Warrior

Warlord of Britannia #1

by Simon Scarrow

*Now available as a full-length novel! Originally published in five ebook parts*


The epic story of Caratacus: a barbarian king who led the tribes of Britannia against mighty Rome . . .

AD 18, Britannia.

The Roman Empire rules much of the known world. Beyond the northern frontier lies Britannia, where ceaseless feuding amongst the Celts leaves the island vulnerable to Rome's ambitions.

Caratacus, son of a powerful king, has no premonition of destiny when he is dispatched to train with the Druids. A brutal regime transforms the young prince into a warrior with unparalleled military skills - and the strategic cunning essential to outwit a stronger enemy.

Nothing can prepare a man for the vicious reality of war. When Caratacus's father takes a stand against aggressive neighbouring tribes, the combat exercises are over; this is a fight to the death. Only the most ruthless of tactics offer any hope of victory. But Caratacus, and the loyal comrades willing to ride with him into hostile terrain, are ready to do whatever it takes - and endure any hardship - to defeat those set on destroying their kingdom . . .

As mayhem and carnage spread across the land, everywhere can be felt the malign influence of Rome. Even if the battle is won, conflict with the Empire lies ahead.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Simon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.

He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.

Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting novel based years before and after the Roman invasion of Britain and the telling by a warlord now in exile in Rome

[Shaitarn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

The story of Caratacus, the warlord who challenged Rome when Claudius launched the invasion of Britannia in 18 AD. In this fictional account, an older Caratacus is telling his life story to a Roman historian. This book only covers the first portion of his life, dealing with his warrior training and earlier battles with a rival Celtic clan, mostly for a trading settlement called Lhandian on the banks of the Tamesis river, so I’m assuming the authors have a trilogy planned.

It was okay; good, solid enjoyment and the story moved quickly. The characters use of modern-ish language was somewhat jarring (particularly ‘bloody’ being used as a swear word - in pre-Christian times?).

If a fast moving, action heavy historical novel set in pre-Roman times is your jam, then you should check this one out.

[David Wasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but with an inconclusive ending. I found it unsatisfying that the traitor is not revealed nor the fate of the Roman author who wrote this tale.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a totally enjoyable book! Actually this started out as a series of 5 e-books that author Simon Scarrow then had printed and bound into a real book for those of us who abhor or who otherwise don't like reading little dots on a screen. Obviously, Simon Scarrow cares about his readers, especially those of us who have been reading his books for years and makes it possible for us to enjoy the books done just for the e-book crowd. Other writers should do the same, but unfortunately some choose to spit on their long-time supporters and offer up special e-books, never making them available to those of us who have purchased their books and made it possible for them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. THANK YOU SIMON SCARROW!!

This book appeared in that horrid fake book form over a period of 5 months as I recall and as a result, the real book is divided into 5 parts which means you can read one part per day for 5 days and be greatly entertained.

What we have here is the fictionalized autobiography of one of the great leaders of early Briton when there were still tribes; notably Caratacus, who as anyone who knows anything about early British history will tell you was a legendary leader of those times.

Captured and exiled to Rome - presumably we'll find out how that came about in the next volume since we're kind of left hanging at the end of this one - Caratacus is convinced by a Roman writer Caius Placonius Felicitus - to tell his story and let Felecitus write it down and give the tribal side (Caratacus') of the story of Rome's visitation to the British isles. And that's what we get - the more than likely more real side of the story (even if it is only fiction - the Romans weren't exactly invading to make love) and it's bloody - there's enough blood spilled in the last part to satisfy the most bloodthirsty of readers.

Truly enjoyable let's hope the next series of stories are coming our way soon.

Highly recommended for those who are interested in historical fiction of that era.

[John Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read describing the early life of Caratacus, one of the sons of the King of the Catuvellium tribe in the south of England. At an early age, Caratacus was sent by his father to train with the Druids returning after 7 years to help his father and brothers protect their kingdom.
Good descriptions of battles fought between the competing English tribes in the early 1st century before the roman invasion of Britain. Also, good descriptions of tactics used to weaken the Atrebates, the main enemy, and the major victory of the Catuvellium tribe over the Atrebates.
However, the device of using a Roman historian writing up the account as he interviewed Caratacus was exceedingly clumsy.

[Linda Humberstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written and easy to read story about Caratacus, who rises to lead the Catuvellaunian tribe in Britain at the beginning of the Roman invasion. This story builds up to how he becomes their leader after his training with the Druids is quashed because he needs to return home to help his father, Cunobelinus, in a struggle against another another tribe who want to claim London as their own and are in league with the Romans. This is was an okay read for me but I thought it was going to be much more exciting, although there is more activity towards the end. There is another book to follow, so I expect tensions will increase between the warring native tribes and the Romans.

