Join us as author J R Tomlin talks about King Alexander III of Scotland #ScottishHistoricalFiction #ScottishHistory

On a Sword’s Edge

The Swords of Scotland

by J R Tomlin

Scotland. 1263. The scent of rain mingles with the smoke of campfires as word spreads: the Norse are coming…

As tempers rise between King Alexander and the Norse King Haakon, at the center of it all is sixteen-year-old William Douglas, a squire in service to Sir John Stewart, Lord High Steward of Scotland.

When Haakon's fearsome fleet is espied approaching Scotland's shores, carrying the greatest invasion force the Norse have ever mustered, the dread of battle settles over the land. Summoned to Ayr Castle, William joins the Scottish forces in a desperate defense. Now tasked with serving his newly knighted brother, Hugh, William has little time to dwell on the fear – or thrill – of his first real taste of war.

And once the Norse's menacing line of ships finally touches shore, Scotland's fate may rest on more than noble titles and knightly deeds— it'll take the mettle of every soul on the ground for them to triumph.

Set against the wind-swept coast of medieval Scotland, On a Sword's Edge takes you right into the center of The Battle of Largs alongside a mere – yet fearless – squire.

Get your copy now and join the adventure!

King Alexander III

by J R Tomlin

One thing that interested me about the Battle of Largs was that it was the first major act by Scotland’s King Alexander III. Yet he had been King of Scots for fourteen years since he was seven years old. Naturally, that means that for none of that time did he have the powers of a king.

He was the son of King Alexander II, born at Roxburgh Castle, Scotland, and a direct descendent of King Malcolm Canmore. His father had forced the Norse out of the last area they controlled in mainland Scotland and died on his way to confront their hegemony that claimed all the islands off the coast of Scotland. Alexander II had a successful rule that left Scotland politically and financially in a position for continued growth.

There is a reason the Bible says, “Woe to you, O land whose king is a child, and whose princes feast in the morning.” The two factions of regents fought like rats in a sack, one faction supported by Alexander’s father-in-law, Henry III of England, and the other supported by the extremely powerful Comyn family.

That Alexander was married to Henry III’s daughter gave the English king a legitimate interest in what was happening in Scotland, although he may have hoped, as some claim, that he could eventually convince or force Alexander to agree to English suzerainty over Scotland. Ten-year-old Alexander had firmly refused to do that when he married Henry’s daughter, Margaret, in 1251. At any rate, Henry did nothing to enforce such a suzerainty, so such claims are pure speculation.

In 1255, a party favored by the English king seized Alexander and Margaret, keeping them prisoners in Edinburgh Castle. Two years later, the Comyn-led party seized the royal couple and kept them at Roxburgh Castle. Frankly, I see little to choose between the two factions, both of which were more concerned about their own wealth and power than the young king and queen.

But even regencies come to an end. In 1262, Alexander gained his majority and immediately took over the management of his own government. He immediately moved to complete his father’s work in expanding the Kingdom of Scotland, sending negotiators to Norway’s King Haakon IV. Haakon was a formidable man who had greatly increased Norway’s power, including subjugating Iceland and Greenland to Norwegian rule and using his fleet to force domination of the Baltic Sea trade. He had no intention of giving up the many isles in Scotland’s waters that owed fealty to him.

Many articles about the Battle of Largs state that Haakon brought his fleet, more than a hundred warships, to Scotland to protect the Hebrides and Shetland. This ignores the fact that Alexander Stewart had seized the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde in the southwestern waters of Scotland. One Rudri, who was the Norseman with a claim by birth as Lord of Bute, went to King Haakon begging help. The isle was important in control of western trade routes near Ireland, so Haakon had a double interest in regaining it.

Bute was where Haakon promptly sailed his fleet. There was a skirmish at Rothesay Castle, and Haakon re-subjugated the island, giving the lordship to Rudri. At the same time, part of the Norse fleet was savaging the area around Loch Lomond.

By that time, King Alexander had raised a substantial army, including many mounted and armored knights and infantry. When Haakon’s fleet was forced onto the Scottish mainland by a severe storm, they were met with appropriate force. The Battle of Largs seems to have been inconclusive, but the results were bad enough for King Haakon that he immediately fled for the Hebrides. He died there of a fever.

