The James V Trilogy: "Riven Realm", "James, by the Grace of God", "Rough Wooing" [Paperback]

David Lindsay is the focus of this Tranter trilogy. Another David, another Lindsay, and another juvenile King. In previous novels Tranter has used characters like David Linday (even of that same name) as the point of view character. Life in Scotland is through their eyes. With subtle nudges, and a little knowledge they play a formative role in the raising of these youthful monarchs and as a result strongly influence the course of Scottish history.

In the first book of this trilogy, A Riven Realm, David Lindsay is made procurator of the future James V by his father King James IV shortly before the disaster at Flodden. After the fall of James IV, David does his best to protect the young King from the turmoil and power struggle between Margaret Tudor, The Queen mother and sister of King Henry VIII of England; the Earl of Angus and the Douglas clan; the up and coming Hamiltons; and John Stewart, Duke of Albany, a Frenchman by birth but still Grandson of King James II of Scotland and the ultimate Regent for James V.

Through David challenges he also pursues his love, Kate Lindsay and befriends the ambitious David Beaton, a clerk for the Regent.

In the second book, James, by the Grace of God, James V comes of age, but has been warped by his Mother's manipulations and support of English policy, and the Earl of Angus, who usurps the Regent Albany for control of Scotland and corrupts the young King with alcohol and women. Along with the internal struggles, King Henry VIII continually attempts to assert his domination over his nephew using the age old argument of Lordship of England over Scotland. David recovers from the marriage and subsequent loss of his wife Kate along the way and David Beaton begins his assent in the church as abbot and clerk to his Uncle who is Chancellor and Primate.

In the final book of the trilogy, The Rough Wooing, David marries again to Janet Douglas and together they try to maintain a positive influence on an ever struggling James V through battles with England and the Scottish nobility. David sees the ravaging of the Border Lords and their marches by King James because of the domination of Angus and the Douglas family. The King finally puts down the Douglas faction but they are quickly replaced by the Hamiltons as the new influence behind the throne.

Margaret Tudor and her intrigues are finally subdued. We are then introduced to the Lennox Stewarts, who attempt to replace the Hamiltons. The Border Lords return to power along with the Earls of Huntly and Atholl struggling to keep the Highlands firmly behind the throne. David Lindsay becomes the Lord Lyon, King at Arms and David Beaton ultimately becomes the Primate of the Scottish church and keeps Scotland safe from England. Beaton fails to see the storm approaching of the Reformation which leads to his final demise.

David Lindsay sees James V wed to the French Marie de Guise, but a debauched youth leads to an early grave and this time an infant Queen Mary of Scots becomes his charge. Lindsay supports Marie de Guise, the Queen Mother to save Scotland and helps to prep for the coming Protestant Reformation of the Church as best he can. We just get a glimpse of the Church Reformation begin in ernest, Marie de Guise in power as Regent with Arran and a young Queen Mary off to France to marry the young Dauphin.

The story ends with an old David Lindsay finally at home with Janet reflecting on a full life devoted to three monarchs and Scotland.

A great trilogy by Tranter that is full of detail, life and history as always. A little slow at times for me, but still an absolute for anyone's Tranter collection or those with an interest in Scottish history especially at the beginning of the Reformation and the rise of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Nigel Tranter really brings the people, history, and land of Scotland to life. It has a real "you are there" feeling throughout. A great way to enjoy Scots history and have a great read at the same time!