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Trust and Treason by J R Tomlin
JR Tomlin exposes us to the second chapter of the Douglas Bastard trilogy in his historical fiction book Trust and Treason. The book is set in 13th-century Scotland. The Scots are compelled to fight in a battlefield that is littered with walls and ditches during the battle at Neville’s Cross. Their tactical error restricts their movement and results in catastrophe.
Many Scottish officers and soldiers were slain during the rout, while many others fled. Others are taken prisoner by the English, including Sir William Douglas, the valiant Knight of Liddesdale, and King David II of the Scotts. After surviving the conflict and making his way back home, Sir Archibald “The Grim” Douglas discovers that Scotland has fallen under the control of English forces.
When Archie gets back, the Lady Douglas orders him out of the castle for failing to do his job as Sir William’s protector. To make amends, Sir Archibald gathers a small group to go up against the English and carry on the struggle for Scotland and his King. His strategies work on a limited scale up until he learns of a family power struggle and the outbreak of the black plague in Scotland, which derail his plans completely.
Ten years later, after the epidemic has subsided, the English offer to release the King of Scots in exchange for the inclusion of Edward III’s son in the Scottish throne succession. The released King David II himself delivered the ransom letter to the Scots. Archibald, who is now working for Lord Douglas and is horrified by what he is hearing, will soon confront an even larger test of his personal commitment.
The book instantly transported me to mediaeval Scotland since it is gritty, vivid, and full of historical information. Although it took a little getting used to at first, the archaic Scottish enhanced the immersion experience. I especially like Ms. Tomlin’s interpretation of a section of Sir Archibald’s narrative that is not included in the canonical historical accounts.
I appreciated going through Archie’s struggles. Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin is a superb work of historical fiction that painstakingly portrays a patriot with moral principles and lofty ideals. Sir Archibald cannot give up; by the end of the narrative, he is left with just two agonising choices.
The only little change I would make is to add a few extra minutes between Archie’s choice and the decisive confrontation moment. I believe that examining Archie’s presumably mixed emotions would have made for a compelling internal conflict to read about. I strongly recommend it.
About The Book
Since the Scots’ horrific loss at the Battle of Neville’s Cross, the English hungrily eye Scotland. Archibald Douglas, a landless bastard knight, will defend the kingdom until his last breath and with his life’s blood. But in this fight, who can he trust? And who is the traitor? It may not be who he once thought.
The Review
Trust and Treason
8 Score
In the historical fiction Trust and Treason, author JR Tomlin treats us to the second installment of the historical fiction series the Douglas Bastard. Set in medieval Scotland following the disastrous battle at Neville’s Cross in 1346, a guilt-ridden Sir Archibald “The Grim” Douglas returns home to find Scotland under the thumb of the English troops. In a tactical error, the Scots are forced to fight on ground that is riddled with ditches and boulders. During the rout, many Scottish commanders and troops were killed, and others flee. The English capture many others, including the king of the Scotts David II and Sir William Douglas, the heroic Knight of Liddesdale, who raised Archibald like a son.
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