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Rory Headren
7 ratings | 1 review | avg rating:5.00

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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 ...more

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What inspired you to center the story around the legacy of the Shield of Marathon, and how did you approach balancing historical accuracy with the personal journeys of your characters like Theomenes?
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)
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That is great to hear actually, Where are you from?
Rory Headren Newcastle upon Tyne. A Geordie!
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Combine Editions

Average rating: 4.93 · 94 ratings · 79 reviews · 4 distinct works • Similar authors
The Shield of Marathon (Pel...
4.92 avg rating — 66 ratings — published 2017 — 2 editions
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Wolfhead
4.90 avg rating — 10 ratings — 2 editions
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The Sword of Thebes (Pelopo...
4.90 avg rating — 10 ratings — published 2021 — 4 editions
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The Axe of Thrace (Peloponn...
it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 8 ratings — 2 editions
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* Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. To add more, click here.

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Rory Headren's Blog

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
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Series by Rory Headren

The Shield of Marathon The Sword of Thebes The Axe of Thrace
(3 books)
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4.93 avg rating — 84 ratings

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Rory’s Recent Updates

Rory Headren made a comment on Magan Taylor’s review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1)
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. I hope you will finish the trilogy. "
Sep 02, 2026 12:41AM  · see review
Rory Headren made a comment on Deanna Jullia’s review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1)
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you! "
Sep 02, 2026 12:38AM  · see review
Rory Headren made a comment on Anna Robert’s review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1)
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. Much appreciated "
Sep 02, 2026 12:37AM  · see review
Rory Headren made a comment on Smuel’s review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1)
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you will want to read the rest of the trilogy ...more "
Sep 02, 2026 12:36AM  · see review
Rory Headren made a comment on Jon’s review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1)
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
" Thank you for your five star review! Appreciated! "
Aug 26, 2026 07:59AM  · see review
Rory Headren liked Jon's review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1):
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
"A gripping piece of ancient historical fiction that brings the brutality and political tension of the Peloponnesian War to life. I particularly enjoyed how the story connects the legendary Shield of Marathon with the survival of Plataea, giving the h" Read more of this review »
Aug 26, 2026 07:58AM  · see review ·  preview book
Rory Headren liked Cameron Josephadams's review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1):
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
"Rory Headren has crafted a powerful historical novel that brings the ancient world to life with remarkable authenticity. The story follows the desperate struggle of the Plataeans during the Peloponnesian War, anchored by the legendary Shield of Marat" Read more of this review »
Aug 02, 2026 05:41AM  · see review ·  preview book
Rory Headren liked Juliette Moreau's review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1):
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
"A powerful and immersive historical epic! The Shield of Marathon brings ancient Greece to life with vivid characters, intense battles, political tension, loyalty, love, and betrayal. I was completely drawn into the Plataeans' struggle for survival an" Read more of this review »
Jul 25, 2026 01:44AM  · see review ·  preview book
Rory Headren liked Deanna Jullia's review of The Shield of Marathon (Peloponnesian War, #1):
The Shield of Marathon by Rory Headren
"A solid historical novel with plenty of depth. I especially liked the way the battles were described."
Jul 25, 2026 01:44AM  · see review ·  preview book
Rory Headren rated a book it was amazing
The Legend of Big Boy Safe or Stranded by Jim Stone
The Legend of Big Boy Safe or Stranded: An Account of a Real Life Living Legend
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
Jun 10, 2026 07:37AM  ·   · see review
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