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The Druid's Prey: A thrilling historical adventure of Saxons and Britons in early medieval times!
A vicious attack. An enraged warrior-druid. A relentless hunt for vengeance!
Following a cowardly raid on Dun Breatann the Saxon attacker, Saksnot, rides back to rejoin his bretwalda, Hengist, in far-off Garrianum. Bellicus, outraged by the savage attack on his people and his closest friend, follows the perpetrator with just one thing on his bloody justice!
As the towering druid hunts his prey across the summer fields and streams, Arthur, Bear of Britain, seeks to make a lasting peace with the new immigrants from across the sea. Hengist has no such plans however, instead working alongside his terrifying volva, Thorbjorg, to bring only blood, fire, and death to the embattled Britons.
As the brutal struggle for supremacy rages between the two warlords and their armies, Bellicus will find himself drawn into an adventure he could never have foreseen. An adventure that may seal the fate of Britain for generations to come.
An adventure that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie will love!
Praise for Steven A. McKay's WARRIOR DRUID OF BRITAIN CHRONICLES
"His tales are exhilarating, the characters believable and exciting, and the action hard hitting. This series is a must!" - David's Book Blurg
"If you like fast paced thrilling historical adventure then this book is highly recommended." - Desibookstagrammer
"Thrilling? An emotional roller coaster? Page-turning suspense? A plethora of characters to love and hate? A twisting pathway of plots and subplots? Well, my peeps and fellow Druids, the author has ticked all of those boxes and more in this piece of the Bellicus tale." - Hoover Book Reviews
Following a cowardly raid on Dun Breatann the Saxon attacker, Saksnot, rides back to rejoin his bretwalda, Hengist, in far-off Garrianum. Bellicus, outraged by the savage attack on his people and his closest friend, follows the perpetrator with just one thing on his bloody justice!
As the towering druid hunts his prey across the summer fields and streams, Arthur, Bear of Britain, seeks to make a lasting peace with the new immigrants from across the sea. Hengist has no such plans however, instead working alongside his terrifying volva, Thorbjorg, to bring only blood, fire, and death to the embattled Britons.
As the brutal struggle for supremacy rages between the two warlords and their armies, Bellicus will find himself drawn into an adventure he could never have foreseen. An adventure that may seal the fate of Britain for generations to come.
An adventure that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie will love!
Praise for Steven A. McKay's WARRIOR DRUID OF BRITAIN CHRONICLES
"His tales are exhilarating, the characters believable and exciting, and the action hard hitting. This series is a must!" - David's Book Blurg
"If you like fast paced thrilling historical adventure then this book is highly recommended." - Desibookstagrammer
"Thrilling? An emotional roller coaster? Page-turning suspense? A plethora of characters to love and hate? A twisting pathway of plots and subplots? Well, my peeps and fellow Druids, the author has ticked all of those boxes and more in this piece of the Bellicus tale." - Hoover Book Reviews
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
95 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Steven A. McKay
52 books446 followersI was born in 1977, near Glasgow in Scotland and live in Old Kilpatrick with my wife and two young children. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree I decided to follow my life-long ambition and write a novel. The Forest Lord series now has four novels, and various short spin-off tales.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 6, 2025
Great book
Despite this being the 7th book and having read all seven myself the way they are written is pure genius wordsmith. Thank you Steven McKay.
Despite this being the 7th book and having read all seven myself the way they are written is pure genius wordsmith. Thank you Steven McKay.
July 9, 2025
Great tale
Storyline excellent, flowed really well, good character positioning in the story, thank you to the author for a very enjoyable tale.
Storyline excellent, flowed really well, good character positioning in the story, thank you to the author for a very enjoyable tale.
July 4, 2025
A thriller.
This series of 7 (so far) warrior druid tales are so well researched and as far as possible historically accurate, as in place names, territories and some rulers. Whether all the main characters are complete fiction or not is entirely up to the reader to decide.
The Druids prey has some main characters adventures running on the sidelines of the central chase and that chase twists, turns and is brutal and bloody as one would expect having read the previous 6 books.
This one also has a few surprises.
Could never be considered AI, it's just too good.
p.s. thank you Steven for not killing off my favourite character.
This series of 7 (so far) warrior druid tales are so well researched and as far as possible historically accurate, as in place names, territories and some rulers. Whether all the main characters are complete fiction or not is entirely up to the reader to decide.
The Druids prey has some main characters adventures running on the sidelines of the central chase and that chase twists, turns and is brutal and bloody as one would expect having read the previous 6 books.
This one also has a few surprises.
Could never be considered AI, it's just too good.
p.s. thank you Steven for not killing off my favourite character.
July 5, 2025
Wow! This is the 7th in the adventures of Bellicus, the warrior druid from Steven A. McKay. And, like each of its predecessors, it's a rollicking good adventure featuring the Britons - including Arthur and Lancelot - going up against those accursed Saxons who don't know when to quit.
This time around, hence the title, we have a young Saxon warrior who attempts to kill Bellicus, but instead gravely injures his friend Duro which sets Bellicus off on a cross-country tour to find the would-be killer, Saksnot (wasn't too sure how to pronounce that name, was it Saks-not, or Sak-snot?). While searching for his elusive would-be assassin, Bellicus finds himself in a few other side adventures. In addition, back home, there's trouble brewing as well. Add to all that, Arthur and his men are on the prowl attempting to win over Saxon settlers (not all of them were there to plunder, rape and murder, some were just looking for good farmland) and there's a side adventure there as well. However, in the end, they all come together.
So, does Bellicus get his revenge on his would-be assassin? What about those not-so-nice Saxons, what happens to them? Who lives? Who dies? Let's just say there's a big battle scene near the end at which time much will be revealed. And, to insure there will be an 8th volume, a new question arises. But first, McKay is going to revisit the character who got his writing career started, some guy named Robin Hood - you may have heard of him.
If you enjoy a fun-filled, exciting romp through the world of yesterday, you need to start reading Steven McKay. If you don't know whether you want to get involved in a longer book, he has a number of shorter Christmas-themed tales featuring members of Robin Hood's former band which, while it would be read out-of-sequence might give you some indication as to whether or not a longer McKay work is for you.
Try it - you'll like it. Guaranteed.
This time around, hence the title, we have a young Saxon warrior who attempts to kill Bellicus, but instead gravely injures his friend Duro which sets Bellicus off on a cross-country tour to find the would-be killer, Saksnot (wasn't too sure how to pronounce that name, was it Saks-not, or Sak-snot?). While searching for his elusive would-be assassin, Bellicus finds himself in a few other side adventures. In addition, back home, there's trouble brewing as well. Add to all that, Arthur and his men are on the prowl attempting to win over Saxon settlers (not all of them were there to plunder, rape and murder, some were just looking for good farmland) and there's a side adventure there as well. However, in the end, they all come together.
So, does Bellicus get his revenge on his would-be assassin? What about those not-so-nice Saxons, what happens to them? Who lives? Who dies? Let's just say there's a big battle scene near the end at which time much will be revealed. And, to insure there will be an 8th volume, a new question arises. But first, McKay is going to revisit the character who got his writing career started, some guy named Robin Hood - you may have heard of him.
If you enjoy a fun-filled, exciting romp through the world of yesterday, you need to start reading Steven McKay. If you don't know whether you want to get involved in a longer book, he has a number of shorter Christmas-themed tales featuring members of Robin Hood's former band which, while it would be read out-of-sequence might give you some indication as to whether or not a longer McKay work is for you.
Try it - you'll like it. Guaranteed.
June 27, 2025
Brilliant book we'll worth a read
As for Steven he as well wrote another book in this series well worth 10 stars very gripping stories can't wait for next book in the series he is a brilliant author. 📖👍👏
As for Steven he as well wrote another book in this series well worth 10 stars very gripping stories can't wait for next book in the series he is a brilliant author. 📖👍👏
June 25, 2025
Review
After the events of The Vengeance of Merlin we know peace isnt going to last for Bellicus.. he might have everything he wants.. the family he always wanted, the love of Queen Narina and his daughter, but someone is on their way to shatter this dream and pulls Bellicus back into action.
The Saxon, Saksnot, who murdered the previous Merlin sets out to rid the world of Bellicus and the Roman Duro.. these two have thwarted Hengist’s plans and Saksnot will not rest until they are dead by his hands.
Saksnot may be young and cocky, but he’s also clever and resourceful, managing to worm his way right to the heart of Dun Breatann. His actions have an immediate effect on Bellicus and he sets out to ensure justice comes to the Saxon.. or is it simple vengeance Bellicus is after? I’m not going to spoil it but the pain Saksnot causes is felt by many.
While these events play the warlord Arthur is making plans on how to keep Hengist at bay… one of which is convincing the Saxon’s who have settled in Britain to stand with him against Hengist and the Saxon raiders… or at least for them to agree to not take up arms to support their brethren.
It’s a great idea but obviously not everyone agrees.. or wants this..and soon leads to one of Arthurs closest companions to be captured.
It’s time to take the war to Hengist.. Arthur can’t just standby any longer.
Events put Bellicus and Arthur on a converging path.. but can they complete their missions without too much bloodshed?
Looking back to Dun Breatann, Queen Narina has her own problems, her closest neighbours have ceased trading with them but why. Narina is smart and sees this for what it is.. The Saxon’s influence is growing.
There’s only one course of action as Narina leads her warriors against King Cunneda and the Votadini… but this leaves Dun Breatann wide open to attack..
Dun Bretann is not as undefended as it seems though.. Again I can’t spoil it but those last few chapters have to be the best I’ve ever read!
Lets get down to the nitty gritty… Characters.. I really feel The Druid’s Prey is the most balanced book we’ve been given for development..the plot itself allows characters to shine and the author doesn’t hide from this to force the book in another direction.. I mean Saksnot! Wow.. He may be the enemy but I loved him.. and his part in this did not disappoint.
I think what I loved the most was the plot allowed Narina, Gavo, Lancelot and Bedwyr to come to the foreground, while others naturally took a back seat…
It was about time to see Narina stand up and shine, without her protector there it was the perfect time..and boy does she shine through and show what she’s made of!
There’s some very fun and light-hearted moments too such as a very humorous scene with Cai where Bellicus needs a distractions.. bloody funny and brilliant but the tone also fits with the tale.
Now I can’t finish the review without mentioning the ending… wow..I love how the author manages to keep bringing fresh ideas into the tale.. you never know what will happen next but I’m already super excited!
After the events of The Vengeance of Merlin we know peace isnt going to last for Bellicus.. he might have everything he wants.. the family he always wanted, the love of Queen Narina and his daughter, but someone is on their way to shatter this dream and pulls Bellicus back into action.
The Saxon, Saksnot, who murdered the previous Merlin sets out to rid the world of Bellicus and the Roman Duro.. these two have thwarted Hengist’s plans and Saksnot will not rest until they are dead by his hands.
Saksnot may be young and cocky, but he’s also clever and resourceful, managing to worm his way right to the heart of Dun Breatann. His actions have an immediate effect on Bellicus and he sets out to ensure justice comes to the Saxon.. or is it simple vengeance Bellicus is after? I’m not going to spoil it but the pain Saksnot causes is felt by many.
While these events play the warlord Arthur is making plans on how to keep Hengist at bay… one of which is convincing the Saxon’s who have settled in Britain to stand with him against Hengist and the Saxon raiders… or at least for them to agree to not take up arms to support their brethren.
It’s a great idea but obviously not everyone agrees.. or wants this..and soon leads to one of Arthurs closest companions to be captured.
It’s time to take the war to Hengist.. Arthur can’t just standby any longer.
Events put Bellicus and Arthur on a converging path.. but can they complete their missions without too much bloodshed?
Looking back to Dun Breatann, Queen Narina has her own problems, her closest neighbours have ceased trading with them but why. Narina is smart and sees this for what it is.. The Saxon’s influence is growing.
There’s only one course of action as Narina leads her warriors against King Cunneda and the Votadini… but this leaves Dun Breatann wide open to attack..
Dun Bretann is not as undefended as it seems though.. Again I can’t spoil it but those last few chapters have to be the best I’ve ever read!
Lets get down to the nitty gritty… Characters.. I really feel The Druid’s Prey is the most balanced book we’ve been given for development..the plot itself allows characters to shine and the author doesn’t hide from this to force the book in another direction.. I mean Saksnot! Wow.. He may be the enemy but I loved him.. and his part in this did not disappoint.
I think what I loved the most was the plot allowed Narina, Gavo, Lancelot and Bedwyr to come to the foreground, while others naturally took a back seat…
It was about time to see Narina stand up and shine, without her protector there it was the perfect time..and boy does she shine through and show what she’s made of!
There’s some very fun and light-hearted moments too such as a very humorous scene with Cai where Bellicus needs a distractions.. bloody funny and brilliant but the tone also fits with the tale.
Now I can’t finish the review without mentioning the ending… wow..I love how the author manages to keep bringing fresh ideas into the tale.. you never know what will happen next but I’m already super excited!
August 19, 2025
The rare peace at Dun Breatann was shattered by an assassin who crept into the fortress and attempted to murder Bellicus. How was he to know he attacked the wrong guy? And so the predator became the prey as the furious druid went after him with a vengeance. However, Saksnot was as crafty as he was villainous, and led our hero a mighty chase, leaving victims along the way in a careless retreat back to the shelter of the Saxon invader Hengist, who was busy attempting to solidify his grasp on Britain. Saksnot was on his own, for Hengist had plenty of other things on his mind:
He was no longer worried about the suffering of the villagers – they’d been given the chance to surrender in return for swearing him allegiance, and they had thrown his offer back in his face. Hengist could hardly be blamed for what happened now. No, his annoyance lay in the fact that those Britons could have been useful – they’d have worked the land, created goods and furniture, hunted, and done all the other things they’d been doing throughout their miserable lives. The only difference would be that they’d pay Hengist taxes instead of one of the fat native lords.
Now, or at least very soon, there would be no taxpayers left, for they would be used up and burned to ash with the rest of the village.
And of course, Hengist needed to deal with Arthur, the fierce warlord who dogged his every step. Fortunately for him, one of Arthur’s friends was betrayed into his hands, and he sent the ferocious volva, Thorbjorg on a mission to sacrifice this man to the gods. This offering should help his cause! And who must save the unfortunate Bedwyr? You guessed it. There are a number of subplots in this book, which naturally tie together in the end, but I admit I found the digressions a bit frustrating. Which was the main plot? We had plenty of action and killing to keep us busy, but overall I found the story a bit wanting. However, I certainly never wanted to put it down.
He was no longer worried about the suffering of the villagers – they’d been given the chance to surrender in return for swearing him allegiance, and they had thrown his offer back in his face. Hengist could hardly be blamed for what happened now. No, his annoyance lay in the fact that those Britons could have been useful – they’d have worked the land, created goods and furniture, hunted, and done all the other things they’d been doing throughout their miserable lives. The only difference would be that they’d pay Hengist taxes instead of one of the fat native lords.
Now, or at least very soon, there would be no taxpayers left, for they would be used up and burned to ash with the rest of the village.
And of course, Hengist needed to deal with Arthur, the fierce warlord who dogged his every step. Fortunately for him, one of Arthur’s friends was betrayed into his hands, and he sent the ferocious volva, Thorbjorg on a mission to sacrifice this man to the gods. This offering should help his cause! And who must save the unfortunate Bedwyr? You guessed it. There are a number of subplots in this book, which naturally tie together in the end, but I admit I found the digressions a bit frustrating. Which was the main plot? We had plenty of action and killing to keep us busy, but overall I found the story a bit wanting. However, I certainly never wanted to put it down.
July 11, 2025
Fantastic read
I’ve loved this series from the very start. Great characters full of life, love and death of course. I find it hard to put down & get on when I’m immersed in the story. I’ve really enjoyed how the characters have developed in the stories. With my little knowledge of the Old Gods & Druidry I appreciate the research that goes into each book too. I’m really hoping for more & can’t recommend enough!
I’ve loved this series from the very start. Great characters full of life, love and death of course. I find it hard to put down & get on when I’m immersed in the story. I’ve really enjoyed how the characters have developed in the stories. With my little knowledge of the Old Gods & Druidry I appreciate the research that goes into each book too. I’m really hoping for more & can’t recommend enough!
July 14, 2025
Another good read
Another easy to follow action adventure. Never a dull moment. You do miss one character in this book but it still moves along rather well. Looking forward to the next novel in the story.
Another easy to follow action adventure. Never a dull moment. You do miss one character in this book but it still moves along rather well. Looking forward to the next novel in the story.
July 18, 2025
Great series
No waiting for action. The writer gets right to business. There were some events that made me not want to read further for fear of what happens next. I did have to laugh at how he named one character though. How do you come up with a name like Saksnot?
No waiting for action. The writer gets right to business. There were some events that made me not want to read further for fear of what happens next. I did have to laugh at how he named one character though. How do you come up with a name like Saksnot?
October 17, 2025
I want to say after 7 books in this series, it might be over. There is still a few cliffhangers. But they are small in comparison to all 7 action pact novels in this series.
Bellicus heritage might come to light, as author hinted. So I guess I wait until next novel to come out.
Bellicus heritage might come to light, as author hinted. So I guess I wait until next novel to come out.
July 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Druid's Prey. Steven consistently produces book after book with thrilling adventures and outstanding action.
January 8, 2026
Gripping
Another page turner. Good job I'm retired as I couldn't put it down. Need to continue on this series, I can't imagine how it will end.
Another page turner. Good job I'm retired as I couldn't put it down. Need to continue on this series, I can't imagine how it will end.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews