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Crown and Covenant #1
Duncan's War
Young Duncan M'Kethe finds himself caught in the web of Sir James Turner, the former Covenanter turned military leader of the persecutors. Duncan is torn by his hatred of his enemies, and his father's instructions to love them. He must be true to King Jesus while attempting to rescue his father.
The Crown and Covenant series follows the lives of the M'Kethe family as they endure persecution in 17th-century Scotland. Later, some family members flee to colonial America. The author weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish Covenanting history.
7 pages, Audiobook
First published July 1, 2002
29 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
80 books228 followersDouglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 24, 2026
Author: Douglas Bond
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
Recommended Age: 15+ (The reading level of these books is for ages 12-14, but the topics presented may be too violent for younger readers. See Noteworthy Elements.)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Books in Series:
*Duncan’s War (2002)
*King’s Arrow (2003)
*Rebel’s Keep (2004)
Summary:
Duncan M’Kethe has only ever known peace in his beautiful Scottish homeland. But rumors of Sir James Turner and his horrific persecutions against the faithful Christian believers have reached the M’Kethe home. Is Duncan willing to die for the Covenant, or will he surrender to the Church of England’s heresy?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
Noble Characters:
This trilogy follows the dreams, hopes, and fears of two M’Kethe brothers, Douglas and Angus, as they witness battles, riots, and persecution done against their Scottish people in the name of religious fervor. Readers will experience the heart-breaking courage of the Covenanters and the sacrifices they were willing to endure for the sake of King Jesus.
Captivating Plots:
Douglas Bond explores for readers the incredible time in Scottish history when the Covenanters battled for freedom of faith against the oppressive Church of England and its heretical doctrines. Through the eyes of the M’Kethe family, we see the pain, faith, and courage of the Covenanters as they seek to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the light of the Gospel.
Elaborate Worlds:
Set in Scotland during the 17th century, the Covenanters were Christians persecuted for their loyalty to Christ and Christ alone. From the crushing defeat at the Battle of Rullion Green, to courageous victory during the battle of Drumclog, and longings for escape outside of Scotland and the promise of the new Americas, readers will be swept away in this historical tale of courage, faith, and freedom.
Noteworthy Elements:
Violence:
There are many references to the torture and gruesome executions that imprisoned Covenanters were forced to endure. Torture methods such as the rack, the boot, the gallows, the thumbscrew, dismemberment, and being burned alive are referenced and occasionally detailed. Other tortures are referenced (non-descriptively) to threaten Covenanters to denounce their faith. Soldiers threaten to roast an old man alive for refusing to submit to the Church of England’s authority, and a Covenanter is beheaded on the battlefield. Angus contemplates being tortured on the rack. The heads and hands of faithful Covenanters are displayed on the iron pikes outside of the M’Kethe’s town. Covenanter prisoners being shipped to the Americas as slaves are shipwrecked and locked below decks to die. The execution of David Hackston (a historical Scottish Covenanter) is described as his hands and heart were both cut off as he was being hung. One of the Covenanters is beheaded and the soldiers play games with his head. Many of these concerns are relayed to the main character, not witnessed personally. Angus describes how ravens will gruesomely slaughter young lambs. Battlefields are described vividly but tactfully.
Sexual Tension:
When Angus and his sister, Jennie, go to help their neighbors, Jennie is captured by the soldiers. Angus fights to bring back his sister along with “her virtue”, though nothing happens to Jennie. The clan chief studies Jennie in a way that makes Angus uneasy. Angus fears what the soldiers will do to his mother and sister if the men are all killed in battle, though no explicit details are given. There is a reference to a Covenanter’s wife being “used very ill” by the soldiers. King Charles II is described as having scandalous relationships and a reference is made to the King “carousing with one of his mistresses”.
Profanity:
The term “hell-hound” is used to describe James Turner, a persecutor of the Covenanters and the phrase “hell-kites” is used when describing the Battle of Rullion Green. The phrase “demon if it did” is used to describe Angus’ talking raven. The words “bastard” and “damning” are used a few times in a literal sense.
Spiritual:
Angus teaches his pet raven to say a few words and friends warn Angus that he may be accused of practicing dark arts with the bird. There are a few references to witches who were tried and executed for practicing dark magic, as well as a reference to a faithful Covenanter who was condemned as a witch.
Final Thoughts:
While the amount of violence in the stories adds a heavy tone to the trilogy, it is directly paired with incredible descriptions of the Covenanter’s faith and courage as they are persecuted and martyred for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. I was deeply encouraged as I read these stories of heroic men and women who were willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and I hope these books will have an incredible impact on the young men and women who read them.
https://theradicalreader.com
January 20, 2026
This was lots of fun...and some not so fun bits, too, but those were handled in an appropriate way for a young audience, so they were OK for me. It was quite something to listen yesterday to the part about the dragoons' interrupting the Covenanters’ worship service and then go online to see the story about the leftist dragoons interrupting Cities Church's worship service. Wild times!
Maybe Shaun Grindell's accent wasn't perfect, but I'm no true Scotsman, and I thought it sounded pretty good.
Maybe Shaun Grindell's accent wasn't perfect, but I'm no true Scotsman, and I thought it sounded pretty good.
September 5, 2009
When I got breast cancer my good friend sent me this book. Odd for one with breast cancer? No, you see it was her son who illustrated the book and I was his third grade teacher. He wrote the inscription and it made me so proud.
January 27, 2024
Aye. One of, if not the most instrumental book/series in my childhood. Still just as good.
P.S. -Read some Douglas Bond
P.S. -Read some Douglas Bond
May 4, 2023
After putting this book off for over 20 years (ever since it was published actually), I finally decided I’d just read it so I would know for sure if I liked it or not.
Did I liked it? Some parts I enjoyed. I liked the Scottish accents and the setting, but I don’t enjoy fiction books during this time period. I can handle biographies better.
I didn’t enjoy the cruelties of one church group against another. And I found it rather too graphic for my liking. Not really gory but still graphic for sensitive readers or ones who easily picture things.
I don’t plan to read the other two books in the series.
Did I liked it? Some parts I enjoyed. I liked the Scottish accents and the setting, but I don’t enjoy fiction books during this time period. I can handle biographies better.
I didn’t enjoy the cruelties of one church group against another. And I found it rather too graphic for my liking. Not really gory but still graphic for sensitive readers or ones who easily picture things.
I don’t plan to read the other two books in the series.
December 1, 2017
While not exactly a page-turner, this book was full of sweet reminders of the worthiness of our God: worthy to be trusted, loved, and even to give one's life for. It also plants interest in this time period.
I'm desirous to learn more!
Probably better for children older than 10.
I'm desirous to learn more!
Probably better for children older than 10.
September 1, 2008
We had a lot of fun reading this book together! I highly recommend it!
July 17, 2025
A fun little story with great, heroic action for young male readers, family values, and niche Scottish reformation history. I was especially impressed with the author’s portrayal of children of various ages—I’m guessing he is a father because the child characters felt real, thinking and speaking reflective of age and gender.
March 28, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, as well as the others inthis series. It's really interesting and thought prevoking how the Scottish Covenators endured all the persecution. It challenged me to be ready for persecution, which comes more often than you think.
Douglas Bond did a wonderful job bringing back his readers to this very important time in Christian history. When I was reading this I felt like I was there in Scotland with Duncan and his family. It was amazing!
Douglas Bond did a wonderful job bringing back his readers to this very important time in Christian history. When I was reading this I felt like I was there in Scotland with Duncan and his family. It was amazing!
August 24, 2015
Not a bad book series. Historical fiction isn't my favorite form of writing, but still it's pretty good.
May 8, 2024
This book series has my eternal loyalty.
I thought it was amazing as a child, and love them just as much as an adult.
I thought it was amazing as a child, and love them just as much as an adult.
April 14, 2025
Duncan’s War, written by Douglas Bond, is the first book in the Crown and Covenant series. It's a work of political historical fiction set in late 1600s Scotland. Though the story is grounded in real historical tensions, the main characters and plot are fictional.
Overview:
I enjoyed this book, though it started off slow. Duncan, a fourteen-year-old boy, finds himself caught in the rising conflict between Scotland and England—a nation hostile to the Scottish church. As he grows up in this climate, Duncan must learn how to love his enemies while still protecting his own people.
Going into it, I expected a fast-paced adventure. Instead, the beginning was slow and drawn out, which made it hard to stay engaged at first.
Plot:
The plot felt basic and predictable at first. I was especially frustrated halfway through when Duncan failed to act during a major moment—
That said, the pace improved toward the end, and I was able to finish the book more quickly. There weren’t any major twists, but the latter part was more engaging overall.
Characters:
Character development was a bit lacking. At first, the dog was my favorite character, which probably says something. I did warm up to Duncan eventually, but I never really liked him. He didn’t seem to have a clear personal goal or defining trait that set him apart from others.
Jamie, his friend, was okay but not memorable. His father, Sandy M’Kethe, was so mature and morally upright that he felt flat—he didn’t want to fight but adapted instantly when he had to, leaving little room for a meaningful arc.
Surprisingly, one minor character stuck with me: Matthew the shoemaker. Though he barely appeared, I wanted to know more about him and hoped he’d become friends with Duncan.
Writing Style:
I struggled with the writing style, mostly because of the heavy Scottish accent in the dialogue. It made the text difficult to follow. I think I would have enjoyed it more as an audiobook, where the accent could come through more naturally.
Themes:
The strongest part of this book was its theme. It’s very Christ-centered and makes a clear point: trust God, even in suffering. While the theology leaned heavily Calvinist, I appreciated the message of faith and trust. One particular moment—when Duncan’s father delivers this truth at the climax—was so powerful I read it multiple times. That scene alone gave the book real weight.
TL;DR
Overall, I liked it. It might be better suited for younger readers, or even read aloud to a younger audience. It’s completely clean, with a strong message and a unique setting. If you’re interested in Scottish history and enjoy faith-based fiction, this book might be worth the slower pace.
Overview:
I enjoyed this book, though it started off slow. Duncan, a fourteen-year-old boy, finds himself caught in the rising conflict between Scotland and England—a nation hostile to the Scottish church. As he grows up in this climate, Duncan must learn how to love his enemies while still protecting his own people.
Going into it, I expected a fast-paced adventure. Instead, the beginning was slow and drawn out, which made it hard to stay engaged at first.
Plot:
The plot felt basic and predictable at first. I was especially frustrated halfway through when Duncan failed to act during a major moment—
That said, the pace improved toward the end, and I was able to finish the book more quickly. There weren’t any major twists, but the latter part was more engaging overall.
Characters:
Character development was a bit lacking. At first, the dog was my favorite character, which probably says something. I did warm up to Duncan eventually, but I never really liked him. He didn’t seem to have a clear personal goal or defining trait that set him apart from others.
Jamie, his friend, was okay but not memorable. His father, Sandy M’Kethe, was so mature and morally upright that he felt flat—he didn’t want to fight but adapted instantly when he had to, leaving little room for a meaningful arc.
Surprisingly, one minor character stuck with me: Matthew the shoemaker. Though he barely appeared, I wanted to know more about him and hoped he’d become friends with Duncan.
Writing Style:
I struggled with the writing style, mostly because of the heavy Scottish accent in the dialogue. It made the text difficult to follow. I think I would have enjoyed it more as an audiobook, where the accent could come through more naturally.
Themes:
The strongest part of this book was its theme. It’s very Christ-centered and makes a clear point: trust God, even in suffering. While the theology leaned heavily Calvinist, I appreciated the message of faith and trust. One particular moment—when Duncan’s father delivers this truth at the climax—was so powerful I read it multiple times. That scene alone gave the book real weight.
TL;DR
Overall, I liked it. It might be better suited for younger readers, or even read aloud to a younger audience. It’s completely clean, with a strong message and a unique setting. If you’re interested in Scottish history and enjoy faith-based fiction, this book might be worth the slower pace.
January 24, 2021
It’s been a minute since I’ve read any historical fiction, and I am glad to be back. This is one of the best Christian historical fiction series I have come across so far. The pain and plight of the Covenanters is conveyed exceptionally well by the author, which in turn inspires a very real sympathy and heartfelt admiration for these persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. They faced horror upon unjust horror, for what? For their love and devotion to the One who gave up everything to save them, they also were willing to give up everything for Him. These people’s experiences and actions are incredible, and the author does them justice.
This story is a very real depiction of what a Covenanter family might have gone through during this time period. The simple lifestyle, the persecution, the emotions, the debates and differing opinions, the speech, all make you feel like you know what happened because you watched it happen. The history is so rich, and the personal convictions are so well expressed.
The characters are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next two books! Additionally, this is one of my favorite endings I’ve read in a while.
Now for the not-so-fun part. No book is flawless, and this one is not an exception. There are a couple slow parts, and a bit of an info dump at the beginning, but I found these imperfections to be, overall, of small consequence in the course of the story. I did not shelve this with kids’ books because some of the descriptions of historical events/actions in this story do not withhold details. Dismemberments, hangings, and torture, are all a part of it because they happened, historically. Rape is only referred to as a woman being “ill-used.”
This story is a very real depiction of what a Covenanter family might have gone through during this time period. The simple lifestyle, the persecution, the emotions, the debates and differing opinions, the speech, all make you feel like you know what happened because you watched it happen. The history is so rich, and the personal convictions are so well expressed.
The characters are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next two books! Additionally, this is one of my favorite endings I’ve read in a while.
Now for the not-so-fun part. No book is flawless, and this one is not an exception. There are a couple slow parts, and a bit of an info dump at the beginning, but I found these imperfections to be, overall, of small consequence in the course of the story. I did not shelve this with kids’ books because some of the descriptions of historical events/actions in this story do not withhold details. Dismemberments, hangings, and torture, are all a part of it because they happened, historically. Rape is only referred to as a woman being “ill-used.”
August 29, 2023
An enjoyable book on a rarely discussed era of history. When one reads Scottish history, especially historical fiction, typically stories go to the English invasions and subsequent establishment of the Kingdom of Scotland under Robert the Bruce. Not to mention everyone knows about William Wallace. Or they turn to the Jacobite risings after this time period and the stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Not too many historical fictions are written about the Covenanters especially from a sympathetic viewpoint. Bond writes from such a viewpoint while not demonizing the Episcopalians that are against the Covenanters. The book starts off slow with the protagonist living daily life in Southwest Scotland close to the Pentland Rising which marched on Edinburgh. On a good note the story is quite thrilling and well suited to young men in their early teens. I found the story quite captivating. The reason for three stars is the prose and dialogue. At times the dialogue is as choppy as Dumas (for instance, the amount of times "aye" comprises an entire sentence is far too much), and at times it is almost mechanistic since an actual person wouldn't say that. The characters are fine with good character growth in the protagonist especially. I'd recommend the book, even if it isn't a classic of Christian literature by any means, for younger boys in particular along with those interested in light reading regarding the period of the Covenanter Wars of Lowland Scotland.
June 2, 2025
A bit George McDonald, a bit Chuck Black, a bit Bronze Bow. This author tells a fictional account of the historical Scottish covenant wars. The Scottish brogue is quite McDonald but the Christian themes woven throughout reminded me of the more modern Chuck Black. The themes of a teen boy during a revolution struggling to take on his own identity with regards to Jesus the Messiah seemed reminiscent of Elizabeth George Spears’s Bronze Bow. The gospel and our call to holiness is clearly spelled out as it is woven into the story. Will the boy choose as wisely as his family?
October 29, 2020
I liked it-
This was a good book, not amazing. I really loved hearing about the courageous and true Covenanter who fought for Freedom and God!!
There were times when it was really hard to focus because of the writing style, but it always picked up a few pages or a chapter later.
I would recommend this book to anyone studying this point in history and just wishing to learn more about the Scottish Covenanters!
This was a good book, not amazing. I really loved hearing about the courageous and true Covenanter who fought for Freedom and God!!
There were times when it was really hard to focus because of the writing style, but it always picked up a few pages or a chapter later.
I would recommend this book to anyone studying this point in history and just wishing to learn more about the Scottish Covenanters!
July 9, 2019
I read this book with my 11 year old son, and he enjoyed it. He had tried to read it a few years ago, but the start is rather slow and the Scottish language in it can be confusing at first. He enjoyed it more after learning some about this time period in school. It was encouraging to read how Duncan and his family continued to trust the Lord in spite of great hardship.
July 11, 2019
My first Douglas Bond book. But have already started on my second. Read this one to my son. It is very good historical fiction for boys/teens with a deliberate Gospel bent. And a great story, following a Scottish Covenenter family suffering persecution from the English for worshiping Christ rather than the Church of England.
August 26, 2023
An excellent work of historical fiction for a YA audience, bringing to life the history of the Scottish Covenanters. I appreciated it especially because I read it on the heels of my trip to Scotland. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
October 28, 2023
Given what I’ve heard about the author, I guess I was hoping for a little more eloquence. Regardless, this is a solid choice for young men—history, action, faith. I especially love all the Scottish men singing all the time!
February 8, 2018
An amazing combination of history, faith, and action.
July 15, 2020
Been a while since I read this series, but I enjoyed it :)
December 14, 2021
My mom read this whole book series to me and my sibling when we where young, Love them so much they are some of the best books you could ever find, I do need to reread them thought like ASP
May 16, 2023
Powerful Christian message. Not the best writing I have ever read; he was still clearly finding his groove, but the characters were great and the storyline held my attention well.
