The second in a trilogy of novels which chronicle the troubled 16th-century reign of James V of Scotland that began with The Riven Realm
The second in the James V trilogy, a sequel to The Riven Realm.
In the wake of the Battle of Flodden, Scotland was ruled in name only. The boy king, James V was at the mercy of ambitous rival factions, and beyond them the ever-watchful, looming presence of Henry VIII of England.
Escaping from the clutches of the power-hungry Earl of Angus, his most effective guides were to be two old friends, David Lindsay and David Beaton. But, impetuous and hot-blooded, James was more interested in wine and women than affairs of state, and his royal advisers faced a mighty task as they helped the king attain his regal status in a land full of treachery and danger.
'Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes' Scotland on Sunday
He has an amazingly broad grip of Scottish history - Daily Telegraph
One of Scotland's most prolific and respected writers - The Times
An accomplished writer of compelling and unforgettable historical novels - She magazine
Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes - Scotland on Sunday
Tranter's popularity lies in his knack of making historical events immediate and exciting - Historical Novels Review
An informative, entertaining read - Daily Examiner
He treats history with respect - Financial Times