The Spider and The Stone by Glen Craney

WordsAPlenty was given a copy of this book by the author with a request for an honest review. 

 

The Spider and The Stone by Glen Craney is an amazing historical novel based in the 14^th century between

two countries – England and Scotland.  In this tale we learn of Black Douglas (aka Jaime Douglas) and his tie with the future king of Scotland, Robert Bruce, as well as their valiant fight to free Scotland from the tyranny of England and its rulers.   Mesmerizing is the carefully woven betrayals and trusts that make this historical fiction exciting and riveting.

Glen Craney also brings to light the struggle between the Roman Church and the ancient Culdee Christianity which also bears heavily on the struggle.  The unsung heroes that Craney recognizes in his book are the women, the women who bear the consequences of each sacrifice and win and loss with their bodies and souls: “Men swear such oaths.  Women suffer the consequences.” A very apt quote that sums up the relationship between men and their goals and their women.

A powerful novel that shows the power of love – for their country, freedom and the women that supported them.  Woven carefully around the history of Wallace, Scotland, England Craney does an excellent job of capturing the reader’s attention and holding it.  His plot was well written and carried throughout the book.  His character development was exceptional.  Not only are his descriptions of the characters defining but he carried it throughout the book by the roles they played, the passion of which they lived, and he never once wavered making them less than he had intended.  I loved Sweenie Wee-kneed, a Culdee monk who served to give council and fight alongside Black Douglas.  I could visualize him as well as the other characters because of the richness of development.

This book is epic length and one that would dictate hours and days of reading. However, Craney’s gift for writing makes it more than difficult to put the book down once you start it.  Craney blends history, legend and fiction together masterfully and smoothly. 

This is a wonderfully written book that could be confusing if not well written given the number of characters, different plots, locations and the historical aspect.  I was impressed with the clarity and flow of the book; it was very well done!

This is a book with romance (star-crossed lovers), intrigue and action; there is never a dull moment.

WordsAPlenty gives this author and book a 5-star rating for fresh and riveting action as well as his smooth combination of history, legend and fiction.  A MUST read! 

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