Review of The Douglas Bastard
Posted: 05 May 2022, 13:58
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Douglas Bastard" by J R Tomlin.]
When all hope is lost, even for an orphan that has been written off as nothing, a determination would push him to become the best. The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 4) by J R Tomlin is about a boy named Archibald Douglas. When he was three, his family left Scotland for France, and he returned six years later. And he was called a bastard. The story began when his mother died from a long-time sickness in France. He was hurt but determined to be a knight like his father. He starts as a "page" with the help of King David. Then, he goes to Scotland with his older cousin, Sir William. This is just the beginning of a long journey for him. He learned a lot and learned them fast. Does he eventually fulfill his dream of being a knight? What challenges does he encounter on the way? The story also has a betrayal side, but we see Archie's side.
I found several positive aspects of the story. But the first thing I admired was Archibald, the story's hero. He has a unique and inspiring personality. Archie is bold, confident, and ambitious. I can go on and on about his good qualities from when his mother died at the age of 9 to when he went with his uncle, Sir William, to Scotland. He was determined to take on his father's legacy to the very end, disregarding what people thought of him being a lad that needed protection or his history of being a "Douglas bastard." And at this young age, even though his determination led him into disobedience several times, I still found his character inspiring.
Another aspect of the story I find intriguing is the historical part. From the dating (as in the time of the year things happened) to the war, both the ones Archie witnessed and the tales he heard, we see this story from Archie's eyes. I must also note that the stories throughout the book were narrated in great detail. This made me feel like I was a part of the story, as I could visualize most scenarios. However, I could not relate to some of the places and words. It was enlightening for me.
It had been a great read as I flipped through the pages. I appreciated how words were used. Throughout the book, I noticed a rich use of figures of speech such as simile, sarcasm, and metaphor. The general outlook of the book, from the setting to plot and characterization, was remarkable. It was professionally edited, as I found only two significant errors in the book. For me, I like the book in its entirety.
Without a doubt, The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 4) gets 4 out of 4 stars from me, as I have little or no reservations about the book. I don't have any negative issues with the book. I am still lost in amazement at most of the scenes in the book. I loved every minute of reading it, even though I was a bit lost initially. I recommend this book to readers who love reading adventure and thriller books. I also recommend this to younger readers, whether orphans or with parents. Archie's story would inspire and encourage them to be the best regardless of their circumstances.
******
The Douglas Bastard
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
When all hope is lost, even for an orphan that has been written off as nothing, a determination would push him to become the best. The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 4) by J R Tomlin is about a boy named Archibald Douglas. When he was three, his family left Scotland for France, and he returned six years later. And he was called a bastard. The story began when his mother died from a long-time sickness in France. He was hurt but determined to be a knight like his father. He starts as a "page" with the help of King David. Then, he goes to Scotland with his older cousin, Sir William. This is just the beginning of a long journey for him. He learned a lot and learned them fast. Does he eventually fulfill his dream of being a knight? What challenges does he encounter on the way? The story also has a betrayal side, but we see Archie's side.
I found several positive aspects of the story. But the first thing I admired was Archibald, the story's hero. He has a unique and inspiring personality. Archie is bold, confident, and ambitious. I can go on and on about his good qualities from when his mother died at the age of 9 to when he went with his uncle, Sir William, to Scotland. He was determined to take on his father's legacy to the very end, disregarding what people thought of him being a lad that needed protection or his history of being a "Douglas bastard." And at this young age, even though his determination led him into disobedience several times, I still found his character inspiring.
Another aspect of the story I find intriguing is the historical part. From the dating (as in the time of the year things happened) to the war, both the ones Archie witnessed and the tales he heard, we see this story from Archie's eyes. I must also note that the stories throughout the book were narrated in great detail. This made me feel like I was a part of the story, as I could visualize most scenarios. However, I could not relate to some of the places and words. It was enlightening for me.
It had been a great read as I flipped through the pages. I appreciated how words were used. Throughout the book, I noticed a rich use of figures of speech such as simile, sarcasm, and metaphor. The general outlook of the book, from the setting to plot and characterization, was remarkable. It was professionally edited, as I found only two significant errors in the book. For me, I like the book in its entirety.
Without a doubt, The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 4) gets 4 out of 4 stars from me, as I have little or no reservations about the book. I don't have any negative issues with the book. I am still lost in amazement at most of the scenes in the book. I loved every minute of reading it, even though I was a bit lost initially. I recommend this book to readers who love reading adventure and thriller books. I also recommend this to younger readers, whether orphans or with parents. Archie's story would inspire and encourage them to be the best regardless of their circumstances.
******
The Douglas Bastard
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes