The Castilians: Gripping Scottish Historical Fiction - the Siege of St Andrews Castle (The Seton Chronicles Book 1)

It was a little slower in pace than I thought it might be but that probably captured more of the feeling of a lengthy siege than if the action had gone faster. It portrayed the politics of the day between Scotland, England, and France while also showing the significance that Antwerp had taken on in this period. For those who like this period in history, this is a good book for looking at it from a different point of view.

This debut novel is based on the actual history of the assassination of Cardinal Beaton and taking of St. Andrew’s Castle by Protestants in 1546. Bethia and her brother Will in the castle are fictional characters, but many others are historical. How accurate their personalities are, I couldn’t say. The author treads a fine line on how “godly” these Protestants actually are. Will is sincere without showing any particular evidence of a personal relationship with Christ. A lot of the others pillage the town and surrounding countryside and seem to have personal motives rather than spiritual, like many of those involved in the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace (on the Catholic side) in England. I would not say that John Knox comes off as an admirable character here although Will has great admiration for the martyred preacher George Wishart.The plot has a number of twists and turns over the 18 months of the siege, mostly following historical accounts. A marriage is arranged for Bethia, who has no choice in the matter. There are two other suitors, either one of which would be more desirable, and Bethia seems a bit fickle, but when she knows the choice isn’t really hers, I guess it doesn’t matter.

It kept me engaged and and was an interesting story. Characters could have been developed more to get more story buy in.

I bought The Castilians book 1 because I will be attending a wedding at St. Andrews and wanted to read about the history of the town. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and googled the history of the castle and town as I came across references in the book. Reading an interesting fictionalized account very much helps me to remember the events that took place, and I intend to continue on with the series. A good book!

The Castilians taught me a lot about Scottish history, and the reformation in Scotland, but it’s not just about the history.Through the main character, Bethia, much is revealed about the treatment of women, and the expectations for daughters.Bethia, and her brother William, give the reader a great plot set within all the historyIt is a great read, and I’m anxious for the sequel.

The Castilians by V.E.H. Masters opens the door into the world of St. Andrews, Scotland, during a siege of its castle. It follows the lives of the son and daughter of a merchant family, Bethia and Will.There are three strengths in this work of historical fiction:First, the reader is not only an observer of the events, but through the author’s language and descriptions enters into them. I don’t remember whether the author specifically described the caws of the gulls or not, but when I think about the novel, I hear them.Second, Will and Bethia’s interactions with other characters, fictional and actual, and with their somewhat dysfunctional family (by modern standards) give the reader insight into the mores and expectations of the time.Third, the whole episode of the off-and-on siege of St. Andrews castle is fascinating for any lover of history. This alone makes the book worth reading.My only real criticism is that I wanted an epilogue.The Castilians is a quality work of historical fiction. I highly recommend it.

This interesting historical novel puts a sister and brother at odds over a religious controversy. The relationships resolve in a satisfying manner. The writing is straight forward, unembellished but readable. I plan to read the sequel.

Enjoyed this book very much. Want to read more on the people of this time period

A very intreesting story of Scottish insurection - enjoyed it very much

Set in what reads as a very authentic 16th Scotland, this story centres around Bethia, her brother Will and the evil Cardinal Beaton, who is filling his own pockets and building the Church on the back of the poor. After witnessing how the Cardinal deals with those who oppose him and the Church, Will begins to defy the Catholic Church.Will joins a group of like-minded people who see the need for reform in the church but he must tread carefully, his father wants none of it. The group seek to imprison the Cardinal and put him on trial. Then after Will is part of a group, “The Castilians", that takes the Castle where the Cardinal resides by force, things will never be the same again.The Cardinal will soon be the least of their worries. For Will has taken a decision that makes him a traitor, and as he and the others are held up in a castle with a hostage, he has made choices that will change his life forever. Bethia has not forgotten him, and neither have their parents.Even more striking than the fascinating historical setting are the relationships between this family, in particular between Bethia and Will. She will do everything she can to help her brother – she knows he’s just following his heart to do what he believes is right. Has he traversed a bridge too far? Resisting an ‘easy way out’, his fellow Castilians want to follow this siege of the Castle through to the bitter end.This is a story about family and faith, full of memorable characters that will pull you into their world. It’s an extremely well-written historical novel, the best I’ve read since Kate Grenville’s ‘The Lieutenant’, and that’s high praise indeed. Highly recommended!

What an amazing story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. While in Scotland I toured St. Andrews so reading the book I could picture the Castle, the mine and the town. The characters came alive for me and I can't wait for V. Masters next book

Great book but the ending lacking. Will is left in irons in the holds beneath Bethia and Mainard's feet as they depart Scotland to what thinks Bethia. Gilbert and John wave her off faithfully. The end.What about the boat sinks for instance or other mishap where Will and Bethia once again escape and eventually find their way back to an accepting family and Bethia marries Gilbert and Will his beloved.

Well written historical fiction, obviously carefully researched, which makes it all the more compelling.