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Border Reivers #1
A Dish of Spurs
In the space between nations, nothing is out of bounds.
1542. For centuries the Scottish and English borders were known as the Debatable lands: wild, lawless, and the province of reivers, tight-knit robber families that roamed and pillaged the remote passes without fear...
Fifteen-year-old Mintie Henderson has just seen her father murdered. With the Scottish King newly dead and an army of hired reivers on the march, justice is in short supply. Then she comes across Batty Coalhouse: one-armed and hard as nails. Together they will set out on a journey of revenge.
But they are soon caught up in something bigger, a tale of Mary Queen of Scots and King Henry VIII. Stuck in the heart of a tempest, they know only one way to get out alive…
Fight.
1542. For centuries the Scottish and English borders were known as the Debatable lands: wild, lawless, and the province of reivers, tight-knit robber families that roamed and pillaged the remote passes without fear...
Fifteen-year-old Mintie Henderson has just seen her father murdered. With the Scottish King newly dead and an army of hired reivers on the march, justice is in short supply. Then she comes across Batty Coalhouse: one-armed and hard as nails. Together they will set out on a journey of revenge.
But they are soon caught up in something bigger, a tale of Mary Queen of Scots and King Henry VIII. Stuck in the heart of a tempest, they know only one way to get out alive…
Fight.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2020
60 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Robert Low
62 books284 followersRobert Low is a Scottish journalist and historical novelist, with novels based on the Viking Age. He was war correspondent in Vietnam and also several other locations, including Sarajevo, Romania and Kosovo, until "common-sense, age and the concerns of my wife and daughter prevailed". Now he writes novels full time. He's also a historical reenactor performing with the Scotland-based group, the Vikings.
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 25, 2020
This very gripping historical novel is the 1st volume of a new series called, "The Border Reivers", from the remarkable author, Robert Low.
At the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note, as well as a superbly explained Glossary, and all this in contribution to this great historical tale.
The author's story-telling is as always of a top-notch quality, also where Scots is intertwined within the story, for the author is a Scotsman himself, and all figures, whether real historical or great fictional, come vividly to life, while the atmosphere and harsh life within the Debatable Land on the border of Scotland and England come splendidly off the pages.
The book is situated during the years AD 1542/1543, and it starts off just after the death of King James IV of Scotland, and King "Fat" Henry VIII scheming and plotting on the throne in England, to get Scotland under his control by trying to kidnap a baby Princess, the future Queen Mary of Scots, to get her married to his son, Prince Edward.
In this Borderland, called the Debatable Land, there are places which are ruled by different factions and Families, some by Scots, some by English, and others by Scots working for the English, whatever the money and status it will bring them.
Also in this Border Reivers story there's fighting and killing between the clans themselves, with the likes of Graham, Armstrong, Bourne, Henderson, Elliot(t), Crozier, and not to forget factors as loyalty, betrayal, blackmail and murder are common in the fight for supremacy within this Debatable Land.
What is to come for our two main characters; the one being Mintie Henderson, who's father is murdered by Hutchie Elliott, who's working for the Laird of Hollows, Johnnie Armstrong, and the other being Batty Coalhouse aka Graham/Kohlhase, for his mother was a Graham and his father a German "Ingenieur"; is an environment of loyalty and backstabbing, suspicion and corruption, that will result in a captivating and dangerous journey of violence and death for them both, family and friends, and their heroic effort to survive these ordeals and live for another day in this borderland of betrayal and brutality.
Very much recommended, for this is an excellent begin of a marvellous new series, and what this episode is concerned I want to describe it as: "An Amazing Border Reivers Treat"!
At the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Author's Note, as well as a superbly explained Glossary, and all this in contribution to this great historical tale.
The author's story-telling is as always of a top-notch quality, also where Scots is intertwined within the story, for the author is a Scotsman himself, and all figures, whether real historical or great fictional, come vividly to life, while the atmosphere and harsh life within the Debatable Land on the border of Scotland and England come splendidly off the pages.
The book is situated during the years AD 1542/1543, and it starts off just after the death of King James IV of Scotland, and King "Fat" Henry VIII scheming and plotting on the throne in England, to get Scotland under his control by trying to kidnap a baby Princess, the future Queen Mary of Scots, to get her married to his son, Prince Edward.
In this Borderland, called the Debatable Land, there are places which are ruled by different factions and Families, some by Scots, some by English, and others by Scots working for the English, whatever the money and status it will bring them.
Also in this Border Reivers story there's fighting and killing between the clans themselves, with the likes of Graham, Armstrong, Bourne, Henderson, Elliot(t), Crozier, and not to forget factors as loyalty, betrayal, blackmail and murder are common in the fight for supremacy within this Debatable Land.
