Raven: Defier of Rome: Discover an action-packed, epic historical series from Adam Lofthouse for 2025

Ravensworn #1

by Adam Lofthouse

Pre-order the first book in Adam Lofthouse's Enemy of the Empire series. An action-packed adventure set outside the boundaries of Ancient Rome. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Matthew Harffy, Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow. Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

Praise for Adam Lofthouse...

'Raven offers a thrilling view of Rome and it's interactions with the Germanic tribes. Highly recommended' MJ Porter

'Adam Lofthouse brings a Robert E. Howard Conanesque vigour and flair to historical fiction' Edoardo Albert

'The characters are full of the life of the period, their flaws, their doubts, their abilities all on display; a feast for the readers' Hoover Book Review

'No holds barred, vivid Roman entertainment, probably the next best thing to actually being there' Speesh Reads

'A great mix of legion comradery with a personal plot you can get invested in, add in a couple of big twists along the way and you’ve got a smashing read' David's Book Blurg

'A fast paced, page turning story!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

'Brilliant!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

'The dark and gritty tale I've been looking for!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

'A brilliantly written book, full of action.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

'A tightly woven tale of a tightly wound man.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

'A great story with a wonderful anti hero!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review

Genres: Historical Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2019

About the author

Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. The Centurion’s Son is Adam’s first novel. He lives in Kent, UK

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful standalone historical tale is a kind of spin-off about the figure called, Alaric, known from the Gladiator's Son trilogy, from the remarkable author, Adam Lofthouse.

At the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this great story are superbly explained.

Story-telling is once more of an outstanding quality, all figures featuring in this historical tale come splendidly to life, and not to forget the book is fast-paced and action-packed with great battles and cunning dialogue.

This book is set almost 20 years previous to the Gladiator's Son trilogy, during the reign of Roman Emperor, Antoninus Pius, and we encounter our main protagonist, Alaric, and his band of Outlaws called, the Ravensworn, in a Germania divided into some big serious tribes and a lot of smaller tribes, where the second will without a doubt be inevitable victims of the first.

Alaric, sought by Rome but also by the German tribes for his murderous actions, is a very independent thinking person but still he's also very reliant on his unit leaders, in his quest to hurt Rome in every way he can, and so to do anything he can to avenge his mother's death.

The book is divided into two parts, the first one an exciting set-up towards the second and final part, where in a thrilling manner everything will be decided for Alaric, against his enemy, Rome, whether it will be in a positive or negative way.

What is to follow is an intriguing and gripping adventure, where within the German tribes treachery, deceit and backstabbing is commonplace, and where Roman efficiency, strength, and cunning will see them gain the upper-hand, and somehow Alaric in the end will get his revenge for the terrible wrong done to him by several forces from within.

Highly recommended, for this is an excellent book, and an author very much worthy to follow, and what this story is concerned I like to call it: "A Superb Historical Adventure"!

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the authors last two offerings I had high hopes for Oathbreaker..I’ve been craving something a little bit darker..grittier and boy did the author get it spot on!

If you’ve read the authors previous works you’ll know the name Alaric, don’t’ worry if you haven’t as this book will work just as good as a standalone tale.

Alaric is a mercenary for hire and he’s damn good a what he does… he turns the tide in favour of whoever pays the most and there’s not many he wouldn’t stab in the back for the right price.

We find Alaric and his band of 500 battle hardened men, the Ravensworn, in search of their next commission.. the only problem is something doesn’t smell right.

Alaric soon learns a powerful enemy wants him dead.. but why now.. he’s been in game a long time.. it just doesn’t make sense to him. I loved this part of the plot, the pace of the development was spot on revealing just enough to keep you hooked but never enough to give the game away too soon.

One really interesting thing about the book is the backstory of Alaric.. we learn of how he became to be the man he is.. and as much as I didn’t want to I found myself liking the character more and more even though he’s a bringer of death and destruction.

I really enjoyed the development throughout the tale as Alaric fights his way to the truth behind the plot to have him killed.. not only that but the characters themselves were captivating and when the action hit the story was utterly invigorating.. I was on the edge of my seat..especially during the last battle!

There’re so many good characters to pick from but for me Ketill and Birgir shine through simply through not only be interesting characters but also because of the connections they have to Alaric.

I was fully immersed in the vivid battle scenes which had the adrenaline pumping overtime! This is what i wanted.. dark and dirty..life and death.. when push comes to shove niceties go out the window.

The last two offerings from the author were an easy 4* rating from me..great but I craved a darker tale and the tone of Oathbreaker ticked all the boxes for a 5* rating from me. This tale definitely left me with that “damn that was good” feeling you get after a particularly good read.

[J. Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oathbreaker by Adam Lofthouse: Gripping ride through the forests of Germania

The tale of a warrior’s rise to power. Set in 2nd century AD in Germania, Oathbreaker is the tale of a German warrior who fights his way to infamy. Beginning in the fighting pits of the German tribes, Alaric hones his fighting prowess and leadership skills and grows a notorious band of killers for hire. His mercenary activities put him at odds with Rome who he hates with good reason.

If you are looking for frantic action, a degree of intrigue and unpredictable outcomes; then Oathbreaker has all these elements. The main character, Alaric is a likable rogue with a burning desire to prove himself and take every opportunity to bloody the Romans. There is good interplay between Alaric and his fellow warriors with banter aplenty as well as gravity in dire circumstances. The villains are not just Roman and as mentioned earlier, as the story unfolds, so the intrigue grows.

A good read for those who enjoy the likes of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow and an Indie author with a great future. I’ll be ordering this writer’s other books too!

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Raven, Adam Lofthouse offers a damning insight into the preoccupation of the Romans to rule by causing chaos wherever they go. It is a fun, very violent, action-packed epic set in Germania in the second century AD.
Alaric is very far from being any hero. Yes, he might be prepared to stand apart from the might of the Roman Empire, but he doesn't care who he tramples on along the way. Sometimes, he's almost likeable, but a lot of the time, he's just a single man, making slightly dodgy decisions, often based on his rage and fury and trying to live with the consequences.
Alaric is proud of his reputation, but of course, it means he has far more enemies than allies, as becomes clear as the plotline develops. Alaric also suffers from that most common of problems, he believes the accolades he receives and even revels in them, even though, as the reader discovers, much of it is down to blind luck and not any great skill.
Unlike many Roman-era books, Raven contains very little 'Roman.' Rather, the story is that of an outsider looking in and understanding how the Roman Empire works—perhaps better than the Romans do! It is also filled with betrayal and violence.
Raven rarely falls into the traps of novels set in this era. However, a few 'back story' elements are a little too expected, and the reader, just like Alaric's most loyal friend, Ketill, does work out what's happening long before Alaric does!
It's great to read a book that merges the Roman world and that of tribal Germania and have it told from the viewpoint of those tribes. I look forward to reading more.

[Sumit · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Chieftain killer, battle runner, mercenary, pirate, Wotan wise, Loki cunning, Oathbreaker. I have been called them all I revel in the names whispered in the hearth flames; timid leaders & their retainers, speaking half in fear and half in reverence."

Oathbreaker is a historical thriller set in the 2nd century, it tells the story of Alaric, a Germanic wanderer seeking a home. Alaric and his band of 500 battle-hardened men, the Ravensworn are the mercenary for hire. Alaric is known for turning the tide in favour of whoever pays the most and there’s not many he wouldn’t stab in the back for the right price. We see him and his band in search of their next commission.. the only problem is something doesn’t smell right. Alaric soon learns a powerful enemy wants him dead... but why now.. he’s been in the game a long time... it just doesn’t make sense to him. The answer lies in his own past, but who among his various enemies want his death? Is it the Romans? Or his own Germanic brethren? Or is it his own blood? Isolated and lacking in allies, will Alaric be able to break free from the noose that slowly encircles him? Or will the Sly One once more come to his rescue?

Review:

🗡️the cover with Alaric and the crimson flag of his Ravensworn band was overall ok & the title Oathbreaker: One man's stand against the tyranny of empire exactly surmised the story.

🗡️The entire book is written from the first person's (Alaric) narrative which I am not very fond of. It could have been so much interesting to read, if written from 3rd person narrative.

🗡️Adam had immaculately developed Alaric. He reminds me of the sly Loki. His cunning and shrewd mind is fun to read and his stupid decisions move the story. I would have liked it more if some other characters POV is also included.

🗡️The pacing although in the first few chapters felt plodding, but as the story gear up and so much fighting, backstabbing and alliances happen in each and every chapter, that it's totally compensated and hooked me till the end.

🗡️Adam's writing is simple, elegant and easy to read, but where it comes to historical world-building, Adam has focused more on telling than showing the things from Alaric POV, which felt descriptive & monotonous.

🗡️Loved the battle scenes, where Alaric by using his shrewdness turn the tide of a losing battle in his own favour, especially the last one which was vividly written.

🗡️Loved the suspense that is maintained throughout the book about who actually wants Alaric dead by revealing just enough to keep you hooked but never enough to give the game away too soon.

🗡️The climax was the perfect conclusion to Alaric's story and also totally unexpected for me since I hadn't read Adam's other work, The Centurion's Son Chronicles where Alaric is one of the main characters.

🗡️Like the historical note at the end of the book which testifies Adam's great research work on the Germanic tribes and landscape, their culture, warfare, society, and their neighboring Roman empire.

Alaric's story was full of plotting, manipulating, deceiving and fighting. I would definitely like to visit him in The Centurion's Son Chronicles. If you like great adventure stories and Roman history, then do read Oathbreaker.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB

“It’s not the shadows you should fear, but what hides within.”
Alaric is an enemy of Rome.
For too long he has thwarted the empires attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them: Germania.
To the Romans he is a scourge, always evading their carefully laid traps. But to the tribes he is much worse: Outlaw, chief killer, battle turner, Oathbreaker.
All men know him, all men fear him. At his back is a war host, on his shoulder sits Loki, the Trickster.
A deal has been struck between the legions and the tribes: lifelong enemies agree to become friends, for a time. The eagles march with the wolves, together they hunt the raven.
Isolated and lacking in allies, will Alaric be able to break free from the noose that slowly encircles him? Or will the Sly One once more come to his rescue.
OATHBREAKER: One man’s stand against the tyranny of empire.

PRAISE FOR ADAM LOFTHOUSE

“The characters are full of the life of the period, their flaws, their doubts, their abilities all on display; a feast for the readers” – HOOVER BOOK REVIEW

“No holds barred, vivid Roman entertainment, probably the next best thing to actually being there” – SPEESH READS

“A great mix of legion camaraderie mixed with a personal plot you can get invested in, add in a couple of big twists along the way and you’ve got a smashing read” – DAVID’S BOOK BLURG

REVIEW

A tightly woven tale of a tightly wound man. Alaric faces many challenges in this fast paced, page turning story, though as daunting and exciting as they are, the most challenging is Alaric himself. Convinced of his ties to the gods, of his own reputation as a warlord, he becomes blind to the pain caused by his actions. A deeply complex character combined with a plot replete with twists, turns, and surprises. Come along for the ride, my fellow readers, Rome doesn't play nice with stubborn foes, Alaric doesn't care too much about Rome period... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

[Zeth Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I thought this book was an excellent read, especially as it ties in with the two other books written by this author, following one of the main characters. I would recommend reading those first. Hoping for a follow on.

[Adam Lofthouse]

Oathbreaker is out today in eBook and paperback! An historical thriller set on the northern border of empire, it tells the story of Alaric, a Germanic wanderer seeking a home. Enjoy!

[Theodore Brun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There really was nothing likeable about Rome.”

So writes Adam Lofthouse in his exciting new release, Raven.

The remark jumped out at me because it’s written in the voice of one of the most likeable anti-heroes I’ve read in a long time. Maybe ever in the arena of dark age action adventure.

And there are few ages darker than the forested tracts of northern Germania in the mid-second century where this novel is set. This is the world beyond the frontier where Rome’s policy of divide-and-conquer, fueled by her inexhaustible supply of gold, never ceases to stir up strife. Although, as Lofthouse points out, while there was plenty of dividing, for the Romans in Germania, the conquering part remained forever elusive.

Raven follows the tale of a man born to thrive in such a world of violence and betrayal. Alaric Hengistsson, a Loki-worshipping warlord, with a mercenary band of 500 swords at his back - whose tendency to sell his skills to the highest bidder has left a lot of vengeful enemies in his wake. The only real constant in his life is his hatred of meddling Rome. Other than that, he’s a man in many ways easy to please. He likes a good fight, likes burnishing his fearsome reputation, enjoys a good feed and a horn of ale as much as the next man of his time. He has an eye for a beautiful woman, sure. But it’s his sense of humour that elevates him above your average dark age warlord. He carries off his leadership with such swagger and such wry self-deprecating charm, that you can’t help liking the treacherous bastard from the outset. By the end, you almost love him. In a word, it’s just great fun hanging out with Alaric. As all his Ravensworn retinue - well apart from those plotting to stab him in the back - would no doubt agree. There is never a dull moment in Alaric’s company, with so many breathless battles and skirmishes and raids and moments of betrayal that you wonder how the heck anyone in that age of gods and heroes survived more than five minutes. Since Alaric possesses “Loki-cunning” and by the end of the novel most of his friends are dead, perhaps there’s your answer.

The plot canters along its twisting and turning path. But it was the writing that was more than a match for the story and which I found truly impressive. It’s an odd combination, I’ll admit, but I was put in mind of two other writers, both of whom I love - Joe Abercrombie and George MacDonald Fraser. If you put them in a blender and threw in a setting of second century Germania, I’d be amazed if you got anything better than what Lofthouse has created for us here.

Altogether a Dark Age zinger - fast paced, full of action, with an anti-hero who deserves to live long in your memory… Certainly, far longer than he’d deserve to live in real life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character in this novel, Alaric Hadrianson, is a flawed figure to be sure. He kills without mercy, has numerous moral and ethical shortcomings and often fails to be the leader he wants to be. Even given all of that, I found myself rooting for him. His quest to avenge the brutal rape and killing of his mother consumes him. He fights against often overwhelming odds against Roman legions and other Germanic tribes.
My biggest criticism of the book is that I felt much of the dialogue was too modern for the period setting. For instance, one of the characters, while charging toward a fortified village, challenges his mates by shouting "last one there is a rotten egg." I would be surprised if anyone in Second Century Germania ever uttered that statement.
It's a good historical adventure even if a bit silly at times.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed epic fantasy with the high stakes and violent vibes of 300. It follows the ambitious Alaric as he tries to rise in power, and survive his multiple enemies. It has some great twists and betrayals, and doesn't see the rise of a hero, but instead his harrowing journey of loss, defeat and survival.
It mixes the loyalty and savagery of local tribes, with the might and strategy of the Roman Empire, and ambitious individuals fighting for glory and power.
It has a powerful ending, looking forward to the next book.

[james barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This is an brilliantly written book, full of action and although fiction full of well researched information on the life Roman soldiers and there enemies in Germany. Once I started I could not put it down. I've read his previous books and they are every bit as good as this, can't wait for the next episode. Highly recommended and deserving 5 stars

[Shelagh Smethurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip roaring tale with a wonderful tweak at the end.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gutsy, gritty and gripping, Raven: Defier of Rome by Adam Lofthouse is a must-read for historical fiction fans.

144 AD and Alaric Hengistson’s fearsome reputation precedes him. A man whose name alone inspires terror and panic, the ruthless warlord believes that he has been chosen by the Gods to serve them and to rebel against the tyranny of an Empire. Having spent years thwarting every single one of Rome’s attempts to gain control of his land Germania, Alaric quickly realises that he simply cannot continue resting on his laurels because the rules are changing and his downfall might be imminent!

Deals are being struck between conquering Roman legions and feuding Germanic tribes. They both hold Alaric’s fate in their hands and the opposing factions are willing to do whatever it takes to see him defeated. But they hadn’t counted on his tenacity, determination and his drive to keep his lands intact. The time has come for Alaric to prove what a legend he is – or else be forced to watched everything he’s worked so hard for burn to the ground…

Adam Lofthouse knows how to spin a captivating yarn that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and with Raven: Defier of Rome, he has written a vivid, atmospheric and violent historical tale, full of action, tension and chicanery, perfect for Bernard Cornwell fans.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Lofthouse’s Raven is an action-packed, immersive historical fiction novel that transports readers to 144 AD, where the Roman Empire is tightening its grip on Germania. I received a copy from Boldwood Books via Netgalley.

At the heart of the story is Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, a feared warlord known for his cunning and ruthlessness. He has spent years resisting Rome’s expansion, determined to protect his land and his people. But as alliances shift and betrayals emerge, Alaric finds himself hunted—his legend at stake, his warriors facing destruction.

I’ll be honest—the first half of the book was a slow burn, and it took me a while to fully engage with the story. While the world-building is rich and atmospheric, the pacing felt uneven at times, making it hard to stay invested. However, once the betrayal is revealed, the tension skyrockets, and I found myself completely hooked. The battles are brutal and cinematic, the political intrigue adds depth, and Alaric’s character becomes even more compelling as he fights to reclaim his place in history.

Lofthouse’s writing is sharp and visceral, perfectly capturing the gritty reality of war. Alaric is a fascinating protagonist—arrogant, violent, but fiercely loyal to his men. His internal struggles, combined with the high-stakes action, make for an engaging read.

I'll most definitely would read the next installment!

3 75/5⭐️

[Terry Rudge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my radar for a whilst and I'm glad I picked this one up.

This book tells a story about the one man who stands alone as an enemy of Rome thwarting the empires attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them: Germania.

Alric is our protagonist and the man leading the rebellions and with his band of fighters, causes disruption, angst and fury to the Romans

The book in truth, starts a bit awkward for me. The writing and self view and monologues from Alric are somewhat far fetched and little irritating. However, the story grew and the writing improved significantly. The flow got better and the events tied together really well.

I liked the lokiness of Alric and his men and really enjoyed his main companions. They added a great dimension and made Alrics character a lot better.

The final third is excellent and the story peaks at the right time and was impossible to put down. So much so, I am going straight into book two.

Solid read

[Linda Humberstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book that centres around a Germanic warrior, Alaric, who becomes a leader of a small army whose ultimate aim is to rid their territory of the Romans. This was virtually impossible as the Romans played the Germanic tribes one against the other to secure their allegiance to Rome and destroy any that didn't cooperate. There are other issues that feature in the story, as Alaric's background is gradually revealed. Although a good read it hasn't got the excitement as say, Christian Cameron's similar historical novels, but that is just my opinion. I was rather surprised that Adam Lofthouse does not know that there was indeed a Germanic leader called Alaric who lead the Visigoths and sacked Rome in 410AD.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I didn't give myself very long to read this in time for my blog tour post, but it needn't have mattered.
This was full of action. I hadn't read many books about Rome, and certainly not set in 144AD! I was apprehensive that there would be historical details or information that readers are expected to know prior to starting this book, but this was fascinating and utterly accessible to me. I started out as if it was a fantasy book, but I knew straight away this was much more factual and based on real events.
I loved the main character- he was respected but brutal, and actually had a good heart and a passion for his land and what happened to it.
A really fantastic read, and I will certainly read more from the author. This is perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven is generous and thoughtful in it's view of Rome and it's association with the Germanic tribes. It's a part of history that I have not read much about but I found this to be thrilling and exciting and I would love to learn more. It is full of riveting adventure and battles that leave you scarred but what I loved most was unlike most books of this genre there are little bits of humour in the narrative. I feel like there was more to the characters then meets the eye and it will be fitting to know more. The story has obviously been well researched and the author has quite a great knowledge of the era which I find fascinating.

[Joe Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a couple of other books by this author I was excited to read this book. This book has been published before, named as Oathbreaker. The books is centred around 144 AD. The main character is Alaric, a Germanic leader and the story tells us about his army's battles against the Romans. It is a time and area of conflict I know little about. Although the story is fictional, it is clear that the author has done a lot of research into the wars, armies and population of that time.
The story is very detailed, and we get some great character progression. This is the first book in the Enemy Of The Empire series, so I am looking forward to read of more adventures of Alari and his army.
the book will be published on the 3rd February in e-book, audiobook, hardback and paperback versions.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the Ravensworn series is an engaging and well written story. It was full of warriors, violence, betrayals, intrigue, wars, death, intense drama, action, and many emotional issues that are very entertaining. If you like war and violence, with strong-willed, determined, and fierce warriors, you will enjoy this story. I recommend reading.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read from this author. The characters in this book, "Raven", are outstanding and very in tune with the time period. The plot is well written and you can see the events happening in your mind's eye. Because I read so much, I now have to pick and choose carefully, but I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series, "Outlaw" to read!

[Ben Stills · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly the book feels a bit tacky. For my money i don't think it's worth it the story is slow and a little repetitive.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with an engaging anti-hero

Think of Uhtred of Bebbanburg being placed into a Roman Germanic setting and this gives you a good flavour of the book.

[Magnus Wahrenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story and narrative is masterful, but the characters are somewhat shallow.

[Duane Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oathbreaker

Alaric is the Mercenary leader of the Ravensworn, a 500 strong battle hardened warriors. Adam's characters are so descriptive and the relationship between Alaric and his men is so lifelike that you feel that you know them. The storyline is full of unpredictability and intrigue as it becomes apparent that someone wants Alaric and his band of warriors dead.
Oathbreaker will keep you guessing what will happen and hard to put the book down.

5 stars for a book and an author that just proves that Adam Lofthouse is here to stay. I can't wait to read his future works.

Adam is certainly going to give the likes of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane great competition.

[Thomas John McAuliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn good read really enjoyed it

I will be reading more books by this author very interesting kept me gripped will be reading it again ye har