Review: The Vengeance of Merlin by Steven A. McKay

Blurb

The brand new instalment in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles sees Bellicus of Dun Breatann facing not only bloodthirsty enemies but also the biggest decision of his life in this fast-paced historical thriller!
AD 434 – Caer Legion, Western Britain
A heinous crime is perpetrated against the druids of Britain and a grief-stricken Bellicus suddenly finds his world changing in ways he never expected. Before he can begin to make sense of things the terrible news that the Picts have allied with the Saxons and now march on Dun Breatann together spurs the warrior-druid into action, and soon he and his companions are racing homewards.Horsa, fearsome leader of the sea-wolves, promises to use any tactic – including torture and dark magic – against Bellicus’s terrified Damnonii people who are being slaughtered and dragged from their burnt out villages to please the Saxons’ brutal gods.
Bellicus, his friend Duro, and the great war-dog Cai will need all their bravery, experience, and cunning to stand against the insane cruelty of the raiders which even shocks their own allies in the Pictish army.
Many will fall as the fighting rages, but can bonds of loyalty, friendship, and family be enough to save Queen Narina and the people of Dun Breatann from the grim fate their enemies have planned for them?
This new Warrior Druid of Britain adventure is sure to delight lovers of fast-paced historical fiction, especially readers of Peter Gibbons, Griff Hosker, and Bernard Cornwell.

My Review

Once again, poor Dun Breatann is under siege, this time by Narina’s old enemy, King Drest. But this time, she’s facing a formidable and ruthless enemy: the Saxons have joined forces with Drest in a brutal, uncomfortable alliance that is not working out from the very beginning. They worship different Gods, and the Saxons have absolutely no regard for human life. The Saxon leader, Horsa, is the brother of the dreaded Hengist, who is busy attacking King Arthur on the other side of the island. Horsa obviously does not respect Drest:

“Are you sleeping?” Horsa asked, glaring at the king with obvious disdain. “By the gods, how old are you anyway, Drest? Napping in the daytime?”
The Pict scowled. He was in his early forties now, but he was not about to admit that to the irritating big Saxon. “What else would you have me do? Have you never laid siege to a fortress before, Horsa? It’s bloody boring.”
“What else would I have you do?” the Saxon repeated. “Get off your arse and raid more of the Damnonii settlements! I thought we were here to wage war on these people, but I don’t see much evidence of it.”

Horsa soon takes matters into his own hands, capturing Damnonii villagers and submitting them to torture in order to lure Narina out of her protective castle. I have to say, even though I read a lot of these “dark ages” books, this whole scenario made me rather squeamish—obviously the intent. But it wasn’t fun to read and I nearly put it down. However, I’m a big fan of Bellicus and Duro so I stayed with it, knowing that our druid would come out on top. There is a big surprise in the plot that I didn’t see coming, and of course I can’t tell you what it is. But it’s worth checking it out, I promise!