Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent book and Braveheart, the film by Mel Gibson though mired in historical inaccuracies is still a remarkable companion to view and to read with this book and also the book by James Mackay "William Wallace" which is a more scholarly treatment of an outstanding hero of Scottish Independence. Alba Gu Brath.

Scotland's Hero, 06 Sep 2006
This is a story based on the life of William Wallace the hero of Scotland. It is a story of how one man stood against the English king,his appointed leaders in Scotland and all they stood for.It is not a history book.If you want historical fact then go to a reference library. If you want to be entertained by a historical novel based on fact, but not always accurate, then read this book.It is a good read and even better if you happen to be Scottish.

I can highly recommend this book, 28 Sep 2000
For anyone interested in gettinga real feel for the period and the man. It isn't likely to be 100 percent on the nail since like most histories of the period it depends on large tablespoons of myth to fill out what bare bones of fact exist. That being said it is much more accurate in its interpretation of history than Randall Wallaces 'Braveheart'. ( And tho Tranter tends to ramble on a bit here and there, this bookis also better written and characterised. (Oh and it also gets the names of all the main cahracters correct)

Historical innacuracy!, 25 Apr 2000
An earlier reviewer praises this book for its depiction of a Scotland whose nobles are 'at war with each other'. This however typifies the problem with this book - its view of the period is at worst based on myth and is at best outadted. There are few who would now dispute that the nobility took a prominent role in the wars with England even in the time of Wallace, who could hardly have operated without at least the tacit support of his feudal Lord, the Stewart. Wallace was hardly a 'common man', but a minor member of the aristocracy. Even so, the book is considerably more accurate than the film starring Mel Gibson!

Forget "braveheart" Wallace was 6'7 Mel 's nae big nuff !, 08 Mar 1999
The Wallace is an excellent book.It is hard to beleive Scotland survived as a country with all it's nobles warring amongst one another.It took a common "Bravehearted" man like Wallace to show them all including 'The Bruce" how it,s done.Amust read for any scotsman,Not as good as "Bruce Trilogy" but very,very,good

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent book and Braveheart, the film by Mel Gibson though mired in historical inaccuracies is still a remarkable companion to view and to read with this book and also the book by James Mackay "William Wallace" which is a more scholarly treatment of an outstanding hero of Scottish Independence. Alba Gu Brath.

Scotland's Hero, 06 Sep 2006
This is a story based on the life of William Wallace the hero of Scotland. It is a story of how one man stood against the English king,his appointed leaders in Scotland and all they stood for.It is not a history book.If you want historical fact then go to a reference library. If you want to be entertained by a historical novel based on fact, but not always accurate, then read this book.It is a good read and even better if you happen to be Scottish.

I can highly recommend this book, 28 Sep 2000
For anyone interested in gettinga real feel for the period and the man. It isn't likely to be 100 percent on the nail since like most histories of the period it depends on large tablespoons of myth to fill out what bare bones of fact exist. That being said it is much more accurate in its interpretation of history than Randall Wallaces 'Braveheart'. ( And tho Tranter tends to ramble on a bit here and there, this bookis also better written and characterised. (Oh and it also gets the names of all the main cahracters correct)

Historical innacuracy!, 25 Apr 2000
An earlier reviewer praises this book for its depiction of a Scotland whose nobles are 'at war with each other'. This however typifies the problem with this book - its view of the period is at worst based on myth and is at best outadted. There are few who would now dispute that the nobility took a prominent role in the wars with England even in the time of Wallace, who could hardly have operated without at least the tacit support of his feudal Lord, the Stewart. Wallace was hardly a 'common man', but a minor member of the aristocracy. Even so, the book is considerably more accurate than the film starring Mel Gibson!

Forget "braveheart" Wallace was 6'7 Mel 's nae big nuff !, 08 Mar 1999
The Wallace is an excellent book.It is hard to beleive Scotland survived as a country with all it's nobles warring amongst one another.It took a common "Bravehearted" man like Wallace to show them all including 'The Bruce" how it,s done.Amust read for any scotsman,Not as good as "Bruce Trilogy" but very,very,good

Excellent - have read again and again, 09 Feb 2002
This is a wonderful story of the town of Berwick and how the community overcomes predjudice and unfair laws to gain what is rightfully theirs - ie the right to fish for salmon off the coast of Berwick. A bit of a love story add to the pleasure of reading this 'happy ending' book. Nice to see good triumph over evil on this old fashioned 'yarn'.

