Jeff Hein publishes second book

Two years after the release of his first book, local author Jeff Hein has released a second historical novel based on the Cimbri and their interactions with the ancient Roman Republic.

“Rise of the Red Wolf (The Cimbrian War Book 2),” takes up the story of the wandering Cimbri (pronounced as “kim-bree”) people who numbered around 60,000 people who took their livestock and belongings and departed their original home in what is today Denmark and began a slow trek around Europe that lasted nearly 20 years until butting into the Roman Republic.

According to the book’s description: “After suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of the Cimbri, Rome is in a panic, and fears of a barbarian invasion grip the city. With no legions to defend the mountain passes, all of Italy is now open to the Germanic tribes, but the Cimbri inexplicably turn away and disappear back into the mysterious north.

Four years later, reports of their rampage in Gaul reach Rome, and when the Cimbri and their allies threaten to destabilize Gallia Narbonensis, Consul Marcus Junius Silanus is sent to intercede.

For a second time, the Cimbri petition for land in return for military service, and when the Senate rejects their request, the German tribes are prepared to hand Rome another catastrophic loss.”

Jeff Hein grew up in northern Wisconsin. After serving 20 years in the US Army, he returned to Wisconsin and moved to the Medford area, where served as the Taylor County Veterans Service Officer until his retirement in spring 2021. In the time since retirement he and wife Dawn and their two lab/shepherds Daisy and Annie continue to live in the area and Hein has focused on continuing the story of the Cimbri people.

“Rise of the Red Wolf” is the second book of a planned four-novel series that follows the Cimbri in their journeys.

During his service in Germany Jeff became aware of the story of the Cimbri and was fortunate to visit many of the places described in his series “The Cimbrian War.”

In his spare time Jeff enjoys reading, camping, fishing, and gardening.

Hein will be at local libraries to speak about his books and have books available to be signed.

On May 24 he will be at the Rib Lake Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Thursday, May 25 will be at the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library in Medford from 6 to 8 p.m. The book is also available for purchase at local retailers.