Roman Courage

Sword of Cartimandua #13

by Griff Hosker

Decurion Marcus Aurelius, the warrior who wields the Sword of Cartimandua arrives home to find his world devastated by losses he cannot comprehend. He is sent north to the land of the Votadini where he becomes embroiled in an insurrection which threatens to destroy every fort north of the Roman Wall. When he is given command of a turma in the Ala Petriana he has to forge another weapon to fight the barbarians. The novel is filled with intrigue, conspiracy and battle. It culminates in a savage encounter deep in the forests of Kielder where the Sword of Cartimandua has, once more, to save Rome.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2017

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

[Keith Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished at last!

I found this series rather tedious. Although the storyline is good and the characters well drawn, the constant use of the Roman triple name and Latin place names was confusing. Added to this is my usual complaint about Hosker's lack of editing, which, in a retired teacher, I find infuriating at times. There is far too much non sense throughout the entire series. The importance of speed over accurate spelling and grammar is far too evident,
On the plus side is the sympathetic handling of the Britons and the inevitability of the Roman conquest as a mixed blessing.
Please get yourself an editor, Griff!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed the series, and am sorry it is at an end (as I now have to find something else to read), the problem with following the names and locations was a drawback. Too many names given to different persons in the series, and often in the same book--Lucius and Decius are prime examples. Also, the glossary should have been at the beginning so the types of officers could be more easily followed. When reading on a Kindle the glossary at the end is worthless.

[Steve Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fitting ending to a great series

While I hate to see the ending of any book series Mr Hosker nailed this one. Well written lots of action a very enjoyable read

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid read, but great must be taken to keep track of subjects and the movement of the action. You need to concentrate so as not lose track of who does what to whom and where they do it!

[Mr Mark F Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent end to a fantastic series

The Sword of Cartimandua is an excellent series that just keeps you reading. Roman Courage is an excellent end to the series.