History is more than dates and battles, it is the story of people, sacrifice, loyalty, and courage.
ABOUT AUTHOR
A Lifelong Passion for History & Storytelling
I am Stephen Owen — pen name Stephen D Owen — living in Bristol, in the heart of England’s West Country. Roman Britain and the ancient world have captivated me since childhood.
My debut novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, was published by The Book Guild in January 2025 — the first of a trilogy telling the story of Queen Boudica, the druid priests, and the Iceni revolt against Rome.
The idea grew from seven years of writing, research, and a determination to bring an ancient world back to vivid life. Alongside writing, I am a freelance wedding and events photographer based in Bristol.
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“If I can provide a sense of the drama of times that have long vanished into archaeology and history — if my readers gain something — then I have some small satisfaction.”
Stephen D Owen
The Series
The Iceni Trilogy
Book One
PUBLISHED
Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice
The death of the Iceni king leaves his kingdom divided. The Roman Procurator seizes the territory and brutalises Boudica and her daughters.
January 2025 · The Book Guild
Book Two
COMING SOON
Iceni Rising – Part Two
The revolt continues — Boudica, the druid priests and the Iceni push deeper into their most decisive confrontation with Roman power.
November 2026
Book Three
IN PROGRESS
Boudica’s Fate – Part Three
The final chapter. The author is completing drafts of the trilogy’s conclusion, bringing the story of Boudica and the druid priests to its ultimate end.
In Progress
The Author’s Story
From First Word to Published Novel
A Childhood Fascination
Roman Britain captivated me from an early age. College studies in creative writing and articles for the local press slowly sharpened the craft — and the ambition to one day write a novel.
The Spark — Lindow Man, August 1984
A preserved peat bog body discovered at Lindow Moss, Cheshire — theorised by experts to be a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became Arminus in the novel, key to the fate of the revolt.
Seven Years of Writing
Daily word counts, characters shaped over years, constant editing and redrafting. Losing oneself in another world while maintaining all the responsibilities of everyday life.
Publication, January 2025
Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice was published by The Book Guild on 28 January 2025. Book Two has already been accepted; Book Three is in progress.
The Journey Continues
Reviews, events, social media, book clubs and a loose sequel set in Roman Britain more than a century later already in draft. The world of the Iceni is far from finished.
Appearances
Events & Signings
Book Launch & Signing — Bristol
Celebrating publication of Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice — readings, Q&A and signed copies
Iceni Rising — Publication Launch
Events to mark the release of Book Two in the Iceni Trilogy
Book Clubs, Libraries & Festivals
Available for talks, panels, school visits and festival appearances — get in touch below
In Conversation
Author Q&A
Is this only for people who have already been scammed?
The discovery of Lindow Man in August 1984 was the main motivation. Experts speculated he may have been a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became a priest in my novel — key to the revolt and its fate.
What inspired you to write the novel?
The discovery of Lindow Man in August 1984 was the main motivation. Experts speculated he may have been a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became a priest in my novel — key to the revolt and its fate.
Why Roman Britain and the Iceni rebellion?
The discovery of Lindow Man in August 1984 was the main motivation. Experts speculated he may have been a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became a priest in my novel — key to the revolt and its fate.
Why Roman Britain and the Iceni rebellion?
The discovery of Lindow Man in August 1984 was the main motivation. Experts speculated he may have been a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became a priest in my novel — key to the revolt and its fate.
What kinds of scams are covered?
The discovery of Lindow Man in August 1984 was the main motivation. Experts speculated he may have been a druid priest sacrificed at the time of the Iceni revolt. He became a priest in my novel — key to the revolt and its fate.
