A King's Gamble

Ambition. Betrayal. Bloodshed.

In 1346, with Edward III battling the French at Cr©cy during the opening phase of the Hundred Years' War, Scotland's King David II sees his chance. England's armies are overseas. The northern border is wide open and victory seems inevitable.

However, what starts as an opportunistic invasion quickly unravels. Questionable leadership, internal rivalries and English resilience combine to turn the campaign into one of the worst disasters in Scottish history.

A King's Gamble is a narrative-driven non-fiction book that tells the gripping true story of the 1346 campaign in England's northern border counties. From the siege of Liddel Strength to the final epic battle at Neville's Cross, it brings to life the chaos, courage and cruelty of medieval warfare.

Nick McLean blends vivid storytelling with sharp historical insight. Written with dark humour and a soldier's eye for detail, this is a fast-paced account that refuses to sugar-coat the reality of war. Readers will meet kings, knights, raiders and rogues and witness one of Britain's most decisive but least remembered battles.

What to expect:

• A vivid, no-nonsense account of the 1346 campaign in northern England

• Ground-level scenes through fictional foot soldier perspectives

• Strategic analysis without academic overkill

• Clear, accessible writing for history fans of all levels

Praise from Amazon Readers for A King's Gamble:

• "Never dull...the way history is meant to be written."
• "This is the book I wish I had written."
• "Informative, fun and easy to read. Highly recommended."
• "Superb...well researched and entertaining"