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Fire and Sword
On the 11th of June in 1488, two armies meet in battle at Sauchieburn, near Stirling. One fights for King James the Third of Scotland, the other is loyal to his eldest son, Prince James, Duke of Rothesay. Soon, James the Third is dead, murdered as he flees the field. His army is routed. Among the dead is Sir Thomas Sempill of Ellestoun, Sheriff of Renfrew, whose son and heir, John, escapes with his life. Once John's career as knight and courtier seemed assured. But with the death of his king, his situation is fragile. He's the only surviving son of the Sempill line and he's unmarried. If he hopes to survive, John must try and win favour with the new king. And deal with the ruthless and powerful Lord Montgomerie. . .
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2013
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Louise Turner
4 books8 followersBorn in Glasgow, Louise Turner attended the University of Glasgow in the 1980s and early 90s, earning first an Honours Degree in Archaeology and then a Ph.D. in the same subject. She now works as a professional archaeologist in North Ayrshire.
Writing fiction has always been an important part of her life and in 1988, Louise won the Glasgow Herald/Albacon New Writing in SF competition with her short story Busman’s Holiday. Her debut novel Fire and Sword was published in 2013 by US-based publisher Hadley Rille Books.
Writing fiction has always been an important part of her life and in 1988, Louise won the Glasgow Herald/Albacon New Writing in SF competition with her short story Busman’s Holiday. Her debut novel Fire and Sword was published in 2013 by US-based publisher Hadley Rille Books.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 17, 2016
Set in a neglected part of Scotland during a neglected period of Scottish history featuring relatively unknown historical figures Louise Turner's novel, Fire and Sword, explodes the view that “nothing much happened between the Wars of Independence and the Reformation”. Scottish lords did not lay down their swords and take up gardening but continued to struggle for power and engage in bloodthirsty family feuds.
In 1488 James III’s murder at Sauchieburn throws Scotland into turmoil leading to a reshuffle of loyalties and allegiances and reigniting a feud between two Ayrshire families – the Montgomeries and the Cunninghames.
Caught in the middle of these two warring factions John Sempill treads a tricky path. After his father was killed fighting for James III, John needs to win James IV’s favour in order to survive but he must do so without antagonising the fiery tempered liege lord, Hugh Montgomerie.
He also has to win the respect of his young bride, Margaret Colville, who has taken against him for various reasons.
Moving between John’s struggle to remain true to his principles in a corrupt society, and his romance with Margaret, the pace never slackens.
From the breed of horses so ridden to the remedies used to recover from battle wounds, Fire and Sword is rich in historical detail and vividly captures the blood sweat and tears of this turbulent period. This is a thoroughly riveting read and highly recommended for all lovers of Scottish history.
In 1488 James III’s murder at Sauchieburn throws Scotland into turmoil leading to a reshuffle of loyalties and allegiances and reigniting a feud between two Ayrshire families – the Montgomeries and the Cunninghames.
Caught in the middle of these two warring factions John Sempill treads a tricky path. After his father was killed fighting for James III, John needs to win James IV’s favour in order to survive but he must do so without antagonising the fiery tempered liege lord, Hugh Montgomerie.
He also has to win the respect of his young bride, Margaret Colville, who has taken against him for various reasons.
Moving between John’s struggle to remain true to his principles in a corrupt society, and his romance with Margaret, the pace never slackens.
From the breed of horses so ridden to the remedies used to recover from battle wounds, Fire and Sword is rich in historical detail and vividly captures the blood sweat and tears of this turbulent period. This is a thoroughly riveting read and highly recommended for all lovers of Scottish history.
December 28, 2013
Louise Turner skillfully brings to life the conflict-ridden world of 15th century Scotland. Based on the true story of John Sempill, the narrative takes us from near ruin to an uneasy but satisfying final triumph. Thomas is a wonderfully flawed character, not your typical knight-in-shining-armor, but a young man plagued by uncertainty, prone to dark moods, and keenly aware of the ax hanging over his head. Hugh Montgomery, at once John's nemesis and eventual ally, is simply delightful in his charisma and ruthlessness. The principle women of the story, Mary, Margaret, and Helen, bring fresh and varied perspectives to the events at hand, each one admirable in her own way. Honestly, I found nothing to complain about in this novel. It is expertly written, kept me turning the pages and reading late into the night. A fantastic debut, recommended for all fans of historical fiction, medieval times, and romance. I look forward to seeing what Turner has to offer next.
May 5, 2014
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Louise Turner's Fire and Sword was a natural choice for me. I've an innate affinity for Scottish history and though it is a work a fiction, I welcomed the opportunity to indulge that interest through Turner's debut.
