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Leader of Battles #1
Ambrosius
"My father was a warrior. He bade me fight..." Britain, 427 AD. Rome has abandoned the province, leaving it exposed to waves of barbarian invasions. To the west, savage pirates from Hibernia ravage the coastline. In the north, the crumbling defences of the Wall cannot contain marauding bands of Picts as they sweep down from the highlands. Worst of all are the Saxons, the dreaded sea-wolves. Under their chiefs, Hengist and Horsa, they wish to drive out the native Britons and claim the entire island for their own. Attacked from all sides, the Britons find a champion in the form of Ambrosius Aurelianus, the last of the Romans. A modest man, riddled with doubts and fears, Ambrosius reluctantly takes on the mantle of Dux Bellorum, Leader of Battles. Placed in command of Britain's only standing army, he fights to preserve the dwindling light of civilisation while the treacherous High King, Vortigern, plots his destruction. Set before the coming of Arthur, the first book of the Leader of Battles trilogy charts the rise and fall of post-Roman Britain's first great hero, and his desperate struggle to hold back the shadows threatening to engulf his country.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 21, 2016
'Leader of Battles (I): Ambrosius' is a clever and very original take on the Arthurian legend. It is a fast-paced story with plenty of action and exciting battles, and I enjoyed reading it very much. The various characters are interesting and original. I particularly liked the author's portrayal of Ambrosius Aurelianus and of the High King, Vortigern, and also his introduction of Artuir/Artorius. David Pilling has a talent for transporting the reader back to a certain time and place, and gives a very good picture of post-Roman Britain.
This is an engaging novel that makes you want to read on and see what will happen next ... now I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
This is an engaging novel that makes you want to read on and see what will happen next ... now I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
July 17, 2014
A different take on the Arthurian legend. Basing it on historical characters gives it some plausibility missing from some of the other stories. A really enjoyable read.
January 17, 2015
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book it's got a bit of everything in it. I would highly recommend it to people who love stories during this era. Thanks Mr Pilling.
I enjoyed reading this book it's got a bit of everything in it. I would highly recommend it to people who love stories during this era. Thanks Mr Pilling.
September 5, 2020
Grim but good flow and energy for the most part; the last part has a bit of "done with this, let's move on to Arthur" flavor, but overall a very good read
May 28, 2018
This is a well-written prequel to the Arthurian age.
Pilling skillfully builds up a post-Roman Britain with its remnants of Roman order, the resurgence of Celtic tribalism and the timeless quest for power at any cost as exemplified in High King Vortigern's doomed pact with the Saxons.
Ambrosius might easily have been an obscure Roman nobleman left to live out his days in peace, but like it or not his was the duty to defend Britain against the invasion of the Saxon barbarians.
What the author does here is clever and perhaps somewhat overdue. He has not purged all magic from the story--one of his characters is a seer with a genuine gift for prophecy--but he has exploited the fascinating turmoil of post-Roman Britain and mined it for its dramatic potential. Add to that the presence of some of the most formidable characters in British literature--Arthur and his warriors--and you have a fascinating story, steeped in the equally fascinating period when Britain was deciding whether its future lay with Rome, with the strength of invading hordes or with its own native Celtic culture--or something that used them all to make a unique new socio-political entity unlike any seen before.
This is the world of Ambrosius: a Britain that stands on the edge of becoming... what?
It is easy to forget the death-pains of the old and the birth-pains of a new culture when you look back at the remove of 15 centuries, but in Pilling's hands, that future still seems undecided to the reader and has all of the hope, fear and wonder of the unknown.
Add to this incredible setting the birth of the legend that will be Arthur and you have an engaging story that makes you want to read on and see what will happen next. Pilling is not afraid to dispense with some of the familiar Arthurian tropes and will happily twist the familiar to more logical conclusions.
Pilling has a skill for creating believable characters in this changing world. Familiar names like Ambrosius, Vortigern, Arthur, Cei, Bedwyr become real people. His female characters (Sevina, Rowena, Morgana, etc.) are strong as they must have been, but they are not anachronisms; they are not 21st-century women transplanted to the 5th or 6th centuries--instead they are important players performing their part just as they really must have done.
I, for one, will very much look forward to seeing what Pilling does next with Arthur/Artorius!
Pilling skillfully builds up a post-Roman Britain with its remnants of Roman order, the resurgence of Celtic tribalism and the timeless quest for power at any cost as exemplified in High King Vortigern's doomed pact with the Saxons.
Ambrosius might easily have been an obscure Roman nobleman left to live out his days in peace, but like it or not his was the duty to defend Britain against the invasion of the Saxon barbarians.
What the author does here is clever and perhaps somewhat overdue. He has not purged all magic from the story--one of his characters is a seer with a genuine gift for prophecy--but he has exploited the fascinating turmoil of post-Roman Britain and mined it for its dramatic potential. Add to that the presence of some of the most formidable characters in British literature--Arthur and his warriors--and you have a fascinating story, steeped in the equally fascinating period when Britain was deciding whether its future lay with Rome, with the strength of invading hordes or with its own native Celtic culture--or something that used them all to make a unique new socio-political entity unlike any seen before.
This is the world of Ambrosius: a Britain that stands on the edge of becoming... what?
It is easy to forget the death-pains of the old and the birth-pains of a new culture when you look back at the remove of 15 centuries, but in Pilling's hands, that future still seems undecided to the reader and has all of the hope, fear and wonder of the unknown.
Add to this incredible setting the birth of the legend that will be Arthur and you have an engaging story that makes you want to read on and see what will happen next. Pilling is not afraid to dispense with some of the familiar Arthurian tropes and will happily twist the familiar to more logical conclusions.
Pilling has a skill for creating believable characters in this changing world. Familiar names like Ambrosius, Vortigern, Arthur, Cei, Bedwyr become real people. His female characters (Sevina, Rowena, Morgana, etc.) are strong as they must have been, but they are not anachronisms; they are not 21st-century women transplanted to the 5th or 6th centuries--instead they are important players performing their part just as they really must have done.
I, for one, will very much look forward to seeing what Pilling does next with Arthur/Artorius!
July 28, 2014
Cuando ya me quejaba de un libro más de Arturo, que bastante se ha escrito desde Mallory hasta Cornwell, me encuentro este que narra la épica defensa de Britania por Ambrosio, propuesto como el padre adoptivo del que será Arturo. Un estilo sobrio con mucho realismo en personajes y detalle, Pilling nos traza un mundo desolado donde la esperanza es un lujo y las batallas son marcas y grises, los héroes lo son por perseverancia y dureza y la civilización se precipita al vacío.
March 20, 2017
Interesting approach
This review is from: Leader of Battles (I): Ambrosius (Kindle Edition)
A great lead-in to the King Arthur story, this tells the story of Ambrosius ,one of the few historical characters from the time. Making Arthur his adopted son is a new approach so far as I know. The story concentrates on the action, the warriors & leaders. Other aspects of the characters are not dwelt upon. No great love story here. Perhaps when Arthur meets Guinevere.
This review is from: Leader of Battles (I): Ambrosius (Kindle Edition)
A great lead-in to the King Arthur story, this tells the story of Ambrosius ,one of the few historical characters from the time. Making Arthur his adopted son is a new approach so far as I know. The story concentrates on the action, the warriors & leaders. Other aspects of the characters are not dwelt upon. No great love story here. Perhaps when Arthur meets Guinevere.
November 25, 2014
Well written
This is a good book for a different view of the early years of Britian after the Roman Army left. Along the lines of Jack Whyte's Camulod Chonicles.
This is a good book for a different view of the early years of Britian after the Roman Army left. Along the lines of Jack Whyte's Camulod Chonicles.
November 13, 2017
Leader of Battles: Ambrosius
I liked the approach on this. It's not the first time an Authurian Legend was written from a Roman perspective. Usually Uther Pendragon an Ambrosius are merged as one. This time Author is adopted. Not the usual Sword in Stone reputoire either. I did feel that after a battle the chapter and with Ambrosius badly wounded and the next chapter he was in full health I felt something was missing. But I really enjoyed this book from both a historical viewpoint and pure pleasure because it was one my favorite stories as a child.
I liked the approach on this. It's not the first time an Authurian Legend was written from a Roman perspective. Usually Uther Pendragon an Ambrosius are merged as one. This time Author is adopted. Not the usual Sword in Stone reputoire either. I did feel that after a battle the chapter and with Ambrosius badly wounded and the next chapter he was in full health I felt something was missing. But I really enjoyed this book from both a historical viewpoint and pure pleasure because it was one my favorite stories as a child.
