*Now available as a full-length novel! Originally published in five ebook parts*
AD 18, Britannia.
The Roman Empire rules much of the known world. Beyond the northern frontier lies Britannia, where ceaseless feuding amongst the Celts leaves the island vulnerable to Rome's ambitions.
Caratacus, son of a powerful king, has no premonition of destiny when he is dispatched to train with the Druids. A brutal regime transforms the young prince into a warrior with unparalleled military skills - and the strategic cunning essential to outwit a stronger enemy.
Nothing can prepare a man for the vicious reality of war. When Caratacus's father takes a stand against aggressive neighbouring tribes, the combat exercises are over; this is a fight to the death. Only the most ruthless of tactics offer any hope of victory. But Caratacus, and the loyal comrades willing to ride with him into hostile terrain, are ready to do whatever it takes - and endure any hardship - to defeat those set on destroying their kingdom . . .
As mayhem and carnage spread across the land, everywhere can be felt the malign influence of Rome. Even if the battle is won, conflict with the Empire lies ahead.
first in the brand new Warlord of Britannia series from the Sunday Times bestselling authors of Invader and Pirata - the story of Britannia's barbarian warlord Caratacus.
Simon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
Does a book by Simon Scarrow based in Roman Britain and not featuring Macro and Cato actually work? Wait for it ….. The answer is an unqualified - yes. Although I could feel the two great characters in the background the story stands in its own right. Once again history, action and story are laced together in a tale that does justice to its historical roots. My interest was kept throughout this intriguing tale though I was a little concerned that it could not be finished and I was right. However, and having said that, there is much to come and I’m very much looking forward to the next instalment which I hope comes to fruition in due course. You don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this though it has brought together a series of novellas. If you like well written historical fiction there’s much to admire here. I for one throughly enjoyed it.