The Saxon Spears

The Saxon Spears by James Calbraith is Book One of the Song of Ash. Ash is a little boy that was rescued from a sinking boat as a small boy and sold at a slave market where he was seen by a fine Roman lady and taken home. He was given to and old man and woman who were slaves on the property and after a few years, when he w as six or so, Ash started going to work with his "father." They worked at the baths in a tunnel under the baths near they boiler where the water was heated. One day there was an accident and Ash escaped but his father did not. It is unclear when he was found but by then he was long dead. Ash might have had something to do with it, or not. The story follows Ash as he grows and becomes a member of the noble family who own him. They educate him along with their own son and he spends all his time with him. Ash falls in love with the daughter of a tradesman and eventually comes to understand he will never be allowed to marry her but will have to make a more politically advantageous marriage. The book follows him as he becomes a young man. He discovers he is probably a Saxon prince, but at this point nothing really changes for him except he questions, typical of the age.

This was an interesting storyline but kind of tough to read. I write that up to being by a British author. It is obvious the author is quite knowledgeable about the time period, after the Roman army has left Britain but many Romans still there are clinging to the life. It is the end of the 5th Century BCE and England is very splintered and still partially under the influence of the Romans who remain. Ash is a good character but the writer keeps us from knowing him intimately despite the fact we know intimate things about him. The Saxon Spears is not a book for the casual reader of historical fiction. It is perfect for the serious reader of British historical fiction. For that reader, I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of The Saxon Spears from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
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The story of a slave called Ash, who was washed up on the British seashore when a small child. He slowly endears himself to his owners, who take him under their wing. Bringing him up as a gentleman warrior, but still considered a slave.

The novel is set in a very interesting period, the 5th Century. The Romans have retreated from Britain a few years before, and the infrastructure they left behind is slowly decaying. The wealthy try to emulate the Roman lifestyle but fail to understand the expertise required to keep everything in working order. Everything is decaying, including law and order.

Britain is being overrun by various warlike tribes from mainland Europe - the Jutes, Saxons and the country is turning into chaos. It can perhaps be compared to modern Syria, Various ethnic and religious groups with diverse and fractured alliances. Violent death, distrust and hatred are endemic.

The author clearly has undertaken a lot of research into this period, very little is known about it from the historical perspective. I found the book quite easy to read and was disappointed when I had finished reading it, which is always a good sign.

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Viking and Roman historical fiction I love! And this did not disappoint. Had me hooked from the start, really easy to follow, great action scenes and I had a real connection to the characters. Top Mark's from me.

The Saxon Spears, second installment from the Song of Ash series, was a great read. I look forward to book two. Five stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC. I love these types of books. So much action and details! I love Saxons and Vikings . This is going to be a great series I can tell