What do you think?
Rate this book
Mad King Robin
"a stunning work from an equally stunning up-and-coming writer who has more than earned the right to a global readership" - The Scotsman
A historical thriller, a gripping tale that you will not put aside until it is finished. Scotland, 1306 – after slaying his lifelong rival to the throne in a chapel, Robert the Bruce is crowned king of Scotland at Scone. Yet even his own wife and countrymen laugh at his foolishness, calling him Mad King Robin. For his crowning has enraged the English king, whose army destroys the Bruce’s forces at Methven. The Bruce suddenly finds himself an excommunicated outlaw within his own realm, fleeing his enemies with a handful of loyal men. During the eight years since Methven, the Bruce’s wife Elizabeth de Burgh has hated every day of her captivity by the English. Rumour and gossip reach her that the Bruce is out of hiding and reclaiming Scotland. Yet she has also heard that the English king is marching north, at the head of the largest English army ever assembled. For 1314 is indeed the year when the Bruce, long emerged from hiding, has crushed his enemies and taken every castle in Scotland except Stirling. His rise, inspired by a mere spider, is scarcely believable. Yet it will take all of the Bruce’s ingenuity and insane bravery to attempt to end the English hold on Scotland. The last fight for his people’s future beckons along the Bannockburn, but can the Bruce’s army overcome impossible odds to win freedom? Mad King Robin is a wonderful, riveting page turner, which tells the stirring tale of a nation’s desperate struggle against a much larger, brutal oppressor.
A historical thriller, a gripping tale that you will not put aside until it is finished. Scotland, 1306 – after slaying his lifelong rival to the throne in a chapel, Robert the Bruce is crowned king of Scotland at Scone. Yet even his own wife and countrymen laugh at his foolishness, calling him Mad King Robin. For his crowning has enraged the English king, whose army destroys the Bruce’s forces at Methven. The Bruce suddenly finds himself an excommunicated outlaw within his own realm, fleeing his enemies with a handful of loyal men. During the eight years since Methven, the Bruce’s wife Elizabeth de Burgh has hated every day of her captivity by the English. Rumour and gossip reach her that the Bruce is out of hiding and reclaiming Scotland. Yet she has also heard that the English king is marching north, at the head of the largest English army ever assembled. For 1314 is indeed the year when the Bruce, long emerged from hiding, has crushed his enemies and taken every castle in Scotland except Stirling. His rise, inspired by a mere spider, is scarcely believable. Yet it will take all of the Bruce’s ingenuity and insane bravery to attempt to end the English hold on Scotland. The last fight for his people’s future beckons along the Bannockburn, but can the Bruce’s army overcome impossible odds to win freedom? Mad King Robin is a wonderful, riveting page turner, which tells the stirring tale of a nation’s desperate struggle against a much larger, brutal oppressor.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
178 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
About the author
James Vella-Bardon
7 books86 followersA Sydney-based, award-winning author born and raised in Malta.
After reading law at the Universities of both Malta and Sydney, James qualified as a lawyer and also completed a doctoral thesis on the rights and freedoms of peoples at international law. Upon emigrating to Sydney in 2007, he also studied creative writing.
His debut novel THE SHERIFF’S CATCH is a highly acclaimed thriller, which recounts the adventures of a Spanish Armada castaway in Tudor Ireland, who joins in the great struggle to liberate western Ireland from brutal suppression.
Following its UK release in 2018, the novel was recommended as a ‘must-read of the week’ by leading British newspaper The Scotsman, with Reader's Digest also describing it as 'a remarkably confident literary debut' and 'the spectacular start to an epic five-book story.'
www.jamesvellabardon.com
After reading law at the Universities of both Malta and Sydney, James qualified as a lawyer and also completed a doctoral thesis on the rights and freedoms of peoples at international law. Upon emigrating to Sydney in 2007, he also studied creative writing.
His debut novel THE SHERIFF’S CATCH is a highly acclaimed thriller, which recounts the adventures of a Spanish Armada castaway in Tudor Ireland, who joins in the great struggle to liberate western Ireland from brutal suppression.
Following its UK release in 2018, the novel was recommended as a ‘must-read of the week’ by leading British newspaper The Scotsman, with Reader's Digest also describing it as 'a remarkably confident literary debut' and 'the spectacular start to an epic five-book story.'
www.jamesvellabardon.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 21, 2022
I had the opportunity to read this book in a serialisation by The Pigeonhole. I joined because I had read and loved "The Sheriff's Catch" by the same author. I was not disappointed. The author is an excellent writer of historical fiction. He brings history to life in an exceptionally vivid way, serving all the senses.
The story is set in 14:th century Scotland, after the fall of William Wallace, whose story many know from the movie Bravehart. The main character, Robert the Bruce, was not a historical figure I knew much about before. This made the story both entertaining and educational for me. To me, those two aspects are the most important in historical fiction: entertainment and education intertwined.
What surprised me throughout the story is how much it parallels current events. As the old saying goes, not knowing history dooms us to repeat it, and there is certainly a strong feeling of history repeating when reading this story. But with the added depth being transported to the battle field and feeling what the characters are feeling, living, smelling, hearing.
I knew the author, and I knew he’s brilliant at his craft, but still I was swept away by the quality and craftsmanship in his writing. With the promise of the sequel to "The Sheriff's Catch", "A Rebel North" being published in August, this story definitely has me chomping at the bit to read more Vella-Bardon.
The story is set in 14:th century Scotland, after the fall of William Wallace, whose story many know from the movie Bravehart. The main character, Robert the Bruce, was not a historical figure I knew much about before. This made the story both entertaining and educational for me. To me, those two aspects are the most important in historical fiction: entertainment and education intertwined.
What surprised me throughout the story is how much it parallels current events. As the old saying goes, not knowing history dooms us to repeat it, and there is certainly a strong feeling of history repeating when reading this story. But with the added depth being transported to the battle field and feeling what the characters are feeling, living, smelling, hearing.
I knew the author, and I knew he’s brilliant at his craft, but still I was swept away by the quality and craftsmanship in his writing. With the promise of the sequel to "The Sheriff's Catch", "A Rebel North" being published in August, this story definitely has me chomping at the bit to read more Vella-Bardon.
June 22, 2022
A great historical read. Fast pace, full of action. I’ve learnt quite a lot of Scottish history during this period. I look forward to reading more. Reading this novella on the Pigeonhole app is the best, reading and discussing aspects of Scottish history never learned at school in England was fascinating. I certainly recommend Mad King Robin both as a book of fiction but based wholly on historical fact.
July 12, 2022
I would describe my taste in books as "old-fashioned", because I particularly enjoy reading novels that are set in the past, and sometimes enjoy them more than books that are set in the present day. For that reason, historical fiction often sparks my interest.
I found this very interesting and very well-written. At the same time, it had a simplicity that I liked. It wasn't too complicated, but I felt that there was always enough going on to maintain the reader's interest. I felt the writer did a good job when it came to creating an atmosphere, without being overly descriptive. The characters were presented in ways that made them come across as interesting, and they all had personalities that made an impression on me in some way.
It reminded me in a pleasant way of some other historical fiction I've read that was set in a similar time period, such as Ellis Peters' or Susannah Gregory's books.
I found this very interesting and very well-written. At the same time, it had a simplicity that I liked. It wasn't too complicated, but I felt that there was always enough going on to maintain the reader's interest. I felt the writer did a good job when it came to creating an atmosphere, without being overly descriptive. The characters were presented in ways that made them come across as interesting, and they all had personalities that made an impression on me in some way.
It reminded me in a pleasant way of some other historical fiction I've read that was set in a similar time period, such as Ellis Peters' or Susannah Gregory's books.
