It was almost inevitable that in the 15th century the new Scots royal house of Stewart would have to come to a reckoning with the great house of Douglas.

Young Will Douglas, the eight earl, was born to vast power, influence - and trouble. And with the boy-king James II on an uneasy throne, and scoundrels ruling Scotland, the death of Will's father plunged him suddenly into a world where might prevailed and the end justified the means.

''Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes''

Scotland on Sunday

''He has an amazingly broad grip of Scottish history''

Daily Telegraph