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The Bravehearts Chronicles #2
Robert The Bruce: A Tale of the Guardians
Robert I, or as he is known to a grateful Scottish nation, Robert the Bruce, was one of Scotland’s greatest kings, as well as one of the most famous warriors of his generation. He spearheaded the valiant Scots in their quest for freedom, leading his people during the Wars of Scottish Independence against the Kingdom of England. His reign saw the recognition of Scotland as an independent nation, and today Bruce is remembered in Scotland as a national hero.
It was by no means a fair and easy road for this indomitable fighter. As a young man he saw the English king Edward I award the vacant Crown of Scotland to John Balliol. The nation quickly splintered into factions and this spurred Robert and his father to at first side with Edward and then against John, whom many of the nobles did not feel was the correct person to guide the nation. Thus began a decades-long path for Scottish freedom. To achieve this goal, Robert sometimes had to delicately balance the power of the nobles against the might of the English. He was a tireless campaigner and after a full life of battle and diplomacy, in May 1328, King Edward III signed the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, which recognized Scotland as an independent kingdom and Bruce as its king.
A passionate man. An incredible warrior. And one of Scotland’s finest.
At the publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied.
It was by no means a fair and easy road for this indomitable fighter. As a young man he saw the English king Edward I award the vacant Crown of Scotland to John Balliol. The nation quickly splintered into factions and this spurred Robert and his father to at first side with Edward and then against John, whom many of the nobles did not feel was the correct person to guide the nation. Thus began a decades-long path for Scottish freedom. To achieve this goal, Robert sometimes had to delicately balance the power of the nobles against the might of the English. He was a tireless campaigner and after a full life of battle and diplomacy, in May 1328, King Edward III signed the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, which recognized Scotland as an independent kingdom and Bruce as its king.
A passionate man. An incredible warrior. And one of Scotland’s finest.
At the publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied.
593 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
49 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Jack Whyte
62 books771 followersJack Whyte is an author and writer born and raised in Scotland, but has been living in western Canada since 1967, and in Kelowna, British Columbia, since 1996.
Whyte's major work to date is the A Dream of Eagles series (as it is titled in Canada, but known as The Camulod Chronicles in the United States and elsewhere). This series of historical novels presents the tale of King Arthur set against the backdrop of Roman Britain. This retelling of the popular legend eschews the use of magic (as in T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone) to explain Arthur’s ascent to power and instead relies on the historical condition (with some artistic license) of post-Roman Britain to support the theory that Arthur was meant to counter the anarchy left by the Roman departure from Britain in 410 AD and the subsequent colonization and invasion of Britain by various peoples from Northwestern Europe, including the Saxons, Jutes, Franks, and Angles). Whyte incorporates both traditional Arthurian names, places and events (albeit in gaelic or Latin form) as well as the names of various historical figures that have been suggested as being the possible basis for the original King Arthur legend. The tacit implication is that Whyte's version of history is the true story that has become distorted over time to become the legend and stories of magic that we know today.
Jack Whyte served as the official bard of The Calgary Highlanders and performed several tracks of poetry and song on the 1990 recording by the Regimental Pipes and Drums of The Calgary Highlanders entitled Eighty Years of Glory: The Regimental Pipes, Drums and Bard of The Calgary Highlanders.
Whyte's major work to date is the A Dream of Eagles series (as it is titled in Canada, but known as The Camulod Chronicles in the United States and elsewhere). This series of historical novels presents the tale of King Arthur set against the backdrop of Roman Britain. This retelling of the popular legend eschews the use of magic (as in T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone) to explain Arthur’s ascent to power and instead relies on the historical condition (with some artistic license) of post-Roman Britain to support the theory that Arthur was meant to counter the anarchy left by the Roman departure from Britain in 410 AD and the subsequent colonization and invasion of Britain by various peoples from Northwestern Europe, including the Saxons, Jutes, Franks, and Angles). Whyte incorporates both traditional Arthurian names, places and events (albeit in gaelic or Latin form) as well as the names of various historical figures that have been suggested as being the possible basis for the original King Arthur legend. The tacit implication is that Whyte's version of history is the true story that has become distorted over time to become the legend and stories of magic that we know today.
Jack Whyte served as the official bard of The Calgary Highlanders and performed several tracks of poetry and song on the 1990 recording by the Regimental Pipes and Drums of The Calgary Highlanders entitled Eighty Years of Glory: The Regimental Pipes, Drums and Bard of The Calgary Highlanders.
