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Kingdom #1
The Lion Wakes
A nation will fight for its freedom.
The first novel in a major new series as Robert Low moves from the Vikings to the making of Scotland.
In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.
Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.
Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.
When the lion wakes, everyone must fear its fangs…
The first novel in a major new series as Robert Low moves from the Vikings to the making of Scotland.
In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.
Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.
Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.
When the lion wakes, everyone must fear its fangs…
439 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2011
57 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Robert Low
62 books283 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 4, 2019
”Wallace felt the fear behind him, washing like stink from a shambles as the coloured skeins of armoured horsemen advanced over the meadow, careless and bright as trailing ribbons. A Battle, forming the left of the English line, it was a dazzle of fluttering pennons and banners that Wallace knew well and smiled grimly to himself.”
The nobles of Scotland, when they are not fighting among themselves, do occasionally get the urge to rise up and try to throw off the heavy yoke of the English. All alliances are shaky, and with the first mild breeze of trouble that rattles their kilts, a stalwart ally can decide to go home and tend to his crops.
The nobles think they have more to lose than the rabble of Scottish men they convince to fight their battles for them. At the end of the day, they are unwilling to risk losing their land holdings for a greater national purpose. The battles they lose to the English bring them to the negotiating table, and the men who support and die for their cause generally die for nothing.
Freedom can not be won unless everyone is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve it.
William Wallace is different. He has a wee land holding and everything to gain by throwing the English out of Scotland, but then the Scottish nobles would also mutter that he has nothing to lose either, except his life, and frankly, what is that worth?
Robert Low tells this story through the eyes of Sir Henry Sientcler of Herdmanston, known as Hal. He is a poor noble of Lothian, who finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the Earl of Buchan, Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace. Deciding who is best to throw his lot in with is a tricky decision. Is Wallace actually crazy and on a suicidal mission? Will Robert the Bruce truly risk everything to free Scotland? Will Buchan set aside his animosity with Bruce and unite against the English? Edward 1st, king of England, is a wiley old bastard who knows how to win battles, sometimes before they are even fought.
Hal has another problem. He has fallen head over heels in love with Isabel, Countess of Buchan. She is reciprocating his feelings, but she is betrothed to the Earl of Buchan, who will have every right to turn his immense power loose upon the imminent destruction of Hal and all of Herdmanston.
Meanwhile, the English are coming, and Edward is determined to capture Wallace and make an example of him.
The story begins in 1296 with: ”The defeated King John Balliol was brought to Edward’s feet, to be stripped of crown and regalia, the proud heraldry of his rank torn from his surcote, so that he was known as Toom Tabard--Empty Cote--ever after. The coronation regalia of Scotland--the Holy Rood and the Stone of Scone--was seized, while the Great Seal was ceremonially snapped in half.”
He is a figurehead, put on the Scottish throne by Edward, so when the Scots rise up and lose again, Edward takes away what he has so “graciously” given. Edward really just wants the Scots to submit and play nice so he can concentrate on matters in France. John Balliol is eventually succeeded by Robert the Bruce, many years later. This book focuses on the time between when Balliol is deposed and the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Wallace is trying to perform miracles with a small band of guerrilla fighters. He never knows how many men he will have on any given day, as the nobles give and take away their support. When he does finally decide to stand and fight at Falkirk, heavily outnumbered, Edward can not wipe the grin off his face.
Robert the Bruce is not yet the man who will defeat the English at Bannockburn. He is caught up in the feuding and inner strife of Scottish politics, and frankly, how is one supposed to lead when one has to keep one eye on the nobles at your back and one on the English across the way?
There are villains a plenty in this novel. Every noble seems to employ his own immoral fiend to do the dirty work behind the spit and polish of heraldic banners, surcoats, and prancing war horses. The man who wins the award for most fiendish of the fiends is Sir Robert Malenfaunt, a knight who has fallen about as far into the gutter as a man can fall without drowning. He takes over a nunnery and uses the nuns for his sexual pleasure, and when in need of funds, whores them out to his friends and acquaintances. When he captures Countess Isobel and holds her for ransom, I must say, I felt a shiver down to my boots, thinking about this fair maiden in the hands of such an immoral bastard.
Low does not shy away from using the Scottish brogue. In most cases, I am able to suss out the meaning after rolling the words across my tongue a few times. ”’I’m a lad of parts, me’ he added. ‘Such bravery is auld cloots and gruel to the likes of me.’” Low uses enough of the brogue to give you a flavor of what the Scots sounded like in this period, but not so much that you become overwhelmed and annoyed with the need for translating. He does provide a glossary in the back of the book of Scottish words he uses. He also provides a list of characters in the back, with descriptions of their contribution to this historic time.
This is a trilogy, and I have book two on the way. I’m more than intrigued to see how Hal will fair in the midst of so many treacherous alliances. I’ve been looking for another author to supplement my more than mild addiction to Bernard Cornwell novels, and after this foray into Scottish history, I’m looking more than longingly at Low’s celebrated Viking series.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
The nobles of Scotland, when they are not fighting among themselves, do occasionally get the urge to rise up and try to throw off the heavy yoke of the English. All alliances are shaky, and with the first mild breeze of trouble that rattles their kilts, a stalwart ally can decide to go home and tend to his crops.
The nobles think they have more to lose than the rabble of Scottish men they convince to fight their battles for them. At the end of the day, they are unwilling to risk losing their land holdings for a greater national purpose. The battles they lose to the English bring them to the negotiating table, and the men who support and die for their cause generally die for nothing.
Freedom can not be won unless everyone is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve it.
William Wallace is different. He has a wee land holding and everything to gain by throwing the English out of Scotland, but then the Scottish nobles would also mutter that he has nothing to lose either, except his life, and frankly, what is that worth?
Robert Low tells this story through the eyes of Sir Henry Sientcler of Herdmanston, known as Hal. He is a poor noble of Lothian, who finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the Earl of Buchan, Robert the Bruce, and William Wallace. Deciding who is best to throw his lot in with is a tricky decision. Is Wallace actually crazy and on a suicidal mission? Will Robert the Bruce truly risk everything to free Scotland? Will Buchan set aside his animosity with Bruce and unite against the English? Edward 1st, king of England, is a wiley old bastard who knows how to win battles, sometimes before they are even fought.
Hal has another problem. He has fallen head over heels in love with Isabel, Countess of Buchan. She is reciprocating his feelings, but she is betrothed to the Earl of Buchan, who will have every right to turn his immense power loose upon the imminent destruction of Hal and all of Herdmanston.
Meanwhile, the English are coming, and Edward is determined to capture Wallace and make an example of him.
The story begins in 1296 with: ”The defeated King John Balliol was brought to Edward’s feet, to be stripped of crown and regalia, the proud heraldry of his rank torn from his surcote, so that he was known as Toom Tabard--Empty Cote--ever after. The coronation regalia of Scotland--the Holy Rood and the Stone of Scone--was seized, while the Great Seal was ceremonially snapped in half.”
He is a figurehead, put on the Scottish throne by Edward, so when the Scots rise up and lose again, Edward takes away what he has so “graciously” given. Edward really just wants the Scots to submit and play nice so he can concentrate on matters in France. John Balliol is eventually succeeded by Robert the Bruce, many years later. This book focuses on the time between when Balliol is deposed and the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Wallace is trying to perform miracles with a small band of guerrilla fighters. He never knows how many men he will have on any given day, as the nobles give and take away their support. When he does finally decide to stand and fight at Falkirk, heavily outnumbered, Edward can not wipe the grin off his face.
Robert the Bruce is not yet the man who will defeat the English at Bannockburn. He is caught up in the feuding and inner strife of Scottish politics, and frankly, how is one supposed to lead when one has to keep one eye on the nobles at your back and one on the English across the way?
There are villains a plenty in this novel. Every noble seems to employ his own immoral fiend to do the dirty work behind the spit and polish of heraldic banners, surcoats, and prancing war horses. The man who wins the award for most fiendish of the fiends is Sir Robert Malenfaunt, a knight who has fallen about as far into the gutter as a man can fall without drowning. He takes over a nunnery and uses the nuns for his sexual pleasure, and when in need of funds, whores them out to his friends and acquaintances. When he captures Countess Isobel and holds her for ransom, I must say, I felt a shiver down to my boots, thinking about this fair maiden in the hands of such an immoral bastard.
Low does not shy away from using the Scottish brogue. In most cases, I am able to suss out the meaning after rolling the words across my tongue a few times. ”’I’m a lad of parts, me’ he added. ‘Such bravery is auld cloots and gruel to the likes of me.’” Low uses enough of the brogue to give you a flavor of what the Scots sounded like in this period, but not so much that you become overwhelmed and annoyed with the need for translating. He does provide a glossary in the back of the book of Scottish words he uses. He also provides a list of characters in the back, with descriptions of their contribution to this historic time.
This is a trilogy, and I have book two on the way. I’m more than intrigued to see how Hal will fair in the midst of so many treacherous alliances. I’ve been looking for another author to supplement my more than mild addiction to Bernard Cornwell novels, and after this foray into Scottish history, I’m looking more than longingly at Low’s celebrated Viking series.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
August 30, 2013
I have to four this for the experimental style. Which was at its most intense early on, I think, and let up as the plot had to be followed. Early on, we move from person to person and see their inner experiences. Whether or not the persons are important to the story, whether or not their thoughts are relevant. In real life, of course, people’s thoughts aren’t too often relevant, and I loved the reality that this achieved. I was confused as to who’s who (without much Scottish history to help me either) but I just forged ahead: it sorts itself out, and for me, a little confusion prevents boredom, keeps my intellect engaged, not to say challenged.
However, I had a strange time with the book, in that I quickly felt that the contents were less adventurous than the style, and I even had a sense of incongruity. So... I read for how he wrote rather than what he wrote, and I wished he’d go further, stretch expectations in other ways... This one is obviously a departure from a more standard kind of style – I know his ‘Whale Road’ isn’t much like this. There was a repetition of imagery that wore on me, though I bet you can argue that’s the building-up of a feel for the novel.
It’s on the grimy side in atmosphere, and I’m not talking Bruce and Wallace – whose history I scarcely know, though both began to interest me here as (partly-drawn as yet) characters – but the world and the people in it were anti-romantic. There’s the Dog Boy to latch your sympathies onto, and Hal, both fictional and less-important-people – the Dog Boy doesn’t even have a name. And the Auld Templar had a tarnished kind of glory to him, I think?
I admired other things. He made random deaths hard-hitting – not because the people were likeable, in fact they were very average specimens of humanity, nevertheless you saw them alive a few pages back.
Have to mention the languages. What with Scots, French, English and other, these people were only half-intelligible to each other, and he finds brilliant and funny ways to portray that. Don’t be anxious about the languages: he translates for you when you need a translation, and if he doesn’t you don’t need to know.
It was hard to review. But I was enchanted by those early scenes and his ‘rules? what rules?’ approach to the writing. The only rule is whatever works, and to a large extent this worked for me.
However, I had a strange time with the book, in that I quickly felt that the contents were less adventurous than the style, and I even had a sense of incongruity. So... I read for how he wrote rather than what he wrote, and I wished he’d go further, stretch expectations in other ways... This one is obviously a departure from a more standard kind of style – I know his ‘Whale Road’ isn’t much like this. There was a repetition of imagery that wore on me, though I bet you can argue that’s the building-up of a feel for the novel.
It’s on the grimy side in atmosphere, and I’m not talking Bruce and Wallace – whose history I scarcely know, though both began to interest me here as (partly-drawn as yet) characters – but the world and the people in it were anti-romantic. There’s the Dog Boy to latch your sympathies onto, and Hal, both fictional and less-important-people – the Dog Boy doesn’t even have a name. And the Auld Templar had a tarnished kind of glory to him, I think?
I admired other things. He made random deaths hard-hitting – not because the people were likeable, in fact they were very average specimens of humanity, nevertheless you saw them alive a few pages back.
Have to mention the languages. What with Scots, French, English and other, these people were only half-intelligible to each other, and he finds brilliant and funny ways to portray that. Don’t be anxious about the languages: he translates for you when you need a translation, and if he doesn’t you don’t need to know.
It was hard to review. But I was enchanted by those early scenes and his ‘rules? what rules?’ approach to the writing. The only rule is whatever works, and to a large extent this worked for me.
June 15, 2022
Took me forever to get through this.
Robert Low's writing style in this was SO different from his "Oathsworn" series. Was tough to get into. And while I understand his desire to use authentic period Scottish words, having to flip back to the glossary every ten minutes to know what was being said was a tremendous pain in the butt!! It really disrupted the reading.
I considered giving up, but began connecting with the Hal Sientcler character, and his coming to the fore kept me interested.
I have the entire trilogy, so I'll finish them.
But didn't love this.
Robert Low's writing style in this was SO different from his "Oathsworn" series. Was tough to get into. And while I understand his desire to use authentic period Scottish words, having to flip back to the glossary every ten minutes to know what was being said was a tremendous pain in the butt!! It really disrupted the reading.
I considered giving up, but began connecting with the Hal Sientcler character, and his coming to the fore kept me interested.
I have the entire trilogy, so I'll finish them.
But didn't love this.
January 24, 2012
For most of this book I wanted to give it 4 stars. In fact, in the first third I was resolute that this would be a 4 star book despite my initially being put off by the helter skelter beginning. Not to mention the baptism of Scots dialect fire the reader gets straight off the block.
Alas though, my wish for a solid 4 star, it was not to be.
I am a huge fan of Robert Low's Oathsworn series so it is with great sadness that I admit that sometimes there is something about the mechanics of Low's writing that keeps the reader at arms length. It comes and goes in the Oathsworn series, but in this first book in his new Kingdom Series, it is rather prevalent.
I liked the book, don't get me wrong, I love his writing skill too, the actual intelligence behind his words, so it is not that. In truth, it is his rather specialised writing that pries this 3 star rating from me for his writing is masterful in so many ways. Except, when it comes to developing characters that I can feel for and care about. For most of the last half of this book I felt no connection whatsoever to the story and the characters. That helter skelter nature of the opening chapters, it started to raise its ugly head throughout. On occasions I had no idea where I was in the story or what was going on. It was like spinning in a circle several times with my eyes closed, only to open them again and be completely out of kilter.
I will be interested to see where Robert Low goes with his characters in the next book in this series. I cross everything for a story that is a little less disjointed than this one.
Alas though, my wish for a solid 4 star, it was not to be.
I am a huge fan of Robert Low's Oathsworn series so it is with great sadness that I admit that sometimes there is something about the mechanics of Low's writing that keeps the reader at arms length. It comes and goes in the Oathsworn series, but in this first book in his new Kingdom Series, it is rather prevalent.
I liked the book, don't get me wrong, I love his writing skill too, the actual intelligence behind his words, so it is not that. In truth, it is his rather specialised writing that pries this 3 star rating from me for his writing is masterful in so many ways. Except, when it comes to developing characters that I can feel for and care about. For most of the last half of this book I felt no connection whatsoever to the story and the characters. That helter skelter nature of the opening chapters, it started to raise its ugly head throughout. On occasions I had no idea where I was in the story or what was going on. It was like spinning in a circle several times with my eyes closed, only to open them again and be completely out of kilter.
I will be interested to see where Robert Low goes with his characters in the next book in this series. I cross everything for a story that is a little less disjointed than this one.
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August 25, 2020I can't even rate this tbh although normally any DNF get a big fat one from me......
Jus couldn't get to grips with the rambling style, jus not patient enough to see if it develops. A shame as it's a period I would like to have reacquainted myself with again.... my prior knowledge on the subject being from my Scots schooling many moons ago!
Time is too precious to waste on styles that don't fit, sorry
Jus couldn't get to grips with the rambling style, jus not patient enough to see if it develops. A shame as it's a period I would like to have reacquainted myself with again.... my prior knowledge on the subject being from my Scots schooling many moons ago!
Time is too precious to waste on styles that don't fit, sorry
December 1, 2021
Read this book in 2011, and its the 1st volume of the brilliant "Kingdom" (Scotland) trilogy, from the author, Robert Low.
The historical details concerning this period of Scottish history are superbly implemented in this wonderful read about Scottish warlords and their internal disputes for the Kingship and how to fight the war against England.
This tale sets off in the year AD 1296, and Scotland in turmoil after the death King Alexander III, while at the same time in full war with King Edward I of England.
In this maelstrom of chivalry, honour, betrayal and murder is a certain Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor lord of Lothian, a rebellion is coming to the boil and Sir Hal will witness plot and counterplot in an attempt to become the major force in Scotland.
When Sir Hal befriends Robert the Bruce, he will find in the Earl of Buchan, arch rival of the Bruces, a ferocious enemy, but most of all on his conscience will be to survive the coming battles of Stirling Brig and Falkirk against the English forces of King Edward I.
At these famous battles the Lion will awake itself within the Scottish forces, although there remains treachery between some rival factions, the majority will slowly but steadily make a somewhat united front against the English onslaught, and for Sir Hal there's also a secret about Robert the Bruce that he has to keep and protect from the outside world.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful first engagement of this superb trilogy about the Lion of Scotland, and that's why I like to call this book: "An Outstanding Kingdom (Scotland) Start"!
The historical details concerning this period of Scottish history are superbly implemented in this wonderful read about Scottish warlords and their internal disputes for the Kingship and how to fight the war against England.
This tale sets off in the year AD 1296, and Scotland in turmoil after the death King Alexander III, while at the same time in full war with King Edward I of England.
In this maelstrom of chivalry, honour, betrayal and murder is a certain Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor lord of Lothian, a rebellion is coming to the boil and Sir Hal will witness plot and counterplot in an attempt to become the major force in Scotland.
When Sir Hal befriends Robert the Bruce, he will find in the Earl of Buchan, arch rival of the Bruces, a ferocious enemy, but most of all on his conscience will be to survive the coming battles of Stirling Brig and Falkirk against the English forces of King Edward I.
At these famous battles the Lion will awake itself within the Scottish forces, although there remains treachery between some rival factions, the majority will slowly but steadily make a somewhat united front against the English onslaught, and for Sir Hal there's also a secret about Robert the Bruce that he has to keep and protect from the outside world.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful first engagement of this superb trilogy about the Lion of Scotland, and that's why I like to call this book: "An Outstanding Kingdom (Scotland) Start"!
November 11, 2019
Worst read of ‘19. Still recommend his Viking series though.
January 8, 2012
This is the first of Robert Low's books that I've read and I have to say that I was surprised. Historic fiction has become littered with poorly constructed novels as it has become more popular in recent years and I now approach nearly all authors in the genre that I haven't read before with (perhaps undue) suspicion and trepidation. Instead I found that Low is a very good writer, for some reason reminding me of George R.R. Martin in general tone, and yet his training as a journalist is immediately apparent in his sentence structures.
The choice of a trilogy based around the Bruce/Wallace/Moray years of Scottish history is an interesting one. It is at once a mystery and blindingly obvious to me why there are not more novels dealing with this period - the myths and legends associated with it are so many, and yet the bigger ones are so well known to a large audience. This novel takes us up to the battle of Falkirk, in a story based around an inconsequential nobleman who is drawn against his better judgement into the wake of both Bruce and Wallace.
Other reviewers have noted the problem of dialectal writing taking them out of the story in this book. It is a problem I can well understand - I often say the same. What I mean by that though, is when authors try to give their characters an accent through deliberate misspelling of words. This is different. Low has many characters speaking in Scots English (itself a matter of some academic debate whether it is a dialect or a unique language - think of the poetry of Burns) whilst most of the writing is in ordinary English. At other times, speech includes Latin, French, Scots Gaelic or even Lingua Franca. This is to say then, that the writing is not used to build characters, but to build the world of Early Mediaeval Scotland - a world building exercise which is backed up by a second authorial device of using saint's days instead of the Gregorian calendar.
I can understand people having difficulty with the languages then, but after the first chapter I soon got over my difficulties (and I actually found it quite interesting as it is a device I have been playing with myself for some time).
Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed this and will definitely be seeking out the rest of this trilogy when it is published, as well as reading Low's other books.
The choice of a trilogy based around the Bruce/Wallace/Moray years of Scottish history is an interesting one. It is at once a mystery and blindingly obvious to me why there are not more novels dealing with this period - the myths and legends associated with it are so many, and yet the bigger ones are so well known to a large audience. This novel takes us up to the battle of Falkirk, in a story based around an inconsequential nobleman who is drawn against his better judgement into the wake of both Bruce and Wallace.
Other reviewers have noted the problem of dialectal writing taking them out of the story in this book. It is a problem I can well understand - I often say the same. What I mean by that though, is when authors try to give their characters an accent through deliberate misspelling of words. This is different. Low has many characters speaking in Scots English (itself a matter of some academic debate whether it is a dialect or a unique language - think of the poetry of Burns) whilst most of the writing is in ordinary English. At other times, speech includes Latin, French, Scots Gaelic or even Lingua Franca. This is to say then, that the writing is not used to build characters, but to build the world of Early Mediaeval Scotland - a world building exercise which is backed up by a second authorial device of using saint's days instead of the Gregorian calendar.
I can understand people having difficulty with the languages then, but after the first chapter I soon got over my difficulties (and I actually found it quite interesting as it is a device I have been playing with myself for some time).
Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed this and will definitely be seeking out the rest of this trilogy when it is published, as well as reading Low's other books.
July 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book, though I was grateful to have already read Low's Oathsworn series and was therefore prepared for his unique writing style (which I thoroughly enjoy). Bruce and Wallace are depicted with much greater depth and less polish than history would have them remembered, which makes for an interesting read. And in typical Low style, the Scottish War for Independence is now much more nuanced in my mind, which I like as well. Recommended, but only if you're prepared to wade through dialogue heavily salted with Scots.
January 28, 2012
'The Lion Wakes' deals with Scotland's rise against England in the middle ages and features characters like Wallace and Robert the Bruce, national Scottish symbols that also featured in Mel Gibson's box office hit 'Braveheart', a flick that's much maligned by historians. This period of Scottish history greatly interests me and I was really looking forward to reading this book. However I found it really tough going at times, often harder to follow than Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall'. So I think it's fair to say that this is a novel for those obsessed by Scottish history. The detail is meticulous, and Low's rugged, dry style of writing evokes some intense and hilarious scenes. His major assets, in my view, are his metaphors and similes which will crack you up. The only other Low novel I've read is 'The Whale Road' which I quite enjoyed, despite finding its ending somewhat bizarre. This novel is similar in its unapologetic style in that Low throws the reader right into the deep end, whilst also hurling in dozens of characters who rain down thick and fast throughout the novel without ever letting up. I am not one who enjoys being spoon-fed, but this approach can make for really hard reading at times, and I think that anyone desiring a complete understanding of the sequence of events will have to backtrack often (unless they're experts on this particular period). Low does include a list of character descriptions at the end of the novel, but perhaps they should be included at the beginning?!
March 25, 2012
For most people who did not grow up in Scotland, Mel Gibson’s movie “Braveheart” is their first introduction to the events of the Scottish Wars of Independence. That, or hearing “Flower of Scotland” bellowed out around Murryfield, never more louder than when the opponents are from south of the border. For anyone who is aware of the actual complexities, brutality, contradictions and real-life heroics and very real villainy of those violent decades around the turn of the Fourteenth Century, Gibson’s portrayal of events is enjoyable, but ultimately an over simplified version of events that somehow leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Sort of like the steaks you get in the cheaper restaurant chains in America: they are large and juicy but full of artificial sweeteners, tenderisers and growth hormones and ultimately bland. In real life, heroes can sometimes be villains, and sometimes even villains can act bravely.
So it was with some trepidation that I picked up Robert Low’s “The Lion Wakes”, which deals with the same events. Low’s “Oathsworn” series of Viking books were fantastic and something I thoroughly enjoyed, but what would he do with the Anglo-Scottish wars?
I need not have worried. If “Braveheart” was USDA steak, pre-tenderised for easy digestion, this is pure Aberdeen Angus beef, cooked rare and still bloody, with plenty of gristle to chew on and bursting with flavour.
The style of the narrative is episodic, showing vignettes of action and characters across the years, sometime landing right in the middle of the action when the fighting has already begun, but when trying to cover such a vast sweep of history it is an effective device and manages to keep the narrative moving at a fast pace.
A host of memorable individuals, both historical and fictional, populate this book from the nameless Dog Boy to Robert Bruce himself. There are no cardboard cut-outs or “stock” characters here. Throughout the novel, Robert Low manages to bring these medieval people back to life and shows how they change and grow with the events around them (well the ones who survive anyway). For me the most interesting character was Bruce himself, who transforms from a medieval equivalent of a feckless rich playboy to someone who led his country to freedom. This seems to be a theme in the book: What really is the nature of heroism? What makes “heroes” and what motivates them. Are any of our heroes as clear cut as we think? William Wallace appears here too, but in a big, violent, frightening and ultimately more recognisable guise than Gibson’s simplistic messianic portrayal.
Robert Low does a great job of portraying the reality of life in late Thirteenth Century Scotland. Castles are cold, drafty stone and wood tower houses rather than Disney-style Camelots, armour rusts in the rain, boils itch in the sweaty heat and the freezing cold of the Scottish winter almost leaks from the pages.
There is no doubt the language used in the dialogue can at times be challenging. Robert Low chooses to use authentic Scots and there is no easily accessible glossary (at least in the Kindle edition). However, it is still English, and like arriving in any new country once you become accustomed to it, not only is it perfectly intelligible but it undoubtedly adds to the authentic flavour of the book.
So in short a great read. Its not an easy read, but then any challenging piece of writing that seeks to both tell a story and explore the underlying themes and motivations of the people involved in real events never is. If you want your history fed to you half chewed on a plastic spoon, this is not the book for you. If you want something more satisfying then this is it. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
So it was with some trepidation that I picked up Robert Low’s “The Lion Wakes”, which deals with the same events. Low’s “Oathsworn” series of Viking books were fantastic and something I thoroughly enjoyed, but what would he do with the Anglo-Scottish wars?
I need not have worried. If “Braveheart” was USDA steak, pre-tenderised for easy digestion, this is pure Aberdeen Angus beef, cooked rare and still bloody, with plenty of gristle to chew on and bursting with flavour.
The style of the narrative is episodic, showing vignettes of action and characters across the years, sometime landing right in the middle of the action when the fighting has already begun, but when trying to cover such a vast sweep of history it is an effective device and manages to keep the narrative moving at a fast pace.
A host of memorable individuals, both historical and fictional, populate this book from the nameless Dog Boy to Robert Bruce himself. There are no cardboard cut-outs or “stock” characters here. Throughout the novel, Robert Low manages to bring these medieval people back to life and shows how they change and grow with the events around them (well the ones who survive anyway). For me the most interesting character was Bruce himself, who transforms from a medieval equivalent of a feckless rich playboy to someone who led his country to freedom. This seems to be a theme in the book: What really is the nature of heroism? What makes “heroes” and what motivates them. Are any of our heroes as clear cut as we think? William Wallace appears here too, but in a big, violent, frightening and ultimately more recognisable guise than Gibson’s simplistic messianic portrayal.
Robert Low does a great job of portraying the reality of life in late Thirteenth Century Scotland. Castles are cold, drafty stone and wood tower houses rather than Disney-style Camelots, armour rusts in the rain, boils itch in the sweaty heat and the freezing cold of the Scottish winter almost leaks from the pages.
There is no doubt the language used in the dialogue can at times be challenging. Robert Low chooses to use authentic Scots and there is no easily accessible glossary (at least in the Kindle edition). However, it is still English, and like arriving in any new country once you become accustomed to it, not only is it perfectly intelligible but it undoubtedly adds to the authentic flavour of the book.
So in short a great read. Its not an easy read, but then any challenging piece of writing that seeks to both tell a story and explore the underlying themes and motivations of the people involved in real events never is. If you want your history fed to you half chewed on a plastic spoon, this is not the book for you. If you want something more satisfying then this is it. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 19, 2013
I'll start off by saying that I am a big fan of Low's Oathsworn series, but the historical errors (deliberate or otherwise) in this novel makes me rethink my love of that series. One thing a historical fiction can NEVER afford to do is lose the trust of their reader. In The Lion Wakes, Low lost my trust. Now I wonder if his Viking series was as historically inaccurate as this one.
It started with small things. Robert the Bruce, then earl of Carrick, did not speak or understand Scots. Well, that's odd since he was certainly born and spent his first years in Scotland with his mother the Countess of Carrick. Bruce did spend a lot of time outside of Scotland--maybe he forgot his Scots, so I was willing to let that go. Then Lady Douglas rode sidesaddle. That's odd since the medieval sidesaddle was not introduced to England and Scotland until around 1370, nearly 80 years later, but the pillion was somewhat similar to a sidesaddle so I'll let that go. But then Low tells me that James Douglas's mother, his father's wife, was sent to a nunnery so his father could marry another woman. Well, first a woman going to a nunnery did not free a man to re-marry. Secondly, James Douglas's mother DIED shortly after his birth. Not only that but his mother was a member of an important noble family who would hardly have ignored such an insult. Douglas's background is not a minor matter considering his importance in the Scottish War of Independence. At that point, I no longer believed a single thing Low was going to tell me.
But I finished the novel anyway and frankly found the plot (ignoring these problems) improbable. The Bruce commits a murder--not a huge stretch since it was a violent age and the Bruce no doubt did commit murder on at least one occasion. Ok. But then supposedly he joined the Scots, throwing aside his friendship with the king of England, to cover up the murder. Well... he was a heck of a lot more likely to be thrown in the Tower of London for betraying the harsh and rather murderous Edward I than he was for having killed someone who wasn't a nobleman. I didn't believe this plot for a second and it was absolutely essential to the plot of the novel.
A lot of people complain about Low's use of Scots in the novel. That didn't bother me in the least. He has an extensive glossary at the end. I just wish other things he did bothered me as little a that. I expected to really enjoy this novel and... I didn't. As I said at the start, if there is one thing a Historical Fiction writer must NEVER do, it is fudge on verifiable facts and lose the trust of the reader. Now I am really sad.
It started with small things. Robert the Bruce, then earl of Carrick, did not speak or understand Scots. Well, that's odd since he was certainly born and spent his first years in Scotland with his mother the Countess of Carrick. Bruce did spend a lot of time outside of Scotland--maybe he forgot his Scots, so I was willing to let that go. Then Lady Douglas rode sidesaddle. That's odd since the medieval sidesaddle was not introduced to England and Scotland until around 1370, nearly 80 years later, but the pillion was somewhat similar to a sidesaddle so I'll let that go. But then Low tells me that James Douglas's mother, his father's wife, was sent to a nunnery so his father could marry another woman. Well, first a woman going to a nunnery did not free a man to re-marry. Secondly, James Douglas's mother DIED shortly after his birth. Not only that but his mother was a member of an important noble family who would hardly have ignored such an insult. Douglas's background is not a minor matter considering his importance in the Scottish War of Independence. At that point, I no longer believed a single thing Low was going to tell me.
But I finished the novel anyway and frankly found the plot (ignoring these problems) improbable. The Bruce commits a murder--not a huge stretch since it was a violent age and the Bruce no doubt did commit murder on at least one occasion. Ok. But then supposedly he joined the Scots, throwing aside his friendship with the king of England, to cover up the murder. Well... he was a heck of a lot more likely to be thrown in the Tower of London for betraying the harsh and rather murderous Edward I than he was for having killed someone who wasn't a nobleman. I didn't believe this plot for a second and it was absolutely essential to the plot of the novel.
A lot of people complain about Low's use of Scots in the novel. That didn't bother me in the least. He has an extensive glossary at the end. I just wish other things he did bothered me as little a that. I expected to really enjoy this novel and... I didn't. As I said at the start, if there is one thing a Historical Fiction writer must NEVER do, it is fudge on verifiable facts and lose the trust of the reader. Now I am really sad.
April 6, 2016
A perfect challenging storm of history and fiction
History roars and rages alive in this striking epic where the past and fiction entwine so perfectly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages or believe my good fortune of stumbling on to this incredible saga and can’t wait to sit down soon with the rest of this series. I was a little hesitant at first with all of the negative comments on this title but to this starving reader who has been questing for tales with true historical merit and another literary challenge, this was the feast I have been hoping to find for quite some time. The Lion Wakes (Kingdom Series #1) has it all and in this game of kings, legendary places and names advance throughout vivid pages and it becomes nearly impossible look away or deny you hear roared oaths from the past or thundering hooves of war pounding rainy misted ground. I don’t know about you but this is what I call excellent storytelling and if the potential reader has been searching for a no quarter, one of a kind literary experience that can serve as a much needed challenging storm of history and fiction- you can join me in proudly announcing, you found it!
~*~For more reviews see http://asthefinalpageturns.blogspot.com
History roars and rages alive in this striking epic where the past and fiction entwine so perfectly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages or believe my good fortune of stumbling on to this incredible saga and can’t wait to sit down soon with the rest of this series. I was a little hesitant at first with all of the negative comments on this title but to this starving reader who has been questing for tales with true historical merit and another literary challenge, this was the feast I have been hoping to find for quite some time. The Lion Wakes (Kingdom Series #1) has it all and in this game of kings, legendary places and names advance throughout vivid pages and it becomes nearly impossible look away or deny you hear roared oaths from the past or thundering hooves of war pounding rainy misted ground. I don’t know about you but this is what I call excellent storytelling and if the potential reader has been searching for a no quarter, one of a kind literary experience that can serve as a much needed challenging storm of history and fiction- you can join me in proudly announcing, you found it!
~*~For more reviews see http://asthefinalpageturns.blogspot.com
August 5, 2022
c2011. RIP Mr Low 31.05.21 Wallace, in this book, is quite different to the stirring young hero portrayed in Braveheart and thus is a far more truer picture. The Hammer of the Scots is also a believable portrayal. What I think was great was that there were cameos of some very famous people that only become more well known after this particular episode of history. The scottish dialect was hard going at times and I think Dogboy will stay with me for a while. Brilliant pithy and gritty battle scenes which I thought were really well written. The only slight criticism I have is that the female character never really seemed believable but this did not "ruin" the book. Another author that I really enjoy is Mr Ben Kane and I agree wholeheartedly with his recommendation; "‘An outstanding novel. The Lion Wakes is a fantastic read, written by a real master of historical fiction. Low has painted a most compelling picture of 13th century Scotland. I cannot wait for the next book in the series’Me too...Ben Kane Recommended for the normal crew. FWFTB: turmoil, chivalry, maelstrom, rebel, neighbours. FCN: Sir Hal Sientcler, William Wallace, Dogboy, Robert the Bruce, Earl of Buchan.
April 12, 2013
In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.
Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.
Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.
November 3, 2017
The Lion Wakes steers clear of the romantic view of the Scottish War of Independence, opting instead for a more intelligent and realistic view of a bloody and violent time. There is a large cast of characters, from the highest to the lowest in the land, but the author can paint an unforgettable picture of each one with just a few words. This skilful writing makes it easier to follow the complicated politics and Machiavellian schemes of the nobles as they manoeuvre for the ultimate prize - the crown of Scotland. It is also a relief to have realistic dialogue instead of the cod medieval 'ye olde English' that is too often the trademark of historical fiction. I see some have complained about the Scots dialect but I found it easy to follow with only the occasional word that I had to think about for a moment. This is not an easy read; the plot is complicated and there are a lot of characters. But the writing is skilful and it is a pleasure to read. It is certainly the best fictional depiction of this period I have read. If you like something a bit more challenging than Bernard Cornwell then you will enjoy this.
July 12, 2012
Another solid tale from Robert Low, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as his Viking sagas. It was really neat how he wrote some sentences so that when it came out it sounded Scottish. Low is really good at describing battles and making them sound epic, in this case it was the English cavalry charge into the Scottish pikes. He is also good at letting the reader fill in some of the blanks and therefore not telling you every single bit of the story but allowing you space to draw your own conclusions. The book focuses around a fictional character named Hal of Herdmanston whose lord is Robert the Bruce. William Wallace also has a role in the book but the main plot focuses on Robert the Bruce trying to secure his right to the Scottish throne and in that there is a mystery that revolves around the stone of Scone. There are also a few other sideline story that go hand in hand with the main mystery and overall fit together rather nicely.
Read
July 30, 2015An interesting historical novel, retelling the story of the Scottish Wars of Independence (along with a few extra twists). I must admit it took me a while to get into this – it started slowly, and at times I felt there were too many characters competing for attention – but as the book progressed I was increasingly drawn in. Perhaps historians might quibble about some minor details, although it’s very clear that Robert Low has done a great deal of research – and he has cleverly constructed a vivid and convincing world. Naturally this is an extremely violent world, but Low deals generally in gritty authenticity (as opposed to adding gory details for the sake of shocking his readers). The characterisation of Robert the Bruce is particularly good; his complex personality is revealed in stages, sometimes in surprising ways, and this adds a pleasing sense of freshness to the narrative. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
December 31, 2012
A rip roaring, violent, saucy and interesting fictional account of the early years of Scotland's struggle against Edward I of England and the Anglo-Norman hegemony in the British Isles. Written with a good ear and eye for both period of dialect details, this is a very entertaining read.
The sheer diversity of languages spoken in Scotland and the rest of the British Isles is also made apparent in this textured work, with detailed fictional portraits of both Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Hal Syntcleir, the knight through whose eyes we see much of the action, is a sympathetic and empathetic hero, a virtuous enough man in a world of plots, assassinations, schemes, violence, rape, pillage and death. There are a lot of deaths in this book, most of them grim and violent.
This is a great holiday read, with enough history to keep more serious readers happy, and enough sex, intrigue, blood and guts for the rest of us.
The sheer diversity of languages spoken in Scotland and the rest of the British Isles is also made apparent in this textured work, with detailed fictional portraits of both Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Hal Syntcleir, the knight through whose eyes we see much of the action, is a sympathetic and empathetic hero, a virtuous enough man in a world of plots, assassinations, schemes, violence, rape, pillage and death. There are a lot of deaths in this book, most of them grim and violent.
This is a great holiday read, with enough history to keep more serious readers happy, and enough sex, intrigue, blood and guts for the rest of us.
June 17, 2011
This is one of those marmite books - you either love it, or you hate it. My partner is in the latter category, but I am deeply, strongly, utterly in the former. I've always liked Rob Low's work - his Oathsworn Viking series was a fantastic read from start to finish - but this takes his writing to a whole new level of interest, depth of character and outstanding literacy. There's a lot of Scots vernacular in it, but nothing that's incomprehensible and the story of the border wars between Scotland and England, leading up to the battles at which William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were first victorious and then defeated - are glorious. Well worth a read, make room on your bookshelves for this one.
March 15, 2012
I stopped reading it after 20 pages.
September 23, 2017
This is an excellent fictionalized history of the William Wallace-Bruce period in Scottish history. The Lion Wakes begins the trilogy with some of the conflict with Edward Longshanks.
February 2, 2025
nation will fight for its freedom.
The first novel in a major new series as Robert Low moves from the Vikings to the making of Scotland.
In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.
Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.
Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.
When the lion wakes, everyone must fear its fangs…
Review:
So far the best historical fiction that has during medieval times. Before reading this book, I already had a little knowledge about the war between Scotland and England. I thought the story was about William Wallace who led the rebellion against England but it's not. I love the fight scenes in this book, especially when Hal fought this night. I love the Scottish characters. A wonderful experience and of one of the best of Robert Low's novels.
The 3 battles are well written and brutal.
The first novel in a major new series as Robert Low moves from the Vikings to the making of Scotland.
In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.
Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.
Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.
When the lion wakes, everyone must fear its fangs…
Review:
So far the best historical fiction that has during medieval times. Before reading this book, I already had a little knowledge about the war between Scotland and England. I thought the story was about William Wallace who led the rebellion against England but it's not. I love the fight scenes in this book, especially when Hal fought this night. I love the Scottish characters. A wonderful experience and of one of the best of Robert Low's novels.
The 3 battles are well written and brutal.
October 7, 2017
Well! Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its initial promise for our group, and at least 4 people couldn't finish it. Having said that, it's a great story set during the events leading up to the Scottish Wars of Independence, there's an intriguing sub-plot, and some of the characters are very interesting. We all found the first chapter very hard to get through, and the narrative structure unnecessarily complicated, not helped by the sprinkling of Scots and Gaelic. The author was making us work too hard. Apart from Wallace himself, there are only two characters, Hal and Dogboy, with whom we felt any sympathy, and they often weren't to the forefront of the action. However, we agreed that he did bring the period to life, the filth, the poverty, the constant struggle, the fragility of life, and the political deviousness. No-one, apart from Wallace, seems to care what happens to Scotland, only about what is in it for themselves. Bruce doesn't come out of it particularly well. There are another two books in the trilogy but none of us thought we would read them.
October 21, 2017
I'm not sure what it was about this book that I didn't like, but it just didn't grab me. It's a subject I'm very interested in but none of the characters endeared me and it's all stuff I've read about before. There was nothing new in this book and the telling didn't make me want to read something I already know plenty about. I'm still considering the second book in the series but I'm not sure I'll retain much of this first book.
February 4, 2021
The story told is intriguing and moves at pace, however it can sometimes be difficult to understand what is going on. The dialogue isn't clearly laid out so it may sometimes be unclear who is speaking, it is written almost like a TV script; it's missing the visual element to allow you to fully understand what is happening.
The story and primary characters however are interesting enough to keep the interest.
The story and primary characters however are interesting enough to keep the interest.
September 4, 2021
Very good read. Well researched and a gripping account of the times. The only negative thing I can say is that some parts were hard to follow. Mr Low writes in the language of the Scots at times but that didn't discourage me from reading the book and l am still looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 13, 2018
Fantastic retelling of a familiar tale. Loved the Scots dialect. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 17, 2022
Highly recommended
October 26, 2018
Utterly confusing, impossible to follow the story. The main plot is buried under a ton of scottish slang, scores of names of places and people that have no bearing on the story, and secondary characters with barely a line of dialogue.
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