To Read, Perchance to Dream: Book Review: Freedom's Sword by J.R. Tomlin

Before William Wallace... before Robert the Bruce... there was another Scottish hero... In 1296, newly knighted by the King of the Scots, Andrew de Moray fights to defend his country against the forces of the ruthless invader, King Edward Longshanks of England. After a bloody defeat in battle, he is dragged in chains to an English dungeon. Soon the young knight escapes. He returns to find Scotland under the heel of a conqueror and his betrothed sheltering in the hills of the Black Isle. Seizing his own castle, he raises the banner of Scottish freedom. Now he must lead the north of Scotland to rebellion in hope of defeating the English army sent to crush them.

Did you like Braveheart? Are you a fan of history? Love everything Scottish? Then this is the book for you. Freedom's Sword is a fictionalized account of the real life events of the Scottish fight against the British invaders under King Edward Longshanks in the 13th century.

Andrew de Moray is knighted by King John Balliol just before their defeat at Dunbar in 1296. De Moray is dragged in chains to an English dungeon, which he manages to escape. He returns to Scotland to find it under British control. De Moray musters support and leads northern Scotland in rebellion.

I always enjoy good historical fiction, but I was a little worried this book would be too full of battles and blood and guts. Not so! J.R. Tomlin manages to balance all the fighting and political drama with glimpses of personality and even a romance for Moray. She gives life to historical figures that normally lie flat on the textbook page.

It's obvious that J.R. Tomlin does extensive research for her novels. However, I never felt like I was reading a history book. The novel flows well and the action keeps you turning the pages. This is definitely a book you should give a try!

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author through LibraryThing. I was not required to write a positive review.