What do you think?
Rate this book
The Borderer Chronicles #2
Devotion and the Devil
1560. One chronicle; two stories; three cities; four journeys. This is the second volume in the Borderer Chronicles series.
Four men of dedication, motivated by their own devotion, take different journeys to the same city. A steadfast man, by way of siege; a noble man, by way of melancholia put aside for dalliance and duty; a godly man, by way of loss and self-discovery; and a vain and sinful man by way of guile. All travel to deal with a master of prominence; a devil within a guild of secrets.
All four men will face the Devil, but who will be the man to defeat him, the steadfast man, the noble man, the godly man, or the vain and sinful man? Who best could play the Devil’s game and win?
Devotion and the Devil is a saga set against the Seige of Leith, and the triangle of trade between Edinburgh, Newcastle and Antwerp.
Four men of dedication, motivated by their own devotion, take different journeys to the same city. A steadfast man, by way of siege; a noble man, by way of melancholia put aside for dalliance and duty; a godly man, by way of loss and self-discovery; and a vain and sinful man by way of guile. All travel to deal with a master of prominence; a devil within a guild of secrets.
All four men will face the Devil, but who will be the man to defeat him, the steadfast man, the noble man, the godly man, or the vain and sinful man? Who best could play the Devil’s game and win?
Devotion and the Devil is a saga set against the Seige of Leith, and the triangle of trade between Edinburgh, Newcastle and Antwerp.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
431 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2013
6 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 6, 2013
A gripping read from first to last. A great story with lots of different layers, interesting characters and some great writing. There is humour and pathos, horror and romance so seamlessly combined as to make this one of the best historical adventure stories I have read for quite a while.
I was uncertain about the first book in the series, I suppose because one third was a boy's tale. But this continuation of the boy's story within a greater story of other people's lives was extremely well told.
Rarely to you get to care about lead characters in books, they're either too perfect, or too unreal. But this novel gives every character a proper voice, a life outside their part in the story. There are no card-board characters used as fodder to play off the lead character, in fact, there are a dozen (at least) lead characters in this story, so well written are they.
The history fits well into the story, never dragging back the electric pace the story moves you along. The writer clevely adds diversions at several points within the tale to give your mind a rest, and it all meshes perfectly. At no time did I predict where the story was going to take me (outside the love interest). I loved the sense of period it offered, and even with modern language, there was enough rhetoric to make it seem correct.
I have read many competent authors, writing great fiction. This author's voice does not only tell great fiction, he makes every passage a story worth the telling.
I was uncertain about the first book in the series, I suppose because one third was a boy's tale. But this continuation of the boy's story within a greater story of other people's lives was extremely well told.
Rarely to you get to care about lead characters in books, they're either too perfect, or too unreal. But this novel gives every character a proper voice, a life outside their part in the story. There are no card-board characters used as fodder to play off the lead character, in fact, there are a dozen (at least) lead characters in this story, so well written are they.
The history fits well into the story, never dragging back the electric pace the story moves you along. The writer clevely adds diversions at several points within the tale to give your mind a rest, and it all meshes perfectly. At no time did I predict where the story was going to take me (outside the love interest). I loved the sense of period it offered, and even with modern language, there was enough rhetoric to make it seem correct.
I have read many competent authors, writing great fiction. This author's voice does not only tell great fiction, he makes every passage a story worth the telling.
September 24, 2013
An absorbing read right from the first chapter. Lots of locations and well-rounded characters make this a very good read for those interested in sixteenth century history and adventure. Humour and action, romance and intrigue, but above all wonderful emotion and pathos.
Intelligently written, with great attention to detail, a sense of time and language. Easy to read, with dialogue that breathes real life into fictional people. The novel is intersperced by some wonderfully written 'journal entries', that slow the pace down... I had a hard time putting this down, and am pleased to read there are other books coming from this gifted writer.
Intelligently written, with great attention to detail, a sense of time and language. Easy to read, with dialogue that breathes real life into fictional people. The novel is intersperced by some wonderfully written 'journal entries', that slow the pace down... I had a hard time putting this down, and am pleased to read there are other books coming from this gifted writer.
February 15, 2015
What could I do but give my own book five stars? Perhaps it could be better? Yes I know it could.
September 28, 2013
An enthralling second novel from Mark Montgomery set in the Borders in the 1500’s. Second in the series, The Borderer Chronicles, it tells the story of four men who will all face the devil, but who will defeat him, the steadfast man, the noble man, the godly man or the vain and sinful man.
Following these four journeys Montgomery takes his reader on a journey of their own, with his delicate and intricate descriptions, modern language with just a hint of dialect thrown in for authenticity, the novel is part of a bigger story. As with Three Hills there are more stories to be told, some unfinished business and Montgomery promises there is more to come by referring to future works in the text.
John is now a man and his story continues. There are characters old and new all well drawn and each with an individual personality, with a number of very interesting minor characters along the way. The novel opens in Newcastle with scenes so descriptive, a great sense of time and place are created. As with Three Hills it is written from different locations to keep the reader entertained, and although the story is a work of fiction the settings are very real.
The language differs for each storyline, making it very readable and authentic. There is a nice flavour of different dialects and 16c language but as the novel is written in modern language making it is an easy read, but authentic. Great atmosphere and tension is created, with twists and turns in the plot, the reader is often kept guessing and humour often turns to tension on the same page.
The novel has obviously been researched well and storylines intricately plotted. Its pace is fast in the main novel and slow and restful in the extracts from John’s journal.
As the story develops it is evident that there are more stories to come, however this does not spoil the novel, but gives an introduction for future works. These are indicated at various points through the story.
As this is the second in the series reading Three Hills will be an advantage but Devotion and the Devil standalone very well. A gripping read.
Following these four journeys Montgomery takes his reader on a journey of their own, with his delicate and intricate descriptions, modern language with just a hint of dialect thrown in for authenticity, the novel is part of a bigger story. As with Three Hills there are more stories to be told, some unfinished business and Montgomery promises there is more to come by referring to future works in the text.
John is now a man and his story continues. There are characters old and new all well drawn and each with an individual personality, with a number of very interesting minor characters along the way. The novel opens in Newcastle with scenes so descriptive, a great sense of time and place are created. As with Three Hills it is written from different locations to keep the reader entertained, and although the story is a work of fiction the settings are very real.
The language differs for each storyline, making it very readable and authentic. There is a nice flavour of different dialects and 16c language but as the novel is written in modern language making it is an easy read, but authentic. Great atmosphere and tension is created, with twists and turns in the plot, the reader is often kept guessing and humour often turns to tension on the same page.
The novel has obviously been researched well and storylines intricately plotted. Its pace is fast in the main novel and slow and restful in the extracts from John’s journal.
As the story develops it is evident that there are more stories to come, however this does not spoil the novel, but gives an introduction for future works. These are indicated at various points through the story.
As this is the second in the series reading Three Hills will be an advantage but Devotion and the Devil standalone very well. A gripping read.
April 10, 2017
Upon having a clear out of books to take to the local Charity shop, I came across this book that I had won a while ago in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I don't know how I managed to overlook this page turner of a book!
I have not read the first of the Chronicles, but this didn't make any difference to my enjoyment. Am now hoping to find the first of the Chronicles, and shall be reading the third. Recommended.
I have not read the first of the Chronicles, but this didn't make any difference to my enjoyment. Am now hoping to find the first of the Chronicles, and shall be reading the third. Recommended.
July 14, 2016
The second chronicle of three to date ... and as with Three Hills, the reader is taken on an adventurous journey through the adult life of John Brownfield, a Sixteenth Century Borderer. Beautifully written, Mark Montgomery pens action, tragedy and intrigue as exquisitely as he pens lust, devotion and romance. The reader is drawn in to the tale immediately and almost without realising; the descriptions so well recorded as to create a full sensory vision. The characters within become like old friends, or indeed enemies, and with no effort at all become wholly identifiable beyond the pages of text. Chapter XXIII is especially superb … my recommendation and naïve writings cannot do it justice!! The tale leaves with an extremely intriguing cliff hanger thus leaving the reader wanting more, much more.
July 26, 2013
Every writer has a reader, some only a dozen, some a million. I suspect there are a million more readers who would love to find this writer. I loved this book, and it will feature high in my favourites. It was like a very delicious box of chocolates, two layers, but with all different centres, no toffees, or coffee creams. Some chocolates were exceptional and some were better than others, but the whole box delighted.
I was a little bemused at first, but as the story progressed I was drawn back completely into the world of the Borderer Chronicles. Although the lead character, Jack Brownfield appears a little weak and selfish, he does feel real, and you care about him. No mindless violence or graphic sex, this book was written with beautiful language, and sharp, often witty dialogue. The Sixteenth Century was portrayed well, with more than a nod of recognition to the rise of the middle-classes; the Merchants and Merchant Bankers, as well as a very poignant portrayal of the Seige of Leith and the Scottish Reformation.
A very different read, and very good for it. I liked the author's first book (a give-a-away), and his second did not disappoint, It was better... except at times in complexity, which often had me re-reading past sections to pick up story clues to solve the mystery and understand the twists. Plotting was intricate.
The book unfortuneatly took me away from the Scottish Borders (the reason why I read the first book), which made me a little sad, but I absolutely love Henri Huecon, who has a stronger showing in this book, so I will forgive the writer.
Intelligent writing, entertaining characters, sharp dialogue, good history telling... I will even forgive the placement of the story. I enjoyed the whole read.
Often I think I'm either too harsh in my reviews, or give five stars too easily, and the 'amazing' five star label should only be reserved for a 'classic' or great work. But I will observe Henri Huecon's edict, and express my enthusiasm properly with five stars:
"having an economy of spirit is a poor gift to share with those who toil in your name."
I was a little bemused at first, but as the story progressed I was drawn back completely into the world of the Borderer Chronicles. Although the lead character, Jack Brownfield appears a little weak and selfish, he does feel real, and you care about him. No mindless violence or graphic sex, this book was written with beautiful language, and sharp, often witty dialogue. The Sixteenth Century was portrayed well, with more than a nod of recognition to the rise of the middle-classes; the Merchants and Merchant Bankers, as well as a very poignant portrayal of the Seige of Leith and the Scottish Reformation.
A very different read, and very good for it. I liked the author's first book (a give-a-away), and his second did not disappoint, It was better... except at times in complexity, which often had me re-reading past sections to pick up story clues to solve the mystery and understand the twists. Plotting was intricate.
The book unfortuneatly took me away from the Scottish Borders (the reason why I read the first book), which made me a little sad, but I absolutely love Henri Huecon, who has a stronger showing in this book, so I will forgive the writer.
Intelligent writing, entertaining characters, sharp dialogue, good history telling... I will even forgive the placement of the story. I enjoyed the whole read.
Often I think I'm either too harsh in my reviews, or give five stars too easily, and the 'amazing' five star label should only be reserved for a 'classic' or great work. But I will observe Henri Huecon's edict, and express my enthusiasm properly with five stars:
"having an economy of spirit is a poor gift to share with those who toil in your name."
July 23, 2013
This book qualifies as my best read so far this year, a good book in around fifteen to sixteen great reads and three books I wish I never started.
Good plotting sets this book apart from other historical fictions, as well as some suprising twists in the tale. A great rendition of little known Scottish history, the Seige of Leith, as well as intriguing stories about merchant traders, again, set this book apart from the usual 'Hist Fic' fodder that seems to be churned out by publishing houses on trend. Some interesting characters and smart dialogue move the stories along briskly in some places, slower in others, and some strange detours keep the interest for the reader without losing the flow of the tale, which is a sequel to another novel, Three Hills.
This was apparently two novels abridged into one book, so there are two distinct stories, still linked, but very different stories in different locations and protagonists, both themed around peoples devotions, and a common sub-plot, but in my view Devotion and the Devil is two books in a single volume, but two very good books.
I love British literary fiction, and this author's narration is wonderfully poetic, delicate and quite beautiful in places. There are gems of prose in every passage, in every chapter, and the author's narrative voice is very engaging, different and quite refreshing, and only adds to my pleasure in prefering to read Brit writers over others.
August 5, 2013
Firstly a disclaimer; I know the author, he is a colleague. Not a close colleague. Next a truth. I loved his first book, particulary because it was set in my neck of the woods, and dealt with a period much read by myself. I enjoyed it immensly. So I am a fan. (His book was the reason I joined Goodreads in the first place.)
As a fan, the author gave me a pre-read of the original drafts of the two books, Devotion and the Devil is based upon; The School of War and the Black Merchant's Guild. Again I loved reading both the drafts, but reading this abridgement I am a little disappointed. It still is a great book with some wonderful writing, scenes and characterisation. But too much plot development, character building and motivation, and background history has been omitted, all for the sake of brevity.
The Author claims the original two books would make 'one too many in the series... too much was recounted from the first book... as well as necessary repetition tying the two books together.'
Well this is my public protest to the author to reconsider publishing the original two books, so again I can read the full fat, and not this semi-skimmed version (regardless how much I like semi-skimmed).
If so, four stars will become five, and the School of War will become my favourite book.
As a fan, the author gave me a pre-read of the original drafts of the two books, Devotion and the Devil is based upon; The School of War and the Black Merchant's Guild. Again I loved reading both the drafts, but reading this abridgement I am a little disappointed. It still is a great book with some wonderful writing, scenes and characterisation. But too much plot development, character building and motivation, and background history has been omitted, all for the sake of brevity.
The Author claims the original two books would make 'one too many in the series... too much was recounted from the first book... as well as necessary repetition tying the two books together.'
Well this is my public protest to the author to reconsider publishing the original two books, so again I can read the full fat, and not this semi-skimmed version (regardless how much I like semi-skimmed).
If so, four stars will become five, and the School of War will become my favourite book.
June 30, 2017
History brought to life
This story takes place in the mid sixteenth century amid strained relations between England, Scotland, and France. There were many battles fought in the name of religion. England endorsed the Protestant faith and France the Catholic. Montgomery portrays the many forms of devotion whether to church, country, family, or guild. The story continues the adventures of John (Jack) Brownfield and we begin our travels on a ship named Devotion headed toward a new commission in Antwerp. During the voyage we find the ship's captain is devoted to enriching himself by taking a French vessel. Jack is injured in the battle and the team must remain in Edinburgh while he heals.
During this break the siege of Leith takes place and we find out more about devotion, that to duty, husband, lover, or to power. But if the Devil knows where your devotion lies he will most certainly use it against you. The is a rich and detailed account of a dangerous and turbulent slice of history. There is plenty of twists and turns while we try to figure out who's devoted to who. Highly recommended.
This story takes place in the mid sixteenth century amid strained relations between England, Scotland, and France. There were many battles fought in the name of religion. England endorsed the Protestant faith and France the Catholic. Montgomery portrays the many forms of devotion whether to church, country, family, or guild. The story continues the adventures of John (Jack) Brownfield and we begin our travels on a ship named Devotion headed toward a new commission in Antwerp. During the voyage we find the ship's captain is devoted to enriching himself by taking a French vessel. Jack is injured in the battle and the team must remain in Edinburgh while he heals.
During this break the siege of Leith takes place and we find out more about devotion, that to duty, husband, lover, or to power. But if the Devil knows where your devotion lies he will most certainly use it against you. The is a rich and detailed account of a dangerous and turbulent slice of history. There is plenty of twists and turns while we try to figure out who's devoted to who. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2019
Great continuation from the first book, although the author is, ahem, devoted to using the word devotion in almost every chapter. Still, a rocking good read and on to the third in the series.
March 13, 2015
We need more .....
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews