REVOLT AGAINST THE ROMANS, by Tony Bradman. Reviewed by Saviour Pirotta

TITLE: REVOLT AGAINST THE ROMANS
PUBLISHER: BLOOMSBURY ED
ISBN-10: 1472929322
Publication date: 6th April 2017

Bestselling author Tony Bradman writes across a range of genres, including picture books and funny stories. I am most enamoured however of his historical fiction which makes history come alive for readers with its fast-paced action sequences and attention to accurate historical detail.  I especially loved Viking Boy and his take on the Titanic story seen from the point of view of a bellboy.

REVOLT AGAINST THE ROMANS, published this month, is also very good read. It's the story of Marcus, a Roman boy who does not get on well with his father, a high-ranking official in the Roman civil service. When Marcus is held hostage by the Catuvellauni in Britannia, his father refuses to pay the ransom. Instead he suggests Marcus kills himself in the manner of Cato the Younger.

Shocked by his father's attitude towards him, Marcus is gradually assimilated into the Britons' tribe and acquires a new family with whom he feels more secure and loved. But soon the Romans are on the march against the Britons and Marcus must face his old enemy again...

This is a page-turner of a story, full of twists, fast-paced battle scenes and a very satisfying ending. The characters come alive on the page and you find yourself rooting for Marcus and his new family, and booing the Romans.  If this site had a star rating, I would give REVOLT AGAINST THE ROMANS five out of five. 

My latest book MARK OF THE CYCLOPS is out now. Visit my website at www.spirotta.com. Follow me on twitter @spirotta. 



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Viking Boy, by Tony Bradman, reviewed by Saviour Pirotta

Tony and Tom Bradman produced the immensely readable TITANIC, DEATH ON THE WATER earlier this year.  Now Tony flies solo even further back in time to give us VIKING BOY, a thrilling saga that fuses testosterone-fuelled action with Norse myth.

The Viking boy of the title is Gunnar, the only son and heir of a retired chieftain. The family lives peacefully on a fertile homestead, raising sheep and dining on hearty stew.  This pastoral existence is cut brutally short when a rival farmer and his henchmen, known as the Wolf Men, attack the steading and burn down the family long house.  With his newly-widowed mother about to be forced into marriage by the enemy, Gunnard must journey to Valhalla, where he intends to barter with the gods and bring his father back to the world of the living.

Bradman tells the story in brilliantly pared down language, letting the action speak for the characters.  And there's plenty of action for the reader to enjoy: Viking raids; sword fights; a ride with the mythical Valyries, here depicted flying on winged beasts; a bravura kidnapping, a journey to Asgard, even an execution in a fast-flowing river.  The final battle scene is epic and begs to be savoured more than once.

But this isn't just an adventure yarn, it's also a brilliant coming-of-age story.  Gunnar's character arc takes him from immature boy to a confident young man, aware of his place and role in society, ready to embrace the glory and responsibilities of his position.  The boys I lent the book really identified with him, and begged to discover more about Norse myth.  If this doesn't get reluctant readers reading, I don't know what will! Stirring stuff!

Published by Walker Books.  I interviewed Tony Bradman about his book on my blog. Read the post here.  








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