This one is my favorite of the series. ( )

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This book is a good example of what happens when a person's view of history is clouded by prejudice, and bigotry. Historical facts seem to have been distorted to suit an individual agenda. The attitude towards certain groups (in this case the English) and events is biased and hypocritical.

The English are condemned as dishonourable for attacking the Scottish army at night, in the first chapter. Later the the book the Scottish army attacks the English at night, but for them it is perfectly acceptable to do so.

In the prologue Edward II and his knights attack a Scottish village and kill women and children. For this he is demonized as an evil child-killer. The massacre in question, however, never took place and the village does not exist. The English are condemned for inflicting suffering on innocent people throughout the series.

When, later in the book, a Scottish nobleman drives English peasants out of thier homes (which could have resulted in death from starvation/exposure), and devastates the English countryside, his actions are justified as strategic necessity, and it is implied that the English deserved to suffer (because they were English.)

Knighthood is depicted as a sacred vocation, that requires it's adherents to live upright, righteous lives. As opposed to the reality of knights as violent men in a brutal age, living by their own rules.

If you want something that is balanced perspective on historical events, and realistic, multi-faceted characters, avoid this entire series.
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This book was #4 in the Scottish Crown Series and also the last book in this series. I was not disappointed at all with this series, in fact I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading these stories! Carol Umberger has done a terrific job of making the history of Scotland in the 1300's come alive. Robert the Bruce has long fought for independence from England for his Scotsmen and in this story there seems to be some hope for peace.

Keifer McNab has not had an easy childhood, having to live with a foster family until he is old enough to claim his position as "laird" of his clan. You follow him as he grows up and goes on to train and become a knight, as he has no thoughts of ever marrying, but only of fighting for Scotland. The family that he finds himself living with has a young daughter, Nola, who is full of energy, love and a thirst to see more of the world. As you watch them both grow up into adulthood, you see how Nola has given her heart to Keifer, but he is determined to never marry. I enjoyed seeing them both struggle with their feelings and learning the meaning of unconditional love.

This story spans many years and although I thought at first is was a little slow, it quickly picked up and finished very well. There were alot of characters from the first three stories in this story which helped to tie them all together. I would recommend you read these in order to get the most out of the stories, especially for this last story. I can't say enough good about this series and although I considered not reading them at one time, I am so glad I didn't listen to myself. I thoroughly enjoyed every book! ( )

This was a very entertaining book. It was different than the first three books in the series in that it dealt with a child growing into a man, and not about men away at war. It was fresh and new, and I loved it. Everything I look for in a good book was here, even though the love story wasn’t as completely feel-good as some books. The characters showed their dedication and faith. I enjoyed it. Read more: http://christianfictionaddiction.com/book_reviews/the_promise_of_peace.htm ( )