The Spider and the Stone: A Novel of Scotland's Black Douglas

Chaucer Award First-Place Category Winner***Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Finalist***B.R.A.G. Medallion***BTS Readers Choice Honorable Mention

She will crown a king. He will carry a king's heart. Both will give all for Scotland's freedom.

As the 14th century dawns, Scotland's fate hangs by a spider's thread. The brutal Edward Longshanks of England schemes to steal the northern kingdom. Yet a frail Scot lad named James Douglas--inspired by a headstrong Fife lass--defies three Plantagenet monarchs and champions the cause of his wavering friend, Robert the Bruce, to lead the armies to the bloody field of Bannockburn. A thrilling saga of star-crossed love and heroic sacrifice during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

PRAISE FOR THE SPIDER AND THE STONE:

The best book I've read this year. ... [It] touched my Scottish-American warrior's heart. -- JOHN GRAHAM, Seneschal of the Society of Creative Anachronism

The battle scenes are detailed and vivid, giving the reader a ringside seat at Scotland's desperate fight for freedom. ... 'Spider' will hold readers in suspense. -- IND'TALE MAGAZINE

[B]est historical fiction I have read in years. From the beginning to the end there is not a dull moment. If I could give this book 10 willies I would. But alas I can only give 5 and I do. -- TO READ, OR NOT TO READ REVIEWS

[Craney] has woven a well-crafted, interesting tale. -- HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY

One of the three best reads of 2014. -- CYNTHIA ROBERTSON, historical novelist

As a fan of the works of Bernard Cornwell and Robert Low, I am very spoiled when it comes to novels of this genre. I was not disappointed in the least....Well written and it is fun stuff! -- AMAZON REVIEWER

A well-written, enthralling adventure. --BTS MAGAZINE READERS CHOICE

If you like Conn Iggulden, you will love this novel. -- GOODREADS REVIEWER

[A] memorable, well-researched, and thoroughly enjoyable work of historical fiction! Great read that is highly recommended! -- CRYSTAL BOOK REVIEWS

[A] gripping read...I'd highly recommend this book, it has everything you could want, war, love, death, betrayal, patriotism and some awesome dogs. --DAVID BAIRD BOOK BLURG

[A] brilliant novel that has taken my breath away and has become one read I sorely wish I enjoyed sooner. -- AS THE FINAL PAGE TURNS REVIEWS

A fun read with a collection of magnificently despicable characters. -- C.P. LESLEY, historical novelist

Exciting and gripping story...I found it to be an entertaining, interesting and engrossing book to read, and I am looking forward to more of Mr. Craney's works. -- D. ANDREW MCCHESNEY, historical novelist