The Savage Isle (The Savage Isle series, 1)
Just before the Claudian invasion of Britannia, the Catuvellauni dominance of lesser Celt tribes is seen by Cullen of the Atrebates. Orphaned and forcibly adopted into the tribe, being commanded by Caratacos – brother of the High King Togodubnos – he is unwillingly drawn into a leadership he despises. A goatherd, he apparently stumbles from one significant incident to another, building his character into a finely honed blade: a warrior out for vengeance. But who will be the ultimate target?
On his personal journey, he earns the enmity of druids and warriors, the friendship of seasoned veterans and chiefs. He earns his sword, his name, and his place in a tribe that is both his home and his fury. Then, while he navigates his new world and status, word comes. The Romans have decided to re-establish their dominion over the Isle of the Mighty. Does the Catuvellauni power respond with supplication, hoping to be ‘granted’ the Roman enforcement and kindness that was shown in the past? Or does Togodubnos – and his ferocious brother, with his own agenda – try to unify the Celts into a confederation to face off the invaders?
This book is very well researched. Arnold has approached the attitude, the spirit of the Celtic tribes, with insight. Given extant historical records, he manages to combine the experience of a single man – Cullen – and the vision of what might happen to his world. We care about him, his tortured mind. Obviously the first in a series, this details well the events of a nation-changing moment as seen through the eyes of a human caught up in them.