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent book and Braveheart, the film by Mel Gibson though mired in historical inaccuracies is still a remarkable companion to view and to read with this book and also the book by James Mackay "William Wallace" which is a more scholarly treatment of an outstanding hero of Scottish Independence. Alba Gu Brath.

Scotland's Hero, 06 Sep 2006
This is a story based on the life of William Wallace the hero of Scotland. It is a story of how one man stood against the English king,his appointed leaders in Scotland and all they stood for.It is not a history book.If you want historical fact then go to a reference library. If you want to be entertained by a historical novel based on fact, but not always accurate, then read this book.It is a good read and even better if you happen to be Scottish.

I can highly recommend this book, 28 Sep 2000
For anyone interested in gettinga real feel for the period and the man. It isn't likely to be 100 percent on the nail since like most histories of the period it depends on large tablespoons of myth to fill out what bare bones of fact exist. That being said it is much more accurate in its interpretation of history than Randall Wallaces 'Braveheart'. ( And tho Tranter tends to ramble on a bit here and there, this bookis also better written and characterised. (Oh and it also gets the names of all the main cahracters correct)

Historical innacuracy!, 25 Apr 2000
An earlier reviewer praises this book for its depiction of a Scotland whose nobles are 'at war with each other'. This however typifies the problem with this book - its view of the period is at worst based on myth and is at best outadted. There are few who would now dispute that the nobility took a prominent role in the wars with England even in the time of Wallace, who could hardly have operated without at least the tacit support of his feudal Lord, the Stewart. Wallace was hardly a 'common man', but a minor member of the aristocracy. Even so, the book is considerably more accurate than the film starring Mel Gibson!

Forget "braveheart" Wallace was 6'7 Mel 's nae big nuff !, 08 Mar 1999
The Wallace is an excellent book.It is hard to beleive Scotland survived as a country with all it's nobles warring amongst one another.It took a common "Bravehearted" man like Wallace to show them all including 'The Bruce" how it,s done.Amust read for any scotsman,Not as good as "Bruce Trilogy" but very,very,good

Excellent - have read again and again, 09 Feb 2002
This is a wonderful story of the town of Berwick and how the community overcomes predjudice and unfair laws to gain what is rightfully theirs - ie the right to fish for salmon off the coast of Berwick. A bit of a love story add to the pleasure of reading this 'happy ending' book. Nice to see good triumph over evil on this old fashioned 'yarn'.

the pen is mightier than the sword, 18 Sep 2003
A story of how 'Himself', chief of the clan Macgregor, comes to the attention of the mad genius James VI. The story shows how the honest simplicity of a highlander cannot compete with the sycophantic courtiers and the machiavellian scheming of his more powerful neighbours, the Campbells. The tragic ending for the Clan MacGregor perhaps typifies the endemic self-serving instincts of the Scots nobility that has caused much of the troubled history in that sorry kingdom.

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent book and Braveheart, the film by Mel Gibson though mired in historical inaccuracies is still a remarkable companion to view and to read with this book and also the book by James Mackay "William Wallace" which is a more scholarly treatment of an outstanding hero of Scottish Independence. Alba Gu Brath.

Scotland's Hero, 06 Sep 2006
This is a story based on the life of William Wallace the hero of Scotland. It is a story of how one man stood against the English king,his appointed leaders in Scotland and all they stood for.It is not a history book.If you want historical fact then go to a reference library. If you want to be entertained by a historical novel based on fact, but not always accurate, then read this book.It is a good read and even better if you happen to be Scottish.

I can highly recommend this book, 28 Sep 2000
For anyone interested in gettinga real feel for the period and the man. It isn't likely to be 100 percent on the nail since like most histories of the period it depends on large tablespoons of myth to fill out what bare bones of fact exist. That being said it is much more accurate in its interpretation of history than Randall Wallaces 'Braveheart'. ( And tho Tranter tends to ramble on a bit here and there, this bookis also better written and characterised. (Oh and it also gets the names of all the main cahracters correct)

Historical innacuracy!, 25 Apr 2000
An earlier reviewer praises this book for its depiction of a Scotland whose nobles are 'at war with each other'. This however typifies the problem with this book - its view of the period is at worst based on myth and is at best outadted. There are few who would now dispute that the nobility took a prominent role in the wars with England even in the time of Wallace, who could hardly have operated without at least the tacit support of his feudal Lord, the Stewart. Wallace was hardly a 'common man', but a minor member of the aristocracy. Even so, the book is considerably more accurate than the film starring Mel Gibson!

