Lord of the Isles

The Lord of the Isles is a good ol' Tranter tale. We see the Scottish Isles through the eyes of Somerled hammer of the Vikings and first true lord of the Isles. The book starts with Somerled, part Viking and part Scot using Irish mercenaries from his Father-in-Law and his Long ships to slowly reclaim his father's Thanedom of Argyll. After accomplishing this and taking a few more Islands, Somerled's father dies and he becomes Thane of Argyll. Then after becoming involved with the Isle of Man and marrying the King of Man's daughter Ragnhilde, he takes back most of the remaining Isles from the Vikings and declares himself King of Argyll and the Isles. Since his power rises he comes to the notice of David I, King of Scots. He meets David and befriends him. Seeing himself as equals but declaring fealty to David I out of respect, Somerled settles down to rule his northern Kingdom. By his new wife he father's sons who become the founders of the MacDougall, MacDonald and MacRauri clans. But unrest with rebellion against David's rule and the rise of the MacEth claimants to the throne tests his loyalty to the King of Scots. After the death of his friend David I and meeting Malcolm, the Maiden, grandson and heir to the throne Somerled chooses to support the rebellion work to put Scotland back on track. This leads to his treacherous murder at the height of his power. Lord of the Isles is a great view of who and what Somerled may have been. He is the ancestor of future great clans, the Stewart royal dynasty and impacts Scottish history as few have. Nigel Tranter has written a wonderful tale.