Picture a Scottish storyteller who swapped war zones for Viking battlegrounds, weaving tales so vivid you can hear the clash of swords—meet Robert Low! A journalist turned historical fiction author, Low brought the gritty worlds of the Viking Age and medieval Scotland to life through his acclaimed Oathsworn and Kingdom series, fueled by his own adventures in Viking re-enactment.
Born in 1949, Low’s life was a saga of its own, blending the adrenaline of war reporting with the quiet joys of family life in Scotland. His unique path—from dodging bullets in Vietnam to wielding a sword in re-enactment—shaped novels that pulse with authenticity and heart.
The Making of Robert Low
Robert Graham Low kicked off his career at 17, chasing stories as a journalist. By 19, he was in Vietnam, covering the war with a boldness that later defined his fiction. His time in conflict zones like Sarajevo, Romania, and Kosovo honed his knack for capturing chaos, but by the 2000s, “common-sense, age, and the concerns of his wife and daughter” pulled him back to Scotland. There, he traded war reporting for novel writing, finding a new battlefield in historical fiction.
Low’s move to an area steeped in Viking lore sparked a passion for re-enactment. Joining The Vikings, a UK-based group, he learned horse archery, swordplay, and shield-wall tactics. These hands-on experiences became the backbone of his storytelling, grounding his novels in the sweat and steel of ancient warfare.
Robert Low’s Unforgettable Stories
Low’s debut, The Whale Road (2007), launched the Oathsworn series, a five-book epic following Orm Bearslayer and his band of Viking warriors. Bound by an oath to Odin, they chase treasure and survival across a brutal 10th-century world. Titles like The Wolf Sea and Crowbone blend myth, history, and raw action, earning praise from authors like Bernard Cornwell for their “enthralling” grit.
The Kingdom series, starting with The Lion Wakes (2011), shifts to the Scottish Wars of Independence. Centered on Robert the Bruce and characters like Hal of Herdmanston, these three novels—culminating in The Lion Rampant—capture the treachery and triumph of 13th-century Scotland. Low’s prose, dense with Scottish dialect and vivid battle scenes, immerses readers in a world of “red war.”
His later works, like the Brothers of the Sand series, explore Roman gladiators, while the Border Reivers series tackles 16th-century Scottish border conflicts. Low’s style—muscular, evocative, and steeped in historical detail—makes every page a journey, blending meticulous research with the thrill of a seasoned storyteller.
Why Robert Low Matters
Robert Low’s novels redefined historical fiction by bringing lesser-known eras to life with unmatched authenticity. His Viking and Scottish sagas don’t just tell stories—they recreate worlds where readers feel the weight of a shield or the sting of betrayal. His re-enactment experience set him apart, offering a tactile connection to history that resonates with fans and critics alike.
Low’s legacy endures through his ability to humanize warriors, from Viking outcasts to Scottish rebels, while celebrating Scotland’s rugged spirit. Though he passed in 2021, his books remain a testament to a life lived boldly, inspiring readers to explore the past with courage and curiosity.
- Born: July 8, 1949
- Died: May 31, 2021
- Key Works: Oathsworn series, Kingdom series, Brothers of the Sand
- Hobby: Viking re-enactment with The Vikings group
Ready to sail the whale road or fight for Scotland’s freedom? Grab The Whale Road or The Lion Wakes and dive into Robert Low’s thrilling historical adventures!