A Spalding author is preparing to release the third novel in his acclaimed Britannia series, with a local library event planned to mark its arrival.
Russell Dumper’s new book, Britannia Hunts, will be released on Amazon on October 12. The novel continues a series built around an alternate timeline in which the British Empire continues to rule the waves.
Dumper, who is a father of two, has already published Britannia Rises and Britannia Strikes. The series is planned to run to eight titles, meaning Britannia Hunts is intended to be the third instalment in a much larger story.
New novel explores male mental health
The author said the book carries forward the high-stakes, action-packed narrative of the earlier novels, while opening on a more sombre note following the events of Britannia Strikes.
He also said the new story gives some attention to male mental health, a subject he believes has become more openly discussed in popular culture in recent years.
“This one continues the high-stakes, action- packed narrative, but there’s a slightly sombre note at the start after the events of Britannia Strikes and a bit of a focus on male mental health, too.”
Dumper said the first draft of the novel was completed about 15 years ago. He hopes its treatment of male mental health will contribute to continued openness around the issue.
“Most of us know at least one man affected and it’s really only recently it’s been openly spoken about.”
Spalding Library reading and signing
Readers will have an opportunity to meet the author at Spalding Library at 1pm on Tuesday, November 10. Dumper is due to read from Britannia Hunts and sign copies of the book.
The event is open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided. It offers local readers a chance to hear from Dumper directly about the latest instalment in the series after its Amazon release.
Earlier success for the Spalding writer
Dumper’s previous books have received recognition from readers. Britannia Rises won three Bookstagram awards last year, while his science-fiction novel The Hero Virus won the Bookstagram award for best sci-fi last year.
The author also said his books had received positive reviews on websites including Goodreads. He described the reaction to his work as unexpectedly strong, while noting that Britannia Strikes prompted a particularly emotional response because of its ending.
“No spoilers, but the ending upset some people, but that’s the response I was aiming to elicit, so I was pleased, even if some of the readers weren’t!”
With Britannia Hunts now scheduled for release and the Spalding Library appearance set for November, local readers can look ahead to the next chapter in Dumper’s long-term Britannia series.