The Spider and the Stone: A Novel of Scotland's Black Douglas by Glen Craney

Final Rating: 4.8/5

  
Sons of Scotland, take me away!

  Some ladies desire scented flimsy bubbles when they wish to escape or relax at stressful times but for me, just give me roaring men with Claymores and Lochaber axes battling on the fog draped Highlands of Scotland. I could never say no if offered that and if you can afford it, give me: thunders of war, battles of allegiances, history come alive, moments when I can hear powerful and emotional notes of tradition and finally if you can- give me romance worthy of Shakespeare. If anyone can provide me with all of these aforementioned elements and details, they rightly deserve applause and have earned a humble lady's recommendation; and that’s exactly what Mr. Craney has done with this brilliant novel that has taken my breath away and has become one read I sorely wish I enjoyed sooner. Never underestimate the persuasion or importance of reading a good book blurb or sadly in my case paying attention to a bad one. After seeing a very brief early description of this novel on another site, I honestly thought this title was going to turn into a silly superficial romp into the 13th-14th century and I am ashamed to say, I overlooked this work based entirely on that disappointing false summary and almost missed this striking experience.

  I absolutely love to be proved wrong and surprised with these types of stories and The Spider and the Stone: A Novel of Scotland’s Black Douglas wasted no time to capture my attention and prove its worth as this tale spun history, ancient legends and vibrant imagination together and I couldn’t wait to pick up my kindle and rejoin the epic action and intrigue filled chapters. The further I found myself drawn into this tale of the deadly dance between Scotland and England during the 13th-14th centuries, I couldn’t help but notice this novel reminded me of familiar and treasured cinematic and literary entertainments. However similar to those certain entertainments this title takes the best of those works and improves the faults with shading in lines, adding dedicated research and admitting creative liberties to create a memorable experience that is sure to stand beside this reader’s favorites as it continues to reveal different little pieces of symbolism and messages that I’m sure will stay burning in my mind for days to come.

-purchased and read on kindle 






*In response to Mr. Craney's below comment:
 Oh no sir, I'm just a simple admirer of history who appreciates a good book but you have created a tale that truly excited me and became an heroic epic I couldn't wait to race home to and pick up again. I dearly hope you plan on revisiting this time period again and I would be honored to be an early reader if you decide to do another novel set in England, Scotland or France. Your writing reminds me of many literary favorites and The Spider and the Stone was a real gem of a find for me. Thank you for the sweet and positive comment and good luck with any future works.