"Castle Dangerous" is the last of Walter Scott’s "Waverley" cycle of historical novels. The story takes place shortly after the death of William Wallace in the Scottish War of Independence. Basically a romantic tale, the narrative follows a fair lady and her pledge of marriage. With romantic triangles, mysterious identities, battles, and sword duels, "Castle Dangerous" is a satisfying conclusion to Scott’s longish tradition of historical novels. Despite being his "swan song", it still remains a pleasant and highly recommendable read.

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. A jurist by formation, he was also judge, and an active member of the Highland Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He also played a major role in bringing the Sturm und Drang literary movement to the United Kingdom, both through translations, but also through his own creations. He wrote numerous well-known historical novels, including "Waverley," "Rob Roy", and "Ivanhoe", which have inspired countless authors ever since.