A FEW COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS
Just wanted to thank you for the truly OUTSTANDING
work that you folks have done in writing your books
on Robert the Brus and the Scottish War of
Independence. I’m almost finished with Book 2 "The
Har’ships", and will be lost until I receive the
forthcoming title "Bannok Burn". I cannot remember
reading any stories or histories of Scotland that
I’ve enjoyed more... I’ll say that I cannot properly
put into words my sincere thanks for the splendid
job that you and your lovely wife have done in
bringing Scottish history alive... I have hoped
since I was in my teens... that someone would write
about this period when the "Legends of Scotland"
(Bruce, Wallace, Douglas, et al) lived and in a
manner that was truthful and readable. You have done
this in truly remarkable fashion!!! And, made the
works very entertaining to boot.
Very best to you, Jerry Belew
Know that it will be one of those long nights
because I can't put the book down. ... the artwork
is absolutely stunning. The portraits are so
lifelike.
Wish you the very best of everything and please
continue to write and draw......as my daddy would
say, "well done".
Rita Mckenzie Oster
Excellent book. I particularly like the extended,
but necessary, historical lead-in, to put the connection
between the bulk of the elite Scots and the Norman
descendants into their true perspective. Too many
people do not see the great disparity between the
Highlanders and those in power in the lowlands/border
areas of Scotland. Well done. I look forward to
reading "The Har'ships".
Chuck Farmer
I love the way you write. It sounds like it is as much an
adventure for the writer as the reader... Robert's
near-spiritual connection with Christina is not, to my mind,
to be denied. It has a life of its own ... I'll be quite
eager to find out how it evolves. Christina's edge of
mysticism has interacted intensely with Robert's near
extra-mortal sense of mission. The powerful potential
chemistry boggles the mind.
tcb39
I LOVE the book. Your writing style is very engaging.
You've done a good job of creating tension and putting
the reader 'in the picture' so that we see through the
characters' eyes, hear through the characters' ears, and
feel what they are feeling. I especially love the
combination of factual history told in story form. It
makes it so much more memorable. I'm learning a lot and
having fun doing it!!
Irene
I finally spoke with my dad and he wanted
you to know that he read both books back to back in 4 days.
Said it was one of the most enjoyable stories he had read in
some time and just couldn't put it down. Dad reads a lot and
seldom has he been drawn in to this degree.
As for me, "The Rebel King" series reaches out to
the hearts of those that love Scotland and the cause of
freedom. With characters and events so vividly portrayed, it
is easy to get swept away by the emotion and gives the
reader a sense of belonging to history. It reminds us that
freedom can not be won without total commitment and great
sacrifice. Even those that don't claim Scottish heritage
will be drawn in by these books and will start to look for
ways to become part of the story.
All the best,
Donovan Murray
"What a piece of beautiful literature!! Every word jumps off
the page at the reader. I can visualize the countryside..
smell the beef and gravy steaming in the bowl.. feel the
pride and heart break and determination that our King feels.
I am transported to the midst of it all!!
Thank you from my heart for these splendid works.
Pray tell me.... shall there be another?"
Marge
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As for the second book, loved it, really good read you get
better, if that is possible, each time! I have started
to read it a second time now slowly and more deliberate...
the first time I was too excited. Love how you worked
in Malcolm Maclaine. Mark Maclain
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"...a great read that brings alive a crucial period in
Scotland's history. The Har'ships continues the story of
Robert the Bruce, enriching the reader's appreciation of the
trials of life in the 14th century. Recommended for anyone
interested in Scotland's fight for independence, in the
Bruce, or in the details of this time period in world
history"
Carolyn L. Barkley
Central Librarian, Virginia Beach, VA
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"I have already read the first book. Loved it, could not put
it down. When I saw there was a second I did not hesitate to
order it. Please send, I can't wait. I only hope they make a
movie . It will be great! Thanks. ROBERT BRUCE JR.
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"Having read both of your books, I found them both
fascinating. My wife said that she has never seen me so
engrossed in a book before. My gggggggggrandfather fought
for King Robert so I couldn't put it down till I finished.
My compliments to you both for fine and informative books.
Now we need book 3"
John G.
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"The authors of Rebel King, Book Two, The Har'ships are a
talented pair of writers. This is a continuation of the
story of a small, out-manned, under-armed group of men, who
willingly give life and limb to win back their freedom and
their Scottish kingdom, both stolen by the dreaded King of
England. What is rightfully theirs cannot be denied, and
this husband and wife team has once again published a good
read that you will not want to miss! The book sizzles with
excitement, and you will too!"
- Frank R. Shaw, FSA Scot, The Family Tree
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"...your story telling is excellent and comparable to Mr.
Nigel Tranter..."
F. C.
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I have sold out
of the first book at a recent meeting of the Royal Order of
Scotland. My description must have caught their attention. I
also took a list of our members that purchased one so that I can
let them know when the second and following books are available.
I have received several emails from the people (especially
wives) about how they loved the book and are looking forward to
the next one.
You may consider this a firm order for 30
copies of the next one, as soon as it is available. As before
half paperback, half hardback would be great.
Ron Orr-McGregor
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“...It must have been a daunting task
to set out to compose a novel, which, by definition, must find most
of its value in the entertainment it provides, about such a national
hero. Carolyn and Randolph Bruce have done a very admirable job in
blending fact, and admittedly some myth, into a very entertaining
story that leaves the reader eager for the projected second book.”
Allen Bruce, -High Commissioner of the Chief of the Name of Bruce
-Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
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“...It is a GREAT read. I read at work during my
lunch hour. On a good day I can knock off twenty plus pages. .I
usually keep the book in my locker and I finish when I finish. Not
your book! I took it home on the days I was off. A couple days were
rainy days and any yard work cancelled so I read away my afternoon,
lost in your novel. A new novel, I hate that I have to wait a year
for the next volume. Mark me down now for a copy.”
Ron Bruce
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The best compliment one can pay fiction writers is
that the writers take their readers to and involve them in other
worlds. The Bruces have done it.
Boyd Lucas, -Review in The Wee Harp (Clan Lamont Newsletter)
"I read the book Rebel King - Hammer of the
Scots - all 407 pages of it in three days. Once I got
into the first chapter, I found it difficult to put the book down
and go back to other required callings of the day. As a
"history buff" already familiar with Scottish history, the book made
the historical facts and individuals contained therein more
memorable by surrounding them in a plausible and exciting fictional
story. Other books on similar historical subjects such as
Nigel Tranter's The Bruce Trilogy, while excellent
for students of history, can contain so much historical detail that
the reading can become slow and the historical facts difficult to
piece together by the casual readers.
I can strongly recommend the book to all those who
wish to have a better understanding of the times and the people
that made Scottish history - while enjoying a good story."
From Al Ankrum, National Commander, Scottish
American Military Society
"I enjoyed the book "Hammer of the Scots" very
much. Being one that has to be caught within the first few
sentences, I must say that this book did it. Being Scottish and not
really knowing much of the history, I learned a lot and enjoyed the
story that tied it all together. I am also an avid reader of the
Scottish based stories in Diana Gabaldon's New York Times Bestseller
books but "Hammer of the Scots" was so vivid I actually felt that I
was there. The sketches at the beginning of each chapter gave me
a face to put with a name. This story lives. I hope everyone
interested in Scottish history gets a chance to read this book. I am
looking forward to the next edition of the Rebel King."
From Sonja McCartney
"I finished your book last night; it was wonderful! When
will the next one be available? I can't wait to see what
happens....!"
Susan E. Hamilton (member, Clan Hamilton Society) |
"I'm enjoying the book already!
...Maybe I'm just completely off my nut, or maybe a little biased,
but I thought the book read like a movie: the cerebral scenery was
so intense, and the way you guys welded together such a cohesive
tome from so little available history was really impressive.
Best of luck with the remaining volumes!"
Mark Selkirk,
Scottish history enthusiast
"I was going to clean my
closets, but I started to read your book... the closets can wait."
Nellie Graham Lowry, Clan
Graham genealogist and historian
"As a former SEAL team
platoon commander with several combat tours in Vietnam, I found I
was reliving the actions and emotions of my past while reading the
vivid battle scenes in your manuscript. Congratulations on an
exciting read."
Fred Kochey LCDR,
USN ret
"...You’re hooked from the
first... the pace is intense with no lulls. It has everything in it
that you would want in a novel. My wife wants to know when the next
book is going to be out."
“Rusty” Williams
"... I don’t know where you got
your information from but it has a real sense of being there."
Robert Friedman,
President, Hampton Roads Publishing
"... This would make a great,
great film."
Albert Locatelli,
Art Director, Star Wars
"Best book that I've read since 'Gone with the
Wind"...I love it."
Carol Graham
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