Duncan's War

Duncan McKethe is a teen living in 1666 Scotland during the 'Killing Times.' As King Charles II attempts to force the Church of England's structure on the Scottish Presbyterians, Duncan's family joins the Covenanters. The story follows Duncan from his home life into the heat of the Battle of Rullion Green, where he must decide if he is willing to suffer for the crown of Christ. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with religious persecution and state-sanctioned violence. There is a strong Christian perspective that is central to the plot. Death and injury occur in battle, handled with historical realism rather than gratuitous gore. The resolution is bittersweet but spiritually hopeful. EMOTIONAL ARC: It begins with a sense of rising tension and domestic unease, builds into a high-stakes survival and battle narrative, and concludes with a reflective, somber, yet firm sense of purpose. IDEAL READER: A 12-year-old who enjoys survival stories like Hatchet but is starting to ask deeper questions about why people die for their beliefs or how to handle peer pressure regarding their values. PARENT TRIGGER: A child expressing that they feel 'weird' for having different beliefs than their friends, or a child asking if it is ever okay to break the law to follow their conscience. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the specific historical context of the Covenanters to help explain the theological stakes. The Battle of Rullion Green (Chapter 20 onwards) contains the most intense action. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'cops and robbers' aspect of hiding from the Redcoats. Older readers will better grasp the political nuances and the internal struggle Duncan faces regarding his own fear. DIFFERENTIATOR: It is a rare piece of juvenile fiction that treats the Scottish Covenanter history with gravity and historical accuracy while remaining accessible to a modern youth audience.