Client details

Robert Low has been a journalist and writer since leaving school. At 19, he was in Vietnam covering aspects of the war and, after 18 months of it, swore he would never do anything as stupid ever again. Since then, he has earned his living as a journalist safely in Scotland, with occasional lapses of judgement taking him to Sarajevo, Romania and Kosovo until common-sense, age and the concerns of his wife and daughter prevailed.

He lives in Largs, Ayrshire -- an area steeped in Viking history. He is the author of THE WHALE ROAD, THE WOLF SEA and THE WHITE RAVEN (2009) the first three in his OATHSWORN series. For more information about Robert and his work, please visit http://robert-low.com/

Latest publication:

THE LION WAKES - HARPER COLLINS - APRIL 2011

A nation will fight for its freedom.The first novel in a major new series as Robert Low moves from the Vikings to the making of Scotland.

In the dying days of the 13th century, Scotland is in turmoil. The death of Alexander III has plunged the country into war, both with itself and with Edward I of England. Determined to bring the north under his control, Edward instead unleashes a Scottish rebellion which unites the many warring factions against him - though the old hatreds are not easily put aside.Sir Hal Sientcler of Herdmanston, a minor noble of Lothian, finds himself caught up in the chivalry and honour, as well as the betrayal and murder that form these desperate days. As the rebellion gathers pace, Sir Hal is thrust into the maelstrom of plot and counterplot which shapes the lives of the great and good in both realms - including rebel leaders William Wallace and Robert the Bruce - as well as neighbours who now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield.Hal makes a powerful enemy out of the Earl of Buchan, arch-rival of the Bruces, and swears revenge. But first he must survive battles at Stirling Brig and Falkirk; the treachery of rival factions; and guard a secret that Robert the Bruce would protect from the outside world at any cost.When the lion wakes, everyone must fear its fangs…

Praise for Robert Low:

“The Lion Wakes is gripping, written with great bravura, and dense in texture in the best traditions of the historical novel ... The novel is full of action – staghunts, sieges, skirmishes, battles, murders, rapes and massacres – all vividly rendered. It is gripping ... The novel demands more concentration from the reader than is often the case with historical novels, the attention required is well rewarded.  There is a splendid gusto to this fiction as well as an acute political understanding ... All in all he has done something remarkable, and I look forward to the sequels. He has not set out to demolish the myth, but rather, by questioning simple interpretations of it, to deepen and enrich it; and he has brought this off in fine style. As a piece of bravura historical painting The Lion Wakes is remarkable.”
Alan Massie, Scotsman

'A company of warriors, desperate battles, an enthralling read'
Bernard Cornwell

'Fantastic. There's a wonderful earthiness to proceedings and he creates a tangible sense of being there. There's a sturdy, lyrical and epic quality to the writing'
Simon Scarrow

'Poignant, muscular, magical and impossible to put down'
Angus Donald

'Completely convincing and utterly compelling…the history, myth and fiction are folded seamlessly together: wonderful, unbeatable stuff'
Harry Sidebottom