3.94
"The Silver Branch" by Rosemary Sutcliff is a historical novel for children set in Roman Britain during the late 3rd century AD. The story follows Justin, the son of a Roman official, who is sent to live with his uncle in Britain after his father's death. There, he becomes friends with Flavius, the son of a British chieftain, and the two boys share a love of all things Roman. When the Roman legions begin to withdraw from Britain, Justin and Flavius find themselves caught up in the chaos and violence of the ensuing power struggle. They must navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals between the Roman authorities, the native British tribes, and the invading Saxons. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and the true meaning of courage. Sutcliff's vivid and evocative prose brings the world of Roman Britain to life, immersing the reader in a time and place far removed from their own. Her attention to historical detail is impeccable, and she skillfully weaves together real historical events and figures with her own fictional characters and storylines. "The Silver Branch" is a thrilling and engaging adventure story that will appeal to readers of all ages. It is also a thoughtful exploration of the clash between different cultures and ways of life, and the difficult choices that must be made in times of upheaval and change. At its heart, it is a story about the enduring power of friendship and the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. Overall, "The Silver Branch" is a classic work of historical fiction that deserves a place on the shelf of any serious reader of the genre. It is a rich and rewarding reading experience that will transport the reader to another time and place, and leave them with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human history...
Rosemary Sutcliff
The Eagle of the Ninth
Another classic by Rosemary Sutcliff, this is the first book in the Roman Britain series. It tells the story of Marcus, a young Roman soldier who embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the fate of his father's lost legion and the legendary eagle standard they carried into battle.
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For those who enjoy mythological elements in their historical fiction, 'The Book of Three' is the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain series. It follows Taran, a young assistant pig-keeper, as he embarks on a heroic quest to save his land from the forces of evil.
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For readers who enjoyed the coming-of-age themes in 'The Silver Branch', 'The Thief Lord' is a great choice. Set in Venice, this book tells the story of two orphaned brothers who run away from their cruel aunt and join a gang of street children led by a charismatic and mysterious thief.
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