Review: A Kingdom's Cost by J.R. Tomlin

A Kingdom's Cost
by J.R. Tomlin
Historical Fiction
★★★★
received from the author for review via Library Thing member giveaways

This novel is the first book of the Douglas Trilogy. It follows James Douglas, son of Sir William Douglas, Lord of Douglas. Sir William was a supporter of William Wallace, and he sent James to Paris when Edward Longshanks was holding first born sons as hostages. The novel starts with James learning that his father had died while imprisoned in the Tower of London, and James heads back to Scotland and ends up in the service of Bishop Lamberton. The Bishop convinces Douglas to try to pledge allegiance to Edward in hopes of reclaiming the Douglas lands, but Edward rejects his pledge on account of his father.

After the execution of William Wallace the following year, James decided to pledge his allegiance to Robert de Bruce. Bruce was crowned, first by Bishop Lamberton, and again on the following day by Isabella MacDuff, claiming the rights of the Earl of Fife to crown the Scottish King. James Douglas becomes infatuated with Isabella, wife of John Comyn, during their first meeting, and during his subsequent battles and evasions of the English, his thoughts remain with her. Bruce and his supporters face many defeats and setbacks, from defeat at Methven, to the betrayal of his wife, sisters, daughter, and Isabella MacDuff, who were being escorted to safety.

After spending the winter in northern Scotland, James returns to his lands to raise men in support of Bruce. Once there, he meets with Thomas Dickson, a former vassal of his father, and they rally together men to first conduct a surprise Clifford's men (Clifford being awarded the Douglas land when William was imprisoned). The incident became known as the Douglas Larder, because the captured English were executed and placed in the cellar with remaining stores and the castle set on fire. The novel ends up with the Battle of Loudoun Hill, and its aftermath.


Earlier in the year I had review Tomlin's Freedom's Sword, which was set a few years earlier than the events in this book. My biggest comment on that was that it was so battle focused, and that it would have been nice to have more of Moray's personal life explored to balance out the military life. I do not have the same feelings on A Kingdom's Cost. Between James's relationship with Isabella, and later with Alycie Dickson, there is a nice balance between the military and personal aspects of James's life. This had the same quick pace as the other novel. This also has the good battle descriptions, which are descriptive enough to be able to picture the battles, but not in so great a detail that might turn off some readers. I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking forward to the second installment.

Review: Freedom's Sword by J.R. Tomlin

I recieved this e-book from the author in return for a review. Thank you!

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Before William Wallace... before Robert the Bruce... there was another Scottish hero...

In 1296, newly knighted by the King of the Scots, Andrew de Moray fights to defend his country against the forces of the ruthless invader, King Edward Longshanks of England. After a bloody defeat in battle, he is dragged in chains to an English dungeon.

Soon the young knight escapes. He returns to find Scotland under the heel of a conqueror and his betrothed sheltering in the hills of the Black Isle.

Seizing his own castle, he raises the banner of Scottish freedom. Now he must lead the north of Scotland to rebellion in hope of defeating the English army sent to crush them.

Thoughts:
This novel is first and foremost, about Andrew Moray's brief military career, from just before the Battle of Dunbar through his death resulting from the the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Andrew is captured after the English victory at Dunbar, and imprisoned for a time at Chester but eventual manufactured his own escape although he is wounded doing so. He manages to reach his father's lands up in northern Scotland and rallys some of his fathers men who were able to escape after Dunbar. They begin with dealing out retribution on the English occupying Scottish castles, beginning with Moray's own. The vast majority of the novel focuses on Moray's battle experiences and the aftermath, from imprisonment to injury, recovery and planning. Battle scenes are descriptive, even the time devoted to them isn't terribly long, so the reader gets a good picture of what happens during the fighting.

We also meet Caitrina, younger daughter of the Lord of Avoch Castle, one whose lands neighbors that of Moray's. A bit rebellious and not that adept at some of the standard skills befitting a lady, so does not wish to willingly accept her destiny of becoming a nun. She was not in the castle when the English captured it, so she escaped the ill treatment her sister experienced. Afterwards, the sisters and their mother hide in a village outside of Avoch Castle, until Moray recaptures his home and welcomes the ladies to stay with him. She is the only major and for the most part, fictional character according to the author's note. I really liked Caitrina- she has a somewhat modern personality, although it is not so modern that it clashes with the medieval story.

It is a faced paced read, and keeps moving fairly well. It didn't bog down at the battle scenes, as some books who also deal with war can for me. The only thing I would have liked to see was a bit more about Andrew's domestic life to provide a bit of balance to all the scenes in battle, prison or working with his troops. It was a nice, quick introduction to a Scottish hero who has been outshined in history by William Wallace.

I gave this 4 Stars