This focuses on the life of the Andrew de Moray between the battle of Dunbar and the battle of Stirling Bridge. After escaping from being held captive in an English castle, Moray returns home to start driving the English out of Scotland. He works with William Wallace, to win some key battles. This novel gives a good brief look at a Scottish hero who largely is overshadowed by Wallace in history. Its a quick and easy read and while the battle scenes are descriptive, they aren't graphic. It is dominated by Moray's imprisonment, escape, training his troops and battle, and it would have been if the brief scenes of his domestic life were expanded, or if there were more of them to balance out his military life. Caitrina is a fun character, with a bit of rebelliousness that will appeal to the modern reader, but its not done in a modern way. Caitrina's rebelliousness fits in well with her place in the world, and the medieval time period of the novel. I just wish the novel was a bit longer.

I received this book from the author for review. ( )

I would have given this 4 1/2 stars if the option was available. One of the most enjoyable historical fiction books I've read in quite some time. The story takes place over a fairly narrow time period (in terms of the history of the Scottish fight for independence). This made for a well paced story. The author's description and inclusion of celtic words had me looking for definitions several times. While some peeople may find this annoying I find it adds to the enjoyment of reading since I'm both entertained and educated. I'm somewhat familiar with the historical period covered but I'm far from an expert, which in this case was good as it allowed for surprise. The listing and synopsis of characters at the end is a nice touch. If this section was read prior to the reading the book it would server as a spoiler though.

This was the first work of the author that I have read and I definately will read more of her work. ( )

This is the little known story of Andrew de Moray, who led the Scots in a Northern uprising against King Edward I of England and his armies. His uncle was the Bishop of Elgin Cathedral and lent a helping sword, supplies, and arms to his people's cause. This is an engrossing book that I didn't want to put down and so managed to finish it in about two days. ( )

[[J. R. Tomlin]] has been writing epic fantasy for a good while, but, from what I can tell, is recently making forays into historical fiction. [A Kingdom's Cost] was the first book written in the Black Douglas trilogy, and was an exciting, engrossing read. James Douglas' father sent him to France to keep him safe from England's King Edward I, aka Longshanks. Soon after his arrival in London, he witnesses and is profoundly affected by the execution of William Wallace, strengthening his resolve to take back Scotland from the English.

[Freedom's Sword] is the prequel to the story of James Douglas. Tomlin takes the reader back some years to the rise of William Wallace and the early days of Robert the Bruce. A little-known figure, Andrew de Moray, is knighted by Scotland's King John de Balliol, goes into a battle the Scots lose, and gets captured by the English. Typical teenager that he is, he is unable to keep quiet in the face of his captors. King Edward and his minions find nothing "precocious" in young Andrew's outspokenness, causing young Andrew to be taken to perhaps the worst dungeon in all of England. He escapes, returns to his home, and proceeds to show the occupying English exactly what he thinks of their "expansion plans." He escapes, returns home, brings hope and renewed resolve to his people, and the battle begins. I must stop here, or risk giving the away the ending to the non-English-history-expert readers.

[Freedom's Sword]'s storyline is orderly, cohesive, concise - there is no jumping back and forth in time as seems to be popular now. Tomlin seems to adhere to historical accuracy, and I appreciate the "Historical Notes" and citations included.

As in [A Kingdom's Cost], the characters in this story are developed very well. The reader easily learns the relevant backgrounds and understands the motivations of the main historical characters. In Andrew de Moray, the young knight is an impetuous, hotheaded youth who becomes, in a very short time, a deliberating, calculating war strategist who keeps his family life separate from his work.

Tomlin's skill is quite evident in the writing of [Freedom's Sword]. Vivid descriptions tell of the battles with sound and fury, of the surface features of the land seen from the eyes of the warrior, of the scents and sounds and sceneries of a young man's more innocent days. The story flows so seamlessly that I often lost track of chapter counts. Editing was thorough and as complete as I have seen in too long of a time.

It is definitely one I will read again. ( )

I got this for free from Amazon.com. I don't know the accuracy of the history. The book not only brought out the experiences of the nobles but also the common people. There were comments on the English drive to conquer other people and the importance to the Scots to have their freedom. I read the book on my Kindle which made it easier for me to look up Medieval terms. There is a map of Scotland at the beginning but that is difficult to use with a Kindle. At the end of the book is a brief summary of the historical period, a list of historical characters, and the author's description of what were historical facts (and the source) and what was historical fiction in the book. I enjoy reading historical fiction and really appreciate it when authors include this information. ( )