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November 4, 2025
With this novel about Robert the Bruce, and Whyte’s previous novel about William Wallace, Jack Whyte takes advantage of a lack of historical information to tell stories that only occasionally check in with a thinly documented history. The main point of this novel was to fictitiously explain the reasons for Bruce’s absence from the early days of the Scottish uprising and his loyalties to the English King, Edward I, prior to switching sides and eventually becoming the King of Scots.
Whyte’s overall depiction of medieval life in both novels is obviously scrubbed, whitewashed and pressed. During a time when no one bathed, everybody must have smelled pretty bad. I also understand that lice, fleas, bedbugs, and rodents populated living spaces at will, castles and cottages alike. Whyte crafts his setting to resemble a popular dinner show at a place in Buena Park, California called Medieval Times. The food’s ok, and you get to eat it with your hands while you watch a jousting show with men wearing supremely polished armor and riding immaculately groomed horses. The ladies of the show are all wearing elaborate dresses. It’s great entertainment but it's nothing like medieval times.
The one thing that Whyte could not mask was the frequency of death during these times. The record of prominent young women dying could not be ignored, and in fact these deaths led directly to the events that brought William Wallace and Robert the Bruce into prominence. Even then, however, these deaths are mostly mentioned as a lead-in to subsequent events and it’s only their mention that serves as a clue to the hardships that people, particularly women, women faced at the time.
This novel, as well as Whyte’s previous one, both span from the early lives of their main characters and end around 1298, at the time when the First War for Scottish Independence becomes interesting. As such, Whyte deploys free license to tell fantastical stories that set up his third and final book in the series; a book that I am now somehow obligated to read.
Whyte’s overall depiction of medieval life in both novels is obviously scrubbed, whitewashed and pressed. During a time when no one bathed, everybody must have smelled pretty bad. I also understand that lice, fleas, bedbugs, and rodents populated living spaces at will, castles and cottages alike. Whyte crafts his setting to resemble a popular dinner show at a place in Buena Park, California called Medieval Times. The food’s ok, and you get to eat it with your hands while you watch a jousting show with men wearing supremely polished armor and riding immaculately groomed horses. The ladies of the show are all wearing elaborate dresses. It’s great entertainment but it's nothing like medieval times.
The one thing that Whyte could not mask was the frequency of death during these times. The record of prominent young women dying could not be ignored, and in fact these deaths led directly to the events that brought William Wallace and Robert the Bruce into prominence. Even then, however, these deaths are mostly mentioned as a lead-in to subsequent events and it’s only their mention that serves as a clue to the hardships that people, particularly women, women faced at the time.
This novel, as well as Whyte’s previous one, both span from the early lives of their main characters and end around 1298, at the time when the First War for Scottish Independence becomes interesting. As such, Whyte deploys free license to tell fantastical stories that set up his third and final book in the series; a book that I am now somehow obligated to read.
November 11, 2021
Book two of Jack Whyte’s The Braveheart Chronicles, Resistance: The Battle for the Heart of Scotland is a masterful story of Robert as a young man growing up in the politics of their time, and of the events that have shaped his character and affected his every decision (or indecision). Just like in the first installment (The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace), Mr. Whyte, I must say, is huge on character building, and the way he has effectively rationalized Robert’s shifting loyalties in this book makes his character tolerable enough for me. Also, his injecting several historical tidbits along the way surely makes for an appealing read.
Two new things I learned about Robert the Bruce from this book: first, one of his ancestors was the great William Marshal, and second, his first marriage was brief and heartbreaking (his wife died weeks after giving birth). These aren’t clandestine info, I know, but still, they are a big delight for someone like me who lives on the other side of the world and has not long been immersed in the lives of medieval kings and queens. :-)
Two new things I learned about Robert the Bruce from this book: first, one of his ancestors was the great William Marshal, and second, his first marriage was brief and heartbreaking (his wife died weeks after giving birth). These aren’t clandestine info, I know, but still, they are a big delight for someone like me who lives on the other side of the world and has not long been immersed in the lives of medieval kings and queens. :-)
December 29, 2013
This novel is also titled The Renegade for non US readers. I found this entry into Mr. Whyte’s Guardian Trilogy is not quite what I expected. It is mainly the story of how Robert the Bruce came to be who he was. There is not a lot of battle scenes or other standards of medieval historical fiction.
The story opens with a very evocative scene in 1297 where Robert is waking up in a rain drenched camp. The writing is very good and took me into the time. Whyte then flashes back 13 years to a 10 yr old Bruce and the story really begins and tells us how he arrived at that camp.
He looks at the relationships Bruce had with his father and grandfather, the politics of 13th century Scotland and the struggle for the crown after the death of the Maid of Norway. He also explores the character of Edward I, King of England, and how he came to view Scotland as part of his empire.
While he is Scottish, he spends his teenage years in England and becomes a supporter of Edward and his designs. The main conflict as the story goes on is how will Robert resolve that conflict. As the Scottish rebellion continues, Robert is increasing involved in putting it down. This leads to his break with Edward that is the climax of the novel.
Some of the sub themes in the novel include his relationship with his first wife. While he is betrothed to her as a young boy, he doesn’t meet her until just before the wedding and immediately falls totally in love with her while she is in disguise and wonders what he is going to do with his fiancé. It all ends well when she reveals who she is. Personally it seems a little contrived to me.
While the novel takes place at the same time as the previous book in the series,The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace, Wallace is only mentioned in passing and Bruce only meets him once.
The story can be meandering in spots and sometimes the politics can be a little esoteric. In spite of the flaws, I did enjoy this novel and would give it 3.75 stars – rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
The story opens with a very evocative scene in 1297 where Robert is waking up in a rain drenched camp. The writing is very good and took me into the time. Whyte then flashes back 13 years to a 10 yr old Bruce and the story really begins and tells us how he arrived at that camp.
He looks at the relationships Bruce had with his father and grandfather, the politics of 13th century Scotland and the struggle for the crown after the death of the Maid of Norway. He also explores the character of Edward I, King of England, and how he came to view Scotland as part of his empire.
While he is Scottish, he spends his teenage years in England and becomes a supporter of Edward and his designs. The main conflict as the story goes on is how will Robert resolve that conflict. As the Scottish rebellion continues, Robert is increasing involved in putting it down. This leads to his break with Edward that is the climax of the novel.
Some of the sub themes in the novel include his relationship with his first wife. While he is betrothed to her as a young boy, he doesn’t meet her until just before the wedding and immediately falls totally in love with her while she is in disguise and wonders what he is going to do with his fiancé. It all ends well when she reveals who she is. Personally it seems a little contrived to me.
While the novel takes place at the same time as the previous book in the series,The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace, Wallace is only mentioned in passing and Bruce only meets him once.
The story can be meandering in spots and sometimes the politics can be a little esoteric. In spite of the flaws, I did enjoy this novel and would give it 3.75 stars – rounded up to 4 for Goodreads
May 2, 2016
The author's done a very good job in fulfilling his purpose he set out to do in his 'Author's Note': to explain influences on Bruce and why Bruce acted as he did at important stages of his life. This was accomplished through certain life experiences and the effect of the sound advice of others, most particularly his grandfather and great uncle. I recommend this book highly. Since it's Book 1 of a trilogy, I'm assuming the sequels will tell of military campaigns.
The story begins when Bruce [called Rob in the novel] is ten years old; his father, the Earl of Carrick, another Robert Bruce, is hosting a meeting of King Edward of England, King Alexander of Scotland, and Angus of the Isles. A bloody fight brings home to the young Rob, as he's called, the importance of stamping out hatred, through mutually beneficial alliances. As Rob grows, through many examples given by his tutor, Great Uncle Nicol and Grandfather Bruce, he learns the importance of the definition and examples of 'manipulation', of how one can be blinded by one's wrong perceptions. As a squire he learns of the unpredictability of the English king. He learns from Grandfather that the king, a widower, only loved his wife, and something Grandfather calls 'kingship': statesmanship, but with an eye to increasing personal power and land. Rob learns of politics between England and Scotland. After the feckless Scottish king John Balliol's reign, Edward seizes control of Scotland. Rob sees for himself the brutal mistreatment of his people by English soldiers, so this decides him to fight for the people; he will be King Edward's creature no longer.
