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A modern retelling of the Dream of Macsen Wledig from the ancient Welsh legend, the Mabinogion AD 380. Britannia. Magnus Maximus, a seasoned former general with a reputation to make emperors afraid, finds himself haunted by the threat of assassination. Unexpectedly, he is entrusted with the command of three legions stationed in the distant province of Britannia, a post that seems far removed from the treacherous politics of Rome. Elen is trapped in a world where her sole value to her father rests on the identity of her future husband. A glimmer of hope comes from her enigmatic grandmother, who has other plans. If Elen is married to a powerful Roman, she can guide policy to better safeguard their vulnerable lands against the encroaching barbarian threat. With ambitions beyond his station, Magnus concocts a scheme to ascend to the imperial throne, but Elen’s brother, incensed that she has stolen his inheritance, raises a barbarian army from the untamed wilderness north of the Wall to reclaim what he thinks is his. Any step against the emperor is fraught with danger, but after a life in the army, Magnus sees a way to turn the disaster to his advantage. But to win the ultimate prize he has to take the ultimate risk. Now the fate of the empire lies in the hands of just one man…
344 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2023
22 people want to read
About the author
Robb Pritchard
12 books19 followersGet a free copy of "Blood of the Druids" a short prequel to Brethren. Only available to subscribers of Robb's mailing list at www.robbpritchard.co.uk
For the day job, I have the unbelievable privilege of travelling the world to test drive, and write about, classic Porsches and Ferraris and the occasional crazy off-roader.
The passion though, has long been writing novels. It’s taken a few long years to get here but Brethren is about to malt its fluffy fledgling feathers and be released into the wild. Hopefully, I wrote it well enough that it can fend for itself.
For the day job, I have the unbelievable privilege of travelling the world to test drive, and write about, classic Porsches and Ferraris and the occasional crazy off-roader.
The passion though, has long been writing novels. It’s taken a few long years to get here but Brethren is about to malt its fluffy fledgling feathers and be released into the wild. Hopefully, I wrote it well enough that it can fend for itself.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 14, 2023
❤️❤️😲 EXTRAORDINARY!!
Summer, year 380 AD, Segontium, Britannia Secunda:
It was chaos outside the praetorium of the governor of Britannia.
A man was pounding on the door, demanding justice...
Elen, the governor's daughter, was in a panic...
------------------------
An extraordinary, very informative and exciting sequel to read, this time on the dangerous adventures of Elen and Kennan, the children of the governor of Britannia, as well as on the fate of Magnus Maximus...
I personally loved the main character of Elen, quite moving.
I loved the historical plot and the arid, survivalist atmosphere of the novel. It's a real page-turner!
I recommend this essential reading to lovers of historical novels and great adventures!
Looking forward to the author's next novel!
Summer, year 380 AD, Segontium, Britannia Secunda:
It was chaos outside the praetorium of the governor of Britannia.
A man was pounding on the door, demanding justice...
Elen, the governor's daughter, was in a panic...
------------------------
An extraordinary, very informative and exciting sequel to read, this time on the dangerous adventures of Elen and Kennan, the children of the governor of Britannia, as well as on the fate of Magnus Maximus...
I personally loved the main character of Elen, quite moving.
I loved the historical plot and the arid, survivalist atmosphere of the novel. It's a real page-turner!
I recommend this essential reading to lovers of historical novels and great adventures!
Looking forward to the author's next novel!
October 11, 2023
Right away, you can tell the author poured a lot of love and research into this story. It was captivating and thought provoking from start to finish. The plot and characters will hook you and keep you engaged.
August 28, 2023
(Emailed to author!)
I have thoroughly enjoyed your book, and even sat aside the whole of yesterday to become completely engrossed and really delve into the vivid detail of the book. I can honestly say that as I was reading I could picture each and every character, every dialogue scene and interaction is if I were reading the plot and inspiration for the next best historical series/film on the TV!
In fact, I made a list as I was reading of what I particularly loved about this novel. Firstly, I thought it was ingenious how the multiple perspectives from the exposition all joined together to craft a seemingly effortless harmony between storylines. Furthermore, it felt refreshing to read Roman/Celtic historical fiction that had a strong, powerful female protagonist - and the character of Elen was portrayed to have her own individual thought and personality. This allowed her to manipulate many men in positions of authority, keep her own loving relationship going AND maintain the power of her grandmother's legacy; too often in history books and fiction women are portrayed as a mere side character with no sense of individuality but I thought Elen served justice to the many influential and dynamic women that are forgotten and masked by the men with titles.
Additionally, Kennan's tragic character seemed to portray accurate struggles faced by people caught in the cross-fire of religion, culture and class, with his humbling journey of exile to the north (hopefully) teaching him a lesson about his purpose.
Finally, the thing that stood out to me the most is that you made this piece of historical fiction not only accessible to people who just want to have a good read and enjoy a piece of amazing literature, but for the history geeks (myself included) the layers of detail included really shows how much research went into this book. From accurate mentions of ancient peoples, to the entire manifestation of the famous usurper Magnus Maximus and his powerful wife, and linking the likes of another usurper, Constantine III and other significant historical figures, it felt like I was reading a real, intimate retelling of the very people who shaped history.
I would absolutely recommend this book, and will be sure to write a praising review when the book goes live. I cannot find any faults in this book, as it kept delivering as a read on. Let me know when the next book comes out, and I'll absolutely read it - perhaps not at the same speed though as I will be back at school.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your book, and even sat aside the whole of yesterday to become completely engrossed and really delve into the vivid detail of the book. I can honestly say that as I was reading I could picture each and every character, every dialogue scene and interaction is if I were reading the plot and inspiration for the next best historical series/film on the TV!
In fact, I made a list as I was reading of what I particularly loved about this novel. Firstly, I thought it was ingenious how the multiple perspectives from the exposition all joined together to craft a seemingly effortless harmony between storylines. Furthermore, it felt refreshing to read Roman/Celtic historical fiction that had a strong, powerful female protagonist - and the character of Elen was portrayed to have her own individual thought and personality. This allowed her to manipulate many men in positions of authority, keep her own loving relationship going AND maintain the power of her grandmother's legacy; too often in history books and fiction women are portrayed as a mere side character with no sense of individuality but I thought Elen served justice to the many influential and dynamic women that are forgotten and masked by the men with titles.
Additionally, Kennan's tragic character seemed to portray accurate struggles faced by people caught in the cross-fire of religion, culture and class, with his humbling journey of exile to the north (hopefully) teaching him a lesson about his purpose.
Finally, the thing that stood out to me the most is that you made this piece of historical fiction not only accessible to people who just want to have a good read and enjoy a piece of amazing literature, but for the history geeks (myself included) the layers of detail included really shows how much research went into this book. From accurate mentions of ancient peoples, to the entire manifestation of the famous usurper Magnus Maximus and his powerful wife, and linking the likes of another usurper, Constantine III and other significant historical figures, it felt like I was reading a real, intimate retelling of the very people who shaped history.
I would absolutely recommend this book, and will be sure to write a praising review when the book goes live. I cannot find any faults in this book, as it kept delivering as a read on. Let me know when the next book comes out, and I'll absolutely read it - perhaps not at the same speed though as I will be back at school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
I would have given this book a higher rating were it not for a huge number of spelling and grammatical errors. I could forgive this with an ARC but this was the final version. That said, the story and historical context were excellent. The book is based in late Roman Brittania, one of my favorite time periods in history. There are some references to characters in the first book of the series but it works as a standalone. Magnus Maximus is posted as Dux Brittanicius and has been chosen to marry Elin, the daughter of the governor of a large estate in Brittania at the urging of said governor. There is much drama based on the marriage plan but there is much more to the story and it is worth your time to read it, errors notwithstanding.
August 28, 2023
The masterful telling of the death of an Empire and the birth of a Nation. The grit and gore and romance and colour of the chaos of early dark ages history. It is a tour de force, combining the legends of the Mabinogion, the Welsh Folk tales and the historical figure of the Roman General, Magnus Maximus. Cant wait for the next instalment to see whose footsteps we are walking behind in the hills of Wales today
August 27, 2023
Foundation of the Dragon (2 book series)
Would like to wish Rob Pritchard every success with his new book out 28/8/23. I look forward to reading this as Brethren was such a great read. Am sure his followers & I will not be disappointed.
Sharon Vaillant (UK)
Would like to wish Rob Pritchard every success with his new book out 28/8/23. I look forward to reading this as Brethren was such a great read. Am sure his followers & I will not be disappointed.
Sharon Vaillant (UK)
March 1, 2024
After generations of subjugation, the descendants of the Ordovices are no longer the fighters they were once renowned as. Their fate rests upon Elen, daughter of the Roman governor, and Magnus, a banished Roman general. Britannia needs warriors to keep its land safe, and Elen is the bridge to unite the native and Roman peoples. For that, she’ll need Magnus. But Elen’s brother Kenon has his eye on ruling Britannia for his own selfish pleasures, and after being banished from home, Kenon plots his father’s downfall. Could an alliance with tribes beyond the Wall be his answer?
Set 300 years after Book 1, Brethren, this novel can be read as a standalone. There are more editorial errors in this book than the last. For instance, “hat” instead of “that,” “ant” instead of “any,” along with split paragraphs and missing spaces between an apostrophe and the next word. But what’s most difficult for me as a reader are the characters. Unlike Pritchard’s first novel, in which characters are easy to empathize with, Magnus, Kenon, and Elen are wealthy Roman citizens who take advantage of their privilege. Kenon believes he can use and discard everything (women especially) as the governor’s son. Cunning Magnus tortures slaves to death, sees himself above everyone around him, and often desires to put others “in their place.” His motivation is solely for gaining power. Elen grows more confident in her role, but her learning happens between the chapters, which readers aren’t privy to. After the powerful ending of book 1 and the fact this is a retelling of a Welsh legend, I’d hoped the native culture would have a stronger role.
This is an impeccably researched story of high-stakes Roman ambition penned by a talented author. If you like Roman protagonists and power struggles, I’d highly recommend this.
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society in February 2024 at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Set 300 years after Book 1, Brethren, this novel can be read as a standalone. There are more editorial errors in this book than the last. For instance, “hat” instead of “that,” “ant” instead of “any,” along with split paragraphs and missing spaces between an apostrophe and the next word. But what’s most difficult for me as a reader are the characters. Unlike Pritchard’s first novel, in which characters are easy to empathize with, Magnus, Kenon, and Elen are wealthy Roman citizens who take advantage of their privilege. Kenon believes he can use and discard everything (women especially) as the governor’s son. Cunning Magnus tortures slaves to death, sees himself above everyone around him, and often desires to put others “in their place.” His motivation is solely for gaining power. Elen grows more confident in her role, but her learning happens between the chapters, which readers aren’t privy to. After the powerful ending of book 1 and the fact this is a retelling of a Welsh legend, I’d hoped the native culture would have a stronger role.
This is an impeccably researched story of high-stakes Roman ambition penned by a talented author. If you like Roman protagonists and power struggles, I’d highly recommend this.
Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society in February 2024 at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
January 30, 2024
As good as Brethren!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews