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Warrior Druid of Britain #4
The Bear of Britain
AD 432. BRITAIN. The winter snows are melting at last, but spring will bring more than just rebirth this year. The Saxons are coming, and that means war. Bellicus, Duro and Cai have travelled south to join the warlord, Arthur, and his growing army of Britons. New friendships have been made and exciting adventures await the warrior-druid and his companions, but the threat of Hengist and his invaders casts a dark cloud over all. For years, the Saxons have been content to remain mostly confined to the eastern parts of the country, but now they are marching west, and Hengist has amassed the biggest army seen on these shores since the Romans left over twenty years ago.Arthur - dubbed the Bear of Britain by his advisor, Merlin - has never truly felt he'd earned such a grand title, but now he will have a chance to prove himself. The addition of a new, crack unit to his ranks will, he hopes, be enough to sweep the Saxon threat from Britain once and for all, and herald a generation of peace and prosperity for his people. But nothing in war is straightforward and even their own countrymen can turn violently against them at any moment, as Bellicus discovers to his cost...The post-Roman landscape of Britain is brought vividly to life in this exciting fourth novel in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2021
144 people are currently reading
103 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 14, 2025
This fabulous historical novel is the 4th volume of the amazing "Warrior Druid of Britain" chronicles, from Indie author, Steven A. McKay.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a very useful List of Places, while at the end you'll notice an informative Author's Note.
Once more storytelling is of a top-notch quality, all figures featuring in this awesome tale, whether real great historical, fictional or legendary, come all vividly to life, and the hostile warlike atmosphere of Britannia, with Britons facing and fighting the Saxon hordes, comes splendidly off the pages.
This tale starts off in the Winter of January of AD 432, with Bellicus, our main protagonist, and Lancelot on a secret mission, and that mission will be the prelude of what is to come in this tale of war and death.
With the assistance of Chief-Druid Merlin, and his closest advisors, its high time for young Arthur to make a name for himself as the Warlord of Britain in his quest to send Hengist and Horsa back across the sea, never to return again.
In a ferocious battle at a place called, Nant Beac-Near Bexwell, Norfolk (fictional place), Arthur, nicknamed Bear of Britain, and his army of Britons are taking on the Saxon hordes with Bretwalda Hengist as their leader, and Arthur's army will achieve a massive victory but not a decisive one, while Lancelot and his chosen men are lured into the fortress of Garrianum-Burgh Castle, Norfolk, only to be slaughtered and mutilated completely, but with two exceptions.
What is to follow is an extraordinary historical legendary adventure, brought to us by the author in a most authentic and wonderful fashion, in which Bellicus, his dog Cai, Duro and Eburus the Votadini are taken along and fighting with the mighty Warlord Arthur, Bear of Britain, against the Saxon hordes of Hengist and Horsa, and in this maelstrom of activities they will encounter hard and desperate fought battles and will meet with new friends, with the likes of Bedwyr and Sulinus, but in the end our main protagonists will head back home to Dun Breatann due to unforeseen domestic circumstances for another new adventure.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous volume to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Britannic Bear"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a very useful List of Places, while at the end you'll notice an informative Author's Note.
Once more storytelling is of a top-notch quality, all figures featuring in this awesome tale, whether real great historical, fictional or legendary, come all vividly to life, and the hostile warlike atmosphere of Britannia, with Britons facing and fighting the Saxon hordes, comes splendidly off the pages.
This tale starts off in the Winter of January of AD 432, with Bellicus, our main protagonist, and Lancelot on a secret mission, and that mission will be the prelude of what is to come in this tale of war and death.
With the assistance of Chief-Druid Merlin, and his closest advisors, its high time for young Arthur to make a name for himself as the Warlord of Britain in his quest to send Hengist and Horsa back across the sea, never to return again.
In a ferocious battle at a place called, Nant Beac-Near Bexwell, Norfolk (fictional place), Arthur, nicknamed Bear of Britain, and his army of Britons are taking on the Saxon hordes with Bretwalda Hengist as their leader, and Arthur's army will achieve a massive victory but not a decisive one, while Lancelot and his chosen men are lured into the fortress of Garrianum-Burgh Castle, Norfolk, only to be slaughtered and mutilated completely, but with two exceptions.
What is to follow is an extraordinary historical legendary adventure, brought to us by the author in a most authentic and wonderful fashion, in which Bellicus, his dog Cai, Duro and Eburus the Votadini are taken along and fighting with the mighty Warlord Arthur, Bear of Britain, against the Saxon hordes of Hengist and Horsa, and in this maelstrom of activities they will encounter hard and desperate fought battles and will meet with new friends, with the likes of Bedwyr and Sulinus, but in the end our main protagonists will head back home to Dun Breatann due to unforeseen domestic circumstances for another new adventure.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous volume to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Britannic Bear"!
November 21, 2021
The Saxons are ready to attack.. War is coming to Britain.. the only thing standing in their way is Arthur, the Bear of Britain… well not just Arthur. He’s got help from the big warrior druid Bellicus!
A lot has happened to Bellicus and his faithful companion Duro but the upcoming war is going to push them to their limits.
As Arthur sets about raising an army to face the Saxons Bellicus manages to get himself into scrape that nearly costs him his life. I really enjoyed seeing Bellicus’s vulnerability as he recovers.
Vulnerability is probably the word I’d use to best describe the development in this instalment as the author manages to show the human toll paid during war. Duro is a fine example, there’s a sadness to him, still haunted by the past when his wife was brutally murdered… will this be his chance to heal those wounds?
Character development is key to a series.. you need to keep things fresh and boy does the author know how to keep the readers hooked. My favourite character had to be Sulinus. Arthur needs cavalry to win the war.. and Sulinus is the man to train them, he’s a former Roman solider and knows his stuff.. unluckily for him though Arthurs men are not trained to the same standard as the legions.. they aren’t soldiers so he’s got his work cut out for him. It’s Sulinus’s humour that really makes you love him.. you can’t help but smile.
For fans of history, you see the author take on some well know figures, we have Arthur, Merlin and Lancelot…how can you not get excited when you hear those names. Each of these characters felt perfect.. it’s hard to explain but you have expectations when you think of historical names but McKay knows just how to tackle big characters and do them justice!
I don’t want to spoil anything too much but I can’t write my review without talking about one scene.. Merlin and the Sword in the Stone…wow. I’m not going to say any more than that.. wow!
The Bear of Britain is a wonderfully written book. I’m kind of in awe of the author and how he manages to keep offering up gripping tales, weaving his skill and imagination throughout history. His tales are exhilarating, the characters believable and exciting and the action hard hitting.
I can’t give the book any less than a 5*…when’s the next book?? Ha. This series is a must!
A lot has happened to Bellicus and his faithful companion Duro but the upcoming war is going to push them to their limits.
As Arthur sets about raising an army to face the Saxons Bellicus manages to get himself into scrape that nearly costs him his life. I really enjoyed seeing Bellicus’s vulnerability as he recovers.
Vulnerability is probably the word I’d use to best describe the development in this instalment as the author manages to show the human toll paid during war. Duro is a fine example, there’s a sadness to him, still haunted by the past when his wife was brutally murdered… will this be his chance to heal those wounds?
Character development is key to a series.. you need to keep things fresh and boy does the author know how to keep the readers hooked. My favourite character had to be Sulinus. Arthur needs cavalry to win the war.. and Sulinus is the man to train them, he’s a former Roman solider and knows his stuff.. unluckily for him though Arthurs men are not trained to the same standard as the legions.. they aren’t soldiers so he’s got his work cut out for him. It’s Sulinus’s humour that really makes you love him.. you can’t help but smile.
For fans of history, you see the author take on some well know figures, we have Arthur, Merlin and Lancelot…how can you not get excited when you hear those names. Each of these characters felt perfect.. it’s hard to explain but you have expectations when you think of historical names but McKay knows just how to tackle big characters and do them justice!
I don’t want to spoil anything too much but I can’t write my review without talking about one scene.. Merlin and the Sword in the Stone…wow. I’m not going to say any more than that.. wow!
The Bear of Britain is a wonderfully written book. I’m kind of in awe of the author and how he manages to keep offering up gripping tales, weaving his skill and imagination throughout history. His tales are exhilarating, the characters believable and exciting and the action hard hitting.
I can’t give the book any less than a 5*…when’s the next book?? Ha. This series is a must!
December 7, 2021
BLURB
AD 432. BRITAIN. The winter snows are melting at last, but spring will bring more than just rebirth this year. The Saxons are coming, and that means war.
Bellicus, Duro and Cai have travelled south to join the warlord, Arthur, and his growing army of Britons. New friendships have been made and exciting adventures await the warrior-druid and his companions, but the threat of Hengist and his invaders casts a dark cloud over all. For years, the Saxons have been content to remain mostly confined to the eastern parts of the country, but now they are marching west, and Hengist has amassed the biggest army seen on these shores since the Romans left over twenty years ago.
Arthur - dubbed the Bear of Britain by his advisor, Merlin - has never truly felt he'd earned such a grand title, but now he will have a chance to prove himself. The addition of a new, crack unit to his ranks will, he hopes, be enough to sweep the Saxon threat from Britain once and for all, and herald a generation of peace and prosperity for his people. But nothing in war is straightforward and even their own countrymen can turn violently against them at any moment, as Bellicus discovers to his cost...
The post-Roman landscape of Britain is brought vividly to life in this exciting fourth novel in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden
REVIEW
There are numerous ways in which the historical (probably) & mythological (certainly) character of Arthur has been portrayed; Once and Future King, Pendragon, Bear of Britain, etc... Here he is cast as warlord, or rather The Warlord, drawing men from many of the Briton kingdoms, he is tasked with eliminating the Saxon invasion by Hengist & Horsa. I won't say much about the events surrounding that task, well maybe a little: that they're exciting as hell beggars the description. Let's focus on what I think is the real strength in this chapter of the series - the characters. I'd have been content with Bel, Duro, Arthur and The Merlin, yes content, but not satisfied. Fortunately, the author has provided more folks to cheer on, or to hurl vile epithets towards. A few examples, certainly not all of them, Erebus, Princess Velunga, Bedwyr, Lancelot - those are the cheered for. In the other corner, not wearing horned helmets, but still recognizable as the evil doers, Hengist and his even more vile brother Horsa. Another facet that I rather enjoyed was the way the doings of The Merlin; stripped of their mystical aura and rendered in a more believable fashion. Now as to the end of this episode, let's just say that the author has left a couple delicious teasers for the next episode. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AD 432. BRITAIN. The winter snows are melting at last, but spring will bring more than just rebirth this year. The Saxons are coming, and that means war.
Bellicus, Duro and Cai have travelled south to join the warlord, Arthur, and his growing army of Britons. New friendships have been made and exciting adventures await the warrior-druid and his companions, but the threat of Hengist and his invaders casts a dark cloud over all. For years, the Saxons have been content to remain mostly confined to the eastern parts of the country, but now they are marching west, and Hengist has amassed the biggest army seen on these shores since the Romans left over twenty years ago.
Arthur - dubbed the Bear of Britain by his advisor, Merlin - has never truly felt he'd earned such a grand title, but now he will have a chance to prove himself. The addition of a new, crack unit to his ranks will, he hopes, be enough to sweep the Saxon threat from Britain once and for all, and herald a generation of peace and prosperity for his people. But nothing in war is straightforward and even their own countrymen can turn violently against them at any moment, as Bellicus discovers to his cost...
The post-Roman landscape of Britain is brought vividly to life in this exciting fourth novel in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden
REVIEW
There are numerous ways in which the historical (probably) & mythological (certainly) character of Arthur has been portrayed; Once and Future King, Pendragon, Bear of Britain, etc... Here he is cast as warlord, or rather The Warlord, drawing men from many of the Briton kingdoms, he is tasked with eliminating the Saxon invasion by Hengist & Horsa. I won't say much about the events surrounding that task, well maybe a little: that they're exciting as hell beggars the description. Let's focus on what I think is the real strength in this chapter of the series - the characters. I'd have been content with Bel, Duro, Arthur and The Merlin, yes content, but not satisfied. Fortunately, the author has provided more folks to cheer on, or to hurl vile epithets towards. A few examples, certainly not all of them, Erebus, Princess Velunga, Bedwyr, Lancelot - those are the cheered for. In the other corner, not wearing horned helmets, but still recognizable as the evil doers, Hengist and his even more vile brother Horsa. Another facet that I rather enjoyed was the way the doings of The Merlin; stripped of their mystical aura and rendered in a more believable fashion. Now as to the end of this episode, let's just say that the author has left a couple delicious teasers for the next episode. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 21, 2021
Another instalment of our hero's Bel & Duro with faithful Hound Cai. This is book 4 and for me another thrilling read, Great strong central characters mixed with new ones from the tales of old Arthur & Merlin.
a truly magnificent read. Great story line and action along the way with fights and battles. Steven wonderfully mixes his own story with the tales of legend this book just read better and better as i continued through the chapters, as usual left wanting more, Well done Steven you are a truly gifted writer. i will sit eagerly and await book 5
a truly magnificent read. Great story line and action along the way with fights and battles. Steven wonderfully mixes his own story with the tales of legend this book just read better and better as i continued through the chapters, as usual left wanting more, Well done Steven you are a truly gifted writer. i will sit eagerly and await book 5
November 30, 2021
OK, I admit it. One of my favorite literary characters is King Arthur. Why Arthur even has his own category or bookshelf as Goodreads calls it! Another is Robin Hood. Those are the fictional ones. So, you can imagine how pleased I was to see that one of my favourite authors, Steven McKay had written this book, centering around Bellicus a warrior druid, but more about Arthur. And this was not just any Arthur with Guinevere, Camelot, the Round Table and all the other Arthurian legends. This Arthur is much more realistic - Arthur is a war lord and not a king! Chances are that if there really was an Arthur, he was a war lord and not a king presiding over a mythical, magical place called Camelot. What a relief! No Arthur as a Roman-styled leader, no Camelot, and other incarnations Arthur has appeared as in recent years. Yes, all those versions of Arthur have appeared in the past 30 years, so it was wonderful to see him as a war lord instead - more true-to-life.
Having said all that, an old friend from many other Arthurian books shows up, the Saxon leader Hengist who always seems to pop up as the heavy, determined to conquer Britain in the years following the departure of the Romans.
There's enough action in this book to keep the action junkie happy for days with lots of people dying - but what do you expect, it was a violent time!
Starting with his Robin Hood series of a few years ago, McKay has shown himself to be an outstanding writer with a vivid imagination, and it's not like his books go off on nutty tangents like those from some people, he doesn't. This is the 4th book in his Warrior Druid series and if you want to see how Arthur fits in (he pops up in earlier volumes of the series, but only briefly), so it's not like this book stands alone - it doesn't. You need to lay out a few bucks and get the others and read them first so you understand who all the characters are and what they're all about.
Then, pick up the Robin Hood series. And once you get addicted to McKay's writing style, he also has a series of short novellas which have been published as well. As a matter of fact, he has a tradition of putting out a short novel every year based around the now-retired members of Robin Hood's Merrye Men. And yes, there is a new one coming out later in 2021.
Highly recommended for those who are into Arthur, early Britain, and good action-filled historical novels. Isn't it time you discovered Steven McKay?
Having said all that, an old friend from many other Arthurian books shows up, the Saxon leader Hengist who always seems to pop up as the heavy, determined to conquer Britain in the years following the departure of the Romans.
There's enough action in this book to keep the action junkie happy for days with lots of people dying - but what do you expect, it was a violent time!
Starting with his Robin Hood series of a few years ago, McKay has shown himself to be an outstanding writer with a vivid imagination, and it's not like his books go off on nutty tangents like those from some people, he doesn't. This is the 4th book in his Warrior Druid series and if you want to see how Arthur fits in (he pops up in earlier volumes of the series, but only briefly), so it's not like this book stands alone - it doesn't. You need to lay out a few bucks and get the others and read them first so you understand who all the characters are and what they're all about.
Then, pick up the Robin Hood series. And once you get addicted to McKay's writing style, he also has a series of short novellas which have been published as well. As a matter of fact, he has a tradition of putting out a short novel every year based around the now-retired members of Robin Hood's Merrye Men. And yes, there is a new one coming out later in 2021.
Highly recommended for those who are into Arthur, early Britain, and good action-filled historical novels. Isn't it time you discovered Steven McKay?
Read
February 9, 2022One of my favourite parts of this book came right at the end, with the line "To be continued". I don't know why, but I thought this was the last book in the series. I'm very happy to be wrong about that.
Obviously, I enjoyed the book; we're on book 4 so we're already heavily invested in the adventures of Bellicus, Duro, and Cai. Now with added Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin, things are only going to get better.
There are certain subjects that will almost always pique my interest: Robin Hood, time travel, and King Arthur. When Arthur was introduced to this series, I was surprised - I hadn't seen it coming, but I wanted more. This book sees Arthur in his early days, setting up his Warband to face the Saxons in an all-out winner-takes-all fight for Britain. There is plenty of blood, a healthy dose of Druid magic, some Saxons ready for Cai to sink his teeth into.
You'll love this book. Trust me. For me, now, the wait for book 5 has begun...
Obviously, I enjoyed the book; we're on book 4 so we're already heavily invested in the adventures of Bellicus, Duro, and Cai. Now with added Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin, things are only going to get better.
There are certain subjects that will almost always pique my interest: Robin Hood, time travel, and King Arthur. When Arthur was introduced to this series, I was surprised - I hadn't seen it coming, but I wanted more. This book sees Arthur in his early days, setting up his Warband to face the Saxons in an all-out winner-takes-all fight for Britain. There is plenty of blood, a healthy dose of Druid magic, some Saxons ready for Cai to sink his teeth into.
You'll love this book. Trust me. For me, now, the wait for book 5 has begun...
November 17, 2021
If any author can keep me reading until the wee hours then Steven A McKay will. You know, you should put the book down but things keep happening and you really can't put it down.
The characters are real and you feel their every fear, every joy and you fight every fight with them. I so love the characters of Bel and Duro, even Erebus, now Arthur and Merlin, a far more believable pair than the usually larger than life heroes, this Arthur and Merlin are realists, fighting to free their country from the invaders. These are real people, friends you can have a drink with, fight with, laugh with.
My only complaint with this last book is - what kind of an ending is that!!! How long must I wait to find out what happens next.
The characters are real and you feel their every fear, every joy and you fight every fight with them. I so love the characters of Bel and Duro, even Erebus, now Arthur and Merlin, a far more believable pair than the usually larger than life heroes, this Arthur and Merlin are realists, fighting to free their country from the invaders. These are real people, friends you can have a drink with, fight with, laugh with.
My only complaint with this last book is - what kind of an ending is that!!! How long must I wait to find out what happens next.
May 12, 2023
Travel back in time
Once again, I have travelled back in time with Steven McKay using his brilliant time machine? I stood shoulder to shoulder, or should that be shield to shield? With Arthur warlord Bear of Britain? Alongside Bellicus, Duro, the ever faithful Cai, and of course Erubus? Along with Merlin and our brave warriors of Britain. We were at last able to strike a very heavy blow to the Saxon sea wolves? I have been waiting a long time for that but it was worth the wait? Alas before I knew it? It was time to come back to the present day. A rollicking good read with fantastic characters? That keeps you engaged throughout the book. Until the next time old friends.
Once again, I have travelled back in time with Steven McKay using his brilliant time machine? I stood shoulder to shoulder, or should that be shield to shield? With Arthur warlord Bear of Britain? Alongside Bellicus, Duro, the ever faithful Cai, and of course Erubus? Along with Merlin and our brave warriors of Britain. We were at last able to strike a very heavy blow to the Saxon sea wolves? I have been waiting a long time for that but it was worth the wait? Alas before I knew it? It was time to come back to the present day. A rollicking good read with fantastic characters? That keeps you engaged throughout the book. Until the next time old friends.
June 9, 2022
this is another outstanding masterpiece by Steven a McKay, its book 4 in the warrior druid of Britain series.
A thoroughly engrossing tale a mix of fiction and legend, Bellicus and Duro join Arthur and merlin who are raising an army to rid Britain of the scourge of the marauding Saxons.
It's about the ongoing battles between the Britains, picts, and the invading Saxon hordes, of old and new gods.
the book is packed with evocative descriptions .bloody tense and vivid battle scenes, great likable characters, camaraderie, loyalty, and humor, for me it was another thrilling page-turner.
Now I have to wait for the next one
A thoroughly engrossing tale a mix of fiction and legend, Bellicus and Duro join Arthur and merlin who are raising an army to rid Britain of the scourge of the marauding Saxons.
It's about the ongoing battles between the Britains, picts, and the invading Saxon hordes, of old and new gods.
the book is packed with evocative descriptions .bloody tense and vivid battle scenes, great likable characters, camaraderie, loyalty, and humor, for me it was another thrilling page-turner.
Now I have to wait for the next one
November 7, 2021
I have read all of Steven's book, and have enjoyed them all, so I though its about time I wrote a review. Once I start one I can't put them down. The Bear of Britain was just the same, the characters jump off the page, you can feel the emotions of the characters, You make your own judgement about them.
Do I have any critique, not really only the occasional word that seems a bit out of place in a historical novel, If my memory serves me well as an exampleI think the word logistics was used. They usually make me smile.
I can't wait until the next book.
Do I have any critique, not really only the occasional word that seems a bit out of place in a historical novel, If my memory serves me well as an exampleI think the word logistics was used. They usually make me smile.
I can't wait until the next book.
November 8, 2021
The Great Bear
Being a fan of the Skystone series, I wondered how Steven A McKay would deal with this transitional period. I did enjoy as the characters were well rounded, the action scenes were upto his usual standard and the storyline cracked on.
Nothing will transcend the Jack Whyte series as it broke new ground in storytelling but this is an outstanding read. Well recommended.
Being a fan of the Skystone series, I wondered how Steven A McKay would deal with this transitional period. I did enjoy as the characters were well rounded, the action scenes were upto his usual standard and the storyline cracked on.
Nothing will transcend the Jack Whyte series as it broke new ground in storytelling but this is an outstanding read. Well recommended.
July 11, 2022
Just awesome
Have enjoyed every word in this four book series, was almost melancholic at the thought that this was the last i would read of the druid belicus and his faithful friend duro, but no, a fifth book on the way! And I can't wait to read that too, thank you Steven A mckay, keep up the good work, in the mean time I will download another title from this author, who now has a new ardent follower.
Have enjoyed every word in this four book series, was almost melancholic at the thought that this was the last i would read of the druid belicus and his faithful friend duro, but no, a fifth book on the way! And I can't wait to read that too, thank you Steven A mckay, keep up the good work, in the mean time I will download another title from this author, who now has a new ardent follower.
May 16, 2023
What a marvelous tale!
Warriors and soldiers of all kinds are joining Arthur and his army in the south to fight Horas and Hengist. Also was our heroes of The Druid, Duro and Eburos as well as Cai the dog all heading the same way. Only Arthur and his army could get rid of the Saxons once and for all. Great battle scenes and new characters were so good adding to the excitement of this great book. Can’t wait for more!!!!!
Warriors and soldiers of all kinds are joining Arthur and his army in the south to fight Horas and Hengist. Also was our heroes of The Druid, Duro and Eburos as well as Cai the dog all heading the same way. Only Arthur and his army could get rid of the Saxons once and for all. Great battle scenes and new characters were so good adding to the excitement of this great book. Can’t wait for more!!!!!
July 5, 2025
Another strong entry
A lot of character driven drama in this one mostly giving a chance to Duro to shine on his own while Bel recovered and also a quick glance inside the head of Arthur's champion. I would have like to spend more time learning the various differences in these guys as well as their various motivations, but the actions scenes were well done and there was no lagging in the middle which many battle based books have a tendency to do.
A lot of character driven drama in this one mostly giving a chance to Duro to shine on his own while Bel recovered and also a quick glance inside the head of Arthur's champion. I would have like to spend more time learning the various differences in these guys as well as their various motivations, but the actions scenes were well done and there was no lagging in the middle which many battle based books have a tendency to do.
October 17, 2021
Fact or fiction, who knows
Memorizing, that's a word I never thought I'd use in a review (mainly because I'm very hard to please)
Vivid battle scenes where you can almost hear the noise and smell the noise and smell the blood.
Are we reading historical fact or i is it really Mr McKays imagination alone ?
Next volume please and hurry it along.
Memorizing, that's a word I never thought I'd use in a review (mainly because I'm very hard to please)
Vivid battle scenes where you can almost hear the noise and smell the noise and smell the blood.
Are we reading historical fact or i is it really Mr McKays imagination alone ?
Next volume please and hurry it along.
October 30, 2021
Gripping!
I love this series! Every book has been thoroughly engrossing and this one didn't disappoint. Characters are wonderfully moulded and loveable in their own way. I can't wait to find out what happens with Bellicus and Duro next. The only downfall with this book are the occasional grammar errors
I love this series! Every book has been thoroughly engrossing and this one didn't disappoint. Characters are wonderfully moulded and loveable in their own way. I can't wait to find out what happens with Bellicus and Duro next. The only downfall with this book are the occasional grammar errors
November 4, 2021
The stuff of legend
If your looking for pure legend then you won't find it. What you will find is a great and intricate story around Arthur and Merlin. The author paints a fascinating and truthful picture of the time and battles, you will not be disappointed, the series is getting stronger with each book.
If your looking for pure legend then you won't find it. What you will find is a great and intricate story around Arthur and Merlin. The author paints a fascinating and truthful picture of the time and battles, you will not be disappointed, the series is getting stronger with each book.
September 22, 2022
This series is getting better and better with its engaging characters and adventures. The legendary Arthur has now entered the story and the cunning Merlin plays a part but it ends with Bellicus and Duro rushing off to search for Princess Catia who has disappeared and thus another quest will begin. Looking forward to the next part!
October 2, 2022
Great Dark Ages tale
I'm really enjoying reading this guy's books. I love how he's telling Arthur's story intertwined with Bellicus'. It's got to be a challenge to tell a historical story like this when there's so little actual evidence to go off of. But he does it. If only he could write as fast as I read!
I'm really enjoying reading this guy's books. I love how he's telling Arthur's story intertwined with Bellicus'. It's got to be a challenge to tell a historical story like this when there's so little actual evidence to go off of. But he does it. If only he could write as fast as I read!
November 16, 2023
A very enjoyable series
This is a clever and plausible merging of Arthurian legends with what little is known of post-Roman and pre-Saxon British history. The place and tribe names all stand up to scrutiny. The plots are engaging. The characters are believable. My
only major gripe is that the Saxons in the story were actually Jutes because they came from Jutland.
This is a clever and plausible merging of Arthurian legends with what little is known of post-Roman and pre-Saxon British history. The place and tribe names all stand up to scrutiny. The plots are engaging. The characters are believable. My
only major gripe is that the Saxons in the story were actually Jutes because they came from Jutland.
July 13, 2024
Just like the previous 3 books in this saga… “un-put-down-able”
Fast paced action and believable characters who feel like old friends. It’s war so there’s plenty of bloodshed and loss but there’s also friendship, love and a fair amount of belly laughs too. Hold onto your saddle, you’re in for a bumpy, twisty, wild ride…”Hoi!Ho!”
Fast paced action and believable characters who feel like old friends. It’s war so there’s plenty of bloodshed and loss but there’s also friendship, love and a fair amount of belly laughs too. Hold onto your saddle, you’re in for a bumpy, twisty, wild ride…”Hoi!Ho!”
February 9, 2025
Another good instalment to the series
Although I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous book it was still a good read. The story seemed slightly slower but definitely picked up towards the end, and I do like the way it leaves some questions that need answering. There is still the unanswered question of Ria from the 3rd book so hopefully the next book follows up on it.
Although I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous book it was still a good read. The story seemed slightly slower but definitely picked up towards the end, and I do like the way it leaves some questions that need answering. There is still the unanswered question of Ria from the 3rd book so hopefully the next book follows up on it.
October 23, 2021
Another good read
This series sits firm atop my beach list. Well-defined, consistent but not mechanical characters, a great mix of action and conversation, humor, convincing emotion and enough history to lend credible shadows. Enjoy!
This series sits firm atop my beach list. Well-defined, consistent but not mechanical characters, a great mix of action and conversation, humor, convincing emotion and enough history to lend credible shadows. Enjoy!
November 22, 2021
Bear of Britain
The latest book in the Warrior Druid of Britain series does not disappoint. The author is fast becoming a master story teller. The story is fast paced and gritty. Strongly recommended, keep them coming Steven!
The latest book in the Warrior Druid of Britain series does not disappoint. The author is fast becoming a master story teller. The story is fast paced and gritty. Strongly recommended, keep them coming Steven!
February 15, 2022
Amazing
Throughout this series Steven A. McKay has bought to life the struggle (real or not) between the Britons with their old gods and the Druids against the Saxons, Picts and various other tribes. An amazing adventure bringing the characters of legend to life.
Throughout this series Steven A. McKay has bought to life the struggle (real or not) between the Britons with their old gods and the Druids against the Saxons, Picts and various other tribes. An amazing adventure bringing the characters of legend to life.
March 2, 2022
Cracking Story
I had to think short and soft on what rating to give this. Just like all of the author's books this one rattled along at pace, is packed with evocative descriptions. It's a real humdinger and no mistake. Therefore the only rating i could find for it was five stars.
I had to think short and soft on what rating to give this. Just like all of the author's books this one rattled along at pace, is packed with evocative descriptions. It's a real humdinger and no mistake. Therefore the only rating i could find for it was five stars.
October 28, 2024
Another excellent journey into the world of Bellicus, Duro, and Cai. Immerse yourselves once again . I love these books. The growth and changes of the characters are so well written .
A massive recommendation from me as always.
A massive recommendation from me as always.
November 30, 2024
Arthur is known as the bear of Britain. Their is epic battles with both the salons and the picts. A princess gets rated and revenge is ensued. And book 4 ends with another princess being kidnapped AGAIN!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
Excellent series well worth a visit.
Great follow up of this exciting series, it gets stronger and stronger, with great characters you can relate to, strong plot and some nice twists to keep the story going, not sure where it will end but looking forward to finding out.
Great follow up of this exciting series, it gets stronger and stronger, with great characters you can relate to, strong plot and some nice twists to keep the story going, not sure where it will end but looking forward to finding out.
October 18, 2021
What a rollicking tale
Bel and Duro just keep on trucking. Great yarn. And with Merlin and Arthur to just add flavor. Love it.
Bel and Duro just keep on trucking. Great yarn. And with Merlin and Arthur to just add flavor. Love it.
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