I am such a fan of Bernard Cornwall and so this book sounded like something I'd truly like to read. And I am so glad I did as it is fantastic. It is fast paced and kept me on my toes throughout which I like and I like the era it is set in (144AD) where we see Alaric Hengistson and his fight against Rome.

This is an action packed read, gritty, thrilling and I might even say adventurous. The characters are all well written and have the depth of character you want in a book like this, each with their own personality, fears and bravado! The author has done a wonderful job of weaving a tale of war, determination, warriors, lords and so much more. I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in this series. Bring it on!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Gutsy, gritty and gripping, Raven: Defier of Rome by Adam Lofthouse is a must-read for historical fiction fans.

144 AD and Alaric Hengistson’s fearsome reputation precedes him. A man whose name alone inspires terror and panic, the ruthless warlord believes that he has been chosen by the Gods to serve them and to rebel against the tyranny of an Empire. Having spent years thwarting every single one of Rome’s attempts to gain control of his land Germania, Alaric quickly realises that he simply cannot continue resting on his laurels because the rules are changing and his downfall might be imminent!

Deals are being struck between conquering Roman legions and feuding Germanic tribes. They both hold Alaric’s fate in their hands and the opposing factions are willing to do whatever it takes to see him defeated. But they hadn’t counted on his tenacity, determination and his drive to keep his lands intact. The time has come for Alaric to prove what a legend he is – or else be forced to watched everything he’s worked so hard for burn to the ground…

Adam Lofthouse knows how to spin a captivating yarn that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and with Raven: Defier of Rome, he has written a vivid, atmospheric and violent historical tale, full of action, tension and chicanery, perfect for Bernard Cornwell fans.

Not only is Raven the first book by Adam Lofthouse that I’ve read, I think it is the first that details the armies of the Germanic people and their fight against Rome.

I’m sure there will be many more.

Alaric Hengistson is the leader that was needed at this time, in this place.

It was bloody, violent, dark, and gritty. It was an all together enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in this series.

This first book in the Ravensworn series is an engaging and well written story. It was full of warriors, violence, betrayals, intrigue, wars, death, intense drama, action, and many emotional issues that are very entertaining. If you like war, violence, with strong-willed, determined amd fierce warriors, you will enjoy this story. I recommend reading.

If you’re a fan of the author or follow my blog this book might sound familiar.. that’s because it is. The author has been snapped up by Boldwood Books.. which in my opinion is a match made in heaven!

Alaric is a mercenary for hire and he’s damn good at what he does… he turns the tide in favour of whoever pays the most and there’s not many he wouldn’t stab in the back for the right price.

We find Alaric and his band of 500 battle hardened men, the Ravensworn, in search of their next commission.. the only problem is something doesn’t smell right.

Alaric soon learns a powerful enemy wants him dead.. but why now.. he’s been in game a long time.. it just doesn’t make sense to him. I loved this part of the plot, the pace of the development was spot on revealing just enough to keep you hooked but never enough to give the game away too soon.

One really interesting thing about the book is the backstory of Alaric.. we learn of how he became to be the man he is.. and as much as I didn’t want to I found myself liking the character more and more even though he’s a bringer of death and destruction.

I really enjoyed the development throughout the tale as Alaric fights his way to the truth behind the plot to have him killed.. not only that but the characters themselves were captivating and when the action hit the story was utterly invigorating.. I was on the edge of my seat..especially during the last battle!

There’re so many good characters to pick from but for me Ketill and Birgir shine through simply through, not only as interesting characters but also because of the connections they have to Alaric.

I was fully immersed in the vivid battle scenes which had the adrenaline pumping overtime! This is what i wanted.. dark and dirty..life and death.. when push comes to shove niceties go out the window.

I was intrigued by the premise and main character of this book and Adam Lofthouse certainly has great knowledge of this time and did his research.
And while I enjoyed the arc of the Raven, Alaric, and the setting in a Roman world, the story sadly was not for me.
Others might enjoy the path Alaric's story takes and find the comadrie and humor and adventure as well as the battles highly entertaining. I could not get into it or truly connect with the characters and I didn't like where the romance was heading in the end.

Thank you to Adam Lofthouse, NetGalley and the publisher for choosing me for an eARC.

In Raven, Adam Lofthouse offers a damning insight into the preoccupation of the Romans to rule by causing chaos wherever they go. It is a fun, very violent, action-packed epic set in Germania in the second century AD.
Alaric is very far from being any hero. Yes, he might be prepared to stand apart from the might of the Roman Empire, but he doesn't care who he tramples on along the way. Sometimes, he's almost likeable, but a lot of the time, he's just a single man, making slightly dodgy decisions, often based on his rage and fury and trying to live with the consequences.
Alaric is proud of his reputation, but of course, it means he has far more enemies than allies, as becomes clear as the plotline develops. Alaric also suffers from that most common of problems, he believes the accolades he receives and even revels in them, even though, as the reader discovers, much of it is down to blind luck and not any great skill.
Unlike many Roman-era books, Raven contains very little 'Roman.' Rather, the story is that of an outsider looking in and understanding how the Roman Empire works—perhaps better than the Romans do! It is also filled with betrayal and violence.
Raven rarely falls into the traps of novels set in this era. However, a few 'back story' elements are a little too expected, and the reader, just like Alaric's most loyal friend, Ketill, does work out what's happening long before Alaric does!
It's great to read a book that merges the Roman world and that of tribal Germania and have it told from the viewpoint of those tribes. I look forward to reading more.

Having read a couple of other books by this author I was excited to read this book. This book has been published before, named as Oathbreaker. The books is centred around 144 AD. The main character is Alaric, a Germanic leader and the story tells us about his army's battles against the Romans. It is a time and area of conflict I know little about. Although the story is fictional, it is clear that the author has done a lot of research into the wars, armies and population of that time.
The story is very detailed, and we get some great character progression. This is the first book in the Enemy Of The Empire series, so I am looking forward to read of more adventures of Alari and his army.
the book will be published on the 3rd February in e-book, audiobook, hardback and paperback versions.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review

Raven is generous and thoughtful in it's view of Rome and it's association with the Germanic tribes. It's a part of history that I have not read much about but I found this to be thrilling and exciting and I would love to learn more. It is full of riveting adventure and battles that leave you scarred but what I loved most was unlike most books of this genre there are little bits of humour in the narrative. I feel like there was more to the characters then meets the eye and it will be fitting to know more. The story has obviously been well researched and the author has quite a great knowledge of the era which I find fascinating.

This was the first novel by Lofthouse I’ve tried, but he’s an author I’ve had my eye on for a while.

Alaric is a relatable character. He’s a ferocious, brutal warlord, prone to fits of fury and violence. He’s also arrogant, sarcastic and to the point. But he does display humanity when it comes to his comrades and men, who he’ll fiercely protect. He also experiences human emotions; anger, lust, sadness and determination.

The period Lofthouse has chosen is exciting and one I don’t know much about. Lofthouse creates an exciting story against the backdrop of Germania in the 2nd century AD. From the tribes that unite, to the efforts of the Romans to gain a foothold in this vast landscape of forest, Lofthouse creates an immersive and historical setting.

The plot has plenty of battles, action and gore to suit anyone looking for something gritty and violent. In amongst the fighting, there are moments of camaraderie, and deep, twisting plots and politics. And there’s a varied cast of characters, including Alaric, roman orators like Tacitus and breathtakingly beautiful queens.

Lofthouse’s writing style is sharp and short, lending to the violent period and events of the novel.

I enjoyed this gritty read and look forward to the rest in the series.

This is the first novel I've read from this author. The characters in this book, "Raven", are outstanding and very in tune with the time period. The plot is well written and you can see the events happening in your mind's eye. Because I read so much, I now have to pick and choose carefully, but I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series, "Outlaw" to read!

A very strong novel.

Raven started off as a slow burn. I started it easily and was quickly immersed in the world of Alaric and his Ravensworn warriors however didn’t keep my attention on it. I enjoyed it but could put it down, however when the tone changed and the mystery of the betrayal hit I couldn’t stop reading.

The world is well built and interesting, the characters multilayered and likeable in the most part. I can’t wait to read on in the next in the series.

This was a strong start to the Enemy of the Empire series, it had that feel that I was hoping for and thought worked well as a historical fiction novel. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the feel of the characters and how it worked in the world. Adam Lofthouse has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

Pick up this novel and you will find it hard to put it down again, and when you have read it, you will find it easy to believe that you have actually been there experiencing the story yourself.. I finished in one sitting!