[RDax Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the books by Simon Scarrow set in Neoploionic time but avoided his Roman series for no good reason apart from its length. This collection of e-novellas about the Cloetric Warlord Caratcus pulls a near-forgotten Celtic figure. I cannot say if it is historically accurate (how could it be), but it holds the ring of truth in its writing. Well-paced and interesting, it is a must for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a military bent. Unlike most books of its type, it does not throw in a romantic story just for the hell of it, a refreshing difference.

[Brian Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story from SS - this time about Caratacus a Barbarian leader in AD 19 Britannia. He is held in exile in Rome and recounts his story about the different battles amongst the tribes and then against the Romans . Caratacus comes over as a very shrewd and intelligent leader . Very well written as usual .

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the way this was written from anothers perspective then moving onto the first person so seamlessly. Writing of this era is diffucult due to the lack of information as Britons did word of mouth not written word but you would not disbelive this story on its authenticity. Well written and very believable which is what you need from these hisotical fiction books.

[David G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante y entretenido, pero no me termina de convencer. Habiendo leído otras novelas del autor esperaba más. Tampoco ayuda un estilo narrativo flojo, demasiado cargado de adjetivos del tipo “la afilada espada” o “la blanca nieve”, aunque sospecho que parte de la culpa pueda recaer en una pobre traducción.

[MR PAUL · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read any of Simon Scarrow's work, and this collaboration with T. J. Andrews has confirmed that I need to catch up.
An interesting premise for the tale to unfold, Historic characters brought to life, with easy to read, well paced action.

[Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Would recommend to anyone wanting to read about Caratacus in his younger years and the mention about the other tribes. It definitely gave a better picture of Caratacus in the Macro and Cato books. I am gutted though that the Roman invasion didn’t get much say

[Robert Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book, but I had a few complaints.

For the majority of the book, I thought it was going to be a standalone, so I thought the pacing was a little jarring and the book was going to be way too short. During the last "book", when I realised it was going to be continued, it made a lot more sense.

Also some of the turns of phrase felt very anachronistic, which did take me out of the story a few times.

Definitely going to read the next one though, as I did very much enjoy it

[Nicholas Binns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another cracking Simon Scarrow book

The character in this book are brilliantly created, full of depth and lively description. Can't wait for the next book.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series.

[Brian Seare · Rating 5 out of 5]

CONQUERED

A good and excellent story which takes you before the influences that the roman brought to Britain whether it was good or not.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caractacus narates his story to a Roman historian

Placeholder for review to be added later this evening. More words needed to meet the requirements for number of words

[Peter Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read in years and loved every minute of it.

[Allyn Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is. However I doubt I'll be reading the next 4 parts.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story of the early life of Caratacus.

[Mark Donald · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing read. Struggled through it. Only one major battle that only lasted a few pages

[Diane Cranson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read about half, then decided that I didn't want to keep pushing myself to continue reading.

I much prefer and recommend The Eagle and the Raven by Pauline Gedge.

[Harris Maidment · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent alternative perspective on the events leading up to the Eagles of the Empire series. I am looking forward to the next one, hinting at heading towards the time of invasion.

[Anthony Gibbons]

Caratacus

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel a riveting read from start to finish. Cannot wait for the next instalment of cataracts further exploits

[Donna King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like reading about a time in history from the view of the so called conquered tribes.

[Snakeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable told by Caratacus as to a Roman author! Lots of battles !

[Krish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant book. Probably the most enjoyable of Scarrow’s Macro and Cato spin-offs. It could definitely be its own series and it’s a shame that it’s not. Very interesting to explore the character of Caratacus from this different perspective after getting to see him so much in the main series.

His time with the Druids was very interesting and I wish it had gone on for longer in the book. That was definitely somewhere that it suffered for being part of five separate e-novellas. There were other parts of his life that were alluded to and would have also been interesting to read more about.

I didn’t enjoy the whole ‘book with a book’ premise although did find both timeline stories quite interesting so can see why it was used. The ending leaves many things unresolved so would be great to see a follow up just to see things tied up. Goes back to the point of missing out some of Caratacus’ story, I would love to read about his rise to the throne of the Catuvellauni and the whole story would have been great in a few different full length books.

[harry hilser · Rating 1 out of 5]

ripped off!

I have just bought & read the five ‘novellas’ at £1.99 each. There didn’t seem to be an ending. Then the whole book Warrior was advertised so I bought that too at £9.99, thinking it would be different and have the ending only to find I’d wasted my money as it was exactly the same story!!! Good way to get people to pay twice for same book!

Conned!

[Jenni James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this thinking it was the sixth and final novella only to find it was 1-5 in one book. While I enjoyed them it was not clear that this was all five in one. Really annoyed