December 21, 2018
I loved the premise of this book, the formative years before the Arthurian legends begin. The premise is not enough to get me to read the second book. I get most of my books from the library, and while they had this one they do not have the rest in the series.
The copy I read had several typos, which amazed me.
The copy I read had several typos, which amazed me.
February 24, 2021
Well Done
Pilling has a number of good books written in a series; this is one of those. I look forward to his work in Book 2 of the series.
His characters are well fleshed out without endless introspection. He is more action oriented than dwelling on motivation, which is good in my ‘book.’
I enjoy keeping Mr. Pilling in my ‘read more’ list of authors.
Pilling has a number of good books written in a series; this is one of those. I look forward to his work in Book 2 of the series.
His characters are well fleshed out without endless introspection. He is more action oriented than dwelling on motivation, which is good in my ‘book.’
I enjoy keeping Mr. Pilling in my ‘read more’ list of authors.
June 5, 2024
an excellent read
Thank you Mr Pulling for an entertaining book that retells the fate of Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire! I highly recommend it to those who, like me enjoy our history in novel form.
Thank you Mr Pulling for an entertaining book that retells the fate of Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire! I highly recommend it to those who, like me enjoy our history in novel form.
February 2, 2025
Was attracted by the title - Ambrosius Aurelianus -the forgotten man of post Roman Britain - and i wasn't disappointed. Rattles along at pace with engaging characters and plenty of action and intrigue. Started on Book 2 now
December 31, 2018
Very solid historical fiction
January 5, 2020
Interesting read. Have read many of the Arthurian tales and this was clever, realistic Briton history.
April 8, 2024
OK, but lacked the humour of "Champion" series. Recommend skipping this series.
September 8, 2024
interesting
Let see if the second book keep up. Good lecture. The portrait of post Roman Brittania I think is wonderful
Let see if the second book keep up. Good lecture. The portrait of post Roman Brittania I think is wonderful
August 22, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
I came across Ambrosius as the father of Merlin and uncle of Arthur in Mary Stewart's 'Merlin Trilogy' and thought I would give this book by David Pilling, an author unknown to me, a try. Not quite what I expected, but a book I thoroughly enjoyed. David has managed to entwine an incredibly plausible tale of the period with the basis of the Arthurian Legend, the protagonist in the next book in this series.
Starting in 427AD, this is the tale of a Britain abandoned by the Romans and under attack by would be settlers from every direction. As mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles, Vortigern, the High King, attempted to hang on to power by aligning himself with a pair of Saxon brothers, Hengist and Horsa, who initially aided him but then sought to take control of Britain themselves. The opposition to Vortigern and the Saxons is not identified in the chronicles, although Ambrosius Aurelianus is mentioned by Bede, admittedly only by reference to the works of Gildas, details of which are provided in the authors notes. The visit of Germanus of Auxerre and Lupus of Troyes to rid Britain of the Pelagian Heresy is however, something that is well documented by Bede.
Set against this skeletal backdrop of historical fact, we have a wonderful, if somewhat frustrating and sad tale. Ambrosius, elevated to the role of Dux Bellorum by his father, Consul Aurelianus, desperately fights to maintain Roman ways and hold Britain together, not only fighting the invaders but also the self-seeking and treacherous Vortigern. He is forced into leading an incredibly military existence, limited time with his family severely restricted by his commitments.
While travelling the country, he strives to unite his people against the common foe and shows great intelligence and diplomacy in some of the decisions he makes, bargaining with the people to give them a better existence. It is while relocating the Votadini tribe to better lands, where they can provide a defence against pirates that he comes across a Selgovae slave called Artuir, son of Uthyr, who he is very taken with and adopts as the son he hasn't beget.
In general, the tale is fast paced, action packed and very readable. The battles are exciting and the depiction of the decaying infrastructure is stark. The characters are well defined and it is interesting to consider the different ways in which the main protagonists all wish to achieve the same outcome, control of Britain.
Ambrosius in an incredibly honourable and selfless commander who easily gains the respect of his people but his father always insisted that he was too soft-hearted, this ultimately causing his demise.
A brilliant read and I can't wait for the next instalment to arrive at the top of my reading pile.
I came across Ambrosius as the father of Merlin and uncle of Arthur in Mary Stewart's 'Merlin Trilogy' and thought I would give this book by David Pilling, an author unknown to me, a try. Not quite what I expected, but a book I thoroughly enjoyed. David has managed to entwine an incredibly plausible tale of the period with the basis of the Arthurian Legend, the protagonist in the next book in this series.
Starting in 427AD, this is the tale of a Britain abandoned by the Romans and under attack by would be settlers from every direction. As mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles, Vortigern, the High King, attempted to hang on to power by aligning himself with a pair of Saxon brothers, Hengist and Horsa, who initially aided him but then sought to take control of Britain themselves. The opposition to Vortigern and the Saxons is not identified in the chronicles, although Ambrosius Aurelianus is mentioned by Bede, admittedly only by reference to the works of Gildas, details of which are provided in the authors notes. The visit of Germanus of Auxerre and Lupus of Troyes to rid Britain of the Pelagian Heresy is however, something that is well documented by Bede.
Set against this skeletal backdrop of historical fact, we have a wonderful, if somewhat frustrating and sad tale. Ambrosius, elevated to the role of Dux Bellorum by his father, Consul Aurelianus, desperately fights to maintain Roman ways and hold Britain together, not only fighting the invaders but also the self-seeking and treacherous Vortigern. He is forced into leading an incredibly military existence, limited time with his family severely restricted by his commitments.
While travelling the country, he strives to unite his people against the common foe and shows great intelligence and diplomacy in some of the decisions he makes, bargaining with the people to give them a better existence. It is while relocating the Votadini tribe to better lands, where they can provide a defence against pirates that he comes across a Selgovae slave called Artuir, son of Uthyr, who he is very taken with and adopts as the son he hasn't beget.
In general, the tale is fast paced, action packed and very readable. The battles are exciting and the depiction of the decaying infrastructure is stark. The characters are well defined and it is interesting to consider the different ways in which the main protagonists all wish to achieve the same outcome, control of Britain.
Ambrosius in an incredibly honourable and selfless commander who easily gains the respect of his people but his father always insisted that he was too soft-hearted, this ultimately causing his demise.
A brilliant read and I can't wait for the next instalment to arrive at the top of my reading pile.
March 20, 2015
The Untold Story
Ambitious actually did exist. He is usually passed quickly to get to the man around whom the myth of King Arthur. The book does not water down the harsh realities of the age. The characters are developed as real person. The book reads smoothly and grabs the attention immediately. Artuir is found by Ambrosious where is one of the surprises of the story. Fast paced, realistic and attention it pulls the reader into a real world.
Ambitious actually did exist. He is usually passed quickly to get to the man around whom the myth of King Arthur. The book does not water down the harsh realities of the age. The characters are developed as real person. The book reads smoothly and grabs the attention immediately. Artuir is found by Ambrosious where is one of the surprises of the story. Fast paced, realistic and attention it pulls the reader into a real world.
June 20, 2015
another retelling of the Arthurian origins, but this one focuses on the Roman/British foundations that preceded "Arthur" and in that, I commend it. The character isn't a hero in all ways but he does come off very Roman in a world that was rapidly losing that influence. The descriptions of the ruins of former Roman towns, the tactics of the time, the set-up of the story of "Artorious" make me interested in the follow-up book in this series.
June 11, 2016
Good account of the time of King Arthur from a historical perspective. Reading about Ambrosius was interesting. The author does a reasonable job of developing his characters, but there were a few typos in the Kindle version, which made the work seem less polished.
I enjoyed the plot (mostly because I am reasonably ignorant about the history of this time), and would recommend the read to others.
I enjoyed the plot (mostly because I am reasonably ignorant about the history of this time), and would recommend the read to others.
December 21, 2015
An Interesting Version of British History
The author has captured the aura of calamity following the departure of the Romans. The action portions are well-written and the conclusion is satisfactory. Only a rash of typos mar the last third of the book.
The author has captured the aura of calamity following the departure of the Romans. The action portions are well-written and the conclusion is satisfactory. Only a rash of typos mar the last third of the book.
May 24, 2023
Exciting Adventure
Having loved all things Arthur growing up, I was excited about reading this look at the early Britons. Although we are left with strictly speaking conjecture, this seems to be a very possible history! And a great read!
Having loved all things Arthur growing up, I was excited about reading this look at the early Britons. Although we are left with strictly speaking conjecture, this seems to be a very possible history! And a great read!
February 3, 2016
Interesting
Had never heard of amorphous before makes it easy to read would help if the proof reader had done their job better
Had never heard of amorphous before makes it easy to read would help if the proof reader had done their job better
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews