Shadow of the Unconquered
Shadow of the Unconquered starts during the 1st century AD and is told from the viewpoint of Arthan. The story begins in northern Britannia after the rout of Calgacus’s Caledonian army by the Romans. In the havoc of defeat, Calgacus’s widow is raped by a Nubian mercenary serving in the Roman army, and Arthan is the result. Half-Caledonian, half-Black – he is shunned by everyone.
So starts Arthan’s history and his search for himself. His first decision to join the imperial army sends him to help subdue the ‘barbarian’ tribes in Germania. He sees firsthand the realities of Roman ambition: the ransacking and looting. Sickened to his core, he joins a group of deserters, and they head south through Roman territories, growing in number as they travel. While heading for Greece, a storm knocks them off course and they find themselves on the shores of Crete. Allying with the Cretans, they decide to settle, and a new nation – Nova Thalassa – is born, its aim to establish a diverse and equal society. But Rome watches with apprehension.
This is an exciting story, and it is well told. It is idealistic but also aware of the obstacles that strew the path to freedom. The historical research is impressive, and the reader is treated to descriptions of this ancient world in all its diversity: from Caledonia to Germania; from Crete to Parthia.
If I have one criticism, it is that the narrative could sometimes have paused to linger more over emotional scenes: for example, lost family members finding each other again. Overall, though, this is a compelling debut novel showing assurance with language and skill in narrative control, both serving the work’s exploration of ideas around identity, tyranny, freedom and what makes a perfect society. A very enjoyable and informative read.
