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The Sertorius Scrolls #5
Sulla's Fist
Rome, 90 BC. Quintus Sertorius is tired. Weary after eight years of warfare in Greece, the decorated hero longs to reunite with his family and repair their frayed bond. But no sooner has he returned than Rome is thrust into war again. This time, the attackers are their closest allies, the Italian tribes surrounding them. To make matters worse, Sertorius learns his son has joined the legion under the command of a scheming rival looking to exert leverage.
Sertorius confronts spies and traitors within his own ranks who are loyal to the Italian cause. As he and his companions raise a new army to protect Rome, they endure supply line sabatoge, widespread poisonings, and betrayal on all sides.
As Italy collapses into warfare, will Sertorius wrestle victory from the jaws of devastating defeat?
Sulla's Fist is the breathtaking fifth book in the Sertorius Scrolls historical fiction series. If you like tenacious protagonists, impeccable research, and gripping glimpses into the past, then you’ll love Vincent B. Davis II’s war-torn saga.
Sertorius confronts spies and traitors within his own ranks who are loyal to the Italian cause. As he and his companions raise a new army to protect Rome, they endure supply line sabatoge, widespread poisonings, and betrayal on all sides.
As Italy collapses into warfare, will Sertorius wrestle victory from the jaws of devastating defeat?
Sulla's Fist is the breathtaking fifth book in the Sertorius Scrolls historical fiction series. If you like tenacious protagonists, impeccable research, and gripping glimpses into the past, then you’ll love Vincent B. Davis II’s war-torn saga.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
340 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Vincent B. Davis II
20 books115 followersVincent B. Davis II writes historical fiction books to keep the past alive through the power of storytelling. He is also an entrepreneur, speaker, and veteran who is a proud graduate of East Tennessee State University and was honorably discharged from the US Army in 2022. Armed with a pen and an entrepreneurial spirit, Vincent quit his day job and decided it was as good a time as any to follow his dream. He went on to publish six historical fiction novels, four of which have now become Amazon International Best Sellers.
Vincent is also a devoted and depressed Carolina Panthers fan and a proud pet parent to his rescue pups, Buddy and Jenny. Join Vincent in celebrating the past through the pages of his books. His newsletter, The Legion, is more than just another author email list. It’s a community of readers who enjoy free additional content to enhance their reading experience—HD Maps, family trees, Latin glossaries, free eBooks, and more. You can join the community and snag your freebies at https://vincentbdavisii.com/join-the-....
Vincent also loves connecting with his readers through social media. Find him on Facebook or Instagram @vbdavisii, vincentbdavisii.com, or email him at Vincent@thirteenthpress.com.
Vincent is also a devoted and depressed Carolina Panthers fan and a proud pet parent to his rescue pups, Buddy and Jenny. Join Vincent in celebrating the past through the pages of his books. His newsletter, The Legion, is more than just another author email list. It’s a community of readers who enjoy free additional content to enhance their reading experience—HD Maps, family trees, Latin glossaries, free eBooks, and more. You can join the community and snag your freebies at https://vincentbdavisii.com/join-the-....
Vincent also loves connecting with his readers through social media. Find him on Facebook or Instagram @vbdavisii, vincentbdavisii.com, or email him at Vincent@thirteenthpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 26, 2024
“𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙞𝙪𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙧 . . . 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨 . . . 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧, 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡.”
✊Sulla's Fist by Vincent B. Davis II - 5th in The Sertorius Scrolls series - set during the Roman Republican period, tells the story of a Roman general Quintus Sertorius.
90 BC. As the Social war broke out between Rome and their closest allies the Italian tribes, Quintius, a hero of warfare in Greece who had just returned to his family was called out to raise a new army. But in this endeavor, he confronts spies and traitors within his own ranks; endures supply line sabotage, and widespread poisonings, and learns his son Gavius has joined the legion under the command of Sulla, a scheming rival looking to exert leverage on him. For Quintus, this could be the end of his marriage or his career as a soldier.
“𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩, 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧. 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧.”
✊The story is based on the Roman Social War and explores Quintus' role in it. Vincent effortlessly waved it around actual historical events and persons and brought that period to life with his vivid descriptions. His sheer amount of research is clearly visible in every minor detail and the battle scenes were absolutely spectacular.
✊Similar to the previous books, it was also structured as a memoir, written in Quintus's first-person narrative and for a change, narratives of his son Gavius, friend Lucius, and wife Arrea are also added. As we read, we delve into their mind, experience what they were going through, see them mature, and also learn about their historical accounts.
✊Quintius' characterization as a veteran general and as a husband and father distant from his family is meticulous. We see him put to strain, by Sulla's conniving ways. His duty called him to do something he wanted no part of but couldn’t avoid. To save Rome and his family he had to discover the traitor among his men and repair his frayed familial bond.
✊I found the ending most satisfactory and fitting, with its note of hope. Love the way Quintus wrestles victory from the jaws of devastating defeat as he always does and finally gets a happy family reunion.
Overall, it was an outstanding read. I never felt bored. If you like a Warton saga with a bit of family drama in a Roman setting then it is for you. Highly recommended.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)
✊Sulla's Fist by Vincent B. Davis II - 5th in The Sertorius Scrolls series - set during the Roman Republican period, tells the story of a Roman general Quintus Sertorius.
90 BC. As the Social war broke out between Rome and their closest allies the Italian tribes, Quintius, a hero of warfare in Greece who had just returned to his family was called out to raise a new army. But in this endeavor, he confronts spies and traitors within his own ranks; endures supply line sabotage, and widespread poisonings, and learns his son Gavius has joined the legion under the command of Sulla, a scheming rival looking to exert leverage on him. For Quintus, this could be the end of his marriage or his career as a soldier.
“𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩, 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧. 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧.”
✊The story is based on the Roman Social War and explores Quintus' role in it. Vincent effortlessly waved it around actual historical events and persons and brought that period to life with his vivid descriptions. His sheer amount of research is clearly visible in every minor detail and the battle scenes were absolutely spectacular.
✊Similar to the previous books, it was also structured as a memoir, written in Quintus's first-person narrative and for a change, narratives of his son Gavius, friend Lucius, and wife Arrea are also added. As we read, we delve into their mind, experience what they were going through, see them mature, and also learn about their historical accounts.
✊Quintius' characterization as a veteran general and as a husband and father distant from his family is meticulous. We see him put to strain, by Sulla's conniving ways. His duty called him to do something he wanted no part of but couldn’t avoid. To save Rome and his family he had to discover the traitor among his men and repair his frayed familial bond.
✊I found the ending most satisfactory and fitting, with its note of hope. Love the way Quintus wrestles victory from the jaws of devastating defeat as he always does and finally gets a happy family reunion.
Overall, it was an outstanding read. I never felt bored. If you like a Warton saga with a bit of family drama in a Roman setting then it is for you. Highly recommended.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)
December 27, 2023
The Sertoris Scrolls continue with another great piece of history!
After years in battle, Quintus Sertoris can’t wait to return to Rome to see his wife and son. But so much time has passed, he wonders if they will even remember who he is. After the triumph parade, he hastily makes his way home to find Arrea, but after only minutes of time with her, his nemesis Lucius Cornelius Sulla arrives at his home, spoiling his time alone. He not only discovers that Sulla has been keeping Arrea happy with the plush comforts of Rome, but his son has enlisted and is a part of Sulla’s detachment. Could anything more spoil his return? Oh wait….. Upon his first day at the Senate, Quintus learns he has been elected Quaestor (not knowing he was nominated) and will be leading a detachment to enlist new members into the Roman army to help stop an upcoming civil war. With traitors in the midst, Sertoris knows that this may be the end of his marriage or his career as a soldier.
Every year I look forward to the newest Sertoris Scroll to learn more about the man himself and see how Davis’s interpretation of Roman history parallels the real thing. Needless to say, I am never disappointed. Sulla’s Fist pushes several years into the future from the previous scroll and readers see the strain that has been put on Sertoris, primarily by the conniving ways of Sulla. Several past characters make appearances throughout, some for the last time. It’s been very interesting to watch these characters mature throughout the books and read about their historical accounts as well. The tension keeps building towards the actual showdown between Sertoris and Sulla and I can’t wait to read it when it happens!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
After years in battle, Quintus Sertoris can’t wait to return to Rome to see his wife and son. But so much time has passed, he wonders if they will even remember who he is. After the triumph parade, he hastily makes his way home to find Arrea, but after only minutes of time with her, his nemesis Lucius Cornelius Sulla arrives at his home, spoiling his time alone. He not only discovers that Sulla has been keeping Arrea happy with the plush comforts of Rome, but his son has enlisted and is a part of Sulla’s detachment. Could anything more spoil his return? Oh wait….. Upon his first day at the Senate, Quintus learns he has been elected Quaestor (not knowing he was nominated) and will be leading a detachment to enlist new members into the Roman army to help stop an upcoming civil war. With traitors in the midst, Sertoris knows that this may be the end of his marriage or his career as a soldier.
Every year I look forward to the newest Sertoris Scroll to learn more about the man himself and see how Davis’s interpretation of Roman history parallels the real thing. Needless to say, I am never disappointed. Sulla’s Fist pushes several years into the future from the previous scroll and readers see the strain that has been put on Sertoris, primarily by the conniving ways of Sulla. Several past characters make appearances throughout, some for the last time. It’s been very interesting to watch these characters mature throughout the books and read about their historical accounts as well. The tension keeps building towards the actual showdown between Sertoris and Sulla and I can’t wait to read it when it happens!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
September 22, 2023
I think this was the author's best novel yet in this series. Just the right amount of excitement. More like 4.5 stars.
After eight years away fighting in Greece, Sertorius returns home to his wife, Arrea, to find out he is tasked by the Senate to recruit new legionaries to fight other Italian tribes who are not citizens and as such lack their rights. He is made a quaestor [a junior magistrate.] He travels to the city of Mutina to fulfil his orders, along with Arrea and freedman and friend, Apollonius. Sulla is there and calls his legion "Sulla's Fist", hence the title. He becomes involved in what will be called the Social War [aka "War of the Allies."] His son Gavius, has joined Sulla's legion and of course, the young man's parents are worried about him. His boyhood friend, Lucius, is in the same legion. Arrea lives with a couple in the city. There will be battles, skirmishes, ambushes, poisoned wine, burning grain, and betrayals. Finally, Sulla and Marius work together for victory. Sertorius identifies a traitor but instead of killing the man, has him go into exile from the Roman Republic, among the Lusitanians. I assume Hispania will loom large in Sertorius's further story.
I liked the different points of view of several of the characters--Sertorius himself, Gavius, Arrea, and Lucius, also the fact they revealed their thoughts and feelings, not merely the action happening to and around each one. I found the ending most satisfactory and fitting, with its note of hope.
I thank the author for sending me a copy of this novel.
After eight years away fighting in Greece, Sertorius returns home to his wife, Arrea, to find out he is tasked by the Senate to recruit new legionaries to fight other Italian tribes who are not citizens and as such lack their rights. He is made a quaestor [a junior magistrate.] He travels to the city of Mutina to fulfil his orders, along with Arrea and freedman and friend, Apollonius. Sulla is there and calls his legion "Sulla's Fist", hence the title. He becomes involved in what will be called the Social War [aka "War of the Allies."] His son Gavius, has joined Sulla's legion and of course, the young man's parents are worried about him. His boyhood friend, Lucius, is in the same legion. Arrea lives with a couple in the city. There will be battles, skirmishes, ambushes, poisoned wine, burning grain, and betrayals. Finally, Sulla and Marius work together for victory. Sertorius identifies a traitor but instead of killing the man, has him go into exile from the Roman Republic, among the Lusitanians. I assume Hispania will loom large in Sertorius's further story.
I liked the different points of view of several of the characters--Sertorius himself, Gavius, Arrea, and Lucius, also the fact they revealed their thoughts and feelings, not merely the action happening to and around each one. I found the ending most satisfactory and fitting, with its note of hope.
I thank the author for sending me a copy of this novel.
September 20, 2023
I have read all of Vincent Davis' books and, while all are very good, this one is excellent. It's a great mixture of betrayal, Roman politics, egos, and military action. The reader gets an excellent view of life in a Roman Legion encampment and in battle. The main character, Quintus Sertorius, is a likeable one. In what novel does the main character get injured in battle? Quintus makes difficult decisions and takes significant risks. He also, like many of us military folks, has the personal battle with marriage and his child. I normally avoid long novels but was captured by this 402 page one. Even if you have not read any of the previous novels, you can jump in this one and miss nothing. I highly recommend it.
September 18, 2023
Great Addition
I love this series. The wait between 4 and 5 was worth it, but I hope they come out faster. I really enjoyed the battle scenes, and the family struggles that Sertorius experiences shed light on his struggles in all aspects of life. This was very well written, and I enjoyed the points of view from different characters. Please keep these coming. Sertorius is a great character from history to choose to do a series on. He deserves the fame he should have had all along.
I love this series. The wait between 4 and 5 was worth it, but I hope they come out faster. I really enjoyed the battle scenes, and the family struggles that Sertorius experiences shed light on his struggles in all aspects of life. This was very well written, and I enjoyed the points of view from different characters. Please keep these coming. Sertorius is a great character from history to choose to do a series on. He deserves the fame he should have had all along.
September 30, 2023
Is it The End?
Maybe.
I was pleasantly a surprise of the best kind. Well thought out and handled without a lot of obvious clues as to its pathway.
Sometimes in other books one gets tired of the easily expected events, almost aimed at the less prescient reader. This was worthy of a few rumination's when it seemed to have cloudy futures ahead.
Not sure about this Lusitani fork in the road. I know much of their culture of the time and their history. I look forward to such a book.
Thank you for the enjoyment Mr Davis II.
Maybe.
I was pleasantly a surprise of the best kind. Well thought out and handled without a lot of obvious clues as to its pathway.
Sometimes in other books one gets tired of the easily expected events, almost aimed at the less prescient reader. This was worthy of a few rumination's when it seemed to have cloudy futures ahead.
Not sure about this Lusitani fork in the road. I know much of their culture of the time and their history. I look forward to such a book.
Thank you for the enjoyment Mr Davis II.
October 8, 2023
A First Class Story
I only wish that these novels had been around when I was forced to study Latin as a boy. This and the four previous novels truly bring alive The Roman Republic, the Latin language and life in the Roman Legions in an interesting and absorbing way. It doesn’t sugarcoat the brutality of ancient warfare in any way but also shows the nobility and honesty of those who fought against the enemies of Rome, their friendships and adversities. Additionally, these stories are fast moving, thrilling and immensely difficult to put down.
I only wish that these novels had been around when I was forced to study Latin as a boy. This and the four previous novels truly bring alive The Roman Republic, the Latin language and life in the Roman Legions in an interesting and absorbing way. It doesn’t sugarcoat the brutality of ancient warfare in any way but also shows the nobility and honesty of those who fought against the enemies of Rome, their friendships and adversities. Additionally, these stories are fast moving, thrilling and immensely difficult to put down.
January 2, 2024
Quintus Sertorius Returns to Rome with the Hope ...
... of respite from war and some quality time with his family only to find that he has been elected Quaestor as well as given a new military posting! To add insult to injury, his wily nemesis, Sulla, has taken his adopted son, Gavius, and posted him under his own command!
Naturally, Sertorius will attempt to make the best of a deck stacked against him and the still further obstacles that ensue -- if anyone will listen.
... of respite from war and some quality time with his family only to find that he has been elected Quaestor as well as given a new military posting! To add insult to injury, his wily nemesis, Sulla, has taken his adopted son, Gavius, and posted him under his own command!
Naturally, Sertorius will attempt to make the best of a deck stacked against him and the still further obstacles that ensue -- if anyone will listen.
September 19, 2023
Absolutely spectacular battle scenes. You feel as if you are swinging a gladius too. Loved Arrea’s strong presence. Per usual, Davis has done his research and the details are a great part of the story. Can’t wait for the next installment in the Sertorius Scrolls. His characters live on in my mind as he gets their stories down in tangible form.
November 20, 2023
I was eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series
However this was a bit of a disappointment (3.5*) it seemed like more of a ‘filler’ story - too many endless battle details. Why was it titled Sula’s Fist as he is not that prominent in the story the whole book was kind of a non- story -thought at least it would have covered Sula’s march on Rome
However this was a bit of a disappointment (3.5*) it seemed like more of a ‘filler’ story - too many endless battle details. Why was it titled Sula’s Fist as he is not that prominent in the story the whole book was kind of a non- story -thought at least it would have covered Sula’s march on Rome
September 20, 2024
Hanging on every chapter!
Just as the books leading up to this one, full of suspense and attention grabbing. Vincent's writing keeps you longing to know what could possibly come next for Quintus and the rest of the crew.
This book has left me highly anticipating the next in the series.
Just as the books leading up to this one, full of suspense and attention grabbing. Vincent's writing keeps you longing to know what could possibly come next for Quintus and the rest of the crew.
This book has left me highly anticipating the next in the series.
September 28, 2024
Very interesting
This was an unknown period of history to me, so I found the information to be very interesting. The characters were fine, although I was sometimes confused by the transitions between scenes. This did not work for me as a stand-alone novel, as I had not read the previous series.
This was an unknown period of history to me, so I found the information to be very interesting. The characters were fine, although I was sometimes confused by the transitions between scenes. This did not work for me as a stand-alone novel, as I had not read the previous series.
November 10, 2024
Another fine book of Rome
I love the rich detail in this book. It is full of fighting of the Romans against their own countrymen. A war, brought on themselves, because they would not give citizenship to those who had serve them.
I love the rich detail in this book. It is full of fighting of the Romans against their own countrymen. A war, brought on themselves, because they would not give citizenship to those who had serve them.
January 28, 2025
Wonderful as always
Part 5 came from a lot more personal perspective. Still plenty of battles, which I love, but the human side of all the different emotions a legionnaire endures is fascinating!
Part 5 came from a lot more personal perspective. Still plenty of battles, which I love, but the human side of all the different emotions a legionnaire endures is fascinating!
September 26, 2023
Another excellent book in this fantastic series. I hope there's part 6. Great history, characters, & action. The Sulla-Marius parts are great reads - I wish there were entire series on these 2.
September 30, 2023
excellent story of the roman legions
If like me you enjoy books about the roman legions you won’t find a better book than this.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
If like me you enjoy books about the roman legions you won’t find a better book than this.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
December 1, 2023
Fantastic read
Loved this book about ancient Rome. Great characters fantastic battles. You feel like you are actually there and experiencing everything. Want more like this.
Loved this book about ancient Rome. Great characters fantastic battles. You feel like you are actually there and experiencing everything. Want more like this.
April 1, 2024
well written, historically accurate
February 13, 2025
A little slow at first but it gets better with every page good battle description throughout the ending was not what I expected but very satisfying.
April 10, 2025
Another good book in this historical fiction series about the Roman republic pre-Caesar.
February 9, 2026
Least favorite so far of this series. Overblown and got lost a lot .
December 8, 2024
Eh, it's alright. While it is part of a series it can be read alone. There's quite a a bit of war wounds going on but doesn't go into icky detail if you have a tender tummy like I do. As I said it's alright but I won't remember it.
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