Blood Red Heart is a novel, based on the rise of the Douglas family from lowly barons to the mightiest family in Scotland in the 14th century. Although taken from records and folklore it is not meant to be an entirely accurate historical fact, for records conflict from that time. I have tried to make the book an enjoyable read about a torrid historical period between Scots and English when power was gained by those who took it. That is what the Douglas's did and built a dynasty second to none. Not even the Scots monarchs could match them in power and wealth or soldiery. Follow them for over 100 years from William the Bold, the first Lord, to Archibald the Grim who re-established the line of the Black Douglas. An amazing tale of plunder and dominance against ambitious and would be conqueror. The Douglas's stamped their authority on others by violence and coercion. They mostly died violently in battle and as one fell another leader appeared to continue to enhance power. The first of nobility to support William Wallace. Robert Bruce's best and most resourceful lieutenant. Cohorts to the beginning of the Stuart rise to kingship. Why the Red Douglas branch was formed.