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Rory Headren

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Born
Newcastle upon Tyne, The United Kingdom
Member Since
November 2025

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The story as to how the Rory Headren books came about, begins in 1967 in 'swinging' London, when Doreen met handsome Harry O'Flaherty, her husband to be, when he was writing a book about Boudicca's rebellion against the Romans, but time went by and he used every excuse under the sun as to why it wasn't being written.
With time running out, Doreen offered to help with the research but with his typical procrastination Harry switched to wanting to write about a fictional shield that was used at the battle of Marathon. Then he switched back to wanting to write about Boudicca!
By now Doreen had become engrossed in researching the background to the story about the Marathon Shield and unexpectedly became the author of The Shield of Marathon, The Swo
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Rory Headren Hi, The treasured Shield from the Battle of Marathon was an original idea of my late husband, Harry, who studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Ne…moreHi, The treasured Shield from the Battle of Marathon was an original idea of my late husband, Harry, who studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Newcastle University! The story behind how I wrote the book is another story! Theomenes and his slave Mydon were, in the beginning, just examples of average Platateans who became caught up in the war between the super powers of Athens and Sparta, but they became more significant due to them being so young. As my research increased, they were at the right age to be involved in many of the major events and Theomenes became a useful character to experience the long, 27 year war. Thank you for the question! (less)
Rory Headren Newcastle upon Tyne. A Geordie!
Average rating: 4.94 · 103 ratings · 72 reviews · 4 distinct worksSimilar authors
The Shield of Marathon (Pel...

4.96 avg rating — 72 ratings — published 2017 — 2 editions
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The Sword of Thebes (Pelopo...

4.91 avg rating — 11 ratings — published 2021 — 4 editions
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The Axe of Thrace (Peloponn...

4.82 avg rating — 11 ratings2 editions
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Wolfhead

it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 9 ratings2 editions
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AMAZON KDP

THE SHIELD OF MARATHON WILL BE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE BETWEEN 3-7 MAY.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF THE PLATAEANS WHO BECAME CAUGHT UP IN THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR WHEN ATHENS AND SPARTA WENT TO WAR.

AND A CHANCE TO DISCOVER CLYTES, ACTOR/WARRIOR HERO, WHO GAVE THEM HIS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE LONG CONFICT

The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren The Shield of Marathon. Read more of this blog post »
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Published on April 27, 2026 11:03
The Shield of Marathon The Sword of Thebes The Axe of Thrace
(3 books)
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4.94 avg rating — 94 ratings

Rory’s Recent Updates

The Sword of Thebes by Rory Headren
"I picked this up because the idea of a cursed sword moving through Ancient Greece sounded fun. I expected action. What surprised me was how invested I became in the people carrying the sword.

The opening chapters hooked me immediately. Clytes fighting" Read more of this review »
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
"The Shield of Marathon is an exceptional work of historical fiction that brings the ancient world vividly to life through masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and meticulous historical detail. Rory Headren delivers an epic tale that seamles" Read more of this review »
Rory Headren rated a book it was amazing
The Legend of Big Boy Safe or Stranded by Jim Stone
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A deeply moving tale describing the incredible bravery and loyalty of 'Big Boy', a large Pyrenean mountain dog. Set in the remote, snowy mountains of South Alaska. ...more
Wolfhead by Rory Headren
" Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your review. Much appreciated! "
Wolfhead by Rory Headren
"I finished Wolfhead, and it felt like a grounded, immersive look at Roman Britain.

The setting is strong. You get a clear sense of tension between Rome and the local tribes. The political pressure, the shifting alliances, and the constant threat of co" Read more of this review »
Rory Headren made a comment on Emelia’s review of Wolfhead
Wolfhead by Rory Headren
" Thank you so much! "
Wolfhead by Rory Headren
"As someone who enjoys historical fiction, Wolfhead by Rory Headren was a genuinely impressive read. What drew me in immediately was the level of historical detail woven into the story without making it feel like a history lesson. Set in Roman Britain" Read more of this review »
Wolfhead by Rory Headren
" Thank you! "
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. I hope you will go on to read the rest of the trilogy. The drama goes on! "
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you for your five stars and comments! "
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