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Cadwal, a widowed Celtic warrior is a dedicated father raising his children in his mountain stronghold. In these uncertain times, the tribe must be vigilant, as caught between the expanding Roman empire and power-hungry neighbours, treachery is rife.
When enemies infiltrate his hillfort his family are snatched away and he is dragged to the mines as a slave. Trapped in the dark depths, he has to decide whether to save his tribe from the onslaught of the Romans, or his sons. His only hope is to seek out the dreaded druids… but first he must escape the chains and tunnels.
Brethren is the gripping first novel in the Foundation of the Dragon series based in what is North Wales during the Roman invasion. If you're a fan of page-turning historical fiction with twists and turns galore then you will love this book.
When enemies infiltrate his hillfort his family are snatched away and he is dragged to the mines as a slave. Trapped in the dark depths, he has to decide whether to save his tribe from the onslaught of the Romans, or his sons. His only hope is to seek out the dreaded druids… but first he must escape the chains and tunnels.
Brethren is the gripping first novel in the Foundation of the Dragon series based in what is North Wales during the Roman invasion. If you're a fan of page-turning historical fiction with twists and turns galore then you will love this book.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
192 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Robb Pritchard
12 books19 followersGet a free copy of "Blood of the Druids" a short prequel to Brethren. Only available to subscribers of Robb's mailing list at www.robbpritchard.co.uk
For the day job, I have the unbelievable privilege of travelling the world to test drive, and write about, classic Porsches and Ferraris and the occasional crazy off-roader.
The passion though, has long been writing novels. It’s taken a few long years to get here but Brethren is about to malt its fluffy fledgling feathers and be released into the wild. Hopefully, I wrote it well enough that it can fend for itself.
For the day job, I have the unbelievable privilege of travelling the world to test drive, and write about, classic Porsches and Ferraris and the occasional crazy off-roader.
The passion though, has long been writing novels. It’s taken a few long years to get here but Brethren is about to malt its fluffy fledgling feathers and be released into the wild. Hopefully, I wrote it well enough that it can fend for itself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 30, 2023
I was recently gifted a copy of Brethren by Welsh author @robbpritchard_author anyone who knows me will know that the Roman occupation is well out of my historical comfort zone, fiction or otherwise, but I thought - 'let's give it a go...'
We join Cadwal - a widowed Celtic warrior & member of the Ordo Wik tribe of North Wales (situated in Llangollen today), on an epic journey full of highs & lows, twists & turns, plots & betrayal.
The story started strong - pulling the reader in from the first page, the fast & exciting pace continued throughout, never lolling, always upping a gear.
Fate crossed Cadwal's path with Brei, a healer whom some believe has powers, being brought up by the Druids on the Isle of Ynys mon.
I enjoyed the duel POV storytelling between Cadwal & Brei, it made both characters relatable, their separate motives clear as well as their joint quest; it also made me root for them both equally as I felt I knew each of them the more I read of their thoughts & feelings.
Action packed with never a dull moment, the brutality of the times & people brought to life by Robb's story telling.
A great twist at the end that I did not see coming, followed by a haunting, powerful & thought provoking epilogue.
All based on true events - the tribes, battles, mines, locations, Roman commanders etc, it is evident that Robb put a lot of research behind his work.
An impressively strong start to the Foundation of the Dragon series - I highly recommend book 1 'Brethren'.
We join Cadwal - a widowed Celtic warrior & member of the Ordo Wik tribe of North Wales (situated in Llangollen today), on an epic journey full of highs & lows, twists & turns, plots & betrayal.
The story started strong - pulling the reader in from the first page, the fast & exciting pace continued throughout, never lolling, always upping a gear.
Fate crossed Cadwal's path with Brei, a healer whom some believe has powers, being brought up by the Druids on the Isle of Ynys mon.
I enjoyed the duel POV storytelling between Cadwal & Brei, it made both characters relatable, their separate motives clear as well as their joint quest; it also made me root for them both equally as I felt I knew each of them the more I read of their thoughts & feelings.
Action packed with never a dull moment, the brutality of the times & people brought to life by Robb's story telling.
A great twist at the end that I did not see coming, followed by a haunting, powerful & thought provoking epilogue.
All based on true events - the tribes, battles, mines, locations, Roman commanders etc, it is evident that Robb put a lot of research behind his work.
An impressively strong start to the Foundation of the Dragon series - I highly recommend book 1 'Brethren'.
October 22, 2023
If you are looking for a well written and researched book about Celtic Britain then this is the book for you. From the first you are drawn into a world of intrigue and treachery. The characters are well drawn and engaging. Robb is a good storyteller and the book is very easy to read. The Celtic world is a complex one based on tribal affiliations. The author manages to convey this without becoming bogged down in detailed explanations.
It is a fast moving novel that is very easy to read. I have read the first in the series and look forward to diving into the rest.
It is a fast moving novel that is very easy to read. I have read the first in the series and look forward to diving into the rest.
March 31, 2024
Brethren by Robb Pritchard is a thrilling tale of Britain during the first century of Roman occupation, twenty years after the devastation of the Druid stronghold on the Island of Mona. (Readers of my reviews will know I've just read Simon Turney's new story about Agricola - the two stories dovetail in a most pleasing way)
Our two main characters, Cadwal and Brei, fight for what they believe in, even as treachery abounds from those determined to make alliances with the Romans to the detriment of other people.
Cadwal, a warrior, struggles to rescue his children from enslavement while himself facing enslavement, injury and death at the hands of the Romans. Brei, the king's counsellor, must do all she can to protect her tribe from a weak king and power-hungry heirs. Combined, the two characters present a thrilling story of the era, which is very much non-stop.
It's taken me a while to get to this story, for which I'd like to apologise to the author, but it is very well-written and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my 5-star review is fully justified. I'm looking forward to reading more of Robb's books.
Our two main characters, Cadwal and Brei, fight for what they believe in, even as treachery abounds from those determined to make alliances with the Romans to the detriment of other people.
Cadwal, a warrior, struggles to rescue his children from enslavement while himself facing enslavement, injury and death at the hands of the Romans. Brei, the king's counsellor, must do all she can to protect her tribe from a weak king and power-hungry heirs. Combined, the two characters present a thrilling story of the era, which is very much non-stop.
It's taken me a while to get to this story, for which I'd like to apologise to the author, but it is very well-written and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my 5-star review is fully justified. I'm looking forward to reading more of Robb's books.
May 10, 2023
Brilliant
I only found this book, as it came up on my kindle, as a similar one to those I had read before. I'm so glad it did.
A brilliant read, which actually filled in a bit of history, I was missing. I always wondered what happened to the people who lived in these forts.
I'm lucky to live in the area, in fact I look at the remains of Caer Drewyn ( white walls) every day. My house backs on to Mynedd y Gaer on top of which sits the ancient fort.
Looking forward to next book
Well done Robb a fantastic start to what I'm sure will be a great series.
I only found this book, as it came up on my kindle, as a similar one to those I had read before. I'm so glad it did.
A brilliant read, which actually filled in a bit of history, I was missing. I always wondered what happened to the people who lived in these forts.
I'm lucky to live in the area, in fact I look at the remains of Caer Drewyn ( white walls) every day. My house backs on to Mynedd y Gaer on top of which sits the ancient fort.
Looking forward to next book
Well done Robb a fantastic start to what I'm sure will be a great series.
September 11, 2023
🏞⚒🗡💀An incredible adventure!
Two thousand years ago, Wales :
On the fortified ramparts that protect the Ordo-wik tribe, Sentinel Cadwell was lost in thought.
He looked at the sharp knife in his hands.
It had belonged to his father and his father's father...
----------------
Based on a true story that took place two thousand years ago, this novel tells the incredible adventures of Cadwal and Brei, of the Ordo-wik people.
It is very absorbing and very exotic to read. The reader finds himself immersed in a harsh and dangerous past.
I recommend this amazing story!
A must read of the genre.
Two thousand years ago, Wales :
On the fortified ramparts that protect the Ordo-wik tribe, Sentinel Cadwell was lost in thought.
He looked at the sharp knife in his hands.
It had belonged to his father and his father's father...
----------------
Based on a true story that took place two thousand years ago, this novel tells the incredible adventures of Cadwal and Brei, of the Ordo-wik people.
It is very absorbing and very exotic to read. The reader finds himself immersed in a harsh and dangerous past.
I recommend this amazing story!
A must read of the genre.
November 16, 2022
Set in present-day Northern Wales in A.D. 77, this story is a fictitious depiction of a true event.
Dogs from an enemy tribe have been welcomed into the Clan of the Crows of the Ordo-Wiki tribe, and Cadwal knows he must kill them even at the cost of his own life. His failure to do so allows the Dogs to overrun the settlement and carry the people off into slavery. Cadwal is parted from his two young sons, as he is destined for work in the mines, but swears to the gods that he will find and rescue them. Surviving male members of the tribe are chained in a carriage, but Cadwal is dragged behind causing serious injury to his feet. This means he is no use in the mines and so he is sent to the arena.
In a second plot line, Bleddyn, King of the Ordo-Wiki, is dying and his sons are vying for his throne. One has been poisoned and Helig has survived and the youngest, Derog, is willing to deal with the Romans if they will allow him to become king of the Holy Island of Mona. The Dogs have also joined Four the Romans against the Ordo-Wiki.
After enduring much hardship and escaping from seemingly impossible situations, Cadwal joins forces with Brei, a healer, Helig, and an unpleasant druid named Tegan to thwart the plan. I have never read of druids being agents of terror, but when confronted by Tegan, our hero turns into a wimp – so much so that he is forced to forego his promise to find his sons and agrees to walk into the lion’s den after coming within an inch of losing his life while escaping from that situation. The motivation was a bit weak there.
Once the author had established the characters and background (the latter without any lengthy and intrusive visits to the past) in the early pages, the action was non-stop and the danger of Roman occupation always hovered in the future. Despite what I saw as a weak main character in Cadwal, I enjoyed the book.
In the end notes, the author writes that the book has been edited twice. I suggest a further edit or proofreading as there are many mistakes, principally missing words.
Dogs from an enemy tribe have been welcomed into the Clan of the Crows of the Ordo-Wiki tribe, and Cadwal knows he must kill them even at the cost of his own life. His failure to do so allows the Dogs to overrun the settlement and carry the people off into slavery. Cadwal is parted from his two young sons, as he is destined for work in the mines, but swears to the gods that he will find and rescue them. Surviving male members of the tribe are chained in a carriage, but Cadwal is dragged behind causing serious injury to his feet. This means he is no use in the mines and so he is sent to the arena.
In a second plot line, Bleddyn, King of the Ordo-Wiki, is dying and his sons are vying for his throne. One has been poisoned and Helig has survived and the youngest, Derog, is willing to deal with the Romans if they will allow him to become king of the Holy Island of Mona. The Dogs have also joined Four the Romans against the Ordo-Wiki.
After enduring much hardship and escaping from seemingly impossible situations, Cadwal joins forces with Brei, a healer, Helig, and an unpleasant druid named Tegan to thwart the plan. I have never read of druids being agents of terror, but when confronted by Tegan, our hero turns into a wimp – so much so that he is forced to forego his promise to find his sons and agrees to walk into the lion’s den after coming within an inch of losing his life while escaping from that situation. The motivation was a bit weak there.
Once the author had established the characters and background (the latter without any lengthy and intrusive visits to the past) in the early pages, the action was non-stop and the danger of Roman occupation always hovered in the future. Despite what I saw as a weak main character in Cadwal, I enjoyed the book.
In the end notes, the author writes that the book has been edited twice. I suggest a further edit or proofreading as there are many mistakes, principally missing words.
January 16, 2025
There are many excellent novels set in post-Roman Britain but not a lot set in the period of early Roman occupation as this novel is. According to the author, it is based partially on facts. I found that it gave me insights into life in early Roman Britain when the island was home to numerous tribes. It was a bit slow at the start but picked up quickly later on. The protagonist, Cadwal, is a Celtic warrior of the Ordo Wic tribe in what would become Wales. We follow him from loving father to slavery to incredible bravery.
I would have given this book five stars except for a lot of grammatical errors. The book is in need of editing. This was a bit of a distraction but, overall, didn't prevent me from enjoying the read. I have the next two books in the series on my TBR list and will buy the just released fourth book in due time.
