Product Description

When Dan and Ursula become lost in a thick mist, they have no idea that once they step out of the other side they will find themselves in an England of thousands of years ago and embroiled in a civil war between ancient Britons and Romans. Soon they will have to rely on strengths that neither of them knew they had as they battle both physical and magical enemies, not only to ensure their own safety, but also to try and help save the lives of the Combrogi who face the might and power of the Roman army. In this powerful and sweeping epic novel, survival depends on learning magical arts and respecting codes of behaviour that pre-date all modern life. It is a difficult world to survive in. Are Dan and Ursula able to master all they need to know in time to ensure that they do not become victims of a time far harsher than any they could ever have imagined?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42702 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review

Dan watched in horror as Ursula was swallowed by the yellow mist. He tried to call her name, but she didn't stop. He had no choice but to follow her.

Dan and Ursula are on a school field trip when they slip back in time to AD75 and find themselves at the mercy of a land and a people they do not understand. But as time moves on, the pair realise they must fight for survival before they can make any plans to return to their real time. At the mercy of the elements, and their strange new warring companions, the pair are transformed into warriors, each with their own extraordinary fighting skills and strange, magical powers that earn them the respect of their fellow fighters.

Warriors of Alvana is a truly remarkable novel for older children. Vivid descriptions run rampant through the pages as the sights, sounds, smells and, at times, sheer terror of Dan and Ursula's new reality comes brutally to life. Author NM Browne captures the events and characters of Warriors of Alavna with a clarity that is breathtaking, making this stunning novel the ideal book for anyone who enjoys good writing, fast-paced action and strong and deliberate atmosphere. (Ages 11 and over) --Susan Harrison

Review
'Riveting adventures in a story which is also crammed full of historical interest' Independent Praise for 'Warriors of Ethandun': 'One of the very best magical adventures of the past 30 years ... [Browne] is a part of the grand Celtic storytelling tradition in British children's literature that began with Kipling's Puck of Pook's Hill, continued with T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone and blossomed in Tolkien and Alan Garner' The Times

From the Author
I tried to write a book I would enjoy reading.
I have always been fascinated by the idea of other people living and dying in Britain in more primitive times. On wet and cold days as a child I used to imagine Roman soldiers, fresh from the Mediterranean, marching across northern marshes - without wellies! ' Warriors of Alavna' is my attempt at the book I wanted to read as a teenager. I tried to imagine what it would be like to be alive in those times before police and school and most importantly central heating. This is my first fantasy book and I was stunned by the way it seemed to write itself and the way in which the characters constantly took me by surprise. I loved writing it. I would finish the battle scenes with my pulse racing and my fingers trembling- a weird experience. I just hope readers feel the same thrill reading it that I felt writing it!

Customer Reviews

Great Book!!!
Hi! To everyone who has agreat passion for fantasy and seem too think they have read everything, I know how it feels when you walk in that bookstore never seeming to find abook you really want too sit down wwith. Pick up this one and I promise you that at least one night will be less boring! Its not the best i have ever read but it is quite good and I would love to read more about Dan and Urula. I promise you will want too read more too, once you have gotten started!

Proved the critics wrong...
From the blurb on the back cover this book had me completely hooked. From start to finish it remained not only original but interesting and facinating.
Dan and Ursular's remarkable adventure kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and their incredible self discovery and character growths were accurately told in a way that made all of the characters both real and endearing.
I defie all of those critics that describe Ms Brownes writing as "simple" and "talentless" as she was able to bring across the feeling of someone who has killed for the first time perfectly and it was made so easy to relate to both characters.
The way she described the battles were genius and made the reader feel as if they could hear, taste, touch, smell and see everything that was being written.
All in all a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the Celics.
A deffinite 10/10 and I would like to see it made a trilogy.
AMAZING!!!!

A book woven with courage and enchantment
A book woven with courage and enchantment in a strange and distant land. Two children, one a social misfit, the other widely befriended accidently find themselves in the cold and cruel world that was the year AD75. Their own fear the only thing which keeps them alive. They both discover talents one in magic, the other in combat. Detailed descriptions of long battles and their fight for survival in an alien time. Simply the best book I have ever read and would love to read a sequel.