Does this sound as good to you as it does to me? Well then continue below for more information on this exciting historical novel that has been getting stellar reviews and enter to win one of FIVE ebook copies of The Spider and the Stone!
Paperback and ebook editions (Kindle/iBooks/Smashwords/
432 pages
Brigid's Fire Press (2014)
ISBN-10: 0981648401
ISBN-13: 978-0981648408
Ingram/Baker & Taylor
432 pages
Brigid's Fire Press (2014)
ISBN-10: 0981648401
ISBN-13: 978-0981648408
Ingram/Baker & Taylor
As the 14th century dawns, Scotland’s survival hangs by a spider’s thread. While the Scot clans scrap over their empty throne, the brutal Edward Longshanks of England invades the weakened northern kingdom, scheming to annex it to his realm.
But one frail, dark-skinned lad stands in the Plantagenet monarch’s path.
The beleaguered Scots cherish James Douglas as their "Good Sir James." Yet in England, his slashing raids deep into Yorkshire and Northumbria wreak such terror that he is branded the Black Douglas with a reward placed on his head for his capture.
As a boy, James falls in love with the ravishing Isabelle MacDuff, whose clan for centuries has inaugurated Scottish monarchs on the hallowed Stone of Destiny. His world is upturned when he befriends Robert Bruce, a bitter enemy of the MacDuffs. Forced to choose between love and clan loyalty, James and Isabelle make fateful decisions that will draw the opposing armies to the bloody field of Bannockburn.
Isabelle will crown a king. James will carry a king's heart. At last, both now take their rightful places with Robert Bruce, Rob Roy, and William Wallace in the pantheon of Scot heroes.
Here is the story of Scotland’s War of Independence and the remarkable events that followed the execution of Wallace, whose legend was portrayed in the movie Braveheart. This thrilling epic leads us to the miraculous Stone of Destiny, to the famous Spider in the Cave, to the excommunicated Knights Templar, to the suppressed Culdee Church, and to the unprecedented Declaration of Arbroath, the stirring oath document that inspired the American Declaration of Independence four hundred years later.
The Spider and the Stone is the unforgettable saga of the star-crossed love, religious intrigue, and heroic sacrifice that saved Scotland during its time of greatest peril.
But one frail, dark-skinned lad stands in the Plantagenet monarch’s path.
The beleaguered Scots cherish James Douglas as their "Good Sir James." Yet in England, his slashing raids deep into Yorkshire and Northumbria wreak such terror that he is branded the Black Douglas with a reward placed on his head for his capture.
As a boy, James falls in love with the ravishing Isabelle MacDuff, whose clan for centuries has inaugurated Scottish monarchs on the hallowed Stone of Destiny. His world is upturned when he befriends Robert Bruce, a bitter enemy of the MacDuffs. Forced to choose between love and clan loyalty, James and Isabelle make fateful decisions that will draw the opposing armies to the bloody field of Bannockburn.
Isabelle will crown a king. James will carry a king's heart. At last, both now take their rightful places with Robert Bruce, Rob Roy, and William Wallace in the pantheon of Scot heroes.
Here is the story of Scotland’s War of Independence and the remarkable events that followed the execution of Wallace, whose legend was portrayed in the movie Braveheart. This thrilling epic leads us to the miraculous Stone of Destiny, to the famous Spider in the Cave, to the excommunicated Knights Templar, to the suppressed Culdee Church, and to the unprecedented Declaration of Arbroath, the stirring oath document that inspired the American Declaration of Independence four hundred years later.
The Spider and the Stone is the unforgettable saga of the star-crossed love, religious intrigue, and heroic sacrifice that saved Scotland during its time of greatest peril.
Review Praise
"[Craney] has woven a well-crafted, interesting tale." -- Historical Novel Society
"The best book I've read this year." -- John Graham, seneschal of the Society of Creative Anachronism
"The battle scenes are detailed and vivid, giving the reader a ringside seat at Scotland's desperate fight for freedom. . . . 'Spider' will hold readers in suspense. . . . " -- InD'tale Magazine.
"It was a marvelous book and I was moved to tears." -- Kathleen Ingram, Reading the Ages
"One of the three best reads of 2014." -- Cynthia Robertson Reviews.
"I feel like a groupie, I'm so excited about this book!" -- Amazon reviewer
"Amazingly crafted novel.... Lovers of Scottish history will love the accuracy and presentation of events, and lovers of a good story will be enthralled by its drama and intensity. I finished it today and feel as though I'm in mourning that it's over." -- Amazon reviewer
"I really loved the interplay among the characters . . . . Overall a satisfying several hours. Bravo Mr. Craney - Well Done! Five Stars from Me." -- Miccilina Piraino, Good Book Alert
About the Author
A graduate of Indiana University School of Law and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Glen Craney is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and lawyer. The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences has honored him with the Nicholl Fellowship prize for best new screenwriting. He is an indieBRAG Medallion Winner and has three times been named a Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Award Finalist. His debut novel, The Fire and the Light, was recognized as Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards and as an Honorable Mention winner for Foreword's BOTYA in historical fiction. He lives in southern California.You can learn more about Glen Craney and his books on his website http://www.glencraney.com, on Goodreads and on Facebook.
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Giveaway!
To enter to win one of FIVE eBook copies (mobi or epub) of The Spider and the Stone fill out the form HERE. The winners will be randomly selected on February 11th, 2015. Books will be sent directly from the author to the winners' email addresses so be sure to leave your email address in the entry!
Good luck everyone!
If the page count is an indication, it's a bit longer than the books I usually read no my Nook! But the synopsis shows so much action and historical info, it looks really good!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it sound good?! I've read a few rather long books on my Kindle and as long as the action, intrigue, what-have-you keeps up it goes really quickly. Good luck in the giveaway!!
DeleteI need British historical fiction as part of my daily nourishment to stay alive and well ;-) The considerable page count will be no match for my hearty appetite I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI've learned it's not as easy as I would have guessed to find a tale of Scotland's history that falls outside the wide bounds of the Highland Romance sub-genre in historical fiction novels published these days...or so my experience teaches me at least. Thanks for bringing me to this book's acquaintance and for the chance to win, Colleen. Best wishes, Kara S
Ha ha...I can just picture you Kara with an IV filled with British stories :)!! I agree, most Scottish stories these days seem to have a bodice-ripping cover and that usually turns me off...I like more history than romance! Have you tried Susanna Kearsley's time slip novels? A few of them take place in Scotland I believe (at least partially) and I love her writing!
DeleteGood luck with the giveaway!
Okay everyone it's time to announce the winners of the eBook copies of The Spider and the Stone!!! Our winners are...
ReplyDeleteJulia Holden
Kara S
Margaret Cook
Charlene Capodice
Dee Stevens
Congratulations winners!!! I will send the names and email addresses of the winners to the author and he will be in contact with you regarding getting your eBooks to you!
Nice! thanks so much for the book! !
ReplyDeleteDee
Just heard from Glen!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and happy reading to all!
Wonderful! I hope you love it!!
Delete