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Gaius Valerius Verrens #6
Scourge of Rome
Bestselling author Douglas Jackson expertly brings the Roman Empire to life in this riveting historical adventure of fire, blood and battle. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens!
"Storytelling of the highest order" - 5 STARS
"Glorious Roman adventure." - 5 STARS
"The drama never lets up - it is gripping" - 5 STARS
"I'm just gutted to have finished it!" - 5 STARS
"Verrens rules, ok?" - 5 STARS
************************************************************
BETRAYED, BANISHED BUT NOT BROKEN...
70 AD: Disgraced, dishonoured and banished on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. He knows his only hope of long term survival lies with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian.
But when he reaches the Roman camps that surround the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew; in his place, a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost.
Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus' lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who together have an ulterior motive for wanting the siege to end quickly.
Yet the laurels Valerius needs in order to regain his honour cannot be won in the tunnels that run beneath Jerusalem. Only in the heat and blood of battle can he find the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.
Gaius Valerius Verrens' adventures continue in Saviour of Rome .
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens!
"Storytelling of the highest order" - 5 STARS
"Glorious Roman adventure." - 5 STARS
"The drama never lets up - it is gripping" - 5 STARS
"I'm just gutted to have finished it!" - 5 STARS
"Verrens rules, ok?" - 5 STARS
************************************************************
BETRAYED, BANISHED BUT NOT BROKEN...
70 AD: Disgraced, dishonoured and banished on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. He knows his only hope of long term survival lies with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian.
But when he reaches the Roman camps that surround the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew; in his place, a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost.
Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus' lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who together have an ulterior motive for wanting the siege to end quickly.
Yet the laurels Valerius needs in order to regain his honour cannot be won in the tunnels that run beneath Jerusalem. Only in the heat and blood of battle can he find the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.
Gaius Valerius Verrens' adventures continue in Saviour of Rome .
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2015
131 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Jackson
39 books264 followersAka James Douglas
Douglas Jackson turned a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans into his first novel, Caligula. He was born in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders and now lives in Bridge of Allan. He is an assistant editor at The Scotsman.
Douglas Jackson turned a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans into his first novel, Caligula. He was born in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders and now lives in Bridge of Allan. He is an assistant editor at The Scotsman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 29, 2017
This series just gets better and better with each novel! This one, with two main storylines, finds Valerius exiled from Rome. In order to regain his honor and fortune and to redeem himself, he travels to Syria and points east [in the first part] and joins his friend Titus, son of Vespasian, the recently-acclaimed emperor, in Jerusalem, to lend his strong arm and brains to Titus to help subdue that city [in the second part]. Serpentius, his ex-gladiator bodyguard and friend, although now suffering seizures after a terrible blow to the head, still fights as well as ever and accompanies Valerius. The Judaeans refuse to surrender and a violent siege ensues. Titus is resolute in pursuing his goals--to capture the city, to reduce it to rubble and to bring the treasures of the Temple to his father, Vespasian.
On the rebound from losing Lady Domitia, Valerius easily falls for Tabitha, lady-in-waiting to Queen Berenice of Cilicia, Titus's paramour. An important character in the story, Tabitha is an agent of the queen, has misrepresented herself until Emesa, then to me [and to Serpentius] she seems like a devious, manipulative, sly, femme fatale. I hope if she becomes a running character, both Serpentius and I will be proven wrong. Once in Jerusalem, we meet Josephus, the turncoat Jewish general, now Titus's advisor and interpreter. I don't think Mr. Jackson was exaggerating the man's venal, opportunistic personality; Josephus was one character I "loved to hate." In the midst of the violent siege, both Tabitha, for her queen, and Josephus, probably for himself, try to carry out the same secretive agenda. Two warring fanatical factions of Jews against the Romans and against each other ambush and skirmish Valerius or the legions; this complicates capture of the city.