June 21, 2022
James Vella Barden is a historical novelist with a winning recipe. Tell history in a short, punchy way. Make it exciting and ensure that your research is accurate. This he does with aplomb in this novella about the retelling of Robert The Bruce. The story focuses on The Bruce aka Mad King Robin and his endeavors to win back Scotland following a fatal clash with his rival the Red Comyn in a church. This encounter shocked the masses in the early 14th Century and was repeatedly referred to and referenced.Mad King Robin, is ridiculed as King of Scotland, both for being an outlaw and daring to take on the almighty English army.
If history was taught this way in school it would be a more popular subject. Yes, this is fiction, but interspersed with so many interesting historical facts, I would be remiss if I didn't give this 5 stars.
If history was taught this way in school it would be a more popular subject. Yes, this is fiction, but interspersed with so many interesting historical facts, I would be remiss if I didn't give this 5 stars.
June 26, 2022
James Vella-Bardon has done it again. Another fast paced, heart-stopping insight into periods of history that I’m not very knowledgeable about but brought to life with the James’s brilliant writing. Sights, sounds and even the smells of battle have just played out in my head. Who needs the big screen?
Thanks once again James and PH for such a wonderful read.
Thanks once again James and PH for such a wonderful read.
June 1, 2022
From a historical perspective, this book is brilliant, but I was a little disappointed from a writing perspective. James Vella-Bardon writes well, particularly when it comes to battle scenes, but I found the rest just a little flat, and repetitive, being constantly reminded about certain events and situations - unnecessarily, to my mind - which just seemed to pad out the length of the story without adding to it. I enjoyed the differing points of view and the insights into the characters of the historical figures. Ideally, I'd have given this three-and-a-half stars, but I've rounded it up because my previous experience of James' writing shows his true potential as a writer. I've also rounded it up because a thoroughly enjoyed the short story 'The Cream of Chivalry' (for which I haven't found a forum to review) which describes the events at Methven, and gives good insight into the lead-up of the events covered in this book.
June 18, 2022
An excellent historical fiction novel portraying an interesting time in history that fans of Cornwell and Harffy will love!
September 10, 2022
First thing that sparked my interest in reading this novel was the title, i enjoy history in general and as a middle-eastern i didn't know enough about that part of Scottish history and heritage, thus one thing i'd love to highlight is that this book is not short of historical knowledge and fair amount of well written battles.
Genuinely i loved this book and did enjoy the smooth writing of James Vella-Bardon, despite not having enough knowledge about the characters portrayed before coming across this fantastic read.
I don't want to post any spoilers but i recommend you Mad King Robin the story itself is full of many similarities to today's world and is really well put together to get you indulged in a beautiful rich history journey that won't disappoint you at the end and will leave you asking for more.
Genuinely i loved this book and did enjoy the smooth writing of James Vella-Bardon, despite not having enough knowledge about the characters portrayed before coming across this fantastic read.
I don't want to post any spoilers but i recommend you Mad King Robin the story itself is full of many similarities to today's world and is really well put together to get you indulged in a beautiful rich history journey that won't disappoint you at the end and will leave you asking for more.
August 20, 2022
Mad King Robin is an amazing insight into the events that led up to the defeat of King Edward II and his army at the Battle of Bannockburn by the Scottish King Robert the Bruce and his men.
I found myself holding my breath during the raging battles and inspired by Elizabeth du Burgh who kept her dignity throughout her long years of imprisonment by the English.
A fantastic read thank you James for being such a great writer and reading along with us pigeons and commenting on our questions it certainly added to the whole experience.
Thank you Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read Mad King Robin.
I found myself holding my breath during the raging battles and inspired by Elizabeth du Burgh who kept her dignity throughout her long years of imprisonment by the English.
A fantastic read thank you James for being such a great writer and reading along with us pigeons and commenting on our questions it certainly added to the whole experience.
Thank you Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read Mad King Robin.
September 28, 2022
A well researched detailed book that captures the reader with it's exquisite detail of ancient tyle. A plot woven with an air of betrayal , hatred and war captures the reader from the onset. The brave character of the Bruce leads rebellion against the stronger English. The picturesque description of the situation draws the reader closer to all the action . Though situated in the 12th century the author manages to capture the reader through his prowess in story telling. The archaic storyline is filled with high energy and activity making the book difficult to put down.
November 16, 2022
So good to read a well written and well researched book about an important time in Scottish history.
Although a work of fiction, the events described and the characters portrayed are true to life.
An extremely readable account of the days leading up to the victory at the Battle of Bannockburn and an insight into the mind of Mad King Robin aka Robert The Bruce.
Will definitely be looking out for other titles by James Vella-Bardon.
Although a work of fiction, the events described and the characters portrayed are true to life.
An extremely readable account of the days leading up to the victory at the Battle of Bannockburn and an insight into the mind of Mad King Robin aka Robert The Bruce.
Will definitely be looking out for other titles by James Vella-Bardon.
April 15, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Mad King Robin
Author: James Vella-Bardon
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Firstly, the blurb is amazing – it pulled me into the book. This is a FAB historical novel following Robert the Bruce as he attempts to pull Scotland away from the oppressive English. Similar to today in many ways! Anyway, forgetting present day politics, this is so cleverly plotted, and rich in terms of vocabulary. A compelling story.” Male reader, aged 55
“It´s always good when you read a novel which is both educational and exciting. A difficult balance, but the author got it right.” Female reader, aged 49
“I´d recommend this to anybody interested in Scottish history. The author´s knowledge of the events up to the battle is outstanding. And, rarely for an historical novel, the pacing is strong.” Female reader, aged 61
“Short novel, possibly too short in terms of the historical events he´s retelling. However, the pacing is excellent. I think most historians wouldn´t get a lot from this book, but your average reader with little or no knowledge of Scottish history will find plenty to think over in this thought-provoking tale of Scottish/English rivalry and, sadly, hatred.” Male reader, aged 68
“Enjoyed it. Too short but that´s a good sign. It shows I wanted more.” Female reader, aged 32
To Sum It Up:
‘A fascinating insight into the life of Robert the Bruce and his battle for Scottish freedom. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Mad King Robin
Author: James Vella-Bardon
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Firstly, the blurb is amazing – it pulled me into the book. This is a FAB historical novel following Robert the Bruce as he attempts to pull Scotland away from the oppressive English. Similar to today in many ways! Anyway, forgetting present day politics, this is so cleverly plotted, and rich in terms of vocabulary. A compelling story.” Male reader, aged 55
“It´s always good when you read a novel which is both educational and exciting. A difficult balance, but the author got it right.” Female reader, aged 49
“I´d recommend this to anybody interested in Scottish history. The author´s knowledge of the events up to the battle is outstanding. And, rarely for an historical novel, the pacing is strong.” Female reader, aged 61
“Short novel, possibly too short in terms of the historical events he´s retelling. However, the pacing is excellent. I think most historians wouldn´t get a lot from this book, but your average reader with little or no knowledge of Scottish history will find plenty to think over in this thought-provoking tale of Scottish/English rivalry and, sadly, hatred.” Male reader, aged 68
“Enjoyed it. Too short but that´s a good sign. It shows I wanted more.” Female reader, aged 32
To Sum It Up:
‘A fascinating insight into the life of Robert the Bruce and his battle for Scottish freedom. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 6, 2022
It's the 10th of February, 1306. Scotland has two claimants to its crown, John Comyn and Robert the Bruce. The Bruce kills Comyn in a church and is crowned king at Scone, but is soon thereafter defeated in battle by King Edward 1 (Longshanks) of England. The Bruce's family is torn apart, literally, his wife Elizabeth is taken captive, and he flees. Eight years later, the Bruce has regained power and captured many castles, though Mowbray of Stirling refuses to recognize Bruce as king. Edward II, son of Longshanks, leads troops toward battle with the Bruce, but he is not the fighter that his father was. He first attempts to forego battle by challenging the Bruce, via Henry de Bohun, to one on one combat, but the Bruce slays Henry with an ax. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is visited by ambassador Bigod and offered a new husband, because it is calculated that the Bruce will soon be dead. Elizabeth refuses. After a visit from Alexander Seton, who reveals English vulnerabilities, the Bruce demonstrates skillful tactics in the use of his archers and leads the Scots to victory over the English at Bannockburn. He and Elizabeth are reunited. In a historical note at the end, among other things, the author compares the Bruce to Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, fighting against great odds and a more powerful foe. This might be an interesting, follow-up theme, sort of a new version of Plutarch's lives.
That's a fast, rough summary of the story. It's a fun tale, containing factual historical highlights, it goes quickly, and it's difficult to put down. It is so filled with detail, in fact, that although I was familiar with the historical background, I had to slow down to keep the characters straight. A lasting impression imparted by the author is that neither the English nor the Scottish leaders in that era had great loyalty among their cohorts, but each overcame the uncertainty in his own way.
That's a fast, rough summary of the story. It's a fun tale, containing factual historical highlights, it goes quickly, and it's difficult to put down. It is so filled with detail, in fact, that although I was familiar with the historical background, I had to slow down to keep the characters straight. A lasting impression imparted by the author is that neither the English nor the Scottish leaders in that era had great loyalty among their cohorts, but each overcame the uncertainty in his own way.
October 9, 2022
Mad King Robin, waooo!!
James did some great work!
Been kept on toes by the book just to know how it would end! I like the development of the story, the plot is well crafted from the start to the end. The wording is easy for one to comprehend and the writer still keeps on track of the themes of from the beginning to the end.
Three characters were outstanding for me, Robert Elizabeth and King Edward . Robert exhibited the true epitome of leadership our societies out to have and King Edward was a picture of that leader one wouldn't admire to have, he lacked the core values of leadership. Elizabeth was the perfect better half for Robert. Honest, respectful, faithful and loving which Robert needed at the end of the day!
The unfolding of the story needs patience for one to understand and connect the dots. It feels like one is watching a movie once they connect the dots!
Lessons; It is that united we stand, divided we fall. What helped the Scots to win the numerous wars was the unity backed by strong leadership and persistence. Robert understood that for him to outcompete the large English armies, all he needed was strong unity backed by intensive training.
Another is patience pays but pains. Elizabeth patiently waited for more than eight(8) years while caged but still clung on faith, hope, live and respect for her husband, the King of Scotland as he faced the English armies. At the end, he emotional and psychological pains earned her respect from her people- still keeping her title as the Queen of Scotland and more love from the husband!
It's a good read and recommendable for any one interested in History.
James did some great work!
Been kept on toes by the book just to know how it would end! I like the development of the story, the plot is well crafted from the start to the end. The wording is easy for one to comprehend and the writer still keeps on track of the themes of from the beginning to the end.
Three characters were outstanding for me, Robert Elizabeth and King Edward . Robert exhibited the true epitome of leadership our societies out to have and King Edward was a picture of that leader one wouldn't admire to have, he lacked the core values of leadership. Elizabeth was the perfect better half for Robert. Honest, respectful, faithful and loving which Robert needed at the end of the day!
The unfolding of the story needs patience for one to understand and connect the dots. It feels like one is watching a movie once they connect the dots!
Lessons; It is that united we stand, divided we fall. What helped the Scots to win the numerous wars was the unity backed by strong leadership and persistence. Robert understood that for him to outcompete the large English armies, all he needed was strong unity backed by intensive training.
Another is patience pays but pains. Elizabeth patiently waited for more than eight(8) years while caged but still clung on faith, hope, live and respect for her husband, the King of Scotland as he faced the English armies. At the end, he emotional and psychological pains earned her respect from her people- still keeping her title as the Queen of Scotland and more love from the husband!
It's a good read and recommendable for any one interested in History.
May 8, 2023
20th February, 2023 was a special day for me as a book reviewer from India.
James Vella-Bardon direct messaged me on Twitter at my account https://twitter.com/RonTheWriter90 to review his book Mad King Robin. I'm absolutely thrilled and excited to write this review since I greatly enjoyed the book & in the hope that it gets me good traction in my book reviewing career and in getting to know more great writers like him.
Victory comes to dreamers & action takers. Victory is the sweet fruit that is achieved by those who dream about it and achieve it through blood, sweat, and tears.
From the Bruce being a nobleman at the English court and a brave-hearted knight to being crowned The King of Scotland at Scone in the 14th century, this is a riveting tale of a warrior who doesn't care about the odds or the enemy he faces. With him being proclaimed a wanted outlaw in 14th century England by Kind Edward II, this story revolves around how he struggled to gain followers to rescue his country.
I am an Indian reader and writer. I have never been to England or Scotland but still, I could see the sequences of battles and the English court and the events happening right in front of my eyes as I was reading this book. The epilogue is a great eye-opener for readers about how things happened during that historical period and how Robert the Bruce gained inspiration from a spider to never back down.
The story is based on original historical events and I am still spellbound as I am writing this review.
This novella is definitely a gem: I would highly recommend it to any enthusiasts of historical fiction and those who are thinking about getting into the genre.
I am also privileged to know such a knowledgeable individual as James who answered all my questions on the period.
Thank you for reading my review, if you enjoyed this post, please make sure to drop a like and comment if you have already read this book before.
Cheers.
James Vella-Bardon direct messaged me on Twitter at my account https://twitter.com/RonTheWriter90 to review his book Mad King Robin. I'm absolutely thrilled and excited to write this review since I greatly enjoyed the book & in the hope that it gets me good traction in my book reviewing career and in getting to know more great writers like him.
Victory comes to dreamers & action takers. Victory is the sweet fruit that is achieved by those who dream about it and achieve it through blood, sweat, and tears.
From the Bruce being a nobleman at the English court and a brave-hearted knight to being crowned The King of Scotland at Scone in the 14th century, this is a riveting tale of a warrior who doesn't care about the odds or the enemy he faces. With him being proclaimed a wanted outlaw in 14th century England by Kind Edward II, this story revolves around how he struggled to gain followers to rescue his country.
I am an Indian reader and writer. I have never been to England or Scotland but still, I could see the sequences of battles and the English court and the events happening right in front of my eyes as I was reading this book. The epilogue is a great eye-opener for readers about how things happened during that historical period and how Robert the Bruce gained inspiration from a spider to never back down.
The story is based on original historical events and I am still spellbound as I am writing this review.
This novella is definitely a gem: I would highly recommend it to any enthusiasts of historical fiction and those who are thinking about getting into the genre.
I am also privileged to know such a knowledgeable individual as James who answered all my questions on the period.
Thank you for reading my review, if you enjoyed this post, please make sure to drop a like and comment if you have already read this book before.
Cheers.
July 4, 2024
After taking a little while to get into this book, I really enjoyed reading these perspectives on historical fiction. James is a friend of mine, originally from Malta and now living in Sydney (with his wife and children).
This 160-page novella is the story of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and his epic battles with the English. Set in the early 1300s in both Scotland and England.
Much of the writing describes the lengthy years of fighting, victories, defeats, and military strategy. However, there is also a touching love story about Robert and his wife Elizabeth de Burgh… a romantic twist for the ages, which is worth waiting for.
The granular detail and fast-flowing prose are impressive. I’d certainly recommend this to anyone with an interest in Scottish/English/British history, historical fiction, or military strategy.
This 160-page novella is the story of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and his epic battles with the English. Set in the early 1300s in both Scotland and England.
Much of the writing describes the lengthy years of fighting, victories, defeats, and military strategy. However, there is also a touching love story about Robert and his wife Elizabeth de Burgh… a romantic twist for the ages, which is worth waiting for.
The granular detail and fast-flowing prose are impressive. I’d certainly recommend this to anyone with an interest in Scottish/English/British history, historical fiction, or military strategy.
June 21, 2022
This an interesting and gripping novella mainly following the Scottish legendary King Robert the Bruce at the time of the battle of Bannockburn. It told of the run up to and the battle itself. The descriptions of the battle itself were well written, I could really imagine the scenes play out. The descriptions of the highly strung Edward II, were so realistic I wanted to shake him/slap so sense into him myself!
I read this as part of a serialisation on The Pigeonhole where the author joined us, having the author there to answer questions and add extra information really added to the experience.
Actually a bit sad that I have finished it, will be looking out and buying the authors other work in the near future.
With thanks to the author and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
I read this as part of a serialisation on The Pigeonhole where the author joined us, having the author there to answer questions and add extra information really added to the experience.
Actually a bit sad that I have finished it, will be looking out and buying the authors other work in the near future.
With thanks to the author and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
June 21, 2022
I was lucky to read this book through Pigeonhole with some like minded readers.
James Vella-Bardon has crafted a very historically accurate tale of Robert the Bruce’s battles with Kind Edward 11 to become king of Scotland in more than just name.
A much larger and more powerful neighbour interfering with the smaller country beside it. Infighting amongst the leaders into the bargain too.
Will things never change?
Anyway, back to Mad King Robin. This is a really punchy story that just crackles along with tension. The characters feel alive with believable motivations. Robert the Bruce is well served by this tale and I look forward to reading more by James Vella-Bardon.
James Vella-Bardon has crafted a very historically accurate tale of Robert the Bruce’s battles with Kind Edward 11 to become king of Scotland in more than just name.
A much larger and more powerful neighbour interfering with the smaller country beside it. Infighting amongst the leaders into the bargain too.
Will things never change?
Anyway, back to Mad King Robin. This is a really punchy story that just crackles along with tension. The characters feel alive with believable motivations. Robert the Bruce is well served by this tale and I look forward to reading more by James Vella-Bardon.
November 1, 2022
Firstly, I would like to thank Booktasters and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
This book was a great historical read and also well written. I had learned a lot about Scottish history from this book. It follows the story of Robert the Bruce who is crowned King of Scotland after defeating his lifelong rival. The story continues with many events playing out which was interesting and entertaining as well. It was really a great read. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
This book was a great historical read and also well written. I had learned a lot about Scottish history from this book. It follows the story of Robert the Bruce who is crowned King of Scotland after defeating his lifelong rival. The story continues with many events playing out which was interesting and entertaining as well. It was really a great read. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
December 1, 2022
I love reading historical fiction and “Mad King Robin” by James Vella-Bardon is exquisite. The story is set in the 14th century in Scotland. The author has done extensive research on that era and I was thrilled to learn a lot of things concerning the history of Scotland in a very enjoyable way. I wasn’t once bored while reading Mad King Robin and I have to say that the story and the characters were done beautifully.
I look forward to reading more books from James Vella-Bardon. Congratulations!
I look forward to reading more books from James Vella-Bardon. Congratulations!
December 30, 2022
I really enjoyed learning about Robert the Bruce through this novel. There are a lot of characters introduced very quickly at the start (and I was a bit confused by the different titles some characters held) but you are soon swept into the story. It is a great way into unfamiliar history. I liked the way we had different characters points of view. It covers a long period of time in Robert's life. I liked the sections about his imprisoned wife. Everything feels very authentic and well researched.
May 7, 2022
This story didn't get really good till the very end, it had me missing Bernard Cornwall's battle scenes, no one can do it like him. But the last battle was stirring, the Scots were brave and defiant as they should be, and Robert devised a brilliant battle plan to defeat the much larger English army. The Scots won, and all's right with the world!
Would like to give this 3.5 stars, but it's not quite up to a 4, as I felt I was plodding through a lot of it. Worth a read though.
Would like to give this 3.5 stars, but it's not quite up to a 4, as I felt I was plodding through a lot of it. Worth a read though.
August 7, 2022
Mad King Robin tells a story about "The Bruce" the Scottish king that fights against the English king to protect his land. As is historical fiction, we can know the story from a different view and gets your attention from the beginning.
I'm not used to this genre, but this book made me interested in it, it's a page-turner story with the end we expect. It was one of the best books I've read this year!
I'm not used to this genre, but this book made me interested in it, it's a page-turner story with the end we expect. It was one of the best books I've read this year!
September 2, 2022
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest opinion.
Robert the Bruce. A man with a mission, inspired by William Wallace himself. He has risen from a noble son, lackey of the king Longshank, to a king in the run and hero of Scots. This book is a recreated account of his journey to Scotland freedom. Inspirational and solid, perhaps the only but I have is I felt it too short, too linear. Still, I liked it a lot, specially the fight depictions.
Robert the Bruce. A man with a mission, inspired by William Wallace himself. He has risen from a noble son, lackey of the king Longshank, to a king in the run and hero of Scots. This book is a recreated account of his journey to Scotland freedom. Inspirational and solid, perhaps the only but I have is I felt it too short, too linear. Still, I liked it a lot, specially the fight depictions.
September 3, 2025
It was a fun, short read, picking up from 'The Cream of Chivalry'. Its chapters are split episodically, eventually culminating to the final battle between Robert the Bruce against King Edward II. I enjoyed the writing, though I didn't care for some tertiary characters - sorry Brother Matthew, I know you kept Lady Elizabeth sane by conversing with her.
Still, if you're into history, like short reads, or into great battle scenes, then I'd recommend this book because it's fun.
Still, if you're into history, like short reads, or into great battle scenes, then I'd recommend this book because it's fun.
June 21, 2022
A detailed and interesting historical account of the events, vividly rendered so that they felt real! The plot was captivating, the dialogues not alway so, perhaps due to the shortness of the novella. However, definitely a good read I will be pleased to recommend.
I read a complimentary copy of this novella on Pigeonhole and I am leaving voluntarily a review. Thank you James for this opportunity!
I read a complimentary copy of this novella on Pigeonhole and I am leaving voluntarily a review. Thank you James for this opportunity!
June 24, 2022
James Vella Bardon is a recognised historical author who has written this brilliant Novella at the time of the Battle of Bannockburn. The battle scenes and all the politics behind the scenes are so well scripted and give an excellent insight into the characters, that of Robert the Bruce and his loyal followers and of course his opponent King Edward II.
The novella is worthy of a cover to cover read in one session as I promise you it was very difficult to put down each day and wait for the next stave.
Looking forward to James's next title due to be released this August.
The novella is worthy of a cover to cover read in one session as I promise you it was very difficult to put down each day and wait for the next stave.
Looking forward to James's next title due to be released this August.
July 1, 2022
Seems designed to show us how clever the author is but it doesn’t achieve its aim. Rushes through large parts but with no character development the ‘story’ is as boring as a text-book. Very repetitive, as if the reader can’t be trusted to remember a few pages back. I enjoy historical literature but this was not for me.
July 2, 2022
Really well researched, well written novella about the Battle of Bannockburn and the events leading to it. I learnt a great deal of Scottish history in a short space of time and absolutely loved the gory battle scenes (although I appreciate these are not to everyone’s liking). I love James Vella-Bardon’s writing and look forward to reading his next full length work.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
September 14, 2022
This is an excellent piece of historical fiction because every character in the book is impressive.
Each of these characters were powerful or famous nobles during their lifetimes and Vella-Bardon’s writing brilliantly portrays their individual sufferings, as well as the Bruce’s insane level of daring.
I’m a Chinese reader who is not very familiar with the history of Scotland. But I very much enjoyed reading this thrilling story and it also helped me to gain more knowledge about this fascinating period of history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews