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The Artorian Chronicles #6
Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign
The Final Conquest
Following the assassination of Emperor Gaius Caligula in 41 A.D., his uncle, Claudius, assumed the imperial throne. After establishing his legitimacy and stabilizing his position with the Roman Senate and people, he looks to legitimize himself militarily. His eyes turn towards Britannia; the elusive isle that even Julius Caesar failed to conquer.
Far from being unknown to the rest of the world, various Britannic peoples have maintained trade relations with the continent, and a few of the tribal kingdoms have even formed alliances with Rome that extend back decades. Constant warfare, however, has left the isle in a state of perpetual instability. When several allies call upon Rome for assistance in their volatile struggles, Claudius seizes the opportunity to finish what the Divine Julius started almost a hundred years before.
In Ostia, Centurion Artorius spends his days as a police commissioner, while only holding an honorary posting with the legions. Soon after Claudius’ ascension, however, he is recalled to active service with his former legion, the Twentieth Valeria, where his peers proclaim him as the new master centurion. It has been generations since the empire expanded its borders via conquest, and Artorius readies his men to spearhead a massive invasion force in what he knows will be his last campaign.
Following the assassination of Emperor Gaius Caligula in 41 A.D., his uncle, Claudius, assumed the imperial throne. After establishing his legitimacy and stabilizing his position with the Roman Senate and people, he looks to legitimize himself militarily. His eyes turn towards Britannia; the elusive isle that even Julius Caesar failed to conquer.
Far from being unknown to the rest of the world, various Britannic peoples have maintained trade relations with the continent, and a few of the tribal kingdoms have even formed alliances with Rome that extend back decades. Constant warfare, however, has left the isle in a state of perpetual instability. When several allies call upon Rome for assistance in their volatile struggles, Claudius seizes the opportunity to finish what the Divine Julius started almost a hundred years before.
In Ostia, Centurion Artorius spends his days as a police commissioner, while only holding an honorary posting with the legions. Soon after Claudius’ ascension, however, he is recalled to active service with his former legion, the Twentieth Valeria, where his peers proclaim him as the new master centurion. It has been generations since the empire expanded its borders via conquest, and Artorius readies his men to spearhead a massive invasion force in what he knows will be his last campaign.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2013
About the author
James Mace
55 books224 followersJames Mace is an author, historian, and life-long storyteller. He began writing as a hobby in the early 2000s, penning physical fitness articles for a bodybuilding website and a magazine called Hardcore Muscle.
James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-five books, including fifteen Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British Empire.
Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling, foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
James can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Instagram: @legionarybooks
Threads: @legionarybooks
BlueSky: @legionarybooks.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james...
James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-five books, including fifteen Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British Empire.
Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling, foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
James can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Instagram: @legionarybooks
Threads: @legionarybooks
BlueSky: @legionarybooks.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 20, 2025
Another good read
The only thing I regret, there is no more Arthurian books to read!
Time to try something new from Mr. Mace
The only thing I regret, there is no more Arthurian books to read!
Time to try something new from Mr. Mace
October 15, 2020
Ended too soon...
With each book in the series the writing held true. While I saw fewer and fewer mistakes I was so caught up in the story I didn't notice anymore. I didn't want to stop reading but I also didn't want it to end. Artorious had an amazing career and an equally amazing life. Thank you!
With each book in the series the writing held true. While I saw fewer and fewer mistakes I was so caught up in the story I didn't notice anymore. I didn't want to stop reading but I also didn't want it to end. Artorious had an amazing career and an equally amazing life. Thank you!
November 16, 2015
It's over... and I have so enjoyed the series. Artorius tours the British Isles before finally retiring to Rome. To appreciate the book it is best to have read the series though this would stand in it's own right. Great read.
April 8, 2020
I have just read all six books, of the Artorian chronicles, in the lock down of 2020, All I can say is, the books helped me get through a very surreal time in my life. What a fantastic read , was so sorry to put down the final book.
January 9, 2014
I am totally enjoying this book. James knows his legions and how to write a enthralling story using them.
January 19, 2018
Good
Have read a lot of Roman legend stories but this is one of the better ones I have read lately
Have read a lot of Roman legend stories but this is one of the better ones I have read lately
April 1, 2018
Slow Start
Slow start but it really took off. Great action, great ending to a terrific series. I read all the books in the series and enjoyed every one.
Slow start but it really took off. Great action, great ending to a terrific series. I read all the books in the series and enjoyed every one.
Currently Reading
March 26, 2021An excellent historical fiction
The entire series is one of the best I've read. The author did a truly fine job of character development, while remaining true to Roman history.
The entire series is one of the best I've read. The author did a truly fine job of character development, while remaining true to Roman history.
February 16, 2024
Not the best book of the series but a fitting end to the story. It was a little rushed at the end but ended up finishing the story well.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews