The Sword of Cartimandua

Sword of Cartimandua #1

by Griff Hosker

This is the story of the last Queen of the Brigante, Cartimandua who is rescued by a Roman cavalry unit. The story follows the fortunes of the leader of the cavalry, Ulpius Felix and his indomitable troopers. The murder of the Queen and the revolt by her people puts the Roman hold on Britannia in danger. It is only after great deeds of bravery and monumental battles that the revolt is put down and the province is saved. With treachery all around them the cavalry turma become a band of brothers and are forged into a weapon as powerful as the mythical Sword of Cartimandua.

Genres: Historical Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

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Reviews

[Linda]

I was interested in learning more about the history of Cartimandua, the last Queen of the Brigante, one of the northern tribes of what is now Britain, and her history with the Roman occupation about AD 50.

I looked up some of the Roman names for locations and located them on a current map: Eboracum is currently York; Brocavum fort was near current Brougham Castle in Cumbria and about 100 miles northwest of York; and Glanibanta is currently Ravenglass also in Cumbria, about 50 miles southwest of Brougham Castle.

The distances might not appear to be far apart today, but I can only imagine what it must have been like almost 2000 years ago fighting their enemies and harsh winters.

[A.M. Swink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is fast-paced and action-packed, making this a very engaging read. However, it reads as though it never received any editing passes. That made it difficult to follow the action/dialogue in several places, and some historical anachronisms stood out from the otherwise excellent research. All in all, a thrilling start to a series I intend to continue reading!

[DAVID ONCALE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read From Griff

It is one novel you can't put down. I am looking forwarding book 2. I have been a big fan of this author and his novels. This book did not disappoint

[bill scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Yet another book connecting the history of the entrance to the lake District, both interesting and engaging. comments by Bill Scott.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hosker's books are fun quick read. Non stop action mixed with roman influences in battle and infrastructure. What can I say ....I love these books.