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The Stewart Chronicles #2
A King Uncaged
At last after long years of English imprisonment, Scotland's King James I negotiates the terms of his release and of his marriage to his beloved Joan Beaufort. But he returns to a Scotland in chaos. Surrounded by plots, intrigues, and rebellions, James struggles to restore order and survive attempts by his family to overthrow him. Above all, James fears that his life and his own dream -- of a Scotland at peace with a strong parliament -- might be lost to his family's greed for power.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2014
About the author
J.R. Tomlin
39 books218 followersJ. R. Tomlin is the author of nineteen historical novels.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 26, 2020
A powerful continuation of James I, King of Scots
This saga does not disappoint. Portrayed as a strong, merciful king facing constant challenges for power to rule, James is portrayed as a husband deeply faithful and in love with his queen, an unusual fidelity for the times. He cherishes his children and is intent on preparing them for their future roles, doing what is possible to give them hope of a happy life. This is more than a summary of historical events, J. R. Tomlin has portrayed characters with faults, flaws, family loyalties, and precious traits which I found myself loving and despising. The story of history is primary and revealing beautiful Scotland however James I and his reign are as personal as family.
This saga does not disappoint. Portrayed as a strong, merciful king facing constant challenges for power to rule, James is portrayed as a husband deeply faithful and in love with his queen, an unusual fidelity for the times. He cherishes his children and is intent on preparing them for their future roles, doing what is possible to give them hope of a happy life. This is more than a summary of historical events, J. R. Tomlin has portrayed characters with faults, flaws, family loyalties, and precious traits which I found myself loving and despising. The story of history is primary and revealing beautiful Scotland however James I and his reign are as personal as family.
May 26, 2017
Interesting and we'll written
This book friends drew me in from the beginning. I had read the prequel and this picked up smoothly but I think one could easily read them out of order. It's really well written. Although I enjoy historical fiction this was a new family and era for me. The author made me comfortable from the beginning.
This book friends drew me in from the beginning. I had read the prequel and this picked up smoothly but I think one could easily read them out of order. It's really well written. Although I enjoy historical fiction this was a new family and era for me. The author made me comfortable from the beginning.
October 5, 2018
A braw novel, James was a king who deserved a better fate.
Excellent story continuing the history of King James I of Scotland.
His reforms and laws were just but he was foully betrayed by his uncle and by a man his wife innocently allowed him to pardon. The author again gives us much to appreciate with his historical novel.
Excellent story continuing the history of King James I of Scotland.
His reforms and laws were just but he was foully betrayed by his uncle and by a man his wife innocently allowed him to pardon. The author again gives us much to appreciate with his historical novel.
May 25, 2019
Interesting Historical Fiction
I enjoy reading historical fiction, where famous persons are shown as they might have been in real life. I thought James was fleshed out better in volume 1, but this was still an entertaining story. It's worth the read, if you like this genre.
I enjoy reading historical fiction, where famous persons are shown as they might have been in real life. I thought James was fleshed out better in volume 1, but this was still an entertaining story. It's worth the read, if you like this genre.
March 13, 2018
This will keep you engaged
I wish there were several more in this series. You can almost see and hear the action in your mind's dye.
I wish there were several more in this series. You can almost see and hear the action in your mind's dye.
September 29, 2018
Full of historical fact
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January 4, 2019
Excellent
The second book in this series, just as good as the first enjoyed every word. Now on to the next.
The second book in this series, just as good as the first enjoyed every word. Now on to the next.
February 24, 2019
Another excellent book in the series.
February 28, 2019
Enjoyable
It made a change to read about a Scottish monarch and their perspective towards the english. An enjoyable read bringing the Stuart king to life
It made a change to read about a Scottish monarch and their perspective towards the english. An enjoyable read bringing the Stuart king to life
June 14, 2019
I love Scottish history
Mr. Tomlin's account is an appealing read, witty and enjoyable. The research he puts in truly shows in his writings.
Mr. Tomlin's account is an appealing read, witty and enjoyable. The research he puts in truly shows in his writings.
July 10, 2019
History made informative and entertaining!
Wow! Scottish history and a brave king reminiscent of Joseph’s story. Read this, and learn! Time to move on and learn from our past.
Wow! Scottish history and a brave king reminiscent of Joseph’s story. Read this, and learn! Time to move on and learn from our past.
June 2, 2021
Good history
Loved this one- very informative and kept my attention! Such a tough life this young king lived with everyone out to get him.
Loved this one- very informative and kept my attention! Such a tough life this young king lived with everyone out to get him.
February 19, 2022
Headline
No excuse for taking the Lord's name in vain. So sad that this is true history and has to end in such sad consequences.
No excuse for taking the Lord's name in vain. So sad that this is true history and has to end in such sad consequences.
March 16, 2016
One of the first things James I had to do after he is crowned by Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany and Earl of Fife, was to have the Albany Stewarts executed, for it was the Albany Stewarts who had starved his older brother to death, ruled Scotland while James’s father was confined to Rothesay Castle in the Stewarty and while James lived in English captivity for 18 years. During which time they really didn’t exert themselves to free him. So he made himself a promise that he wouldn’t be a weak ruler like his father. When the Albany Stewarts contested his right to the throne in front of everyone he had them arrested for treason and the men executed. The Duchess Isabelle was imprisoned. He also showed a firm hand with the Highland Chiefs but when Robert Graham was naming James, “I name the king a traitor and tyrant,” and a bit later, “James Stewart! Thief! Murderer! Traitor!,” I think he might have looked to dear Uncle Walter, Earl of Atholl, as he had requested that Graham be pardoned earlier in the book. The Stewarts were a family who put the “dys” into dysfunctional. There were a few grammatical errors in this book as well but nothing that interfered with the continuity of the story.
January 7, 2016
Review of A King Uncaged
A King Uncaged is the 2nd and final book of The Stewart Chronicles. James Stewart was held by England as a young boy. His blood relatives sought to kill him and set his half uncle up as King of Scotland. Although confined to dungeons, King Henry saw that he continued his education and seemed to feel that James owed him! In this 2nd book James finally gets his freedom to return to Scotland and begin to restore Scotland for its people. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and read them nearly straight through! I highly recommend the set!
A King Uncaged is the 2nd and final book of The Stewart Chronicles. James Stewart was held by England as a young boy. His blood relatives sought to kill him and set his half uncle up as King of Scotland. Although confined to dungeons, King Henry saw that he continued his education and seemed to feel that James owed him! In this 2nd book James finally gets his freedom to return to Scotland and begin to restore Scotland for its people. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and read them nearly straight through! I highly recommend the set!
May 12, 2015
A King Unchained by J. R. Tomlin
I really liked these books, just enough fact in the history of the Scott's, a touch of imagination to make it a great story! I read both books in a couple of days, it was an easy read. I went back to back binge reading, because I was so curious about the history. The characters were brought to life by the author in a realistic way and I loved the original narrative of the Scott's people.
I really liked these books, just enough fact in the history of the Scott's, a touch of imagination to make it a great story! I read both books in a couple of days, it was an easy read. I went back to back binge reading, because I was so curious about the history. The characters were brought to life by the author in a realistic way and I loved the original narrative of the Scott's people.
July 24, 2016
Historical fiction that is enjoyable to read.
Having read all of Tomlins historical books, I was looking forward to this one. It does not disappoint! Carrying on the story of James Stewart begun in 'A King Ensnared', this tells of James's return to Scotland and his reign as king. He had a massive job ahead of him, and strove to be a good, strong King unlike his weak father.
A great telling of this fine man's story.
Having read all of Tomlins historical books, I was looking forward to this one. It does not disappoint! Carrying on the story of James Stewart begun in 'A King Ensnared', this tells of James's return to Scotland and his reign as king. He had a massive job ahead of him, and strove to be a good, strong King unlike his weak father.
A great telling of this fine man's story.
January 8, 2016
King James I On His Throne
Again a well written historical novel about the reign of King James I after 18 years of imprisonment by the English. I could hardly put it down as intrigue and treachery abounds.
Again a well written historical novel about the reign of King James I after 18 years of imprisonment by the English. I could hardly put it down as intrigue and treachery abounds.
April 2, 2016
Shorter and less well developed than its predecessor, but still a good read for historical fiction during the reign of James of Scotland (1400s)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews