Year of the Lynx is the first book in Lizzie Lane’s Celtic Chronicles series, set during the Roman invasion and early conquest of Britannia in the first century AD. The novel follows Morcant, a Catuvellauni prince, druid, warrior, and “brother of the lynx”, whose spiritual gifts and warrior instincts place him at the centre of resistance to Rome.
As Roman power advances under figures such as Claudius and Aulus Plautius, Morcant is drawn into the orbit of Caradoc/Caratacus, the defiant tribal king who refuses to submit. The story moves between Celtic strongholds, sacred landscapes, forests, shrines, battlefields, and Roman camps, contrasting two worlds: the disciplined machinery of empire and the fiercely independent but divided tribal societies of Britain.
Morcant’s journey is not just military or political. It is also spiritual and personal. He must interpret omens, navigate tribal rivalries, protect those who depend on him, and decide where his loyalties lie when duty, friendship, love, and destiny pull him in different directions. His bond with his lynxes gives the novel a distinctive mythic quality, while his friendship with Octavian Africanus, a highly educated fugitive from the Roman world, provides an engaging bridge between Celtic and Roman perspectives.
The novel blends historical fiction, adventure, mysticism, and political intrigue, with a strong emphasis on landscape, ritual, tribal identity, and the human cost of conquest.
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What I loved:
I do love atmospheric historical fiction with a strong sense of place! The book is particularly vivid in its evocation of ancient Britain: forests, mist, sacred groves, hill forts, rivers, shrines, and the ever-present natural world. The landscape feels active, like a character in itself, rather than decorative.
Morcant is a compelling central figure. He is not merely a warrior hero. His role as druid gives him a different kind of authority, and his sensitivity to omens and animals gives the story a lovely feel of someone truly special.
The Roman/Celtic contrast works well. The scenes involving Roman power, discipline, ambition, and arrogance sit in sharp contrast to the Celtic world of oral tradition, ritual, tribal honour, and spiritual interpretation.
Octavian is a useful and interesting secondary character. His background, education, and knowledge of Rome allow the narrative to explore both sides of the conflict. His presence also adds moments of wit and cultural tension.
Something to be aware of:
There is a large cast of characters, and the tribal politics requires a bit of concentration, but there is an excellent character list which helps enormously. This is not a fast, easy read, but if you like truly immersive historical fiction, this is a great read. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
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Author bio
Lizzie Lane is the bestselling author of over sixty books, has appeared in the top thirty bestselling paperbacks, translated into several languages, and a past winner of the BBC New Writers’ Award.
She has a love of history of all ages.
She is famous in particular for her WW2 novels set in Bristol, and as Jean G Goodhind for The Honey Driver cosy crime series.
You can find her on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jean.goodhind
Instagram – lizzielane40
Bookbub – @baywriterallatsea
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