Frontier Wolf

I've been a Rosemary Sutcliff fan for years, but just finished this book. It was excellent. Sutcliff had a writer's instinct to realize that the most exciting times to write about are those when things - Roman Britannic rule, in this case - are falling apart. I'm far from being a young adult, but Sutcliff's books are good for every age. This was especially well done. I have to give her the writer's tribute: I wish I'd written it!

Even adults can enjoy this book. The fact that this book is aimed at younger readers (young adult) just means you don't have to read graphic rape scenes or whatever that you sometimes find in more standard "fantasy" books. This is historical fiction set in Britain at a time when the Roman Empire was weakening in Britain. The main character is transfered to the Frontier Wolves after he makes a mistake in his first command crisis. I am not sure what age these books are aimed at exactly, but 12+ is probably the low end for most of them (esp the Shield Ring). Always have some fighting, often mention things like prostitution, slavery, etc. Good characters, good pacing, good plot, lots of good historical details - very enjoyable read.

Rosemary Sutcliff's command of British history is marvelous. She is a subtle and wonderful writer and her ability to intertwine accurate history and believable, rounded characters is superb. I have read most of her books and recommend all of them to any readers, adult or children.

FRONTIER WOLF is the story of Alexios Flavius Aquila, (a descendant of Marcus of EAGLE OF THE NINTH), a young Centurion in the Roman Legions. After a tragic mistake that causes the loss of most of his men, he is sent up North, beyond the Wall, to command the irregular troops, the "Frontier Wolves". But though Alexios makes friends among the Wolves and tribesmen of the Votadini, his history seems to be repeating itself when the tribesmen rise in revolt and Alexios and his Wolves are forced to flee...I found FRONTIER WOLF to be another great book, and it has a happier ending than most of Sutcliff's bittersweet endings. The writing is excellent, the characters and their dilemmas gripping. To say more would be to spoil this wonderful book.