Bannok Burn

by Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce

Book Overview

The rebellion continues... By 1314, Robert the Brus has waged a guerrilla-style war for eight long years to regain Scotland's independence from England. During that time, he recaptured Scottish... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0972167463
• ISBN13: 9780972167468
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Bruce & Bruce
• Length: 513 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

3rd Times the charm.

Book 3 of the historical fiction Rebel King series chronicling the life of the Bruce was incredible. After reading the first 2 books this one packs the knock out punch. Charles and Carolyn Bruce keep the bar set high and continue to surpass it. The character development of both the English noble and Scots is wonderful. You feel what they feel, you see and hear what they see and hear. They are real. Book 3 picks up in 1310 as Bruce recollects himself and tries to firm up his place over the English supporting Scottish lords. He has all but mastered Scotland except for the English garrisoned castles in the interregnum left by the death of Edward I and the face off between the English nobles against Edward II and his favorite Piers Gaveston. We see this resolved over the course of a few years then the last half of the book is taken up by the few weeks leading up to and including the battle of Bannock Burn in which the last English garrisoned castle of Stirling and ultimately the freedom of Scotland hangs in the balance. Charles and Carolyn Bruce present their amazing ancestor and most of the famous Scottish and English historical figures in vivid detail. Even Sir John Comyn, the son of the slain Red Comyn is portrayed and given more attention than the usual footnote in history books. The battle, emotion and drama were intense and kept me up until the wee hours of the morning. I just can't say enough. I really enjoyed this book. It has enough historical base to be believable and enjoyed by a student of Scottish history yet the detail brings it all to life and provides true entertainment. A pleasure to read. The only thing I do not like is that I have to wait a while for them to write the next book.

Should be required reading before attending one of the Scottish Festivals.

For the non Scot the ability to understand just even a small part of the feisty loyalty of the Scot to the ancient warring clans will make a large contribution to their ability to enjoy a caleigh. My first such event was a source of confusion as I did not comprehend from where all the clan pride and pomp originated from. It was obvious that I needed to know more before I even joined in the second such a session. Now many years later I continue to seek out knowledge from where the fierce loyalty stems from. The series on Robert de Brus provides an enjoyable look in to one of the Scottish historical personages and events that have marked history for centuries. It will continue to so mark history for centuries more and I can recommend all the Rebel King series for the non Scot as well as those of Scottish heritage.

Absolutely Fabulous

I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the series. Excellent character development. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Awesome battle scenes bring you right to the battles of Bannock Burn, you can almost smell the battlefield!

A True Masterpiece; Outstanding Work by Wondeful Authors!!!

I've just finished reading this third book in Charles Randolph & Carolyn Hale Bruces' "Rebel King" trilogy. I am at a loss for the proper words to describe this great work! The authors have brought to life King Robert de Brus and his courage, fortitude, and committment to independence for Scotland. The authors' description of the battle which gained Scotland independence from the English is totally accurate in the historical sense, while giving the reader insight into the character of King Robert, James Douglas, Thomas Randolph, Andrew Stewart, and many others of the brave Scots who fought & died that Scotland might be freed from the yoke of English tyranny & oppression. The authors also provide, in my humble opinion, very accurate portrayals of England's King Edward II, Hugh le Despenser, the Earls Of Lancaster, Hereford, Clare, and the other main players on the English side. The description of events leading up to the battle are true to life and form. The battle itself is described in very accurate historical detail, and vividly portrays how King Robert and his close advisors planned and executed the scenario whereby a small (in relative terms) army of patriotic Scots defeated in detail an overwhelming (but ineptly & arrogantly led) English army. This is a truly wonderful book, in a magnificent series detailing the life & times of Scotland's greatest leader and patriot. I now feel at a loss, I wish the story hadn't ended!! Being of Scottish descent, I had dreamt my whole life that someday a truly great writer would tell this story. The Bruces have done so, and the maps & artwork accompanying the narrative are excellent. I very highly recommend this outstanding work to anyone who likes historical fiction (although the "fiction" is that minimal amount necessary to provide dialogue amongst the characters; all the rest is history and so very true!) and particularly those, like myself, who have Scottish bloodlines (Robertson on my mother's side) and want to learn more about their forebears. It's too bad there's not a "10 star" rating...I would certainly give it to this book in particular and to the entire "Rebel King" series by these incredibly gifted authors! I certainly hope that Charles & Carolyn continue to produce MORE of their magnificent work on the history of Scotland. I would love to see them do a work (or a set) on the life of James "The Black" Douglas!!! I know it would be as great as this book and series is...truly magnificent reading at it's best. Once you start the story, you cannot(at least I couldn't) put the book down!