Interesting historical novel. However it did drag at times as Scottish King James is a captive for just about the entire book. It did prompt me to do more research on this king about whom I knew very little. ( )

A King Ensnared, the latest release from J.R. Tomlin, is the first book in a planned series about Scottish King James I. This opening novel chronicles James' life from his childhood in Scotland to his eighteen years as prisoner of English King Henry IV and then his son, King Henry V.

The novel begins in Scotland, where King Robert III's hold on power is tenuous. After Robert's death, his son and heir James is forced to flee Scotland when it is revealed that his uncle, the powerful Duke of Albany, seeks to murder James and take the throne for himself. Before reaching safety in France, however, James is taken prisoner by the English and sent to the Tower of London. As the Duke of Albany solidifies his hold on Scotland, James spends his time in the Tower being tutored and practicing arms with other political prisoners. Just prior to his death, King Henry IV presses his son, Henry of Monmouth, to release James. While Henry agrees to his father's dying request, he ultimately decides not to release James unless the Scottish monarch agrees to certain conditions. Not willing to compromise himself or his nation, James refuses Henry. It soon becomes apparent to James, however, that if he ever hopes to win his freedom he may have no choice but to capitulate to Henry's demands.

While I love to read about Scottish history, I confess that I knew next to nothing about James I or the period in which he lived prior to reading this novel. It is obvious while reading through A King Ensnared that J.R. Tomlin did a significant amount of research for it. As such, A King Ensnared provided me with some much needed insight into both Scottish and English history during the early 15th century. Although I felt the early part of the novel moved slowly, once Henry V assumed the English throne and began to interact more frequently with James the story became more interesting. While billed as a historical novel about Scotland, very little of the book actually takes place in Scotland given James spends the bulk of the story as a prisoner of the English. As as result, much of the background history conveyed is actually English, albeit told from the perspective of a Scotsman. Given the story is told from James' viewpoint, Henry V, who is often portrayed in a favourable light, doesn't come across quite so positively. I enjoyed seeing Henry V through James' eyes but must admit that I found Henry V to be the more intriguing of the two characters. Without giving away the ending, it is apparent that the next installment in the series will see James' return to Scotland, and I'm curious to see how he handles being back in his homeland.

At a little over two hundred pages, A King Ensnared is a relatively quick read. Readers interested in Scottish history, or the history of Scottish monarchs might want to check this one out.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Source: I received a copy of the novel from the author as part of her virtual book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

I really like this book. I have read very little about James I, King of Scots, who spent eighteen years in English captivity so it was new territory for me. A better job had been done on the proof-reading as well which also mad it a more enjoyable read. It wasn't a good thing to be a Royal Stewart as James I uncle, The Duke of Albany had already killed one of his nephews in order to maintain his hold on power in Scotland and if that meant leaving James a penniless prisoner in England, so be it. Next month the sequel to this book comes out and I shall be eagerly awaiting it ( )