The King's Swift Rider: A Novel on Robert the Bruce

By Mollie Hunter

Book Overview

The perfect spy While hunting for his family's dinner on the moor, sixteen-year-old Martin Crawford spies a lone man being hunted by five armed soldiers. He succeeds in rescuing the man, and is shocked to learn that he is none other than Robert the Bruce--rightful King of Scots. Martin wants to lead a quiet life; he is a scholar. But when the Bruce asks him to join his army and help to regain Scotland's freedom from the brutal English king, Martin cannot say no. But he can refuse to fight. No matter what the Bruce or anyone else, says to him, Martin will not pick up a sword. Instead he will be the king's swift rider, a vital link in the Bruce's information network. Soon Martin is risking his life as one of the king's most trusted spies. For he knows that victory over the English will give the Scots their freedom, but defeat will kepp them slaves forever.... 00-01 Tayshas High School Reading List

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064472167
• ISBN13: 9780064472166
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.7" x 4.2"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

A passion for Freedom and a love of Scots

Although this story is told through the eyes of Martin Crawford, a young Scot in the late 1300's, it's really about Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, and his passionate fight for freedom from England's rule. Many have said that this book's more for boys, but I'm a girl and I loved it, SO THERE! :P It reminds me a lot of America's own fight for independence. If you like historical fiction, Scotland, male heroes, or people with wits rather than brains, then you'll LOVE this book. I know I did.

A great read

The King's Swift Rider is an interesting and compelling tale of Robert the Bruce's quest for Scottish independence. The characters and events are true to history, and the details of military encounters help the reader to visualize the conflicts as they occurred. My students will be reading this book as part of our world history studies this year.

Robert the Bruce fans,unite!

This is a young adult book regarding the history of Robert the Bruce who fought the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. It is very well written and really gives a good look at "The Bruce". I got to know him much better, how he and the troops prayed before the battle, the fierce loyalty and love his men had for him and the mercy he demanded be given the enemy if asked for. Don't let the fact that it was written for teenage readers keep you from enjoying this tale if you are older. Anyone can read this and learn from it!

A really great story . . .

This book is about a Scottish boy, Martin, who becomes the King's page and later spy. I loved reading about Robert the Bruce- it's very educational and I think anyone with a taste for adventure and medieval times (kings, queens, etc.) will truely treasure this book.

Excellent work of historical fiction!

I read this book a while ago but I remembered it when I watched Braveheart several days ago. I think that it is suspenseful and yet has a quality of sadness in it. (to the author) Mollie Hunter, thou art a genius!