Forget "braveheart" Wallace was 6'7 Mel 's nae big nuff !, 08 Mar 1999
The Wallace is an excellent book.It is hard to beleive Scotland survived as a country with all it's nobles warring amongst one another.It took a common "Bravehearted" man like Wallace to show them all including 'The Bruce" how it,s done.Amust read for any scotsman,Not as good as "Bruce Trilogy" but very,very,good

Excellent - have read again and again, 09 Feb 2002
This is a wonderful story of the town of Berwick and how the community overcomes predjudice and unfair laws to gain what is rightfully theirs - ie the right to fish for salmon off the coast of Berwick. A bit of a love story add to the pleasure of reading this 'happy ending' book. Nice to see good triumph over evil on this old fashioned 'yarn'.

the pen is mightier than the sword, 18 Sep 2003
A story of how 'Himself', chief of the clan Macgregor, comes to the attention of the mad genius James VI. The story shows how the honest simplicity of a highlander cannot compete with the sycophantic courtiers and the machiavellian scheming of his more powerful neighbours, the Campbells. The tragic ending for the Clan MacGregor perhaps typifies the endemic self-serving instincts of the Scots nobility that has caused much of the troubled history in that sorry kingdom.

The 'Young Pretender' is put to his ultimate test of courage, 03 Dec 2001
Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape from Culloden was not so much, 'over the sea to Skye' with Flora MacDonald, as a tale of the Young Pretender's belief in a nation and that nation's belief in him in his attempt to escape back to France. The clans, who fought at Culloden, had managed their escape and dispersed into the Highlands. Tranter then takes the reader on a mighty journey, detailing events as they unfurled, across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

I should add that a map of the area makes the reading all the more interesting.

His all-too-familiar decriptive passages reach new heights as we sail across stormy seas from one familiar named island to the next, tensions mounting as the enemy closes in and then escaping once more, back to mainland Scotland and Charle's beloved highlands and glens of western Scotland, even as far as the Great Glen, thus affecting Charle's escape from whence he arrived, and his English enemies.

And yet, not once did any one of his Scottish clans deliver him to his enemies for the huge reward of English silver - worth millions by today's value.

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent book and Braveheart, the film by Mel Gibson though mired in historical inaccuracies is still a remarkable companion to view and to read with this book and also the book by James Mackay "William Wallace" which is a more scholarly treatment of an outstanding hero of Scottish Independence. Alba Gu Brath.

Scotland's Hero, 06 Sep 2006
This is a story based on the life of William Wallace the hero of Scotland. It is a story of how one man stood against the English king,his appointed leaders in Scotland and all they stood for.It is not a history book.If you want historical fact then go to a reference library. If you want to be entertained by a historical novel based on fact, but not always accurate, then read this book.It is a good read and even better if you happen to be Scottish.

I can highly recommend this book, 28 Sep 2000
For anyone interested in gettinga real feel for the period and the man. It isn't likely to be 100 percent on the nail since like most histories of the period it depends on large tablespoons of myth to fill out what bare bones of fact exist. That being said it is much more accurate in its interpretation of history than Randall Wallaces 'Braveheart'. ( And tho Tranter tends to ramble on a bit here and there, this bookis also better written and characterised. (Oh and it also gets the names of all the main cahracters correct)

Historical innacuracy!, 25 Apr 2000
An earlier reviewer praises this book for its depiction of a Scotland whose nobles are 'at war with each other'. This however typifies the problem with this book - its view of the period is at worst based on myth and is at best outadted. There are few who would now dispute that the nobility took a prominent role in the wars with England even in the time of Wallace, who could hardly have operated without at least the tacit support of his feudal Lord, the Stewart. Wallace was hardly a 'common man', but a minor member of the aristocracy. Even so, the book is considerably more accurate than the film starring Mel Gibson!

Forget "braveheart" Wallace was 6'7 Mel 's nae big nuff !, 08 Mar 1999
The Wallace is an excellent book.It is hard to beleive Scotland survived as a country with all it's nobles warring amongst one another.It took a common "Bravehearted" man like Wallace to show them all including 'The Bruce" how it,s done.Amust read for any scotsman,Not as good as "Bruce Trilogy" but very,very,good

Excellent - have read again and again, 09 Feb 2002
This is a wonderful story of the town of Berwick and how the community overcomes predjudice and unfair laws to gain what is rightfully theirs - ie the right to fish for salmon off the coast of Berwick. A bit of a love story add to the pleasure of reading this 'happy ending' book. Nice to see good triumph over evil on this old fashioned 'yarn'.

the pen is mightier than the sword, 18 Sep 2003
A story of how 'Himself', chief of the clan Macgregor, comes to the attention of the mad genius James VI. The story shows how the honest simplicity of a highlander cannot compete with the sycophantic courtiers and the machiavellian scheming of his more powerful neighbours, the Campbells. The tragic ending for the Clan MacGregor perhaps typifies the endemic self-serving instincts of the Scots nobility that has caused much of the troubled history in that sorry kingdom.

The 'Young Pretender' is put to his ultimate test of courage, 03 Dec 2001
Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape from Culloden was not so much, 'over the sea to Skye' with Flora MacDonald, as a tale of the Young Pretender's belief in a nation and that nation's belief in him in his attempt to escape back to France. The clans, who fought at Culloden, had managed their escape and dispersed into the Highlands. Tranter then takes the reader on a mighty journey, detailing events as they unfurled, across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

I should add that a map of the area makes the reading all the more interesting.

His all-too-familiar decriptive passages reach new heights as we sail across stormy seas from one familiar named island to the next, tensions mounting as the enemy closes in and then escaping once more, back to mainland Scotland and Charle's beloved highlands and glens of western Scotland, even as far as the Great Glen, thus affecting Charle's escape from whence he arrived, and his English enemies.

And yet, not once did any one of his Scottish clans deliver him to his enemies for the huge reward of English silver - worth millions by today's value.

The 'Young Pretender' is put to his ultimate test of courage, 03 Dec 2001
Bonnie Prince Charlie's escape from Culloden was not so much, 'over the sea to Skye' with Flora MacDonald, as a tale of the Young Pretender's belief in a nation and that nation's belief in him in his attempt to escape back to France. The clans, who fought at Culloden, had managed their escape and dispersed into the Highlands. Tranter then takes the reader on a mighty journey, detailing events as they unfurled, across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

I should add that a map of the area makes the reading all the more interesting.

His all-too-familiar decriptive passages reach new heights as we sail across stormy seas from one familiar named island to the next, tensions mounting as the enemy closes in and then escaping once more, back to mainland Scotland and Charle's beloved highlands and glens of western Scotland, even as far as the Great Glen, thus affecting Charle's escape from whence he arrived, and his English enemies.

And yet, not once did any one of his Scottish clans deliver him to his enemies for the huge reward of English silver - worth millions by today's value.

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!, 27 Aug 2007
The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Tranter at his best, 30 Jan 2003
There are many great writers in the field of historical fiction. But there are few storytellers. Storytellers are so much more than a writer. In the Gaelic, they are called seanchaidh and they were the keepers of stories, lore and history of the Clans, the historian, the recorder. When the seanchaidh wove his tales of magick, Auld Gods or warrior-kings of Scotland, he was not recanting something created from his mind; he was passing on oral heritage that was handed down through the ages. Nigel Tranter was a seanchaidh, and he is sadly missed. Yes, he was a highly successful writer, but he was so much more, and in the tradition of old, he wove many tales of Ancient Scotland as few historians could.

And THE BRUCE TRILOGY is Tranter at his best (a wee bit redundant since Tranter was always at his best). Tranter created the three books of the Trilogy to bring forth the tale of Robert Earl of Carrick who went on to become Robert the King, but he does not just tells the story, he brings Bruce alive for you to meet, to understand. He was a young man caught at the centre of Scotland's struggles. It was a separate country from England, having its own kings since the dawn of time, but Edward Plantagenet - called Edward Longshanks because of his great height and long legs - was determined to unite all of Britain. Two men stood in his way: William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Wallace (see Tranter's THE WALLACE) was a shooting star that lit the conscious mind, giving cry to a national identity Scotland often lacked, since Clan ties and oaths were generally put before homage to the King. Wallace created the spark, in common man and noble alike, that Scotland was a country and would never bow down to the English King. By very nature of whom he was, a commoner, Wallace drew Edward's wrath as no noble ever would, so Wallace's pivotal roll in Scotland's struggle to remain free was cut short. It then fell to Bruce save Scotland, a man in his twenties, who not only had to fight his family's role for him, Edward's attempt to bend him and control him while at English court, but ultimately saw him fighting 2/3 of his own Country due the mighty Clan Comyn's determination to put one of their own on the throne. You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story as only Tranter could deliver.

This is a complex history, since Bruce often was seen as serving himself more than Scotland, witnessing him making homage to Edward on four separate occasions. But you learn why Bruce bought his time, played both ends against the middle, and succeeded where Wallace failed. Tranter does not just tell you these events happened, he make you see Bruce the man, not the man who would be king. Tranter opens a door into Scotland's past, and permits you to walk with him, walk with Bruce, not as a historical figure, not a King, but as a man, faults, fears and all.

This is a magick that transcends being a writer, even a very good writer. This is a tale told with wonder, passion and awe by fireside by a seanchaidh.

If you have never read Tranter, I cannot image a better introduction to Scotland's Seanchaidh. Once you read him, you will hungrily devour the rest of his works....

Tranter at his best!!, 14 Sep 2002
This three book set makes Robert the Bruce step off the stale pages of History and become a flesh and blood man. The whole saga is so engrossing I could not put it down.

You feel for Bruce, his loss of his family, the imprisonment of his wife, sister and daughter, jealousy of his brother, and maybe will understand him more as man after reading this. So much power and force behind the man and the story. Tranter wove pure Highland magick in this well crafted and moving tale of true history.

WISE WRITERS AND READERS Recommended Read

Brings the Bruce to life - a Remarkable Acheivement, 14 Dec 2001
I've read this book three times now over the past 5 years, and look forward to reading again! It is an excellent read. Gripping, exciting, compassionate and poignant - it tells the story of the man as well as the hero king and mighty warrior. Nigel Tranter was a remarkable and prolific author and this book is his finest acheivement- he has transported Robert the Bruce from the 14th Century to become a reality to readers in the 21st Century.

Fabulous!, 20 Oct 2001
I have always been intensly interested in the history of my country, and so approached this hefty trilogy with great anticipation. I was most certainly not disappointed.

Nigel Tranter succeeds admirably in bringing the story of Robert I - Scotland's greatest King - to life. Not only is his historical reasearch near flawless, but the book is graced by that indisputable mark of a great storyteller; the reader is wholly absorbed into the world of the Bruce and his friends. Tranter also manages to draw a whole mixture of feelings from his readers - love, hatred, admiration and even that strange mixture of respect and disgust for Edward I that Bruce himself is said to have harboured.

In the past years, Scotland has found it hard to shake off the image of Mel Gibson's "Braveheart". While there is no doubting the role of Sir William Wallace against England, Tranter's view on Robert Bruce is a real tonic to Hollywood's polluted version of the Wars of Independence.

Wallace-Patriot-Hero-Warrior, 30 Aug 2008
Nigel Tranter has done it again-delved into the ancient realm of Scotland's history and written a stirring tale of one of Scotland's greatest heroes, the much loved Willam Wallace.In a day when the realm of Scotland is STILL not recognised in the present Queen's title,in a day when the realm of Scotland is still hamstrung by the rules and regulations of Devolution,however welcome the return of our Parliament and Government in Edinburgh we loyal Scots would do well to remember William Wallace and his tremendous efforts to rid Scotland of that brutal,cunning and ruthless King Edward 1 of England.His story should put strength in our hearts and minds never to rest until we have our freedom and England can be our neighbour and not our oppressor.There are many policies and practices that are presently decreed by Westminster which are not the wish of the body politic in Scotland.Those of us though it be but a hundred (see the Declaration of Arbroath,Scotland's bill of rights) will continue to fight for our right,our ancient right,to find and determine our own future and in so doing by the Grace of God we will continue to honour Scotland and cherish the name of Wallace who did so much for that honourable quest.This is an excellent boo