Centurion of the First: A long short story

by Ben Kane

Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain, AD 140: Centurion Lucius Pontius Aquila of the Sixth Legion is sent north to a new wall, the construcition of which has been ordered by the new emperor, Antoninus Pius.

At first all goes well, but then a mercy mission goes disastrously wrong. Deep in enemy territory, pursued by overwhelming numbers of hostile tribesmen, can Aquila - or any of his men - survive?

PLEASE This is a NOVELLA, not a full length novel. To be pedantic, it is far longer than a traditional short story (6-8,000 words), and about 25,000 words in length.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Roman

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2023

About the author

Ben Kane is a bestselling Roman author and former veterinarian. He was born in Kenya and grew up in Ireland (where his parents are from). He has traveled widely and is a lifelong student of military history in general, and Roman history in particular. He lives in North Somerset, England, with his family.

Reviews

[Joe Corso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella read like a full book.

This novella read like a full book. I hated to see it end. I have only read full books so this novella by Ben Kane (one of my favorite authors) was a well written interesting story I wish was a complete book. My advise to the readers who enjoy books about the Roman legions is get this. You won’t be disappointed.

Joe Corso
Author of The Starlight Club

[Corey Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Ben Kane’s historical fiction offerings for years now. This short story is no exception. One typically embarks a novella with tempered expectations of possibly being underwhelmed. Centurion of the First delivers on a level unexpected. It’s a story of one warrior’s fight to survive and more importantly protect his men. Kane writes from a place of vast knowledge and research. The fights are brutal, the dialogue is captivating, and the tension is palpable.

[John Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

A great story for a great cause. Ben has also name checked the contributors and built them into the story. A great way of rewarding readers. Always a great story from Ben Kane.

[Stephen Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopefully see a full novel with these characters soon

[Ellis Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun hours read

A great short story from the master himself. Comprised of Kickstarter backers. It’s a fun little read to pass an hour or two.

[John Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read

One of the best short stories ever but then Ben Kane is the author
Top writer and great story teller

[Cathygillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ben Kane’s books on the Roman Army and was very excited to see this one which has just come out on Amazon.

It’s beautifully written, detail perfect and a great afternoon’s read showing life at the far flung corner of the Roman Empire between Hadrian’s Wall and the yet to be constructed Antonine’s Wall and the tribal unrest in that area which kept the Roman Army fully occupied.

There is a very real picture of life as a centurion and his relationships with his men, his eye for troublesome characters and ones who would make good officers. Also his instincts about the tribes surrounding them all stand him in good stead.

Thanks Ben, that was an afternoon well spent.

[Paul Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came about through a Kick starter campaign and the contributes are name checked, there are far too many names, unfortunately some pages are just full of names and brief descriptions to me this spoilt it. I was around a 1/3 of the way through when i felt like giving up, the story its self is fine.
The forgotten Legion and Spartacus are by far his best books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review tonight because I'm very tired:

This was a good novella! Outnumbered Romans vs. the intimidating Votadini. I like Ben Kane's style.

[John o byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a let down

Even though it was a short story there wasn't much of a of one just a lot of names a couple of fights and basically that was it

[Brian Seare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siege

A good story excellent history of the various characters involved. Maybe it took more of the story than it should as the engagement with the enemy was shortened.

[Richard Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun shirt story

If you like Roman history and stories of the legions, this is up your alley. Jane is very descriptive of the soldiers in the cohort.

[Quinton Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written novelette with an interesting storyline.

[José Herculano Paulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Kane in great form, showing how his long walks in full Roman garb come in handy to create a great atmosphere and delicious details. Highly recommended.