John Sempill is a rather obscure personality even to those familiar with his story, but Turner used the void to her advantage and filled the gaps with a wealth of fact-based detail. Brilliantly recreating the hierarchy of the sixteenth century elite, her novel gave me a real sense of the politics that dominated the period, as well as the complex social structure that characterized the age.
As a comprehensive whole I found Turner's cast intriguing and genuinely appreciated the balance she struck between the masculine and feminine elements of the story. Individually, some of the characters, John and Mary for example, were too straightforward for my liking, but I greatly enjoyed the ambiguity I found in individuals such as Helen and Hugh.
Though not what I'd call fast-paced, Turner's plot moves at steady clip that culminates in a satisfying and enjoyable finale. Illuminating and informative, I am pleased with the time I spent reading this piece and while I feel Turner has room to grow, I'd certainly recommend her work to anyone with an interest in medieval fiction.
Louise Turner's Fire and Sword was a natural choice for me. I've an innate affinity for Scottish history and though it is a work a fiction, I welcomed the opportunity to indulge that interest through Turner's debut.
John Sempill is a rather obscure personality even to those familiar with his story, but Turner used the void to her advantage and filled the gaps with a wealth of fact-based detail. Brilliantly recreating the hierarchy of the sixteenth century elite, her novel gave me a real sense of the politics that dominated the period, as well as the complex social structure that characterized the age.
As a comprehensive whole I found Turner's cast intriguing and genuinely appreciated the balance she struck between the masculine and feminine elements of the story. Individually, some of the characters, John and Mary for example, were too straightforward for my liking, but I greatly enjoyed the ambiguity I found in individuals such as Helen and Hugh.
Though not what I'd call fast-paced, Turner's plot moves at steady clip that culminates in a satisfying and enjoyable finale. Illuminating and informative, I am pleased with the time I spent reading this piece and while I feel Turner has room to grow, I'd certainly recommend her work to anyone with an interest in medieval fiction.
May 8, 2014
[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook copy through the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.]
I have to admit that I know pretty much nothing about Scottish history so after reading Fire and Sword I can confidently say that I actually learned something new. Even better, most of it is accurate and based on the real life of John Sempill in a time of turmoil and civil war.
Although we do get to see a couple of different viewpoints, the main character is undoubtedly John Sempill. Poor John is not very inclined toward violence but at his father’s behest fights for the King of Scotland against the king’s own son James. It’s there that he’s defeated and finds his own father’s body after learning that the young rebel James has won the throne.
John is plagued by uncertainty throughout the whole novel as to his fate because he fought for the losing side. His father even died on the losing side. Luckily even though he’s not exactly in a position of power, Lord Montgomerie eventually takes him under his wing and the two of them form a rather uneasy alliance. One of the things that stood out for me the most in Fire and Sword were Louise Turner’s characters. John was very memorable as he grew from a sort of clueless teenage boy to a slightly more confident, wise young man. The most memorable was (surprisingly) Lord Montgomerie, who is the sort of man that would be very hard to deal with in real life but is easy to love as a character in fiction. He’s a law unto himself and isn’t always the most diplomatic but when he forges friendships they last a lifetime.
This is by no means a fast-paced novel. It is, however, highly detailed and well paced so that the narrative eventually sucks you in and doesn’t let go. The tension slowly ratchets up not only because of the events of the time but because of how the characters react to them. John himself creates quite a lot of the events of the novel with his little rebellion so you could say that this novel is both character-driven and plot-driven. Whatever it is, it works and I couldn’t put my Kindle down.
Since I knew nothing of the period what I really appreciated was Louise Turner’s attention to detail. She described everything from the food to the clothes to the landscape of Scotland in perfect detail. It was never boring because the descriptions were well-balanced with dialogue and internal monologue from the characters. Best of all, she made me feel like I was right there along with the characters. I felt like I really was back in time watching these events unfold and you really can’t ask for more than that in historical fiction.
Even if you know nothing of Scottish history like I did I’d highly recommend picking up Fire and Sword if you like historical fiction in general. This is her debut novel and I think we can all look forward to her future works.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
I have to admit that I know pretty much nothing about Scottish history so after reading Fire and Sword I can confidently say that I actually learned something new. Even better, most of it is accurate and based on the real life of John Sempill in a time of turmoil and civil war.
Although we do get to see a couple of different viewpoints, the main character is undoubtedly John Sempill. Poor John is not very inclined toward violence but at his father’s behest fights for the King of Scotland against the king’s own son James. It’s there that he’s defeated and finds his own father’s body after learning that the young rebel James has won the throne.
John is plagued by uncertainty throughout the whole novel as to his fate because he fought for the losing side. His father even died on the losing side. Luckily even though he’s not exactly in a position of power, Lord Montgomerie eventually takes him under his wing and the two of them form a rather uneasy alliance. One of the things that stood out for me the most in Fire and Sword were Louise Turner’s characters. John was very memorable as he grew from a sort of clueless teenage boy to a slightly more confident, wise young man. The most memorable was (surprisingly) Lord Montgomerie, who is the sort of man that would be very hard to deal with in real life but is easy to love as a character in fiction. He’s a law unto himself and isn’t always the most diplomatic but when he forges friendships they last a lifetime.
This is by no means a fast-paced novel. It is, however, highly detailed and well paced so that the narrative eventually sucks you in and doesn’t let go. The tension slowly ratchets up not only because of the events of the time but because of how the characters react to them. John himself creates quite a lot of the events of the novel with his little rebellion so you could say that this novel is both character-driven and plot-driven. Whatever it is, it works and I couldn’t put my Kindle down.
Since I knew nothing of the period what I really appreciated was Louise Turner’s attention to detail. She described everything from the food to the clothes to the landscape of Scotland in perfect detail. It was never boring because the descriptions were well-balanced with dialogue and internal monologue from the characters. Best of all, she made me feel like I was right there along with the characters. I felt like I really was back in time watching these events unfold and you really can’t ask for more than that in historical fiction.
Even if you know nothing of Scottish history like I did I’d highly recommend picking up Fire and Sword if you like historical fiction in general. This is her debut novel and I think we can all look forward to her future works.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
January 1, 2015
John Semphill finds himself in a world of hurt upon awakening on a bloody battlefield in the summer of 1488, Scotland. King James III went to over with his own son, Prince James. John’s father, Thomas Semphill, insisted they fight for the King; this pitted them against one of their decades-old foe, Lord Montgomerie. And King James and his armies have lost. Thomas Semphill is dead and John’s prospects of being a knight in good standing are looking slim indeed.
I really enjoyed the writing of this novel – the grittiness of the battlefields, of life in general, really stuck with me. I felt that this book was well researched (though I know extremely little about Scottish history, so take my opinion with a grain of salt). From the food to clothes to family names, I feel like I got the 15th century Scottish experience in reading this book. I especially liked that Turner included a note about family names, personal names, and designations at the very beginning. So many characters had the same first name as this was truly the style at the time. But I felt she made the reading easy by referring to characters by their designations (i.e. John of Ellestoun) when clarity was needed.
The characters themselves were complex. John starts off as a rather unsure teenager trying to please his father, along with his mother and sister. But once his father is dead, he is the man of the family now and all eyes turn to him to keep the family line alive and well. Indeed, John had to do some quick growing up in this novel.
Lord Montgomerie, who initially comes off as a proficient warrior and something of a brute becomes more complex as the story unfolds. While initially an enemy of John (and Montgomerie did fight for the winning side in the battle that killed John’s father), the two become allies of a sort. The women, Helen, Margaret, and Mary (among others) bring their own views to the events of the story and aren’t just window dressing.
Because I know so little of Scottish history, I did find myself lost at times in the big picture. On one hand, I wanted to pop over to Wikipedia to look up some of these historical figures to get a better sense of what was going on, but I didn’t want to spoil the larger plotline for myself. So, I had to muddle through a few areas due to my lack of knowledge.
I really enjoyed the writing of this novel – the grittiness of the battlefields, of life in general, really stuck with me. I felt that this book was well researched (though I know extremely little about Scottish history, so take my opinion with a grain of salt). From the food to clothes to family names, I feel like I got the 15th century Scottish experience in reading this book. I especially liked that Turner included a note about family names, personal names, and designations at the very beginning. So many characters had the same first name as this was truly the style at the time. But I felt she made the reading easy by referring to characters by their designations (i.e. John of Ellestoun) when clarity was needed.
The characters themselves were complex. John starts off as a rather unsure teenager trying to please his father, along with his mother and sister. But once his father is dead, he is the man of the family now and all eyes turn to him to keep the family line alive and well. Indeed, John had to do some quick growing up in this novel.
Lord Montgomerie, who initially comes off as a proficient warrior and something of a brute becomes more complex as the story unfolds. While initially an enemy of John (and Montgomerie did fight for the winning side in the battle that killed John’s father), the two become allies of a sort. The women, Helen, Margaret, and Mary (among others) bring their own views to the events of the story and aren’t just window dressing.
Because I know so little of Scottish history, I did find myself lost at times in the big picture. On one hand, I wanted to pop over to Wikipedia to look up some of these historical figures to get a better sense of what was going on, but I didn’t want to spoil the larger plotline for myself. So, I had to muddle through a few areas due to my lack of knowledge.
June 12, 2014
Young John Sempill is pulled into a war by his father. But when his father is slain in battle, John’s troubles are just beginning trying to secure his inheritance. John finds a wife but soon learns that it can be difficult being married to someone who’s family was on the other side during the war.
I was looking forward reading this book because I haven’t read many books set in Scotland and not in this era. This was not fast-paced book but it was still very interesting through the book.
John is very likeable character. As a boy he didn’t live up to his harsh father’s expectations but he grew up to be a strong, dependable leader who looked after his people. When we first meet John’s wife Margaret I don’t think we’re supposed to even like her. She’s like a whiny brat with even more idiotic friends. She’s decided to hate John long before she even mets him, so it’s no wonder they have rocky start. At least Margaret grew somewhat during the book…
There was also some very interesting minor characters like Hugh, Lord Montgomerie and his wife Helen. Hugh was someone who did things his way, he could be both good and bad which made him very interesting getting to know.
This was great debut novel and I’m looking forward reading author’s next books.
I was looking forward reading this book because I haven’t read many books set in Scotland and not in this era. This was not fast-paced book but it was still very interesting through the book.
John is very likeable character. As a boy he didn’t live up to his harsh father’s expectations but he grew up to be a strong, dependable leader who looked after his people. When we first meet John’s wife Margaret I don’t think we’re supposed to even like her. She’s like a whiny brat with even more idiotic friends. She’s decided to hate John long before she even mets him, so it’s no wonder they have rocky start. At least Margaret grew somewhat during the book…
There was also some very interesting minor characters like Hugh, Lord Montgomerie and his wife Helen. Hugh was someone who did things his way, he could be both good and bad which made him very interesting getting to know.
This was great debut novel and I’m looking forward reading author’s next books.
June 2, 2014
Here we are in late 15th century Scotland, James the Third is dead. Oh what dreadful times this was. I loved John right from the first page, is was hard not to root for him. The author has a wonderful way with words, whether it was feeling right in the middle of battle scenes or feeling compassion for those unjustly punished and even disliking certain characters, her words were quite visual.
Coming in at 454 pages it isn't a quick read but it was not hard to get lost in this story. Knowing very little about Scottish history it was definitely an eye opener and the fact that John Sempill was a real person made it all the more interesting. I love learning some history at the same time as being entertained.
The authors attention to detail shows that this is a well researched book and that Louise Turner is knowledgeable with this time period. I love debuts and this was one I enjoyed, will recommend and be on the lookout for more by this author.
Coming in at 454 pages it isn't a quick read but it was not hard to get lost in this story. Knowing very little about Scottish history it was definitely an eye opener and the fact that John Sempill was a real person made it all the more interesting. I love learning some history at the same time as being entertained.
The authors attention to detail shows that this is a well researched book and that Louise Turner is knowledgeable with this time period. I love debuts and this was one I enjoyed, will recommend and be on the lookout for more by this author.
June 23, 2014
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Tours for an honest review
I really enjoyed reading Fire& Sword by Louise Turner. Because I didn’t know too much about Scottish history there were some parts of the story that were a little overwhelming. I thought it was interesting that the author alluded to many characters having the same first name, yes, this was also a little confusing.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It picks up right away in the beginning. Although Thomas is the hero he is very real. He is a Knight in Shining Armor but with some issues and personality traits to work out. This made him seem more real and relatable. Although Thomas is the main character, Hugh Montgomery was the most fascinating to me. The author really developed him into a very complex, multi-dimensional and fascinating character. I highly enjoyed and recommend this fun adventure.
I really enjoyed reading Fire& Sword by Louise Turner. Because I didn’t know too much about Scottish history there were some parts of the story that were a little overwhelming. I thought it was interesting that the author alluded to many characters having the same first name, yes, this was also a little confusing.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It picks up right away in the beginning. Although Thomas is the hero he is very real. He is a Knight in Shining Armor but with some issues and personality traits to work out. This made him seem more real and relatable. Although Thomas is the main character, Hugh Montgomery was the most fascinating to me. The author really developed him into a very complex, multi-dimensional and fascinating character. I highly enjoyed and recommend this fun adventure.
May 11, 2014
An extremely well-written and researched novel. Enjoyable storyline, great central characters, and a good sense of place and period flavour. The book is also enhanced by various author's notes, which are helpful to refer to as you go along. Can't wait for a sequel!
September 30, 2018
This was a thoroughly engrossing read. At first I wasn’t sure if John Sempill had the strength of the hero, though it wasn’t long before I enjoyed the fact that his strength of character had to have been more important at a time when most things were measured by a man’s aggressive involvement in physical retribution- ie the physical slaying of opposite clan factions. In such a time of political upheaval, survival must have taken many forms and I really appreciated the author’s portrayal of how the relatively young John Sempill stuck by own decisions and his principles- even when they seemed to be contrary to most of those in his locale environment. An old head on a young shoulder was a burden but it comes across very well in this portrayal. The other characters are also well drawn and the historical setting so well done it makes me impatient to learn much more of this historical era.
November 25, 2014
Fire & Sword covers a tumultuous time in Scottish history. There are a lot of players just in and around the old and new king let alone out in the countryside. Add in the change of titles as the old guard falls to the new and titles switch from one to another and it’s enough to need a scorecard. And a scorecard I did need especially as the book switched quickly from place to place and character to character. At the start of the book it felt a bit like whiplash but I did finally settle down into the rhythm of the book,
James Sempill follows his father to war against the forces fighting for the young prince. He finds himself on the losing side. He is gravely wounded but survives, unlike his father. He goes home to take over his hereditary title as sheriff but things are not to run so smoothly as it’s possible he might be considered a traitor. He does have the support of another laird and they form an uneasy alliance.
There are a number of stories circulating around the main character of James as he struggles to find his way in a new world. He must claim his inheritance, marry and make sure his line continues. The nobles behind the new king are all jostling to secure their new power bases and no one is really safe.
I think I might have enjoyed this book a bit more had it not been as disjointed as it was, It made it hard for me to get into and hard for me to learn who was who at the start of the book. As the sections were so short before they switched to another character I didn’t have time to invest and learn the character before another was introduced. I spent the first third of the book a touch confused. I eventually sorted it all out but I just never found myself lost in the story as I generally do with a book.
James Sempill follows his father to war against the forces fighting for the young prince. He finds himself on the losing side. He is gravely wounded but survives, unlike his father. He goes home to take over his hereditary title as sheriff but things are not to run so smoothly as it’s possible he might be considered a traitor. He does have the support of another laird and they form an uneasy alliance.
There are a number of stories circulating around the main character of James as he struggles to find his way in a new world. He must claim his inheritance, marry and make sure his line continues. The nobles behind the new king are all jostling to secure their new power bases and no one is really safe.
I think I might have enjoyed this book a bit more had it not been as disjointed as it was, It made it hard for me to get into and hard for me to learn who was who at the start of the book. As the sections were so short before they switched to another character I didn’t have time to invest and learn the character before another was introduced. I spent the first third of the book a touch confused. I eventually sorted it all out but I just never found myself lost in the story as I generally do with a book.
November 30, 2014
This is an impressive debut novel. Contributing factors such as detail, an intriguing narrative, and the well developed characters build momentum in a balanced fashion. Usually a novel leans towards the driving force of narrative or character, however this novel is evenly written where all considerations are equal creating a rapid pace and enthralling read, you won't be able to put this down.
The detail is rich, and attention paid to the minute, enhancing the reading experience hands down. Turner's sense to detail pulls you into the scenery along with the era. Scotland is described perfectly as well as all the fine details more than developing the environs. Dialogue was spot on with all plausibility.
John Sempill is plagued with uncertainty, a pleaser, questioning his allegiance in battle. John grows and becomes his own person, the once passive boy develops in to a self assured, mature man.
Wonderfully researched, the rawness of battle, the hardships of life are affecting. An exciting read instantly capturing your attention from the start. Turner penned an exceptional debut novel and I look forward to future works from this marvelous authoress.
Historical fiction fans, seekers of excitement, fans of Scottish history will undoubtedly be swept away in this fantastic debut novel by adroit Louise Turner.
The detail is rich, and attention paid to the minute, enhancing the reading experience hands down. Turner's sense to detail pulls you into the scenery along with the era. Scotland is described perfectly as well as all the fine details more than developing the environs. Dialogue was spot on with all plausibility.
John Sempill is plagued with uncertainty, a pleaser, questioning his allegiance in battle. John grows and becomes his own person, the once passive boy develops in to a self assured, mature man.
Wonderfully researched, the rawness of battle, the hardships of life are affecting. An exciting read instantly capturing your attention from the start. Turner penned an exceptional debut novel and I look forward to future works from this marvelous authoress.
Historical fiction fans, seekers of excitement, fans of Scottish history will undoubtedly be swept away in this fantastic debut novel by adroit Louise Turner.
June 10, 2014
More detailed review later...
September 1, 2015
I enjoyed reading it, though I soon gave up trying to keep track of all the conspirators. It was a good vacation from workaday life.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews