'Mulliken' (USA) June 21 2006
A COMPELLING 11th CENTURY ADVENTURE.
This is a remarkable novel by James Penny. It has the grand sweep of events told in details both historically and socially accurate. At every moment we genuinely care about the characters; the farm boys turned warriors, the seafaring traders, the lords and their retainers and the women who love them. Wonderfully observant touches make people and moments leap to life bespeaking Mr Penny's skills as a storyteller.{One nobleman's features are 'marred by a continual frown and a sulky look' and he speaks 'in a belligerent tone as if forever expecting someone to question his authority'; a high spirited lass is teased by her future husband and as he turns away 'heard her giggle and a small stone caught him in the back'; the banners of the lords following an unpopular king are seen 'flapping sullenly in the slight breeze.'} And this is a rare novel of the mediaeval period that will appeal to a wide readership. The battle scenes are graphically thrilling but not filled with gratuitous gore; the love scenes are touching but not. cloyingly sentimental From its engaging opening to its intelligent and satisfying conclusion 'Albannaich should find a wide readership. The inclusion of pages with character names and relationships, maps, and other user-friendly references is a further plus. Highly recommended.

'A reader' (Scotland) 18th April 2006.
WELL WORTH READING.
This is a very readable book, which held my interest from the first page. I would highly recommend it to anyone. James Penny has skilfully combined factual events and historical figures in the period between 1018 and 1057 with believable
fictional characters. I felt as if I with the Albannaich as they were on the march and engaged in battle. Penny also vividly portrays the day to day family life and struggle for survival of the people of Alba during this important period in the formation of the Scottish Nation.

'jfred' (Scotland) 5 June 2006.
A GREAT BOOK!
The story is just absolutely brilliant! A story about love, friendship and leadership written with a beautiful language that creates fascinating images of peoples lives nearly a thousand years ago. Not knowing enough about the Scottish history I couldn't comment on the accuracy of the facts. It could be fact, it could be fiction…..Its still a wonderful book.

Albannaich- ‘A cracking good read.’ 21 Sept 2006.
‘Cheery Aud’ [Glamis]

Albannaich is the culmination of a lifetime’s interest in the history of Angus and the Mearns by first time author and former soldier Jim Penny. Penny’s humour, attention to detail, and change of pace results in a cracking good read. The author is not afraid to write sensitively. On the other hand, his battle scenes are brutal but not so much so that they will send the squeamish rushing to grab the basin from under the sink and the violence only serves to make the similes all the more delightful: ‘Groups of men silvered like the salmon with the bright metal of weapons and wargear moved across the land to the hosting.’ Fresh air blows through the pages of Albannaich and it is truly delightful to read descriptions of journeys along the Angus glens of Prosen and Clova and to be able to visualise exactly where the action is taking place.
Penny freely admits there is little documented evidence about day to day life in this time but the tale he weaves around the frame of historical fact is both entertaining and satisfying enough so the reader can forgive the odd editing discrepancy that arises.

© Copyright James Penny 2007