The Flint Lord - Hardcover

Henley's historical novel examines the struggle between the original nomadic inhabitants of ancient Britain and the more civilizedor at least more organizedinvaders, who feel that after several generations spent farming and mining the coastal areas (albeit using slave labor), they have just as much right to the land. Brennis Gehan, the fifth Flint Lord, has called in additional troops to help him finish off the nomads who live in the forests and limit his empire's growth. But under the leadership of young hunter Tagart, the many nomadic tribes join together to defend themselves. In the end, both are defeated, for the reinforcements, under orders from their Home Lord, capture Gehan's stronghold while they virtually destroy the tribal forces. All the principals are left alive to fight on; it is doubtful, however, that this well-researched, well-written but darkly dour book will inspire any calls for such a sequel. Foreign rights: Heinemann. December 16
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The second volume of a British trilogy that began with The Stone Arrow ( LJ 4/15/85), this is an improvement in some areas and a disappointment in others. Tagart, the nomadic hero, must fight to become the chief of the combined tribes in the Britain of 5000 B.C. Once united the tribes must then battle the Flint Lord, newly independent of the powers across the Channel and increasingly insane. Much of the book is taken up with battles for superiority, first among the nomad leaders and then against the Flint Lord. While the detail is better handled this time, and Tagart is more human, the violence and perversity stand out, as if to emphasize the primitiveness of these peoples. Not a necessary purchase. W. Keith McCoy, South Amboy P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.