Today I have the honor of hosting the first stop on the blog tour for Hazel West’s new YA historical novel, By Blood or By Bond!

I’m so excited to be part of this tour, since I enjoyed the book a great deal and can recommend it to any ancient-history buff or historical-fiction reader. Fans of Rosemary Sutcliff will be particularly interested in Hazel’s writing (and there are even some echoes of G. A. Henty, in my opinion). Read on for a character interview, an exclusive excerpt from the book, and details about some exciting giveaways. Be sure to keep up with the rest of the tour, too; check out the schedule on Hazel’s blog, here.

To start things off, a little about the book itself. Here’s the official blurb:

Which ties are stronger—those of blood or those of bond?

Caolán, the son of a Celtic chieftain, awaits his first pitched battle against the Roman invaders, knowing that this is the moment in which he will truly become a warrior of the tribe.

Viggo Callias is a seasoned centurion in the Roman army on his first deployment to Britain with his newly enlisted son, Aulus. Serving under an incompetent commander, he wonders whether victory will be theirs.

But fate takes a hand in both Caolán and Viggo’s lives when Viggo’s son is killed by a spear meant for him. Enraged at the loss of his son, Viggo seeks vengeance on the man responsible: Caolán’s father. As the chieftain breathes his last, Viggo vows to take Caolán as a slave to avenge Aulus’ untimely death.

Torn from his country and people, Caolán’s only comfort is the hope that one day he will be able to avenge his father. But can the greatest wrongs be righted? Brotherly bonds, gladiators, old enemies, corrupt politicians and a young woman who captures Caolán’s heart take a role in the physical and emotional journey that binds Caolán’s and Viggo’s fates together. Can the two wounded parties work past their hatred of each other and find what they have lost: a father and a son?

This new novel by Hazel West explores the familial ties that bind us all, whether by blood or by bond.

Hazel kindly offered me the chance to interview one of her characters, which I thought was a great idea. I chose to interview Centurion Viggo Callias, a fascinating, multi-faceted character (and my personal favorite). Without further ado, let’s see what he has to say about himself and his life in the Roman army. Continue reading