The characterization was more and more subtle and nuanced. Well written and polished, pacing was very good. I liked how the author took elements I've read in books by others, but combined them in new, fresh ways. In Dimitrios, the armorer, I could see shades of James Bond's Q. Of course, the city of Emesa wouldn't be the same without its Elah Gabel. I was surprised to find Valerius reading Aineas of Stymphalia on sieges, to get some tips. A few months ago, I read a book review of his extant work. Soon after I read and really enjoyed the novel The End of Sparta in which Aineas is a major character. I didn't like that physical intimacy between Valerius and Tabitha first took place about 25% into the novel and that she initiated it. [I'm probably old-fashioned.] I do like the fact that whenever it did take place, the author "shut the bedroom door" as it were, gave sketchy details and left the rest up to one's imagination. The trek east I liked best, especially the soldiers making their way through the swamp.
I think the editor missed this: on page 92: When Valerius is modeling the magnificent armor Dimitrios has made for him, Tabitha says, "You could be Titus or his OLDER [my capitalization], much more dangerous brother." I believe Domitian was at least a decade YOUNGER.
One can read the novel as a standalone. The author has placed the narration of past events in the text so cleverly that I believe it would tease someone into reading the previous volumes if they had never read them before.
Most highly recommended.
On the rebound from losing Lady Domitia, Valerius easily falls for Tabitha, lady-in-waiting to Queen Berenice of Cilicia, Titus's paramour. An important character in the story, Tabitha is an agent of the queen, has misrepresented herself until Emesa, then to me [and to Serpentius] she seems like a devious, manipulative, sly, femme fatale. I hope if she becomes a running character, both Serpentius and I will be proven wrong. Once in Jerusalem, we meet Josephus, the turncoat Jewish general, now Titus's advisor and interpreter. I don't think Mr. Jackson was exaggerating the man's venal, opportunistic personality; Josephus was one character I "loved to hate." In the midst of the violent siege, both Tabitha, for her queen, and Josephus, probably for himself, try to carry out the same secretive agenda. Two warring fanatical factions of Jews against the Romans and against each other ambush and skirmish Valerius or the legions; this complicates capture of the city.
The characterization was more and more subtle and nuanced. Well written and polished, pacing was very good. I liked how the author took elements I've read in books by others, but combined them in new, fresh ways. In Dimitrios, the armorer, I could see shades of James Bond's Q. Of course, the city of Emesa wouldn't be the same without its Elah Gabel. I was surprised to find Valerius reading Aineas of Stymphalia on sieges, to get some tips. A few months ago, I read a book review of his extant work. Soon after I read and really enjoyed the novel The End of Sparta in which Aineas is a major character. I didn't like that physical intimacy between Valerius and Tabitha first took place about 25% into the novel and that she initiated it. [I'm probably old-fashioned.] I do like the fact that whenever it did take place, the author "shut the bedroom door" as it were, gave sketchy details and left the rest up to one's imagination. The trek east I liked best, especially the soldiers making their way through the swamp.
I think the editor missed this: on page 92: When Valerius is modeling the magnificent armor Dimitrios has made for him, Tabitha says, "You could be Titus or his OLDER [my capitalization], much more dangerous brother." I believe Domitian was at least a decade YOUNGER.
One can read the novel as a standalone. The author has placed the narration of past events in the text so cleverly that I believe it would tease someone into reading the previous volumes if they had never read them before.
Most highly recommended.
August 8, 2021
Superb writing and excellent characterization, which seems to be usual for Douglas Jackson. This took place under Emperor Vespasian and the horrendous sack of Jerusalem in 70-ish AD. It was by no stretch a light breezy read. As a matter of fact, some of it was extremely distressing. But overall this was an excellent historical novel.
February 7, 2017
It took me far too long to find time to catch up with one of the very best historical series in the current world of books. I’ve missed Valerius Verrens. Due to the time I left between this book and the last one it took me a few short chapters to get back into the swing of things, but once I was reaquainted with Verrens and Serpenrius and reminded of how things stood at the end of the previous volume, I was dragged along with the plot at breakneck speed as usual.
An outcast from Rome, due to his conflict with the unpleasant Domitian – son of the new emperor – Valerius seeks out the one place he thinks he can recover his reputation, at the side of the emperor’s other son, Valerius’ old friend Titus, who is busy prosecuting the war against the rebels in Judea. What follows is a gradual building in tension and action filled with good guys, bad guys, and my favourite – realistic grey, part good, part bad, guys. The book introduces us to a powerful queen and her clever, beautiful servant, who Valerius immediately has eyes for, helping him forget Domitia back in Rome, to a scarred tribune who knows Valerius of old, to the Jewish rebel leaders, and to the complex Josephus. It culminates with the dreadful siege of Jerusalem.
There are many things that commend this book (as with all Doug’s work). The writing, which is clear, expressive, direct and yet subtle. The characterisation, for he creates seemingly real people we can believe in. The settings, which are vivid and lovingly described. The action, which is exciting and well-told. The plot, which is perfectly constructed and at no time drags, strays or confuses. But there are two particular things for me that made Scourge a win over even many others in this very series:
The siege of Jerusalem. This is one of the most powerful events in the history of the Roman empire, and one that could easily prove to be divisive and troublesome for a writer (touching on the subject of the destruction of the Jewish world from the viewpoint of those destructors.) And yet the subject is handled lovingly, sympathetically and yet with such stark horror and brutality that the real terror of what happened over those awful weeks. Moreover, Doug’s visual reconstruction of the magnificence that must have been Jerusalem before its sack is unparalleled. This siege is one of Doug’s best pieces of writing and one of the best battles I have ever seen described, actually almost on a par with his genre-defining Colchester burning scene in Hero of Rome.
And, the character of Josephus. I knew of Josephus before the book, as will many followers of Roman history. We know of him from his account of the Jewish wars, and I for one have read much of that account. But I had never thought much about the man behind that writing. In my head I had him pegged as a good guy – a Jew who compromised and consequently survived the war to bring us the history of it. It had never occurred to me to think on how he might have come about all his knowledge of the war, on how he managed to survive in a world where he might well be killed just for his heritage, and on how he might be viewed by his own people. Josephus was the most surprising thing for me in the book, and a characterisation I value highly.
So, in short, this book is as good as any other in the Valerius series (which is to say a cut above most other series in the genre) and is actually probably the second best in the whole saga. It is unrelenting in pace, vivid, surprising, horrifying and even heart-warming in places. A testement to Jackson’s ability, it comes highly recommended. Go read it.
An outcast from Rome, due to his conflict with the unpleasant Domitian – son of the new emperor – Valerius seeks out the one place he thinks he can recover his reputation, at the side of the emperor’s other son, Valerius’ old friend Titus, who is busy prosecuting the war against the rebels in Judea. What follows is a gradual building in tension and action filled with good guys, bad guys, and my favourite – realistic grey, part good, part bad, guys. The book introduces us to a powerful queen and her clever, beautiful servant, who Valerius immediately has eyes for, helping him forget Domitia back in Rome, to a scarred tribune who knows Valerius of old, to the Jewish rebel leaders, and to the complex Josephus. It culminates with the dreadful siege of Jerusalem.
There are many things that commend this book (as with all Doug’s work). The writing, which is clear, expressive, direct and yet subtle. The characterisation, for he creates seemingly real people we can believe in. The settings, which are vivid and lovingly described. The action, which is exciting and well-told. The plot, which is perfectly constructed and at no time drags, strays or confuses. But there are two particular things for me that made Scourge a win over even many others in this very series:
The siege of Jerusalem. This is one of the most powerful events in the history of the Roman empire, and one that could easily prove to be divisive and troublesome for a writer (touching on the subject of the destruction of the Jewish world from the viewpoint of those destructors.) And yet the subject is handled lovingly, sympathetically and yet with such stark horror and brutality that the real terror of what happened over those awful weeks. Moreover, Doug’s visual reconstruction of the magnificence that must have been Jerusalem before its sack is unparalleled. This siege is one of Doug’s best pieces of writing and one of the best battles I have ever seen described, actually almost on a par with his genre-defining Colchester burning scene in Hero of Rome.