What is to come for our two main characters; the one being Mintie Henderson, who's father is murdered by Hutchie Elliott, who's working for the Laird of Hollows, Johnnie Armstrong, and the other being Batty Coalhouse aka Graham/Kohlhase, for his mother was a Graham and his father a German "Ingenieur"; is an environment of loyalty and backstabbing, suspicion and corruption, that will result in a captivating and dangerous journey of violence and death for them both, family and friends, and their heroic effort to survive these ordeals and live for another day in this borderland of betrayal and brutality.
Very much recommended, for this is an excellent begin of a marvellous new series, and what this episode is concerned I want to describe it as: "An Amazing Border Reivers Treat"!
October 30, 2022
I recently read about the border reivers for the first time in a non-fiction book. When England and Scotland were separate countries and the borderlands were disputed, bands of clan-aligned outlaws lived lawlessly, frequently raiding each other for resources and supremacy in equal measure. I thought "wow, this would make a great book!" and duly sought out this series by Robert Low which appeared to be one of the most well-reviewed.
I'll start with the pros. The world-building is good and a lot of care and research clearly went into reconstructing 16th century Scotland. I found the premise and set-up intriguing - Mintie Henderson, member of a less powerful family, has had her father killed and horse stolen. Without legal recourse, she engages Batty Coalhouse, a one-armed mercenary, to kill the culprit. The book's blurb promises that they will set out on a journey of revenge.
However... (and slight but non-explicit spoilers in terms of the book's direction follow)
- Mintie's role is soon diminished and the book becomes more about Batty, a sort of 16th century Jack Reacher who despite having one arm, happily takes on dozens of armed men alone, escapes unscathed from every situation, and even when appearing to be cornered, is just two steps ahead and allowed it to happen as part of his masterplan.
- Hopes to enjoy a strong female heroine rapidly faded. Although Mintie plays an ongoing role, without spoiling too much, this role falls into the trope of basically suffering so that our hero, Batty, can feel more inspired to take revenge on her behalf.
- It's also over-long and I found myself skim reading at times, as the plot did compel me to see the revenge through to its end, but the multitude of ancilliary henchmen, lengthy descriptions peppered with Scots, and flashbacks to Batty's time being even more heroic in various European countries, tested my patience somewhat.
- Really this book should just have been called Batty.
I'll start with the pros. The world-building is good and a lot of care and research clearly went into reconstructing 16th century Scotland. I found the premise and set-up intriguing - Mintie Henderson, member of a less powerful family, has had her father killed and horse stolen. Without legal recourse, she engages Batty Coalhouse, a one-armed mercenary, to kill the culprit. The book's blurb promises that they will set out on a journey of revenge.
However... (and slight but non-explicit spoilers in terms of the book's direction follow)
- Mintie's role is soon diminished and the book becomes more about Batty, a sort of 16th century Jack Reacher who despite having one arm, happily takes on dozens of armed men alone, escapes unscathed from every situation, and even when appearing to be cornered, is just two steps ahead and allowed it to happen as part of his masterplan.
- Hopes to enjoy a strong female heroine rapidly faded. Although Mintie plays an ongoing role, without spoiling too much, this role falls into the trope of basically suffering so that our hero, Batty, can feel more inspired to take revenge on her behalf.
- It's also over-long and I found myself skim reading at times, as the plot did compel me to see the revenge through to its end, but the multitude of ancilliary henchmen, lengthy descriptions peppered with Scots, and flashbacks to Batty's time being even more heroic in various European countries, tested my patience somewhat.
- Really this book should just have been called Batty.
April 21, 2020
Set in Scotland just after the birth of Mary Queen of Scotland the era is marked with violence of an unimaginable kind. Enmities and grudges are carried on for centuries over generations and nothing seems to be forgotton - not the smallest slight.
All Mintie wanted was to find out who her father's murderer was and to seek revenge for it. To also get back his belongings and his horse from whoever murdered him. What she did not envisage was bringing on a time of sheer intermittent warfare between two sides with no signs of stopping. In her search for avenging the death of her father Mintie herself lost so much of herself, her spirit and her youth.
The sense of belonging to a clan and that the clan reigned supreme was apparent because it was the clan and the family you belonged to which gave you support, succor and protection. Lose it and you are done for. There was no chance of survival if you were alone.
This is good for readers of historical fiction but there is nothing light in this book. It is all quite heavy stuff and you need time to assimilate it all.
All Mintie wanted was to find out who her father's murderer was and to seek revenge for it. To also get back his belongings and his horse from whoever murdered him. What she did not envisage was bringing on a time of sheer intermittent warfare between two sides with no signs of stopping. In her search for avenging the death of her father Mintie herself lost so much of herself, her spirit and her youth.
The sense of belonging to a clan and that the clan reigned supreme was apparent because it was the clan and the family you belonged to which gave you support, succor and protection. Lose it and you are done for. There was no chance of survival if you were alone.
This is good for readers of historical fiction but there is nothing light in this book. It is all quite heavy stuff and you need time to assimilate it all.
January 22, 2025
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Quality writing and research I have come to expect from this Author, having thoroughly enjoyed his brilliant Viking series of books, I expected a lot from this book and was not disappointed. A clever mix of fictional and real historical characters, particularly 'Batty' and 'Mintie' who I hope to meet again in further stories. Atmospheric authentic descriptive storytelling with a real feel for time and place. Plenty of action scenes and often quite gruesome violence. The only slight downside the occasional need to explain some Scottish descriptions and words.
Completely and utterly recommended.
Quality writing and research I have come to expect from this Author, having thoroughly enjoyed his brilliant Viking series of books, I expected a lot from this book and was not disappointed. A clever mix of fictional and real historical characters, particularly 'Batty' and 'Mintie' who I hope to meet again in further stories. Atmospheric authentic descriptive storytelling with a real feel for time and place. Plenty of action scenes and often quite gruesome violence. The only slight downside the occasional need to explain some Scottish descriptions and words.
Completely and utterly recommended.
October 12, 2020
I'm always interested to read more about the Border Reiver period, whether it's nonfiction or in this case fiction. At first, I wasn't keen on this story - there seemed to be an element of what I'd call Border Reiver Bingo in the first three chapters where the author may have had a check box - mention Gavin Dunbar's curse - check, the "any Christians here?" line - check, and so on. After that it calms down to more of a slow burn although with some terrific violence, and once the story found it's feet I had a much more favourable opinion. Some of it is a bit bleak, mind.
October 12, 2020
Superb story
Even though I had the look up so many Scottish words, I loved the story. Thought about it long after I finished it. Great characters and a thoroughly enjoyable story. Good as The Whale Road? Maybe not but then what is? Bought the next one instantly. Looking forward to finding some quiet time to be engulfed in the Debatable Lands. Thanks Robert.
Even though I had the look up so many Scottish words, I loved the story. Thought about it long after I finished it. Great characters and a thoroughly enjoyable story. Good as The Whale Road? Maybe not but then what is? Bought the next one instantly. Looking forward to finding some quiet time to be engulfed in the Debatable Lands. Thanks Robert.
November 25, 2022
As an ascendent of border reivers I was interested to read the book. It was well researched, very bloodthirsty, definitely not for the faint hearted, but the storyline of fictional characters was a little boring. I thought Mintie who seems to begin as a potential heroine simply faded into the background and I found that a little disappointing. The book is still worth 3 to 4 stars.
September 11, 2020
Brilliant!
A tour de force, probably the finest book of fiction describing the Scottish Borders, written very much in the vernacular, it may be a difficult read for non Borderers, but great. Really great!
A tour de force, probably the finest book of fiction describing the Scottish Borders, written very much in the vernacular, it may be a difficult read for non Borderers, but great. Really great!
July 18, 2021
Cracking good read
I really enjoyed this book and did not want to put it down,best read for ages.I loved the names of the main characters and a good story of the period for the time of which I know nothing about,until now .
I really enjoyed this book and did not want to put it down,best read for ages.I loved the names of the main characters and a good story of the period for the time of which I know nothing about,until now .
January 24, 2022
The end leaves you wanting more
Another great saga by Mr. Robert Low. He stepped away from what we expect from him and it was true delight. Low is able to take you back in time, any time. My only regret is I have finished reading all three books
Another great saga by Mr. Robert Low. He stepped away from what we expect from him and it was true delight. Low is able to take you back in time, any time. My only regret is I have finished reading all three books
October 21, 2022
I loved the Oathsworn series but can't get on with this. I've tried to read it twice but find the style all over the place and havnt finished it. Having read the reviews here maybe I'm missing something? I will give it another go.
June 1, 2021
Fantastic...absolutely a 5 star read...
Book 2 beckons me....
Book 2 beckons me....
November 25, 2021
Pure Brilliance
I loved this book by Robert Low. A bit head-hoppish as is Low's style, but you really feel as if you are there in the grime and muck of it.
I loved this book by Robert Low. A bit head-hoppish as is Low's style, but you really feel as if you are there in the grime and muck of it.
August 20, 2023
I didn’t find the glossary until I finished the book, which is a shame. There are some fascinating, archaic words and phrases meshed into this wonderful tale…
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews