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The Black Douglas Trilogy #2
Countenance of War
Fourteenth-century Scotland suffers under the heel of England's King Edward, but James Douglas refuses to submit to the conqueror. Above all else, James fears that his life and his own dream—of a free Scotland—might be lost to Edward's lust for conquest. As James wages a guerilla war to drive out the invader and reclaim his birthright, Edward brings a vast army to crush the Scottish resistance. In the midst of the brutal war, even the woman James loves is threatened by his implacable duty.
In a conflict poised to reach its bloody finale, the Scots and English cross swords in a reckoning that will determine Scotland's survival.
In a conflict poised to reach its bloody finale, the Scots and English cross swords in a reckoning that will determine Scotland's survival.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
187 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Tomlin
38 books215 followersJ. R. Tomlin is the author of nineteen historical novels.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 8, 2013
Is there one more book to read in this series?
Mechanics of good writing are fine. There may have been an error or two, but not enough to hinder my reading. This is my third book by this author, and all three have been exceptional reads. This book, about Scotland's 14th century war against England, is a smooth read. I like this author's descriptions of battles. She puts the reader on the field seeing and feeling what James Douglas saw and felt.
The Scots destroyed their own crops, cattle and homes so that the English army would not find food or shelter as it moved further into Scotland. That is a tactic not only bad for the enemy but bad for the citizens of Scotland as well. The women, children, aged and others not in the fight sacrificed all that they had for their independence. However noble that may sound, I cannot see people of lowest stations in life caring which flag flew over the land. The author did not delve into that issue, but I could not help myself from thinking about the goat herder who lost his meager means of existence in the war effort. A good author causes the reader to think.
How did the warriors manage their daily bodily needs and functions while at war? They could not turn on the faucet for a cool drink of water or turn up the thermostat in cold weather. If they had books, they could not read in cold camp at night. Can the reader even imagine the hard life of a soldier, especially one with a family whose lives were in peril?
The Bruce, the king, had the welfare of all the people, not just the soldiers, riding on his shoulders. The Douglas was there to share the burden, thus lightening the Bruce's load. Noble men were they.
Thank you, dear author, for a good read.
Mechanics of good writing are fine. There may have been an error or two, but not enough to hinder my reading. This is my third book by this author, and all three have been exceptional reads. This book, about Scotland's 14th century war against England, is a smooth read. I like this author's descriptions of battles. She puts the reader on the field seeing and feeling what James Douglas saw and felt.
The Scots destroyed their own crops, cattle and homes so that the English army would not find food or shelter as it moved further into Scotland. That is a tactic not only bad for the enemy but bad for the citizens of Scotland as well. The women, children, aged and others not in the fight sacrificed all that they had for their independence. However noble that may sound, I cannot see people of lowest stations in life caring which flag flew over the land. The author did not delve into that issue, but I could not help myself from thinking about the goat herder who lost his meager means of existence in the war effort. A good author causes the reader to think.
How did the warriors manage their daily bodily needs and functions while at war? They could not turn on the faucet for a cool drink of water or turn up the thermostat in cold weather. If they had books, they could not read in cold camp at night. Can the reader even imagine the hard life of a soldier, especially one with a family whose lives were in peril?
The Bruce, the king, had the welfare of all the people, not just the soldiers, riding on his shoulders. The Douglas was there to share the burden, thus lightening the Bruce's load. Noble men were they.
Thank you, dear author, for a good read.
January 3, 2015
I read Countenance of War on my Kindle and it needs editing. There were sentences that didn't make any sense and the spelling mistakes. This is supposed to be English literature, but it was a painful read full of errors.
August 23, 2012
The history was interesting, but I sometimes had a hard time keeping going with the book because I felt like it just moved from one battle to the next, which was probably realistic of the times. I felt like I was there with the details of war and battle. The ending left me feeling like there should be a sequel.
August 7, 2018
The war with England for Scotland's independence drags on and on, much like this book. There are a lot of battle scenes, but there doesn't seem to be as much plot until later in the book with the exception of here and there. Once again it needs a proofreader and an editor badly, and although I was distracted a lot through this book, I will still be generous with three stars.
May 22, 2014
The book was very well researched and written, but the many typos were very distracting.
August 5, 2014
Once again, Tomlin has created a great story around the events of James Douglas' life. I only wish the book had been better edited and proofread.
May 24, 2025
As a second part of the Black Douglas trilogy, this book plods along, and the killing by hacking, slicing, beheading, impaling, severing and gut spilling continues much as the first. It's gruesome but very realistic. We in this century see war as from behind tv screens, managed well or poorly (mostly the latter) by those using computer screens and drones, dropping death from above rather than beating it onto your opponents helm or by gutting his horse. It's war, and it's never pretty.
What's missing in this journey are the politics and the strategies, and it begins to seem the Robert Bruce has a somewhat manic and never very well developed plan for engagement; but somehow his ragtag army, fighting for their lives and the independence of their land, not only survive but manage to eventually defeat the great horde of the English forces, doing whatever it is he demands of them, without question.
But, how? He never reveals battle plans until the last moment, and all the players automatically line up, knowing as they must, the landscape, the terrain, the pits, valleys, burns and bogs that will be used against the enemy. Time and again, they follow Bruce, no matter where he leads. It's an obsessive type of loyalty, rather like Republicans of today follow the leader of moronic devices. No one questions him, ever. Nor do they now, apparently.
But, there's just no character development. There's just one battle after another, each and every one had to be miles between land points, if you look at the map of the area. In our modern life, people don't want to have to walk through a parking lot to a grocery store, but in this medieval saga, men in full battle array slog through undeveloped, unnavigable terrain without complaint, to take on the invaders and drive them from Scottish lands. Still, no characters emerge other than those who grin savagely, spit with gusto and quite often, piss into the wind. Who were those men? What are the reasons they follow Bruce, beyond sheer gutsy loyalty? I didn't find enough of any one person to actually feel I knew who they were or why they were fighting for one man who rarely, if ever, explained himself.
A different age, indeed.
So the book plod on and then, it ends. A cliffhanger. It just ends. I know that eventually the fight for Scottish independence is won, but how and where, I am not sure. This book doesn't quite get that far, I am guessing and hoping it will be examined and explained in the final production. But I am not sure I will bother to read it.
Some things I just have to remark upon: all the poor grammar, spelling, punctuation and typesetting. Syntax and form are entirely left out or jumbled upon the page, one paragraph repeating itself more than once, then jumping ahead to an entirely new chapter. It's a mess! Where was the editorial staff, the proofreaders, the typesetters and the research staff when setting this thing up? It's 300+ pages, not a 9th grade book report. It's supposed to be a professionally produced manuscript, but there are so many glaring errors, I felt cheated of a thoroughly decent production. It could have been so much more, and in my opinion, it's done itself a severe injustice by being so shabbily created in electronic format. Maybe the paper editions were better, somehow, I don't think so.
That said, it's an ok read. It's not prudish or for the faint hearted who swoon at the thought of blood gushing out over your hands whilst you gut a rearing horse, ridden over and above your head by a knight in armor, who is swinging a mace and trying to take your head off. If that sort of prose makes you a bit queasy, don't even try to read this book or it's end-to-end companions, vol. 1 and 3.
I still maintain if the production had been en pointe, it would have been much more satisfying to read. As it stands, I might just read the final chapters of vol. 3, to finish the overall story, rather than slog through another 300+ pages of poorly written text.
What's missing in this journey are the politics and the strategies, and it begins to seem the Robert Bruce has a somewhat manic and never very well developed plan for engagement; but somehow his ragtag army, fighting for their lives and the independence of their land, not only survive but manage to eventually defeat the great horde of the English forces, doing whatever it is he demands of them, without question.
But, how? He never reveals battle plans until the last moment, and all the players automatically line up, knowing as they must, the landscape, the terrain, the pits, valleys, burns and bogs that will be used against the enemy. Time and again, they follow Bruce, no matter where he leads. It's an obsessive type of loyalty, rather like Republicans of today follow the leader of moronic devices. No one questions him, ever. Nor do they now, apparently.
But, there's just no character development. There's just one battle after another, each and every one had to be miles between land points, if you look at the map of the area. In our modern life, people don't want to have to walk through a parking lot to a grocery store, but in this medieval saga, men in full battle array slog through undeveloped, unnavigable terrain without complaint, to take on the invaders and drive them from Scottish lands. Still, no characters emerge other than those who grin savagely, spit with gusto and quite often, piss into the wind. Who were those men? What are the reasons they follow Bruce, beyond sheer gutsy loyalty? I didn't find enough of any one person to actually feel I knew who they were or why they were fighting for one man who rarely, if ever, explained himself.
A different age, indeed.
So the book plod on and then, it ends. A cliffhanger. It just ends. I know that eventually the fight for Scottish independence is won, but how and where, I am not sure. This book doesn't quite get that far, I am guessing and hoping it will be examined and explained in the final production. But I am not sure I will bother to read it.
Some things I just have to remark upon: all the poor grammar, spelling, punctuation and typesetting. Syntax and form are entirely left out or jumbled upon the page, one paragraph repeating itself more than once, then jumping ahead to an entirely new chapter. It's a mess! Where was the editorial staff, the proofreaders, the typesetters and the research staff when setting this thing up? It's 300+ pages, not a 9th grade book report. It's supposed to be a professionally produced manuscript, but there are so many glaring errors, I felt cheated of a thoroughly decent production. It could have been so much more, and in my opinion, it's done itself a severe injustice by being so shabbily created in electronic format. Maybe the paper editions were better, somehow, I don't think so.
That said, it's an ok read. It's not prudish or for the faint hearted who swoon at the thought of blood gushing out over your hands whilst you gut a rearing horse, ridden over and above your head by a knight in armor, who is swinging a mace and trying to take your head off. If that sort of prose makes you a bit queasy, don't even try to read this book or it's end-to-end companions, vol. 1 and 3.
I still maintain if the production had been en pointe, it would have been much more satisfying to read. As it stands, I might just read the final chapters of vol. 3, to finish the overall story, rather than slog through another 300+ pages of poorly written text.
March 29, 2019
In this second volume Jamie leads a guerrilla squadron against the English in their castles as the Scots fight for their freedom, bringing in some new techniques and crafty, careful, and well organized in his planning. Brutal English torturing leads to a painful loss of an aristocratic love interest he had in the first volume, and a growing relationship with a working class comely commoner lass from his own village occurs in this one. He is the Black Douglas, and the English wisely fear him.
Still has grammatical errors and too many typos. I was getting really irritated with the constant use of the phrase by ther H0ly Rude, when I thought for sure it must be spelled Holy Rood when used this way. At the very end of the book the author provided a glossary for terms which I only found when I was finished, and there it said either spelling was acceptable, so I guess I was wrong. Never saw it written that way befor, and in any case, a few other interjections might have been sprinkled in occasionally. (Zounds!)
Still has grammatical errors and too many typos. I was getting really irritated with the constant use of the phrase by ther H0ly Rude, when I thought for sure it must be spelled Holy Rood when used this way. At the very end of the book the author provided a glossary for terms which I only found when I was finished, and there it said either spelling was acceptable, so I guess I was wrong. Never saw it written that way befor, and in any case, a few other interjections might have been sprinkled in occasionally. (Zounds!)
March 1, 2022
This is a good enough book for me to read the final episode. However, there are some issues for me. It is primarily about battles and in that regard it goes from one battle to another without adequate character development. There is however pretty decent history development involved. As for the battles, their coverage is very uneven. For some battles oh, the author pretty much just says there was this battle and so many people died. For other battles there is significant detail of the blood and gore involved. I can't say that I really liked the main character although that may very well be what he was like in real life. But I didn't really have a clear idea of who Black Douglas was. And the romances really didn't fit with the story for me. I'm not saying that blood and gore followed by kissing and having sex is unnatural. It just interrupted the flow of the book. I did listen to the book on Audible which was apparently better than reviewers' evaluation of the Kindle version but I still thought it needed some editing.
April 11, 2020
Another tale of the bravery and hardship of the Scots in medieval times
This is a solid second novel in the trilogy centred around The Black Douglas. I enjoyed this story a little more than the first, probably because it took me a wee while to get used to the style in the first book. I was eagerly awaiting this one after reading the first. I thoroughly enjoy being thrust into the likely life of a medieval knight in Scotland and marvel at how tough and determined these people must have been just to survive let alone triumph in some ways against the odds. I think much of the enjoyment of these novels comes from learning more of the Scottish history while having colour added through the fiction. It brings to life the stories from times gone by. Will be fun to finish the series with the next in the series shortly.
This is a solid second novel in the trilogy centred around The Black Douglas. I enjoyed this story a little more than the first, probably because it took me a wee while to get used to the style in the first book. I was eagerly awaiting this one after reading the first. I thoroughly enjoy being thrust into the likely life of a medieval knight in Scotland and marvel at how tough and determined these people must have been just to survive let alone triumph in some ways against the odds. I think much of the enjoyment of these novels comes from learning more of the Scottish history while having colour added through the fiction. It brings to life the stories from times gone by. Will be fun to finish the series with the next in the series shortly.
July 24, 2019
This second book in the trilogy dealt mostly with the battles and skirmishes between Scotland and England. James Douglas is taking back some of the English-occupied castles through “sneakiness” and Guerrilla warfare. James has to travel through Scotland setting fire and destroying any villages outside of castles that the English will try to occupy. He loses his true love, Alycie, during the cold winter as the villagers from Douglasdale are running from an English attack. As with each battle, Douglas always remains true to his king, Robert the Bruce, and his country of Scotland.
May 12, 2018
Another enjoyable book in the trilogy
This is another of her good books. Thought this book had three minor errors in typing. Her historical view of the characters interpersonal relationships is interesting and shows how a lady would view things if they were in charge at that time in history. This s not necessarily good or bad just slightly different.
This is another of her good books. Thought this book had three minor errors in typing. Her historical view of the characters interpersonal relationships is interesting and shows how a lady would view things if they were in charge at that time in history. This s not necessarily good or bad just slightly different.
September 15, 2018
A book committed to the bravery of the Scots in the early 14th century...
James de Douglas knows no weakness as he and his men crisscross Scotland enlisting farmers and burghers to do battle against the English invaders. He teaches them guerrilla warfare and teamwork in trying to win back their freedom and their homeland.
James de Douglas knows no weakness as he and his men crisscross Scotland enlisting farmers and burghers to do battle against the English invaders. He teaches them guerrilla warfare and teamwork in trying to win back their freedom and their homeland.
September 5, 2023
Scotland the Brave
I loved the detailed narrative of the trials of the Scottish people to gain their freedom from England and the detailed description of their bloody battles and courage and endurance in the face of so much slaughter. The author has a way with words that you feel you are in their midst.
I loved the detailed narrative of the trials of the Scottish people to gain their freedom from England and the detailed description of their bloody battles and courage and endurance in the face of so much slaughter. The author has a way with words that you feel you are in their midst.
May 27, 2017
The Tedium of War
The saga of James Douglas and the fight for Scotland's freedom continues, but this could easily be called "The Tedium of War." Douglas and the Scots chase the English all over, but the fight isn't easy. He just 22, but it's an old 22. It's a good story and keeps your interest. But there are so many typos, missing words and grammatical errors. If you need a copy editor, I'm available.
The saga of James Douglas and the fight for Scotland's freedom continues, but this could easily be called "The Tedium of War." Douglas and the Scots chase the English all over, but the fight isn't easy. He just 22, but it's an old 22. It's a good story and keeps your interest. But there are so many typos, missing words and grammatical errors. If you need a copy editor, I'm available.
August 29, 2018
The Wars of Inependence
It's a good read mixing historical fact and fiction. The long wars of Scottish independence were brutal and are well explained here. Only four stars because the proof reader is rubbish.
It's a good read mixing historical fact and fiction. The long wars of Scottish independence were brutal and are well explained here. Only four stars because the proof reader is rubbish.
September 5, 2018
Very enjoyable. Had a hard time putting it down
I lived the history. It was a very enjoyable book & it was hard to put down. Tomlin made you feel you were part of the story. I loved it...
I lived the history. It was a very enjoyable book & it was hard to put down. Tomlin made you feel you were part of the story. I loved it...
October 23, 2019
A Marvelous Read
This book was a marvelous read that I could not put down. I was disappointed that I finished it so quickly and I look forward to the next. I was deeply disappointed with the many spelling and grammar errors. Shame. Should never happen.
This book was a marvelous read that I could not put down. I was disappointed that I finished it so quickly and I look forward to the next. I was deeply disappointed with the many spelling and grammar errors. Shame. Should never happen.
May 7, 2021
Great story of the Black Douglas
Awesome story about the Black Douglas. I love. The interwoven fiction to the real battles and time lines. Great narration in the audible book as well.
Awesome story about the Black Douglas. I love. The interwoven fiction to the real battles and time lines. Great narration in the audible book as well.
November 28, 2024
A great book 2 of this series.
An intriguing depiction of Scottish life under British rule and the battles fought for freedom. A fast flowing book that I could not put down. Really enjoyable!
An intriguing depiction of Scottish life under British rule and the battles fought for freedom. A fast flowing book that I could not put down. Really enjoyable!
September 29, 2017
another excellent read. on to the third book.
May 3, 2018
Continued story of the black Douglas, this did end in a cliff hanger so I must buy book 3.
August 2, 2018
Very accurate - as far as I know - of historical facts. Also inreresting on medieval way of life.
Vocabulary sometines hard.
Vocabulary sometines hard.
December 6, 2018
Countenance of War
Well written, but needs better editing. Several words misused or auto corrected to the wrong word.
Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Well written, but needs better editing. Several words misused or auto corrected to the wrong word.
Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
December 12, 2018
Enjoying this trilogy
I have enjoyed the first 2 books so far although the final battle scene went a bit too quickly for my liking. Worth a read though.
I have enjoyed the first 2 books so far although the final battle scene went a bit too quickly for my liking. Worth a read though.
March 4, 2021
Well done and emotional, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as #1. On to part 3!
April 5, 2021
Just 2*
Proofing and editing very poor as was A Kingdom’s Cost I hope Not For Glory will be beter.
Mayhap a 16th century word was used so much in 14th century Scotland
Proofing and editing very poor as was A Kingdom’s Cost I hope Not For Glory will be beter.
Mayhap a 16th century word was used so much in 14th century Scotland
April 22, 2023
Mostly fighting and killing. Not very interesting to me.
The narrator was very good. I loved his Scottish accent.
The narrator was very good. I loved his Scottish accent.
October 29, 2024
More of the same, but a reader should read book one first.
On to book three...
On to book three...
October 7, 2025
Finished in days
Love the series it’s a quick and easy read and I love the historical weaving in with fiction. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Medieval period.
Love the series it’s a quick and easy read and I love the historical weaving in with fiction. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Medieval period.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews