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Genonn #1
Hammer
Genonn's tired and dreams of a remote roundhouse in the Cuala Mountains.
However, sudden rebellion in Roman Britain destroys that dream because the Elder Council task him with delivering Lorg Mór, the Hammer of the Gods, to the tribes across the straits of Pwll Ceris. Genonn is torn between a waning sense of duty and his desire to become a hermit but finally agrees to help.
When his daughter follows him into danger, it tests his resolve. He wants to do everything he can to see her back to Druid Island and her mother. This new test of will means he is once again conflicted between duty and desire. In the end, his sense of duty wins; is it the right decision? Has he done the right thing by relegating his daughter’s safety below his commitment to the clans?
David Gemmell meets Bernard Cornwell in this Epic Historical Fantasy adventure.
However, sudden rebellion in Roman Britain destroys that dream because the Elder Council task him with delivering Lorg Mór, the Hammer of the Gods, to the tribes across the straits of Pwll Ceris. Genonn is torn between a waning sense of duty and his desire to become a hermit but finally agrees to help.
When his daughter follows him into danger, it tests his resolve. He wants to do everything he can to see her back to Druid Island and her mother. This new test of will means he is once again conflicted between duty and desire. In the end, his sense of duty wins; is it the right decision? Has he done the right thing by relegating his daughter’s safety below his commitment to the clans?
David Gemmell meets Bernard Cornwell in this Epic Historical Fantasy adventure.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I have more than a passing interest in first century Rome, but haven't really read up on or researched Britain and Ireland of that period and I knew very little about the Celts. I also headed into the book thinking it would be entirely fiction (and even Fantasy, as the back cover implied!), but was immediately gripped by the authenticity and factual historical setting and events around which the story was based. The author has researched his subject thoroughly (within reason, I might quibble a few minor licences allowed for the purposes of plot!) and the switching of viewpoints from druid Genonn to Roman Tribune Agricola are well-timed and well-placed, to keep the story flowing and keeping the reader guessing. Plenty of intrigue and twists and turns. I have already purchased the next in this trilogy, Iron, and I'm looking forward to it.
October 30, 2025
I just finished 'Hammer: the Iron Between, Book 1' by Micheal Cladain. This is part of my effort to read more books by living Irish authors.
And it is worth it. No wonder the Americans love us. If these authors were script writers or novelists twenty years ago in America they would be living in fancy apartments and driving big cars. But the landscape as we all know is changing practically every week.
Hammer is set in around 60 CE. The Romans have arrived in Britain. There is not a single false note in this wonderful book to knock you out of the mood the author creates. Right down to the Druid, Genonn, suffering from bad shoes and cold, wet feet. It is a human story set against the backdrop of a father's love for a beautiful, wilful daughter during the time of queen Boudica's defeat.
What intrigued me was the various references to the geographical settings: Londinium, Watling Street, Croesoswallt (Old Oswestry) a place I visited back in the day. Even then, a bit like Strokestown in my native Roscommon, there is a sense of presence in the place, evoking haunting memories of history. But then, I believe in such things. Not everyone does.
The book sparks along at a great pace, as Genonn and the warrior, Oengus try to influence the coming battle's outcome with the fabled hammer Oengus carries. The author in my opinion gets the mix of history and action just right. I will order the second book in the series and look forward to following Genonn's journey further.
And it is worth it. No wonder the Americans love us. If these authors were script writers or novelists twenty years ago in America they would be living in fancy apartments and driving big cars. But the landscape as we all know is changing practically every week.
Hammer is set in around 60 CE. The Romans have arrived in Britain. There is not a single false note in this wonderful book to knock you out of the mood the author creates. Right down to the Druid, Genonn, suffering from bad shoes and cold, wet feet. It is a human story set against the backdrop of a father's love for a beautiful, wilful daughter during the time of queen Boudica's defeat.
What intrigued me was the various references to the geographical settings: Londinium, Watling Street, Croesoswallt (Old Oswestry) a place I visited back in the day. Even then, a bit like Strokestown in my native Roscommon, there is a sense of presence in the place, evoking haunting memories of history. But then, I believe in such things. Not everyone does.
The book sparks along at a great pace, as Genonn and the warrior, Oengus try to influence the coming battle's outcome with the fabled hammer Oengus carries. The author in my opinion gets the mix of history and action just right. I will order the second book in the series and look forward to following Genonn's journey further.
December 8, 2022
Everything I want from fantasy/historical fiction. A great read and great story. As always, his characters are fantastic.
March 17, 2023
I must admit I’m not overly familiar with the period of the Roman invasion of the British Isles (other than through Nancy Jardine's fabulous novels), and even less so with the politics of the regional tribes across the isles, but you don't need much knowledge of it in order to understand the intriguing plot of Hammer.
We meet Genonn, an ageing druid who wishes for nothing more complicated than retire to the Cuala Mountains (modern day Wicklow – a stunning area!) to live out the rest of his days in peace. But first, he has to track down a warrior, Oengus, accused of killing a clan chief's two sons 10 years earlier. When he finds him, he discovers that Oengus carries with him the Hammer of the Gods, Lorg Mór, stolen when the boys were killed. Was it proof of Oengus’ guilt?
After a decade of absence, the men return to meet the Elders who are now led by the former wife of Genonn, the mother of his daughter, Cliodhna. The Elders send him to the tribes of what is now south-eastern England to deliver Lorg Mór to Boudica, to help them to victory – and to suss out what these Romans are up to.
Along the way, we have murder, with dangers lurking everywhere as tribes and enemies mistrust each other. We watch Boudica's triumphs before her final battle, Roman advances, personal betrayal, and – lastly – Genonn's revenge.
Told from the points of view of Genonn, and the Roman Agricola, we discover different sides of the conflict that erased many of the ancient British tribes, killing or assimilating them. Not only that, but the ancient ways of life are threatened.
Hammer is a story full of tension. The pace is a little slow to start with, but picks up soon enough when it sends us on our way. Unexpected twists, changes in loyalty, and a few surprises make this a riveting read. You'll find intrigues galore, and not just political. Personal vendettas, infiltration, and deception keep you turning the (virtual) pages.
The characters are clearly defined in their roles, but are often able to look outside their own world to see how the advance of the Roman armies change life in the British Isles beyond any recognition. It is also a time of change in religions, with the old Celtic Gods succumbing to the threat of the Roman Gods – and, in addition, the new movement surrounding the so-called Son of the One True God. A melting pot of trouble!
A gripping adventure, very well researched and written, Hammer is a must-read for fans of historical fiction set in ancient times. Highly recommended.
We meet Genonn, an ageing druid who wishes for nothing more complicated than retire to the Cuala Mountains (modern day Wicklow – a stunning area!) to live out the rest of his days in peace. But first, he has to track down a warrior, Oengus, accused of killing a clan chief's two sons 10 years earlier. When he finds him, he discovers that Oengus carries with him the Hammer of the Gods, Lorg Mór, stolen when the boys were killed. Was it proof of Oengus’ guilt?
After a decade of absence, the men return to meet the Elders who are now led by the former wife of Genonn, the mother of his daughter, Cliodhna. The Elders send him to the tribes of what is now south-eastern England to deliver Lorg Mór to Boudica, to help them to victory – and to suss out what these Romans are up to.
Along the way, we have murder, with dangers lurking everywhere as tribes and enemies mistrust each other. We watch Boudica's triumphs before her final battle, Roman advances, personal betrayal, and – lastly – Genonn's revenge.
Told from the points of view of Genonn, and the Roman Agricola, we discover different sides of the conflict that erased many of the ancient British tribes, killing or assimilating them. Not only that, but the ancient ways of life are threatened.
Hammer is a story full of tension. The pace is a little slow to start with, but picks up soon enough when it sends us on our way. Unexpected twists, changes in loyalty, and a few surprises make this a riveting read. You'll find intrigues galore, and not just political. Personal vendettas, infiltration, and deception keep you turning the (virtual) pages.
The characters are clearly defined in their roles, but are often able to look outside their own world to see how the advance of the Roman armies change life in the British Isles beyond any recognition. It is also a time of change in religions, with the old Celtic Gods succumbing to the threat of the Roman Gods – and, in addition, the new movement surrounding the so-called Son of the One True God. A melting pot of trouble!
A gripping adventure, very well researched and written, Hammer is a must-read for fans of historical fiction set in ancient times. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2025
What a great story. Irish mythology meets Romano Britain during the Boudican uprising. Genonn, the druid, is tasked with taking the Hammer of the Gods to Boudica’s army, which leads to an epic adventure.
On the other side of the Menai Straits, Agricola does not understand why Suetonius has moved his legion west when the threat is in the east.
The depth of research in this fast-paced adventure is astounding.
Comes highly recommended.
On the other side of the Menai Straits, Agricola does not understand why Suetonius has moved his legion west when the threat is in the east.
The depth of research in this fast-paced adventure is astounding.
Comes highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews