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Sword of Neamha
"Once we had been a nation, a people great and mighty, beloved of the gods. . ." And thus it begins, an epic tale of love and treachery, of selfless courage and devastating betrayal. . . The 2009 debut novel of bestselling Shadow Warriors author Stephen England."Visceral. . .the action never stops. A fascinating read." - Historical Novel ReviewAlmost three hundred years before Christ, northern Gaul is a dangerous place, home to warring tribes, envious chieftains, and mighty warriors. And in the midst of it all, the leaders of the Aedui have chosen to flee. A better land awaits across the waters, if only they can reach it. If only they can survive. . . This is the story of Cadwalador, a young Gallic warrior in the retinue of Tancogeistla, heir to the Aeduan throne. The story of one man's struggle to remain true to himself as the world crumbles around him, as loyalties change at the turning of the wind, as men claw desperately for power. For, in this new land, nothing will change. Men's hearts do not change with the landscape. And Cadwalador will be plunged once more into the maelstrom. . . .
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2011
58 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Stephen England
36 books162 followersStephen England is the author of the bestselling Shadow Warriors thrillers, including Amazon's #1 Bestselling Political Thriller, Pandora's Grave, and its long-awaited sequel, Day of Reckoning--a novel hailed as "the perfect spy thriller for our time--chaotic, cynical, with only a few good men keeping the barbarians from the gate."
Drawing upon nearly a decade of research into the nature of Islam, the Middle East, espionage and counterterrorism operations, England's work has drawn praise for breathing new life into the genre with the hard-edged, unsparing realism of his portrayal of the war on terror, the people who wage it, and the moral and psychological costs exacted of those who take the war to the enemy where he lives. "Soldiers without uniforms. Fighting a war without end. Shadow warriors. . ."
The short stories NIGHTSHADE and TALISMAN round out the Shadow Warriors series, and England's work also includes the stand-alone historical adventure novel, Sword of Neamha.
Drawing upon nearly a decade of research into the nature of Islam, the Middle East, espionage and counterterrorism operations, England's work has drawn praise for breathing new life into the genre with the hard-edged, unsparing realism of his portrayal of the war on terror, the people who wage it, and the moral and psychological costs exacted of those who take the war to the enemy where he lives. "Soldiers without uniforms. Fighting a war without end. Shadow warriors. . ."
The short stories NIGHTSHADE and TALISMAN round out the Shadow Warriors series, and England's work also includes the stand-alone historical adventure novel, Sword of Neamha.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 12, 2011
In Stephen England’s the Sword of Neamha, Cadwalador of the Aeudi tribe sets out from northern Gaul with his beleaguered people, fleeing from certain annihilation by other tribes. Life takes him on an unexpected adventure. He makes fateful choices that determine his destiny and ensure the fate of his people.
Cadwalador is a young man in the service of a Gallic chieftain, who is heir to the leader of the Aeudi. The tribe is under siege and flees their shores, intent on conquering the land of Erain (Ireland), with stops along the way on the island of tin (the future Britain). Cadwalador’s chieftain inspires others to flow his banner, with two fatal weaknesses: his love of strong drink and his ruthless ambitions. He is a dangerous man, made even more so when he is drunk. He earns the enmity of one of the mercenaries in his service, Cavarillos, after an ill-advised attack on a village sees scores of Aeudi die needlessly. Cadwalador counted Cavarillos among his friends, but the two have a bitter parting when the young man chooses his chieftain’s life over helping his friend. It is a decision that will shape Cadwalador’s life. He pays a heavy price for his loyalty and, in the end, loses more than he expected. He also helps forge a powerful legend across the land, but with ruthless enemies closing in on all sides, it’s not always certain that legend will be enough to win the day.
Several elements stood out in this story. Despite the foreign and often un-pronounceable Celtic names, there were familiar themes. There is the flush of first victory and first love, as well as bitter treachery and defeat, enough to entertain historical fans who like gritty action. The scenes are visceral. There’s blood and guts everywhere. The action never stops, even in what should be quiet family moments for Cadwalador. Of all the things I admired about Mr. England’s style, it was the way in which he creates sympathy for his characters, especially those who at the outset don’t seem to deserve it. Even his villains have justifiable reasons for their murderous nature. The Sword of Neamha is a fascinating read for anyone who like historical fiction set in the Celtic or early Britannic period, or those who enjoy epic battle scenes and action that propels the characters through upheaval and triumph.
Cadwalador is a young man in the service of a Gallic chieftain, who is heir to the leader of the Aeudi. The tribe is under siege and flees their shores, intent on conquering the land of Erain (Ireland), with stops along the way on the island of tin (the future Britain). Cadwalador’s chieftain inspires others to flow his banner, with two fatal weaknesses: his love of strong drink and his ruthless ambitions. He is a dangerous man, made even more so when he is drunk. He earns the enmity of one of the mercenaries in his service, Cavarillos, after an ill-advised attack on a village sees scores of Aeudi die needlessly. Cadwalador counted Cavarillos among his friends, but the two have a bitter parting when the young man chooses his chieftain’s life over helping his friend. It is a decision that will shape Cadwalador’s life. He pays a heavy price for his loyalty and, in the end, loses more than he expected. He also helps forge a powerful legend across the land, but with ruthless enemies closing in on all sides, it’s not always certain that legend will be enough to win the day.
Several elements stood out in this story. Despite the foreign and often un-pronounceable Celtic names, there were familiar themes. There is the flush of first victory and first love, as well as bitter treachery and defeat, enough to entertain historical fans who like gritty action. The scenes are visceral. There’s blood and guts everywhere. The action never stops, even in what should be quiet family moments for Cadwalador. Of all the things I admired about Mr. England’s style, it was the way in which he creates sympathy for his characters, especially those who at the outset don’t seem to deserve it. Even his villains have justifiable reasons for their murderous nature. The Sword of Neamha is a fascinating read for anyone who like historical fiction set in the Celtic or early Britannic period, or those who enjoy epic battle scenes and action that propels the characters through upheaval and triumph.
December 18, 2011
Sword of Neamha by Stephen England follows the Gallic warrior Cadwalador. The watches the rise and fall of a Kingdom in the middle of some major conflicts. As a young man Cadwalador joins a fighting force going out to explore some new land for his people. After his first taste of combat is an unmitigated disaster he years for a simpler life. That is something he is not destined to have after saving the his leader, Tancogeistla, he is often brought into advise and accompany on dangerous missions.
This book focuses on the hardships that were faced by a simple man in the times. The battle scenes are down and dirty, everything is in your face action with swords, shields, spears, etc. I'm not an expert on the era, but things seemed to be pretty realistic in terms of materials used and fighting styles employed Stephen does not pull any punches in the story. There are some fairly tragic moments and a lot of emotional turmoil. This is a good read for fans of historic fantasy novels.
Review copy provided by author.
This book focuses on the hardships that were faced by a simple man in the times. The battle scenes are down and dirty, everything is in your face action with swords, shields, spears, etc. I'm not an expert on the era, but things seemed to be pretty realistic in terms of materials used and fighting styles employed Stephen does not pull any punches in the story. There are some fairly tragic moments and a lot of emotional turmoil. This is a good read for fans of historic fantasy novels.
Review copy provided by author.
February 19, 2019
Sword of neamha
Definitely different than the stories I normally read. In hind sight, it would have made more sense with a glossary of terms and people near the front so it gave you a base of referral.
Definitely different than the stories I normally read. In hind sight, it would have made more sense with a glossary of terms and people near the front so it gave you a base of referral.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews