What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow of Rome #1
Eagle and the Flame: This action-packed, immersive adventure from Adam Lofthouse will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire
Pre-order the first in the BRAND NEW Shadow of Rome series. An action-packed, immersive military adventure from author Adam Lofthouse. Rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire.
Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means...
Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.
Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means...
Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
About the author
Adam Lofthouse
11 books61 followersAdam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. The Centurion’s Son is Adam’s first novel. He lives in Kent, UK
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 22, 2022
Valentia by Adam Lofthouse
Meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus. Drunken soldier. Absent father. Unlikely hero.
Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367
It’s just another day, until it isn’t. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it’s about to change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, ‘Valentia’, is the word on everyone’s lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.
And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. Now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
REVIEW
A compelling tale of a sparsely chronicled event...something that is the mark of a good author of historical fiction. To create a story like Valentia out of that lack of information, and to craft it such that the reader cannot tell it's mostly fiction, takes talent my peeps and fellow readers. To create characters who breathe realism, emotion, and insight takes talent, and that is one of the strong suits of this tale. Believable characters coping with an unbelievable situation, keeping the reader engaged and turning pages, the author leads us on a journey filled with unexpected surprises. Many twists and turns in this one, my peeps, an enjoyable read awaits you. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus. Drunken soldier. Absent father. Unlikely hero.
Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367
It’s just another day, until it isn’t. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it’s about to change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, ‘Valentia’, is the word on everyone’s lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.
And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. Now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
REVIEW
A compelling tale of a sparsely chronicled event...something that is the mark of a good author of historical fiction. To create a story like Valentia out of that lack of information, and to craft it such that the reader cannot tell it's mostly fiction, takes talent my peeps and fellow readers. To create characters who breathe realism, emotion, and insight takes talent, and that is one of the strong suits of this tale. Believable characters coping with an unbelievable situation, keeping the reader engaged and turning pages, the author leads us on a journey filled with unexpected surprises. Many twists and turns in this one, my peeps, an enjoyable read awaits you. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 5, 2022
Valentia is the new book by Adam Lofthouse author of the excellent Path Of Nemesis series which established Adam as a powerhouse in historical fiction scene set in the Roman era.
In Valentia we meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus a good solider who could of been better, a flawed man and husband and an absantee father. With his small group of soldiers he is tasked with keeping the peace North of the wall, but something is wrong, villagers are up and moving South, Roman forts have been abandoned, old enemies are raiding the coast and pushing inland, coincidence, well maybe not as Valentia is on everybody's lips, whispered with fear, daubed in blood on village walls and Forts alike. Its up to Sixtus and his men to find out what's going on and who or what Valentia is? To do that he will have to put the goblet down and take up the sword and prove to himself and his family he has what it takes.
One of Adam's strong points is characters and Sixtus is up there with the best of them, a man driven by duty but hounded by mistakes and apathy, one who the reader shouldn't particularly like, but cannot help but to root for. It also has a cast of well fleshed out extras I particularly liked Half Hand
The action is fast and brutal and the pacing is perfect, with enough attention to the detail of the time without ever becoming bogged down. All in all a fantastic read.
In Valentia we meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus a good solider who could of been better, a flawed man and husband and an absantee father. With his small group of soldiers he is tasked with keeping the peace North of the wall, but something is wrong, villagers are up and moving South, Roman forts have been abandoned, old enemies are raiding the coast and pushing inland, coincidence, well maybe not as Valentia is on everybody's lips, whispered with fear, daubed in blood on village walls and Forts alike. Its up to Sixtus and his men to find out what's going on and who or what Valentia is? To do that he will have to put the goblet down and take up the sword and prove to himself and his family he has what it takes.
One of Adam's strong points is characters and Sixtus is up there with the best of them, a man driven by duty but hounded by mistakes and apathy, one who the reader shouldn't particularly like, but cannot help but to root for. It also has a cast of well fleshed out extras I particularly liked Half Hand
The action is fast and brutal and the pacing is perfect, with enough attention to the detail of the time without ever becoming bogged down. All in all a fantastic read.
April 11, 2026
Ya know those books that you just know you’re going to love? So, yeah…
5⭐️
5⭐️
August 17, 2022
As a fan of the authors work I was looking forward to this one immensely!
Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.
Rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land.
Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have know each other for years.. kind of opposites but at the same time hold some of the same qualities.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!
The book starts well and the plot moves at the perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and stop them.
Roman forts have been abandoned… but where are the bodies..and theirs multiple enemies reported all over..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia… is everyone being honest about what they know?
We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!
Having read the authors previous offerings I’m more than impressed. The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I felt that the author really had fun with this one and found the winning mix!
Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.
Rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land.
Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have know each other for years.. kind of opposites but at the same time hold some of the same qualities.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!
The book starts well and the plot moves at the perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and stop them.
Roman forts have been abandoned… but where are the bodies..and theirs multiple enemies reported all over..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia… is everyone being honest about what they know?
We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!
Having read the authors previous offerings I’m more than impressed. The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I felt that the author really had fun with this one and found the winning mix!
September 29, 2025
This was an engaging, gritty and thrilling historical adventure.
I really enjoyed the historical setting of this one. The glory days of Rome have passed, and we see it struggling to manage its colossal empire. Lofthouse has created a very grim and dark Britain at a time when it was vulnerable and powerless. He explores the threats faced on all sides from the Saxons and Franks to the east and the Caledonians from the north, weaving these into a compelling narrative. The landscape of the era is evoked through abandoned fortresses to the villas of the wealthy and to the hamlets of the native Britons. Despite the chaos, there is some semblance of Roman authority, and the author draws on the hierarchy of the Roman army with its cohort prefects and high-ranking officers such as the comes rei militaris to give the reader a sense of its power and organisation.
Lofthouse’s protagonists aren’t heroes. Victorinus and Felicius are ageing and carry the weight of old wounds or regrets. Beneath the exterior of battle-hardened Roman soldiers, they experience the same fear, grief and excitement as all humans, making for relatable characters. They demonstrate unswerving determination and tactical brilliance in their leadership and loyalty in their relationships with their comrades and families.
Lofthouse weaves a very clever plot, building tension and mystery into a climactic denouement. He takes us on a journey of suspicion where men aren’t as they seem, political intricacies grow thicker and the quest for power drives violence. There is a claustrophobic feel to this novel as the tension mounts, reminding me of the atmosphere of a thriller. It kept me reading to discover the carefully constructed and believable twist.
It's a well-written story, focusing on human experiences in times of hardship and the political instability of the time.
Lofthouse has created a thrilling historical adventure and set it in an authentic and fascinating period of Britain’s history.
I would recommend this one for anyone who loves Roman history and is looking for a gritty, layered read.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for the ARC.
I really enjoyed the historical setting of this one. The glory days of Rome have passed, and we see it struggling to manage its colossal empire. Lofthouse has created a very grim and dark Britain at a time when it was vulnerable and powerless. He explores the threats faced on all sides from the Saxons and Franks to the east and the Caledonians from the north, weaving these into a compelling narrative. The landscape of the era is evoked through abandoned fortresses to the villas of the wealthy and to the hamlets of the native Britons. Despite the chaos, there is some semblance of Roman authority, and the author draws on the hierarchy of the Roman army with its cohort prefects and high-ranking officers such as the comes rei militaris to give the reader a sense of its power and organisation.
Lofthouse’s protagonists aren’t heroes. Victorinus and Felicius are ageing and carry the weight of old wounds or regrets. Beneath the exterior of battle-hardened Roman soldiers, they experience the same fear, grief and excitement as all humans, making for relatable characters. They demonstrate unswerving determination and tactical brilliance in their leadership and loyalty in their relationships with their comrades and families.
Lofthouse weaves a very clever plot, building tension and mystery into a climactic denouement. He takes us on a journey of suspicion where men aren’t as they seem, political intricacies grow thicker and the quest for power drives violence. There is a claustrophobic feel to this novel as the tension mounts, reminding me of the atmosphere of a thriller. It kept me reading to discover the carefully constructed and believable twist.
It's a well-written story, focusing on human experiences in times of hardship and the political instability of the time.
Lofthouse has created a thrilling historical adventure and set it in an authentic and fascinating period of Britain’s history.
I would recommend this one for anyone who loves Roman history and is looking for a gritty, layered read.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for the ARC.
February 9, 2023
The shadow side of the end of Roman Britain
Good at last to read a book with a proper ending rather than one in a never ending series . Well crafted with believable characters. Recommended far good read
Good at last to read a book with a proper ending rather than one in a never ending series . Well crafted with believable characters. Recommended far good read
May 24, 2022
I received a free copy of VALENTIA from the author in return for a review.
AD 367 and the soon-to-be-forsaken province of Britannia is in turmoil. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, 'Valentia' is on everybody's lips... but no-one seems to know what the name signifies. Enter Victorinus: drunken soldier; absent father and unlikely hero.
I've read a few of Adam's books now and salute the way he manages to weave such compelling tales from fragmentary periods of Rome's imperial history. First Germany, now northern Britain and, specifically, a rebellion that is a very hazy and mysterious part of Roman history. His stories are always character-driven and he has become adept at forging protagonists with whom you can readily identify, without them becoming cookie-cutter versions of soldiers. Victorinus is a likeable rogue, who leaps upon a late opportunity for redemption. The dynamic between him and his loyal soldiers - and other commanders - is beautifully crafted and allows for some genuinely funny and touching exchanges.
'You said Saxons, sir. I think these bastards are Franks.'
'Tell me, centurion,' Felicius said in a loud voice. 'Do Franks die the same way Saxons do?'
Serenas laughed. 'I do believe so, sir, though I'm not certain. Shall we go and find out?'
I loved this one and it (like many such exchanges) played out in my head so clearly.
I heartily recommend this book. In the interest of whetting the appetite and avoiding spoilers, I'll merely say that there are some intriguing twists to go with the tension and the action. Overall, the author delivers a lesson in how to depict a frontier world at the edge of a crumbling empire and how to populate it with believable and very likeable characters. Full marks, Adam Lofthouse!
AD 367 and the soon-to-be-forsaken province of Britannia is in turmoil. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, 'Valentia' is on everybody's lips... but no-one seems to know what the name signifies. Enter Victorinus: drunken soldier; absent father and unlikely hero.
I've read a few of Adam's books now and salute the way he manages to weave such compelling tales from fragmentary periods of Rome's imperial history. First Germany, now northern Britain and, specifically, a rebellion that is a very hazy and mysterious part of Roman history. His stories are always character-driven and he has become adept at forging protagonists with whom you can readily identify, without them becoming cookie-cutter versions of soldiers. Victorinus is a likeable rogue, who leaps upon a late opportunity for redemption. The dynamic between him and his loyal soldiers - and other commanders - is beautifully crafted and allows for some genuinely funny and touching exchanges.
'You said Saxons, sir. I think these bastards are Franks.'
'Tell me, centurion,' Felicius said in a loud voice. 'Do Franks die the same way Saxons do?'
Serenas laughed. 'I do believe so, sir, though I'm not certain. Shall we go and find out?'
I loved this one and it (like many such exchanges) played out in my head so clearly.
I heartily recommend this book. In the interest of whetting the appetite and avoiding spoilers, I'll merely say that there are some intriguing twists to go with the tension and the action. Overall, the author delivers a lesson in how to depict a frontier world at the edge of a crumbling empire and how to populate it with believable and very likeable characters. Full marks, Adam Lofthouse!
May 2, 2022
I am thrilled to be once more supporting Adam with his latest book. I am sure this will be another excellent read. Adam has kindly provided me with a copy to undertake an Advance Review. Watch this space I will update you as I read on. 👍 @adamlofthouse
Absolutely brilliant
Great strong characters that grow in strength as you read on
Exciting & Thrilling plot that grips you
A few strong loyal men desperate to stay true to each other and Rome
Intrigue, friendship, brotherhood, loyalty, action, betrayal, fights this book as it all
The story grips you from the start with a small troop of Romans discovering the northern warriors are on the March. The story rolls on with troops making a fighting withdrawal and finding outposts abandoned.
Absolutely brilliant
Great strong characters that grow in strength as you read on
Exciting & Thrilling plot that grips you
A few strong loyal men desperate to stay true to each other and Rome
Intrigue, friendship, brotherhood, loyalty, action, betrayal, fights this book as it all
The story grips you from the start with a small troop of Romans discovering the northern warriors are on the March. The story rolls on with troops making a fighting withdrawal and finding outposts abandoned.
August 5, 2022
Loved this book, the author has come along way since his first book and this shows. An excellent start to an exciting new series and I look forward to the next instalment
October 1, 2023
This roman historical adventure is the 1st part of the "Victorinus" series, featuring Tribune Sixtus Victorinus as the main protagonist, closely followed by his friend, Prefect Felicius.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters, whether real historical like Jovinus, Theodosius the Elder and Younger and Maximus, or fantastic fictional, come all vividly to life in this eventful Roman tale set mainly in Britannia in AD367.
At the back of the book you'll find an Historical Note, where the thoroughly researched historical details concerning this period of history are very well explained.
The book is set during the months of June until October AD367, in Britannia near Hadrian's Wall at the beginning and that will end near the fort of Epiacum.
Its a tale about drunken soldier and absent father, Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, who's trying to redeem himself for firstly his family and secondly the Roman army, with the rest of his scouting party consisting of Drost, Halfhand, Severus, Cassius and Pastor, when all of a sudden North of the Wall they will come upon fires forming the letter V, and soon enough will learn that a rebellion has started called Valentia, with a sinister elusive leader leading at the front.
Victorinus's friend and colleague in the Roman army, Prefect Felicius of the 4th Cohort, who after having found his father-in-law killed with a sinister message on body and wall, will flee with his men South to get help in Bononia across the Narrow Seas, and there Felicius will become part of the relieving army of Britannia which is headed by General Theodosius the Elder, assisted by his son Theodosius the Younger and nephew Maximus, and while they counterattack this rebellion from the South, Victorinus will organise a fighting response from the North.
What is to follow is a very engaging Roman historical story, where heroes and villains will clash towards an inevitable conclusion of this rebellion, which was lead by Valentinus, and that which will be settled in the only Roman way possible.
Highly recommended, for this is in my view a welcoming first part of this new Roman series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Very Promising Victorinus Start"!
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters, whether real historical like Jovinus, Theodosius the Elder and Younger and Maximus, or fantastic fictional, come all vividly to life in this eventful Roman tale set mainly in Britannia in AD367.
At the back of the book you'll find an Historical Note, where the thoroughly researched historical details concerning this period of history are very well explained.
The book is set during the months of June until October AD367, in Britannia near Hadrian's Wall at the beginning and that will end near the fort of Epiacum.
Its a tale about drunken soldier and absent father, Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, who's trying to redeem himself for firstly his family and secondly the Roman army, with the rest of his scouting party consisting of Drost, Halfhand, Severus, Cassius and Pastor, when all of a sudden North of the Wall they will come upon fires forming the letter V, and soon enough will learn that a rebellion has started called Valentia, with a sinister elusive leader leading at the front.
Victorinus's friend and colleague in the Roman army, Prefect Felicius of the 4th Cohort, who after having found his father-in-law killed with a sinister message on body and wall, will flee with his men South to get help in Bononia across the Narrow Seas, and there Felicius will become part of the relieving army of Britannia which is headed by General Theodosius the Elder, assisted by his son Theodosius the Younger and nephew Maximus, and while they counterattack this rebellion from the South, Victorinus will organise a fighting response from the North.
What is to follow is a very engaging Roman historical story, where heroes and villains will clash towards an inevitable conclusion of this rebellion, which was lead by Valentinus, and that which will be settled in the only Roman way possible.
Highly recommended, for this is in my view a welcoming first part of this new Roman series, and that's why I like to call this first episode: "A Very Promising Victorinus Start"!
October 2, 2025
A swift moving tidal wave of events engulf Roman Britannia in AD367 when thousands of tribesmen cross the wall unseen, unheard in the middle of the night by the Roman miles areani (border patrol) led by Tribune Sixtus Victorinus.
Indeed, the Tribune's blood runs cold when he sees the huge V doused with pitch and set alight, blazing away that cloudy, rainy, blustery day: a portent of doom.
A little later, that same chilly morning as the fingers of dawn crept over the Roman fort at Vindolanda, Gaius Felicius Roman prefect of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, is stunned to see the hundreds of thousands of Celtic warrior tribesmen drawn up in silent battle array, before the fort of Vindolanda. That sense of bewilderment all too quickly gives way to an all-consuming sense of dread and cold fear when he finds his father-in-law's bloody and mutilated corpse and sees the blazing V on the grass.
Both men discovered the V stands for Valentia, but who or what is Valentia? How are they funding this massive rebellion using the Scotti, Picts, other tribes and disgruntled Roman soldiers and others? Will the few faithful but beleagured cohorts receive adequate and timely help from the Emperor in far away Rome?
For both Victorinus and Felicius, defeating the rebels has just become deeply personal when they receive word that their young wives and children have been captured by the rebels. Can they crush the rebellion, save their families and survive in this remote, forgotten outpost of the Empire, both of which are also slowly collapsing under the influx of barbarian hordes?
Lofthouse has produced a visceral, fast paced novel that is bloody, suspenseful, and gritty. Fans of novels set within the Roman Empire, especially it's dying years will enjoy this novel.
PS- this was initially published as Valentia, and now as The Eagle and the Flame. I received an ARC copy from @BoldwoodBooks but the opinions expressed here are my own.
Indeed, the Tribune's blood runs cold when he sees the huge V doused with pitch and set alight, blazing away that cloudy, rainy, blustery day: a portent of doom.
A little later, that same chilly morning as the fingers of dawn crept over the Roman fort at Vindolanda, Gaius Felicius Roman prefect of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, is stunned to see the hundreds of thousands of Celtic warrior tribesmen drawn up in silent battle array, before the fort of Vindolanda. That sense of bewilderment all too quickly gives way to an all-consuming sense of dread and cold fear when he finds his father-in-law's bloody and mutilated corpse and sees the blazing V on the grass.
Both men discovered the V stands for Valentia, but who or what is Valentia? How are they funding this massive rebellion using the Scotti, Picts, other tribes and disgruntled Roman soldiers and others? Will the few faithful but beleagured cohorts receive adequate and timely help from the Emperor in far away Rome?
For both Victorinus and Felicius, defeating the rebels has just become deeply personal when they receive word that their young wives and children have been captured by the rebels. Can they crush the rebellion, save their families and survive in this remote, forgotten outpost of the Empire, both of which are also slowly collapsing under the influx of barbarian hordes?
Lofthouse has produced a visceral, fast paced novel that is bloody, suspenseful, and gritty. Fans of novels set within the Roman Empire, especially it's dying years will enjoy this novel.
PS- this was initially published as Valentia, and now as The Eagle and the Flame. I received an ARC copy from @BoldwoodBooks but the opinions expressed here are my own.
July 31, 2022
Valentia by Adam Lofthouse is a fascinating reimagining of Britannia during the late 360s. This then is Roman Britain, complete with Roman soldiers and senators, Roman weapons and, of course, Hadrian's Wall. (It's the 1900 anniversary of Hadrian's Wall this year, so it's all quite apt:)) But, this is also a world of Germanic warriors, Saxon invaders, the tribes from beyond the Wall, and even some pirates.
Historically, the end of Roman Britain might be a few years in the future, but this is a world on the brink, the reach of the Romans starting to fade, and the events in Valentia tell of a people as yet unaware of the coming calamities, and, Adam tells it very well. We have abandoned Roman forts, discontent Roman soldiers who aren't getting paid on time, and the tribes from across Hadrian's Wall more aware of what might be happening than the Romans. And the emperor is very far away in Rome.
Our two main characters, Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, and Felicius are opposites of the same coin; one jaded and drunk, the other, still a career Roman soldier. Between them, they must disentangle the unexplained events on the borderlands, and then they must rouse support from all that they can to defeat the coming rebellion.
Valentia starts fantastically well, immediately sucking the reader into the world of the 360s. It's really quite hard to put the book down as the tension ramps up. Tribune Sixtus is a sympathetic character, for all, he is perhaps to blame for many of his problems. The small group of warriors who make up his area of command are well-sketched, and there is tragedy in the offing. Felicius' life is more regimented, and it is Felicius who gives us the glimpse of what it was to be a Roman in the waning years of the Empire.
I really enjoyed Valentia. The book starts with a bang and builds really well to its conclusion, meeting a great cast of characters on the way. If you're a fan of stories set in Saxon England, then you will love this earlier glimpse of Britannia.
Historically, the end of Roman Britain might be a few years in the future, but this is a world on the brink, the reach of the Romans starting to fade, and the events in Valentia tell of a people as yet unaware of the coming calamities, and, Adam tells it very well. We have abandoned Roman forts, discontent Roman soldiers who aren't getting paid on time, and the tribes from across Hadrian's Wall more aware of what might be happening than the Romans. And the emperor is very far away in Rome.
