Insurrection - Robyn Young

Scotland. A land where until the 19th century discussions about conflict were more likely to begin with the word 'when' than 'if'. I am always astonished by the discovery of more medieval documents that surface revealing links to the Scottish Wars of Independence. Generally, they do not come out of Scotland, but occasionally they do. It is with those rare archival finds that personages like William Wallace were re-discovered and interest in others such Robert the Bruce came about. As a king, Bruce was not completely lost to the bogs of memory, but we really know very little. On the other hand, when there is little information, the landscape becomes fallow, and fallow fields eventually yield better crops.

Insurrection is the first instalment in the trilogy about Robert the Bruce, and begins elsewhere, in France and the fertile fantasising of the future English King Edward (Longshanks). He identifies with the mythical Arthur through Monmouth's prophecies and sets a course for the domination of the English Isles. Then we meet Robert who accidentally encounters a healer/witch who weaves fortunes onto an oak tree. Two men, two prophecies, two kingdoms and Young weaves a tale that incorporates of all of this along with the known histories. There is no secret as to how the basic story plays out. It is in the way the story is told that matters here.

I am not generally opposed to the invention of a secret society of knights to make a story move along, but I really didn't see the inclusion of one in this novel as helpful. I understand why it was done, to establish friendships which lead to the inevitable catalyst that will define a sense of betrayal; however, I felt it tenuous here. Never will I believe that someone's desire for a throne will be superseded by peer pressure. I'm usually pretty flexible when it comes to understanding human motivations, but not on this point. Few get more than one opportunity to be king, assisting in reducing the possibility of that ever happening just is not something I will every buy. I was, though grudgingly, willing to accept the idea of the Knights of the Dragon, until Robert's complicity in the destruction of his own future rule. To me, the story was so implausible as to be nearly farcical that it dropped me completely out of the book. It's a credit to the author's superb writing up to then that I continued reading.

With the exception of the inclusion of the Knights of the Dragon and related storyline I was quite taken by the story. I enjoy how the tale of the spider was turned into something fare more intriguing with the inclusion of Affraig. I also quite liked the portrayal of the Bruce family's animosity toward the Comyns, the tension is palpable and the distrust deep seeded. Young Robert's tumultuous relationship with his father truly helps to understand his character as does the relationship with his grand-father. Though that one far warmer and understanding.

There is no question here that Robyn Young can write, and well. Some might say a bit wordy at times, but I like that sort of thing, so I didn't get that feeling too often or for very long. Her vivid battle descriptions are wonderful, though I like my warriors a little more gritty, but hers fit the style of her writing. Again, it's this staying true to her tale that makes someone very familiar with this period accept, or not even notice the little things. I am set to read the next instalment soon, and am looking forward to it as I really do want to there to be another good story about this period and these people.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.