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Freedom's Sword, a Historical Novel of Scotland
 
 
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Freedom's Sword, a Historical Novel of Scotland [Kindle Edition]

J.R. Tomlin (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews) |
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Product Description

Product Description

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 from the English, 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.


Other Historical Novels from J. R. Tomlin:
A Kingdom's Cost, a Historical Novel of Scotland

Fantasy Novels from J. R. Tomlin & C. R. Daems:
Talon of the Unnamed Goddess, a Fantasy Adventure
Blood Duty, a Fantasy Adventure
Laying the Odds, a Fantasy Adventure
Wings of Evil, a Young Adult Fantasy

Product details

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 511 KB
  • Print Length: 244 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1461004152
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B004RUZPPY
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #15,887 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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More About the Author

J.R. Tomlin
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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Dave
Format:Kindle Edition
- - NO SPOILERS - -

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and especially the medieval times. This story seemed to have an interesting premise, and the price was too good to resist.

It follows the trials and struggle of Andrew de Moray against the English invaders, and as a second POV character Caitrina, the youngest daughter of a lord, destined to become a nun against her will. The character development of Andrew is excellent, and I saw him grow and react to each obstacle life throws at him. The secondary characters are also more than mere cardboard cutouts, and I especially liked Andrew's uncle David.

The plot steadily develops with every chapter, and so does the well-painted picture of Scotland in that tumultuous time. The battle scenes are well-written and exciting. Andrew's resistance gains momentum, the stakes get higher and the reader gets immersed more in the storytelling, caring for the characters. Freedom's Sword ended to soon for me, and that is a clear indication of a great tale.

The writing is a bit rough and rushed at a few spots, and could use a bit more polish. Also, a bit more attention to Caitrina in the first half of the story may have given a bit more balance to the story. But overall, with a bit more attention to (historical) detail, J.R. Tomlin could easily become my one of my favorite authors of historical fiction, next to the likes of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Killie
Format:Kindle Edition
This book follows the life of Sir Andrew de Moray, who was one the Scottish leaders at the battle of Stirling Bridge alongside the more famous William Wallace. The story takes us from the initial English invasion of Scotland, through Andrew's incarceration in an English cell, before he returns and helps to build an army to re-take Scotland and defeat the English at Stirling. If you have seen the movie Braveheart or know your Scottish History then you should already know the basic premise to be honest.

It mixes historical fact and fiction well and is quite simply, a very enjoyable and entertaining read. It captures the feeling of the age and the location well, with the use of Scottish dialect throughout the novel being a nice touch. Andrew and the supporting characters are also all developed enough to make them feel real and believable.

Overall, the story is a great piece of historical fiction, it is entertaining and I don't think anyone who reads it will be disappointed.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:  29 reviews
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Fine Historical Fiction 23 Mar 2011
By Laura Lond - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
Year 1296. Andrew de Moray, newly knighted by John Balliol, the Scottish King, is excited to go to his first battle. He is not afraid as he stands next to his father, surveying the long lines of the English army. The enemy is many, but their own forces are numerous as well; the Scots are confident they can win. The English seem to know it, too. In fact, it doesn't look like they want to fight.

Alas, the retreat of the English turns out to be a trap. As the Scots rush into pursuit, they are surrounded, their army is crushed, and the battle of Dunbar is lost. Andrew is among a few survivors. He endures a long, painful journey in shackles, beatings, and the humiliation of seeing the king of Scots stripped of his crown and forced to plead for his men's lives. Before Andrew is locked alone in a dungeon, his weakened father commands him to continue to fight the English.

Andrew vows the same -- if he can survive the cold, pitch black dungeon where he loses track of time. He is hurting and nearly starved; his captors reveal nothing of their intentions, his questions are only answered with blows. It's a miracle that Andrew manages to escape, taking yet another injury in the process. He returns to Scotland and seeks his uncle's aid to fight for the freedom of their land, impossible as it sounds. Seven men, also other survivors of the battle of Dunbar, join Andrew. His forces grow slowly but steadily after each daring victory, each Scottish castle retaken from the English.

Freedom's Sword is a fine work of historical fiction, genuine and well-written. I have learned from reading an interview with J.R. Tomlin, the author, that she knows Scotland not only from research, and it shows in the book -- in the beautiful descriptions of scenery, for example, or nuances of the language. Andrew is very real, believable in his journey from a thrilled youth to a seasoned warrior. War is never pretty, when truthfully portrayed, and this novel does have its share of violence, blood, pain, and cruelty. It is neither graphic nor relished; it is there because the story demands it.

I've noticed several typos, minor things like "horses" instead of "horse's" or a repeated word -- something that probably wouldn't bother most readers. Overall, I would describe Freedom's Sword as a serious, well done historical novel and recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Wonderful read about a key period in Scottish history 22 Mar 2011
By mdgarnett - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
Freedom's Sword is a highly readable, well researched book that relates the background behind the English invasion of Scotland at the end of the 13th century and sets the scene for England's defeat at the battle of Stirling Bridge. By crafting a personal story around Andrew Moray and other Scottish patriots like Robert Bruce and William Wallace, the author takes the accepted facts and gives you a perspective that is hard to get from a history book.

If you like historical fiction, you'll like this book. The characters are developed enough to draw you into their lives. Historical "purists" shouldn't find the fiction distracting as the author adhers to the facts very carefully. I began the book on a plane and found myself wishing the flight was a little longer so I could finish it in one read.

The book begins what I think will be a trilogy however it reads well completely on its own and will not leave you mid-story waiting for the next installment.
24 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Historical Fiction 25 Mar 2011
By Dawnofday - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
I started this novel with a lot of trepidation. I know this author has written fantasy in the past so I didn't have a lot of hope for him doing good historical fiction. And I'm picky, especially when it comes to fiction set in Scotland since I happen to come from Scotland, born and bred, so I didn't expect much.

I got a surprise.

This is one of the best pieces of historical fiction I've read. It is well-written, entertaining and historically accurate. The characters are believable and you learn enough about them to like them and root for them. Although the main character, Andrew de Moray, rightfully gets most of the attention as he is fighting for Scotland's very existance, there is also a strong female character with several chapters from her point of view. One of the things I liked is that although she is strong and independent, it is in a way that is very believable for a woman of her time rather than a modern woman stuck in a medieval dress, as one so often sees.

The story is bloody and violent at times and this isn't glossed over, but it isn't dwelt on more than necessary either. The same with the love interest. It is there. It is part of what happened, but it's not the focus of the story. The focus is their growth and maturing as they struggle under the most desperate circumstances to not only survive but to do what honour requires.

The writing is solid and even poetic at time. I can't say he writes as well as say Hilary Mantel, but I really don't fault that either. I suppose one thing that bothered me a bit was the American spelling which always seems wrong to me in a novel set in Scotland, but that may be nitpicking. I noticed a couple of typos that were missed in the edit, but there again, I have seen much, much worse.

So this novel was a happy surprise and one I recommend. I wish I could give it only 4 stars because all 5 star reviews seem a bit suspicious, but this one earned that 5th star.
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Appendices: 1. Historical Notes &quote;
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3. Map of Castle Locations &quote;
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Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Kingdoms-Cost-ebook/dp/B004YKVXR6 &quote;
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