I liked reading about Bruce's psychology and the forces that may have shaped him. I felt the author did his research; there was no bibliography though. Scots dialogue used was easy to follow, although there was a short glossary. Characterization was well done. Writing flowed along smoothly. I felt the book was a bit long, however and could have been cut because of repetition. I liked his meeting William Wallace, the Scots freedom fighter [or rebel, depending upon your point of view]. I can see why the book was entitled as it was: there were three Robert Bruces in the story, each one important, although the young Rob [later Sir Robert] was the actual protagonist.
The story begins when Bruce [called Rob in the novel] is ten years old; his father, the Earl of Carrick, another Robert Bruce, is hosting a meeting of King Edward of England, King Alexander of Scotland, and Angus of the Isles. A bloody fight brings home to the young Rob, as he's called, the importance of stamping out hatred, through mutually beneficial alliances. As Rob grows, through many examples given by his tutor, Great Uncle Nicol and Grandfather Bruce, he learns the importance of the definition and examples of 'manipulation', of how one can be blinded by one's wrong perceptions. As a squire he learns of the unpredictability of the English king. He learns from Grandfather that the king, a widower, only loved his wife, and something Grandfather calls 'kingship': statesmanship, but with an eye to increasing personal power and land. Rob learns of politics between England and Scotland. After the feckless Scottish king John Balliol's reign, Edward seizes control of Scotland. Rob sees for himself the brutal mistreatment of his people by English soldiers, so this decides him to fight for the people; he will be King Edward's creature no longer.
I liked reading about Bruce's psychology and the forces that may have shaped him. I felt the author did his research; there was no bibliography though. Scots dialogue used was easy to follow, although there was a short glossary. Characterization was well done. Writing flowed along smoothly. I felt the book was a bit long, however and could have been cut because of repetition. I liked his meeting William Wallace, the Scots freedom fighter [or rebel, depending upon your point of view]. I can see why the book was entitled as it was: there were three Robert Bruces in the story, each one important, although the young Rob [later Sir Robert] was the actual protagonist.
May 8, 2016
This was a wonderful book. Full of fascinating information and a well told tale. It follows the life of Robert the Bruce (seventh of his name), Earl of Carick in Scotland. It follows him from an early age, through his years in England as a squire to him eventually being knighted. Bruce started as a follower and friend of Edward Plantagenet (Edward I), King of England. It shows his development and his close affiliation with the English nobility. Though near the end as Edward becomes more autocratic and expands his lands- Bruce begins to sour on his views. Finally when Edward, after the death of King Alexander of Scotland, appoints King Balliol to Scotlands throne and then eventually ousts him and claims the kingdom for England-Bruce turns against him. It shows the progress of Edward into one of the most powerful but autocratic kings in all Christendom (a term for Europe before there was a EUROPE).
Well written, this book reminds me of similar superb historical fiction by Bernard Cromwell. It is hard to put down once started. The author knows his material from Scottish terms, speech and views to military tactics of the time. My only complaint is that it ends to early. Bruce is in rebellion against Edward and meets William Wallace...and the book ends. So I can only assume there is a second book coming out. If so I will gladly read it. Highly recommend to anyone interested in this time period-especially if they are Scottish history buffs. But, even if not- it's a great read. You won't be sorry.
Well written, this book reminds me of similar superb historical fiction by Bernard Cromwell. It is hard to put down once started. The author knows his material from Scottish terms, speech and views to military tactics of the time. My only complaint is that it ends to early. Bruce is in rebellion against Edward and meets William Wallace...and the book ends. So I can only assume there is a second book coming out. If so I will gladly read it. Highly recommend to anyone interested in this time period-especially if they are Scottish history buffs. But, even if not- it's a great read. You won't be sorry.
November 14, 2012
I have now finished the second book in The Guardians Series "The Renegade: A Tale of Robert The Bruce" the first book in the series being "The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace" Both books introducing the lives of each man's beginning and what led them to their destiny in the fight for Scotland's independence from England's Edward Plantagenet or Edward the First King of England a.k.a Edward The Long Shanks. These books are not Brave Heart a good movie though historically muddy. Jack Whyte writes with his usual brilliance of historical accuracy in bringing the tale alive with turning of every page. Both books created the desire to want to research each man, the other characters and Scotland in that era doing this only made my reading that more pleasurable. These two books bring each mans story and the eventuality of each ones convictions on their beloved Scotland. With The Renegade just being released last month (Oct 2012) and my having just read it, I will wait with anticipation for the next of the series that brings both William Wallace & Robert The Bruce together in Scotland's war of independence. One becoming King the other dying a martyr...
October 26, 2012
Just Finished it... WOW! I have read all of Jack Whytes books now, and bi-god he is an excellent writer! this latest one included in his retinue of excellence! I dont know what all the critical comments are about, really...? He is the only author that can consistently bring tears to my eyes!!!! His light uses of descriptive text is succinct and pithy...I get bored easily with too much description and this was a perfect balance in my humble opinion! And the plot, was as tantalizing as it was political...but speaks more to the different faces we all were whether at work or at home, or by ourselves... it is a beautiful analogy of anywhere/anytime on earth, that just happens to be based (closely I might add) to historical facts... I am impressed, inspired, and outright delighted by the master-full storytelling Mr.Whyte produces herein... I too what with impatient bated breath at the next and conclusive chapter in this series! ENJOY
October 18, 2014
An interesting read. Not what I was expecting. No fighting. No violence. But a story describing how a future leader, his beliefs, his ideals, and his values were formed. It is a slow read but well worth the effort. It did well in setting the foundation for the last in the trilogy. I'm hooked.
February 2, 2015
The second volume of the Guardian's trilogy suffers something of the same problem as the first.
Again, it starts with a prologue nearly two-decades after the beginning of the story, but at least this time, the end of the novel is roughly at the same time (actually a few days later than the prologue).
But it's the story of Robert the Bruce (he of the spider, and "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again—I think that's all they teach you in Sassenach school) and we never even see the beginning (well, perhaps the very beginning) of his first, unsuccessful, uprising—not "rebellion", which the characters in these tales would point out suggests some legitimacy in Edward's rule of Scotland—let alone the second (which succeeded).
Most interesting, I thought, was how well Whyte created the character of Rob Bruce, who was only mentioned in the first book as a ne-er do well libertine at Edward's court, and how Whyte reconciled the views of him in the two stories.
Now, I have to wonder who The Guardian of book 3 is? It seems unlikely to be either Bruce or Wallace (as they are not "Guardians" in the sense its been used so far), but there's absolutely no hint from the blurb...
ETA: turns out the central character of the third novel is Andrew Murray
Again, it starts with a prologue nearly two-decades after the beginning of the story, but at least this time, the end of the novel is roughly at the same time (actually a few days later than the prologue).
But it's the story of Robert the Bruce (he of the spider, and "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again—I think that's all they teach you in Sassenach school) and we never even see the beginning (well, perhaps the very beginning) of his first, unsuccessful, uprising—not "rebellion", which the characters in these tales would point out suggests some legitimacy in Edward's rule of Scotland—let alone the second (which succeeded).
Most interesting, I thought, was how well Whyte created the character of Rob Bruce, who was only mentioned in the first book as a ne-er do well libertine at Edward's court, and how Whyte reconciled the views of him in the two stories.
Now, I have to wonder who The Guardian of book 3 is? It seems unlikely to be either Bruce or Wallace (as they are not "Guardians" in the sense its been used so far), but there's absolutely no hint from the blurb...
ETA: turns out the central character of the third novel is Andrew Murray
August 15, 2013
How could The Bruce have had a "den" in 1290? There was something terribly modern feeling about this book & it wasn't just individual words like this one, but an overall modern-ness that just felt strange. I could imagine it all in modern dress quite easily somehow, including that Gwendolyn person at Edward's court - who just seems terribly unlikely. Not that she is impossible, just unlikely. I don't think the writing is up to his Britannicus series, but it is still very crisp and clear. Since I enjoyed it so much why do I keep thinking about things that irritated? How aware were the Plantagenates of Roman military practices, how common were military ranks with insignia? I think I have finally begun to understand the ancient groupings of Scots and why the Highlands and Lowlands really do not look on things the same way. I must look into the inheritance patterns of the Highlanders. The story of this period is so often told from the point of view of Wallace, probably because Bruce is considered something of an opportunist, like the Swedish prince who comes in to take over after Hamlet and all the other Danes have done themselves in.
September 29, 2013
Second book in Jack Whyte's series on the Scottish Wars of Independence. I could not put it down; I had to "ration" myself to a daily dose. I believe this to be far superior to the first book in the series, "The Forest Laird." Not that "The Forest Laird" was badly written - far from it. The character development in "Robert the Bruce" is superb. I particularly liked the way Mr. Whyte handled the Bruce's "transformation" from being an adherent of Edward "Longshanks" to become a fighter for Scottish independence. This series was originally billed as a trilogy. Given where in the historical timeline the current volume ends, I don't see how Mr. Whyte will be able to limit the series to one more book. Highly recommended.
February 3, 2015
I found this book predictable with nothing to make it stand out from other historical fiction novels from this time period. As in the first book in this series, I found he overly romanticized Robert the Bruce to appeal to a modern day audience. It ends just as Robert the Bruce is getting pushed into the Scottish struggle for independence, so it is a bit unsatisfying. I will read the next book as soon as it comes out and see if the series redeems itself.
January 26, 2013
The Renegade is a worthy sequel to The Forest Laird. It is not as fun as the first volume because the story is not as familiar but, as always, Jack Whyte manages to create a host of interesting characters to engage the reader. I especially enjoyed the characterization of the elder Bruce!
I look forward to volume three!
I look forward to volume three!
March 20, 2016
I made it about half way through this book when I realized this is one boring book! Too much detail and not enough action!
October 9, 2013
Jack Whyte never disappoints me. What a wonderful story teller!
January 6, 2026
I did not like this as much as I wanted to.
Like the previous novel in this trilogy, “The Forest Laird”, which was about William Wallace, the majority of this book is about a hero of the Scottish Wars of Independence before he became that hero. Which means that all the cool battle action he’s known for? That comes later. With “Forest Laird” it made sense that we didn’t see too much of Wallace’s martial experience, because the narrator is Wallace’s cousin, a priest. The combat is happening, just off-page. Here? We have no similar excuse, so it feels as if it’s over five hundred pages of Robert the Bruce riding around and having conversations with people.
So I found it pretty disappointing by the time I got over halfway through the book. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, because it’s not. A lot of these conversations were interesting! And I really like how the novel shows Robert as someone who is onboard with King Edward’s policies, even when the people around him are questioning them, until finally he opens his eyes and sees how it’s really going. When someone is being good to you, personally, it can be hard to realize that it’s the same as being a good person. Just because Edward of England likes Robert, personally, that doesn’t make it okay for Robert to go along with what Edward is doing to Scotland.
I couldn’t help but think about how the first couple of Arthurian novels by Jack Whyte had the problem that they felt so disconnected from the events they’re prequels to–they’re mostly removed from that action, though those books DID have some action. I think? Maybe I’m misremembering. The point is, once again, Jack Whyte seems to like writing prequels of the stories of epic heroes, but holding back from the actual epic itself.
That has a place, I suppose! It’s not that this book is badly written–it certainly isn’t! I just would have much preferred if there was more action to the story. There wasn’t, though, and because of that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I really wanted to.
Like the previous novel in this trilogy, “The Forest Laird”, which was about William Wallace, the majority of this book is about a hero of the Scottish Wars of Independence before he became that hero. Which means that all the cool battle action he’s known for? That comes later. With “Forest Laird” it made sense that we didn’t see too much of Wallace’s martial experience, because the narrator is Wallace’s cousin, a priest. The combat is happening, just off-page. Here? We have no similar excuse, so it feels as if it’s over five hundred pages of Robert the Bruce riding around and having conversations with people.
So I found it pretty disappointing by the time I got over halfway through the book. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, because it’s not. A lot of these conversations were interesting! And I really like how the novel shows Robert as someone who is onboard with King Edward’s policies, even when the people around him are questioning them, until finally he opens his eyes and sees how it’s really going. When someone is being good to you, personally, it can be hard to realize that it’s the same as being a good person. Just because Edward of England likes Robert, personally, that doesn’t make it okay for Robert to go along with what Edward is doing to Scotland.
I couldn’t help but think about how the first couple of Arthurian novels by Jack Whyte had the problem that they felt so disconnected from the events they’re prequels to–they’re mostly removed from that action, though those books DID have some action. I think? Maybe I’m misremembering. The point is, once again, Jack Whyte seems to like writing prequels of the stories of epic heroes, but holding back from the actual epic itself.
That has a place, I suppose! It’s not that this book is badly written–it certainly isn’t! I just would have much preferred if there was more action to the story. There wasn’t, though, and because of that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I really wanted to.
April 11, 2019
Like the Wallace book, this one is more the making of the rebel rather than the rebel himself, in the act of rebelling. In that way, it frankly was another disappointment. But I suppose there are other books that do that so this has value in what the others probably skipped over. I can forgive that, and I've yet to read the third.
But it's not just that, I also had a hard time with the delivery. This is very much a tell don't show kind of story. Most scenes are long drawn out conversations about the bigger changes happening. Robert sits down with an old friend or relative who then explains the shifting tides of religion, economics, politics, etc and Robert every time acts the dunce, inviting repetition as if I too am too slow and need help. This was also a common format in the Wallace book, though it feels more common here perhaps because it's in both. Worse, Robert isn't even consistent in his views. To one person, he's suspicious of Edward, even going so far as to be sneaky about gathering information about Scotland and positioning himself at Edward's court, all after listening to a lecture on Edward. Then shortly after witnessing said betrayals, he'll either be defending Edward or doubting what's said of him. He's a chameleon, to the Scots, he's moderately pro-Edward and to the English, he's moderately Edward-wary.
That being said, the book does give us something Whyte does very well and which is a primary goal of historical fiction: historical immersion. I want to know what it was like to be in that time and place. To live and think as the medieval Scots did and I believe it does well by that count.
But it's not just that, I also had a hard time with the delivery. This is very much a tell don't show kind of story. Most scenes are long drawn out conversations about the bigger changes happening. Robert sits down with an old friend or relative who then explains the shifting tides of religion, economics, politics, etc and Robert every time acts the dunce, inviting repetition as if I too am too slow and need help. This was also a common format in the Wallace book, though it feels more common here perhaps because it's in both. Worse, Robert isn't even consistent in his views. To one person, he's suspicious of Edward, even going so far as to be sneaky about gathering information about Scotland and positioning himself at Edward's court, all after listening to a lecture on Edward. Then shortly after witnessing said betrayals, he'll either be defending Edward or doubting what's said of him. He's a chameleon, to the Scots, he's moderately pro-Edward and to the English, he's moderately Edward-wary.
That being said, the book does give us something Whyte does very well and which is a primary goal of historical fiction: historical immersion. I want to know what it was like to be in that time and place. To live and think as the medieval Scots did and I believe it does well by that count.
October 3, 2017
DNF at about 75% of the way through.
Surprisingly good book. Whyte writes his women well, and even though his main character, Robert the Bruce, was a bit of a twat, I still enjoyed the story of his upbringing and coming into manhood. I ultimately abandoned it because by three fourths of the way in I was expecting there to be a villain, and there wasn't. This is more like a fictional biography than anything else. When the main character doesn't have a driving or pressing goal, there can be no antagonist. Even though I know that ultimately Edward I and Edward II will be the villains that oppress Scotland, we never arrived at that point, and Robert still views them as allies.
It's a good book, very enjoyable but it doesn't feel like a novel. It feel's like a very long prologue. Get a villain, get a conflict, then get back to me.
Stars: 7.5 out of 10
Age rating: 14 and up? Robert brags about his sexual conquests. No violence, no language.
Would I recommend it? Maybe.
Would I read more from the same author? Sure.
Surprisingly good book. Whyte writes his women well, and even though his main character, Robert the Bruce, was a bit of a twat, I still enjoyed the story of his upbringing and coming into manhood. I ultimately abandoned it because by three fourths of the way in I was expecting there to be a villain, and there wasn't. This is more like a fictional biography than anything else. When the main character doesn't have a driving or pressing goal, there can be no antagonist. Even though I know that ultimately Edward I and Edward II will be the villains that oppress Scotland, we never arrived at that point, and Robert still views them as allies.
It's a good book, very enjoyable but it doesn't feel like a novel. It feel's like a very long prologue. Get a villain, get a conflict, then get back to me.
Stars: 7.5 out of 10
Age rating: 14 and up? Robert brags about his sexual conquests. No violence, no language.
Would I recommend it? Maybe.
Would I read more from the same author? Sure.
January 6, 2022
I've read all of Mr Whyte's books - and will pick up the 3rd book of the Guardians series [review written May 2014] in the future - but this story is one of his worst. I generally appreciate the author's deliberate style, and accept how verbose he can be, but here there's nothing to the story other than 600 pages of set-up for the 3rd book. 100% backstory - well, there was something happening in the last chapter, or so, so 95% backstory.
Far too much time hypothesizing about young Rob's upbringing, which was about as interesting as watching paint dry. We get little information about what made him the leader he turned out to be later in life. He spends time with Robert Bruce V, but the anecdotes and aphorisms we learn there are hardly the stuff a legend is made of.
While this one was a dud, I have high hopes for the James Douglas story to come, as that will necessarily involve all the personalities we've met in some rip-roarin' good intrigue and battles.
Far too much time hypothesizing about young Rob's upbringing, which was about as interesting as watching paint dry. We get little information about what made him the leader he turned out to be later in life. He spends time with Robert Bruce V, but the anecdotes and aphorisms we learn there are hardly the stuff a legend is made of.
While this one was a dud, I have high hopes for the James Douglas story to come, as that will necessarily involve all the personalities we've met in some rip-roarin' good intrigue and battles.
September 1, 2022
Fascinating historical biography of the early life of the man who becomes King Bruce I, monarch of Scotland when the throne was restored the second time. Author Whyte (a personal favorite for historical accounts), focuses on the Bruce family as English King Edward I continues adding land to his kingdom (in France as well as Scotland).
Robert and his father gave their allegiance to King Edward in 1292, after Edward chose John Balliol as monarch for Scotland, but half the book covers their growing disappointment and shock in how the Scottish people are suffering from the abuse and murder by the English soldiers who have taken Scottish castles "to protect" the people.
While I thought the book ended at an odd time in Robert's life, I understand why Whyte stopped there.
Robert and his father gave their allegiance to King Edward in 1292, after Edward chose John Balliol as monarch for Scotland, but half the book covers their growing disappointment and shock in how the Scottish people are suffering from the abuse and murder by the English soldiers who have taken Scottish castles "to protect" the people.
While I thought the book ended at an odd time in Robert's life, I understand why Whyte stopped there.
May 15, 2019
There is no end to what's out there about The Bruce, and this is neither the best nor worst. It focuses mostly on his youth, which is interesting because most people would rather not look at him when he was licking Edward's boots. However, I suppose that was an important time, because without the guilt from that, perhaps he wouldn't have persevered later.
Interesting and well researched as well as being very gripping.
The only thing I didn't care for was the portrayal of Bruce as a promiscuous ladies man. Although he may very well have been, raised for so long in England with wealthy and idle lords as his peers.
Interesting and well researched as well as being very gripping.
The only thing I didn't care for was the portrayal of Bruce as a promiscuous ladies man. Although he may very well have been, raised for so long in England with wealthy and idle lords as his peers.
May 5, 2019
very good view of the times (at least in my opinion) -- how kings were gods ... the feudal system and all it entailed ... and how, even if you're "favored" by the laird/lord/king you better be careful because that could change gears at any time. good view of Robert the Bruce's childhood and growing to manhood ... can't wait to start the next in the series (though might backtrack to read about William Wallace first! :-))
April 24, 2021
3.4 stars out of 5 - I read a library hardbound over the last few evenings. It held my interest well, and there are some parts that are excellent; but there were a number of jarring discontinuities. As with the first book, it appears to have been stitched together hastily, with some of the parts not agreeing with revelations in other parts. I plan to order the third book in the series but I have concerns.
July 19, 2019
I liked this book about Robert the Bruce. It’s long and I think I was hoping for more time with him and William Wallace at the end, which is why it’s 4, not 5 stars. I love Jack Whyte’s writing because he makes the people so alive to me.
April 3, 2020
Took me a while to get into it, but once it got rolling I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Good historical fiction is high on my list.
Very interesting to read his books after seeing Braveheart.
Good historical fiction is high on my list.
Very interesting to read his books after seeing Braveheart.
September 4, 2017
Fascinating story of Robert's early life. This helps you to understand why he made the decisions that he would later make. His grandfather, Robert V, had such an influence on Robert VII.
July 25, 2018
Learned quite a bit about Robert the Bruce and the Scottish issues during the turmoil of the 1280s-90s. Well researched and written, good narrative, Whyte is a good storyteller.
August 17, 2018
Good story
April 12, 2019
History with a Splash
Thoroughly enjoyed reading The Renegade. History told as a story is the way to go for me. I would recommend this authors works to anyone who enjoys reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading The Renegade. History told as a story is the way to go for me. I would recommend this authors works to anyone who enjoys reading.
January 1, 2020
good read
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