The Lion's Whelp

by Nigel Tranter

The enthralling 15th-century tale of the boy-king James the Second and his loyal protector. In 1437, the brutal murder of James the First, King of Scots, leaves his seven-year-old son to rule over a disorderly and divided kingdom. As power-hungry lords seize their chance to gain control over the young king, we begin a thrilling tale of cunning and treachery, courage and loyalty, danger and romance.

Genres: Historical Fiction

343 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Lisa]

After the assassination of James I, King of Scots, his seven year old son is crowned king. Unfortunately, two Scots lords try and out maneuver each other in order to rule Scotland through possession of the child-king's person. Sir Alexander Livingston of Calendar, Keeper of Stirling Castle wasn't trusted by the Patrick, Thane of Glamis and he and his son Alec rode to advise Queen Joan to move the young king to Edinburgh where he would be under the protection of William Crichton. Crichton's personality clashed with the queen mother, she and her daughters leaving the castle, and taking up residence in Holyrood Palace which left James II in the castle with Alec Lyon who endeavored to keep the boy busy. The squabbling between Livingston and Crichton meant that they weren't paying attention to some of important nobles of the realm when they were consolidating power until their own power was threatened. So they invited William Douglas and his young brother David to celebrate the king's birthday, seized them in front of the king, and had them executed. When the king was a man grown he would repeat the scene stabbing and killing the 8th Earl of Douglas over dinner and after giving him safe conduct. That didn't go over too well with the rest of the Douglas clan. James II also introduced cannon in Scotland, his Mons Meg can still be found in Edinburgh Castle.

[Katherine Gordy Levine]

Read this book because of my on-going interest in Scottish history. Quick read, didn't put it down, but also cannot recommend it to any except perhaps young adults.

[Pat]

My first Nigel Tranter. I am looking forward to more. Good historic fiction.
Reread 2 years later, in sequence -#26.
Wish he did not bother with the sex scenes.