YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: The Warrior Trilogy - NM Browne

Warriors of Alavna

When Dan and Ursula become lost in a thick mist, they have no idea that once they step out of the other side they will find themselves in an England of thousands of years ago and embroiled in a civil war between ancient Britons and Romans. Soon they will have to rely on strengths that neither of them knew they had as they battle both physical and magical enemies, not only to ensure their own safety, but also to try and help save the lives of the Combrogi who face the might and power of the Roman army. In this powerful and sweeping epic novel, survival depends on learning magical arts and respecting codes of behaviour that pre-date all modern life. It is a difficult world to survive in. Are Dan and Ursula able to master all they need to know in time to ensure that they do not become victims of a time far harsher than any they could ever have imagined?

Warriors of Camlann:

When the thick fog of the Veil descends again, Dan and Ursula expect to return to present-day Britain. Instead, the treacherous mist transports them to an ancient world very like the one they have just escaped. But the battle they fought in only hours before is distant history to those around them and their deeds on the battlefield are legend. Dan and Ursula have travelled forwards through time, but how far? What has happened to their old allies and enemies? To find a way back, they have to piece the clues together and use all their skills of survival - as it seems they were not the only ones to step through the mist. Subtly and cleverly woven around Arthurian legend, Warriors is action-packed and completely compelling.

Warriors of Ethandun:

Dan and Ursula return to the present day after months in King Arthur's England. They sought a way back home for so long, but now find themselves unable to cope with modern life. Ursula's incredible strength and Dan's experience on the battlefield make it impossible to fit in with friends. So when they have an opportunity to go back in time, neither can resist. They emerge in 878 AD, the age of King Alfred the Great. Vikings are rampaging through Britain and the King, defeated and weak, has retreated to the marshes. Dan finds him here, and he and Alfred's men begin plotting a counter-attack. But Dan cannot fight without Ursula. Consumed by her time-slip ability to wield magic, she has been captured by the Vikings who now revere her as a goddess. Everything hinges on Dan being able to rescue Ursula first from the Vikings, then from herself.


REVIEW:

Its always hard to find books that aren’t gender specific yet here, in this cracking series by NM Browne we have just that, a headstrong girl along with her male school friend accidentally find themselves sucked through a portal to various different realities where they battle to save the native people from the evil that seeks to enslave. Each book is set in a different time period from the Ancient Celts battling a form of Rome to Arthur’s Camalot (set in the fifth century) and finally into Alfred’s time to save the land from the invaders. Well written with each book containing different themes and “powers” that the heroes will use to save the tribes ensuring their survival. Its cracking and with so many twists this must have been a real cliff-hanger series with each offering as the author didn’t know if there was to be a second or even third book in the series until fans cried out. Its good fun and its definitely something to get to help inspire the younger reader as well as encouraging them to find pleasure in that pastime over computers etc. Trust us, if you get this series then there will be a few peaceful hours in your household (unless they’re going to argue over who gets it first. LOL)