The novel is based around the Scottish Wars of Independence and in particular the actions of Robert the Bruce, set in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Insurrection was well received, with reviewers praising the novels successful evocation of this little-documented period of the Middle Ages.

Toby Clements, in a review for The Daily Telegraph, stated that the novel is "immaculately researched and carefully written, evoking a very particular – and largely unexplored – time and place."

[2] Mark Scala, reviewing for Australia's The Daily Telegraph, commented that "this tale captures the struggles of a tumultuous time.".

[3] Scott Wilson, of on-line review site The Fringe Magazine was more critical than most, citing the novels factual inaccuracies as a possible point of contention for readers.