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Guardians at the Wall
A group of archaeology students in northern England scrape at the soil near Hadrian’s Wall, once a barrier that divided Roman Britannia from wild Caledonian tribes.
Twenty-year-old Noah makes an intriguing find, but hasn't anticipated becoming the object of desire in a developing love triangle in the isolated academic community at Vindolanda. He is living his best life, but must learn to prioritise in a race against time to solve an astounding ancient riddle, and an artefact theft, as he comes to realise his future career prospects depend on it.
In the same place, 1,800 years earlier, Commander of the Watch, Centurion Gaius Atticianus, hungover and unaware of the bloody conflicts that will soon challenge him, is rattled by the hoot of an owl, a bad omen.
These are the protagonists whose lives brush together in the alternating strands of this dual timeline historical novel, one trying to get himself noticed and the other trying to stay intact as he approaches retirement.
How will the breathless battles fought by a Roman officer influence the fortunes of a twenty-first century archaeology dirt rat? Can naive Noah, distracted by his gaming mates and the attentions of two very different women, work out who to trust?
Find out in Tim Walker's thrilling historical dual timeline novel, Guardians at the Wall.
Twenty-year-old Noah makes an intriguing find, but hasn't anticipated becoming the object of desire in a developing love triangle in the isolated academic community at Vindolanda. He is living his best life, but must learn to prioritise in a race against time to solve an astounding ancient riddle, and an artefact theft, as he comes to realise his future career prospects depend on it.
In the same place, 1,800 years earlier, Commander of the Watch, Centurion Gaius Atticianus, hungover and unaware of the bloody conflicts that will soon challenge him, is rattled by the hoot of an owl, a bad omen.
These are the protagonists whose lives brush together in the alternating strands of this dual timeline historical novel, one trying to get himself noticed and the other trying to stay intact as he approaches retirement.
How will the breathless battles fought by a Roman officer influence the fortunes of a twenty-first century archaeology dirt rat? Can naive Noah, distracted by his gaming mates and the attentions of two very different women, work out who to trust?
Find out in Tim Walker's thrilling historical dual timeline novel, Guardians at the Wall.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2021
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Tim Walker
17 books79 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm an independent author living near Windsor in the UK. To date, I have written and self-published fourteen books and two audiobooks. Historical fiction is my main genre for both reading and writing.
In July 2025 I published a novella, The Trials of Arthur Whitty. This follows the fortunes of ordinary Arthur who overcomes many setbacks through a sense of humour and vivid imagination.
In 2024 I re-hired British actor and author, Richard James, to voice London Tales audiobook, available from Amazon Audible and Apple i-Tunes.
In November 2023 I published London Tales, a collection of 11 short stories that echo London's past, reflect the present and imagine its future. Mainly historical fiction shorts, with two contemporary tales and one dystopian story predicting the city's final days as rising sea levels claim it. This is a companion volume to Thames Valley Tales.
In March 2023 my first audiobook, Thames Valley Tales, was published on Amazon Audible and Apple i-Tunes. The audiobook was narrated and produced by actor and author, Richard James. This second, extensively revised edition, is also available in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited.
My most recent novel is Guardians at the Wall, published in June 2021, an historical dual timeline action and adventure novel set at Hadrian's Wall. It's about archaeologists who uncover artefacts that connect them to the life of a Roman centurion in second century Britannia, and an ensuing search for a missing payroll chest.
In June 2020, Arthur Rex Brittonum, was published - the fifth and final instalment in A Light in the Dark Ages series. This is part two of my re-imagining of King Arthur, and follows on from 2019's Arthur Dux Bellorum.
In March 2015, whilst visiting the site of a former Roman town, I pondered the question, 'what would life have been like for the native Britons after the end of the Roman occupation?' This kindled an interest that led to extensive research and my first book, Abandoned (2015 novella/2018 novel 2nd edition) that became the first book in what was to become a series.
Abandoned was followed by Ambrosius: Last of the Romans (2017); Uther's Destiny (2018); Arthur Dux Bellorum (2019) and Arthur Rex Brittonum (2020).
My first novel, Devil Gate Dawn, released in April 2016, is a thriller set in 2026 that predicted political chaos in a divided post-Brexit UK, and a dystopian Trump America (way back in 2015 I figured Trump had a chance of winning, and if he did, he would behave like a Third World dictator and re-write the constitution to make himself President for Life - OK we were spared that... although there's always next time - that's the magic of fiction, folks!).
Postcards from London, published in September 2017, was unpublished and delisted in August 2023 to make way for London Tales. Some stories were retained in updated versions, supplemented by new stories set in London. Similarly, Thames Valley Tales, first published in 2015, was relaunched as an extensively revised second edition in March 2023. Perverse, a book of short fiction and verse, came out in April 2020.
In 2017 I published my first children's book, The Adventures of Charly Holmes, co-authored with my daughter, Cathy. This was followed in 2018 by book two, Charly & the Superheroes, and in 2020 by Charly in Space.
I'm an independent author living near Windsor in the UK. To date, I have written and self-published fourteen books and two audiobooks. Historical fiction is my main genre for both reading and writing.
In July 2025 I published a novella, The Trials of Arthur Whitty. This follows the fortunes of ordinary Arthur who overcomes many setbacks through a sense of humour and vivid imagination.
In 2024 I re-hired British actor and author, Richard James, to voice London Tales audiobook, available from Amazon Audible and Apple i-Tunes.
In November 2023 I published London Tales, a collection of 11 short stories that echo London's past, reflect the present and imagine its future. Mainly historical fiction shorts, with two contemporary tales and one dystopian story predicting the city's final days as rising sea levels claim it. This is a companion volume to Thames Valley Tales.
In March 2023 my first audiobook, Thames Valley Tales, was published on Amazon Audible and Apple i-Tunes. The audiobook was narrated and produced by actor and author, Richard James. This second, extensively revised edition, is also available in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited.
My most recent novel is Guardians at the Wall, published in June 2021, an historical dual timeline action and adventure novel set at Hadrian's Wall. It's about archaeologists who uncover artefacts that connect them to the life of a Roman centurion in second century Britannia, and an ensuing search for a missing payroll chest.
In June 2020, Arthur Rex Brittonum, was published - the fifth and final instalment in A Light in the Dark Ages series. This is part two of my re-imagining of King Arthur, and follows on from 2019's Arthur Dux Bellorum.
In March 2015, whilst visiting the site of a former Roman town, I pondered the question, 'what would life have been like for the native Britons after the end of the Roman occupation?' This kindled an interest that led to extensive research and my first book, Abandoned (2015 novella/2018 novel 2nd edition) that became the first book in what was to become a series.
Abandoned was followed by Ambrosius: Last of the Romans (2017); Uther's Destiny (2018); Arthur Dux Bellorum (2019) and Arthur Rex Brittonum (2020).
My first novel, Devil Gate Dawn, released in April 2016, is a thriller set in 2026 that predicted political chaos in a divided post-Brexit UK, and a dystopian Trump America (way back in 2015 I figured Trump had a chance of winning, and if he did, he would behave like a Third World dictator and re-write the constitution to make himself President for Life - OK we were spared that... although there's always next time - that's the magic of fiction, folks!).
Postcards from London, published in September 2017, was unpublished and delisted in August 2023 to make way for London Tales. Some stories were retained in updated versions, supplemented by new stories set in London. Similarly, Thames Valley Tales, first published in 2015, was relaunched as an extensively revised second edition in March 2023. Perverse, a book of short fiction and verse, came out in April 2020.
In 2017 I published my first children's book, The Adventures of Charly Holmes, co-authored with my daughter, Cathy. This was followed in 2018 by book two, Charly & the Superheroes, and in 2020 by Charly in Space.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 10, 2021
I have read several of Tim Walker’s books in the past, but he has taken a new approach with this book, set on dual timelines. I was apprehensive, wondering if it would destroy the flow of the historical story in the past, but the two stories linked nicely together.
