Rebel King: Hammer of the Scots

by Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce

Book Overview

Robert de Brus, scion of one of the most noble houses in Scotland, is propelled into rebellion by the "Hammer of the Scots." Edward Plantagenet, king of England, who uses Scotland's inherently... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0972167412
• ISBN13: 9780972167413
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Bruce & Bruce
• Length: 407 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Book about Robert de Brus

I met the authors at a Highland Festival. They told me about their research and the writing of their books. I decided to buy the book "Hammer of the Scots" and was glad that I did. It is well written and makes the historical events during the time of Robert de Brus come to life.I have not yet read the other two books but I am looking forward to reading them. My husband also enjoyed this book.

Outstanding work on Robert the Bruce and Scotland's War of Independence!

Being of Scottish descent, I bought this book out of curiousity, since there is a dearth of GOOD historical fiction covering King Robert and the Scottish War of Independence. I am most certainly glad that I found this magnificent work! Charles Randolph Bruce and his lovely wife, Carolyn Hale Bruce, have done a truly wonderful job in bringing to life Robert de Brus and his brothers, as well as Thomas Randolph, and James Douglas, along with King Edward I of England and Aymer de Valence, the Earl of Pembroke and a host of others. The authors maintain excellent historical accuracy while providing very moving humanity to the characters. And, the artwork is spectacular! I very highly recommend this book to all those having Scottish ancestry who want to learn more about their heritage, and even if you're not Scottish, if you like GREAT historical fiction, you will love this book!

Fictionalized History - Well Written Story

This book is well written, the characters literally come to life in your mind and you can't put it down. Reading the book becomes an obsession. Treatment of the historical "Hero King" and Scotland's Bravest that come to his side to fight for the free and independant Scotland that they have all hoped for stretches the historical thread to the breaking limit. Robert de Bruce is skillfully developed in the book, while some of his compatriots are dealt with poorly. The Bruces abilities and mental capabilities are kept in a strong historical context, while those who come to his call for aid are treated as if they were much lesser men, men that if he did not have, would prove his end. Well written story of the fabled "Hero King" of Scotland, it deserves a 5-Star rating. A MUST read book.

Why can't I give it six stars?

Incredible. Quite simply incredible. This book is EASILY the next "Braveheart." Reads like a movie: you won't read a single page without gasping, ducking, laughing, or crying. The Bruces did a fantastic job of convincing me that their story is the only one that makes any sense. WARNING: you will NOT read the last page without wishing you already had book two in your hand!

Rebel King does justice to the Hero King

In Rebel King Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce have done a very admirable job in blending fact, and admittedly some myth, into an extremely entertaining story that leaves the reader eager for the next part of the saga. Though the book is a retelling of the story of King Robert the Bruce's struggle to gain the throne of his ancestors, the term "Hammer of the Scots" in the title refers to King Edward I of England, who had the Latin phrase "Malleus Scottorum" posted on his tomb in Westminster Abbey. The reader soon finds out the reason for the inclusion of the phrase in the title; Edward I is the main obstacle in Robert Bruce's quest to become King of Scots and to restore an independent Kingdom of Scotland. The book commences at the beginning of 1306; Edward has set himself up as ruler of Scotland, and his ruthlessness and military power will fall like a hammer upon anyone who opposes him.The Bruce is also known as the "Hero King." His most influential biographer, Archdeacon John Barbour, writing in the 14th Century, described his many heroic exploits, including single-handedly slaying 14 men who had been pursuing his party, and plunging neck deep in a moat to demonstrate to his men that it could be forded. In their novel Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce capture this heroic character well, while at the same time portraying Robert the Bruce as a person who seems real, instead of the cardboard "heroic figure" that lesser writers would have ended up with. The juxtaposition in the novel of the characters of King Edward of England and King Robert of Scotland creates very real tension that gives the reader a sample of the anxiety that must have been felt by Robert the Bruce as he contemplated what would happen to himself and all of his followers if his quest failed. This book, which is planned as the first of four, ends in July, 1307. There is much more to look forward to in future installments, including the Scot's great victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. With Rebel King, Book One: The Hammer of the Scots my kinsman Charles Randolph Bruce and his co-author Carolyn Hale Bruce have presented a workmanlike fictional impression of the life and times of a great national hero. Thomas Allen BruceHigh Commissioner of the Chief of the Name of Bruce