April 30, 2025
Remarkable historical fiction of the Scottish Covenanters.
June 29, 2025
I didn't know what I was going to ultimately think after the first few chapters, but I ended up enjoying the book. It was wonderful to hear how others had to live out their faith.
August 23, 2017
kinda boring but it was an alright book
January 2, 2016
Set in the wild and beautiful highlands of Scotland, this is a tale of devotion, courage, and sacrifice of the Scottish Covenanters. The fictional M'Kethe family is the centerpiece of the story. They and their friends must decide how to respond to the English king's and the local authorities' hostility toward the Covenanters, who just want to worship God in peace, not the king's way.
They cannot submit to the king, that much is certain. But when the troops come for them, what can they do? What must they do? Join the uprising in protection of their families, or turn the other cheek? Fight or forgive? This book shows their struggles and comes to a commendable conclusion. The Covenanters fight in defense, not offense. They show mercy to their enemies, but nevertheless are stalwart in battle against the well trained dragons.
History is woven into this book, with real Covenanters shining through the pages in example to us of true devotion to King Jesus. And it doesn't lack action, either, including clandestine activities, searches through green hills, pitched battles, rescues in the night, near escapes, and lots of running. An exciting, inspiring book.
They cannot submit to the king, that much is certain. But when the troops come for them, what can they do? What must they do? Join the uprising in protection of their families, or turn the other cheek? Fight or forgive? This book shows their struggles and comes to a commendable conclusion. The Covenanters fight in defense, not offense. They show mercy to their enemies, but nevertheless are stalwart in battle against the well trained dragons.
History is woven into this book, with real Covenanters shining through the pages in example to us of true devotion to King Jesus. And it doesn't lack action, either, including clandestine activities, searches through green hills, pitched battles, rescues in the night, near escapes, and lots of running. An exciting, inspiring book.
December 27, 2014
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a historical fiction of the Scottish Covenanters in the 17th century, with Duncan as the main character, a young man who wrestles through the thoughts of his heart in regards to the English oppressors of the Kirk(church), whether he hates them more, or loves Christ more. It is here we get a glimpse into the heart of the issue, as well as get some mentions of the likes of Samuel Rutherford! His Letters are mentioned quite a few times in here.
This book was very edifying to read, had adventure, heart, and honesty in it. I loved that it's theme was about glorifying God and enjoying Him; the point was to defend God's truth above all else. The Psalms were sung, the word was spoken of, and Christ as King was supreme. It did not glory in war, though the young character desired to do so, but shed light on the horrors of it, and yet the virtue in defending a just cause. If you want an edifying read for a young person, this book is a wonderful one to put in their hands.
This book was very edifying to read, had adventure, heart, and honesty in it. I loved that it's theme was about glorifying God and enjoying Him; the point was to defend God's truth above all else. The Psalms were sung, the word was spoken of, and Christ as King was supreme. It did not glory in war, though the young character desired to do so, but shed light on the horrors of it, and yet the virtue in defending a just cause. If you want an edifying read for a young person, this book is a wonderful one to put in their hands.
November 12, 2011
Pretty good. Historical fiction about Scottish uprising in 1666. I know little about this history. Previewing for my 10 and 8 year olds: the violence gets a little graphic. Maybe wait until 12?
There is a strong Scottish accent throughout, even with words like "ken" (know) and "dunnae" (do not) all over the place. Helped set the tone, but a little overdone.
The main theme was how to deal with oppression: not to respond with hate and violence, but with patience and love. Trusting God, but also preparing with earthly means. Seemed to capture what little I know of the Scottish mentality, when the English forced Anglicanism on them at this time. I especially liked the part where he learns to appreciate kneeling for prayer, and his Anglican friend takes the point that Jesus is the King of King Charles. Each could see the right and good in the opposing party, though they were at war.
Very good read for 10-12 year old boys.
There is a strong Scottish accent throughout, even with words like "ken" (know) and "dunnae" (do not) all over the place. Helped set the tone, but a little overdone.
The main theme was how to deal with oppression: not to respond with hate and violence, but with patience and love. Trusting God, but also preparing with earthly means. Seemed to capture what little I know of the Scottish mentality, when the English forced Anglicanism on them at this time. I especially liked the part where he learns to appreciate kneeling for prayer, and his Anglican friend takes the point that Jesus is the King of King Charles. Each could see the right and good in the opposing party, though they were at war.
Very good read for 10-12 year old boys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews