“Duncan’s War” – A Review

After reading “The Cat of Bubastes”, we decided to try and organize our study of Europe by country – at least to some extent. We decided to let the first country be Scotland. That being the case, I immediately commenced reading a book series entitled the “Crown and Covenant Series” by Douglas Bond, to my sisters. I had bought it a year or two ago with money from my grandmother. The first book in the series was “Duncan’s War”.

Douglass Bond is a contemporary author living in Washington State (as far as I know). He lives with his wife and five children. He has traveled many times to Scotland and his books are the product of extensive research. Besides the Crown and Covenant series, he is also the author of the “Mr. Pipes” series for children.

“Duncan’s War” was published by P & R Publishing in 2002. The book is 35 chapters long and 270 pages. Besides the story, the book also contains “A Word About the Characters” (telling you who in the book was a real figure in history), a “Glossary of Scottish Terms” (this is really helpful) and a “Timeline of Scottish Covenanting History” in the back. “Duncan’s War is a part of a three book series. The other books include: “King’s Arrow” and “Rebels Keep”.

“Duncan’s War” centers around fourteen year old Duncan M’Kethe and his family who live in Scotland, near Dalry in 1666. Charles II of England has been oppressing the keepers of the Covenant, for six years. He has been trying to make the Scottish Christians to worship his way and to acknowledge him as head of the church. Those faithful to the covenant refuse to do so. They acknowledge King Charles as head of the commonwealth but King Jesus as head of the head of  the church – and they must now suffer the terrible consequences. The M’Kethe family are among those faithful to the covenant. While Sir James Turner, plunders the country ands begins taking the possessions and even the lives of the innocent under King Charles’ orders thereby provoking war, Duncan is fighting a battle of his own: he is trying to love his enemies when all he wants to do is hate them…

I enjoyed this book immensely! The M’Kethe family always try to view everything from such a biblical perspective – Duncan’s father especially is so godly and wise! I would very highly recommend this book!

To the KING be all the glory!