Review The Warrior's Princess by Barbara Erskine
Latest Novel by Popular Historical Fiction Author
Sep 14, 2008
Barbara Erskine is well known for her novels combining modern and historical figures with a suspense plotline and a touch of the supernatural. Fans of Erskine’s previous novels and those with an interest in Roman and Celtic history will enjoy The Warrior’s Princess (HarperCollins, 2008), where she again connects the past with the present.
Plot Summary – The Warrior’s Princess
Jess, a young teacher in London, is attacked and left with only vague memories of her assault. The clues indicate that her attacker was someone she knows well. Haunted by her suspicions, she retreats to her sister’s cottage in Wales in an attempt to restore her sense of security.
In Wales, Jess becomes aware of a presence in the cottage and surrounding area. She eventually discovers that the young girl is Eigon, daughter of the mighty Catuvellauni tribal leader, King Caractacus.
The connection between Jess and Eigon strengthens and Jess travels to Rome to further research what happened to Eigon and her family after their capture by Roman soldiers. As Jess becomes more and more obsessed with Eigon’s fate, her own life is increasing peril from dangers in both the past and the present.
Supernatural Connection Between the Past and the Present
As is often the case in novels seeking to connect historical and modern characters, Erskine relies heavily on the supernatural to support the novel’s storyline. Supernatural apparitions, tarot, visions, dreams and spiritual possession all feature at times throughout the novel.
The Warrior’s Princess is saved from being just another predictable supernatural historical romance by Erskine’s keen attention to detail. Her descriptions of Roman life during the final years of the emperor Claudius and early years of the reign of Nero are well researched and contain details of homes, domestic duties, city life, friendships, political intrigue and general everyday Roman life.
The spiritual element of the novel, so dramatically represented through the apparitions and tarot predictions, is broadened by the explanations of Eigon’s druid tutor regarding Celtic beliefs as well as Eigon’s encounters with the Apostle Peter and several close friendships with early Christians.
An Enjoyable Blend of Suspense, History and Romance
The Warrior’s Princess is a fusion of suspense, history, romance and the supernatural. Both Jess and Eigon are likeable in their role as heroines of the novel and readers will be keen to discover the fate of both. The villains are unrepentant and chilling in their fixation to bring about the demise of both women, adding an element of suspense and danger to the story.
The Welsh and Italian locations perfectly complement the story, both being rich in history and compatible with the supernatural elements. Erskine skilfully combines the atmospheric locations with the modern and historical plotlines to build a story that will readily engage readers as it builds to its suspense-filled conclusion.
Peripheral characters, such as Jess’ friends and sister and the three significant male characters, who are eventually revealed to be either friends or foes, help to keep the storyline connected to the present. Readers who find the supernatural conceit stretching their ability to relate to the story should still find plenty to enjoy in the historical detail and character developments.
Barbara Erskine has written nine bestselling novels including her first novel The Lady of Hay (HarperCollins, 1996) and more recently Daughters of Fire (HarperCollins, 2007) and Kingdom of Shadows (HarperCollins, 2004). The Warrior’s Princess will no doubt further build Erskine’s reputation for well written and enjoyable historical romance/suspense fiction.
The Warrior’s Princess (ISBN: 978-0-00-727844-2, 548 pages)
