Review: On a Sword's Edge by J R Tomlin
Today, I'm delighted to welcome back Scots author, J R Tomlin. I'll be sharing my review of her riveting new medieval adventure, On a Sword's Edge. Well worth checking out!
On a Sword's Edge is currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Check out all the other fascinating tour stops HERE!
On a Sword’s Edge
The Swords of Scotland
by J R Tomlin
I'm always thrilled to find well-told stories set in medieval Scotland, and On a Sword's Edge does not disappoint. Set during a lesser-known era – during the last attempted invasion by the Norse on the western coast – it brings to life an time of a kingdom coming into its own, a couple of decades before the far more famous Scottish Wars of Independence.
The novel is told through the eyes of young William of Douglas. He would later be known as 'le Hardi' – 'the Bold'. However, many readers will be aware of him as the father of 'good Sir James'. An oversight, as he was a remarkable character!
The story begins with young William serving as a squire in the household of Sir John Stewart, the High Lord Steward of Scotland. A typical teenage boy, his head is full of imagined adventures and battles, where he sees himself victorious. Keen to please his lord – all the while trying to avoid the sharp tongue of his lord's lady wife – he fulfills his duties well.
A boisterous youth full of energy, William listens out for news of a Norse army arriving on Scotland's western shores. His impatience to do battle is endearing, as one can easily imagine a young squire wanting to earn a reputation for himself. As the younger son, he has no claim to the family lands in Scotland and England, so he must do well and take opportunities where they arise.
Will the young lad get his chance at battle? And will he earn his spurs? You should read the novel to find out!
On a Sword's Edge is a thrilling ride through high medieval Scotland. I was delighted to find a novel that features the famous Battle of Largs – the last attempted invasion by the Norse. King Haakon had set his sights on the lands on the west coast, which King Alexander III of Scots also laid claim to.
In On a Sword's Edge, we follow events that lead to the Battle of Largs, and Alexander's clever political maneuvering makes for intriguing reading. Still only in his early 20s, we see an intelligent king keen to expand the Kingdom of Scotland to encompass the Western Isles and the Isle of Man. But to do that, he'll need allies...
William, meanwhile, follows the news keenly. With his lord being in such a high position at court, young William moves in the top political circles of the day. And whilst he is ambitious and fierce, he is also loyal and fair. He develops his fighting skills well, and, when called up to do battle, he doesn't let his nerves get the better of him.
But at the same time, he discovers the price of war and battle, and he suddenly finds himself unexpectedly in a much favourable position.
One area highlighted in the novel is the issue many nobles had in that era – owning lands both sides of the border. This is a thread that causes continued trouble, as nobles owe fealty to two kings for those lands. A dilemma that culminates in the Wars of Independence, when Edward I of England casts his greedy eyes on the neighbouring kingdom.
On a Sword's Edge is a compelling, riveting adventure, full of historical detail that lets us experience the realities of the time. The author's extensive research shines through, and we are thrown into a world of political intrigues, personal ambitions, and thrilling battles and skirmishes. I studied the era many years ago, and I've always found it fascinating, especially the independent role of the Lordship of the Isles, which gave many Scots kings headaches. Again, a much overlooked aspect in historical fiction, so I'm delighted the Lords of the Isles are featured here.
The author has added a list of historical characters and their roles, as well as a glossary of terms used in the novel. This is handy, especially for those readers less familiar with Scots, Gaelic, or Norse terminology.
A highly recommended read.
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Blurb:
Scotland. 1263. The scent of rain mingles with the smoke of campfires as word spreads: the Norse are coming… As tempers rise between King Alexander and the Norse King Haakon, at the center of it all is sixteen-year-old William Douglas, a squire in service to Sir John Stewart, Lord High Steward of Scotland.
When Haakon's fearsome fleet is espied approaching Scotland's shores, carrying the greatest invasion force the Norse have ever mustered, the dread of battle settles over the land. Summoned to Ayr Castle, William joins the Scottish forces in a desperate defense. Now tasked with serving his newly knighted brother, Hugh, William has little time to dwell on the fear – or thrill – of his first real taste of war.
And once the Norse's menacing line of ships finally touches shore, Scotland's fate may rest on more than noble titles and knightly deeds— it'll take the mettle of every soul on the ground for them to triumph.
Set against the wind-swept coast of medieval Scotland, On a Sword's Edge takes you right into the center of The Battle of Largs alongside a mere – yet fearless – squire.
Get your copy now and join the adventure!
Buy Link: Universal Buy Link
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About the Author:
J R Tomlin
J R Tomlin is the author of more than twenty historical novels, set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of King Robert the Bruce and the Good Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun.
Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and of course, Sir Walter Scott.
When J R isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to having lived in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Connect with J R:
Hi, Thanks so much for the review! All the best, JR
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. A great read!
ReplyDelete