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The Stewart Chronicles #3
A King Imperiled
King James of Scotland is assassinated, and only his six-year-old son, not yet King James II, stands between Scotland and bloody civil war. But how long can Sir Patrick Gray, captain of the king's guard, keep him alive with so many enemies within the royal household and no way to know whom he can trust? When the king's cousins are beheaded through the double-dealing of the trusted royal chancellor, Patrick knows that treachery is close at hand, and keeping the king alive will take every bit of cunning he can summon.
200 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2017
187 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Tomlin
38 books215 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 21, 2017
Loved the story of the child-king James II , King of Scots, the third king of the Stewart dynasty whose childhood was a struggle of control over his very person. First he was held by William, 1st Lord Crichton, Lord Chancellor of Scotland in Edinburgh Castle until his mother returned to supposedly make peace with Lord Crichton but slipped the king out in a chest. While at Stirling Castle the dowager queen married Sir John Stewart and Alexander Livingston of Callendar, warden of Stirling Castle had Sir John thrown in the dungeon with his brother while the Joan Beaufort was placed under house arrest. Sir Patrick Gray whose been trying to keep the king safe can see the resentment that the powerful magnates nurturing in the young king. "When I'm a man grown I will kill them," states James after the Black Dinner. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was over editing. There are some misspelled words, words missing letters, and wrong tenses. Tighten up the editing and it will be a five star book.
December 22, 2021
A King Imperiled (The Stewart Chronicles #3) by J.R. Tomlin
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the other books, prior to or after to enjoy it.
The book opens in March 1437, almost right after the assassination of James II's father, King James I, on February 27, 1437, at the hands of Robert Stewart. Patrick Gray, son of Sir Andrew Gray is summoned by James Kennedy, Canon, and later Bishop of Dunkelk and Saint Andrews to serve as Master of the Guard for the 6 y/o king.
The book covers historical events from March of 1437 until August of 1447 including "The Black Dinner" where William Douglas the sixth Earl of Douglas and his brother David were brutally murdered.
The book is less than 200 pages on Kindle, which is basically a novella. I do not understand why this book could not be combined with the others to make a real novel. Narrated from the third person point of view, it reads in a few hours and it was an easy read.
I don't think I'll bother with any of the other books in the series.
This is a stand-alone book. You don't need to read any of the other books, prior to or after to enjoy it.
The book opens in March 1437, almost right after the assassination of James II's father, King James I, on February 27, 1437, at the hands of Robert Stewart. Patrick Gray, son of Sir Andrew Gray is summoned by James Kennedy, Canon, and later Bishop of Dunkelk and Saint Andrews to serve as Master of the Guard for the 6 y/o king.
The book covers historical events from March of 1437 until August of 1447 including "The Black Dinner" where William Douglas the sixth Earl of Douglas and his brother David were brutally murdered.
The book is less than 200 pages on Kindle, which is basically a novella. I do not understand why this book could not be combined with the others to make a real novel. Narrated from the third person point of view, it reads in a few hours and it was an easy read.
I don't think I'll bother with any of the other books in the series.
October 12, 2017
What an abrupt ending for such a good historical novel! I wanted the rest of the story and will just have to go looking for it!
Because this author is so talented, I wonder why the book is not better edited. The book appears to be edited by computer, and I believe the author will do a read through to fix the mistakes.
The novel is set in medieval Scotland after the death of James l. James ll is only five years old when he inherits the crown, and powers that be are plotting ways to take the crown from him. Sir Patrick Gray is appointed to guard the young king's life and safety which turns out to be a heavy duty. Patrick is the hero that readers will love. There is a wedding night between Patrick and his bride that is sexually explicit but not off putting at all. The scene kind of brought back memories of my own wedding night, and for that I am very thankful!
Thank you, Ms. Tomlin, for a GOOD READ.
Because this author is so talented, I wonder why the book is not better edited. The book appears to be edited by computer, and I believe the author will do a read through to fix the mistakes.
The novel is set in medieval Scotland after the death of James l. James ll is only five years old when he inherits the crown, and powers that be are plotting ways to take the crown from him. Sir Patrick Gray is appointed to guard the young king's life and safety which turns out to be a heavy duty. Patrick is the hero that readers will love. There is a wedding night between Patrick and his bride that is sexually explicit but not off putting at all. The scene kind of brought back memories of my own wedding night, and for that I am very thankful!
Thank you, Ms. Tomlin, for a GOOD READ.
October 20, 2021
cottish history is full of tales that tell of trouble, sadness, and confusion. This book is part of a series of historical novels that focus on the Scots.
It is the year 1436. The Scottish king, James I has just been assassinated. The heir to the throne is a six-year-old boy. Civil war is a real threat. The queen mother wants to control through her son, the chancellor cannot wait to get his hands on the boy. The lords compete against one another, and the powerful Douglas clan wants control of the kingdom. Will the young heir survive? Sir Patrick Gray, Master of the Guard, takes his position as protector of the Crown seriously and intends to do just that.
This novel is a well-researched tale of the characters and events that take place during this chaotic period of Scottish medieval history. The book moves quickly through the twists and turns drawing the reader into the conflict. If you enjoy historical novels, you will enjoy this one about the Stewart family.
It is the year 1436. The Scottish king, James I has just been assassinated. The heir to the throne is a six-year-old boy. Civil war is a real threat. The queen mother wants to control through her son, the chancellor cannot wait to get his hands on the boy. The lords compete against one another, and the powerful Douglas clan wants control of the kingdom. Will the young heir survive? Sir Patrick Gray, Master of the Guard, takes his position as protector of the Crown seriously and intends to do just that.
This novel is a well-researched tale of the characters and events that take place during this chaotic period of Scottish medieval history. The book moves quickly through the twists and turns drawing the reader into the conflict. If you enjoy historical novels, you will enjoy this one about the Stewart family.
March 29, 2022
James the 1st of Scotland back in the 1400s. He crowned king at age six when his fatherwas killed poor kid. He knew no different but there he was being a little boy, doing little boy things, yet being expected to act a man. It didn’t take him long tofigure out he was being used. By everyone. Wonder how this kid trusted anyone. How can one become a king when you are raised to expect treachery from all around you? How do you not become paranoid? Maybe kings were all mad back in those days for good reason.
August 16, 2021
A horrific cast of characters
I do not enjoy conflict novels involving so many people. I finished the book because I did like the plot winding through the confusion of characters. I don't think it was necessary for me to know the names and lineage of all the peripheral folks that never impacted the story in a major way. It made me tired! And, I still wonder if the Black Knight and his brother were released from the dungeon.
I do not enjoy conflict novels involving so many people. I finished the book because I did like the plot winding through the confusion of characters. I don't think it was necessary for me to know the names and lineage of all the peripheral folks that never impacted the story in a major way. It made me tired! And, I still wonder if the Black Knight and his brother were released from the dungeon.
February 16, 2018
Excellent Historical
This tale is exciting with a lot of clearly described action. What takes it a notch above other history inspired novels is the characters. These are adequately developed, so much so that the reader has a picture of the figures. Whether true to history or not, it is this that entertains the reader.
This tale is exciting with a lot of clearly described action. What takes it a notch above other history inspired novels is the characters. These are adequately developed, so much so that the reader has a picture of the figures. Whether true to history or not, it is this that entertains the reader.
October 6, 2018
James II is indeed imperiled as Lords seek power and tear him away from the Queen mother.
J.R. Tomlin spins a history of perfidy as Scottish lords scheme for power. Intrigue, violence and faithfulness all run through this novel. I can hardly await the next in this series of the Stewart kings which is due out in early 2019.
J.R. Tomlin spins a history of perfidy as Scottish lords scheme for power. Intrigue, violence and faithfulness all run through this novel. I can hardly await the next in this series of the Stewart kings which is due out in early 2019.
December 26, 2020
A gripping read, and depicts the brutal clan history and power struggle of ancient Scotland in a well researched and flair for story telling in a way that makes that history come alive with the clarity of a modern writing.
Cant wait for the sequel and hope the modern Scottish nation is little more mellow.
Cant wait for the sequel and hope the modern Scottish nation is little more mellow.
September 11, 2021
Abrupt my ended
Left hanging for a story unfinished. Despite the mire of names in the Scottish customs the characters become real. This story is abruptly ended by a leap through time. The reader is left behind by the inevitable cliff hanger.with the sales offer for the next book.
Left hanging for a story unfinished. Despite the mire of names in the Scottish customs the characters become real. This story is abruptly ended by a leap through time. The reader is left behind by the inevitable cliff hanger.with the sales offer for the next book.
September 25, 2021
An enjoyable way to learn history of Scotland .
As always JR keeps his reader's attention with the excitement he creates with his blending of history and mystery.The conniving and murdering, suspense and suffering, was the order of the day. Tomlin's ability to keep his reader fully involved from beginning to end is near if not wonderful.
As always JR keeps his reader's attention with the excitement he creates with his blending of history and mystery.The conniving and murdering, suspense and suffering, was the order of the day. Tomlin's ability to keep his reader fully involved from beginning to end is near if not wonderful.
October 28, 2021
It started off as a good book, but unfortunately ended with an unwritten sign that declared it to be a book that was "to be continued."
In my view a book should have a beginning, a middle & an ending that lets the reader know that it has come to its logical ending. To be continued books in my mind are akin to reading the comics in the daily newspapers.
In my view a book should have a beginning, a middle & an ending that lets the reader know that it has come to its logical ending. To be continued books in my mind are akin to reading the comics in the daily newspapers.
December 11, 2021
I do enjoy historical novels, but I cannot say that I enjoyed this. I found it a little bit naïve. Many names, lots of Scottish words, little action, and questions that were not answered. For instance what happened to the Black Knight and his brother? Were they realized or they were imprisoned in the dungeon for the rest of their lives? As for the end of the book, I think it was rushed.
November 7, 2025
good read
I enjoyed this book, but I feel like things were left out with very little explanation.
Spoiler:
There was no mention of the queen’s husband and brother being released. this left questions for me. I would have liked to briefly know what happened. Then there was a big jump to the epilogue.
I enjoyed this book, but I feel like things were left out with very little explanation.
Spoiler:
There was no mention of the queen’s husband and brother being released. this left questions for me. I would have liked to briefly know what happened. Then there was a big jump to the epilogue.
August 27, 2021
A story of intrigue and murder
I like historical novels. Tomlin helped me get a glimpse of Scottish history from the 1400's of which I was ignorant. History holds much intrigue making a heart suspense story waiting to be told. Tomlin is a good story teller.
I like historical novels. Tomlin helped me get a glimpse of Scottish history from the 1400's of which I was ignorant. History holds much intrigue making a heart suspense story waiting to be told. Tomlin is a good story teller.
March 3, 2022
I really love this kind of historical book. As a series this one is great. Watching (?) a young child grow up and what makes them like they will be like when they are older is very interesting. This one about James is no exception. I look forward to beginning the next book in the series.
September 21, 2022
History at its best!
Wonderful book - well written and very informative about that period of time. You get a feel for what life was like and learn some history as you enjoy the story. This book captures history at its best - realistic!
Wonderful book - well written and very informative about that period of time. You get a feel for what life was like and learn some history as you enjoy the story. This book captures history at its best - realistic!
November 6, 2017
Felt a little cheated.
I wanted to see what happened but oh well. Now I have to look up the history. It was good reading.
I wanted to see what happened but oh well. Now I have to look up the history. It was good reading.
March 15, 2018
Too short
There just wasn't enough to this book. I was surprised when I realised I was at the end. I hope the next one is longer.
There just wasn't enough to this book. I was surprised when I realised I was at the end. I hope the next one is longer.
March 14, 2019
Tomlin continues to deliver... This was another excellent book in the series. Would have a 5 but, in my opinion, the ending was rushed.
August 18, 2021
Got lost in the time
Came along with Patrick as he accompanied his young king James through his youth. Will read more in this series
Came along with Patrick as he accompanied his young king James through his youth. Will read more in this series
August 23, 2021
I can't understand why one or two Scottish words were used. Typical of an American author. Either it should have been all Scottish or no Scots words
August 29, 2021
Disappointing - very superficial, uninteresting hero. Dorothy Dunnett does this 100 times better.
August 22, 2022
A well written historical novel that was well researched. A truly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews