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Series

The Stewart Chronicle

The Stewart Chronicle dramatises the reigns of James I and James II of Scotland. The opening books follow Prince James from his capture by the English in 1406 through years at the courts of Henry IV and Henry V, his marriage to Joan Beaufort, and his difficult return to a kingdom dominated by the Albany Stewarts.

After James I’s assassination, the narrative turns to the childhood and early rule of James II, when the queen mother, royal officers and the Douglas family compete to control the crown. The four novels combine dynastic biography, romance and civil conflict to explore how captivity, minority rule and aristocratic power shaped the fifteenth-century Stewart monarchy.

Reading order

Books in this series (4 books)

A King Ensnared cover

#1 – A King Ensnared

J.R. Tomlin

Scotland, 1406. Twelve-year-old Prince James is sent towards France as Robert III dies and the Duke of Albany strengthens his hold over the kingdom. English sailors capture the prince at sea, leaving Scotland with a king who will spend eighteen years detained at the courts and…

A King Uncaged cover

#2 – A King Uncaged

J.R. Tomlin

After eighteen years in English captivity, James I negotiates his release, marries Joan Beaufort and returns to Scotland in 1424. The crown he inherits is weakened by the long rule of the Albany Stewarts, powerful regional lords and institutions accustomed to governing without their king. James…

A King Imperiled cover

#3 – A King Imperiled

J.R. Tomlin

Scotland, 1437. James I has been assassinated, and his six-year-old son inherits a crown surrounded by armed factions. Queen Joan Beaufort attempts to retain control of the child, while the chancellor and the Douglas family seek possession of the king and the authority exercised in his…

A King Empowered cover

#4 – A King Empowered

J.R. Tomlin

As James II approaches adulthood, regents and magnates continue to control the government and expect the young king to confirm the arrangements that enriched them during his minority. James begins gathering supporters and testing how far royal authority can be exercised without provoking open rebellion. The…