Following the brutal murder of his father, James I of Scotland, in 1437, seven-year-old James II was in sore need of friends. As close attendant on the young monarch, Alec Lyon was chosen to go to the Low Countries to bring back the chosen bride for the King - Mary of Gueldres.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews
Another lively take on Scotland's turbulent history, by the wonderfully prolific Tranter (The Marchman, 1997, etc.). As befits the author of more than 80 novels, Tranter knows how to keep a plot spinning. Here, he focuses on the life and adventures of Alexander Lyon, a noble in 15th-century Scotland and a brave, decent man. Such qualities are in short supply at a time when various factions are contending for the country's throne, following the murder of James the First. Lyon casts his fortunes with James's young son, and the story follows the long, bloody campaign to ensure that the boy will rule. While not particularly deep, Tranter's latest features some convincingly rendered characters, a variety of lively subplots (the least impressive being Alex's rather trite romance with Agnes Crichton), and a believable portrait of a half-wild Scotland struggling to create and maintain a sense of nationhood and order. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
In Like A Whelp, Out Like A Lion,
By JAMES MCKAY (Rochester, N.Y.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lion's Whelp (Hardcover)
After the brutal murder of James I, King of Scots, The Lion's Whelp begins with the corny romance between Alec Lyon and Agnes Crichton, both whom find themselves involved in the Royal Family's affairs. Pages upon pages follow these two amidst the various factions contending for power over the boy King James II, and Scottland. Finally, King James comes of an age to assume for himself his rightful power. Unfortunately this is not until after a couple hundred pages when James, in a drunken rage, heinously slays the rebellious and impudent Earl of Douglas (the head of the most powerful House in Scottland, and Lieutenant General to the realm). From here on, the story beocomes a rich and compelling tale that is characteristic of Tranter's works. The story ends with a roar--a "bang" of a surprise that almost redeems its wimpy beginning. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Scottland's history, however, I would warn that the first couple hundred pages may leave you tapping your fingers, waiting for some real action to begin.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Truely the Lion's Whelp,
By Shawn Marchinek "McDonald" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lion's Whelp (Hardcover)
The Lion's Whelp is a good book, just not a great book. I would have to reflect the previous reviewer's sentiments on this one. After reading previous Tranter novels this one left me a little on the bored side. This seems to be a trend with the newer Tranter novels as compared to the older ones. The newer ones just haven't stacked up. The Lion's Whelp is viewed through the eyes of Alexander "Alec" Lyon, Master of Glamis. A man of a proud and noble family and a descendent of Robert the Bruce, he comes of age as a gentleman to King James II. The book sees James II through his boyhood and eventual marriage to Mary plus Alec's marriage and eventual elevation through noble rank and Knighthood. Life swirls around both as the rivalry between the Crichton and Livingston boils over. This is followed by the rising of the Earl of Douglas and his eventual downfall. At this point the book really picks up and James II proves himself a worthy descendant of Robert the Bruce. He is just beginning to assert himself in Scotland and his life is tragically cut short. A good Tranter book if you hang in there.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
