THE WHITE MARE

Jules Watson, Orion, 2004, £10.99

pb, 469pp, 0-75286-017-8

This is the first volume in the Dalriada trilogy, and is also the author’s first novel. It’s AD 79 and the ruthless Romans, led by the Governor of Britannia, Agricola, are advancing northwards. But the pivot of the story is Rhiann, princess and priestess of the Epidii tribe, and the exiled Irish prince Eremon. At the beginning of the tale, young Rhiann has a violent past to resolve, and Eremon is covering up his true position. Together they must face the Roman threat to their fellow Albans (Watson equates these with the Picts) and also internal problems caused by rivals for power over the Epidii.

Watson has researched her locations and history well, but has also confidently used the latitude provided by a little-known era. Sometimes the characterisation seems sketchy, but it may be some of the people introduced here will have greater parts to play in future books, and we’ll get to know them in greater depth then. Although this novel is being sold as historical fiction, it’s firmly in historical romance territory, as the love story is the main focus. This fresh and interesting page-turner is a confident and assured debut.

S Garside-Neville