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Archibald the Grim #3
A Time for War
The city of Berwick, stolen by the English, lies ripe for retaking.
With the English King Edward away attempting to conquer France, Archie joins his cousin, the Lord of Douglas, in this dangerous venture. But soon, King Edward returns, determined to punish the Scots and conquer Scotland once and for all. Faced with invasion by an overwhelming army, Archie and his comrades-in-arms must take desperate measures to save their homeland and their freedom.
With the English King Edward away attempting to conquer France, Archie joins his cousin, the Lord of Douglas, in this dangerous venture. But soon, King Edward returns, determined to punish the Scots and conquer Scotland once and for all. Faced with invasion by an overwhelming army, Archie and his comrades-in-arms must take desperate measures to save their homeland and their freedom.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
About the author
J.R. Tomlin
38 books216 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 8, 2023
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
It's 1355 and the English and the Scots are at war, as usual. The French are helping the Scots for reasons of their own. Of course, the Scots find themselves outnumbered. Then some of the Scots go to France, and find the French are even more fractious and deceiving than the Scots and the English.
Very good. Almost 4 stars.
It's 1355 and the English and the Scots are at war, as usual. The French are helping the Scots for reasons of their own. Of course, the Scots find themselves outnumbered. Then some of the Scots go to France, and find the French are even more fractious and deceiving than the Scots and the English.
Very good. Almost 4 stars.
February 20, 2023
Another Excellent Book!
I love all of J R Tomlinson books, especially the stories of the Black Douglas and this series about his bastard son, Archibald who went on to make a name for himself in his own right.
This particular book is extremely helpful in understanding the battle tactics. They stood out in the narrative and finally started to click for me.
If you are a fan of Scottish history, this series is excellent and I highly recommend it.
My only complaint is that it IS a series. I read many books in between these and have trouble catching up. However, it does give me something to look forward to.
I love all of J R Tomlinson books, especially the stories of the Black Douglas and this series about his bastard son, Archibald who went on to make a name for himself in his own right.
This particular book is extremely helpful in understanding the battle tactics. They stood out in the narrative and finally started to click for me.
If you are a fan of Scottish history, this series is excellent and I highly recommend it.
My only complaint is that it IS a series. I read many books in between these and have trouble catching up. However, it does give me something to look forward to.
March 18, 2023
Legends become myths when the last combatant dies. The rise of Archibald Douglas is based on true events.
Medieval war fiction set in the 14th century abound, but few are told from the Scottish perspective. Meticulous research creates a vibrant description of the Scottish landscape, wildlife, and weather and how it affects a knight in armor.
Sir Archibald is an uncommon knight. He is quick-thinking on the battlefield and in his interactions with French nobles and other clan leaders. He serves his cousin, Lord William Douglas, though their rivalry lingers in every interaction.
Guilt plagues him for the betrayal of his adopted father and he seeks counsel from the clergy and he asks them to pray for their immortal souls. He's not sure his soul can be saved. Perhaps that's why he's so bold in battle.
The lowland clans come together to push the English out of the disputed border. They agree to help their French allies fight for gold and ransoming nobles.
The battle descriptions are vivid showing a rich understanding of tactics needed before, during, and after a battle. The month-long battle for Berwick-upon-Tweed was a highlight.
He spares the reader the lengthy journey through France in favor of a tourney where Sir Archibald jousts with Bertrand de Guesclin.
The botched battles at Breteuil and at Poitiers showed the sharp contrast in command styles that the French nobles still used. Mercenaries and pikes were no match for the English archers with their dreaded long bow.
There is much to learn. I had no idea that 200 hundred Scottish knights fought in the Battle of Poitiers; or that a garron is a breed of horse.
Tomlin uses touches of French and Scots dialect to give flavor to the dialogue yet be understandable to modern readers.
I wanted more scenes with Will Ramsay and Archie’s squire because I wanted to know more about their lives. Maybe they will have more moments in the rest of the series. I got an ARC copy from Reedsy-Discovery in exchange for this review.
Medieval war fiction set in the 14th century abound, but few are told from the Scottish perspective. Meticulous research creates a vibrant description of the Scottish landscape, wildlife, and weather and how it affects a knight in armor.
Sir Archibald is an uncommon knight. He is quick-thinking on the battlefield and in his interactions with French nobles and other clan leaders. He serves his cousin, Lord William Douglas, though their rivalry lingers in every interaction.
Guilt plagues him for the betrayal of his adopted father and he seeks counsel from the clergy and he asks them to pray for their immortal souls. He's not sure his soul can be saved. Perhaps that's why he's so bold in battle.
The lowland clans come together to push the English out of the disputed border. They agree to help their French allies fight for gold and ransoming nobles.
The battle descriptions are vivid showing a rich understanding of tactics needed before, during, and after a battle. The month-long battle for Berwick-upon-Tweed was a highlight.
He spares the reader the lengthy journey through France in favor of a tourney where Sir Archibald jousts with Bertrand de Guesclin.
The botched battles at Breteuil and at Poitiers showed the sharp contrast in command styles that the French nobles still used. Mercenaries and pikes were no match for the English archers with their dreaded long bow.
There is much to learn. I had no idea that 200 hundred Scottish knights fought in the Battle of Poitiers; or that a garron is a breed of horse.
Tomlin uses touches of French and Scots dialect to give flavor to the dialogue yet be understandable to modern readers.
I wanted more scenes with Will Ramsay and Archie’s squire because I wanted to know more about their lives. Maybe they will have more moments in the rest of the series. I got an ARC copy from Reedsy-Discovery in exchange for this review.
July 22, 2023
This is a good series that I will have to catch up on. It's medieval Scotland and, of course, there is the war with the English. This well-researched book has lots of historical and cultural information that makes it an interesting read on its own and the addition of Archie just adds to the enjoyment. Can't wait to find out where the next book takes us.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
January 9, 2024
Love reading historical fiction book and this is no exception. Looking for book four in the series.
March 7, 2024
Fun read
Love this author and the tales of Scotland. Especially the ones on Douglas since I am a Douglass in my background
Love this author and the tales of Scotland. Especially the ones on Douglas since I am a Douglass in my background
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews