Looking forward to part 2

Really enjoyed the story. This is a period of history that I do not know much about. Very well written and narrated. More of the same please!

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent history

I have read Robyn Young's series on the Templars, with rather mixed feelings, as she can be very wordy, so I thought I would try her new novel as a talking book.
The book is set in the period of Edward I, 'The Hammer of the Scots', and deals with the quelling of insurrection in Wales, and in Scotland. (Edward was inclined to feel that Scotland should not be an independent kingdom). It is a time when Scottish lords were often Norman barons, owning lands in Scotland and England, with very divided loyalties. It is the period of King John Baliol, William Wallace and the main character of this book, Robert the Bruce.
It moves backwards and forwards in time to explain the development of the situation, and this can at times be confusing, but as you get into the book, this becomes clearer.
The gore is not spared! This was a time when the north of England was left as a wasteland-a scorched eart policy with a vengeance. It isn't how one thinks of 'chivalrous knights'. After the battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace ordered 'No quarter', and the English were horrified to find this meant that the knights weren't spared for ransom as was usual. Yet this was done to avenge the thousands of civilians Edward had ordered killed when Berwick was taken.
The development of the character of Robert the Bruce from a lad, at odds with his father, is well drawn. He has a claim to the Scots throne through his descent from Malcolm Canmore, but other than feeling aggrieved that Edward supports Baliol, does not see for a long time that he is failing in his duty by not supporting Scottish independence.
It is a thought provoking book about a period that is little known to English readers, although I seem to have read quite a bit over the years as I live in this 'debateable land'
Nick McArdle does a wonderful job as the narrator-very important when you are listening for over 20 hours.

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12 people found this helpful

Enjoyed the story.

Found the narrator a bit boring when he read this great story. However like normal a great historical novel a good book all round. I will listen to the second book.

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Loved this, 5 Stars

An absolutely fantastic listen. Filled in the details of some of Scotlands most historic characters and weaved it together in a gripping tale of honour, skullduggery and heroic acts. The battles and politics behind them truly gripping.

A who’s who of historical British legends and sets the scene of the great Scottish wars of independence. William Wallace added depth and weight to the narrative

For Scotland & King Robert

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Amazing!!

Since listening to the first book three or four years ago I have been waiting eagerly for the final instalment of this trilogy. I enjoyed books one and two so much I was a little apprehensive that book three wouldnt live upto my expectations. I was wrong to worry!!

It starts off with the same pace and energy that book two finished on making it very hard to put down! Its clear that Robyn Young has researched the true events in great detail and this, mixed with her fictional writing, make this a masterpiece.

We all know how the story ends but its the way in which we are led to them that makes this book what it is. With fighting across Britain and forces outside of both King Edward and Bruce's control, the pace and momentum throughout the book continues to grow until both sides meet in one place. Bannockburn, where we encounter a bloody and savage end to a thrilling trilogy.

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1 person found this helpful

Gripping story of nations

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although a long one it was very easy to get through as the narrator brings the characters alive and the story has many twists and turns.

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Robert The Bruce

This is the beginning of Robert The Bruce’s story! It’s exciting while being informative. There are though a lot of different people to remember. I thought the narrator fitted the story too. Looking forward to the next instalment.

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could not bring myself to listen to 1 more min

Has Insurrection put you off other books in this genre?

No, I have listened to a lot of historical novels, it usually is one of my favourite genres: that's why it it was so disappointing

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Nick McArdle?

Ric Jerrom

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

maybe the series develops and that was my hope, but after making myself listen for a few more hours I just got so bored with it and put off by the narration

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