The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni against the might of Rome has echoed down the centuries.
Nearly 2000 years ago, during the early years of Roman Britain, Boudica, a victim of Roman injustice, raised the Iceni tribe in rebellion against Rome.
Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice
Iceni Book 1
by Stephen D Owen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice is the first thrilling instalment in this historical trilogy.
60 AD. The death of Prasutagus, the Iceni king, leaves his kingdom divided between Rome and his daughters. The Roman Procurator Catus Decianus seizes the entire territory and brutalizes Boudica and her family.
Driven by vengeance, Boudica rallies the Iceni tribe and allies including the Trinovantes, Coritani, and Catuvellauni. As Roman forces are preoccupied in the north, Boudica’s rebel army advances on Camulodunum, the Roman provincial capital, where a vastly outnumbered Roman defence struggles to hold.
With the fate of Roman Britannia hanging in the balance, the epic tale of sacrifice, rebellion, and fierce determination unfolds.
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The air was bitter cold and heavy with tension, threatening more snow. High in the trees that overlooked the track, ravens cried hoarsely.
The first century of Romans, veterans of the colonia of Camulodunum to the south, halted before the circle of warriors, not twenty yards off. Their leader, the grim centurion with the heavy scar etched across his face, advanced a few paces, with the wolfskin-clad standard-bearer at his side.
Behind them, another century halted, shields presented to the front in two ranks, their centurion advancing before the first rank. Behind them, hundreds more Romans on foot, marching in column, moved off the track and formed up in ranks. The mounted Gauls had moved around the far side of the palace. More than a dozen surrounded Boudica and the others, spears lowered.
Even as the Roman veterans and Gauls halted in perfect formation, investing the palace buildings of the Iceni, the mounted leader rode forward from the track.
He halted by the lead centurion and dismounted silently. A soldier moved forward from the ranks and took the reins of his horse. He stood there momentarily, gazing on the Iceni queen and the others.
Calonus and his warriors waited silently, hands on the hilts of their swords. The man narrowed his eyes, drawing his rich cloak about him, his breath steaming on the bitterly cold air.
Then he took a few steps forward, his boots crunching on the snow. The centurion and standard-bearer at his side. Even as he looked on them, Arminus, the priest, saw two more riders moving down the track behind the soldiers, heavily cloaked. He felt his blood run cold as he looked on them. Even though their cowls were drawn over their heads, obscuring their faces, he feared who they might be.
The leader broke the silence. He spoke in a commanding voice, so that all could hear. “I am Catus Decianus, procurator of Britannia and representative of Nero Caesar himself in the province. He paused. “Which one of you is Bera of the Trinovantes, sometimes known as Boudica, wife to the recently deceased Prasutagus of the Iceni?”
Boudica paused for a moment then stepped forward, leaving her daughters with Arminus and her serving women. She stood alongside Calonus and his warriors.
“I am Boudica of the Iceni.”
The procurator took a few more steps forward, the centurion at his side, looking her up and down. The tension in the air was palpable. Calonus gripped the hilt of his sword as hundreds of Romans stood in silence, watching the procurator and the queen of the Iceni.
The procurator nodded slowly, as if confirming her words in his own mind. “So be it,” he continued. He raised his voice again, speaking to all of them, so that none of his words could be mistaken.
“I am here with the authority of Nero Caesar. As a client kingdom, the Iceni are the subjects of Caesar and must answer to his will.”
He produced a rolled-up parchment from the folds of his cloak. Slowly, he held it up before him.
Boudica felt cold as she realised what it must be. The will of her late husband. The other copy lying amongst his possessions in the palace.
“I received this from a so-called embassy of the Iceni. An embassy that carried the words of the Queen Boudica, wife of the late king and self-styled leader of the Iceni.”
He turned his gaze to her then, his cold, narrow eyes searching hers.
“You are she.”
Boudica remained silent.
“Know this,” he said, “so there can be no mistaking of my words. Your king was subject to the whim of Caesar. A client he may have been in his lifetime, yet now he is dead, his kingdom, his estates, his people are subject to Rome. Rome, and Caesar, are the arbiter and power in this matter. It is the will of Caesar that the Iceni, and the estates of Prasutagus, once king of the Iceni, be brought within the power of Rome.”
There were angry murmurings amongst the followers of Boudica, yet the queen herself raised her hand for silence. Arminus placed his hands on the shoulders of her daughters. He felt a deep foreboding settle upon him. He looked up into the grey sky, searching for Her. For the all- giving one. Danu, goddess of the people. Yet he knew her presence was distant. His gaze fell on Boudica; so much rested on her shoulders.
Stephen D Owen, an enthusiast of Roman Britain and the Iceni Revolt, wished to bring the dramatic story of Queen Boudica, a druid priest and the Iceni Revolt to life in his debut novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice.
Stephen explains: “The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni against the might of Rome has echoed down the centuries. Nearly 2000 years ago, during the early years of Roman Britain, Boudica, victim of Roman injustice, raised the Iceni in rebellion against Rome.
On 1st of August 1984, millennia later, a mysterious link with the drama of the Iceni Revolt may have been uncovered. The remnants of a male peat body were found at Lindow Moss Wilmslow Cheshire, England.
At first the peat body was thought to be a murder victim, yet in time the body was proven to be far older. As old as the Iron Age in Britain at the time of the Roman Conquest.
Known as Lindow Man, or Pete Marsh, archaeologists and experts were called in. A theory was put forward, Lindow Man was in fact a high-born sacrificial victim. A druid priest, perhaps close to Boudica herself, who was a witness and key to the Iceni revolt.
The discovery of Lindow Man inspired me to write Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice. Was this man a priest?
Fundamental to the fate of Boudica and the Iceni? Although my version is fictional, I decided a good challenge would be to write my version of what could have happened, but I would encourage any reader to look into the history to form their own opinions!”
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When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I probably first considered myself a writer when I was studying English language and literature. I realised I enjoyed writing and the creative process, using words to form emotion, expression and imagery. I pursued a creative writing course and wrote for the local newspaper. I began to find the discipline of writing every day and this would eventually lead me to writing the novel that would become Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Bath, a beautiful and historic city in the west of England. I spent my childhood and some of my adult years living in Frome, an attractive market town near the Mendip Hills to the south of Bath. I have spent the last two decades living in Bath and now Bristol. Bristol is a major city in the west of England with a vibrant culture and music scene.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Describe myself? An idealist, yet a realist.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I would like to think my debut novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, and the other two I am working on in the trilogy, have the potential to become a movie. The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni tribe against the might of Rome has an enduring appeal. The wronged, rising up against the oppressor. Boudica and the Iceni have been the inspiration for novels, plays, films and drama. Bringing my story of the revolt to the big screen would be my ultimate ambition.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
As well as being a writer and author, I am a gig photographer. I photograph some of the best bands in the business, mostly in Bristol and Bath. The Levellers, Selecter, UB40, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas. I am well placed in Bristol with so many festivals, gigs and star attractions coming here. The Bristol Sounds and Harbour festivals are highlights of the summer.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
My forms of relaxation? I listen to all kinds of music and radio, read extensively, and enjoy a coffee or drink at Bristol Harbour or another chilled setting.
What inspired you to write this book?
What inspired me to write the book? The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni tribe against Roman rule in Britain echoes down the centuries, nearly two thousand years later. The revolt of the Iceni and their allies against Rome has everything. The wronged rising up against the oppressor. A clash of cultures, the older world of the Iceni and their druid priests and the ruthless future of Rome. A tale of pure revenge as Boudica and her people make war on Roman power for the wrongs committed against the Iceni queen and her daughters. A tale of grief, of tragedy, as the Iceni and all those opposed to Rome commit to a war against an empire, with no guarantee of victory. A tale of sacrifice, as Boudica, her priests and people prepare to sacrifice all in the cause of freedom and serving the mother goddess.
Further inspiration came from the discovery of a male peat bog body at Lindow Moss, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, in August 1984. The body became known as Lindow Man, and was carbon dated to late Iron Age or early Roman Britain. Some experts believed this body may have been a druid priest, a sacrifice at the time of the Iceni Revolt in 60-61 CE. A sacrifice who may have been close to Boudica herself.
I have reimagined this peat bog body as a druid priest of the Iceni who lived during the revolt of his people against Roman rule in Britain. The Romans wished to destroy the druids and seize all their wealth and power amongst the tribes opposed to Rome. My druid priest, and Queen Boudica, must make life and death decisions as they confront Roman power in Britain.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am working on two further titles in a proposed trilogy, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice is the first in the series. Iceni rising and Boudica’s Fate will tell the full, dramatic story of the revolt of Queen Boudica, the druid priests, the Iceni and their allies against Roman rule in Britain.
Who designed your book covers?
My publisher, The Book Guild, designed the covers which is exactly what I had in mind and has become a real asset and integral part of the book. The covers have gained much interest and praise.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
My novel has a rich caste of characters. Some existed, others I created. Yet people much like them must have taken part in the war of the Iceni against Rome.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice?
Boudica, queen and priestess of the Iceni, her late husband a former ally of Rome. She must make hard decisions that risks everything she ever believed in as she is humiliated and sees Rome as a cruel oppressor that must be challenged. Arminius, a druid priest who begins to realise he cannot escape his fate and the power of prophecy as war overtakes the world of the Iceni. Scathach, female champion warrior of the Iceni who never submitted to Rome and believes her people can throw off the Roman yoke.
Suetonius Paulinus, propraetor or governor of Roman Britain. A soldier and commander who must try and save the province for Rome against this dangerous revolt. Julius Varro, an officer of the Germanic Batavian auxiliary cavalry, part of the Roman Army. Varro, with Germanic blood, has distant kindred to the Iceni, like many auxiliary soldiers who serve alongside the Roman legions. He must reconcile his absolute loyalty to Nero Caesar and the Roman state with the Iceni, so called “barbarians” who fight for a way of life.
Cadifor, champion warrior of the Iceni and loyal to Boudica and the royal house. He was also loyal to King Prasutagus, late husband to Boudica and client ruler or ally of Rome. Cadifor must reconcile his belief in the old traditions of the Iceni with the alliance with Rome. Scathach, his former lover, sees him as a traitor. However, once Boudica renounces Rome and leads the Iceni to war, Cadifor becomes her chief leader and champion in the cause of freedom. These are just some of the characters, historical and otherwise, in my dramatic retelling of the Iceni Revolt.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed recreating early Roman Britain and the world of the Iceni in my writing and imagination. The landscapes, the characters. The bitter cold of an Iceni winter, the scenes of a Roman marching camp, the scenes and smells of Roman towns or a wooded glade where druids worshipped the earth goddess. Boudica speaking to her people on the eve of war. Suetonius Paulinus, Roman governor of the province of Britannia, overseeing the invasion of the Isle of Mona (Anglesey), by his seasoned soldiers as they attempt to destroy the resistance of the druid priests.
How did you come up with name of this book?
The title of the book, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, came from the ongoing theme of sacrifice throughout the novel and the proposed trilogy as the Iceni fight for a way of life against the imperial Roman future.
Do you have any plan for an audiobook in the future?
If the opportunity arises, I would like to see Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice become an audiobook. I believe I have the characters and scenes to tap into the imagination of the listener. I read extensively yet there is just so much out there, so that I listen to many titles as audiobooks. I prefer to read a book if I can yet also enjoy the experience of an audiobook if narrated well.
What book do you think everyone should read?
What book should everyone read? Perhaps a predictable response. The fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing for more than 20 years. I started work on what became the Iceni: Year of Sacrifice trilogy about 5 years ago.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Certain, chief characters like Boudica and Arminius were with me at the start of the story, maturing and developing over time. Other characters came to me as I developed the story. Taking me in new directions.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
Researching this novel, I studied the primary sources, which are Roman historians, the latest archaeology, and leading books of Boudica and the Iceni Revolt.
Do you see writing as a career?
I believe if an author gains some success and demand with publication, writing can become a career.
What do you think about the current publishing market?
The publishing market is very competitive. Marketing a published novel is key to eventual success.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
My favourite genre is historic fiction. Although I have also read extensively in the fantasy genre and romantic literary fiction, such as Daphne du Maurier.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I prefer writing with music or radio in the background. This stimulates my imagination and creative muse.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I tend to multitask when novel writing. I am currently working on three sequels to Iceni: The year of Sacrifice. Two further titles in the trilogy and a loose sequel set more than a century later.
Describe your writing style.
My writing style is expressive and free flowing. I create a framework first of chapters and scenes, plot and characters. Then I expand upon this as the novel evolves.
Pen or type writer or computer?
My preferred form of working and writing is sitting in front of my laptop.
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I have never looked back after becoming a published author. My writing and work are exposed to review; however, my story is available to a worldwide reading audience. How many of us have this privilege? I write for several hours in the morning when working on my novels. I take a break in the afternoon and continue in the evening if I have a clear diary.
Advice they would give new authors?
My advice for new authors? Stay focused, look for marketing opportunities, and never give up on the dream.
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I would enjoy reading this book. Sounds really interesting.
Thank you. I hope you do. Roman Britain and historic fiction are so absorbing. I enjoyed writing the book and the entire trilogy.
Stephen D Owen Author
I so want to read this one this summer it sounds super good and I am loving the cover so much.
I hope you do. Queen Boudica and the Iceni Revolt is natural material for historic fiction. I have brought my own interpretation to these dramatic times.
Stephen D Owen Author
I know of the legend, a barbarian queen- she was killed.
Love the historical story line, great cover :)
Thank you. The cover really adds to the book and the story. Hope you enjoy.
Stephen D Owen Author
Sounds like my kind of read! ♥
I hope you enjoy if you do read the novel. First of a trilogy, telling the dramatic story of the Iceni Revolt against Rome.
Stephen D Owen Author
This sounds like a great historical fiction. I like the cover.
I love stories that include archeological discoveries and weave the past and the present.
I enjoyed reading this well done excerpt!
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the great excerpt and author’s questions. The book sounds like a fascinating read. Love the cover!
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt. I enjoyed answering the questions. I also enjoyed bringing the story of Boudica, the Iceni Revolt and the struggle against Rome to life. Hope you go on to read the book.
Stephen D Owen Author
I love this book cover. This sounds like a great read
Sounds like a good book.
the excerpt sounds amazing
I really like the excerpt and the cover.
Looks a good read
Great cover
The book sounds like a great read.
Looks very exciting Do you write in a daily journal?
Hope the book does awesome!
It looks like a good read.
Great cover!
This sounds like an excellent read the cover art is everything!
intriguing
The cover really draws me in. I cannot wait to buy this book.
I hope you enjoy the novel and the story, the first of a trilogy.
Stephen D Owen Author
The book details are interesting.
I love the setting and time in which this story takes place! Historical fiction is an amazing genre.
Awesome cover art. This looks like a great book.
I look forward to reading!
Thank you. I hope you enjoy the story of Boudica, the druid priests and the Iceni Revolt. The first of a trilogy.
Stephen D Owen
Author
This sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
Congratulations on your book!
Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate all the praise the book and the cover has earned on this tour.
Stephen D Owen Author
I like the book details.
Love the time period, it’s fascinating.
Sounds like a good book.
The history is fascinating and also disturbing, considering how Rome treated its enemies, especially those who had the temerity to rise up against them after they were supposed to be ‘happily’ conquered!
Sounds great! Thank you for the excerpt & interview! :)
I enjoyed the excerpt for Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds good.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart…
Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
Sounds intersteing.
this sounds like a great read!
What’s up, all the time i used to check website posts here early
in the break of day, because i love to find out more
and more.
Great article, totally what I needed.
looks like a fun one.
Looks like a good one
Sounds very good.
sounds great!!!
I love Historic Fiction- my favorite genre!
Sounds like a great book!
Highly descriptive post, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?