Review: The Spider and the Stone by Glen Craney

The Spider and the Stone is a quasi-fictional/historical account of Robert de Bruce's reign.  The book begins around early 1300 A.D. in Scotland.  William Wallace (think Mel Gibson/Braveheart) has died a most horrific hanging/disembowelment, leaving Scotland wide open for a new ruler.  The Scottish clans are feuding among themselves while England (King Edward/Longshanks) is vying for control.  The hero of this true tale is Black Douglas, or Jamie Douglas, who sides with Robert the Bruce to gain peace among the nation while driving back the English.  But the peace doesn't last long.

https://www.amazon.com/Spider-Stone-Novel-Scotlands-Douglas-ebook/dp/B00G8OOT7M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=glen+craney&qid=1569362575&sr=8-2

The title is taken from a famous Scottish legend about Jamie Douglas who is losing.  His men are outnumbered, out-financed, and out-weaponed.  While sitting in a cave, he sees a spider who is unsuccessfully building a web.  The spider never gives up and creates a beautiful masterpiece.  In Scottish lore it is Robert the Bruce who was inspired by the spider, and not Jamie Douglas, but all the same, it changed Scotland's future.  In the end, if you know your history, Robert's son David becomes Scotland's king at the age of five.

My Review:
This book had everything-tons of history and research, great writing, romance, and a few additional characters Mister Craney threw into the story to make things even more interesting.  I especially found the Culdees fascinating.  This sect of Druids are said to be the original Christians within Europe-not the Catholics.  As a KT buff, I loved the role the Templars played after they were excommunicated from France.  Craney gave the Black Douglas a love interest that worked well throughout the story.  Other real characters I enjoyed learning about were Isabella from France and the Comyn clan.  This is a MUST read for history lovers.  I've read Craney's books before and they are all great, but this one is my favorite to date.  5/5 Stars.