Warriors of Alavna

Dan and Ursula, two 15-year-old students, are on a school field trip when a thick mist descends and they find themselves transported back to the first century - a time when it was necessary to fight to survive - oaths were broken only under pain of death and the use of magic was taken for granted. When Dan finds a sword he feels compelled to name it Bright Killer and soon finds himself wielding it against an unknown enemy, whilst Ursula discovers that she can read people's minds and alter events. This is a novel with many layers and it will appeal both to readers who enjoy a dramatic story with a supernatural element and to those who love history. However, it is done with subtle pointers that show up the unpalatable fact that human behaviour hasn't changed all that much in 2000 years. The author's descriptive passages are completely convincing so whether Dan and Ursula are tramping through the dank countryside or enjoying the luxury of being inside a castle; the reader is able to smell the dampness of Braveheart's fur, Dan's canine companion, and feel Ursula's aching muscles as she learns to be a warrior. This is a wholly engrossing novel that rings AD75 to bloodthirsty and magical life. (Kirkus UK)