Customer Reviews

The Lion's Whelp

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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.

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.