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A Crown of Blood and Honour #1
Banquo's Son
Fleance is the son of Scottish thane Banquo, friend and then victim of the ruthless Macbeth. Ten years have passed since his father’s brutal murder and still Fleance lives in hiding in the woods of northern England—his identity cloaked, his birthright denied. With sweet, beautiful Rosie by his side, he has settled into a simple life rather than one of power and prestige. But every man has his price. For Fleance is owed great things. The witches prophesied them to his father, and his father’s ghost now demands vengeance. A callous murderer must be brought to justice and there will be no peace for Scotland—or for Fleance—until that day. Sacrificing his life with Rosie, he must steal unobserved back into his homeland to avenge the past and fulfil his father’s dying wish. The choices Fleance makes have the power to change his life, his country—and history.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
51 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Roxborogh
17 books54 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Tania Roxborogh.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
T. K. Roxborogh lives in New Zealand and has been a teacher since 1989. She is the author of over thirty-five published works across a range of genres: novels, plays for the classroom, Shakespearean texts, English grammar books and adult non-fiction. She teaches English at a secondary school, writes and reads at every opportunity and, with her husband, runs around after her family – both the two- and four-legged kind. Roxborogh loves watching movies and TV shows, and staying in her pyjamas for as long as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 30, 2014
This is the review I wrote for my local library...
Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, was a friend of Macbeth's, known to us through Shakespeare's "Scottish play", who was told by the three witches - also known as the wierd sisters and famous for the line "Double, double toil and trouble" - that he would himself not be king of Scotland, but his descendants would be in the future. Banquo does not put any value on the predictions of witches, but Macbeth believes every word they say.
When Banquo's son Fleance is about ten years old, they are out together one day; Flea happens to be on his father's horse with Banquo walking alongside, when they are attacked. At his father's urging, as he is struck down, Flea takes off on the horse and doesn't stop.
Come forward about another ten years, and Flea is living in England with a couple who found him almost starved to death days after the attack. He has never told them his history, since he does not know who killed his father he doesn't know who to trust with the truth of his past, but they raise him as their son.
When Flea meets Rosie, daughter of a local merchant, and they fall in love, Flea knows he must put aside his love to face his past and avenge his father's death before he can ask Rosie to marry him. Neither Rosie nor her father are pleased at him going away at such a time, when Rosie is greatly admired by many and could have her pick of husbands, but she loves him and promises to wait. It's all a big mystery to Rosie's family and Flea's adopted family, who are still none the wiser about his past.
This is a tale of love, loss and revenge, set in the turmoil of Scotland after the death of Macbeth. It is not historically accurate, but based on Shakespeare's play rather than the facts as they really occurred (shrouded as they are in the mists of time). I'm not one to let the facts get in the way of a good story, and enjoyed it immensely.
Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, was a friend of Macbeth's, known to us through Shakespeare's "Scottish play", who was told by the three witches - also known as the wierd sisters and famous for the line "Double, double toil and trouble" - that he would himself not be king of Scotland, but his descendants would be in the future. Banquo does not put any value on the predictions of witches, but Macbeth believes every word they say.
When Banquo's son Fleance is about ten years old, they are out together one day; Flea happens to be on his father's horse with Banquo walking alongside, when they are attacked. At his father's urging, as he is struck down, Flea takes off on the horse and doesn't stop.
Come forward about another ten years, and Flea is living in England with a couple who found him almost starved to death days after the attack. He has never told them his history, since he does not know who killed his father he doesn't know who to trust with the truth of his past, but they raise him as their son.
When Flea meets Rosie, daughter of a local merchant, and they fall in love, Flea knows he must put aside his love to face his past and avenge his father's death before he can ask Rosie to marry him. Neither Rosie nor her father are pleased at him going away at such a time, when Rosie is greatly admired by many and could have her pick of husbands, but she loves him and promises to wait. It's all a big mystery to Rosie's family and Flea's adopted family, who are still none the wiser about his past.
This is a tale of love, loss and revenge, set in the turmoil of Scotland after the death of Macbeth. It is not historically accurate, but based on Shakespeare's play rather than the facts as they really occurred (shrouded as they are in the mists of time). I'm not one to let the facts get in the way of a good story, and enjoyed it immensely.
January 16, 2019
Well, this was an interesting story, if nothing else. It was conceived of as a sequel to Shakespeare's famous 'Scottish Play'. The Banquo in the title, as some may know, was the name of a minor character from said play, who was supposed to be a close friend and associate of the murderous Macbeth.
As the title suggests, the story is centered around the son of Banquo, who is a distant relative of the King of Scotland. All he knows is his father was murdered when he was a child, and he grew up in an adopted peasant family.
Fleance (the man in question) returns to Scotland to learn more about his past, and try to put his dreadful dreams about his father urging him to seek revenge to rest.
I'd call this in some ways a coming of age story, with elements of romance and adventure, as well as battle scenes, but there's a strong sense of compassion too, since Banquo is not a born warrior and does not like killing. Friendship and loyalty is also a major theme, and unlike a lot of modern novels, its actually pretty clean.
I mean there are one or two romance scenes at the beginning, but nothing graphic.
My only complaint is that the author could have been clearer about the boundaries between historical fact and invention in this story. She says 'this is a work of fiction' and then mentions choices of language and minor details about buildings and such, but makes to mention of the major changes to dates and royal genealogies that were necessary to create the story.
So for the record: in the family tree at the front King Malcolm III's reign is given as 1043-1056. In actual fact he reigned from 1058-1093 and married his English wife Matilda after the Norman Conquest. Not several years before.
For the sake of the story its also claimed that they had no surviving children: in actual fact they had eight children. Two later became Kings of Scotland, and one went onto marry King Henry I of England.
As the author says though, Shakespeare played around this history. I'm just not sure how comfortable I was with the major changes made to accommodate the fictional characters and their story. Or rather, how these were not mentioned in an author's note or something.
'Banquo's Son' is however, and enjoyable story that has the 'feel' of Scottish history, although its not really based on many real events.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and was not required to leave a review.
As the title suggests, the story is centered around the son of Banquo, who is a distant relative of the King of Scotland. All he knows is his father was murdered when he was a child, and he grew up in an adopted peasant family.
Fleance (the man in question) returns to Scotland to learn more about his past, and try to put his dreadful dreams about his father urging him to seek revenge to rest.
I'd call this in some ways a coming of age story, with elements of romance and adventure, as well as battle scenes, but there's a strong sense of compassion too, since Banquo is not a born warrior and does not like killing. Friendship and loyalty is also a major theme, and unlike a lot of modern novels, its actually pretty clean.
I mean there are one or two romance scenes at the beginning, but nothing graphic.
My only complaint is that the author could have been clearer about the boundaries between historical fact and invention in this story. She says 'this is a work of fiction' and then mentions choices of language and minor details about buildings and such, but makes to mention of the major changes to dates and royal genealogies that were necessary to create the story.
So for the record: in the family tree at the front King Malcolm III's reign is given as 1043-1056. In actual fact he reigned from 1058-1093 and married his English wife Matilda after the Norman Conquest. Not several years before.
For the sake of the story its also claimed that they had no surviving children: in actual fact they had eight children. Two later became Kings of Scotland, and one went onto marry King Henry I of England.
As the author says though, Shakespeare played around this history. I'm just not sure how comfortable I was with the major changes made to accommodate the fictional characters and their story. Or rather, how these were not mentioned in an author's note or something.
'Banquo's Son' is however, and enjoyable story that has the 'feel' of Scottish history, although its not really based on many real events.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and was not required to leave a review.
September 5, 2012
After a slow start and a very long time to read ( while I was distracted by other books), I am finally finished. I actually really enjoyed it. I has high hopes initially and it was a bit slow at the beginning, but about half way it got cracking and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The setting is the kind of thing I enjoy anyway and I loved the little references to macbeth. I see there is a sequel so will have to check it out.
August 18, 2015
The trade paperback format, strong cover design, an intriguing storyline had me captured. Who doesn't want to read what happened to the family left behind after the final curtain fell on the Scottish play. I was rewarded with a very well crafted tale with instantly likeable characters and a gripping plot. I was quickly on to the sequel. What a thrill it was to meet the author while she was crafting the third in the series.
September 6, 2012
Although it took me a while to get going with this book, it warmed up and I really enjoyed it. Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare play so I loved all the references to it in the book. I really liked that Banquo came to life. There is a sequel too which I am now going to track down and add to my list.
August 16, 2015
I really thoroughly enjoyed this book, it did take me a while to get used to the storyline but eventually I started to really enjoy it and from then onwards I could not put it down.
The storyline is well written and I definitely recommend it to anyone. :)
The storyline is well written and I definitely recommend it to anyone. :)
October 19, 2010
Liked it. I didn't realise it was a NZ writer. I only grabbed it off the shelf because I wanted something different then vampires and werewolves. Was good. Enjoyed the reading.
April 3, 2015
I loved this book. It picks up where MacBeth ends, continuing the story and answering those "What happened to .....?" questions. I can't wait to read the sequel.
February 27, 2019
Having read MacBeth many times, the idea of this book was intriguing -- it's basically what happened AFTER the play ends. Mostly it focuses on Banquo's son -- duh! Fleance fled when his father was killed and is living with a family in England who has sort of adopted him. It's 10 years later and, though he's fallen in love with a local girl, he feels a need to go back to Scotland to find out more about what happened to his father and avenge his death, if necessary. Having been only 9 or 10 at the time, his memory is pretty hazy.
The story was interesting enough ... the three weird sisters come into it again, but Fleance and the young Duncan are determined to ignore what they say, rather than act to try to bring fullfillment to their predictions.
This is the first of a series, but is pretty much a stand alone. There are one or two threads that can be picked up and continued in another book for sure, but you're not left with the sense that there's still a ton of stuff to resolve. Also, if you haven't read MacBeth, I think you would still enjoy it, but some familiarity probably helps a bit.
The story was interesting enough ... the three weird sisters come into it again, but Fleance and the young Duncan are determined to ignore what they say, rather than act to try to bring fullfillment to their predictions.
This is the first of a series, but is pretty much a stand alone. There are one or two threads that can be picked up and continued in another book for sure, but you're not left with the sense that there's still a ton of stuff to resolve. Also, if you haven't read MacBeth, I think you would still enjoy it, but some familiarity probably helps a bit.
September 14, 2017
In Scotland there is much unrest. Fleance and his father are riding together one minute and then they are being attacked. His father tells him to run and hide to save him. He hides in England and finds his true love. But honor prevails and he must avenge his fathers death and fulfill his dying wish. He must decide to stand for what is right and go home to Scotland and set things right or learn to live with it and that is impossible. Great read.
December 14, 2019
I really didn't like the writing style and the insta-love. It's hard to articulate what the writing was like, but kinda blocky and rigid? Long sentences without any commas or semicolons to alter the pace.
The idea of continuing Fleance's story was good though; I just disliked the execution of it. But NZ author so yay! I even recognised random names in the acknowledgements!
The idea of continuing Fleance's story was good though; I just disliked the execution of it. But NZ author so yay! I even recognised random names in the acknowledgements!
October 7, 2018
A Great Read!!
I've been swept away to medieval Scotland! Looking forward to book no 2! A great way to escape the 21st century. Strong characterisation and a flowing storyline.
I've been swept away to medieval Scotland! Looking forward to book no 2! A great way to escape the 21st century. Strong characterisation and a flowing storyline.
February 6, 2017
A Crown of Blood and Honour book 1
A follow up to McBeth. We follow Flea from running from the murder of his family to reclaiming his status and name. Complicated, heart wrenching, adventurous and warring all have their place in this tale and it was worth it for me.
