remains unknown.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series.
July 20, 2021
Derde deel uit de trilogie rond Robert Bruce en de onafhankelijkheidsoorlog van Schotland. Robert heeft zichzelf tot koning gekroond en gaat de strijd aan: eerst met zijn Schotse tegenstanders en daarna met Engeland tot de finale veldslag bij Bannockburn.
Dit derde deel omvat vele, uitvoerig beschreven veldslagen en belegeringen. Maar ik kreeg soms het gevoel van "te veel is te veel". Op de duur weet je niet meer in welke veldslag je beland bent en dat haalt het ritme van het verhaal wat onderuit. Gelukkig dat in het tweede deel het verhaal terug meer opgepikt wordt. Maar voor de rest vond ik de trilogie een indrukwekkend ridderepos.
Dit derde deel omvat vele, uitvoerig beschreven veldslagen en belegeringen. Maar ik kreeg soms het gevoel van "te veel is te veel". Op de duur weet je niet meer in welke veldslag je beland bent en dat haalt het ritme van het verhaal wat onderuit. Gelukkig dat in het tweede deel het verhaal terug meer opgepikt wordt. Maar voor de rest vond ik de trilogie een indrukwekkend ridderepos.
February 11, 2020
A good story well written dealing with the Rebellion of Robert the Bruce and his rise to be King of Scotland.
The characters are well written with some historical licence but it primarily deals with the facts from the Methven Forest up to and after Bannock Burn. It deals with all of the major incidents and also gives an insight into how political struggles within a country can weaken it against invasion and occupation,
The characters are well written with some historical licence but it primarily deals with the facts from the Methven Forest up to and after Bannock Burn. It deals with all of the major incidents and also gives an insight into how political struggles within a country can weaken it against invasion and occupation,
September 13, 2020
Book three of the trilogy and I felt it stepped up a level from Book Two. The narrative on both sides intrigued and it culminated in Bannockburn. Robert was clearly a man destined to be king and the last novel wove its path to that end game superbly. Robyn Young has delivered once more. Historical fiction, well written and engaging.
January 17, 2023
I took longer to read this than the earlier volumes; the history of it is a harder, denser journey.
The image of an overarching gloom stuck through much of the book. Even knowing the end state, so many losses paved the road with pessimism.
I don't think I would or could pick up the story here. Start with the beginning; it really is all one piece.
The image of an overarching gloom stuck through much of the book. Even knowing the end state, so many losses paved the road with pessimism.
I don't think I would or could pick up the story here. Start with the beginning; it really is all one piece.
August 27, 2017
The third of the series, Kingdom seemed a bit disjointed compared to its predecessors. It sort of seemed like Ms. Young wanted to be done with it by the end. Still a solid read but, in my opinion, didn't quite meet the aspirations of the prior books in the series.
January 9, 2019
Haven't felt so attached to a story or its characters, in years. Brutal, real, interesting. Excellently written. Great details and background information. It's a must read for any fan of medieval history.
February 21, 2021
Insurrection trilogy is well worth reading Kingdom the last book in the series and the best I’ve given it 5*. I hope New World Rising Series will be as good, would love to know if it is going to be a trilogy.
November 21, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable
If this is not how it happened it should have been . I was engrossed from the start of the trilogy until the end . Anyone who enjoys a really good story of struggle and victory will enjoy this , no matter your nationality.
If this is not how it happened it should have been . I was engrossed from the start of the trilogy until the end . Anyone who enjoys a really good story of struggle and victory will enjoy this , no matter your nationality.
December 14, 2017
It was okay, a decent end to the trilogy.
I found the entire trilogy a bit dull but that may be due to my familiarity with the story of Robert the Bruce rather than the writing.
I found the entire trilogy a bit dull but that may be due to my familiarity with the story of Robert the Bruce rather than the writing.
June 29, 2018
Very absorbing trilogy , lots of holes carefully filled in and then explained at the end by the author , well worth the read
July 4, 2019
Fantastic final book in the trilogy.
September 23, 2020
It was an alright end to the series. Depressing then triumphant - but then so was the history.
July 5, 2024
Rather dry and academic for historical fiction novel. Perhaps because it's been extrapolated from fact the author takes the tale the very seriously.
March 11, 2025
Even though I knew the ending would be sad, there were enough high points and victories to keep me going. Well-written, sad to leave the world of Robert the Bruce behind.
June 21, 2025
Great start of a trilogy...but I didn't get to the other 2 books.
March 16, 2017
I am so sad that was is trilogy has come to an end! I think it is my first time reading a historical fiction series, but I absolutely loved this trilogy! It was a great story. The author too a sketchy legend and added a really great narrative to it. There were some great characters that I loved, some I detested. I didn't always love the so-called hero of the piece but you can sympathize with his decisions given the circumstances. The descriptions of the battle scenes were so gorey and specific, I loved it!
I can't wait to get my hands on the other series written by Young about the Crusades.
I can't wait to get my hands on the other series written by Young about the Crusades.
October 10, 2014
I have been eagerly waiting for this book and just devoured it - as quickly and greedily as the other two in the trilogy. That it's publication was held until the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn (which also coincided with the Scottish Independence referendum.....) may have been a bit of marketing ploy and held me up from reading it but no matter. The book lived up to my expectations.
The third book in the trilogy takes us through the lowest point of Robert Bruce's reign as the Scottish King when the English were routing him and the Scottish people were not supporting him. It tells the tale of the pivotal battle at Loudon Hill where Bruce managed to inflict a major thrashing to the English, led by Aymer de Valance (and, interestingly, where William Wallace's dad was left to die by the English years before) giving him much needed self confidence and arousing much support from the Scottish people. It culminates at the battle of Bannockburn where the English were roundly beaten and sent on their way. All of told in gruesome detail which I suspect Robyn rather enjoys writing and with meticulous attention to historical fact. We learn about Edward 1 and his death (from consumption?) and the indifference of his son, Edward 2, to anything other than his boyfriend. I suspect that Robert Bruce was successful not solely due to his ability to lead the Scottish People and be their King (though he certainly was that) but in very big part to the impact Edward 2 had on the English court and all the in fighting they got up to trying to sort out the problems with the young English King. That and London is a very long way from Sterling if you are going to march many thousand foot soldiers and wear armour and chain mail on yourself and your horse. The logistics, the support, the exhaustion the cost of just getting to the battle site. It's no wonder Bruce won.
This trilogy is worth putting in the same place as Lord of the Rings - it has all the same elements and the writing is a joy to read - and on the must read list for all Scots interested in their history.
The third book in the trilogy takes us through the lowest point of Robert Bruce's reign as the Scottish King when the English were routing him and the Scottish people were not supporting him. It tells the tale of the pivotal battle at Loudon Hill where Bruce managed to inflict a major thrashing to the English, led by Aymer de Valance (and, interestingly, where William Wallace's dad was left to die by the English years before) giving him much needed self confidence and arousing much support from the Scottish people. It culminates at the battle of Bannockburn where the English were roundly beaten and sent on their way. All of told in gruesome detail which I suspect Robyn rather enjoys writing and with meticulous attention to historical fact. We learn about Edward 1 and his death (from consumption?) and the indifference of his son, Edward 2, to anything other than his boyfriend. I suspect that Robert Bruce was successful not solely due to his ability to lead the Scottish People and be their King (though he certainly was that) but in very big part to the impact Edward 2 had on the English court and all the in fighting they got up to trying to sort out the problems with the young English King. That and London is a very long way from Sterling if you are going to march many thousand foot soldiers and wear armour and chain mail on yourself and your horse. The logistics, the support, the exhaustion the cost of just getting to the battle site. It's no wonder Bruce won.
This trilogy is worth putting in the same place as Lord of the Rings - it has all the same elements and the writing is a joy to read - and on the must read list for all Scots interested in their history.
April 20, 2016
I did like this book a fair amount, so three stars isn't bad, but I just couldn't give it four. As the final book in the trilogy, one would expect it to be the most exciting, what with the culmination of all the previous books and things like that. But I actually found it to be the most boring, especially the beginning third or so. And even later in the book, it rarely picked up the pace and instead seemed to plod along as if we weren't reading about one of the most interesting historical characters.
It really surprised me what was cut out. I'm definitely not one to enjoy books filled with battle after battle Alyssa a la Bernard Cornwall, but this one cut out several years of battles between 1310 and 1314, and then ended with the battle of Bannockburn, instead of discussing the decades of fighting that came after. I'm not insinuating the author should have included every single battle, but considering how boring much of the story was, especially the parts from Elizabeth's and Humphrey's points of view, she could have spiced it up by including a few more exciting scenes.
All of this being said, I did still enjoy the book and the series as a whole, but I wish I had it as an audiobook instead of an e-book since I think it would have been an easier read that way.
It really surprised me what was cut out. I'm definitely not one to enjoy books filled with battle after battle Alyssa a la Bernard Cornwall, but this one cut out several years of battles between 1310 and 1314, and then ended with the battle of Bannockburn, instead of discussing the decades of fighting that came after. I'm not insinuating the author should have included every single battle, but considering how boring much of the story was, especially the parts from Elizabeth's and Humphrey's points of view, she could have spiced it up by including a few more exciting scenes.
All of this being said, I did still enjoy the book and the series as a whole, but I wish I had it as an audiobook instead of an e-book since I think it would have been an easier read that way.
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