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Robert the Bruce #1
The Steps to the Empty Throne
This trilogy tells the story of Robert the Bruce and 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.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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1155 people want to read
About the author
Nigel Tranter
161 books141 followersNigel 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 5, 2021
The first book in a trilogy about Robert the Bruce.
This series is something of a family heirloom and a rite of passage. My great-grandparents read it, my grandad read it, and my dad read it, and now it is my turn. I'll be honest, I've tried reading this in the past and struggled, I was too young, or I was not in the right mood for it. I heard it once described as a relaxing read, but it seemed so wordy, and with so many characters. But now, I finally get it. And the first book, which is meant to be the slowest and weakest out of the trilogy, is more than wonderful, but a masterpiece of historical fiction which feels accurate (there is no modern thinking here in any of the characters) and succeeds in being winsomely entertaining. Nigel Tranter adds flesh to the bones, making Robert the Bruce a passionate, complex, and pious man, who loves his country, his countrymen and God. Edward Longshanks is an excellent villain, as it is told from the Scottish perspective we are not meant to like him at all, yet Tranter does him justice, making him eloquent and threatening English King, who has his own troubles outside of Scotland (France, his nobles, his new wife and his failing health). Tranter does a lot to colour in Bruce's love interest Elizabeth de Burgh as well. She is a witty, clever woman with a warm personality. I found myself excited whenever Bruce had interactions with either of these two characters. The narrator's voice is present but not at all distracting, and I enjoyed his descriptions of the Scottish countryside, a big part of what Bruce was fighting for:
"The larks trilled joyously high in the blue, the cuckoos called hauntingly from the lower birch-woods, and the myriad bees hummed lazy contentment from the rich purple carpet of the bell heather and the blazing gold of the whins which crackled in the early July sunshine; while the tumbling, spouting, peat-stained Dochart shouted its laughter up from its rocky bed, all in praise of as fine a noontide as that lovely land of the mountains could proffer."
Tranter's description of the action is also good. He does not dwell on huge battles for very long, preferring to mingle on the conversations and atmosphere before and after the fighting, yet he does not skimp on the details when swords finally clash with swords:
"The King, recovering from his shake, dealt effectively enough with the first assailant to reach him. Swerving in his saddle to avoid a jabbing sword-point at the throat, like a lance-thrust, and standing in his stirrups, he thereafter swung around his own great two-handed blade in a sideways swipe that struck the knight on the back of his head and pitched him forward over his mount's head, helmet spinning."
The ending of the book, no spoilers here, is perfect. Tranter gets the tone just right, and it made me really want to throw myself into the sequel as quickly as possible. All in all, a smashing read. I eagerly look forward to the second book in the trilogy, titled "The Path of the Hero King."
This series is something of a family heirloom and a rite of passage. My great-grandparents read it, my grandad read it, and my dad read it, and now it is my turn. I'll be honest, I've tried reading this in the past and struggled, I was too young, or I was not in the right mood for it. I heard it once described as a relaxing read, but it seemed so wordy, and with so many characters. But now, I finally get it. And the first book, which is meant to be the slowest and weakest out of the trilogy, is more than wonderful, but a masterpiece of historical fiction which feels accurate (there is no modern thinking here in any of the characters) and succeeds in being winsomely entertaining. Nigel Tranter adds flesh to the bones, making Robert the Bruce a passionate, complex, and pious man, who loves his country, his countrymen and God. Edward Longshanks is an excellent villain, as it is told from the Scottish perspective we are not meant to like him at all, yet Tranter does him justice, making him eloquent and threatening English King, who has his own troubles outside of Scotland (France, his nobles, his new wife and his failing health). Tranter does a lot to colour in Bruce's love interest Elizabeth de Burgh as well. She is a witty, clever woman with a warm personality. I found myself excited whenever Bruce had interactions with either of these two characters. The narrator's voice is present but not at all distracting, and I enjoyed his descriptions of the Scottish countryside, a big part of what Bruce was fighting for:
"The larks trilled joyously high in the blue, the cuckoos called hauntingly from the lower birch-woods, and the myriad bees hummed lazy contentment from the rich purple carpet of the bell heather and the blazing gold of the whins which crackled in the early July sunshine; while the tumbling, spouting, peat-stained Dochart shouted its laughter up from its rocky bed, all in praise of as fine a noontide as that lovely land of the mountains could proffer."
Tranter's description of the action is also good. He does not dwell on huge battles for very long, preferring to mingle on the conversations and atmosphere before and after the fighting, yet he does not skimp on the details when swords finally clash with swords:
"The King, recovering from his shake, dealt effectively enough with the first assailant to reach him. Swerving in his saddle to avoid a jabbing sword-point at the throat, like a lance-thrust, and standing in his stirrups, he thereafter swung around his own great two-handed blade in a sideways swipe that struck the knight on the back of his head and pitched him forward over his mount's head, helmet spinning."
The ending of the book, no spoilers here, is perfect. Tranter gets the tone just right, and it made me really want to throw myself into the sequel as quickly as possible. All in all, a smashing read. I eagerly look forward to the second book in the trilogy, titled "The Path of the Hero King."
January 1, 2016
Well written, with believable characters. The history is covered in depth so that the reader understands why the characters are acting the way they do. The scenes with Bruce's wife, Elizabeth, are less satisfying than the political and battle scenes, but necessary for the story.
Having previously read the Robyn Young books on the same subject, I far prefer Nigel Tranter's more straightforward approach and more detailed historical background.
Having previously read the Robyn Young books on the same subject, I far prefer Nigel Tranter's more straightforward approach and more detailed historical background.
August 25, 2017
Reading this book proved difficult at times in the effort to keep straight the identity of peripheral personages, but it didn't take away from the pleasure of reading an account of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace that had the ring of truth in it, albeit with a very strong Scottish perspective. The novel manages to realistically flesh out true-life characters from the scant facts known to historians, providing added depth to the glory and heroism of Scotland's fight for independence.
December 30, 2021
Nobody writes Scottish historical fiction like the late Nigel Tranter. His books are meticulously researched when possible and he goes into incredible detail describing the Scottish land and it’s people to the reader.
The first chapter in The Bruce trilogy follows the young noble from the disposal of John Baliol through the turmoil of the opening clashes of the War of Independence to his coronation as King of Scots.
Throughout the novel Bruce develops from a hot headed noble to a shrewd and politician; navigating the endless divides between the noble houses of Scotland, his own relationship with Edward I and the underlying desire and claim he has towards the Scottish throne.
His prowess in battle has yet to be fully developed, although he for the most part shows a sound tactical knowledge.
Those who have read Tranters “The Wallace” will no doubt recognise some of the events and indeed dialogue as both books take place during the same time period.
This however is another one of Tranters gifts, to be able to show a different perspective and point of view in different novels set in the same time, as he has a number of other novels which cross paths like this.
The first chapter in The Bruce trilogy follows the young noble from the disposal of John Baliol through the turmoil of the opening clashes of the War of Independence to his coronation as King of Scots.
Throughout the novel Bruce develops from a hot headed noble to a shrewd and politician; navigating the endless divides between the noble houses of Scotland, his own relationship with Edward I and the underlying desire and claim he has towards the Scottish throne.
His prowess in battle has yet to be fully developed, although he for the most part shows a sound tactical knowledge.
Those who have read Tranters “The Wallace” will no doubt recognise some of the events and indeed dialogue as both books take place during the same time period.
This however is another one of Tranters gifts, to be able to show a different perspective and point of view in different novels set in the same time, as he has a number of other novels which cross paths like this.
October 11, 2012
This book promises a lot but in reality delivers very little. Its the first book of the trilogy, and takes us from the dethroning of John Balliol by Edward the Longshanks up to Robert the Bruce's coronation. From its very grand introduction, it delivers very little. - 'This enormous and ambitious theme of Bruce the hero king is no light challenge for a writer... he [Tranter] ends that long apprenticeship and takes up the challenge'
We do not, in any sense, get to know anything about any of the characters. Everyone is very one dimensional. Robert the Bruce's character goes something like this; Gets outraged - spends three paragraphs of narrative explaining why he is outraged, then proceeds to do what is obvious to the reader immediately before he gets outraged. Then his wife, Elizabeth de Burgh would provoke him, thus Robert the Bruce overcomes his crisis of confidence. To say it is formulaic is to underestimate. It quickly becomes insufferably dull. And all the wretched dialogue - I've never read a book in which so many people have something to say but none of them ever reveals anything interesting about how they might think, feel, or really believe.
This is a world of good and evil, where good men are forced to make harsh compromises in the face of irredeemably evil characters. Comyn, Bruce's rival and co-Guardian, has to be one the worst and most unintentionally awful characters devised by a writer.
My biggest gripe is that this books tells me nothing of what it is like to be Robert the Bruce. Since he is the protagonist, you would think that we would learn something about how he thinks. Instead we get a pretty standard narrative and an extremely boring collection of events as opposed to a novel that aims to properly flesh out and explain the personal reasons behind each decision. At times it felt like I was reading a chronicle.
And some of the writing! Just read this: 'The spread cloaks on the floor received them, and with swift, sure co-operation she disposed herself, guiding his clamant manhood and receiving him into her vital generosity.'
That was a sex scene. At this point I began to wonder why I read on and even finished the damn thing.
You might imagine that before reading this book that I would have brushed up on my knowledge of Scotland's wars of independence, that I read many great tomes by eminent scholars in the field. In the event, I watched Braveheart. (Which is a brilliant film!) I'd recommend that people watch that seminal and often absurd film rather than waste their time with this tripe.
We do not, in any sense, get to know anything about any of the characters. Everyone is very one dimensional. Robert the Bruce's character goes something like this; Gets outraged - spends three paragraphs of narrative explaining why he is outraged, then proceeds to do what is obvious to the reader immediately before he gets outraged. Then his wife, Elizabeth de Burgh would provoke him, thus Robert the Bruce overcomes his crisis of confidence. To say it is formulaic is to underestimate. It quickly becomes insufferably dull. And all the wretched dialogue - I've never read a book in which so many people have something to say but none of them ever reveals anything interesting about how they might think, feel, or really believe.
This is a world of good and evil, where good men are forced to make harsh compromises in the face of irredeemably evil characters. Comyn, Bruce's rival and co-Guardian, has to be one the worst and most unintentionally awful characters devised by a writer.
My biggest gripe is that this books tells me nothing of what it is like to be Robert the Bruce. Since he is the protagonist, you would think that we would learn something about how he thinks. Instead we get a pretty standard narrative and an extremely boring collection of events as opposed to a novel that aims to properly flesh out and explain the personal reasons behind each decision. At times it felt like I was reading a chronicle.
And some of the writing! Just read this: 'The spread cloaks on the floor received them, and with swift, sure co-operation she disposed herself, guiding his clamant manhood and receiving him into her vital generosity.'
That was a sex scene. At this point I began to wonder why I read on and even finished the damn thing.
You might imagine that before reading this book that I would have brushed up on my knowledge of Scotland's wars of independence, that I read many great tomes by eminent scholars in the field. In the event, I watched Braveheart. (Which is a brilliant film!) I'd recommend that people watch that seminal and often absurd film rather than waste their time with this tripe.
November 30, 2013
This was the first book of a trilogy on Robert the Bruce and Nigel Tranter certainly did not disappoint. His attention to detail both physical (landscapes etc) and historical were wonderful and easy to read. I couldn't wait to read Book 2 and then Book 3. It was so long ago, I will not post a detailed review of this or the other 2 books.
May 3, 2009
Of particular interest because I am descended from Robert the Bruce.
August 24, 2024
This is the first book in the Robert The Bruce trilogy by Nigel Trantner, the famous and esteemed Scottish writer, who really brings the early years of his life together.
I really enjoyed this book. It is written in the language of the time which can be a bit difficult at times. But not so much, really.
A very good story like a real Game of Thrones!
There is much in-fighting and double dealing with the nobles of Scotland while they are under the rule of King Edward I, or Edward Longshanks of England. Edward kind of knew that he could play the various Nobles against each other and keep Scotland divided. Early on Robert would side with England against the previous King Baliol- who was picked by King Edward over Robert The Bruce's father who had a tie to the title of King of Scotland through history. Edward then took the King title away and declared that there would be no more King of Scotland when Robert was in his early 20's where the story begins. Wallace comes up about this time and gathers men into a small Army and begins to fight against England, by himself.
This part of the story of his life intersects with William Wallace, of Braveheart acclaim. Who took on the English when many of the nobles would not. Wallace comes up about this time and gathers men into a small Army and begins to fight against England by himself. Bruce learned some things from Wallace's tactics fighting against superior numbers of the English that he would use later on during the Scottish Wars for Independence.
At the end of this book, Robert breaks with King Edward, again, and moves to declare himself King of Scotland! He loses his first battle with England badly and is almost killed during the battle, losing many men and supporters and must retreat to the Scottish Highlands.
A good story that I enjoyed reading! At some point, I will look to get into the second book of the Trilogy.
I really enjoyed this book. It is written in the language of the time which can be a bit difficult at times. But not so much, really.
A very good story like a real Game of Thrones!
There is much in-fighting and double dealing with the nobles of Scotland while they are under the rule of King Edward I, or Edward Longshanks of England. Edward kind of knew that he could play the various Nobles against each other and keep Scotland divided. Early on Robert would side with England against the previous King Baliol- who was picked by King Edward over Robert The Bruce's father who had a tie to the title of King of Scotland through history. Edward then took the King title away and declared that there would be no more King of Scotland when Robert was in his early 20's where the story begins. Wallace comes up about this time and gathers men into a small Army and begins to fight against England, by himself.
This part of the story of his life intersects with William Wallace, of Braveheart acclaim. Who took on the English when many of the nobles would not. Wallace comes up about this time and gathers men into a small Army and begins to fight against England by himself. Bruce learned some things from Wallace's tactics fighting against superior numbers of the English that he would use later on during the Scottish Wars for Independence.
At the end of this book, Robert breaks with King Edward, again, and moves to declare himself King of Scotland! He loses his first battle with England badly and is almost killed during the battle, losing many men and supporters and must retreat to the Scottish Highlands.
A good story that I enjoyed reading! At some point, I will look to get into the second book of the Trilogy.
September 18, 2025
Favorite characters - Robert, Lamberton, James Douglas, Elizabeth, Christina
Favorite scenes - John bends the knee, Robert yells at the kings feast, Robert argues with Sergrave, The meeting of the Scottish lords, Robert turns on Percy, The guradiansmoot, Robert declares himself king, Roberts coronation, James Douglas gets knighted.
Well written and amazingly plotted, Tranter does such a good job at taking a unsung hero and putting him in the light. You not only learn more about the political climate at the time, but tranter does a good job at speculating what was going on in Roberts mind during his early years of rebellion. The character work is phenomenal. This is not a book where Robert is the only character who struggles with who they are. So many characters in this book are aware of there emotions and show them in the many different ways people do - dialogue, movement, and even the lack thereof. This lead to an amazing reading experience where I was happy regardless of how many pages I read that day!
Favorite scenes - John bends the knee, Robert yells at the kings feast, Robert argues with Sergrave, The meeting of the Scottish lords, Robert turns on Percy, The guradiansmoot, Robert declares himself king, Roberts coronation, James Douglas gets knighted.
Well written and amazingly plotted, Tranter does such a good job at taking a unsung hero and putting him in the light. You not only learn more about the political climate at the time, but tranter does a good job at speculating what was going on in Roberts mind during his early years of rebellion. The character work is phenomenal. This is not a book where Robert is the only character who struggles with who they are. So many characters in this book are aware of there emotions and show them in the many different ways people do - dialogue, movement, and even the lack thereof. This lead to an amazing reading experience where I was happy regardless of how many pages I read that day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
A wonderful book one of three books describing Robert the Bruce King of Scots way to the throne through numerous obstacles the peak was Bannockburn battle ending in Scotland achieving its independence from the English and their king Eduard I.
He could build a character through a few statements.
He knew (he has already died) the Scottish history perfectly.
I read many of his wonderful books.
It's a must for every fan of good and attractive history literature.
Inside that book, there is the legend of a simple spider which inspired Robert the Bruce coming back to fight for the Scottish independence
He could build a character through a few statements.
He knew (he has already died) the Scottish history perfectly.
I read many of his wonderful books.
It's a must for every fan of good and attractive history literature.
Inside that book, there is the legend of a simple spider which inspired Robert the Bruce coming back to fight for the Scottish independence
January 16, 2021
The turn of the 14th Century is not a period I am very aware of, but this novel tells the story of Robert the Bruce primarily, but also that of William Walace and Edward I of England. I know Scottish history can be contentious so I would say that this author writes very much from The Bruce's perspective (i.e. a Scottish perspective) rather than English, but equally Bruce becomes King of Scotts, so perhaps, as with all histories, the 'baddies' of the story, particularly the Scottish ones, may be viewed less favourably than they really were.
I am looking forward to reading the next in the trillergy.
I am looking forward to reading the next in the trillergy.
August 26, 2021
Better than I thought it would be considering it's not even on Kindle. The best start in a Robert Bruce trilogy that I've read. I love that the author didn't start when Robert was a little boy. That is one of my biggest pet peeves, adult novels that start when the main characters are children. This book starts when Robert is around twenty and it's a great place to start. Good pacing throughout, only a tiny bit slow at times. Good dialogue, decent little bit of romance, all around a great historical fiction book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 17, 2022
Not a bad story but I did struggle to follow the various characters and storyline. Not sure if that because I wasn't fully paying attention (listened to it on Audible) or if I lost interest and stopped paying attention?
April 22, 2018
I read a biography of William Wallace several years ago and it left me very puzzled as to where the Braveheart story came from. Reading this novel, it's obviously the source material for that movie.
The only problem I have with books like this is not knowing what is based on fact and what is pure creative fiction.
The only problem I have with books like this is not knowing what is based on fact and what is pure creative fiction.
October 1, 2018
Tranter makes history come alive.
November 13, 2018
Very enjoyable save for the romance....
January 7, 2025
3.5 stars. It suddenly grabbed me in the last 40 or so pages. On to The Path of the Hero King
August 15, 2013
Nigel Tranter, I was told, is the master of Scottish historical fiction. William Wallace, Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce, etc. He's the best, and his stuff was great. I have parents who are from Scotland and have an interest in the area, so I gave it a whirl. It didn't work for me. It just didn't hold my interest. Compare it, for example, to Ken Follett's medievel books (Pillars of the Earth, etc.). There's no comparison. Follett's books are page turners that you can't put down. This one, not so much. I'm not blaming it all on Tranter. It might be more my fault. Maybe I'm not a good enough reader or don't have the right attention span. But I muscled my way through one, and don't think I'll try any of the others.
December 4, 2016
This was presented as history, but it's really historical fiction. So for the first half, I was distracted by the "What's real and what's not?" question. It was originally written more than 50 years ago, and I've seen previously that not such a fine line was drawn between the two genres back then, so maybe it is excusable. By the end of it, I was enjoying it enough that I will be happy to read the next book in this trilogy. I just won't be reading it with any expectation that I am learning correct historical information backed up by solid research. It's a fun book with a good story, suitable for quickly skimming through the sections that don't hold your interest.
August 19, 2013
I love the story of the Bruce, and whereas this story is ok, it wasn't really up to par with the subject matter. The character of Robert the Bruce was too gilded for my understanding... and to be honest to book was a bit of a trudge to get through. Not a great recommendation for the next in the series. Might of give this a two stars... but it was better than that.
January 16, 2015
This was a very quick read but action packed and full of history! I learned so much about the early days right before and right after Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland.
Nigel Tranter was an excellent writer and I will certainly read more books by him in the future!
Nigel Tranter was an excellent writer and I will certainly read more books by him in the future!
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August 23, 2008isbn,original
March 18, 2009
Book one down! It was amazing. One of the first historical novels I have read in a while that centers around a male main character. Can't wait to finish the next two!
Read
July 31, 2011Not the most gripping book I've ever read, but pretty good, and shows just how inaccurate Braveheart was.
December 26, 2012
Looking forward to reading the next two in the trilogy.
December 11, 2013
Much, much better.
This is why Tranter gets high acclaim.
This is why Tranter gets high acclaim.
December 27, 2016
One star deducted for a truly appalling sex scene.
January 5, 2017
Gave up on I am afraid!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews