Rebel King: The Har'ships

by Carolyn Hale Bruce and Charles Randolph Bruce

Book Overview

Robert de Brus, having taken up the crown of Scotland to free his nation from English rule, finds that his throne will be but a figment of his imagination unless he brings the anti-Brus Magnates and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0972167439
• ISBN13: 9780972167437
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Bruce & Bruce
• Length: 440 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Historical Fiction at it best!

Transport yourself in time, with this, the second book of the Rebel King series. Historical fiction of Robert de Brus with all the harsh realities of the time, freezing cold, sweat, starvation and blood. The 14th century is real and you live it in the words of these talented authors. You will see the war from as more than a struggle for independence, but also as a struggle between families. See the 14th century as it was and live the struggle of freedom fighters... Rebel King: The Har'Ships is incredible, GET IT! Jeff winner Author of The Strand prophecy.

Another Fantastic chapter of a great Scottish tale.

The second great chapter following on the heels of the first book Hammer of Scots. The Har'ships by Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce maintains an amazing level of action and emotions in the characters of this tale. Although a Historical Fiction account of the rise of Robert the Bruce and Scotland's Independence from England in the early 14th century many of the characters are believable incarnations of the actual men and woman. This book chronicles Bruce as he is able to turn his attention to subduing his rivals in Scotland as England reels from the death of the mighty King Edward I and a new political storm circles his son the new King Edward II and his favorite Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall. Bruce deal with treaties in Argyll and begins his conquest of the Comyn territories in Buchan, his depression and a debilitating illness. His main rival is John Comyn, Earl of Buchan and his Lieutenants who have sided with the English in an attempt to stay in power. I have a personal attachment to the Comyn's and appreciate that they get as much character development as Bruce and his allies. Often the Comyns are vilified and get a short mention in the history of the times. Although often seen as solely about Scottish independence, the war was as much about rival families vying for control. The Comyns just lost the rivalry as they put family before country. But that is another story. Anyways the characters are real and have emotions, strengths and problems that I believe anyone can relate to. As Bruce and his rag tag army slowly free the Scotland and its people from the English yoke, you bleed, sweat, starve and freeze with them. You feel each struggle and savory the victories. Each chapter is crowned with an excellent drawing of these wonderful characters. I have never scene this done before but I absolutely love it. The illustrations are gems in the crown. I am a true Charles and Carolyn Bruce fan and hope you never stop writing these books.

Excellent Book

The second book in the series was as good as the first. After reading this book you will want to read more by this author. The book brings you into part of the story and you feel like you are one of the characters on the story.

Another Truly Magnificent work from the Bruces!!

I wish that there was a "six star" rating...I would certainly give it to this book! Again, Charles Randolph Bruce and Carolyn Hale Bruce have hit the apex in writing about King Robert de Brus and the Scottish War of Independence! I've never read better historical fiction; the authors maintain historical accuracy while having the uncanny ability to bring alive King Robert and the other characters central to this inspiring story. This is the second in their "Rebel King" series, the first being "Hammer of the Scots" (see my review thereof). I just received my copy of the third book in the series, "Bannok Burn", and can't wait to read it! I would that this series could just go on and on, the Bruces are wonderful writers and artists (the artwork is outstanding) and I will be facing a void when there are no more sequels forthcoming. And, being of Scottish descent, I find very little GOOD historical fiction about Scotland, much less magnificent work such as this! If you like GREAT historical fiction, where the characters come to life even better than on screen, you'll love this book (and the entire series).

This is the Real Robert de Brus

As a direct descendant of Robert de Brus, I have read a multitude of books chronicling his prowess on the battlefield and his long difficult journey to the throne of a free Scotland. However, in this book, as in it's predecessor, "The Hammer of the Scots", the authors have done a magnificent job of "fleshing out" the skeletal facts and have provided a very realistic look into the more intimate details of the life of Robert de Brus.Having read both books, I feel as though I've spent some quality time with my ancestor and have walked a mile in his shoes.