Victoria: Born to be a Warrior [Paperback]

Striking an accomplished balance between comprehensive research and page-turning historical adventure, Frances Hendry's Victoria: Born to Be a Warrior, the first novel in her Gladiatrix series, packs a thrilling girl-power punch with a difference.

Ancient Britain was home to the oldest, meanest, girl-with-an-attitude of all time--the Iceni warrior Queen Boudicca and it is into this world that the author has woven her story so well and with such dramatic effect.

Victoria is a 16-year-old girl with big identity problems. Born to a mother from one of Britain's indigenous tribes, but living under the roof of her Roman stepfather and among the trappings of Roman civilisation and occupation, Victoria does not find life easy. Instinctively tough, and handy with a sword, her life nosedives for the first time when she is promised in marriage to an ugly and cruel Roman merchant of her step dad's choosing--mainly for profit and not love, of course. Rescued from this fate by her Iceni uncle, she moves far away to begin another kind of life in the flat wilds of Eastern Britain.

Sadly, Victoria soon discovers that she has swapped one kind of confusion for another and her new existence is no less arduous. Caught up in Boudicca's revolt against Roman oppression, she must fight alongside her new compatriots as they fight for independence from effective slavery. Unfortunately, her loyalty is tested to the limits when she is torn between saving her family in London or fighting alongside her new friends.

Hendry's contemporary style gives this historical action story a great degree of readability and authorial panache. Her central character is strong and resolute, facing real hardships and authentic questions of faith in her own ability and will to survive. Sometimes brutal and bloody, the narrative is nevertheless enthralling and exciting to read. Suitable for readers aged 12 and over. --John McLay

CHANDRA: 'An exceptionally fine book... an incredibly moving book, which is highly recommended.' (Books for Keeps )

CHANDRA: 'a compelling story about tradition as an excuse for male hegemony ... maintains tension until the end.' (The Telegraph )

CHANDRA: 'No only a gripping tale, but a valuable reminder that tradition will everywhere hold its power.' (The Observer )

ATLANTIS: 'A very striking fantasy ... richly imagined ... quite exceptional imagining.' (Books for Keeps )

CHAINS: 'A challenging read ... a compelling picture of eighteenth century.' (Carousel )

VICTORIA:
'High adventure with an accessible modern story-telling touch ... Solid, atmospheric and well researched. (Ink )

CHANDRA: 'An exceptionally fine book... an incredibly moving book, which is highly recommended.'

CHANDRA: 'a compelling story about tradition as an excuse for male hegemony ... maintains tension until the end.'

ATLANTIS: 'A very striking fantasy ... richly imagined ... quite exceptional imagining.'

CHAINS: 'A challenging read ... a compelling picture of eighteenth century.'

CHANDRA: 'No only a gripping tale, but a valuable reminder that tradition will everywhere hold its power.'

Neither Iceni, nor truly Roman, 16 year old Victoria is searching for her place in the world - her only skill fighting. Running from an arranged marriage, she settles with Iceni cousins - only to be caught up in Boudicca's revolt. Torn between saving her family in London or fighting alongside her new friends, she finds herself abandoned and alone - her main battle now survival.

If you'd like to find out about all my books, including the
large print ones, why not visit my website? It's easy to remember -
francesmhendry.co.uk. You'll find books there that are out of print or not
available in bookshops, and if you buy them from me I'l be happy to sign
them for you personally.

Juliet doesn't want to stay at home to be forced to become a
young lady Do she accepts a quirky, dangerous challenge; to go in her
brother's place, dressed as a boy, on a trading voyage to Africa. Surely
now her father will accept that she is fit to run the family business. But
once aboard, she dicovers the full horror of her father's trade. Slaves.

As she learns about many aspects of slavery, among some very unlikely
companions, Juliet faces dirt and disease, danger and even death - and must
make the hardest decision of her life.

Frances Hendry lives in Scotland with her husband and daughter.