In Bo Macreery’s debut novel, “Why We Don’t Kill Spiders, A Tale of Bannockburn”, we hear the legend of Scotland’s greatest King, Robert the Bruce. The tale is being handed down to a young Sir Walter Scott from his grandfather.

We first find a miserable, exiled Robert at one of the lowest ebbs in his life watching a spider to no avail trying desperately to build it’s web upon the wet, slippery walls of a cave on the Isle of Arran. To the astonishment of the Bruce as he is leaving the cave he spots a half completed spiders web. Renewed by the determination of one small spider, Robert once again sets out to release Scotland from the crushing grip of England. In a land divided not only into Highlands and Lowland, but Gaelic and French Norman, noble and common, land and sea, Catholic and Celtic, you see the rise of Scotland’s legendary Ard Righ Robert the Bruce. Witness as Robert struggles to unite a country that for so long has been divided. Also witness the inner struggles of Robert as he battles the beast with-in himself and battles the shame and guilt that overcomes him after he commits murder in the sanctity a church. Feel the weight of his conscious bearing down upon him as he struggles to find forgiveness and inner peace. We also have the privilege of taking a glimpse into the lives of William Lamberton, Robert Wishart, James Douglas, and many other legendary figures that helped shape the Scotland’s we see today. Join William Wallace as he fights for Scotland’s independence, see the role he played in helping unite Scotland, and witness his untimely death. Travel through the hills of Scotland from the Isle of Arran to Loudon Hill, from Stirling to Carrick to Loch Trool, and many other historical site without ever having to leave your chair. Hear the ringing of the steel claymores, the horse hooves beating into the marshy earth, and the battle cries of the valiant warriors as they first face England’s King Edward Longshanks then his son Edward Carnarvon, Witness a united Scotland at the battle of Bannockburn win their freedom from and pay homage to their Ard Righ Robert the Bruce. Feel the burden of guilt lift from Robert as he finally finds the divine forgiveness that he for so long has search for. Upon the death of Scotland’s beloved Ard Righ, Robert he finally spots a completed spiders web.

With the tale handed down from his grandfather, the life of Sir Walter Scott and the life of Robert the Bruce have become entwined forever. Vowing that he from this point forward will tell the tale of Robert the Bruce in his own words and forever preserve the legend of the spider.

Proving that the past can come to life one again, Bo Macreery has breathed life into these legendary figures. It is as though you yourself are witnessing these events first hand. Bo Macreery transports you to another place and time in this breath taking novel of freedom and forgiveness. Capturing the heart, soul, and essence of Scotland in a single novel. Macreery takes you on an unforgettable journey to the land where the legend of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace still roam the mist covered hills of Caledonia.

“Why We Don’t Kill Spiders, A Tale of Bannockburn”, is as alluring and intricately woven as a brilliantly completed spiders web. A definite page turner that will have you hooked from the first sentence. Bo Macreery has become a seanachaid for a new generation keeping alive the history and legacy of Scotland and her fight for independence. Bo Macreery has seamlessly blended the lives of Robert the Bruce and Sir Walter Scott, both of whom fought to honor their native Scotland. One armed with his might sword and the other armed only with his pen.

Put on some Celtic music, sit back and prepare to be transported to a time when a nation was uniting and a new king was rising to greatness.