The legions march inland, but progress is slow, hampered by vast, ancient forests, swamps and treacherous rivers that must be crossed. But, guided by traitorous Celts blinded by self-interest, progress they do.
Marshalling the fractious tribes, Caratacos plans the first major battle for the only fording point of the mighty Vaga River.
Meanwhile, Cullen, now a warrior of renown, is dispatched by Aoife the Dread to seek out a mystic religious totem – the Whetstone of the smith god, Gobannos – which could help unite the bickering clans; a secret weapon of sorts.
But will he be able to find the stone and return it to Aoife before the two great armies clash?
The River Warriors by Michael Arnold is published in paperback on 3 September, 2026.
For more of this year’s new historical fiction, have a look at Historia’s list of over 180 books coming out in 2026.
