The Battle for Duncragglin

by Andrew H. Vanderwal

Set in the time of William Wallace, this is historical fiction at its bloody best!

One of history’s most turbulent times comes to vivid life in this thrilling new novel. Twelve-year-old Alex has been raised by his uncle since his parents disappeared on a trip to Scotland many years ago. He’s resigned to spending the summer in Scotland with yet another relative and finds himself on a farm near the ruined remnants of an ancient castle that is rumored to be haunted. Could it have a connection to his parents’ disappearance?

With three newfound friends, Alex sets out to discover the secret of a sealed cave along the rugged coast that borders the farm. The secret is far more powerful than anything they could have imagined, and they are catapulted to the very brink of a hellish past — the bloody late 13th century when the great Scottish rebel, William Wallace, was fighting a guerilla-style military campaign.

Full of high drama as well as humor, bloodshed, and great tenderness, this fine novel marks the arrival of a major voice in historical fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Scotland, Adventure, Childrens, Teen

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2009

About the author

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Canada, Andrew Vanderwal embarked in several years of “on-the-road” travel through Europe, the Middle East and Asia before undertaking a self directed interdisciplinary program at York University that included fiction writing studios. Further world travel (this time through Andean countries) led to his graduate studies at Carleton University’s Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, where he puzzled over the many daunting third world development issues he had encountered. He has since made a career out of helping companies with international trade.

Andrew and his wife have two boys with whom he enjoys doing all the things that he didn't get to enough of when he was growing up. When his boys asked him to write them a story, little did he know that the story would grow to become THE BATTLE FOR DUNCRAGGLIN and DEATH OF A KIN. Andrew lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family.

Reviews

[tiph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weirdest thing happened to me while reading page 7 of this book. I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED FOR THE REST OF IT.

It's a "time travel" book, but it's messy, ambiguous, and arbitrary. But, what do I expect from a historical fiction, debut young adult's novel?

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic (?) history? From summer in Scotland where parents vanished, boy time- travels with cousin or more to William Wallace 7 centuries before. (spoiler) Because hero doesn't find his parents, a sequel feels natural. (end spoiler) I'm eager to read more.

[Gail Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good light read, different twist

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute time travel book.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combination of fantasy and historical fiction. Alex, a modern day Canadian boy sent by his uncle to stay with his aunt in Scotland for the summer, embarks upon a quest to locate his missing parents who disappeared a few years back. Alex finds a time portal which sends him and his friends back to the 13th century, a time when Scotland was fighting England and William Wallace was a Scottish hero. The kids become Wallace supporters, observe and take part in several battles, and ultimately help Wallace to be successful in taking over a local castle.

4th grade and up, especially those interested in history. Another reviewer said it was well researched although I didn't check this. Fast paced and a bit bloody (Scottish battles were not sterile) but with a lot of interesting descriptions about how people actually lived in those days. The historical facts are included as part of the narrative, not pointed out especially, and that makes for much more seamless reading.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those that hovers between 2.5 and 3 stars for me.

I love time travel books. I love books set in Scotland. I love history. I really like YA fiction. So what's not to like? Well, for one, this book seemed more like Juvenile Fiction than YA fiction to me--things resolved easily and quickly, for example. For two, I did some skim-reading (which is usually an automatic 2-star rating) through the whole book but I do feel like reading the second book in the series so that would imply I liked it more than 2 stars.

[Sue Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Type and Source of Book:
Ebook borrowed from the Ontario Library Service

Thoughts:
I hadn't read the description too well - so I was surprised at the time travel part. A decent read.

Quotes I Highlighted:

Alex wondered how everything could carry on as usual when it so clearly was not. THe entire world should be stopping to see their predicament. Birds should be silent and sad in their trees; horses should watch with big sorrowful eyes.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute idea for a teen book. i liked it, but there were some things toward the end that got a bit goofy - and of course, there was fart humor.i applaud the author for not soft pedalling the blood and guts too much so as to lose the feel of what was happening. i'm sure there will be a sequel or a series.

[travelerblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex finds himself staying with a family near the ruins of Duncragglin Castle in Scotland. While exploring the ruins, he and his friends discover tunnels leading to a time travel chamber. Alex winds up in 1296 with William Wallace on the eve of the "Battle for Dungragglin.'
Fun and adventure for ages 10 to 110!

[Paige Y. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really had high hopes for this book and was somewhat disappointed. It is a time-travel/historical fiction book which forces one to suspend disbelief to a certain degree but I felt the author just took too many leaps. I'm also frustrated because the author pretty obviously wants to make a series out of this on -- can't authors write a stand-alone book anymore?

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the Susan Cooper series, but not as English. I think it could have been richer, but it probably serves to fill in a gap for readers who couldn't tackle such difficult material.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this young adult novel, Alex and his friends time travel to late 13th century Scotland and meet William Wallace as he is fighting to remove the British from Scotland. This novel is both educational and entertaining for young children, but I do not recommend it for YA readers or adults.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle for Duncragglin was a great action filled book.Three kids go back in time and fight and find their mother who supposedly died four years before. They use crossbows and swords and armor.I would read it again if i had the chance.

[Barbi · Rating 1 out of 5]

What??? Ok - good premise - but that is about it. Orphaned child goes back to the old country: time travel follows ... should be an amazing story that grabs young readers. Reality =poor character development, poor story line and finally a jump to close the novel.

[Mayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It has some great twists at the end and it is really easy and enjoyable to read. I really recommend it if you want to read something from a lesser-known -but not less talented - author.

[Jamie]

Very interesting take on time travel and Scottish history.
Written by a Canadian.

[Janice]

found it with new books looks interesting

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphaned 12 year old boy is sent to Scotland to live with Aunt. Searching for adventure he along with his new friends become lost in the past with William Wallace. Fast moving page turner.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing as this book ends with Alex remaining in Historical Scotland to hopefully find his parents, I see a sequel or 2 coming soon.

[Kj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good JF time traveling story.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad time travel story, but seemed a bit simplistic to me.

[Olivia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!!!! Just finished it, read it in about 5 hours :D though I do say that the ending is really stirring my brain with so many questions

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun adventure!!!! I love this book. I cant wait to read the next book when I get my hands on it.