A follow up to McBeth. We follow Flea from running from the murder of his family to reclaiming his status and name. Complicated, heart wrenching, adventurous and warring all have their place in this tale and it was worth it for me.
June 4, 2020
Not at all historically accurate, but a very good read, with plenty of reference to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Teenagers who are familiar with the play would enjoy this book for the way it develops the possibilities for other plots arising from the story. The characters are very relatable too.
January 9, 2016
Banquo’s Son is really, really, good. Really.
As an addicted Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy reader, Banquo’s Son made such a nice change to my reading habits, taking me back to my more traditional fantasy roots; even if it was a little strange to find myself reading something that had no supernatural elements (unless you count Macbeths witches).
It is a ‘big’ read; no skimming; no simply relaxing into it. It’s absorbing (to the point where I managed to walk 20mins on the treadmill without noticing!) and although the content is light reading, the prose is deep and descriptive, taking you to the world of Scottish kings and young love thwarted... where friend become enemies and enemies become friends... and life doesn’t always give you a happy ending, but duty and honour win out.
Banquo’s Son is an intense and passionate historical fantasy based around the history after Macbeth’s murder. Yet, you do not need any understanding of either Macbeth or Scotland to truly appreciate this incredibly well told tale; which is quite helpful, as my knowledge of both is embarrassingly limited.
Our protagonist, Fleance, is a hero, a man of honour and wit, skilled with weapons and has an open and trusting soul. This is a little contradictory, for he’s supposed to be on the run for his life, hiding secrets about who he is, but in all other ways he is very trusting and quick to befriend those he meets on his journey. Of course, this is the story-tellers right, and makes for a nice introduction to new characters.
Some of the elements were a little predictable, but there were some quite remarkable twists as well, and I think the comfortable predictability made the twists that much more surprising. I found some aspects more starling than others, with some unexpected emotional occurrences, not normally found in a fantasy story.
The characters are developed well, with strong identities, and solid roles to play. There are not a lot of ‘wasted’ characters, included merely to pad out the story.
TK Roxborogh could have made this an incredibly in-depth plod of a story, very easily. But we are graced with a writer than can give an insight into relationships and situations without taking half the book to do so. So although it is a very descriptive and in-depth story, it has a wonderful flowing pace that doesn’t stop to meander through unnecessary dialogue or frivolous plot devices.
Unlike many of the books reviewed on Fang, Banquo’s Son doesn’t push you through the story on an emotional rollercoaster, it’s gets you turning pages through the unusual device of having a good ‘old fashioned’ solid plot to make you want to keep reading. And well worth reading it is.
As an addicted Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy reader, Banquo’s Son made such a nice change to my reading habits, taking me back to my more traditional fantasy roots; even if it was a little strange to find myself reading something that had no supernatural elements (unless you count Macbeths witches).
It is a ‘big’ read; no skimming; no simply relaxing into it. It’s absorbing (to the point where I managed to walk 20mins on the treadmill without noticing!) and although the content is light reading, the prose is deep and descriptive, taking you to the world of Scottish kings and young love thwarted... where friend become enemies and enemies become friends... and life doesn’t always give you a happy ending, but duty and honour win out.
Banquo’s Son is an intense and passionate historical fantasy based around the history after Macbeth’s murder. Yet, you do not need any understanding of either Macbeth or Scotland to truly appreciate this incredibly well told tale; which is quite helpful, as my knowledge of both is embarrassingly limited.
Our protagonist, Fleance, is a hero, a man of honour and wit, skilled with weapons and has an open and trusting soul. This is a little contradictory, for he’s supposed to be on the run for his life, hiding secrets about who he is, but in all other ways he is very trusting and quick to befriend those he meets on his journey. Of course, this is the story-tellers right, and makes for a nice introduction to new characters.
Some of the elements were a little predictable, but there were some quite remarkable twists as well, and I think the comfortable predictability made the twists that much more surprising. I found some aspects more starling than others, with some unexpected emotional occurrences, not normally found in a fantasy story.
The characters are developed well, with strong identities, and solid roles to play. There are not a lot of ‘wasted’ characters, included merely to pad out the story.
TK Roxborogh could have made this an incredibly in-depth plod of a story, very easily. But we are graced with a writer than can give an insight into relationships and situations without taking half the book to do so. So although it is a very descriptive and in-depth story, it has a wonderful flowing pace that doesn’t stop to meander through unnecessary dialogue or frivolous plot devices.
Unlike many of the books reviewed on Fang, Banquo’s Son doesn’t push you through the story on an emotional rollercoaster, it’s gets you turning pages through the unusual device of having a good ‘old fashioned’ solid plot to make you want to keep reading. And well worth reading it is.
August 27, 2018
As a Shakespeare nerd, I appreciated the detail and how well the MacBeth story was continued. My one criticism is I don't think Fleance could be a contemporary of Duncan, who is Donalbain's son. Fleance and Donalbain both appear in MacBeth, and would be much closer in age. Even if Donalbain had pregnant wife during MacBeth (he seems much to young for that) any child of his would be only ten years old.
Other than that artistic liberty, I really enjoyed it and look forward to picking up Book 2.
Other than that artistic liberty, I really enjoyed it and look forward to picking up Book 2.
February 13, 2020
This book was disappointing, not gonna lie. The premise is awesome: ten years after the events of Shakespeare's Macbeth, the characters are thrust together once again to reckon with the further prophecies of the witches and settle political upheaval in Scotland. Our main character is Fleance, Banquo's son, the "son of a murdered father." And the poor guy has been hiding in England, adopted by a charming couple of fellow exiled Scots, as he grows into a fine upstanding young man. He's even got plans to marry his sweetheart, Rosie, but all of that goes to shit when the ghost of his father (very Shakespearean indeed!) shows up to set him on a revenge quest. We then follow Fleance as he returns to Scotland to avenge his dad and reclaim his birthright. Along the way we meet most of the survivors from Macbeth, including MacDuff and the new king, and yes... the witches.
Yet in practice this book felt... neutered? Toothless? It almost had a self-published quality about it because of how un-serious the stakes felt. Maybe it's because with a prophecy in the plot, the ending becomes predictable. Because of course the prophecy will be fulfilled! Banquo WILL be the father of kings, which means Fleance MUST become king. This isn't surprising, nor are the rapid deaths of everyone else in line to the throne.
But actually, I think it was the way it was written. I wasn't particularly taken in by the writing style, and the relationship with Rosie felt like the setup for a conflict in a later book (oh yeah, there are sequels of course). The Duncan and Fleance friendship was heartwarming and nice... but almost too much so. I wanted there to be more challenges in the way of Fleance being welcomed into Duncan's family and household. I wanted the action to be more actiony.
Look, it was cool to find out what happens next after the end of the play. But I won't be reading the sequels because I just wasn't into this book that much. Points for neato historical details and creepy witches, however.
Yet in practice this book felt... neutered? Toothless? It almost had a self-published quality about it because of how un-serious the stakes felt. Maybe it's because with a prophecy in the plot, the ending becomes predictable. Because of course the prophecy will be fulfilled! Banquo WILL be the father of kings, which means Fleance MUST become king. This isn't surprising, nor are the rapid deaths of everyone else in line to the throne.
But actually, I think it was the way it was written. I wasn't particularly taken in by the writing style, and the relationship with Rosie felt like the setup for a conflict in a later book (oh yeah, there are sequels of course). The Duncan and Fleance friendship was heartwarming and nice... but almost too much so. I wanted there to be more challenges in the way of Fleance being welcomed into Duncan's family and household. I wanted the action to be more actiony.
Look, it was cool to find out what happens next after the end of the play. But I won't be reading the sequels because I just wasn't into this book that much. Points for neato historical details and creepy witches, however.
January 31, 2016
Banquo's son is Fleance, the son (duh!) of murdered Banquo, who stays in touch with his son by haunting his dreams and appearing in visions at occasionally inopportune times, like when he's in battle. Fleance (Flea for short) is in love with the lovely Rosie, daughter of his adopted parents friends Dougal and his wife. Since the time his father was murdered, Flea was raised by Magnus and Miri, who provided him with a wonderful life but not much information on who he is and where he comes from. The dreams and visions might come from the fact that his father was murdered in front of his eyes when he was only 12, but in any case, Fleance feels he must avenge his father's murder, and off he sets on his holy quest. He ends up back in Scotland, with the current king's family, where he makes friends with Duncan, the son of Donalbain, who is the king's brother and heir (are you still with me).
To satisfy his quest (and his father's ghost, who keeps hanging around and looking at him reproachfully), Flea must leave the lovely Rosie, but he promises he will be back. Of course there are lots of things to get in the way of true love, and things don't always go as planned. There are all kinds of interesting characters and events: hags, crazy kings, traitors, and of course a few battles get in the way as well.
Banquo's Son is an easy read, and doesn't require too much thought. The characters are pretty easy to either love or hate, depending on the author's intent. I wouldn't call it historical fiction; there is more fiction than history, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good story. If you're looking for a good romp with clearly defined good guys and bad buys, a tad of romance, a touch of the fantastical, then this is the book for you.
To satisfy his quest (and his father's ghost, who keeps hanging around and looking at him reproachfully), Flea must leave the lovely Rosie, but he promises he will be back. Of course there are lots of things to get in the way of true love, and things don't always go as planned. There are all kinds of interesting characters and events: hags, crazy kings, traitors, and of course a few battles get in the way as well.
Banquo's Son is an easy read, and doesn't require too much thought. The characters are pretty easy to either love or hate, depending on the author's intent. I wouldn't call it historical fiction; there is more fiction than history, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good story. If you're looking for a good romp with clearly defined good guys and bad buys, a tad of romance, a touch of the fantastical, then this is the book for you.
August 16, 2015
Banquo's Son is an absolutely brilliant read! I fell in love with the story from the very beginning, and found myself fascinated with the world and the main character, Fleance. Actually, I became quite infatuated with Flea, to be honest. I loved learning more and more about the Scotland of his time, and where he fitted in with everything. The twists kept me turning the pages long into the night, I was so captivated by the story. I remember hoping desperately that Fleance would end up with Rosie against all odds, and the myriad of feelings as the plot developed. This is definitely a story that I will never forget, and deserves all 5 stars for its brilliance. Well-written and captivating, I'd recommend this to anyone.
December 6, 2016
Took me a while to get through this one...not because it wasn't great (it was!) but because I wanted to savour it. I studied Macbeth at A Level at school and swore I would never return to it only to find myself in adulthood pining over the story and the detail that went with it. I have seen many adaptations of it and even reread bits to remind me of the story.
This 'sequel' of sorts I think would be well applauded by Shakespeare. It takes it to a next generation level revolving around the aftermath of Macbeth's reign of terror and the author does it well. I love the characters and you are totally sucked into the landscape and story. I never thought I would be aching top be on rainy, foggy Scottish moors before I read this but this story makes you want to be amongst it.
This 'sequel' of sorts I think would be well applauded by Shakespeare. It takes it to a next generation level revolving around the aftermath of Macbeth's reign of terror and the author does it well. I love the characters and you are totally sucked into the landscape and story. I never thought I would be aching top be on rainy, foggy Scottish moors before I read this but this story makes you want to be amongst it.
October 21, 2017
This an amazing historical(kinda) fiction novel, which carries on from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' telling the story of Banquo's son, Fleance, based on the prophecy of the three witches which said that while Banquo would never be king, his descendants would be.
I actually read the sequel, Bloodlines, first when I received it as a birthday present and unaware that it was a sequel. But both it and Bloodlines were amazing reads (still haven't read Birthright yet though) and to make it even more awesome they were written by a Kiwi author!
I actually read the sequel, Bloodlines, first when I received it as a birthday present and unaware that it was a sequel. But both it and Bloodlines were amazing reads (still haven't read Birthright yet though) and to make it even more awesome they were written by a Kiwi author!
September 26, 2016
A great follow-up to Macbeth, I think William would have enjoyed it. A great read by a kiwi author.
Since reading Banquo's Son I went back to watch the DVD of Macbeth that I struggled through the first time (Fassbender / Cotillard version) which now I feel like I totally understand. It has the same "Game of Thrones / Braveheart " ish feel that the book does which I have never felt before even though I have read & watched Macbeth numerous times. I am excited to read Bloodlines now to see what happens next. For me this story has now jumped off the pages and felt real for the first time.
Since reading Banquo's Son I went back to watch the DVD of Macbeth that I struggled through the first time (Fassbender / Cotillard version) which now I feel like I totally understand. It has the same "Game of Thrones / Braveheart " ish feel that the book does which I have never felt before even though I have read & watched Macbeth numerous times. I am excited to read Bloodlines now to see what happens next. For me this story has now jumped off the pages and felt real for the first time.
May 1, 2010
I always feel like a bit of a cock for not reading more New Zealand writers, but Maurice Gee and Margaret Mahy aside, I'm just not feeling it.
'Banquo's Son' is a perfectly competent bit of historical fiction, an offshoot of Hamlet written by a NZ writer and English teacher. I use competent here in the 'capable but boring' sense - each bit of the plot is telegraphed pages and pages out, and a third of the way in I'd lost hope of being surprised by the story or captured by the writing.
'Banquo's Son' is a perfectly competent bit of historical fiction, an offshoot of Hamlet written by a NZ writer and English teacher. I use competent here in the 'capable but boring' sense - each bit of the plot is telegraphed pages and pages out, and a third of the way in I'd lost hope of being surprised by the story or captured by the writing.
February 13, 2016
For the most part I enjoyed what could be described as the further adventures of Shakespeare's Fleance. The author explains the setting at the start but it still took me a little while to adjust. The story clipped along at a reasonable pace and I liked most of the characters, though one or two act in ways I can't entirely understand. Unfortunately the last few chapters felt a little rushed, as if the author knew where she wanted this 'episode' to end, but didn't have time to get there.
August 17, 2015
A great book. I was given it as a gift and made a great summer holiday read. I just love the fact that it picks up where Shakespeare left off - very cleverly done. The book truly transports you to Fleance's Scotland.
The story keeps you wanting to turn those pages and best of all - a great ending.
Highly recommended - and can suit both young adult or adult reader.
The story keeps you wanting to turn those pages and best of all - a great ending.
Highly recommended - and can suit both young adult or adult reader.
February 21, 2020
I began listening to this story as I drove to and from Austin over Memorial Weekend: 2 discs to and 2 on the return. The story is so intriguing that I had to listen to the last 6 discs after returning home. I did not remember the references to Banquo in S's Macbeth. No matter, this is a story unto itself. From orphan to the king's side, his life had been filled with strife and love.
August 28, 2025
Fan fiction for lovers of Macbeth. Bloody and epic. Follows the play fairly closely. In this story, which takes place 19 years after the slaying of the tyrant Macbeth, I struggled with the status of the rightful king, Malcolm, and his brother, Donalbain. However, if you're into fan fiction, this one is for you!
March 20, 2015
So I finally finished reading this book. It wasn't that it was a bad book, it just took a while to get into. I can't believe Duncan died, he was my favourite character. The ending really tied it together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2015
As a fan of Historical fiction, I was really looking forward to reading this book. However, I found this really hard to get into and it seemed to take a long time before anything really happened. I probably wont be in a hurry to read the next one.
August 23, 2015
This was an interesting interpretation of the Macbeth story line. It got a little murky in spots but made for a good read. It will be interesting to see if this author follows this with a second one to detail Fleance's reign.
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