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Cover of The Lantern Bearers

The Lantern Bearers

Rosemary Sutcliff (1959)

SubgenreAlternate History
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesMarcus #3
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads4.13
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Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

WarViolenceDeath

Positive tags

Coming of AgeRedemption ArcHopeful EndingFriendship

Hero archetypes

Soldier / MarineReluctant Hero

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Tropes

Alternate HistoryMilitary SFReluctant HeroFound Family

Themes

BelongingComing of AgeCultural ClashDutyIdentityLoyaltyWar

Synopsis

Instead of leaving with the last of the Roman legions, Aquila, a young officer, decides that his loyalties lie with Britain, and he eventually joins the forces of the Roman-British leader Ambrosius to fight against the Saxon hordes. Historical fiction.

Tags

Historical FictionMilitary Science FictionRoman Britain

Is The Lantern Bearers appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

Historical war novel with battle violence appropriate for middle grade readers. Focuses on themes of loyalty and identity during the fall of Roman Britain.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death, war, and violence.

Who'll love this

Readers who love historical adventures with sword fights and brave heroes choosing between two worlds will enjoy this Roman Britain tale.