Warriors of Alavna - Hardcover

Browne, N.M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1582347751 ISBN 13: 9781582347752

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2002

Synopsis

A mist envelops a school group in the year 2000 and, on the other side, Dan and Ursula find themselves in what looks like the year 75 AD. They come to understand that they have been called through time to battle for the Combrogi, a Celtic tribe nearly wiped out by the bloodthirsty Romans. While becoming Combrogi warriors, Dan and Ursula realize that they have strengths and powers never imagined and they learn to depend on each other and their tribesmen as they battle for the future of Britain.

N.M. Browne offers up another dramatic tale, thick with history and deeply drawn characters. Full of action and with a strong dose of the mysterious this book sets a new standard for fantasy.

About this title

About the Author:

N. M. Browne was born in the North of England to Welsh parents. This background inspired a fascination with all things Celtic and an interest in how earlier societies survived the bleakness of a northern winter. Ms. Browne lives in London, England and is the author of Hunted (Bloomsbury 2002).

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-An absorbing fantasy with thought-provoking issues to ponder. A field trip to the battlefield at Hastings turns into much more when a mysterious yellow mist transports Dan and Ursula to A.D. 75 Britain. The indigenous Combrogi tribesmen are fighting the invading Ravens for their land and their lives, and Combrogi Princess Rhonwen has used magic to summon the present-day teens to help her brother battle the enemy. Dan is popular and athletic and becomes an incredibly effective but mindless killing machine. Ursula, who is too tall and bulky to fit in at home, once again becomes the butt of teasing and torment until she realizes that her talent in this world is the same magic that Rhonwen used to find her and Dan. Gradually she learns to use her powers and, in the end, it is she who raises the Warriors' Veil, first to bring an entire Roman legion to help the Combrogis, and then to try to get her and Dan home again. Both teens find themselves wondering who the good guys are-the blood-thirsty Combrogi, who butcher as much as battle and collect severed heads as trophies, or the "more civilized" Ravens, who fight in organized legions but slaughter entire villages of men, women, and children. In the end, Dan and Ursula leave the Combrogi wondering about their place in their own world after what they have experienced. Combining the thrill of a video game come to life with the tempering of both a strong heroine and hero finding themselves in a difficult world, this novel deserves a wide audience.
Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1582347751
• ISBN 13: 9781582347752
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 319