Today I’m reviewing Wrath of Picts by Steven A. McKay, Book 5 in the Warrior Druid of Britain series.

Here’s the blurb.

Princess Catia has gone missing and once again it falls to the legendary druid, Bellicus, to find her. Was the child taken by force, or did she go willingly with the Pictish warrior-woman, Aife?

Their trail leads far north to the windswept fortress of Dunnottar, so the druid must journey there with his companions, Duro, Eburus, and the fearsome wardog, Cai. Leaving Dun Breatann in the hands of Queen Narina and her enigmatic new husband, Ysfael, the friends ride out, but things are never as straightforward as they seem…

Violence and death follow Bellicus as he seeks to discover the fate of the princess. In doing so, he also finds himself on the trail of the swordsman, Lancelot, who disappeared months before when his warband was slaughtered by Saxons. Will the druid be in time to save them both? Or will their enemies, old and new,earn the bloody vengeance and glory they so desperately desire?

Ambition, lust, grief, and the power of the old gods combine in Wrath of the Picts as the druid and his companions are thrust towards a shocking finale that will leave Dun Breatann in turmoil and Northern Britain ravaged again by war.

Review

We are back with the Druid Bellicus and oh how excited I was for this one. Each instalment continues to develop the characters and the overall plot in such a way you just yearn for it but at the same time you don’t want the book to end!

We start off learning the fate of Lancelot, one of Arthurs loyal warriors. His is not a fate that any should suffer…starved..beaten physical and mentally but still sharp as a knife with his cunning and charm.

The setting moves to Dun Breatann and this is where things really kicked up a gear.. Queen Narina has a new husband.. but let’s just say he’s not a loving husband by any means, it’s a marriage of convenience for both.. but his wandering eye is about to cause trouble.

Aife, daughter of Drest is prisoner of Queen Narina, she is there to ensure Drest will not attack Dun Breatann again.. but Aife draws some unwanted attention leading her to escape.. if that wasn’t bad enough Princess Catia has gone with her.. but the Queen can’t quite understand why..the truth is hidden from her but for how long.

Bellicus soon returns and learns of Catia’s disappearance. Queen Narina and Bellicus share more than just a strong love for each other.. Catia….People are starting to notice the resemblance..

What neither know is that while her husband Ysfael has sent men out after the Princesses, their orders and motivations aren’t good.. and it can only mean trouble.  

Now Bellicus has saved Catia once, he’s not about to let her out into the world without someone to look after her. He has a deep love for the girl so even though he doesn’t know the danger she’s in his course is set and he will see Catia home safely once again and he will find out why she ran away in the first place. Aife can only be heading one place.. home.. so Bellicus sets of in pursuit.

Catia ends up not only in the company of Picts but also Saxons! This brings back bad memories of a time she was abducted by Saxons.. but why are they there and do they mean her harm again?

Now this is where the tale really gets juicy! There’s some amazing twists.. misdirection and awe inspiring scenes as Catia comes face to face with Lancelot! She vows to see him free. She shares the blood of Bellicus so you just know she will see Lancelot and the other slaves free… but their escape isnt an easy one and not everyone will want to stand together and fight.. it’s each man for themselves.

Worlds collide from this point on and it’s a mad race for Bellicus to save Catia once again..will he make it.. and if he does what will he do when he learns the truth about Ysfael.. and anyway.. what is his ultimate goal.. he’s hiding something but you are held in suspense waiting for the answers to become clear.

I’m never one for massive spoilers but this is a cracking instalment.. the urgency.. the details.. the brilliant twists and character development.. simply untouchable greatness, you won’t find a better storyteller than Steven A. McKay.

I bang on about character development a lot but it’s pivotal to a tale..if you don’t feel the characters the book will never be a 5*.. but McKay knows how to do it. This book isnt just about the Druid.. each character shows their own style and you feel for them all, even the slaves that are held captive with Lancelot.. in a short space of time emotion is infused in written words masterfully.

The ending will not disappoint you! Again no spoiler’s here but I love how the author managed emotions in this one, for everyone.. especially Bellicus, he’s a Druid after all.. he should be all to control himself…. But really? Do you think he’s going to stand by and watch what’s happening.. No chance.

Cracking 5* read!

If you haven’t started this series yet come on!!! Why the hell not! It’s a corker! To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon or any good bookseller.. you won’t be disappointed