I would have given this book five stars except for a lot of grammatical errors. The book is in need of editing. This was a bit of a distraction but, overall, didn't prevent me from enjoying the read. I have the next two books in the series on my TBR list and will buy the just released fourth book in due time.
November 28, 2023
a different take on Britannia
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Actually a two and a half star rating. If only the author had an editor! There’s so much software to check spelling and grammar, but what necessary was someone to read the book and get the corrections done. It was an unhappy experience to deal with the errors. Three stars for the story and storytelling, and hopefully the next book will be reviewed by a real editor, or at least an English major.
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
Actually a two and a half star rating. If only the author had an editor! There’s so much software to check spelling and grammar, but what necessary was someone to read the book and get the corrections done. It was an unhappy experience to deal with the errors. Three stars for the story and storytelling, and hopefully the next book will be reviewed by a real editor, or at least an English major.
November 15, 2022
This book immediately transferred me to the dreamy green fields of Wales filled with fluffy sheep. It makes you yearn for those tough and heroic days when brave tribe Ordovicians fought Romans for their land.
Mesmerising and dynamic the novel unfolds some 2 millennia years ago, in late Roman times. The mix of love, danger, struggles and betrayal keeps you engaged till the last page. And tell me you're not captivated by Cadwal...
One next thing on my calendar is revisiting the green hills of Wales and say hello to the historic places that have seen these epic times and romantic heroes. And wait for Mr. Pritchard's next chapter.
Mesmerising and dynamic the novel unfolds some 2 millennia years ago, in late Roman times. The mix of love, danger, struggles and betrayal keeps you engaged till the last page. And tell me you're not captivated by Cadwal...
One next thing on my calendar is revisiting the green hills of Wales and say hello to the historic places that have seen these epic times and romantic heroes. And wait for Mr. Pritchard's next chapter.
November 15, 2022
I am a very big Terry Pratchett and historical fiction fan… and I never came across a book that is a combination of both. “Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?” is a beautiful quote by the great man, especially if you have experienced loss. For the whole of Brethren, set in the harsh world of Britannia in the Roman invasion, the tribe promise to speak the names of those they love. I found that incredibly touching that I am in Wales 2000 years ago and Pratchett is there with me. A really, really great book. I really recommend it.
November 12, 2024
3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️
would seriously recommend this if your a history fan like myself. so much effort, time and research clearly went into this and the story was so engaging and well thought out. with it being an indie book, i definitely noticed a few editing mishaps but that’s to be expected. i think some of the characters could also have been a little bit more drawn out but other than that a really great read and i thoroughly enjoyed
would seriously recommend this if your a history fan like myself. so much effort, time and research clearly went into this and the story was so engaging and well thought out. with it being an indie book, i definitely noticed a few editing mishaps but that’s to be expected. i think some of the characters could also have been a little bit more drawn out but other than that a really great read and i thoroughly enjoyed
August 28, 2023
A real page turner
This book makes a welcome change seeing the Roman occupation of Britain from the Celtic warriors point of view as opposed to do many that give the Roman perspective, and the Celtic way of life and code of honour, a book I couldn't put down with graphic right scenes a really good read
This book makes a welcome change seeing the Roman occupation of Britain from the Celtic warriors point of view as opposed to do many that give the Roman perspective, and the Celtic way of life and code of honour, a book I couldn't put down with graphic right scenes a really good read
February 23, 2025
Got this book as a gift and I'm glad I decided to pick it up. Ive never been super ingratiated with the history of the island so seeing it in the context of Silures/ Deva vs Rome was a whole new perspective.
Not that I don't love the Viking vs Saxon thing, thats more prevalent. I’d love to see more historical fiction in Germania/ Britannia like this
Not that I don't love the Viking vs Saxon thing, thats more prevalent. I’d love to see more historical fiction in Germania/ Britannia like this
March 22, 2025
Realistic
Quite a different setting for this era. I imagine most historical fiction readers like myself have read a few Boudicca stories but to read of events just a short time after those is informative and interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to the next one.
Quite a different setting for this era. I imagine most historical fiction readers like myself have read a few Boudicca stories but to read of events just a short time after those is informative and interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to the next one.
November 28, 2022
Robb is one of the best authors I have ever read.
Since I read his stories in all sort of 4x4, I fell in love of the way he exposed reality through writting.
Brethren is itself a work of art. Totally recommend!
Since I read his stories in all sort of 4x4, I fell in love of the way he exposed reality through writting.
Brethren is itself a work of art. Totally recommend!
March 18, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent read. Based on a true story. You are transported back in time, to re live life with a Welsh tribe. Thoroughly enjoyed reading, cannot wait for the next book.
Excellent read. Based on a true story. You are transported back in time, to re live life with a Welsh tribe. Thoroughly enjoyed reading, cannot wait for the next book.
November 16, 2023
Excellent good read & well written. Not usually my type of book but liked it so much I have also read the follow up Usurpers & now looking forward to his third follow up book. Well done Rob. 👏 Sharon (UK)
February 24, 2024
Good Read
I love books about the Roman legions. I thought this book wouldn’t be worth the time to read it. But even though the book wasn’t about the Roman legions, I was truly surprised at how good it was. 5 stars for this book.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
I love books about the Roman legions. I thought this book wouldn’t be worth the time to read it. But even though the book wasn’t about the Roman legions, I was truly surprised at how good it was. 5 stars for this book.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
May 17, 2024
The Welsh before they were Welsh.
I found that this book was brilliant in its story and I depiction of the times. Will not shy away from further stories from this author. Believable in its reality and well up there with authors like Bernard Cornwell.
I found that this book was brilliant in its story and I depiction of the times. Will not shy away from further stories from this author. Believable in its reality and well up there with authors like Bernard Cornwell.
November 15, 2022
Great read. Very realistic characters. It's not one of those "pure action" books.
November 15, 2022
Love this book! It's so gripping, I couldn't stop reading it till I finished it. Love all the details that help you immerse in the atmosphere of ancient Britain.
December 2, 2022
What a great book! Couldn't let it out of my hands until I finished it. Full of suspense, emotions and action and set in my favorite Celtic era.
February 12, 2023
Really engaging! Can't wait for part 2
April 10, 2023
Brethren
Quick easy read. Thoroughly enjoyed. The ending was good. Sad
I liked the development of the main character. Next book should be interesting.
Quick easy read. Thoroughly enjoyed. The ending was good. Sad
I liked the development of the main character. Next book should be interesting.
April 19, 2023
Good book!
This is a good telling of a story of hero's and villains. Based on fact, it reads like a tale that would be told a round a fire in a King's hall.
This is a good telling of a story of hero's and villains. Based on fact, it reads like a tale that would be told a round a fire in a King's hall.
July 27, 2023
Good read
Story based on true events with a nice bit of drama attached .
Interesting characters with a conclusion to the main character.
Story based on true events with a nice bit of drama attached .
Interesting characters with a conclusion to the main character.
Read
August 27, 2023Great storyline
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. Very believable characters, which you engage with. Who's to say it didn't happen this way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. Very believable characters, which you engage with. Who's to say it didn't happen this way.
November 25, 2023
Brethren
Excellent storytelling by an author I am new too. Historical facts mixed with fiction in an era I have little.knowledge of. Will be reading book 2
Excellent storytelling by an author I am new too. Historical facts mixed with fiction in an era I have little.knowledge of. Will be reading book 2
March 29, 2024
Superb
Gripped me from the first page to the last. Excellent storyline with a super cast of characters. Gritty but poignant at times. Can't wait to read the next offering .
Gripped me from the first page to the last. Excellent storyline with a super cast of characters. Gritty but poignant at times. Can't wait to read the next offering .
November 25, 2022
This book had fantastic detail of Celtic/Roman Britain, with immersive imagery to provide a realistic glimpse at the ancient ways. Here, the people we read in history books and watch on TV are brought to life; creating a strong admiration to the character of Cadwal.
If you enjoy Celtic history and the adventure aspects of ‘The Last Kingdom’ then this is the perfect book for you!
If you enjoy Celtic history and the adventure aspects of ‘The Last Kingdom’ then this is the perfect book for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews