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The Insurrection Trilogy #2
Renegade
King Edward of England marches on Scotland, his campaign to unite the British Isles under one crown inspired by an Arthurian prophecy. He has already crushed Wales; now he needs only find the Staff of St Malachy, symbol of Irish nationhood, to achieve his implacable desire.
One man alone can thwart Edward’s plan. Leaving his war-torn home, Robert Bruce has sailed to Ireland, determined to find the Staff and keep it out of Edward's hands. His veins run with the blood of kings and his destiny to fulfil his family's claim to the throne of Scotland burns in his mind. But on the run through the wild country, hunted by a relentless assassin, Robert seems a long way from achieving his ambition. And there are other eyes on Scotland’s crown, old enemies gathering against him.
This is a game of conquest, power and treachery, and Robert finds that to survive he must first abandon everything he holds dear. He was always prepared to die on the battlefield - but what else must he sacrifice to keep his hopes alive?
RENEGADE is a dazzling story of conspiracy and divided loyalties, battle and betrayal, and a superb portrait of the medieval world.
One man alone can thwart Edward’s plan. Leaving his war-torn home, Robert Bruce has sailed to Ireland, determined to find the Staff and keep it out of Edward's hands. His veins run with the blood of kings and his destiny to fulfil his family's claim to the throne of Scotland burns in his mind. But on the run through the wild country, hunted by a relentless assassin, Robert seems a long way from achieving his ambition. And there are other eyes on Scotland’s crown, old enemies gathering against him.
This is a game of conquest, power and treachery, and Robert finds that to survive he must first abandon everything he holds dear. He was always prepared to die on the battlefield - but what else must he sacrifice to keep his hopes alive?
RENEGADE is a dazzling story of conspiracy and divided loyalties, battle and betrayal, and a superb portrait of the medieval world.
426 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
35 people are currently reading
1134 people want to read
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 75 reviews
February 11, 2022
Read this book in 2012, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Insurrection" trilogy.
In this book King Edward I of England marches again on Scotland, inspired by an Arthurian prophecy, in an effort to conquer and unite it, and in achieving this he needs to find a special symbol.
Robert the Bruce is a man who can thwart King Edward I but at the moment he's on the run in the north of Ireland from that same King as well as from a Scottish opposition, who has their own man for the throne.
In this game of conquest, power and treachery, Robert the Bruce must make sacrifices if he wants to achieve his goal, and that's leaving behind he holds dear and going back to Scotland under cover to take on the battle first in Scotland itself and later also against King Edward I of England.
What is to follow is an amazing historical adventure in which Robert the Bruce will have to make sacrifices and promises in his quest for the Kingship of Scotland, and in doing so he will find quite a few setbacks and upheavals on his way before he's ready to make his final determined effort for the throne.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful continuation to this excellent trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Renegade Sequel"!
In this book King Edward I of England marches again on Scotland, inspired by an Arthurian prophecy, in an effort to conquer and unite it, and in achieving this he needs to find a special symbol.
Robert the Bruce is a man who can thwart King Edward I but at the moment he's on the run in the north of Ireland from that same King as well as from a Scottish opposition, who has their own man for the throne.
In this game of conquest, power and treachery, Robert the Bruce must make sacrifices if he wants to achieve his goal, and that's leaving behind he holds dear and going back to Scotland under cover to take on the battle first in Scotland itself and later also against King Edward I of England.
What is to follow is an amazing historical adventure in which Robert the Bruce will have to make sacrifices and promises in his quest for the Kingship of Scotland, and in doing so he will find quite a few setbacks and upheavals on his way before he's ready to make his final determined effort for the throne.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful continuation to this excellent trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Renegade Sequel"!
September 18, 2013
Renegade (book two in the Insurrection Trilogy) was another solid offering from bestselling historical fiction author Robyn Young.
It detailed many of the more interesting events that took place during the lifetime of Robert Bruce and I am sure you will be moved by the way the author has presented them.
While I thought the book was a good read, I have to admit it read differently to the first one, Insurrection. I would even go so far as to say it was dramatically different. So dramatically different that I believe many of the people I know who did not like Insurrection may find Renegade better suited to them.
It is no secret amoung my fellow bookworms. I fell in love with Insurrection. I cherished the power of the detail and the way I could feel Scotland on every page. While on the flip side, friends were finding fault in the same book. Saying that they think it lacked female characters and that the more personal drama of Robert's life was skipped over.
In this book I trust they will find what they had missed in book one, for the women have a strong presence and are explored to much greater length. While the connections between the men and the women are delved and kept relevant throughout.
To those who have inquired after my opinion of the book as I read it, I have tried to define what it is that I found so different about Renegade compared to Insurrection and this is what I came up with.
I feel Renegade was written more for those who read with their feminine side. Although I am a woman myself I read with my masculine side and, therefore, love-stories, melodrama and personal interactions between characters are not important to me when I read. It is not that I love battles, because I don't. I enjoy a good battle scene if it matches the book, but I hate battle-centric or gore-centric historical fiction.
Whether Robyn Young realised she had written Renegade differently to Insurrection, or whether it was planned based on feedback after Insurrection came out, or whether it happened of its own accord and the author wasn't aware, it doesn't matter. It was still a good book. I won't take that away from it. The story is still done well and there are plenty of scenes that got my blood pumping.
I will recommend - to those who read book one and noticed a lack of female influence and missed a more up close and personal relationship with the characters - that they go on and read this one. It is the book I think they wanted Insurrection to be, or, in the very least, it is the book that includes some of those elements that they thought lacking in the first.
I must express though, that I did not find the first one lacking in any way. It became one of my favourite historical fictions and I will always treasure my copy of Insurrection.
As for me and the trilogy. I will await book three in 2014 with anticipation. I look forward to seeing what Robyn Young does with the finale of the Robert Bruce story. I am sure, even reading with my masculine side as I do, I will still perhaps shed a tear to see this trilogy come to an end.
