Review: The Douglas Bastard by J R Tomlin
Today, I'm thrilled to share my review for The Douglas Bastard, a Scottish historical fiction novel about Archibald the Grim, by J R Tomlin. I've wanted to read this series about the illegimite son of The Good Sir James Douglas for years, and I'm glad I'm finally getting around to it.
It's currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Check out all the other fascinating posts here.
The Douglas Bastard is the first in this trilogy about Archibald Douglas, also called Archibald the Grim, bastard son of Sir James Douglas, the fighting companion and loyal friend of King Robert the Bruce.
In Archie, the author has created a wonderful character of his time. Brave, cocky, a fast learner, always listening in the background to political shenanigans and plots, Archie grows up in a harsh, dangerous environment. Often, he joins Sir William on forays to relieve castles of their English garrisons, and on attacks into the north of England where he tends to cause trouble for his lord.
Blurb:
Young Archibald, the Black Douglas’s bastard son, returns from exile to a Scotland ravaged by war. The war-hardened Knight of Liddesdale will teach him what he must learn.
And with danger on every side, he must learn to sleep with one eye open and a claymore in his hand because even their closest ally may betray them...
Buy Links:
The Douglas Bastard
International Buy Link
Amazon UK
It's currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Check out all the other fascinating posts here.
The Douglas Bastard
Archibald the Grim Series
J R Tomlin
The Douglas Bastard is the first in this trilogy about Archibald Douglas, also called Archibald the Grim, bastard son of Sir James Douglas, the fighting companion and loyal friend of King Robert the Bruce.
I've been fascinated by the gripping story of The Black Douglases for decades. A fascinating family that grew in power: bravery in battle, political intrigues, murder plots...
The novel starts in France, at Chateau Gaillard, where David, the Scots King in exile, and his court stay during his years away from Scotland. In his entourage is a young man of illegitimate birth, who has just lost his mother. With Sir James Douglas dead fighting the Moors in Spain, he has become an orphan at not even 10 years of age.
The novel starts in France, at Chateau Gaillard, where David, the Scots King in exile, and his court stay during his years away from Scotland. In his entourage is a young man of illegitimate birth, who has just lost his mother. With Sir James Douglas dead fighting the Moors in Spain, he has become an orphan at not even 10 years of age.
The young David regards Archie as a friend, so he lets him train with the other young boys at court, something Archie relishes. Not for him letters and learning...
When Sir William of Liddesdale arrives, Archie sees his chance at escape and convinces the knight to take him on as squire. To his delight, Sir William agrees, and Archie soon follows him to Scotland, where his training continues. But it doesn't take long until the wilful boy causes trouble, and more than once, Sir William has to show Archie his limits...
In Archie, the author has created a wonderful character of his time. Brave, cocky, a fast learner, always listening in the background to political shenanigans and plots, Archie grows up in a harsh, dangerous environment. Often, he joins Sir William on forays to relieve castles of their English garrisons, and on attacks into the north of England where he tends to cause trouble for his lord.
All the while, Archie learns about the political machinations, the petty jealousies of the Scots lords, and their own ambitions. He's intelligent, and fast to react to situations. And, in my mind, he's very clearly the man Archibald the Grim was in real life. Bold, assertive, somewhat rash.
This first novel is about Archie's teenage years, his growing up at Hermitage castle, finding his feet amongst all the legitimate nobles. He has the confidence to confront anyone who disses his status, claiming (rightly) his descent from one of the great heroes of the first Scottish Wars of Independence.
The narrative can be confusing at times, as we have many repeated first names. They weren't too fussy in those days, so we find several Williams, for example. And the complex nature of Scottish noble families means that many share the same surname. But this doesn't distract too much from Archie's adventures.
The novel gives us a real sense of the medieval setting. The historical research of the era is impeccable, and the author added a note when the story deviates from history. And I must revisit my old copy of The Black Douglases by Michael Brown, a non-fiction history book the author recommends, too.
I really like Archie, and I can't wait to see where the author takes him in Trust and Treason, the next novel in the trilogy.
The Douglas Bastard is a fast-paced, adventurous ride across medieval Scotland, showing her continuing fight for independence from an overbearing neighbour, the determined English King Edward III.
A highly recommended read for readers of authentic historical fiction, and for all those (like me) who love to read about the Scottish fight for freedom.
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Blurb:
Young Archibald, the Black Douglas’s bastard son, returns from exile to a Scotland ravaged by war. The war-hardened Knight of Liddesdale will teach him what he must learn.
And with danger on every side, he must learn to sleep with one eye open and a claymore in his hand because even their closest ally may betray them...
Buy Links:
The Douglas Bastard
International Buy Link
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Amazon AU
Her historical novels are mainly set in Scotland. You can trace her love of that nation to the stories of Robert the Bruce and the Black Douglas that her grandmother read her when she was small and to her hillwalking through the Scottish Cairngorms where the granite mountains have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun.
In addition to having lived in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, mainland Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
Connect with J R:
Website
Google Play
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Archibald The Grim Series
Amazon UK
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Archibald The Grim Series
Amazon UK
Amazon US
About the Author:
J R Tomlin
J R Tomlin is the author of twenty historical novels.
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About the Author:
J R Tomlin
J R Tomlin is the author of twenty historical novels.
Her historical novels are mainly set in Scotland. You can trace her love of that nation to the stories of Robert the Bruce and the Black Douglas that her grandmother read her when she was small and to her hillwalking through the Scottish Cairngorms where the granite mountains have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun.
In addition to having lived in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, mainland Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
Connect with J R:
Website
Thanks for the review!
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