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Description
Unwilling to fight but feeling a sense of duty, sixteen-year-old Martin joins Scotland's rebel army as a swift rider and master of espionage for its leader, Robert the Bruce.
Quick Summary
Sixteen-year-old Martin abandons his peaceful shepherd life to become a secret messenger riding through war-torn Scotland, carrying coded messages for Robert the Bruce himself. Readers will race through narrow escapes, midnight rides across enemy territory, and the thrilling tension of outwitting English soldiers while Martin wrestles with whether his reluctant heart can become brave enough for the cause. If your kid loves the historical action and teen protagonists in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" or the spy intrigue in "The Last of the Mohicans," they'll be hooked on Martin's dangerous missions. This 6.9 AR level novel with 61,867 words is perfect for ages 13 and up, ideal for eighth through eleventh graders who enjoy historical fiction with heart-pounding stakes.