It detailed many of the more interesting events that took place during the lifetime of Robert Bruce and I am sure you will be moved by the way the author has presented them.
While I thought the book was a good read, I have to admit it read differently to the first one, Insurrection. I would even go so far as to say it was dramatically different. So dramatically different that I believe many of the people I know who did not like Insurrection may find Renegade better suited to them.
It is no secret amoung my fellow bookworms. I fell in love with Insurrection. I cherished the power of the detail and the way I could feel Scotland on every page. While on the flip side, friends were finding fault in the same book. Saying that they think it lacked female characters and that the more personal drama of Robert's life was skipped over.
In this book I trust they will find what they had missed in book one, for the women have a strong presence and are explored to much greater length. While the connections between the men and the women are delved and kept relevant throughout.
To those who have inquired after my opinion of the book as I read it, I have tried to define what it is that I found so different about Renegade compared to Insurrection and this is what I came up with.
I feel Renegade was written more for those who read with their feminine side. Although I am a woman myself I read with my masculine side and, therefore, love-stories, melodrama and personal interactions between characters are not important to me when I read. It is not that I love battles, because I don't. I enjoy a good battle scene if it matches the book, but I hate battle-centric or gore-centric historical fiction.
Whether Robyn Young realised she had written Renegade differently to Insurrection, or whether it was planned based on feedback after Insurrection came out, or whether it happened of its own accord and the author wasn't aware, it doesn't matter. It was still a good book. I won't take that away from it. The story is still done well and there are plenty of scenes that got my blood pumping.
I will recommend - to those who read book one and noticed a lack of female influence and missed a more up close and personal relationship with the characters - that they go on and read this one. It is the book I think they wanted Insurrection to be, or, in the very least, it is the book that includes some of those elements that they thought lacking in the first.
I must express though, that I did not find the first one lacking in any way. It became one of my favourite historical fictions and I will always treasure my copy of Insurrection.
As for me and the trilogy. I will await book three in 2014 with anticipation. I look forward to seeing what Robyn Young does with the finale of the Robert Bruce story. I am sure, even reading with my masculine side as I do, I will still perhaps shed a tear to see this trilogy come to an end.
April 25, 2022
I might have given it a higher rating if I hadn't read this under a rather strict schedule. I admit to skimming through the text at time to progress faster.
And I'm pretty sure it's intentional, but I'm not a huge fan of Robert Bruce at the end of this.
Also, it's insanely confusing when there's three Edwards, three Alexanders, three Johns and not one, but two, Robert Bruce. It's obviously not the fault of the author, and I can't help but consider it slightly unfair to judge it -even just partially- on something like this, but it did cause me some time having to figure out which dude was which.
It was sort of interesting, that I didn't actually have to remember a thing about the first book to get the plots going on here. I guess that's a good thing.
And I'm pretty sure it's intentional, but I'm not a huge fan of Robert Bruce at the end of this.
Also, it's insanely confusing when there's three Edwards, three Alexanders, three Johns and not one, but two, Robert Bruce. It's obviously not the fault of the author, and I can't help but consider it slightly unfair to judge it -even just partially- on something like this, but it did cause me some time having to figure out which dude was which.
It was sort of interesting, that I didn't actually have to remember a thing about the first book to get the plots going on here. I guess that's a good thing.
August 25, 2012
Renegade surprised me as much as the first book of the trilogy (Insurrection), and I'll explain why in a minute.
This story picks up where Insurrection left off, with the Bruce having made the decision that the crown of Scotland will be his. While Insurrection told the tale of Bruce's youth and formative years and the events that made him who he is, in Renegade he is now a grown man. This book moves the story on and tells the tale of how that young man moves from self-imposed exile to build a stairway to the greatest power in Scotland.
Two things unsettled me to begin with. Firstly is knowing that the story begins with the Bruce in Ireland in a self-imposed exile, having given up the guardianship of Scotland. Seemed like a backward step, whatever the motive, and took the action somewhere I wasn't sure about. Secondly, the blurb on the back cover states that Bruce will, in this book, be forced to ally with his enemy (likely meaning King Edward of England.) This irritated, given how much you really don't want that to happen, and given the fact that this had also already happened once in the first book.
I needn't have worried. The section in Ireland is just as fascinating as the sections in Scotland and England and proceeds at good pace. And the submitting to Edward? Well it jarred to begin with, but soon settled into seeming perfectly appropriate and normal. In fact, given Robert's history with the English nobles from the first book, it was almost like returning home.
There seems to be less attention paid in this book to the Arthurian overtones or the pagan/Celtic shadows on the fringes of society, though I think this is because they have less influence on this particular part of the story (beyond the beginning in Ireland) and there are hints that they will return with great importance in the third book when it comes.
Essentially, what I saw as potential failings in the book before I really launched into it were actually nothing of the sort and, in fact, Robyn has turned the irksome facts provided by history into engaging and fascinating parts of the story.
One thing that I did notice that differed from the first novel was the pace. Insurrection ran at a steady and engrossing pace from start to finish. Renegade, I would say, starts a little slower, but with every quarter of the book the pace increased by a notch, gradually building to a crescendo. I found that I couldn't put the book down after a while and read the last third of it in one sitting, ignoring almost everything else in life until I finished it.
I also noted something that commends the book particularly for me: the tragic story of the feud between the Bruces and the Comyns which almost tears the nation apart and which, had it been absent, could have seen a peaceful, victorious and united Scotland so early. This is, to me, as good a tragic tale as the writings of Guy Gavriel Kay and it is only the third time in all my reading when I have had cause to compare a writer with Kay (who remains my favourite author of all time.) For me to compare to GGK is one of the highest recommendations I can give.
So if you've read Insurrection, you'll LOVE Renegade and no further nudge should be required. If you haven't? Read Insurrection and Renegade both. Together they form a tremendous tale of heartbreak, loss, struggle, intrigue, subterfuge, betrayal, war, murder, love, excitement, heroism and so much more.
Scotland the Brave!
This story picks up where Insurrection left off, with the Bruce having made the decision that the crown of Scotland will be his. While Insurrection told the tale of Bruce's youth and formative years and the events that made him who he is, in Renegade he is now a grown man. This book moves the story on and tells the tale of how that young man moves from self-imposed exile to build a stairway to the greatest power in Scotland.
Two things unsettled me to begin with. Firstly is knowing that the story begins with the Bruce in Ireland in a self-imposed exile, having given up the guardianship of Scotland. Seemed like a backward step, whatever the motive, and took the action somewhere I wasn't sure about. Secondly, the blurb on the back cover states that Bruce will, in this book, be forced to ally with his enemy (likely meaning King Edward of England.) This irritated, given how much you really don't want that to happen, and given the fact that this had also already happened once in the first book.
I needn't have worried. The section in Ireland is just as fascinating as the sections in Scotland and England and proceeds at good pace. And the submitting to Edward? Well it jarred to begin with, but soon settled into seeming perfectly appropriate and normal. In fact, given Robert's history with the English nobles from the first book, it was almost like returning home.
There seems to be less attention paid in this book to the Arthurian overtones or the pagan/Celtic shadows on the fringes of society, though I think this is because they have less influence on this particular part of the story (beyond the beginning in Ireland) and there are hints that they will return with great importance in the third book when it comes.
Essentially, what I saw as potential failings in the book before I really launched into it were actually nothing of the sort and, in fact, Robyn has turned the irksome facts provided by history into engaging and fascinating parts of the story.
One thing that I did notice that differed from the first novel was the pace. Insurrection ran at a steady and engrossing pace from start to finish. Renegade, I would say, starts a little slower, but with every quarter of the book the pace increased by a notch, gradually building to a crescendo. I found that I couldn't put the book down after a while and read the last third of it in one sitting, ignoring almost everything else in life until I finished it.
I also noted something that commends the book particularly for me: the tragic story of the feud between the Bruces and the Comyns which almost tears the nation apart and which, had it been absent, could have seen a peaceful, victorious and united Scotland so early. This is, to me, as good a tragic tale as the writings of Guy Gavriel Kay and it is only the third time in all my reading when I have had cause to compare a writer with Kay (who remains my favourite author of all time.) For me to compare to GGK is one of the highest recommendations I can give.
So if you've read Insurrection, you'll LOVE Renegade and no further nudge should be required. If you haven't? Read Insurrection and Renegade both. Together they form a tremendous tale of heartbreak, loss, struggle, intrigue, subterfuge, betrayal, war, murder, love, excitement, heroism and so much more.
Scotland the Brave!
January 9, 2018
Renegade is the second in a planned trilogy on Robert Bruce. The fact that I knew little about Robert Bruce before and that I hadn't read the first novel, Insurrection, mattered not a jot. Robyn Young writes smart history beautifully. From the first page, I was captivated by her descriptions of scenes, people and emotions. There really is a powerful sense of Ireland, the Scottish borders and the English court at the very turn of the 14th century. My only difficulty here wasn't with the novel, but with this period of history. For a cast of knights and lords who loved jousting and courtly pomp and imagined themselves sitting round a new Round Table, there is surprisingly little honour on either side.
August 31, 2017
I liked the author’s clear-cut writing style and imaginative world-building as with her first book, but through frequent Wikipedia sidetrips—and as somewhat confirmed too from her postscript statement—I realized that this series isn’t a faithful representation of historical events from the First War of Scottish Independence. Well, I don’t really have issues with historical fiction authors taking too much liberties with their story; only, I wished I’d read something from this period that is depicted more truthfully beforehand for me to better appreciate the artistic license.
May 27, 2025
Again a book I went through phases of not being able to put it down as well as phases of making myself read it to get past the lulls. It is to be expected of books of an autobiographical nature and of such length but I must say overall definitely a good read. Young has done incredibly well to have pieced together such a gripping narrative from the sources of the facts of the time. A commendable and worthy read for those interested in historical part-fiction.
November 3, 2022
This was the book in the trilogy I was most curious about mainly because it’s about a time in Robert Bruce’s life in which little is known and sometimes even contested. The author weaves her narrative together based on many theories and pieces of historical research. It pays off.
This book sets the stage for Robert the king, his full out war with England and unification of Scotland.
In spite of knowing the history, I’m just over here waving a small “Robert the Bruce” pennant, cheering him on.
This book sets the stage for Robert the king, his full out war with England and unification of Scotland.
In spite of knowing the history, I’m just over here waving a small “Robert the Bruce” pennant, cheering him on.
March 9, 2019
I had no idea the amount of flip flopping done regarding royal support. I always thought that Robert Bruce was a staunch Scottish clansman like William Wallace but I was disappointed to learn this wasn't the case. He was much more complicated in truth, reflective of the times I guess
March 16, 2024
Indeed a wonderful historical fiction, I love how smoothly Robyn Young has connected the missing or more obscure parts of the real events into her story! I did not know this book wass a part of a trilogy, so I haven't read the first one. But the story of this part is the most interesting, maybe even more than the upcoming events (if the third treats Bruce's defense of the throne).
This novel was a great opportunity for me to delve into Robert the Bruce's story and the regal history of Scotland, together with her "relationship" with Edward I's England. In the end, I think I like Robert the Bruce a lot, despite some slightly upsetting stuff. Unfortunately, he had to suffer great losses during his fight for the throne, but hey, it was the Middle Ages, maybe he didn't take this so gravely as I do now :-) As for Edward I, in terms of his conquests I do not fancy him, even though he is admirable, but I am yet to understand what type of ruler he was when it comes to the internal affairs, because I am left with the impression that modern Brits consider him a great king.
This novel was a great opportunity for me to delve into Robert the Bruce's story and the regal history of Scotland, together with her "relationship" with Edward I's England. In the end, I think I like Robert the Bruce a lot, despite some slightly upsetting stuff. Unfortunately, he had to suffer great losses during his fight for the throne, but hey, it was the Middle Ages, maybe he didn't take this so gravely as I do now :-) As for Edward I, in terms of his conquests I do not fancy him, even though he is admirable, but I am yet to understand what type of ruler he was when it comes to the internal affairs, because I am left with the impression that modern Brits consider him a great king.
April 2, 2016
Another good book by Robyn Young but still a bit on the slow side for me. I just feel like a slightly better editor with a bit more cutting could make this a five star book for me. It was still really interesting and a good read but if you're looking for a fast paced story, look elsewhere. The third book in the trilogy should be quite exciting, or so it seems.
October 1, 2015
Really enjoying this series! William Wallace's death is well depicted and brought me to tears.
October 31, 2017
Ωραία!! Άντε τώρα να ανοίξω άλλο βιβλίο να διαβάσω... Ανέβηκε πολύ ψηλά ο πήχης!
Το αστείο είναι ότι στο πρώτο βιβλίο της τριλογίας, το Insurrection, έδωσα 5 αστέρια και τούτο, το Renegade, μου άρεσε ακόμα περισσότερο!
Ο λόγος, λοιπόν, για το Renegade, το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς Insurrection της Robyn Young. Η σειρά πραγματεύεται τη ζωή του Robert Bruce, ενός κόμη της Σκωτίας (ναι, νομίζω ότι η ακριβής μετάφραση είναι κόμης), ο οποίος έπαιξε πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στην επανάσταση των Σκώτων ενάντια στους Άγγλους στα τέλη του 13ου και στις αρχές του 14ου αιώνα. Το "έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο" νομίζω ότι ως φράση είναι λίγο ασθενής όταν ομιλούμε για τον Robert (the) Bruce! Ο τυπάς τα έκανε όλα άνω κάτω! Κάθε φορά που άλλαζε στρατόπεδο έγερνε και η πλάστιγγα μαζί του! Μια με τους μεν, μια με τους δε, κάποια στιγμή πρέπει να μπερδεύτηκε και ο ίδιος! Εντάξει, οφείλω να ομολογήσω ότι ακόμα και εμένα, που είμαι φοβερός φαν του Robert (μιλάμε για μπλουζάκια, κασκόλ και σημαίες με το "εθνόσημο" του Carrick και του Robert, βέέέέέβαια) ακόμα και εμένα, λοιπόν, με ξενέρωσε το γεγονός ότι ο τύπος δεν ήταν βαμμένος στα μπλε, όπως ο Mel Gibson ως Braveheart, αλλά πολεμούσε μία με τους Σκώτους μία με τους Άγγλους! (Σταματήστε, μωρέ, δεν είναι σπόιλερ! Και στο πρώτο βιβλίο έκανε τέτοιες τσαχπινιές ο Robert!) Δηλαδή, φαντάσου τώρα τον Κολοκοτρώνη να ξεσηκώνει τους Έλληνες ενάντια στον τουρκικό ζυγό, να τα κάνει πλακάκια, όμως, με τους μπέηδες και να πολεμά κατά των Ελλήνων, έπειτα να τα ξαναβρίσκει με τον Καραϊσκάκη, μετά να και τέλος να επιστρέφει στους επαναστάτες! Κάπου, όμως, στα μισά του βιβλίου θυμήθηκα την Ιστορία της Β' Γυμνασίου, όπου μάθαμε και θυμόμαστε όλοι τα χαρακτηριστικά γνωρίσματα του φεουδαρχικού συστήματος... Εν ολίγοις;; Το κάθε κράτος, πχ η Σκωτία, χωρίζεται σε φέουδα όπου κουμάντο κάνει ο αντίστοιχος κόμης (ή τέλος πάντων οποιονδήποτε τίτλο έχει αυτός ο άρχοντας) και είναι απλά ο βασιλιάς της πόλης-κράτους κατά κάποιον τρόπο. Όλοι υπακούν σε αυτόν (μη με ρωτήσετε γιατί, θα σας γελάσω) και ο μόνος άνθρωπος στον οποίο υπακούει αυτός ο άρχοντας είναι ο βασιλιάς του έθνους! Καλό;; Άρα, ο Robert σε πολλές φάσεις της ιστορίας, έχει ως στόχο την ευημερία του λαού του (όχι όόόόλης της Σκωτίας, αλλά του φεούδου του) και, ε, όταν το κράτος σου είναι στα σύνορα Σκωτίας Αγγλίας, ε, καμιά φορά είναι λίγο γκρίζα η ζώνη εκεί. Και σε τελικά ανάλυση, πώς μπορείς να τον κατηγορήσεις για προδοσία την ώρα που έχεις να κάνεις με Άγγλους και Σκώτους, οι οποίοι είναι ίδιοι, ρε φίλε, και χωρίζονται σε παρόμοια φέουδα με ίδια ήθη και έθιμα;; Καλά, άσε που όλοι μιλούν γαλλικά!!! Αυτό κι αν είναι...
Στα του βιβλίου τώρα, το Renegade κερδίζει πολύ άνετα τα 5 αστεράκια! Είναι εξαιρετικό! Οι περιγραφές είναι παραστατικότατες και έπιανα τον εαυτό μου στα 33 μου χρόνια, σε μια ηλικία, δηλαδή, όπου δε μπορεί κανείς να περηφανευτεί για τη φαντασία του, να έχει φτιάξει εικόνες με κάθε είδους λεπτομέρεια σχετικά με τη σκηνή που διαδραμτιζόταν εκείνη την ώρα στο βιβλίο. Οι χαρακτήρες, εντωμεταξύ, πολύ ρεαλιστικοί και δυναμικοί, ενώ βλέπεις πώς η κάθε εμπειρία τους αφήνει το στίγμα της στο χαρακτήρα τους. Είναι βέβαιο ότι η συγγραφέας έχει αφιερώσει ατελείωτες ώρες μελέτης σχετικά με την εποχή και τα πρόσωπα που είτε πρωταγωνιστούν είτε απλά εμφανίζονται στο βιβλίο. Εύγε, Robyn!
Παρόλα αυτά, βρήκα και κάποια στοιχεία, τα οποία με απογοήτευσαν λίγο. Πρώτα από όλα, το βιβλίο καλύπτει μία αρκετά μεγάλη περίοδο της ιστορίας διάρκειας αρκετών ετών. Αυτό λειτουργεί αποτρεπτικά στο να "μπεις" πραγματικά μέσα στο βιβλίο, αφού ακόμα και η διαδοχικότητα των εποχών είναι αρκετά γρήγορη. Σε αυτό, βέβαια, υπάρχει ένα μεγάλο αντεπιχείρημα και αυτό είναι ότι η συγγραφέας θέλησε με την τριλογία αυτή να καλύψει όλη την πορεία του Robert Bruce στον ρου της ιστορίας και όχι να περιγράψει μόνο ένα συμβάν. Δεκτόν! Αυτό που με είχε τσαντίσει στο πρώτο βιβλίο και υπάρχει και στο Renegade, αν και σε μικρότερο βαθμό, είναι ότι πολλές φορές η συγγραφέας, ξεκινώντας ένα κεφάλαιο, δε μας ενημερώνει για το αν είμαστε ακριβώς στο ίδιο σημείο όπου τελείωσε το προηγούμενο κεφάλαιο ή έχουμε προχωρήσει αρκετούς μήνες παρακάτω. Στην αρχή του κεφαλαίου μάς αναφέρει απλά μόνο τον τόπο και το έτος, στο οποίο διαδραματίζεται το κεφάλαιο αυτό. Εντούτοις, πρέπει να ομολογήσω ότι αυτό το τρικ αρκετές φορές μου κρατούσε το ενδιαφέρον μέχρι να καταλάβω πού και πότε ακριβώς είμαστε!!
Εν ολίγοις, όσοι έχετε διαβάσει το Insurrection, σίγουρα θα συνεχίσετε με το Renegade! Όσοι δεν έχετε διαβάσει το Insurrection, θα πάτε να το διαβάσετε, διότι πολύ απλά όλη η τριλογία αποτελεί ένα συνεχόμενο βιβλίο σε τρία μέρη. Δεν υπάρχει φινάλε στο Renegade! Απλά τελειώνουν κάποια στιγμή οι σελίδες του...
Και όπως είπα στην αρχή... Άντε τώρα να ανοίξω άλλο βιβλίο να διαβάσω...
Το αστείο είναι ότι στο πρώτο βιβλίο της τριλογίας, το Insurrection, έδωσα 5 αστέρια και τούτο, το Renegade, μου άρεσε ακόμα περισσότερο!
Ο λόγος, λοιπόν, για το Renegade, το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς Insurrection της Robyn Young. Η σειρά πραγματεύεται τη ζωή του Robert Bruce, ενός κόμη της Σκωτίας (ναι, νομίζω ότι η ακριβής μετάφραση είναι κόμης), ο οποίος έπαιξε πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στην επανάσταση των Σκώτων ενάντια στους Άγγλους στα τέλη του 13ου και στις αρχές του 14ου αιώνα. Το "έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο" νομίζω ότι ως φράση είναι λίγο ασθενής όταν ομιλούμε για τον Robert (the) Bruce! Ο τυπάς τα έκανε όλα άνω κάτω! Κάθε φορά που άλλαζε στρατόπεδο έγερνε και η πλάστιγγα μαζί του! Μια με τους μεν, μια με τους δε, κάποια στιγμή πρέπει να μπερδεύτηκε και ο ίδιος! Εντάξει, οφείλω να ομολογήσω ότι ακόμα και εμένα, που είμαι φοβερός φαν του Robert (μιλάμε για μπλουζάκια, κασκόλ και σημαίες με το "εθνόσημο" του Carrick και του Robert, βέέέέέβαια) ακόμα και εμένα, λοιπόν, με ξενέρωσε το γεγονός ότι ο τύπος δεν ήταν βαμμένος στα μπλε, όπως ο Mel Gibson ως Braveheart, αλλά πολεμούσε μία με τους Σκώτους μία με τους Άγγλους! (Σταματήστε, μωρέ, δεν είναι σπόιλερ! Και στο πρώτο βιβλίο έκανε τέτοιες τσαχπινιές ο Robert!) Δηλαδή, φαντάσου τώρα τον Κολοκοτρώνη να ξεσηκώνει τους Έλληνες ενάντια στον τουρκικό ζυγό, να τα κάνει πλακάκια, όμως, με τους μπέηδες και να πολεμά κατά των Ελλήνων, έπειτα να τα ξαναβρίσκει με τον Καραϊσκάκη, μετά να και τέλος να επιστρέφει στους επαναστάτες! Κάπου, όμως, στα μισά του βιβλίου θυμήθηκα την Ιστορία της Β' Γυμνασίου, όπου μάθαμε και θυμόμαστε όλοι τα χαρακτηριστικά γνωρίσματα του φεουδαρχικού συστήματος... Εν ολίγοις;; Το κάθε κράτος, πχ η Σκωτία, χωρίζεται σε φέουδα όπου κουμάντο κάνει ο αντίστοιχος κόμης (ή τέλος πάντων οποιονδήποτε τίτλο έχει αυτός ο άρχοντας) και είναι απλά ο βασιλιάς της πόλης-κράτους κατά κάποιον τρόπο. Όλοι υπακούν σε αυτόν (μη με ρωτήσετε γιατί, θα σας γελάσω) και ο μόνος άνθρωπος στον οποίο υπακούει αυτός ο άρχοντας είναι ο βασιλιάς του έθνους! Καλό;; Άρα, ο Robert σε πολλές φάσεις της ιστορίας, έχει ως στόχο την ευημερία του λαού του (όχι όόόόλης της Σκωτίας, αλλά του φεούδου του) και, ε, όταν το κράτος σου είναι στα σύνορα Σκωτίας Αγγλίας, ε, καμιά φορά είναι λίγο γκρίζα η ζώνη εκεί. Και σε τελικά ανάλυση, πώς μπορείς να τον κατηγορήσεις για προδοσία την ώρα που έχεις να κάνεις με Άγγλους και Σκώτους, οι οποίοι είναι ίδιοι, ρε φίλε, και χωρίζονται σε παρόμοια φέουδα με ίδια ήθη και έθιμα;; Καλά, άσε που όλοι μιλούν γαλλικά!!! Αυτό κι αν είναι...
Στα του βιβλίου τώρα, το Renegade κερδίζει πολύ άνετα τα 5 αστεράκια! Είναι εξαιρετικό! Οι περιγραφές είναι παραστατικότατες και έπιανα τον εαυτό μου στα 33 μου χρόνια, σε μια ηλικία, δηλαδή, όπου δε μπορεί κανείς να περηφανευτεί για τη φαντασία του, να έχει φτιάξει εικόνες με κάθε είδους λεπτομέρεια σχετικά με τη σκηνή που διαδραμτιζόταν εκείνη την ώρα στο βιβλίο. Οι χαρακτήρες, εντωμεταξύ, πολύ ρεαλιστικοί και δυναμικοί, ενώ βλέπεις πώς η κάθε εμπειρία τους αφήνει το στίγμα της στο χαρακτήρα τους. Είναι βέβαιο ότι η συγγραφέας έχει αφιερώσει ατελείωτες ώρες μελέτης σχετικά με την εποχή και τα πρόσωπα που είτε πρωταγωνιστούν είτε απλά εμφανίζονται στο βιβλίο. Εύγε, Robyn!
Παρόλα αυτά, βρήκα και κάποια στοιχεία, τα οποία με απογοήτευσαν λίγο. Πρώτα από όλα, το βιβλίο καλύπτει μία αρκετά μεγάλη περίοδο της ιστορίας διάρκειας αρκετών ετών. Αυτό λειτουργεί αποτρεπτικά στο να "μπεις" πραγματικά μέσα στο βιβλίο, αφού ακόμα και η διαδοχικότητα των εποχών είναι αρκετά γρήγορη. Σε αυτό, βέβαια, υπάρχει ένα μεγάλο αντεπιχείρημα και αυτό είναι ότι η συγγραφέας θέλησε με την τριλογία αυτή να καλύψει όλη την πορεία του Robert Bruce στον ρου της ιστορίας και όχι να περιγράψει μόνο ένα συμβάν. Δεκτόν! Αυτό που με είχε τσαντίσει στο πρώτο βιβλίο και υπάρχει και στο Renegade, αν και σε μικρότερο βαθμό, είναι ότι πολλές φορές η συγγραφέας, ξεκινώντας ένα κεφάλαιο, δε μας ενημερώνει για το αν είμαστε ακριβώς στο ίδιο σημείο όπου τελείωσε το προηγούμενο κεφάλαιο ή έχουμε προχωρήσει αρκετούς μήνες παρακάτω. Στην αρχή του κεφαλαίου μάς αναφέρει απλά μόνο τον τόπο και το έτος, στο οποίο διαδραματίζεται το κεφάλαιο αυτό. Εντούτοις, πρέπει να ομολογήσω ότι αυτό το τρικ αρκετές φορές μου κρατούσε το ενδιαφέρον μέχρι να καταλάβω πού και πότε ακριβώς είμαστε!!
Εν ολίγοις, όσοι έχετε διαβάσει το Insurrection, σίγουρα θα συνεχίσετε με το Renegade! Όσοι δεν έχετε διαβάσει το Insurrection, θα πάτε να το διαβάσετε, διότι πολύ απλά όλη η τριλογία αποτελεί ένα συνεχόμενο βιβλίο σε τρία μέρη. Δεν υπάρχει φινάλε στο Renegade! Απλά τελειώνουν κάποια στιγμή οι σελίδες του...
Και όπως είπα στην αρχή... Άντε τώρα να ανοίξω άλλο βιβλίο να διαβάσω...
February 9, 2021
It was okay. A bit of a plod. This trilogy isn't Robyn Youngs best - her Brethren trilogy greatly surpasses it and is astonishing, one of my favourite series' without a doubt, which gets better by sequel.
However, I find the Insurrection series (I've now read two out of three) a bit lacklustre, and I've come to the strong conclusion that it's because I don't like the characterisation of Robert the Bruce. If you don't like the main character, the person you're supposed to be rallying for, then the whole story is lost. He's just very unlikeable, there's nothing that draws me to him. I genuinely found Edward I, the purported villain, much more compelling. I found Robert skittish and gloomy, and wholly uninspiring.
There's also a rather large cast of characters, many of whom have the same first name, let alone surname (keeping up with the three part Comyn tribe for example, or the many of Roberts men and brothers), and I find my mind cannot generate the imagery when I'm reading and get the right person in the scene because Young hasnt done much to distinguish them regarding describing true depth of character, or even appearance.
Disturbingly, I found many of Roberts' brothers and men, who really don't seem to have a purpose other than just being extra bodies to his cause, I found they often had the same appearance in my mind even when all present at once, because Young just gives them meagre lines to say, without any description of their looks or who their character really is. This never happens to me when reading books, and I've read books with much larger casts and far more complex plots, so it's definitely down to Youngs' writing. It needed tightening up and shearing of excess characters considerably.
If I come across the third in the series, I'll likely pick it up if it's cheap, but I won't go out my way to purchase it.
However, I find the Insurrection series (I've now read two out of three) a bit lacklustre, and I've come to the strong conclusion that it's because I don't like the characterisation of Robert the Bruce. If you don't like the main character, the person you're supposed to be rallying for, then the whole story is lost. He's just very unlikeable, there's nothing that draws me to him. I genuinely found Edward I, the purported villain, much more compelling. I found Robert skittish and gloomy, and wholly uninspiring.
There's also a rather large cast of characters, many of whom have the same first name, let alone surname (keeping up with the three part Comyn tribe for example, or the many of Roberts men and brothers), and I find my mind cannot generate the imagery when I'm reading and get the right person in the scene because Young hasnt done much to distinguish them regarding describing true depth of character, or even appearance.
Disturbingly, I found many of Roberts' brothers and men, who really don't seem to have a purpose other than just being extra bodies to his cause, I found they often had the same appearance in my mind even when all present at once, because Young just gives them meagre lines to say, without any description of their looks or who their character really is. This never happens to me when reading books, and I've read books with much larger casts and far more complex plots, so it's definitely down to Youngs' writing. It needed tightening up and shearing of excess characters considerably.
If I come across the third in the series, I'll likely pick it up if it's cheap, but I won't go out my way to purchase it.
July 30, 2024
Puh det var en mundfuld, men rigtig god at læse, imens jeg rejste fra skotsk by til skotsk by. En rigtig underholdende fortælling om en mand, tvunget ud i at tage de værste valg for at sikre sine egne ambitioner. Robert the Bruce er lige så spændende at læse om som han var i den første bog. Ligeså er det store persongalleri omkring ham. Særligt Edward d. 1 er en god skurk og skygge for Robert. Begge mænd er ambitiøse og begge skyer de ingen midler for at opnå, hvad de hungre efter.
Desværre er det en hård bog at komme igennem, hvis du har nedsat læsehastighed som jeg har. Der står så meget på hver side at du når at blive træt efter havde læst to.
Der er også tusind karakterer at huske på og mange af dem har de samme navne. Ofte bliver du forvirret over, hvem der er allieret med hvem og hvilke familier er ude efter blodhævn. Heldigvis er der ofte tilføjet en kort beskrivelse eller en titel, hvis der er gået et vis antal sider siden vi sidst så dem. Robert er meget glad for at ønske død over sine fjender.
Der er dog en gruppe karakterer, der sjældent for meget at sige. I denne 502 sider bog med 13 forskellige perspektiver er kun to af dem kvinder. Og ja dette er en historie om mænd i krig, men den ene af disse kvinder Elizabeth bliver revet bort fra sit hjemland og fratvunget sin drøm om at gå i kloster for så i stedet at gøre den ting i verden hun frygter mest, ægteskab. Og dette høre vi næsten intet om. Efter hendes ægteskab gå der omkring 100 sider før vi hører fra hende igen. Jeg sad gennem mange politiske debatter og kampscener og ventede på at Elisabeth fik taletid. Det var så mærkelig.
Dog vil jeg stadig sige at jeg var glad for Overløber. Hvis du kan lide historie, kamp og handlekraftige karakterer så giv den en chance.
Desværre er det en hård bog at komme igennem, hvis du har nedsat læsehastighed som jeg har. Der står så meget på hver side at du når at blive træt efter havde læst to.
Der er også tusind karakterer at huske på og mange af dem har de samme navne. Ofte bliver du forvirret over, hvem der er allieret med hvem og hvilke familier er ude efter blodhævn. Heldigvis er der ofte tilføjet en kort beskrivelse eller en titel, hvis der er gået et vis antal sider siden vi sidst så dem. Robert er meget glad for at ønske død over sine fjender.
Der er dog en gruppe karakterer, der sjældent for meget at sige. I denne 502 sider bog med 13 forskellige perspektiver er kun to af dem kvinder. Og ja dette er en historie om mænd i krig, men den ene af disse kvinder Elizabeth bliver revet bort fra sit hjemland og fratvunget sin drøm om at gå i kloster for så i stedet at gøre den ting i verden hun frygter mest, ægteskab. Og dette høre vi næsten intet om. Efter hendes ægteskab gå der omkring 100 sider før vi hører fra hende igen. Jeg sad gennem mange politiske debatter og kampscener og ventede på at Elisabeth fik taletid. Det var så mærkelig.
Dog vil jeg stadig sige at jeg var glad for Overløber. Hvis du kan lide historie, kamp og handlekraftige karakterer så giv den en chance.
February 4, 2021
The Story of Robert the Bruce picks up in Ireland where he’s in voluntary exile in search of the last of the four relics, mentioned in Merlin’s prophecy.
I will not spoil the experience of reading the book yourselves however, what strikes me the most ( apart from the captivating story), is Robyn Young’s way of making you feel the deepest desires, doubts and even the desperation of her characters ( mainly Robert, as we spend most of the time him). There were times I wanted to throw the book away, because I couldn’t stand the idea of what is about to happen next, I can even swear that whenever King Edward was in the picture, you could feel that cold breeze coming through the pages; love that Young also explored some of the old characters we already know, like Humphrey de Bohun.
Love the tiny details that tell so much about a character that makes you think you’ve known them all along - like the little cross Elizabeth wears, that is worn-out during the years as she touched it frequently when she was in need for guidance or support.
I will not spoil the experience of reading the book yourselves however, what strikes me the most ( apart from the captivating story), is Robyn Young’s way of making you feel the deepest desires, doubts and even the desperation of her characters ( mainly Robert, as we spend most of the time him). There were times I wanted to throw the book away, because I couldn’t stand the idea of what is about to happen next, I can even swear that whenever King Edward was in the picture, you could feel that cold breeze coming through the pages; love that Young also explored some of the old characters we already know, like Humphrey de Bohun.
Love the tiny details that tell so much about a character that makes you think you’ve known them all along - like the little cross Elizabeth wears, that is worn-out during the years as she touched it frequently when she was in need for guidance or support.
May 10, 2017
Seria: Rebeliunea
by Robyn Young
Volumul 2: RENEGATUL
Original: Renegade (2012)
Traducerea: LAURA CIOBANU
Anul apariției: 2017
Editura: NEMIRA
Număr pagini: 608
Prezentare:
Renegatul, a doua carte a seriei lui Robyn Young, continuă povestea lui Robert de Bruce începută în Rebeliunea. Intrigi, lupte pentru putere, libertate şi independenţă şi bătălii glorioase şi sângeroase vă aşteaptă în acest nou volum.
După ce a cucerit tronul Angliei, Regele Edward se îndreaptă spre Scoția, hotărât să o cucerească. Un singur om îi stă în cale. Robert Bruce e hotărât să ajungă el însuși pe tronul Scoției. Dar și alții râvnesc la coroană și se coalizează împotriva lui. El e oricând gata să moară pe câmpul de luptă. Și totuși, ce sacrificii trebuie să mai facă pentru a-și atinge scopul?
by Robyn Young
Volumul 2: RENEGATUL
Original: Renegade (2012)
Traducerea: LAURA CIOBANU
Anul apariției: 2017
Editura: NEMIRA
Număr pagini: 608
Prezentare:
Renegatul, a doua carte a seriei lui Robyn Young, continuă povestea lui Robert de Bruce începută în Rebeliunea. Intrigi, lupte pentru putere, libertate şi independenţă şi bătălii glorioase şi sângeroase vă aşteaptă în acest nou volum.
După ce a cucerit tronul Angliei, Regele Edward se îndreaptă spre Scoția, hotărât să o cucerească. Un singur om îi stă în cale. Robert Bruce e hotărât să ajungă el însuși pe tronul Scoției. Dar și alții râvnesc la coroană și se coalizează împotriva lui. El e oricând gata să moară pe câmpul de luptă. Și totuși, ce sacrificii trebuie să mai facă pentru a-și atinge scopul?
December 13, 2017
I read most of this book today. With the characters and their various rivalries and alliances having been set up in "Insurrection" it is much easier to follow everything in this second part. It is an engrossing read, which vividly brings to life both the key characters and the various stages of the medieval struggle for Scotland. I also like the fact that the author again takes the opportunity later in the book to explain how much of the story reflects the known facts, as well as where she had to try to fill in gaps in the historical records.
I look forward to reading the third book when I can find it!
I look forward to reading the third book when I can find it!
June 9, 2020
Having recently read novel one in this trilogy I was pleased to pick up the second novel so quickly. Whilst a good book it didnt have the same vim and vigour as the first in my opinion. Whilst the plot stays strong and there are some amazing elements not least the William Wallace sections I felt it didnt quite meet the standards of the first. That said a good second book charting The Bruces journey to being king. I look forward to finalising the trilogy soon.
September 16, 2020
Still quite good, but lacked the brilliance of the first. Was unsurprised that the prophecy storyline was added by the author, along with the Knights of the Dragon. The confrontation with Comyn would also have still worked well if written as it happened in history, rather than the way the author wrote it - but I'm not an author of historical fiction so I'm probably wrong.
Still an enjoyable book. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Still an enjoyable book. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
July 11, 2021
Tweede deel uit de trilogie van Robyn Young over de Schotse onafhankelijkheidsstrijd begin 14de eeuw en in het bijzonder over Robert Bruce. Dit tweede deel kwam bij momenten wat langdradig over: veel veldslagen, veel intrigens, veel gewissel van kampen, etc. Maar toch blijft het een mooi ridderverhaal. Gebaseerd op echte feiten, aangevuld met fictieelementen. Ik kijk uit naar het slot van dit avontuurlijk epos!
November 27, 2017
This is the second book in the story of Robert Bruce. The first book felt more like a listing of history facts than a real book. That is solved in this second book. The story still feels quite historical accurate, but this time the characters have feelings and motivations.
I will surely read the next book in this series.
I will surely read the next book in this series.
June 23, 2020
I started this book feeling very uninformed. My dad gave me this book to read and he hadn't realised it was a sequel, so I felt like I was missing some information. I also knew next to nothing about Robert Bruce. Once I got passed the feeling of being uninformed I did really start to enjoy it. There's no denying how well written and how well researched this book is
September 13, 2024
Handling & Tema : 4/5
Karaktärerna: 4/5
Miljöbeskrivning: 5/5
Språk & berättar konst 5/5
5/5 i slutbetyg
Andra delen i trilogin om Roberts Bruce andträngningar till att frigöra Skottland från Englands makt och bli kung i Skottland.
En fantastisk bra historisk roman, bästa sättet att lära sig historia på. Det är imponerande hur länge Robert kämpade och allt han fick gå igenom.
Karaktärerna: 4/5
Miljöbeskrivning: 5/5
Språk & berättar konst 5/5
5/5 i slutbetyg
Andra delen i trilogin om Roberts Bruce andträngningar till att frigöra Skottland från Englands makt och bli kung i Skottland.
En fantastisk bra historisk roman, bästa sättet att lära sig historia på. Det är imponerande hur länge Robert kämpade och allt han fick gå igenom.
Read
August 3, 2022I liked this book a little less then book 1. It felt kind of repetitive at times, not in its language but in the things that were happening. Surrender, again, betrayal, again, and although that's all supposed to happen, after a while it started annoying me a bit. Still, on to book 3!
May 26, 2024
I enjoyed this story on King Edward I and Robert the Bruce, the struggles, the politics and the fighting for power and to be a king, and with William Wallace in the mix of fighting.
A different fictional account from the fictional movie Braveheart
A different fictional account from the fictional movie Braveheart
September 22, 2024
With the first book being so good, this one was just really slow. I think the knights of the dragon is an interesting plot and it helps flesh out the narrative for Bruce, but it is dragged out too much for my taste
June 13, 2017
Robyn Young's books are always a great read!!!! We need more from her!!
June 25, 2018
Another good read , the build up to the bruce becoming king , the death of William Wallace , sets up the third book nicely
October 10, 2018
Nota Geral: 3.7/5
Escrita: 4.5
Cenário: 4.5
Originalidade: 4
Personagens: 4
Suspense: 3.5
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 4
Previsível: 3
investigação: 5
Escrita: 4.5
Cenário: 4.5
Originalidade: 4
Personagens: 4
Suspense: 3.5
Humor: 3
Romance: 3
Capa: 3
Aditivo: 4
Previsível: 3
investigação: 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews