Scotland in the mid-fifteenth century, as power-hungy lords seek control of a boy king: a thrilling tale of cunning and treachery, courage and loyalty, danger and romance.
The brutal murder of James I, King of Scots, at Perth in 1437 left his seven-year-old son to rule over a troubled kingdom. Power-hungry lords seized their chance to gain control over the boy-king James II and his realm.
When young Alexander Lyon, son of the Thane of Glamis, married Agnes, the daughter of Sir William Crichton, he found himself drawn into the wider affairs of the nation. For Alec was to become a close attendant and friend of the young monarch at a time when James was in sore need of protection.
Nigel Tranter reveals how Alec Lyon and Agnes Crichton helped to shape the story of Scotland - and that of England, too. For this was the period of the Wars of the Roses, and the northern kingdom was not to remain unaffected.
'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