Review of Saxon Dawn: Wolf Brethren Book 1 by Griff Hosker

Rise of the Wolf Brothers!

Saxon Dawn is a compelling start to what looks to be a riveting series. It’s the origin story of our hero Lann told in the first person. 

He’s seven years old when his narrative begins. We watch his beginning as a shepherd boy who learns to use a sling and then a bow to hunt as his father teaches him and his brothers how to survive off the land. This is the same time he first hears of the Anglo-Saxon invasion and their raiding parties, which destroy villages, rape, kill, and take people away as slaves. 

At the dawn of his manhood, the invaders finally arrive at his family’s hilltop commune, causing a tragedy that will put him and his younger brothers into the wilderness, where they must use their father’s lessons to survive. From there, Lann and his brothers grow from boys hiding in the woods to powerful warlords in the fight against the invasion.

This book paints a vivid picture of the post-Roman world of late sixth-century Britain. The characters live in the nostalgic shadow of the once-powerful empire as they build their own world. We see the foundation of medieval society as the Kingdom of Rheged grows and gives rise to its first lords who must build their fiefdoms from the remnants of old Roman forts and leftover weapons.

The battle scenes are vivid and intense, with explanations of how weapons and tactics of the time worked. I like historical fiction that teaches as it entertains, and Griff Hosker does an excellent job balancing the two. There’s a historical note at the end that explains much of the real aspects of the story, as well as a glossary that denotes which characters were real historical figures. 

If you want to learn something about sub-Roman Britain while enjoying a rip-roaring adventure. Join the wolfpack and read Saxon Dawn!

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