Robert the Bruce--A Tale of the Guardians

June 15, 2013

Young Robert, though very independent and innovative even as a child and raised in the shadow of recognized Scottish leaders, cannot even dream of the demands that will be laid upon him in his mature years. The struggles endured will help shape this future icon into the man some refer to as the Hero of Scotland, eclipsing even the well-known and renowned William Wallace. In the second novel of his "The Guardians" series (after The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace) Whyte sets this fact-based tale firmly on Scottish soil. The politics, deceits, favoritism, loyalties, glory, and honor grind and spark against one another, honing a clear and sharply focused representation of the times and events recorded some 800 years ago. VERDICT Despite its doorstopper size, this captivating and enjoyable venture into historical fiction takes its time and informs along the way. Whyte's dialog, the actions and motivations of his characters, and his vivid evocation of the period and the landscape all ring true. [With the Scottish government set to hold a referendum in 2014 on the issue of independence from the UK, there is sure to be interest in the king who secured Scotland's freedom in 1328.--Ed.]--Russell Miller, Prescott P.L., AZ

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
The second volume in Whyte's Guardians series is a bold, brash tribute to Robert the Bruce, one of medieval Scotland's fiercest warriors and its most revered king. Following the formula he established in The Forest Laird, his fictional biography of William Wallace, Whyte traces Robert's childhood, adolescence, and eventual evolution into a stalwart leader and champion of Scottish independence. As Edward I of England continues his quest to transform his unwilling neighbor to the north into his personal fiefdom, Robert develops the military and political skills necessary in order to lead a rebellion and liberate his beloved nation. All roads in this series can and must lead to the bloody Battle of Bannockburn as Whyte introduces James Douglas, setting the stage for the next installment in this series. Historical-fiction fans will dig into this meaty Highland saga.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)