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The King's Swift Rider: A Novel on Robert the Bruce
While hunting for his family's dinner on the moor, sixteen-year-old Martin Crawford spies a lone man being hunted by five armed soldiers. He succeeds in rescuing the man, and is shocked to learn that he is none other than Robert the Bruce--rightful King of Scots. Martin wants to lead a quiet life; he is a scholar. But when the Bruce asks him to join his army and help to regain Scotland's freedom from the brutal English king, Martin cannot say no. But he can refuse to fight. No matter what the Bruce or anyone else, says to him, Martin will not pick up a sword. Instead he will be the king's swift rider, a vital link in the Bruce's information network. Soon Martin is risking his life as one of the king's most trusted spies. For he knows that victory over the English will give the Scots their freedom, but defeat will kepp them slaves forever.... 00-01 Tayshas High School Reading List
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 1998
5 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Mollie Hunter
42 books50 followersMaureen Mollie Hunter McIlwraith was a Scottish author. She wrote under the name Mollie Hunter. Mollie Hunter is one of the most popular and influential twentieth-century Scottish writers of fiction for children and young adults. Her work, which includes fantasy, historical fiction, and realism, has been widely praised and has won many awards and honors, such as the Carnegie Medal, the Phoenix Award, a Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor Award, and the Scottish Arts Council Award.
There has also been great interest in Hunter's views about writing fiction, and she has published two collections of essays and speeches on the subject. Hunter's portrait hangs in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and her papers and manuscripts are preserved in the Scottish National Library.
Her books have been as popular in the United States as in the United Kingdom, and most are still in print. Critic Peter Hollindale has gone so far as to assert that Hunter "is by general consent Scotland's most distinguished modern children's writer."
There has also been great interest in Hunter's views about writing fiction, and she has published two collections of essays and speeches on the subject. Hunter's portrait hangs in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and her papers and manuscripts are preserved in the Scottish National Library.
Her books have been as popular in the United States as in the United Kingdom, and most are still in print. Critic Peter Hollindale has gone so far as to assert that Hunter "is by general consent Scotland's most distinguished modern children's writer."
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 12, 2020
Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, i suppose post spider (although the famous arachnid is never mentioned - altogether too fanciful for this dry book) fighting the English - from defeat at Perth / Methven (1306) to triumph at Sterling (1314).
One dimensional characters. Lots of battle details. War sucks.
Seems Edward II’s homosexuality, ergo the presence of “favorites” disenchanted the barons so much that he remained unable to continue his father’s (Ed I aka Longshanks) fight to maintain control of Scotland, opening the door for Robert the Bruce to rebuild an army and eventually win.
A note (not related to this book):
Of course, 300 hundred years later the Scottish King took control of England, as well as Wales, upon the death of Elizabeth I and the crowning of James, son of Mary Queen of Scots. Scotland wins again.
James - known for the English translation of the Bible labelled the King James Version, was also gay - Very Much So.
Is there any irony in that?
One dimensional characters. Lots of battle details. War sucks.
Seems Edward II’s homosexuality, ergo the presence of “favorites” disenchanted the barons so much that he remained unable to continue his father’s (Ed I aka Longshanks) fight to maintain control of Scotland, opening the door for Robert the Bruce to rebuild an army and eventually win.
A note (not related to this book):
Of course, 300 hundred years later the Scottish King took control of England, as well as Wales, upon the death of Elizabeth I and the crowning of James, son of Mary Queen of Scots. Scotland wins again.
James - known for the English translation of the Bible labelled the King James Version, was also gay - Very Much So.
Is there any irony in that?
October 21, 2023
Dear publishing world,
We can have YA without romance. The King’s Swift Rider is a prime example of this.
A thrilling tale of Robert the Bruce. Highly recommend!
Content:
Battle violence, murder
We can have YA without romance. The King’s Swift Rider is a prime example of this.
A thrilling tale of Robert the Bruce. Highly recommend!
Content:
Battle violence, murder
July 23, 2015
In 14th-century Scotland, sixteen-year-old Martin Crawford spies Robert the Bruce being hunted by the English. That day marks the start of Crawford's involvement in the fight for Scottish independence from the English, but he's not a warrior. Martin's wish is to be a cleric, and his involvement is as an observer, spy, and message bearer for the king. His mobility allows him to be privy to the king's strategic decisions as well as see the battles from a distance.
The King's Swift Rider provides a good background to long-ago events. Though this account is strongly biased toward the Scots, I enjoyed learning more about this period in history and about the famous British and Scottish leaders involved. The contrast in attitudes between Martin, a pacifist who is nonetheless deeply, and nonviolently, involved in the war, and his brother, a sometimes blood-crazed warrior, deepened the interest in the story for me. This is not a story that either glorifies or wholly condemns war or violence.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy action, history, and books about war and strategy. The details about medieval life will appeal to fantasy enthusiasts as well as Live Action Role Players (LARP). The main character is sixteen, but I think this book will appeal to upper middle grade readers as well as young adult readers.
I checked this book out of my local library.
The King's Swift Rider provides a good background to long-ago events. Though this account is strongly biased toward the Scots, I enjoyed learning more about this period in history and about the famous British and Scottish leaders involved. The contrast in attitudes between Martin, a pacifist who is nonetheless deeply, and nonviolently, involved in the war, and his brother, a sometimes blood-crazed warrior, deepened the interest in the story for me. This is not a story that either glorifies or wholly condemns war or violence.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy action, history, and books about war and strategy. The details about medieval life will appeal to fantasy enthusiasts as well as Live Action Role Players (LARP). The main character is sixteen, but I think this book will appeal to upper middle grade readers as well as young adult readers.
I checked this book out of my local library.
May 7, 2012
Heather Stewart
Biography
Robert the Bruce was the rightful king of Scotland and had been crowned as such but was not recognized by Edward, king of England. This story details the battles fought by Robert the Bruce against England and his own Scotsmen to gain freedom for his country. The accounts of the battles he fought with so few men and won were heartwarming you could feel in your own heart the people of Scotland rally to their king. It is told from the perspective a young boy who joined the king as his page and later became the king’s swift rider. This was a biography but it didn’t seem like one. It just felt like you were reading a fictional novel which I think made it more interesting.
Biography
Robert the Bruce was the rightful king of Scotland and had been crowned as such but was not recognized by Edward, king of England. This story details the battles fought by Robert the Bruce against England and his own Scotsmen to gain freedom for his country. The accounts of the battles he fought with so few men and won were heartwarming you could feel in your own heart the people of Scotland rally to their king. It is told from the perspective a young boy who joined the king as his page and later became the king’s swift rider. This was a biography but it didn’t seem like one. It just felt like you were reading a fictional novel which I think made it more interesting.
February 29, 2020
Historical fiction with a look at old-timey spycraft! It manages to not glorify warfare or whitewash it as as grand adventure even though it's from the perspective of someone actively assisting the efforts of Robert the Bruce against the English (even though from the protagonist's POV in this is that the Bruce was definitively a man worth fighting for and his family acts as an excellent example of why someone would take up arms). Plus that perspective is perfectly placed for the reader to appreciate the cunning planning and rationale behind the Bruce's tactics and meticulous strategy.
June 8, 2019
I remember really enjoying this as a pre-teen /teenager.
September 5, 2021
Preview: Sixteen year old Martin Crawford first spotted the man after checking his rabbit traps. The man was being hunted--hotly pursued by his own bloodhounds and a group of armed soldiers along the peat crags. After saving the man's life and getting beaten by the soldiers, the hunted man reveals what Martin has already guessed: the man that he saved is none other than Robert the Bruce: King of Scots. Martin and his older brother Sean join the Bruce's army and vow to drive the English from their country, but Martin tells The Bruce that he will not kill. The Bruce promises that in return for saving his life, Martin will not be made a soldier, instead he will be the King's Swift Rider: the king's personal spy and confidant. While The Bruce's army fights the English on the field of battle, Martin fights the English not with a sword but with his wits and cunning, knowing full well that his king and his country are counting on him.
Reader Response: This was a favorite childhood book of mine. I remember Mom beginning the first chapter and grabbing our attention with the first line. I love how Martin's character allows us to see the behind-the-scenes elements of this time era. If he had been a soldier, the story would have been very different, but because he is a spy and is constantly the keeper of important information, we get to see the intricate inter workings of this war and why things happened the way they did. While Martin and Sean are both fictional characters, Robert the Bruce actually lived and the brilliant battles and sieges described in this book really took place on Scotland soil. The Bruce was well portrayed as a loving, but bold leader that anyone would have followed and defended to the death.
Warnings:
- Violence/Gore: This whole story is set during the Wars of Scottish Independence so there is a lot of dying and a lot of killing involved. However, very little is close up or detailed. The one instance that is just too close for comfort is when Martin finds his mother and older sister dead after and English attack.
Reader Response: This was a favorite childhood book of mine. I remember Mom beginning the first chapter and grabbing our attention with the first line. I love how Martin's character allows us to see the behind-the-scenes elements of this time era. If he had been a soldier, the story would have been very different, but because he is a spy and is constantly the keeper of important information, we get to see the intricate inter workings of this war and why things happened the way they did. While Martin and Sean are both fictional characters, Robert the Bruce actually lived and the brilliant battles and sieges described in this book really took place on Scotland soil. The Bruce was well portrayed as a loving, but bold leader that anyone would have followed and defended to the death.
Warnings:
- Violence/Gore: This whole story is set during the Wars of Scottish Independence so there is a lot of dying and a lot of killing involved. However, very little is close up or detailed. The one instance that is just too close for comfort is when Martin finds his mother and older sister dead after and English attack.
March 11, 2009
This book opens with a manhunt. Martin is hunting rabbits for his family's dinner when he sees a man being pursued by English soldiers. He decides to help the man escape. Later the man arrives at his home to thank him for his help. The man is actually Robert the Bruce, King of the Scots. He asks Martin and his brother to help him fight for Scotland's freedom from the English. Martin is no soldier. But he agrees to go with the king and help him in other ways. Martin begins as a page, but Robert soon discovers his courage and intelligence, and asks him to serve as a courier and a spy, a swift rider to bring him news that will help in their fight.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I enjoy it when it's well done. I learned a lot from this book about warfare and Scottish history. But I recommend this with a few reservations. It would be perfectly fine for any adult or older teen. But even though it's written for younger teens, I feel that it was really violent. I'm probably a little too conservative here, since most teens and even kids shrug off violence without seeming to be affected. But Martin witnesses some horrible events, and even though these are not described and are left to the imagination, for some kids with a lot of imagination, this might be a little tough to read. However, for kids who are fine with that, this would be a good book to read and discuss. It brings up issues like injustice, cruelty, prejudice, and the duty one owes to one's country. I think boys will especially enjoy this one. Martin is a great character and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I enjoy it when it's well done. I learned a lot from this book about warfare and Scottish history. But I recommend this with a few reservations. It would be perfectly fine for any adult or older teen. But even though it's written for younger teens, I feel that it was really violent. I'm probably a little too conservative here, since most teens and even kids shrug off violence without seeming to be affected. But Martin witnesses some horrible events, and even though these are not described and are left to the imagination, for some kids with a lot of imagination, this might be a little tough to read. However, for kids who are fine with that, this would be a good book to read and discuss. It brings up issues like injustice, cruelty, prejudice, and the duty one owes to one's country. I think boys will especially enjoy this one. Martin is a great character and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.
October 8, 2016
Learning about history's past can be quite astonishing, especially when you find an event that catches your eye. "The King's Swift Rider: A novel on Robert the Bruce" is a terrific tale. Mollie Hunter tells us of the story long ago about Robert the Bruce, who did what he could to gain Scotland's freedom and to defeat England. In my opinion, the consequences and the battles that took place would not have happened if the King's swift rider, Martin Crawford, had not gone about from land to land spreading around important information to be told to other Scotland commanders. He was a huge deal in history, and a great rider. He kept traveling to dangerous places and followed the King's orders. Even sometimes he would have to escape from certain people once they discovered he was Scottish. He stuck to doing the right thing no matter how hard it must have been for him.
The story takes place in the 14th century where there were castles, churches, the poor, and soldiers in Scotland. Edward, the King of England, claimed to have Scotland as part of his land. Unfortunately in this time, despair was on Scottish men, women, and children as the English treated them harshly . . . until Robert the Bruce came in and everything changed. And so did Martin Crawford! If you want to know Martin's story, start by reading the book. Trust me. I may not find this book the greatest and the most exciting, for I'm not a big fan of castles and knights and stuff like that. But if you want to find out for yourself, I say go for it!
The story takes place in the 14th century where there were castles, churches, the poor, and soldiers in Scotland. Edward, the King of England, claimed to have Scotland as part of his land. Unfortunately in this time, despair was on Scottish men, women, and children as the English treated them harshly . . . until Robert the Bruce came in and everything changed. And so did Martin Crawford! If you want to know Martin's story, start by reading the book. Trust me. I may not find this book the greatest and the most exciting, for I'm not a big fan of castles and knights and stuff like that. But if you want to find out for yourself, I say go for it!
January 25, 2011
Both typical and better than average young adult historical fiction. As with so much of the genre, this book is a first person narrative of a fictional, but probable young character who works closely with the main historical figure, Robert the Bruce. However, unlike many of the "diaries" and other YA novels, it never imposes modern sensibilities, morals, or assumptions on the character or the reader. In addition, it sticks as much as possible to historical events--mostly battles--that make it a valuable historical resource for grasping this fourteenth century struggle for Scottish freedom. By the end the battles may be difficult to keep straight for those with less militaristic minds (i.e. boys may do better with this book than girls!), but it is still fascinating as an introduction to an oft-overlooked period of history.
January 3, 2011
Overall, very good story line. I think that basis idea of it, being the retaliation of Robert the Bruce aided by a boy named Martin, is a very interesting concept. Possibly the reason that I liked this book as much to rate it four stars is that is a partial non-fiction story. The events that happened in the British invasion of Scotland are incorporated into this tale, and this is what really ties the knot for a pleased reader. If you are looking for excitement and adventure in a novel , then be sure to check out this book.
May 23, 2014
Except for a few stylistic adverbs that could have been eliminated or changed, this is an excellent novel about Robert the Bruce's unwavering quest to free Scotland from English tyranny. It is told through the eyes of Martin, a young boy who inadvertently saves the Bruce and who then becomes the king's swift rider, a person who delivers messages to the king's various friends and allies. Martin also spies for him. I got a good sense of the history that was happening during those turbulent years of the late 13th century and the miracle of the Bruce's victory over the English.
July 23, 2016
A 6th or 7th grade boy came in to the library one day and told me that this was HIS FAVORITE BOOK EVER, and I just HAD to read it. He wanted more books like it. I think he ended up with some fantasies, even though this is historical fiction. I was hoping he'd come back, so I read it myself, and got help compiling a list of more books like it. I never saw him again. Oh well, but it was worth reading. Set in Scotland in the middle ages.
April 4, 2020
A not very enthralling YA historical novel about Robert the Bruce. Hunter really didn't do much to bring the period to life, and her protagonist mostly just wanders around Scotland watching battles from a distance. Her portrayal of the warring factions is very black and white, with everyone on the Bruce's side as good and virtuous, while the English and those who side with them are all cruel villains.
March 19, 2012
Though I've never seen Braveheart (I know, weird right?) I have always cherished tales of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. This book is one of the best. The story follows a young boy in service to the Bruce as Scotland rebels against English rule. The writing is well done, the story is excellent, and the characters have depth--what more could you ask for?
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December 17, 2010Martin really has his hands full helping the King but he also does a very good job of it. The king asks many tasks of Martin and he never seems to fail. This book was definatly a good read, and a quick one. the book really caught my attention and left me wanting to read more and more. i recommend this book to everyone, u will really enjoy
February 2, 2011
Martin is hunting when he sees a man being hunted by soldiers. He discovers the man is Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, so he leads the soldiers away. While Martin refuses to fight in the King's army, he feels a duty to help free his people. He becomes a messenger and spy for the King and helps turn the final battle for freedom for his country.
March 26, 2011
Since Robert the Bruce is in my husbands ancestry and William Wallace is in mine I thought I should read some books on him. This is the first and I loved it. It's a great story for children ages 12 and up. Action packed with lots of struggles.
May 14, 2011
An interesting historical fiction book about a boy, Martin's, experiences with Robert the Bruce and Scotland's War of Independence. It is fascinating to learn more about the war and the time period, and Martin makes for an engaging main character.
July 30, 2015
Very good storytelling and admirable presentation of Robert the Bruce as he leads his men in the liberation of Scotland from the English. It appears the Bruce was a brilliant tactician in leadership and warfare.
February 12, 2008
Really meant for YA boys, but I really got into it. The story was fascinating!
April 25, 2009
I loved this book about a young boy who becomes an assistant to Robert the Bruce, as they defend Scotland from the British.
November 11, 2009
Overall it was pretty good...there were some slower parts but I think it had a good balance of battles and less intense moments.
August 18, 2016
Outstanding historical fiction. Thoroughly enjoyed.
September 14, 2019
Review to come later.
July 26, 2013
A short but good read for youth on the English Scottish wars and Bruce
December 5, 2018
the book is really good, i like me
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews