This is the second book in H A Culley’ trilogy about Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots who wrested Scotland’s independence from England in the early fourteenth century. Robert has just been crowned King of Scots after the murder of his main rival, the Red Comyn, but he loses his first battle and becomes a fugitive with practically every man’s hand turned against him.
In the first years of his reign he struggles for survival, becoming a fugitive a second time with just his squire by his side at one stage. Three of his brothers are executed in the most gruesome manner and his wife, daughter and sister are captured and held prisoner in England. However, his indomitable spirit refuses to submit to these reverses and, during the fight to recover his kingdom, he develops the art of guerrilla warfare and remarkable techniques for capturing castle after castle.
Finally, in June 1314, he faces the army of his nemesis, Edward the Second of England, at Bannockburn. Despite being heavily outnumbered and without heavy cavalry, he inflicts a crushing defeat on Edward. Now he can begin the long and difficult process of re-establishing Scotland as an independent nation.
H.A. Culley served in the Army for twenty four years during which time he had a variety of unusual jobs. These included commanding an Arab unit in the desert for three years and a tour as the military attaché in Beirut in the late seventies. After leaving the Army he became the business manager of a large independent school for twenty years before moving into marketing and fundraising. He has also been involved in two major historical projects and now works for an educational charity. He has given talks on historical subjects for several years and the research involved provided his inspiration for writing historical fiction. He has three adult children and lives near Holy Island in Northumberland with his wife and two Bernese Mountain Dogs.
The Winter King grabbed my interest in a,way the first of Culley's trilogy did not. The interpersonal aspects of leadership and his pragmatim, and the resolve of fellow countrymen to liberate their homeland from opportunistic invaders motivated by exploitation resonates for me. Added interest is the introduction of two young Northumbrian boys from an impoverished border village, who chose to join a raiding party and ultimately fight for Robert Bruce and become loyal to Scotland.. is
Ok, I got distracted by shifters, Scottish lairds and badasses but I finally did finish this book. It wasn't because it wasn't a good read because it was. A really good historical fiction by an author who knows his history and the struggles of Robert the Bruce and the Scottish clans in their quest to re-establish Scotland as an independent nation. This is Book 2 in a trilogy of The Bruce. I recommend to anyone of Scottish decent or anyone who just loves history.
A great continuation to the story of the Scottish king. I would recommend this to anyone looking to read adventure filled and historically accurate fiction.