The Spear of Crom

By Tim Hodkinson

In first-century Roman Britain, a Celtic warrior rides out on a deadly mission. A thrilling blend of legend and history, bloody battles and daring deeds by the author of the Whale Road Chronicles.

A priceless relic – a thankless quest – who will make it out alive?

Britannia, 58 AD. Fergus MacAmergin is a man out of place. An Irish Celt, he passes as a Gaul and rides with the Roman cavalry, affirming Nero's control over the province. Fergus dreams of escaping the fetters ofhis birth and living freely as a citizen of Rome.

When Fergus's commander makes a battlefield error, Fergus is blamed. He and his men are given a thankless task: a quest that spells danger, despair, and near-certain death. The mission: to find the Holy Lance, the spear that wounded Christ on the Cross.

The young Tribune Agricola is drawn into the quest, and he and Fergus must overlook their differences to survive. But there are plots and enemies everywhere. And just why is the Holy Lance so key to Roman mastery over Britannia?

Reviews for Tim Hodkinson:

'A brilliantly written historical adventure' Historical Novel Society

'A gripping action adventure' Melisende's Library

'An excellently written page-turner' Historical Writers' Association

• Language: English
• Publisher: Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
• Release date: Nov 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781801105378

Tim Hodkinson

Tim Hodkinson grew up in Northern Ireland where the rugged coast and call of the Atlantic ocean led to a lifelong fascination with Vikings and a degree in Medieval English and Old Norse Literature. Tim's more recent writing heroes include Ben Kane, Giles Kristian, Bernard Cornwell, George R.R. Martin and Lee Child. After several years in the USA, Tim has returned to Northern Ireland, where he lives with his wife and children. Follow Tim on @TimHodkinson and www.timhodkinson.blogspot.com

Reviews for The Spear of Crom

[janerawoof · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rating closer to 3.5. Rousing action/adventure set in Roman Britain, late 50s A.D. Fergus of Hibernia, an auxiliary cavalry officer in the Roman army is given by General Suetonius Paulinus the task of recovering what the Dobunni queen has told him [Paulinus] is the "Holy Lance" that had pierced the side of Christ on the cross. Fergus and Tribune Agricola set out on this [supposedly diplomatic] mission as envoys. They have to overcome hostile druids, find themselves in the midst of a civil war in the country of the Dobunni and face a final showdown with two traitorous Roman officers who have "had it in" for Fergus since his early days in the legion.The story is filled with non-stop thrills. Most exciting were the events at the final confrontation, especially that concerning the chariot and attempts by various elements to make off with the spear. I liked how the author worked in Irish culture and mythology, adding to the atmosphere of the novel. The heroes were pure goodness and the villains [who got their just desserts] evil incarnate, but the novel is a few hours of pure enjoyable escapism. I did urge on Fergus and the Tribune every step of the way. I do wish the author had included an author's note. I did have some questions that maybe a statement from the author would have clarified. For instance, I was bothered for awhile about the use of spurs; I wondered if they were used at that point in time, but a little research told me they had been used for several hundred years before the novel took place. The last couple of pages left the exact conclusion concerning Fergus ambiguous. Although the author may decide on a sequel, I feel this novel could just as easily be a standalone.