Our two main characters, Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, and Felicius are opposites of the same coin; one jaded and drunk, the other, still a career Roman soldier. Between them, they must disentangle the unexplained events on the borderlands, and then they must rouse support from all that they can to defeat the coming rebellion.
Valentia starts fantastically well, immediately sucking the reader into the world of the 360s. It's really quite hard to put the book down as the tension ramps up. Tribune Sixtus is a sympathetic character, for all, he is perhaps to blame for many of his problems. The small group of warriors who make up his area of command are well-sketched, and there is tragedy in the offing. Felicius' life is more regimented, and it is Felicius who gives us the glimpse of what it was to be a Roman in the waning years of the Empire.
I really enjoyed Valentia. The book starts with a bang and builds really well to its conclusion, meeting a great cast of characters on the way. If you're a fan of stories set in Saxon England, then you will love this earlier glimpse of Britannia.
September 10, 2025
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. I don't have a favourite time period, I can never decide between them all!
Adam Lofthouse takes the reader back to AD 367, the time of the late Roman Empire. We are introduced to Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, he is north of the Wall of Hadrian, scouting when he sees smoke. He investigates and discovers chaos in a province, all the soldiers gone. As barbarians run amok throughout the country and Valentia is the word everyone hears, with no idea what it means.
Victorinus knows he has not led his life how he should but realises he needs to prove himself as a soldier. Something he wished he had done before, but now his family are at stake, and traitors are never far away either!
A rich and expertly written historical fiction story. Victorinus is a perfect main character, flawed and multi-layered. The author has fleshed him out so well. I do think that characters who are, at times, morally grey, are much more interesting and lifelike.
When I read this type of book, I do love it when I can't tell when the facts end and the fiction begins. This is exactly how Eagle and the Flame made me feel. I felt like I was watching the battles firsthand with all the brutality that this period brings. Adam Lofthouse knows how to keep his readers in the palm of his hand!
This is the first book in a series, and I am eager to read the next one when I can.
Adam Lofthouse takes the reader back to AD 367, the time of the late Roman Empire. We are introduced to Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, he is north of the Wall of Hadrian, scouting when he sees smoke. He investigates and discovers chaos in a province, all the soldiers gone. As barbarians run amok throughout the country and Valentia is the word everyone hears, with no idea what it means.
Victorinus knows he has not led his life how he should but realises he needs to prove himself as a soldier. Something he wished he had done before, but now his family are at stake, and traitors are never far away either!
A rich and expertly written historical fiction story. Victorinus is a perfect main character, flawed and multi-layered. The author has fleshed him out so well. I do think that characters who are, at times, morally grey, are much more interesting and lifelike.
When I read this type of book, I do love it when I can't tell when the facts end and the fiction begins. This is exactly how Eagle and the Flame made me feel. I felt like I was watching the battles firsthand with all the brutality that this period brings. Adam Lofthouse knows how to keep his readers in the palm of his hand!
This is the first book in a series, and I am eager to read the next one when I can.
December 29, 2024
This is a period of Roman Britannia that I do not know well, and I was looking forward to reading this novel. The author mentions he 'restarted' the novel several times, and I'm not sure it's right yet.
I found the storyline confusing. There were too many ‘lead’ characters, two of whom had lost families, and too
many points of view. The names were also very similar in some cases, which didn’t help. The story leapt about quite a lot, not aided by the lack of paragraph spacing or section breaks in many places. A lot of thought needs to go into the structure of the novel.
It took most of the novel before the protagonist confronted the antagonist, and in just a few pages, it was all over. The antagonist, a detailed planner and schemer, seems to have blown it rather easily. I did not feel he was that foolish. There is also a deus ex machina at the end.
The story has great potential, but I suspect it needs to be a bigger, more structured book. Having said that, I loved the main character, and I am tempted to buy the next book to see how he gets on.
I found the storyline confusing. There were too many ‘lead’ characters, two of whom had lost families, and too
many points of view. The names were also very similar in some cases, which didn’t help. The story leapt about quite a lot, not aided by the lack of paragraph spacing or section breaks in many places. A lot of thought needs to go into the structure of the novel.
It took most of the novel before the protagonist confronted the antagonist, and in just a few pages, it was all over. The antagonist, a detailed planner and schemer, seems to have blown it rather easily. I did not feel he was that foolish. There is also a deus ex machina at the end.
The story has great potential, but I suspect it needs to be a bigger, more structured book. Having said that, I loved the main character, and I am tempted to buy the next book to see how he gets on.
July 25, 2025
Sixtus Victorinus is a drunk and in charge of the miles areani, who patrol North of the wall to quell the rebellious tribes from the north. One day while on patrol the group of 6 come across a fire. From this beginning we follow Victorinus and his friend Felicius as they travel across the country, one to his family with Felicius' family and the other to Gaul to muster more troops to quell a rebellion amongst the Romans. It take a while of tooing and froing, setting the scene, for the story to pick up speed. Once it does it becomes exceeding hard to put the book down as you become drawn into the story and you wish for the main characters to all survive and be reunited with their families. A great read which truly gives a feel for what the conditions for the soldiers must have been like. Although some of the phrasing seems a little to modern for the period it helps to humanise the characters and truly convey their feelings. A great story well written with endearing characters you really feel for. With thanks to th author Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the chance to read this book
August 8, 2025
AD 367 Northern Britain. Rome’s grip on Britain is weakening and rebellion is growing. The Franks and Saxons are raiding more frequently, and people are fleeing from the north seeking protection further south. Victorinus and his band of military scouts are on patrol when they see flames, investigating they find bodies one of whom utters the word ‘Valentia’ before he dies. Victorinus is not a model Roman soldier, he’s an absent husband and father and a drunkard but he knows that something needs to be done to find out who is behind the terror that’s overtaking the north. And since no one else seems to be doing anything, especially the Army, it’s down to him, his scouts and any other loyal soldiers he can find.
This is a fascinating tale of brotherhood, love, redemption and betrayal, with fictional and real life characters neatly woven into the story. I’ve read a number of books set in Britain in the early part of the first century AD but this is the first I’ve read set in this time period. I’ve really enjoyed reading it and it’s made me want to find out more.
This is a fascinating tale of brotherhood, love, redemption and betrayal, with fictional and real life characters neatly woven into the story. I’ve read a number of books set in Britain in the early part of the first century AD but this is the first I’ve read set in this time period. I’ve really enjoyed reading it and it’s made me want to find out more.
July 7, 2025
This was a different genre to what I normally read. This was a story about ambition, war, betrayal, loyalty and love. Each of the different characters ends up in vastly different situations, but those who were loyal and generous prospered. Life in the Roman Empire was hard, but for everyone the really important things are friendship, love and family, it is just the going about it that is different. Pastor was a complex person and I also enjoyed the role of Victorinus and his journey. Although there are war and battle scenes, they are handled well and the reader doesn’t get bogged down in that, as they have serve a purpose in moving the story forward. I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end, as this is a time period I know little about, and I look forward to reading more about these characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 4, 2025
I find it amazing how a piece of writing can transport you through time, and this author has done that with this book transporting you back to Britain in CE367. This is the first book in a series and sets the foundations for some great upcoming stories and character development.
The book contains some great action scenes on the battlefields but also takes a look at the harshness of a soldier's life at the time and the effects of long term drinking and womanising has upon their families.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is a great book to read. Looking forward to hearing about book 2 in the series.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Netgalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic opy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book was released on the 30th July and is available in e-book and audiobook formats.
The book contains some great action scenes on the battlefields but also takes a look at the harshness of a soldier's life at the time and the effects of long term drinking and womanising has upon their families.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is a great book to read. Looking forward to hearing about book 2 in the series.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Netgalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic opy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book was released on the 30th July and is available in e-book and audiobook formats.
August 18, 2023
This is the first Adam Lofthouse book I have read and will most certainly not be the last! The book is set in the late Roman Empire, with the empire already split between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. This led to the books setting being vastly different than other Roman books I have read that are set in Britannia.
Victorinus is an interesting principle character with aspects of an anti-hero and has made a number of morally grey decisions in the past. This makes him more believable and relatable. As he’s not your archetypal perfect hero.
I also hope that the supporting characters such as Drost and Pastor return in the succeeding novels in the series. I found the ending quite sad, as even the villains in the book have redeeming attributes. This was a great read.
Victorinus is an interesting principle character with aspects of an anti-hero and has made a number of morally grey decisions in the past. This makes him more believable and relatable. As he’s not your archetypal perfect hero.
I also hope that the supporting characters such as Drost and Pastor return in the succeeding novels in the series. I found the ending quite sad, as even the villains in the book have redeeming attributes. This was a great read.
June 29, 2025
While I've been to Rome and can appreciate her History, I personally think the Romans were the barbarians!.. Of course I'm of Celtic blood so I guess I'm biased. But, having read Eagle and the Flame, and the way it was written could give one a slightly different perspective. Adam Lofthouse does such a fantastic job setting up and delivering action scenes, that when the chapter is done your looking around dazed like having been in the middle of the action! There are some touching emotional scenes as well, with plenty of drama and intrigue. With not a whole lot of written history of the time, I think Lofthouse did a bang up job delivering the first book of a new series, I can't wait for book two!
This is my honest review after having read an ARC from Boldwood Books and Netgalley.
This is my honest review after having read an ARC from Boldwood Books and Netgalley.
September 10, 2025
This is a vivid and atmospheric reimagining of Roman Britain in the 360s. With Hadrian’s Wall as the backdrop, the story follows Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, a flawed yet sympathetic officer, and Felicius, a disciplined Roman soldier, as they face growing unrest and rebellion. The novel balances action with deep character work, making both the soldiers and their struggles feel real and human. Fast-paced, immersive, and filled with atmosphere, this is a must-read for fans of Roman and early British historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
Well written, likeable characters, and a happy ending. That’s the good, and partly why I kept reading. While reading, I sometimes had no sense of time in the story, other than the idea that a large swath of time had passed. Perhaps that was planned. The anticipation of the meeting of the Romans and the Traitors was built up well. However, the ending came quickly, much like the final battle. There was a happy ending, but it ended in a way that makes the reader able to walk away without continuing the series. I, for one, will continue with the series as I do enjoy series in general and the historical fiction aspect is quite enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
Now if your one of those people who enjoys hearibg stories of ancient Rome this is the book for you. Set in Britiana 367 AD it will tell the story of one man's brave journey to rid the country of barbarians and claim the title of hero himself. Overall this was a very interesting read and I think if your a man you would enjoy the plot and develop an interest in history. I usually prefer stories with the woman as the hero but this one just happened to be a nice experience to read.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
August 13, 2022
… and the War continues.
In the novel VALENTIA , I found a fast moving , gritty and intriguing story woven in a most gripping style.
Adam Lofthouse in his closing notes promises us more to come .
I really hope so.
As the Sol Invictus returns each day , we can only home Lofthouse entertains us with another novel.
In the novel VALENTIA , I found a fast moving , gritty and intriguing story woven in a most gripping style.
Adam Lofthouse in his closing notes promises us more to come .
I really hope so.
As the Sol Invictus returns each day , we can only home Lofthouse entertains us with another novel.
February 4, 2025
Excellent.
Adam Lofthouse is a Historical writer who's books where new to me, I must admit I realy enjoyed this tale following a small unit of roman auxiliarys and their adventures in Britain during the later years of roman rule, I will definitely be reading more from this author and the book comes highly recommended.
Adam Lofthouse is a Historical writer who's books where new to me, I must admit I realy enjoyed this tale following a small unit of roman auxiliarys and their adventures in Britain during the later years of roman rule, I will definitely be reading more from this author and the book comes highly recommended.
June 22, 2025
An interesting story of one Roman solider’s quest to fight the invading Picts and reconnect with his family.. I wonder why the people in what is now Northern England were afraid of the Saxons and the Franks, neither tribe was present in Britain in that era. Both were loose confederations of tribes in what is now Germany at the time and probably never even called themselves Saxons or Franks.
December 16, 2025
This was the,first book in a new series and it introduced the characters that I hope will appear in later novels it was a story of rebellion in Roman Britannia
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
This was the,first book in a new series and it introduced the characters that I hope will appear in later novels it was a story of rebellion in Roman Britannia
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
This was the,first book in a new series and it introduced the characters that I hope will appear in later novels it was a story of rebellion in Roman Britannia
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Marking the decline of Roman occupation and the start of the end of the empire
I enjoyed reading this and look forward to carrying on with the series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
Forgive my churlishness since I am almost alone in not liking this book. I found the entire scenario unconvincing, the characters wooden and the writing clumsy. Roman history is a fertile ground for fiction writers and quite a few of them do it rather well. This is not an example of that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews