Jeff Hein heads back to ancient Europe with third book in Cimbri series

Local author Jeff Hein is transporting readers back to ancient Europe in the second century with his recently released third novel “Terror Cimbricus.”

The novel continues the story of the Germanic Cimbri tribe and the growing tensions along Rome’s northern border.

According to the book’s description: “Rome’s northern frontier is aflame with rebellion as the Gauls rise up against the Republic. Safe in his northern stronghold, Borr seizes power to become Borrix, king of the Cimbri. Still suffering from self-doubt, Borrix seeks guidance from the gods and determines to lead the Cimbri on a new purpose. When an old nemesis threatens Frida and Lingulf, Borrix must race against time to save his family.”

Hein first started telling the story of the Cimbri four years ago when he sat down to write the first book “Cimbri Appear.” It was followed by “Rise of the Red Wolf” which continues the story. Hein said he anticipated finishing the storyline of the Cimbri in an upcoming fourth book, although he said he may do a spin-off with a character from the book that he feels still has a story to tell.

The new installment in the Cimbri series is available locally at County Market in Medford, and Healthview Pharmacy in Medford. It is also available online through Amazon.

Hein said he has enjoyed telling the story of the Cimbri. While it is a work of fiction, he explained that the story is based on true people and true events and many of the places mentioned in the book are places he visited while stationed in Europe with the US Military.

Hein grew up in northern Wisconsin. After serving twenty years in the US Army, he returned to Wisconsin where he now lives with his wife Dawn and their dogs.

During his service in Germany Hein became aware of the story of the Cimbri and knew he wanted to share it.

While the story of the Cimbri is winding down for Hein, he is looking ahead to exploring telling stories in other genres. “I am already working a science fiction novel,” he said. “I like to tell stories.”

While Hein avoids politics in his writing, he said one of his goals is to show the similarities between what is happening in the world today and what things were like 2,000 years ago with the politics, endless wars and corruption.

“History repeats itself a lot of times,” Hein said, He noted that throughout history there are some constants. “People have the same concerns and goals and aspirations,” Hein said, adding that people aren’t that much different throughout human history. He said people all have the same concerns about their families and about security.

Hein said that he has gotten positive feedback from the previous two books in the series. He noted that in his storytelling and by keeping it in a historical context it is not fantasy. However, he noted that the mystical plays a part as the characters place a great importance on dreams and will go on vision quests. Hein said that writing is primarily a hobby for him in retirement. “I am about breaking even,” he said on the costs versus income from the sale of books.

Hein said he tells his wife “It is cheaper than wood working,” about his writing.

Hein will be having local book signings and the option for people to purchase his books at upcoming events in the Medford area.

On Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m. he will be speaking at the The Francis L. Simek Memorial Library, Medford.

On Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. he will be at the Prickly Pear on Main Street in Medford.

On March 21, 22, 23 he will be at the Medford Home & Business Expo at the Simek Center in Medford.