Stirling writer’s hit book on Mary Queen of Scots
Added: (Fri May 27 2022)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A Stirling-based writer on Scottish history’s most influential dynasties has brought to life the remarkable story of their Queen.
History graduate Gary Maclachlan has just released his impressive retelling of the Mary, Queen of Scots story, Martyr.
Delving deep into contemporary, as well as modern, sources, the 27-year-old has blended fact with his own fiction to piece together one of history’s most iconic figures.
Gary, whose favourite authors include J. R. R. Tolkien and George R. R. Martin, said: “I have always been fascinated by Mary’s story - especially because she marked the end of the wars between Scotland and England when her son united the kingdom.
“Martyr is the story of Mary Stuart, who was the Queen of Scotland during the first half of the sixteenth century.
“She returns to her country after growing up in the French court with little understanding of the challenging political and religious situation in Scotland.
“Martyr is an emotional story about struggles for power, heartbreak and betrayal.”
Mary was only six days old when she acceded to the Scottish throne upon the death of her father, King James V.
She would spend her childhood in exile in France, before marrying into the French royal family, and eventually returning to Scotland as a widow following the death of her husband.
Gary’s remarkably well-paced novel takes up Mary’s story after she returns to a Scotland in the grip of the Reformation.
Martyr gets beneath the skin of a monarch who is surrounded by religious and political uncertainty, as well as skulduggery and murder within her own court.
Gary added: “Mary Queen of Scots is both naďve and inexperienced when she comes back to Scotland.
“Her brother ruled as regent while she was away, and he struggles to accept his loss of power – he will do everything he can to make his sister’s reign as difficult and hellish as possible.
“There’s also the fact that Mary is infatuated with the charming and handsome Henry Stuart - Lord Darnley – and marries him.
“Despite giving her an heir, he later reveals himself to be arrogant and power hungry which turns the council against him.
“But Mary’s main challenge would prove to be her association with her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, who murdered Darnley with the Queen’s blessing.
“The country has turned against her because of this, and she throws herself at the mercy of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England - this would be the final battle in her life.”
Gary’s gripping telling of Mary’s story has already reached number three in Amazon’s historical charts.
For more information visit Amazon and search for Gary Maclachlan, where the Kindle and paperback versions of Martyr are available.
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