Frontier wolf

Rosemary Sutcliff was one of the finest writers of historical fiction ever to put pen to paper. That she is usually considered a “children's author” probably means that some would overlook her exciting tales of the past. That is their loss.

Frontier Wolf was written at the close of the 70's but chronologically sits after the first two books of the Eagle of The Ninth saga (The Eagle of The Ninth and The Silver Branch), which she wrote many years before. Consequently Frontier Wolf is the work of a more mature writer who at no time talks down to her readership. This is a violent, bloody tale of the last days of Roman occupation north of Hadrian's Wall. Alexios Aquila is somehow related to the heroes of the first two books as he wears the dolphin signet ring that seem to be a family heirloom. And he is also a man with something to prove.

A mistake almost costs him his military career and he finds himself saddled with the hard bitten Frontier Wolves at a fort just south of the Antonine Wall. Sutcliff weaves a vivid picture of the savage tribal nature of the country the Romans tried, and failed, to subdue. It is brilliantly written. After a slow build the story sparks to life when a prank played by the local tribe on the new local Commander (a humourless by-the-numbers man) goes tragically wrong and Alexios finds himself doomed to repeat the decisions of his past, only this time.....well, read it and find out.

If you haven't read and Sutcliff this is a good a place to start as any. A great read.