The story opens in the present day as a group of third-year archaeology students are part of a dig, at Hadrian’s Wall. Noah Jessop makes the first discovery of interest, giving the rest of them hope of more to come. The students have to choose the subject that they will do their final piece on for university. His choice links to the past and the life of Gaius Atticianus, a Roman in 180CE that lived not far from Hadrian’s Wall and the border separating Roman Britannia and the Caledonian tribes. The two normally kept to their sides, but things were about to change that ripple through the centuries to the present day.
I took a little while to settle into the time changes and was eager to return to the past, and impending battles. Gaius had so far been one of the rare men that could possible retire if he can survive just a little longer. The story tells of him, his native wife and their son. Gaius is a good and fair man. The Romans are ill-prepared when the wall is breached. Tim Walker, the author, creates exciting and, at times, brutal battles of wits and body. The story looks at both sides of the wall and the tactics used by both sides. This will sound traitorous, but I was backing Gaius all the way.
When the story returned to the present day, the more I read and the more I wanted this band of scholars to find the truth from the past. There was a secret, a myth and a lot of enthusiasm if Noah and his fellow students could piece it all together. There are a couple of storylines running that are connected in the present day, which are light and at times made me chuckle, in the nicest possible way. Another top story for this author.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
The story opens in the present day as a group of third-year archaeology students are part of a dig, at Hadrian’s Wall. Noah Jessop makes the first discovery of interest, giving the rest of them hope of more to come. The students have to choose the subject that they will do their final piece on for university. His choice links to the past and the life of Gaius Atticianus, a Roman in 180CE that lived not far from Hadrian’s Wall and the border separating Roman Britannia and the Caledonian tribes. The two normally kept to their sides, but things were about to change that ripple through the centuries to the present day.
I took a little while to settle into the time changes and was eager to return to the past, and impending battles. Gaius had so far been one of the rare men that could possible retire if he can survive just a little longer. The story tells of him, his native wife and their son. Gaius is a good and fair man. The Romans are ill-prepared when the wall is breached. Tim Walker, the author, creates exciting and, at times, brutal battles of wits and body. The story looks at both sides of the wall and the tactics used by both sides. This will sound traitorous, but I was backing Gaius all the way.
When the story returned to the present day, the more I read and the more I wanted this band of scholars to find the truth from the past. There was a secret, a myth and a lot of enthusiasm if Noah and his fellow students could piece it all together. There are a couple of storylines running that are connected in the present day, which are light and at times made me chuckle, in the nicest possible way. Another top story for this author.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
July 31, 2021
First book of Tim Walker that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it. Romans and archaeology went well together in this dual timeline story.
August 22, 2021
I really liked this book. Stories that move bck and forth between time periois are frequently unpleasantly disrupteve. This one was not , the writer handled that very well.
June 2, 2021
Roman Britain is a fascinating topic which, when told well, captures the imagination of young and old alike. Having thoroughly enjoyed Tim Walker's previous two novels set in the post-Roman era, I knew I was in good hands when it came to the historical parts of Guardians at the Wall but this is the first dual timeline book I've read by him and so I was intrigued to see how the contemporary story held up to the chapters set in the past.
The novel opens at Hadrian's Wall in the present day where a group of third-year archaeological students are taking part in a dig. Narrated in the first person by one of the students, Noah Jessop, it was immediately apparent that his enthusiasm for the subject would be infectious, particularly after he makes his first find. His course tutor, Professor Maggie Wilde is an influential, passionate woman but when she advises him as to what direction he might take his dissertation in, it seems that perhaps her interest in him extends beyond the academic.
It's Noah's dissertation that connects us with the past as he decides to look for a narrative and at Maggie's suggestion, to follow the story of an individual soldier or officer. As he prepares for an evening with his mates, the novel switches to Vindolanda, a Roman Fort near Hadrian's Wall in 180CE where Gaius Atticianus has a hangover. While Noah is a young man, Gaius is a seasoned officer who at first appears to be rather irritable. He seems to have little time for the questions of a youthful guard, Amborix but his bravery and honour become more evident after he hears an owl hoot and rightly fears it as a bad omen.
The segments which take place in the past acknowledge the ever-present danger that these border legions lived in. Gaius has to fight a number of bloody conflicts and these dramatic scenes are tense and exciting. He was the son of an olive farmer in Asturia, having been handed over to a Roman recruiting officer at the age of fifteen. Having risen through the ranks, marching through Iberia and Gaul to Germania, his promotion to centurion was earned on the battlefield before his cavalry cent was posted to Britannia. However, he is not just a powerful warrior and as the story progresses, we learn more about him as a skilled strategist and leader of men and as a family man who yearns to spend time with his wife and young son. His wife is a Briton and he has made an effort to learn the local language; it's clear that while he is ruthless on the battlefield, he tries to forge more cordial relationships with the various tribes even though his trusting nature may be taken advantage of.
The Roman sections of the book are perhaps the most thrilling, especially to an historical fiction lover but there is still much to enjoy in the present-day passages. Noah finds himself attracted to two women and his keenness tempered by his naive confusion is only too believable; whereas one makes her interest in him more obvious, the other has her own complicated romantic entanglement which perhaps pushes him in the less wise direction. However, although his love life is a fairly light-hearted subplot, there is a more compelling development which adds intrigue and tension to these chapters too.
The two men become linked through a chest of coins which Gaius has buried and then Noah tracks after translating an ancient tablet which describes where it was left. This provides him with the inspiration he needs for his dissertation while the readers are taken back in time to discover in vivid detail what led to that point and what happened afterwards. By the end of the novel, Noah has formed his own theory as to the fate of Gaius and it's a striking reminder that archaeology is an imprecise science which has already opened up much of our ancient past but where there are still gaps in our knowledge, some of the conjecture may never be proven right or wrong.
Guardians at the Wall is fiction, of course but such meticulously researched, engaging writing ensures that this riveting story is imbued throughout with an evocative sense of authenticity. Highly recommended.
The novel opens at Hadrian's Wall in the present day where a group of third-year archaeological students are taking part in a dig. Narrated in the first person by one of the students, Noah Jessop, it was immediately apparent that his enthusiasm for the subject would be infectious, particularly after he makes his first find. His course tutor, Professor Maggie Wilde is an influential, passionate woman but when she advises him as to what direction he might take his dissertation in, it seems that perhaps her interest in him extends beyond the academic.
It's Noah's dissertation that connects us with the past as he decides to look for a narrative and at Maggie's suggestion, to follow the story of an individual soldier or officer. As he prepares for an evening with his mates, the novel switches to Vindolanda, a Roman Fort near Hadrian's Wall in 180CE where Gaius Atticianus has a hangover. While Noah is a young man, Gaius is a seasoned officer who at first appears to be rather irritable. He seems to have little time for the questions of a youthful guard, Amborix but his bravery and honour become more evident after he hears an owl hoot and rightly fears it as a bad omen.
The segments which take place in the past acknowledge the ever-present danger that these border legions lived in. Gaius has to fight a number of bloody conflicts and these dramatic scenes are tense and exciting. He was the son of an olive farmer in Asturia, having been handed over to a Roman recruiting officer at the age of fifteen. Having risen through the ranks, marching through Iberia and Gaul to Germania, his promotion to centurion was earned on the battlefield before his cavalry cent was posted to Britannia. However, he is not just a powerful warrior and as the story progresses, we learn more about him as a skilled strategist and leader of men and as a family man who yearns to spend time with his wife and young son. His wife is a Briton and he has made an effort to learn the local language; it's clear that while he is ruthless on the battlefield, he tries to forge more cordial relationships with the various tribes even though his trusting nature may be taken advantage of.
The Roman sections of the book are perhaps the most thrilling, especially to an historical fiction lover but there is still much to enjoy in the present-day passages. Noah finds himself attracted to two women and his keenness tempered by his naive confusion is only too believable; whereas one makes her interest in him more obvious, the other has her own complicated romantic entanglement which perhaps pushes him in the less wise direction. However, although his love life is a fairly light-hearted subplot, there is a more compelling development which adds intrigue and tension to these chapters too.
The two men become linked through a chest of coins which Gaius has buried and then Noah tracks after translating an ancient tablet which describes where it was left. This provides him with the inspiration he needs for his dissertation while the readers are taken back in time to discover in vivid detail what led to that point and what happened afterwards. By the end of the novel, Noah has formed his own theory as to the fate of Gaius and it's a striking reminder that archaeology is an imprecise science which has already opened up much of our ancient past but where there are still gaps in our knowledge, some of the conjecture may never be proven right or wrong.
Guardians at the Wall is fiction, of course but such meticulously researched, engaging writing ensures that this riveting story is imbued throughout with an evocative sense of authenticity. Highly recommended.
June 15, 2021
At Hadrian’s Wall, a group of archaeology students explore the area close to the ancient ruins, searching for buried artefacts left by the Romans while guarding the barrier separating Roman Britain from the Caledonian tribes. Twenty-year-old Noah is delighted to discover a figurine, and hopes it’ll put him in good stead with the enigmatic Professor Wilde as he researches material for his dissertation. Meanwhile, in the year 180 CE, Centurion Gaius Atticianus, strives to keep his men safe while negotiating more cordial relationships with marauding tribesmen.
The story segues between the modern-day dig and the Roman occupation, charting the progress of the heroes on each side. Surprisingly, the Roman narrative had a more realistic feel to it than the modern-day one, but that’s not to take anything away from the author’s skill in twisting the two stories together. As always with this author’s work, the research is impeccable, giving a level of detail that, especially in the Roman era, brings it to life vividly and realistically without getting in the way of the story. For me, the most interesting parts were those of the centurion as he deals with his men, his family and the constant threat of battle. However, the way Tim Walker entwines the stories of Noah and Gaius Atticianus is well done and creates an interesting interchange between the historical facts and the archaeologists searching for the truth behind the treasure they unearth.
A fascinating and realistic book that mixes fiction with an evocative picture of Roman life in Britain.
The story segues between the modern-day dig and the Roman occupation, charting the progress of the heroes on each side. Surprisingly, the Roman narrative had a more realistic feel to it than the modern-day one, but that’s not to take anything away from the author’s skill in twisting the two stories together. As always with this author’s work, the research is impeccable, giving a level of detail that, especially in the Roman era, brings it to life vividly and realistically without getting in the way of the story. For me, the most interesting parts were those of the centurion as he deals with his men, his family and the constant threat of battle. However, the way Tim Walker entwines the stories of Noah and Gaius Atticianus is well done and creates an interesting interchange between the historical facts and the archaeologists searching for the truth behind the treasure they unearth.
A fascinating and realistic book that mixes fiction with an evocative picture of Roman life in Britain.
January 9, 2022
I enjoyed the back and forth between modern times and Roman times with the finding of artifacts. I liked Gaius despite his simplistic portrayal. I think a lot more could've been made of the Maggie back story and despite alot of the other character backstories mentioned, the main characters lacked depth. But both stories were well paced, lots of historical research was evident and very readable.
June 14, 2021
This was a really fascinating and interesting read. I was intrigued by the dual timeline and the author did it really well. In the present day, we have an archeology student Noah Jessop on a dig in Vindolanda and upon finding a tablet he stumbles across the story of Gaius Atticianus in 180CE.
The stories are linked by a money chest and I really enjoyed Noah discovering more of the story, and then being told the story ourselves. One thing I liked was how the present day story tried to piece together Gaius's life, showing that we can only guess at the past.
I love historical fiction, particularly when it is based on fact and the author used a real site and inscription to build his story. We may never have a "real" picture of everything that went on, but books like this show such a vivid interpretation of Roman times. Gaius was world-weary and near retirement age, I liked this view as it didn't show the battles as glorious, but more as a necessary evil.
A really good book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
The stories are linked by a money chest and I really enjoyed Noah discovering more of the story, and then being told the story ourselves. One thing I liked was how the present day story tried to piece together Gaius's life, showing that we can only guess at the past.
I love historical fiction, particularly when it is based on fact and the author used a real site and inscription to build his story. We may never have a "real" picture of everything that went on, but books like this show such a vivid interpretation of Roman times. Gaius was world-weary and near retirement age, I liked this view as it didn't show the battles as glorious, but more as a necessary evil.
A really good book and I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 1, 2022
A story told across centuries, this book tells of the Roman soldiers of 180CE, and the archaeologists in the modern day uncovering their story.
Centurion Gaius Atticanus faces a series of battles as he is stationed by Hadrian's Wall, while in the modern day, archaeology student Noah follows the trail of clues that might lead to the centurion's last act, and a treasure hidden for thousands of years.
Both sides of the story are well told, though I'll confess I preferred the mystery of the modern to the action of the ancient. But no need to choose, we have both! The modern also works in secret lust, tentative romance and grand theft along the way.
An intriguing way to tackle a story inspired by real history.
Centurion Gaius Atticanus faces a series of battles as he is stationed by Hadrian's Wall, while in the modern day, archaeology student Noah follows the trail of clues that might lead to the centurion's last act, and a treasure hidden for thousands of years.
Both sides of the story are well told, though I'll confess I preferred the mystery of the modern to the action of the ancient. But no need to choose, we have both! The modern also works in secret lust, tentative romance and grand theft along the way.
An intriguing way to tackle a story inspired by real history.
December 21, 2021
Guardians at the Wall by Tim Walker, is a parallel historical narrative – that follows archaeology student Noah Jessop hot on the trail of a Roman Centurion, Gaius Atticianus, stationed on Hadrian's wall mentioned in recovered letters and dispatches, and the same Centurion in 2nd century Roman Britain fighting off the onslaught of Caledonian tribes.
The book had an easy reading style which brought both settings ¬- modern day and Roman Britain -alive. Gauis encounters escalating challenges and battles while Noah is hot on the trial of archaeological discoveries and finds himself entangled in a complicated romantic triangle. This is not a book that would pass the Bechdel Test, with a clear masculine perspective in both time periods (particularly the ancient). To be fair, the two main female characters in the modern period were intelligent and accomplished but their primary role was as love interests. I also found, at times, the parallel narrative tended to dampen suspense by flagging the outcome of conflicts.
Even so, the story was sufficiently interesting to keep me reading to the end and the book did tackle some interesting issues and bring the 2nd century Romans stationed on the Hadrian Wall back to life in full technicolour.
The book had an easy reading style which brought both settings ¬- modern day and Roman Britain -alive. Gauis encounters escalating challenges and battles while Noah is hot on the trial of archaeological discoveries and finds himself entangled in a complicated romantic triangle. This is not a book that would pass the Bechdel Test, with a clear masculine perspective in both time periods (particularly the ancient). To be fair, the two main female characters in the modern period were intelligent and accomplished but their primary role was as love interests. I also found, at times, the parallel narrative tended to dampen suspense by flagging the outcome of conflicts.
Even so, the story was sufficiently interesting to keep me reading to the end and the book did tackle some interesting issues and bring the 2nd century Romans stationed on the Hadrian Wall back to life in full technicolour.
March 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling historical dual timeline novel, which had me gripped from start to finish. When a group of archaeology students dig in the soil near Hadrian’s Wall, Noah makes an intriguing find. Whilst Noah tries to solve the 2,000-year-old riddle, and work out who stole an artefact, he realises his future career prospects depend on it. Meanwhile, he is also involved in a love triangle with two very different women, and he needs to work out which one he can trust. In the same place, but in the year 180 C.E. Centurion Gaius Atticianus, who is just trying to stay alive until he retires, is hungover and unaware of the bloody conflicts to come.
The exciting and action packed storyline had me hooked from page one, and I thought the dual timeline worked well. I enjoyed discovering how the battles fought by the Roman officer, Gaius influenced Noah’s fortunes in the twenty first century. The setting came alive through the descriptive narrative, and the scenes of life for an officer posted at Hadrian’s wall were particularly immersive due to the added, well researched historical details . This was an exciting and engaging read, which I recommend.
The exciting and action packed storyline had me hooked from page one, and I thought the dual timeline worked well. I enjoyed discovering how the battles fought by the Roman officer, Gaius influenced Noah’s fortunes in the twenty first century. The setting came alive through the descriptive narrative, and the scenes of life for an officer posted at Hadrian’s wall were particularly immersive due to the added, well researched historical details . This was an exciting and engaging read, which I recommend.
June 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book I loved the way the author used a dual tone line to create an exceptional read.
Well written with a different type is storyline
Well worth the read!
Well written with a different type is storyline
Well worth the read!
September 13, 2021
4.5/5 Stars (half a star removed for copy-editing issues that, while distracting, didn't harm the story)
Tim Walker has created an entertaining dual timeline novel, set along Hadrian's wall in both ancient and modern times. The chapters alternate between Noah Jessop's archaeological work and Gaius Atticianus' time in the Roman army.
The book is grounded in historical fact (Atticianus was a real person), and it's clear that the author has done his homework. Even the fictionalized characters and situations feel real and well-rounded. Nobody's perfect, and nobody is a mustache-twirling villain. Everyone has their foibles.
We see battles between Caledonii (Scots) and Romans along the wall, and we see Noah putting together the pieces (both literally and figuratively) that will bring their stories to life.
I will be the first to confess that Roman Britain is far from being my area of specialization, but the book felt authentic. I think that most fans of ancient era historical fiction would enjoy it very much.
Tim Walker has created an entertaining dual timeline novel, set along Hadrian's wall in both ancient and modern times. The chapters alternate between Noah Jessop's archaeological work and Gaius Atticianus' time in the Roman army.
The book is grounded in historical fact (Atticianus was a real person), and it's clear that the author has done his homework. Even the fictionalized characters and situations feel real and well-rounded. Nobody's perfect, and nobody is a mustache-twirling villain. Everyone has their foibles.
We see battles between Caledonii (Scots) and Romans along the wall, and we see Noah putting together the pieces (both literally and figuratively) that will bring their stories to life.
I will be the first to confess that Roman Britain is far from being my area of specialization, but the book felt authentic. I think that most fans of ancient era historical fiction would enjoy it very much.
November 18, 2021
As the history of an excavation site comes to light, so too do the ancient peoples who lived it. Alternating between third-person-narrated past and first-person-narrated present times, the 180 CE battle of Roman soldiers versus Caledonian war bands is penned with extraordinary detail.
In the present day, Noah is working at the Hadrian’s Wall excavation site when he uncovers an ancient stone goddess of fertility. As he researches the lives of soldiers who lived in the area, Noah becomes entangled in a love triangle while trying to discover the fate of a Roman soldier, Gaius Atticianus, serving as a guardian of Hadrian’s Wall.
I truly enjoyed the concept of alternating between an excavation site and the historical setting that they’re uncovering. The chapters move seamlessly between time periods. The interplay of the past influencing present is explored well. In Roman times, the stakes are high, whereas in present time, issues are resolved much more easily.
While meant to add tension, the mentor-mentee (mentee being Noah) relationship mostly left a bad taste in my mouth. Noah’s mentor hints at having personal struggles, but this is never fleshed out, so taking advantage of her student left me ill at ease.
There are a few things that stick out, like the use of “mate” in Roman times, which sounds too modern when most characters in the modern era also use this reference. Additionally, a few editorial errors, like missing end quotations or mis-formatted paragraphs, are noted. However, these errors are few. Overall, a well-executed concept of past and present lives converging at a historical site where discoveries of artefacts as well as perseverance and strength are put to the test. A fun excursion into archaeology and history.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
In the present day, Noah is working at the Hadrian’s Wall excavation site when he uncovers an ancient stone goddess of fertility. As he researches the lives of soldiers who lived in the area, Noah becomes entangled in a love triangle while trying to discover the fate of a Roman soldier, Gaius Atticianus, serving as a guardian of Hadrian’s Wall.
I truly enjoyed the concept of alternating between an excavation site and the historical setting that they’re uncovering. The chapters move seamlessly between time periods. The interplay of the past influencing present is explored well. In Roman times, the stakes are high, whereas in present time, issues are resolved much more easily.
While meant to add tension, the mentor-mentee (mentee being Noah) relationship mostly left a bad taste in my mouth. Noah’s mentor hints at having personal struggles, but this is never fleshed out, so taking advantage of her student left me ill at ease.
There are a few things that stick out, like the use of “mate” in Roman times, which sounds too modern when most characters in the modern era also use this reference. Additionally, a few editorial errors, like missing end quotations or mis-formatted paragraphs, are noted. However, these errors are few. Overall, a well-executed concept of past and present lives converging at a historical site where discoveries of artefacts as well as perseverance and strength are put to the test. A fun excursion into archaeology and history.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
July 28, 2022
This is an ambitious novel alternating chapters between Roman era Britain (mostly circa 180 CE) and the present day. Over the course of the book, Noah, a modern archaeology student tries to piece together his dissertation from finds made at Vindolanda, a dig site at a fort just south of Hadrian’s Wall.
He discovers enough clues to piece together part of the life of Gaius, a Roman Centurion. The Roman scenes are well-researched and compelling, with plenty of action. If anything, these chapters are more successful than those set in the present, perhaps because minor discrepancies do not jar when we only have limited knowledge.
The present day scenes work well enough but the characters’ speech tends to be a little wooden. However, the last scene in the present, when Noah presents his findings formally, raises some interesting questions about the efficacy of the archaeological method.
Well worth a read, not least to find out the fate of Gaius.
He discovers enough clues to piece together part of the life of Gaius, a Roman Centurion. The Roman scenes are well-researched and compelling, with plenty of action. If anything, these chapters are more successful than those set in the present, perhaps because minor discrepancies do not jar when we only have limited knowledge.
The present day scenes work well enough but the characters’ speech tends to be a little wooden. However, the last scene in the present, when Noah presents his findings formally, raises some interesting questions about the efficacy of the archaeological method.
Well worth a read, not least to find out the fate of Gaius.
April 5, 2024
excellent Read
Tim Walker has written a hell of a book which must have been difficult for him to do. I say that because Walker has written what amounts to two novels in one book, with one story taking place two thousand years in the past and one in the present. That is one difficult thing for an author to do, and yet Walker pulls it off wonderfully. Walker has an archaeological student during his graduation thesis interpret scrolls found near Hadrian’s Wall that mentions a Roman Tribune several times. The interesting way Walker tells the story of the tribune’s lost payroll chest is a work of art. Couple that with the student discovering hints of where if it still exists the treasure might be buried. This is a very well written book with a clever plot, so if you enjoy reading books about the Roman Legions, then get this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
Tim Walker has written a hell of a book which must have been difficult for him to do. I say that because Walker has written what amounts to two novels in one book, with one story taking place two thousand years in the past and one in the present. That is one difficult thing for an author to do, and yet Walker pulls it off wonderfully. Walker has an archaeological student during his graduation thesis interpret scrolls found near Hadrian’s Wall that mentions a Roman Tribune several times. The interesting way Walker tells the story of the tribune’s lost payroll chest is a work of art. Couple that with the student discovering hints of where if it still exists the treasure might be buried. This is a very well written book with a clever plot, so if you enjoy reading books about the Roman Legions, then get this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
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