What do you think?
Rate this book
The Savage Isle #2
The River Warriors
The Romans have landed in Britain. The invasion is over, but the war has just begun.
The legions march inland, but progress is slow, hampered by vast, ancient forests, swamps and treacherous rivers that must be crossed. But, guided by traitorous Celts blinded by self-interest, progress they do.
Marshalling the fractious tribes, Caratacos plans the first major battle for the only fording point of the mighty Vaga River.
Meanwhile, Cullen, now a warrior of renown, is dispatched by Aoife the Dread to seek out a mystic religious totem — the Whetstone of the smith god, Gobannos — which could help unite the bickering clans; a secret weapon of sorts.
But will he be able to find the stone and return it to Aoife before the two great armies clash?
The compelling second novel in the Savage Isle series, from the author of the Stryker Civil War novels.
The legions march inland, but progress is slow, hampered by vast, ancient forests, swamps and treacherous rivers that must be crossed. But, guided by traitorous Celts blinded by self-interest, progress they do.
Marshalling the fractious tribes, Caratacos plans the first major battle for the only fording point of the mighty Vaga River.
Meanwhile, Cullen, now a warrior of renown, is dispatched by Aoife the Dread to seek out a mystic religious totem — the Whetstone of the smith god, Gobannos — which could help unite the bickering clans; a secret weapon of sorts.
But will he be able to find the stone and return it to Aoife before the two great armies clash?
The compelling second novel in the Savage Isle series, from the author of the Stryker Civil War novels.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
About the author
Michael Arnold
132 books105 followersMichael lives in Hampshire with his wife and children. His childhood holidays were spent visiting castles and battlefields, but his fascination with the civil wars was piqued partly by the fact that his hometown and region of Hampshire are steeped in Civil War history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was delighted to get this second part of the Savage Isle trilogy on digital review copy. It is easily as fascinating and gripping as The Savage Isle (published last year).
Whilst the Romans are making their plans to conquer the Isle of the Mighty, Cullen and his band of nine warriors are sent on a mission to recover a powerful relic along with Serwil, one of the Wise, who will give the Stone power to defeat the Romans.
His mission will not be an easy one and will pit the Nine against the Batacgwi, warriors who seem to be able to surmount any obstacle, as well as bringing him back into conflict with Arthmael of the Wise, who hates him.
Cullen must use every skill he has to try to bring the Stone back to those who can use its power. Will it be enough to help the tribes of Togodubnos and Caratacos to prevail against the Roman army. And will he find Cassia, the Roman healer he fell in love with?
There is a lot more battleground action in this second part of the trilogy. There's lots of skulduggery and treachery amongst the tribes as everyone scrambles to come out on top but the scenes with the Batacgwi and the Romans are enthralling. Even though this is historical fiction Michael Arnold has made the Roman invasion of the Isle of the Mighty entirely believable.
I would highly recommend both this and the first part of the trilogy. It's a fascinating imagining of how our island was conquered by the Romans along with the stories of the fictional characters that Arnold has brought to life.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Canelo for the digital review copy. I am very much looking forward to the final part. i hope I don't have to wait too long.
Whilst the Romans are making their plans to conquer the Isle of the Mighty, Cullen and his band of nine warriors are sent on a mission to recover a powerful relic along with Serwil, one of the Wise, who will give the Stone power to defeat the Romans.
His mission will not be an easy one and will pit the Nine against the Batacgwi, warriors who seem to be able to surmount any obstacle, as well as bringing him back into conflict with Arthmael of the Wise, who hates him.
Cullen must use every skill he has to try to bring the Stone back to those who can use its power. Will it be enough to help the tribes of Togodubnos and Caratacos to prevail against the Roman army. And will he find Cassia, the Roman healer he fell in love with?
There is a lot more battleground action in this second part of the trilogy. There's lots of skulduggery and treachery amongst the tribes as everyone scrambles to come out on top but the scenes with the Batacgwi and the Romans are enthralling. Even though this is historical fiction Michael Arnold has made the Roman invasion of the Isle of the Mighty entirely believable.
I would highly recommend both this and the first part of the trilogy. It's a fascinating imagining of how our island was conquered by the Romans along with the stories of the fictional characters that Arnold has brought to life.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Canelo for the digital review copy. I am very much looking forward to the final part. i hope I don't have to wait too long.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC copy from NetGalley, thank you <3
Really nice second volume. I read the first and second books back to back, and enjoyed the sheer care to detailing the combat choregraphies. Amazing character developpement for Cassia, that I especially appreciated all throughout the two book, and this one even more.
As it is an era of history rarely explored, I was so excited, and this second book especially delivered. Wonderful, and can't wait to see where the rest of this story will go... ;)
Really nice second volume. I read the first and second books back to back, and enjoyed the sheer care to detailing the combat choregraphies. Amazing character developpement for Cassia, that I especially appreciated all throughout the two book, and this one even more.
As it is an era of history rarely explored, I was so excited, and this second book especially delivered. Wonderful, and can't wait to see where the rest of this story will go... ;)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The second part of the series that is set at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain. The historical setting is excellent and the characters are very engaging. The story itself is a bit slow but nevertheless it is an engaging story and well-researched.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews