interesting and entertaining ( )

A Novel of Roman Britain NOT a horror story. Set during an uneasy, second-century alliance between the marauding, scalp-taking Slavic Samartians and the Roman empire, Bradshaw's fifth historical novel (after Horses of Heaven) is a vivid, atmospheric work that follows the Samartian prince Ariantes and his cavalry troops to Britain, where they are to serve under Roman command. When Ariantes discovers that some of the Samartians plan to support a Druidical uprising against the provincial government by the British queen Bodica, he forms an alliance with the newly emergent Christian sect in order to foil the plot?while saving his life and the lives of his loyal troops. Fluidly written, well researched and luxuriant with colorful authentic detail, this fact-based chronicle of a proud tribe of legendary horsemen and their gradual assimilation by the empire will engage readers with an interest in the history either of Rome or of its most exotic outposts.

Ariantes, a Sarmatian prince, tries to keep his horsemen (and their morale) intact after they're traded to the Romans for peace and sent off to Britain. He's clever, but handicapped by his own grief. The tension mounts as he tries to deal with other Sarmatian nobles, suspicious Roman soldiers and bureaucrats, and the locals' multiple agendas.

Well-researched and well-written, this book should especially please military fiction readers, historical fiction readers, and horse lovers. Other readers may enjoy watching Ariantes find his feet in the new land, as other characters become distinct individuals we can also root for (and against). I wouldn't change a thing about this book. The culture clashes, spiritual/ethical component, and lighter moments between characters make it an excellent re-read even after knowing the plot. ( )