The Warrior Druid Of Britain 2
My version: Paperback
Genre: Fiction Post-Roman Britain
Publisher: Self Published
First published: 2019
ISBN: 978-1690148821
Pages: 283
Bought
From the cover:
Autumn, AD 430. After the Princess Catia’s disappearance, and Bellicus’s adventures trailing her Saxon abductors south to the fabled Hanging Stones, the giant warrior-druid is finally returning home.
Battle-scarred, and mourning the loss of a loved one, Bellicus has learned from bitter experience that the gods rarely make things easy. Even if he can evade Horsa’s vengeful pursuit and get back to the North safely, his troubles may be far from over. In a land beset by the rivalries of petty warlords, Dun Breatann has stood solid and secure for untold generations. Trouble brews though as King Coroticus has cracked under the pressure of his daughter’s abduction. When the king’s rage finally boils over during a winter feast, Bellicus finds himself with two choices: accept exile, or complete another seemingly impossible undertaking. So much for the returning hero…
Accompanied by his massive war-dog, Cai, and the former centurion, Duro – who has his own painful issues to contend with – Bellicus must somehow survive a journey east into enemy-held lands. Folklore, superstition, the healing power of song, and even a wondrous white stag will all play a part in the companions’ continuing adventures, but armies are gathering and, when spring returns, the people of Dun Breatan will surely find themselves under siege once again.
Will their legendary warrior-druid be there to help defend them this time, or will the new ways sweep away the old, once and for all?
An Immersive Return to Post-Roman Britain. Steven A. McKay’s Song of the Centurion is an absolute triumph of historical fiction, effortlessly transporting us back to to the rugged, war-torn landscapes of AD 430. As the second instalment in the Warrior Druid of Britain series, it brilliantly picks up the mantle by following the giant warrior-druid Bellicus as he escorts the rescued Princess Catia back to Dun Breatann. However, what should be a triumphant homecoming quickly descends into treacherous political manoeuvring when a paranoid, erratic King Coroticus forces Bellicus into yet another seemingly impossible, deadly mission. McKay’s storytelling is exceptionally fast-paced and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of a fractured land threatened by Saxon invaders, petty warlords, and shifting loyalties, all while maintaining a vice-like grip on our attention from the very first page.
Phenomenal Character Depth and Heart. Where the novel truly raises itself from a standard action-adventure is in its character development. While the first book hooked readers with relentless battles, Song of the Centurion allows its beloved cast to breathe and grow. The dynamic between Bellicus, his massive and utterly lovable war-dog Cai, and the ever-loyal former Roman centurion Duro is the beating heart of the story. Duro, in particular, completely steals the show; his character arc is wonderfully nuanced, balancing moments of much-needed humour with a poignant exploration of his deep, lingering emotional wounds. Steven proves he is a master of these interpersonal dynamics, making you care profoundly for this unconventional trio as they brave brutal winter frosts, enemy-held lands in Dalriada, and the dark superstitions of ancient folklore.
The Gold Standard for a Sequel. Ultimately, Song of the Centurion is a masterclass in how a sequel should be written. It effortlessly expands the world, raises the stakes, and showcases real growth in McKay’s prowess as a top-tier storyteller. The narrative flows flawlessly, blending gripping battlefield action with moving themes of loyalty, trauma, and the healing power of song. The ending is purely brilliant, setting the stage for future conflicts while leaving the reader deeply satisfied yet genuinely hungry for the next chapter. Whether you are a long-time fan of the genre or jumping into the series for the first time, this is an unmissable, pulse-pounding adventure that absolutely demands a permanent spot on your bookshelf.
Steven can do no wrong for me. An excellent writer of Historical Fiction, Messenger messages… and an all-round, genuinely nice guy. I owe him a lot.
You can buy Song Of The Centurion by Steven A. McKay from Amazon
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