The Scots promptly re-subjugated the Isle of Bute.

The threat of the Scottish army caused the lord of the Isle of Man, sworn to Haakon, to submit. King Alexander then turned his attention to Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill, Lord of the Isles, who, after a minor battle, submitted to Alexander. The Western Isles were quickly coming under his sway. In 1267 recognizing reality, Haakon’s successor ‘sold’ the Western Isles to King Alexander. At that point, Alexander had succeeded in expanding Scotland to what would be very recognizable as the Scotland we know today.

Henry III was having his own problems in England, but Scottish relations between England and Scotland remained peaceful, with extensive trade in both directions. Having achieved peace with Norway, Scotland’s northern trade and its trade with the Low Country blossomed as well.

King Alexander and Queen Margaret mostly lived at Roxburgh Castle, where they had a daughter, Margaret. The year following the success at the Battle of Largs, Prince Alexander was born, and a few years later, another son, David.

When Queen Margaret died, Alexander showed no interest in remarrying, enjoying the company of many women to the disapproval of certain priestly chroniclers. Instead, he concentrated on marriages for his children. Young Margaret was married to King Eric II of Norway. David died when he was only nine, but the king negotiated a marriage for Prince Alexander to the daughter of Guy, Count of Flanders. The couple were married on November 14, 1282, at Roxburgh Castle. The future of Scotland seemed secure.

Everything changed in January 1284, when twenty-year-old Prince Alexander suddenly died. His young wife was not with child and his sister, the Queen of Norway, had recently died giving birth to a daughter, now King Alexander’s only heir. In desperation, Alexander hurriedly remarried.

It may well have been that desperation for a new heir that caused him to risk riding through a storm to spend the night with his new bride on the 19th of March 1286. In the storm, he became separated from his men. His horse probably threw him as he rode along a steep, stony slope. The next day, a search discovered his body. Alexander left his kingdom independent, united, and prosperous with many trade links, a situation that did not last long, thanks to the greed of King Edward I.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link

J R Tomlin

J R Tomlin is the author of more than twenty historical novels, set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of King Robert the Bruce and the Good Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun.

Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and of course, Sir Walter Scott.

When J R isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to having lived in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Author Links:

Website • Twitter • BookBub • Bluesky

Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Editorial Book Review: Senlac, Part Two by Julian de la Motte #HistoricalFiction #1066 #NormanInvasion #RecommendedReading #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Senlac

A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England, Book Two

by Julian de la Motte

Senlac is a two-part historical novel that brings to life the turbulent period leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066, when the English were forced to defend the kingdom against invasions by both the Normans and the Vikings. The book is named for the hill upon which the final defense was mounted. The results would dramatically change the course of history.

Senlac, Book One, opens during Christmas of the year 1065, a time of grave national crisis and disquieting omens, when the aged King Edward the Confessor, the seventh son of Æthelred the Unready, dies in the Palace of Westminster in London. Even as a successor is crowned by popular acclaim, King Harold II faces attack from two formidable neighbors: the Viking army of Harald Hardraada, and the Norman forces led by William the Conqueror. Also in play is Harold’s own exiled younger brother, Tostig, who is bent on revenge against the King who banished him.

In Book Two of Senlac, the inevitable happens; forces are engaged in violent, bloody war. Each of the three powerful leaders are forced to the very limit of their abilities and resources as they fight to achieve their ambitious goals. The result is the tragic year of The Three Battles, the death of thousands of warriors and common people conscripted for the carnage, and the destruction of a whole way of life. Nothing will ever be the same.

Carefully researched and re-imagined by Londoner and first-time novelist Julian del la Motte, Senlac turns the dust of history into living flesh and emotion. “It might just be the best historical fiction you’ll ever read,” says Charles McNair, who was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his novel, Land O’ Goshen.

“Before this year is out,” he prophesied, “all of England will be a battlefield. You have my word on this. There will be Normans in the south and Norwegians in the north.”

1066, the year that changed everything.

Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England, but he is not the only one who seeks the throne.

News of Harold’s coronation sends ripples of discontent at the court of the Duke of Normandy, for the crown had been promised to him. He gathers his army and waits on the coast for an agreeable wind, seething with anger. If Harold will not step down from the throne, then by God, he will make him.

The King of Norway, Harald Hardrada, also believes he has a claim to the English throne and with the help of Harold Godwinson’s brother, Tostig, he is confident he can fight his way to victory.

Can Harold survive the year of the three battles and can he hold onto his throne? Only time will tell.

In Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England, Julian de la Motte depicts a harrowing and unforgettable chapter in English history, ending with the death of the last Anglo-Saxon king.

This book’s historical detail is breathtaking. The year 1066 saw devastating losses of life during a violent and tragic chapter in English history. Julian de la Motte’s Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England joins the ranks of many other excellent fictional works about this period. Julian certainly has a novelist intuition of what makes a book entertaining and worth reading. Despite the story’s focus on the major battles of this turbulent year, the narrative provides an intimate portrayal of the protagonists, and antagonists, their ambitions, and how their lives unfold. This book is emotionally intense at times. The realism is so strong that the reader feels transported to the past, witnessing events first-hand. For those who have an interest in this era, or who simply enjoy quality historical fiction, then this book is an absolute must-read.

Leadership and its morality are the core themes explored throughout this novel. The narrative is structured around three distinct leadership arcs. The first is the heroic King of England, Harold Godwinson. The intelligence, focus, and inspiration Harold displays make him an extraordinarily good leader. He is a true patriot; he cares very deeply for the people he rules and for the men he leads into battle. He leverages every available resource to accomplish his objectives, which are to secure his throne and drive out any invading forces. However, his brother Tostig’s alliance with Harald Hardrada makes him a conflicted character, as Harold realises he must face his brother in battle. Despite being likeable and charismatic, Harold’s valiant concealment of his rheumatic pain makes him all the more heroic. His health problems significantly impact him; although kept secret from most, it’s a recurring motif. Harold’s impatience is another shortcoming; while he listens to his advisors, he doesn’t always heed their counsel. The reader is left to ponder a different outcome at Hastings had he taken his brother’s, Gyrth’s, advice to rest the men and wait before engaging with Duke William. Nevertheless, Harold’s significant responsibilities distinguish him from the other leaders in this novel, thus altering the standards by which a king should be judged. This is why Harold will always remain the hero of this story.

The complexities of power in Harald Hardrada’s portrayal complicate the traditional binary of hero and villain. Hardrada is a ruthless ruler, who has become immensely powerful because of his prolific success on the battlefield. Because of his violent and unpredictable nature, Hardrada is a formidable figure, feared by his enemies and even by some of his own people. He has certainly made a name for himself, but his past success and the stories that have come about because of them make him a rather reckless character in the sense that he thinks he cannot be beaten. Hardrada is a great warrior and yet he is a mortal man, and despite his vast achievements in his life, he underestimates Harold to his own peril. Because of his aggression, especially to the local populous, and lack of refinement, the reader finds this Viking opportunist instantly repulsive. Therefore, when his threat is neutralised, the reader feels a sense of utter relief.

William, Duke of Normandy advocates for peace and a peaceful transition of power, for he believes he is the true King of England, and yet, once committed to a course of action, he readily accepts and even instigates widespread, unwarranted violence to reach his objective. Therefore, the author depicts William’s idea of power as being morally ambiguous. He has the Pope’s blessing and yet he murders women and children. However, William is a shrewd leader, he is confident of victory due to his superior forces, the opportunity to rest his men before the battle, and a well-conceived plan. Unlike Harold and Hardrada, William’s leadership style gives him a clear advantage, as does his army. William might be unlikeable to the reader, however, his military strategic skills are undeniable and wonderfully depicted.

The author’s depiction of Tostig was masterfully drawn. Although always the villain of the story, many novels set in this era do not focus on why Tostig did what he did, or how he did it, but only that he did. This novel offers readers an intimate look into Tostig’s desires and his pursuit of them. Though charming, Tostig’s sly nature prioritises self above country and king (even though the King is his brother). He wants power and glory, and he does not seem to care what he has to do, or who he has to kill to get it.

Senlac (Book Two): A Novel of the Norman Conquest of England by Julian de la Motte is a story that will stay with you long after you have turned that final page, and is an absolute historical triumph.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

The Coffee Pot Book Club

Universal Buy Link

Julian de la Motte

Julian de la Motte is a Londoner. He graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in Medieval History and was further awarded a Master of Arts qualification in Medieval Italian Art. 

After an extensive career marketing English as a Foreign Language overseas he was obliged to retire due to ill health. He now devotes his time to historical research and writing.

Senlac is his first project.

Connect with Julian:

Facebook
Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Editorial Book Review: Tears of the Aeon by R. F. Pina #HistoricalFantasy #GothicWar #RecommendedReading

 

Tears of the Aeon

The Gothic War

by R. F. Pina

In the crucible of history, where the flames of empires clash, and the destinies of civilizations are forged, there exists a chapter often overlooked—a tale obscured by the dust of ages. It is a saga of untamed lands, ancient conflicts, and beings whose destinies were bound to the cosmic threads of gods and mortals alike.

Within the shadows of the Roman Empire, during the fateful year of 376 AD, a narrative unfolded that would echo through the corridors of time, leaving behind a legacy woven with threads of love, war, and the supernatural.

"Tears of The Aeon: The Gothic War" unravels against the setting of a world grappling with the chaos of an impending conflict between the mighty Roman Empire and the desperate Visigoths led by the enigmatic Chieftain Fritigern. Faced with the dual threats of the Roman legions and the merciless Huns, Fritigern makes a desperate plea to Emperor Valens for sanctuary within the borders of the empire. This plea sets in motion a series of events destined to reshape the fate of nations.

A warrior, blessed with strength and abilities that defy the laws of men, embarks on a journey marked by love, and destined to attract the gaze of gods. Bound by an inexplicable connection, he finds himself entangled with a young Gothic woman from the Taifali Tribe, their union becoming a focal point for the unfolding cosmic drama. As the gods themselves take notice, the stage is set for the initiation of the end of the world.

"Tears of The Aeon" invites you to traverse the realms of history and myth, where the fates of empires and the whims of divine beings converge in a tale of love, war, and the enduring echoes of an age-long past. In the shadows of forgotten forests, where the tears of the Aeon fall like rain, the Gothic War awaits its chronicler.

“But even gods can die as you might wonder,” the old man continued, “heed my words, General, for they are true. The gods of Rome are in desperate need of your support at this very moment. The enemy has come out of thin air, from nowhere, large armies of beings wielding great power. No god has ever seen creatures like these. They fly upon wings of feathers as they force their way into Olympus as we speak. Not only do they wish us harm, but they desire to enslave mankind and become their supreme rulers, crushing those who stand in their way in the process.”

The war of the gods has begun, and it has ramifications for all who live in the mortal world.

Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War by R. F. Pina is an enthralling and incredibly successful story about the Roman-Gothic War as well as the conflict between Roman and Christian deities. This book is as impressive as it is immersive and a must-read for fans of historical fantasy set within a fictional world.

There is a huge cast of characters in this novel, and if the reader is not familiar with this era of history, they may initially struggle to keep up with who is who. A glossary of the characters at the beginning of this novel would be helpful so the reader can refer back to it. As the story progresses and the principal players take control of the narrative it becomes much easier to remember who is who and what their role is in the story. Pina does on occasion bring in new characters, such as Aldred, for a short while, simply to help advance the plot.

 

This novel follows the historical timeline of Roman Emperor Valens life, starting with the defeat of the usurper Procopius and continuing until his death at the battle of Adrianople. Pina sticks very close to the historical truth of Valens’ reign. His administration is ruled by a fear of death mirroring Caesar’s; he’s anxiously preoccupied with his personal safety, fearing assassination from within. Though a cautious statesman who listens to his advisors, he doesn’t always concur, ultimately bearing the weight of every decision—a burden he finds challenging. Valens faces battles on all sides, as his personal life mirrors the complexity of his political career. Valens is a complicated man with an equally complex life. This story illustrates the intricate difficulties and heavy responsibilities Valens faced governing the Eastern Roman Empire at that time. With skilful strokes of the quill, Pina has breathed new life into Valens, bringing his story to a new generation of readers.

Empress Albia (Domnica) is depicted as an intelligent woman, who has an aversion to her husband but is determined to protect the empire. Albia elicits diverse responses from the reader based on her behaviour. Her behaviour fluctuates between cruelty and kindness, making her an interesting character to read about although not one the reader will necessarily like. She is much more decisive than Valens and she sometimes succeeds where he fails. 

Fritigern is a crucial ally of the emperor until Valens deems otherwise. Together with Valens, he battles against the threat of his adversary Tervingi Goth leader, Athanaric. But when he appeals to Rome for protection from the Huns, his relationship with Valens deteriorates. Despite promises of safety and supplies, Rome’s shortcomings and widespread corruption damages Fritigern’s relationship with his Roman allies. The reader can only watch and wait with bated breath to see what Fritigern will do next. Fritigern is a fascinating character who really piques the reader's interest.

Ahediel has been sent from the heavenly realm to complete a series of challenges. Not only will he be tested on his physical strength but also his strength of will. Ahediel is permitted to watch the humans, but intervention is strictly forbidden. Everything in the human world is alien to Ahediel, and he marvels in the simplest of pleasures. However, his actions and reactions to certain events affect the course of his life. Ahediel is a very spiritual being, whose strength is seemingly unparalleled, but as the story progresses, he finds the challenges more and more difficult to complete. His celestial being and his god-like abilities certainly keep the reader engaged throughout the novel. 

While the reader anticipates armed men in martial epics, Pina uses armour to symbolize more than just military defence. Despite his lack of abdominal muscles, Valens’ leather armour replicates them, making him look stronger than he is, but his war armour transforms him into a heroic fairy-tale figure who, like a god is seemingly immortal, despite his mortality. The shining silver of Ahediel’s armour reflects his divine being, embodying the radiant truth of the Roman’s Christian god, his armour is impervious to assault. The black armour of the ancient gods brings with it a sinister feel. Characters like Licinius feel burdened by the weight of their armour, and thus the weight of this seemingly never-ending conflict.

The novel’s exploration of light and darkness consistently challenges the reader to define each concept. With his white feathered wings and silver armour, Ahediel symbolizes the light of Christianity. Whereas black symbolises the darkness of the old Roman Gods. However, the straightforward association of light with goodness and dark with evil is more subtle than it initially appears, offering readers an intriguing concept to ponder. Is there evil hidden in the light, and goodness hidden in the dark? 

This novel is historically accurate, yet it also features a compelling interwoven supernatural thread. The war of the gods is a constant presence in the reader’s mind as the story unfolds. Who will win - the Gods of Rome or the new Christian god? As the Christian religion begins to dominate, the old gods find it increasingly difficult to maintain their strength, however, they are not giving up without a fight. While the humans fight their mortal battles the gods also become fallible. Without prayers and offerings, they too can die. The conflict between the gods is a fascinating addition to the story and really helps to keep the reader engaged.

For fans of well-written historical fantasy, Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War by R. F. Pina is an absolute must-read. Book 2 cannot come soon enough!

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

The Coffee Pot Book Club

Universal Buy Link

R. F. Pina

R. F. Pina is a man whose journey from a childhood allergy to literature to a passionate embrace of its power reflects a profound transformation. Born in the Dominican Republic, his life took a pivotal turn when he relocated to Queens, New York, at fourteen. Here, he discovered his gateway to imagination and creativity through the captivating world of comic books.

Initially resistant to the allure of literature, R. F. Pina’s perspective shifted gradually over time. As he delved deeper into the pages of books, he found a boundless realm where his imagination could soar unrestricted. Unlike the passive experience of television, literature offered him an active engagement, where he could shape narratives and explore the depths of his creativity.

This newfound appreciation for literature became a cornerstone of R. F. Pina’s life, providing him solace, inspiration, and a sense of purpose. As he navigated the complexities of adulthood as a husband and father of four, literature remained a steadfast companion, offering him refuge from the monotony of everyday life.

Driven by a desire for something more enduring than fleeting moments of entertainment, R. F. Pina recognized the potential of literature to bestow immortality upon its creators. With this revelation, he embarked on a journey to carve out his legacy through the written word, determined to leave a mark on the world that would outlast his mortal existence.

Today, R. F. Pina stands as a testament to the transformative power of literature, embracing its ability to transcend boundaries, ignite imaginations, and immortalize the human experience. Through his words, he seeks to entertain and inspire, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Connect with R. F.:

Website • Twitter / X • Facebook

Amazon Author Page • Goodreads