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Mom of Felix and Oscar

Good. Part one of three.

January 13, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I 'm certain I've read this before. The whole book. I kept wanting to go to the last chapter to see if the ending was as I remembered. That's when I discovered it's now a trilogy. I remembered the gorey battles described in detail and the cruel imprisonments and tortures done at the request of Edward I. I had, however, forgotten what happened to him. I just wish you'd get a warning before you download the book that it's a trilogy.

21 people found this helpful

Fantastic first book in a series about Scotland's "The Black Douglas"! Must read for historical fiction fans!

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Kimberly Sue

November 29, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

As a fan of the author, J.R. Tomlin, and also a huge fan of Scotland's history, especially The Black Douglas, I was more than excited to read this novel. The author does an amazing job of always staying as true to history as possible without coming across as though writing a textbook. A Kingdom's Cost is no different, and The Black Douglas, aka James Douglas, is brought to life for the reader. I've read a couple of books dealing with his life, and I felt that I was able to get to "know" him best with this novel. James Douglas was loved by Scotland's people and their king, Robert the Bruce. However, he was at one point in time England's greatest enemy. His intelligence and knowledge of ways to beat the English, even though hugely outnumbered, made him a legend in his country. This novel is the first in a series of three, and it gives you a look into exactly why he chose the path of fighting for his country's freedom, no matter the personal cost. The author does a great job of showing his readers what James Douglas was up against, his strength of character, as well as his loyalty to his country and king.
If you are a fan of Scotland's history, with William Wallace, The Bruce, The Black Douglas, etc., than I 100% recommend this book (and series) to you. In fact, I recommend all of J.R. Tomlin's novels, as I am a huge historical fiction fan, and he does a fantastic job of bringing real people, who died long ago, back to life for the reader. He is definitely one of my top 10 favorite authors for this genre. A solid five out of five star rating from me!

10 people found this helpful

I immediately bought the next book.

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T Stafford

December 2, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Few will dispute that Bernard Cornwell is the master of the historical novel. Unfortunately I've read all his books. I decided to search for other writers who can infuse historical facts into their narrative. I found JR Tomlin.

The specific details about much of the Scottish Wars for Independence have been lost to time but Tomlin deftly weaves what is known into his story. He brings Robert Bruce and Jamie Douglas to life as men OF their times. This is SO important in a historical novel. Nothing takes you out of a book more that having modern thoughts or speech come from the characters. Tomlin does well in keeping the characters in their times.

Nothing can say more than the fact that I immediately bought the next book.

6 people found this helpful

A Scottish King’s Struggle for Independence

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Hank Lajoie

November 5, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Another story of the struggle to give Scotland its own king. King Edward (Longshanks) of England claims the Scottish throne for his own. As he brutalizes the Scots and runs wildly over Scotland terrain, Scots put their faith in Robert de Bruce and Sir James Douglas to repel the British and establish Scotch sovereignty. Through a number of skirmishes, the ordeals facing the Scots are horrendous as Longshanks proves to be maniacal and cruel, sparing no one who displeases him. This is the second book by Tomlin on Scotch struggles and I accept the historical accuracy as he qualifies it. He is a master at storytelling and making history a personal and moving read. Highly recommend it.

6 people found this helpful

Entertaining snapshot of the fight for Scottish independence

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S.lusk

February 23, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

As a great lover of history I am always skeptical when I read historical fiction, but this book surprised me. Typically, "historical fiction" translates to "historical romance" which I don't waste my time with. A Kingdom's Cost touches little on romance, thankfully, and focuses on the turbulent battles that surrounded the rise of Robert the Bruce. Keep in mind that the author gives a note at the end, admitting to simplifying the history for the sake of the novel. I think this should be expected in a fictional portrayal, considering the complexity of that particular time period.

Over all, I would recommend this to those who appreciate a good battle scene and strong, if not cliche, heroes.

4 people found this helpful

I couldn’t put this book down. It was very exciting and I’m off to start the next one! I expect it will be as good as the last!

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Most recent customer reviews

Shayley

Amazing!

Published 9 days ago

Babe

Scotland ' s history.

Love the subject but didn't like so much other languages used which lost the meaning of subject. Also, many, many typo errors. Over all, was entertaining.

Published 16 days ago

Great read!

Tomlin's historically accurate wordsmithing is a pleasant mix of adventure, history and a touch of romance. I can't wait to crack open the sequel.

Published 16 days ago

BAM Reads

Spellbinding

Couldn't put this book down. The reader gets drawn into the drama of the Scottish Wars and feels a part of the fight for freedom during a barbaric era.Read more

Published 22 days ago

Carl Coetzee

Scotland vs England

Found it difficult at first to get into the story, not having the background to the story apart from "Braveheart" and some schoolboy english history.Read more

Published 25 days ago

Tracey Madeley

A interesting read

This historical novel is set in Scotland during the reign of Edward Longshanks and Robert De Bruce. James is the young Lord of Douglas who inherits the title while still in school...Read more

Published 29 days ago

Amazon Customer

Interesting Read About a Lesser-Known Scottish Hero

I liked this historical fiction because it centers around a lesser-known personage from the historical record.Read more

I find I have little patience these days for predictable stories. This was one of my read for a brief time here and there stories, and it was one that was memorable enough to...Read more

Kaye

Finished it!

Well written historical novel of Scotland’s fight against the English

LISA J.

The descriptions of battle conflicts make you feel as if you are right there. The entwining of historical and fictional characters are seamless.Read more

Jerry Villaire

Three Stars

Hard to follow