This is a gripping new novel from a writer fast becoming established as a key voice in historical fiction for children. Written with the utmost confidence the author draws you into a world long gone and makes you feel you’re right there beside the Roman slaves, experiencing their world and their struggle for freedom. A great way to learn that little bit more about our history and a thrilling read.
Aoife and her brother Madoc are Roman slaves with a single dream: to get back to Britannia. So, when their master is murdered, they seize the chance to escape. But it isn't long before they are picked up by the slave catcher and dragged before the Emperor himself. Discovering that Aoife and Madoc are the children of the counsellor to Caratacus, the self-appointed king of Britannia, the Emperor orders them aboard his fleet. He is about to sail to Britannia to put down Caratacus's anti-Roman rebellion, and he realises what valuable hostages the children will be. But Aoife has a secret: she is a healer, with a special bond with animals. Onboard ship are the elephants that the Emperor will use when he rides in victory against Caratacus. Can Aoife forge a bond with the magnificent creatures and then, somehow, use them against the might of the Imperial army?
Pauline Chandler was born in Nottinghamshire. After her student years in London, Pauline became a teacher and now teaches children with special needs. She began to write seriously during a year's break in Cornwall.
Her early short stories were published in local and national magazines. Dark Thread, her first novel, was published by OUP in 1998. Her second novel, Warrior Girl tells the story of Mariane, cousin to Joan of Arc, an orphan whose parents have been traumatically murdered by the occupying English army. Her voice gone, she has nothing left but the prayer book, badge and ring bequeathed to her by her father.
Pauline lives in Derbyshire with her husband. They have three sons, a doctor in California, a guitarist in an up-and-coming rock band, and a chef.
