The Captive Crown

House of Stewart #3

by Nigel Tranter

With the heir to the throne murdered, King Robert III a sick weakling, and his remaining son a child, Scotland and the Stewarts were in a bad way three generations on from the great Bruce. But two young men stood Alex Stewart, bastard son of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch, and his cousin, Brave John of Coull, a son of the hated regent. With their fortunes are entwined those of Sir Jamie Douglas, through whose eyes the story is told. The Captive Crown concludes the great trilogy of novels which charts the rise against all odds of the royal House of Stewart. 'Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes' Scotland on Sunday

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, Historical

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

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

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfactory ending to Tranter’s Stewart Trilogy.

A weak king near dearth, the only heir to the throne a prisoner in England and Scotland itself divided into warring factions. This the scene of “A Captive Crown” and it sums up so much of Scottish history, not only during the early 1400s.

Jamie Douglas and Alexander Stewart continue their opposition to Scotland’s Regent; the Duke of Albany, and in the concluding novel Tranter broadens the scope of the book nicely, expanding outside of Scotland, to England and France.

Although you never get the satisfaction of the antagonist’s death (as it would be historically inaccurate in the timeframe) we do get the pleasure of seeing Albany more outmaneuvered and thwarted and the ending leaves no doubt that the House of Stewart has become dominant, for good or ill.

My only criticisms are that:
1. The ending seems both rushed and premature. The reader is taken from the French court to the Scottish highlands for the climax in the space of a mere forty pages.

2. I would have liked the story to continue until King James I (the captive prince) was released and the long awaited reckoning with Albany’s branch of the Stewarts came to pass. After three books it was disappointing not to read what I knew happened and would have made a more complete ending.

[Stephen Dalrymple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted and Satisfying

Final book of the trilogy, Tranter brings all the strands of the story together. Both of the protagonists, although illegitimate, demonstrate their superior skills, insight, and ability to lead, though often devalued by their social superiors. The 3 books need to be read together in sequence. Twas a good read, a satisfying one.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. After reading the trilogy, and really learning to admire Jamie Douglas and Alexander Stewart, my hereditary clan shows up to fight against them in the final battle. What can I say? I started pulling for the Highlanders. A bittersweet ending to a good series.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason or another, the 3rd books of trilogies are usually most satisfying, and this one did not disappoint. Tranter gives us battles, strategies, political intrigue. Game of Thrones has nothing on Scottish history!

[Alan Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction. If you love Scotland and are interested in its history, this is for you. Nigel Tranter captures both place and time perfectly.

[Kay Robart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel seems more disjointed than the other two in the series because it mostly follows the actual career of Alexander Stewart of Badenoch. It does not make a satisfying ending for the trilogy.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/t...

[bluetyson]

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