Book Review: Raven: Defier of Rome by Adam Lofthouse

I’m delighted to be welcoming Adam Lofthouse to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book,  Raven: Defier of Rome, book one in the  Enemy of the Empire series. 

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.

*****

Raven: Defier of Rome is the first book in the Enemy of the Empire serise and the first book I have read by Adam Lofthouse

Alaric Hengiston is the leader of the Ravensworn, a 500 strong group of soldiers sworn to his service and hungry for battle. He desires nothing more than to destroy Rome and avenge his fallen family.

I have read a lot of novels in this genre and the majority of them have been set either in England / Britain or Denmark. It was really refreshing to read something set elsewhere.

This is the first novel I have read set in this time period and pitted against Rome. The story is fast paced and very well written, the characters vivid and beliveable. You can tell that the author has a real passion for this period of history.

I fully intend to read the rest of the series; Adam Lofthouse, you have made a fan of me.

I look forward to what comes next.

(Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.) 

About Adam Lofthouse – 

Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical thrillers.

His brand new series for Boldwood, ‘Enemies of Rome’, will focus on the boundaries at the edge of the Roman Empire.

The first book Raven, was published by Boldwood Books on 3rd February 2025. Click here to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

Say hello to Adam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

by

Chris Parish