The Bruce Trilogy: The Steps to the Empty Throne / The Path of the Hero King / The Price of the King's Peace

Robert the Bruce #1-3

by Nigel Tranter

Hero or traitor? King or outlaw? Discover the life of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce in this thrilling trilogy.

Master storyteller Nigel Tranter tells the tale of the legendary warrior, and future King of Scots. Tutored and encouraged by William Wallace, Robert the Bruce determined to continue the fight for an independent Scotland, sustained by a passionate love for his land.

This edition collects together Steps to the Empty Throne , Price of the King's Peace and Path of the Hero King , from the master of Scottish historical fiction.

Praise for Nigel

'One of Scotland's most prolific and respected writers' Times

'Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes' Scotland on Sunday

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

1056 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Jan-Maat]

Solid historical fiction, interesting to compare with The Wallace by the same author for a different perspective on the same events.

The rather bodice ripping if I remember correctly, and it was a long time ago, the phase was to be understood literally and indeed the weather in the story must have been unaccountable warm as the young mlle had not felt the need to wear underwear that day, but lucky the future king's hands were able to preserve her modesty, at least from any other passers by, although she known of her future husband's propensity for developing skin diseases she might have been rather less keen to have been so man handled introduction of the relationship between Robert Bruce and Elizabeth de Burgh struck me as rather unlikely and I'm not sure about the moment when Bruce is blessed by a cleric allegedly of the 'celtic' church (what's that supposed to mean in the context of late 13th century Scotland?). Otherwise highly enjoyable.

My town library deep in southern England had loads of these books and Tranter appeared to have written his way through Scottish history, I wonder why nobody has emerged to do the same for English history - is everybody crowded out by Shakespeare, or caught on the thorns of the Tudor rose? The rollicking, scurrilous tale of John of Gaunt's bed hopping and pretensions to the crown of Castile goes unwritten.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved historical fiction books, so when my uncle told me that i was related to him then showed me this book i had to read it. The trilogy covers about 1296 to 1328. It begins with THE STEPS TO THE EMPTY THRONE, which portrays an impetuous strong-willed young man who agrees to co-govern the country with his personal enemy in an attempt to win its independence from England. It starts when Edward Longshanks had taken back Scotland and had captured the king of the Scots and made him give control of Scotland back to England. Robert the Bruce and many other Scots are outraged that Edward as left the Scots that were killed in the war in the middle of the streets and in piles in the centers of towns. Many English were treating him harshly because he was a Scot and his family has lost its respect. All the Scots were forced to come to a banquet held by the king of Scotland where they were forced to swear their lands to him, but when it was Roberts turn he told the king that he had already sworn loyalty to him earlier. The guards came over and forced the Bruce to his knees in front of everyone humilating him. The king then summoned him and mocked Bruce for still believing that Scotland should be an independent country. This was the final straw and Robert screamed at the king. The king had the guards remove Robert the Bruce from the building and soon after Robert began speaking ill of the king and tried to gain Scotland's independence. The king then accused the Bruce's family of treason and executed his brothers and imprisoned his sisters. Robert was forced to flee into the woods and live as a hermit where he met William Wallis. William Wallis tutored Robert on the ways of war and strategy. Soon Robert rose to became the greatest hero Scotland has ever known as he fought for its independence because of a strong connection to his country.
After killing a man who was attacking his father Robert no longer fought because of his love for his people, but to keep his own sanity for he believes he will be punished by being killed himself for his crime can not go unpunished. The way Bruce is portrayed in this book is amazing, you don't see him as some dead guy or perfect hero, but as a man with all his faults and fears who you can actually connect to. Robert appears wise and humble yet has done terrible things that were very outrageous, but had to be done. Elizabeth de Burgh, is a fun match for him and their love story adds spice to the tale. The plot is incredible and very emotional with many tear jerker moments that it seems like it came from the mind of an amazing writer, but it is actual history. The historical accuracy of this book is amazing, but he is not telling you historical facts, he is telling it as a story which brings the Bruce alive for you to meet. After reading this book you have a true appreciation of what the Scots went through for their independence. Robert the Bruce was such a remarkable man, and i can't even begin to express the respect i have for him. This book is absolutely amazing and is the kind of book that no matter how many times you read it will emotionally move because it is so easy to become absorbed in the Scots epic struggle for freedom from the oppression of the English.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Nigel Tranter is a new favorite author of mine after reading his robert the bruce trilogy.I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in robert the bruce and his fight against the english.

[James Loftus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story spoke to me, like the voice of an old campaigner who withstood the onslaught of the cavalry at Bannockburn, who stood proud sword in hand and dealt the blows that won him fame and Scotland's freedom. Told with the words of a poet, the heart of a true story teller, and the insight of a wise man, a thinker, and one who has lived a life and listened.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing. It took me awhile to get into, but once I started reading it was given every spare moment I had to read. I would suggest this to anyone who loves history.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really wonderful trilogy. It is thorough, without dragging on, and lays out a wonderful story filled with love, power, treason, war, and the different forms of weakness that all of us, as humans, experience. What I loved most about this trilogy was experiencing Robert Bruce's transition from a young apathetic noble to a man who would risk any personal pain for what his country needed him to be. Great book.

[Gemma Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a typical read, I was handed this book by someone very close to me and although I read historical fiction , Scottish history has never been the forefront of my interests. As I read each page, turning them and delving deeper into the book, I found myself engrossed in the lives of Robert The Bruce, his Elizabeth, William Wallace and the countless other fighters in Scotlands campaign for freedom.
Much more than a blow by blow account and much more than a love story, full of joys and tribulations this book encompassed all the great things about a story; passion, need, hurt, loss, death and birth, for Bruce's heir and for a free Scotland alike.
A memorable novel and an intriguing interpretation of The Bruce. This book has taught me to raise my expectations and mostly to broaden my historical reading.

[GG Stewart’s Bookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Nigel Tranter that I have read, and I am currently in the process of getting two more for my TRP. I cannot express my admiration for this book sufficiently. While there are historical inaccuracies, it is essential to keep this in mind when appreciating the book’s brilliance. Mr. Tranter masterfully constructs a world through vivid language, effectively capturing the essence of what it would have been like to be present during that era. Throughout the book, you are captivated by Robert’s trials and his evolving life. The extent of his sacrifices for Scotland is emotionally resonant, thrilling, and insightful. The concluding pages were particularly poignant for me, evoking a profound emotional response. I highly recommend this book.

[Chrysophylax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is an amazing read. The story can be a bit slow at times, but Tranter successfully manages to pick up the pace for the important events. I can definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or has an interest in the Scottish Independence War or the Bruce. The only thing I missed was a historical note on the period by the author such as Bernard Cornwell does. Even without the note the series is highly recommended.

[Andy Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three brilliant books from which I learned much, however listening to the audio books I found the music rather irritating, that aside I heartily recommend them to anyone interested in Scottish history.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a book like this that takes a bit of history and puts it to a good story.

[LaShana Claude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nigel Tranter
The Bruce Trilogy
The Heroic story of Robert the Bruce and his passionate struggle for Scotland's freedom
The Steps To The Empty Throne
The Path of The Hero King
The Price of The King's Peace


In 1296 Edward Plantagenet, King of England, was determined to bludgeon the freedom-loving Scots into submission. Despite internal clashes and his fierce love for his antagonist's goddaughter, Robert the Bruce, both Norman lord and Celtic earl, took up the challenge of leading his people against the invaders from the South.

After a desperate struggle, Bruce rose finally to face the English at the memorable battle of Bannockburn. But far from bringing peace, his mighty victory was to herald fourteen years of infighting, savagery, heroism and treachery before the English could be brought to sit at a peace-table and to acknowledge Bruce as a sovereign king.

In this bestselling trilogy, Nigel Tranter charts these turbulent years, revealing the flowering of Bruce's character; how, tutored and encouraged by the heroic William Wallace, he determined to continue the fight for an independent Scotland, sustained by a passionate love for his land and devotion to his people.

"Absorbing... a notable achievement'
The Scotsman
Coronet Books
Fiction: General

Cover Painting: Robert the Bruce by George Jamesone
979-0-340-37186-2

[Callum Cowan]

The Bruce Trilogy had been hanging over me for months, not just due to the length. Tranter doesn’t romanticise the Wars of Independence, he drops you straight into their brutal complexity... and it’s not always an easy read.

The series lacks the pace and polish of modern historical fiction, but it's clear Tranter was choosing substance over style, grounding the story in fact rather than embellishment. By the end I felt I had a far deeper understanding of the events - and the men and women - who forged Scotland into a nation.

The prose might be sparse at times, but the emotional and political weight carries it.

(p.s. It's a 4, but I’m giving it an extra point for name-checking Hawick when The Bruce is on his way to Berwick to sign the Ragman Roll.)

[Anne Hawkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing glimpse into the life of the King of Scotland. Nigel Tranter showed me a fierce, intelligent and calculating warrior who had to make numerous difficult decisions in his quest to save his country. I loved learning about the man beneath the armor - the vulnerable, doubting, tender human who had flaws and tried to be the best man he could be, despite his failures and shortcomings. It was a great read - I can see why Scotland loves and honors their national hero!

[PAUL BALLARD-WHYTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nigel Tranter is my go-to for Scottish History - so very readable, involving and astonishingly accurate. This trilogy leaves you totally involved and empathetic of the greatest ever King of Scots.

Some of his other non-military stories can be a little 'slow' in place but all of his books, especially such as 'Wallace', 'Montrose' and 'Robert the Bruce' trilogy are unmatched in this genre - we are lucky Mr Tranter has left us such a rich library.

[doug.whatzup · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a highly romanticized account of the life of Robert Bruce and Scotland's struggle against the Plantagenets of England. It's historical fiction that reads like a swashbuckling adventure novel. Not being a student of Scottish history, I can't vouch for its historical accuracy, but it's a fast-paced, riveting read nevertheless.

[Andrew R Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched. Well written. A magnificent tale.

A compelling read from cover to cover.
My only gripe is the transposition from original text to Kindle. At times it makes no sense. Grammar has been forgotten and spelling leaves much to be desired. But that's a fault with Kindle and not the author or his work.
Five stars nevertheless.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it!!!!!! All three books. Wow. Wow. Wow. Great writing. So many battles and I still wanted to keep reading, it was enthralling. An intense man, intricate man. A country with strong passions and people. I'm grateful to be a part of it. Great way to share history. I've gained so much. Worth it.

[Tyler Spatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written by a Scottish master. Author is well-studied and well versed in his craft, and his history. This book was informative, and incredibly entertaining from start to finish. An epic tale spanning a lifetime of the world's greatest leaders.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a slog.

[Kelsey Hipkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to read - choppy flow.

[Jack Gammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly as expected, a story with many facts

Gives a great understanding of the hardness of life, with the trials & tribulations experienced during this period of Scottish history.

[Brian R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very informative and educational. Learn more from Tranter's 'faction' than any history lesson.

[Ian Moss]

Epic

A fantastic read. Nigel Tranter is a wonderful storyteller. I was engrossed for days in this book. I highly recommend.

[Andrew Tinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome love theese books

[Steven Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. Really enjoyed it.

[Paige Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this trilogy about Robert the Bruce. I didn't want it to end, but it must.

[Harriet Styles · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting but not desperately engaging.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Pretty accurate historically but with enough licence to make it an enjoyable story. Been years since last read but after reading a non-fiction account of The Bruce, wanted to read again. To anyone reading this who's Scottish,can only make you feel proud. To everyone else, "whae's like us" 😉

[Nigel Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable romp through history where I learned quite a bit.

The books are well written and keep you attached to the pages. Remembering all that went one proved more difficult, but it was easy to reference back and I managed to keep pace.

All in all a very good collection of stories which are well written and well researched.