And, the character of Josephus. I knew of Josephus before the book, as will many followers of Roman history. We know of him from his account of the Jewish wars, and I for one have read much of that account. But I had never thought much about the man behind that writing. In my head I had him pegged as a good guy – a Jew who compromised and consequently survived the war to bring us the history of it. It had never occurred to me to think on how he might have come about all his knowledge of the war, on how he managed to survive in a world where he might well be killed just for his heritage, and on how he might be viewed by his own people. Josephus was the most surprising thing for me in the book, and a characterisation I value highly.
So, in short, this book is as good as any other in the Valerius series (which is to say a cut above most other series in the genre) and is actually probably the second best in the whole saga. It is unrelenting in pace, vivid, surprising, horrifying and even heart-warming in places. A testement to Jackson’s ability, it comes highly recommended. Go read it.
January 3, 2018
For anyone with an interest in Rome, Douglas Jackson's Hero of Rome series is one of the finest you can read. Scourge of Rome achieves wonders - for me it is the best of the series, presenting an intense account of the brutal siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. I couldn't read it fast enough. Douglas Jackson's writing is superb. This book would also work very well as a standalone and introduction for new readers to the series.
June 23, 2016
I’m fair rattling through this series right now. And why not? They’ve got to be in a photo-finish for the best-written historical fiction of any period. Scourge of Rome is no different, being full of interesting incident, excitement and plenty beside to keep you gripping the book until you throw it off a cliff at the end...
Where book 5, Enemy of Rome, was I felt Serpentius’ book, this one is most definitely Valerius.’ Mainly because of all the leg-over action he gets. Err…anyway, it is he that, from beginning the series as a Hero of Rome, could well be being described as ‘Cast Out by Rome’ at the beginning of this book. He has to trek across the Eastern deserts, trying to find a way back into Rome. I’ve thought about the differences between Valerius’ idea of what Rome should be, coming off worse in the collision with what Rome actually turns out to be, before. Here, I wondered if absence of from Rome would cause that to fade and ‘Rome’ the idea still be the shining ideal. It possibly is still that way to Valerius, as we know he’s far from being stupid, so why would he strive so hard for and to get back to Rome, if he didn’t think it was worth fighting for? Serpentius still plays an important part in the book, but more subdued (you’ll see why), and not always involving the popping up at the last minute to deflect a killing stroke from some unprotected part of Valerius’ anatomy. He is the better, strangely, for the ‘problem’ from book 5, more thoughtful (!) and even interestingly vulnerable, leading to a contemplation that more water has flowed under the bridge, than remains to flow. I like Serpentius a lot. As I too am beginning to think that way. Erk!
As with a few of the (longer than three books) series there are on the go at the moment, especially of the Roman sort, you have to ask the question, could you read this one on its own? Could you read this as a one-off, because you can’t be bothered finding and reading the rest of the series first, or you don’t know that it’s #6 of a series? I’d imagine it’s a worry, not only for the writer, but also the publisher. The trend these days does seem to be in creating a ‘brand' series, something that will sell/recoup investment over several volumes, one-offs historical novels are generally a thing of the past. Unless you’re a previously well-established writer. Which must make it hard for a new writer to get started with a ‘name’ publisher. Which might explain why (it seems to me) more writers are going through the self-publishing route. Anyway, could you read Scourge and not have the feeling you really should have read the others? Yes. I think you could. The explanations are there, but built in to the story, as if the story began here and you discover bits about his past as an explanation for his actions, as you go. Then there’s enough self-contained action you keep you happy and the time period, as mentioned earlier, is an interesting one. More so, if you had a little background knowledge *raises hand* of the period before starting.
I think I’d be right in saying that Douglas Jackson describes and interprets (as much as one can from 2,000 years distance) the characters, even some of the events (?) surrounding beginning at least, of the Emperor Vespasian’s reign, in relation to other writers writing of the period I’m currently on the go with. Robert Fabbri for example. Though his (RF) Vespasian (for me, where I am in the series at least) hasn’t got close to being Emperor as yet, however, Douglas and Robert do seem to differ, partly on the character of Vespasian’s brother Sabinus.
Writing about this period, the Jews in Palestine, the start of the Christian religion, could have been an opportunity for making some comparisons with the current troubles down there. Wisely, perhaps, Douglas stays out of it. Robert Fabbri has come closer to the birth of Christianity, but both steer clear of any kind of ‘they were here first’-type angle. You and I can draw our own conclusions, maybe.
So…to the end. The series shows no signs of either ending, though it will have to one day, as Valerius hasn’t yet achieved immortality - though it is going according to plan so far…but I digress...the end of this book: Holy cow! A cliffhanger of a cliffhanger! A cliffhanger, thrown over the edge of a cliffhanger! I’ve not seen a (longer than three) series do it like this before (I’m not saying it hasn’t been done, just I’ve never seen it). Incredible feeling of "YOU BUGGER!” as I realise all the pages left are the historical note end things and not a happy ending. Wow!
Magnificent! Roll on the next one...
More reviews, them all in fact, here: Speesh Reads
Where book 5, Enemy of Rome, was I felt Serpentius’ book, this one is most definitely Valerius.’ Mainly because of all the leg-over action he gets. Err…anyway, it is he that, from beginning the series as a Hero of Rome, could well be being described as ‘Cast Out by Rome’ at the beginning of this book. He has to trek across the Eastern deserts, trying to find a way back into Rome. I’ve thought about the differences between Valerius’ idea of what Rome should be, coming off worse in the collision with what Rome actually turns out to be, before. Here, I wondered if absence of from Rome would cause that to fade and ‘Rome’ the idea still be the shining ideal. It possibly is still that way to Valerius, as we know he’s far from being stupid, so why would he strive so hard for and to get back to Rome, if he didn’t think it was worth fighting for? Serpentius still plays an important part in the book, but more subdued (you’ll see why), and not always involving the popping up at the last minute to deflect a killing stroke from some unprotected part of Valerius’ anatomy. He is the better, strangely, for the ‘problem’ from book 5, more thoughtful (!) and even interestingly vulnerable, leading to a contemplation that more water has flowed under the bridge, than remains to flow. I like Serpentius a lot. As I too am beginning to think that way. Erk!
As with a few of the (longer than three books) series there are on the go at the moment, especially of the Roman sort, you have to ask the question, could you read this one on its own? Could you read this as a one-off, because you can’t be bothered finding and reading the rest of the series first, or you don’t know that it’s #6 of a series? I’d imagine it’s a worry, not only for the writer, but also the publisher. The trend these days does seem to be in creating a ‘brand' series, something that will sell/recoup investment over several volumes, one-offs historical novels are generally a thing of the past. Unless you’re a previously well-established writer. Which must make it hard for a new writer to get started with a ‘name’ publisher. Which might explain why (it seems to me) more writers are going through the self-publishing route. Anyway, could you read Scourge and not have the feeling you really should have read the others? Yes. I think you could. The explanations are there, but built in to the story, as if the story began here and you discover bits about his past as an explanation for his actions, as you go. Then there’s enough self-contained action you keep you happy and the time period, as mentioned earlier, is an interesting one. More so, if you had a little background knowledge *raises hand* of the period before starting.
I think I’d be right in saying that Douglas Jackson describes and interprets (as much as one can from 2,000 years distance) the characters, even some of the events (?) surrounding beginning at least, of the Emperor Vespasian’s reign, in relation to other writers writing of the period I’m currently on the go with. Robert Fabbri for example. Though his (RF) Vespasian (for me, where I am in the series at least) hasn’t got close to being Emperor as yet, however, Douglas and Robert do seem to differ, partly on the character of Vespasian’s brother Sabinus.
Writing about this period, the Jews in Palestine, the start of the Christian religion, could have been an opportunity for making some comparisons with the current troubles down there. Wisely, perhaps, Douglas stays out of it. Robert Fabbri has come closer to the birth of Christianity, but both steer clear of any kind of ‘they were here first’-type angle. You and I can draw our own conclusions, maybe.
So…to the end. The series shows no signs of either ending, though it will have to one day, as Valerius hasn’t yet achieved immortality - though it is going according to plan so far…but I digress...the end of this book: Holy cow! A cliffhanger of a cliffhanger! A cliffhanger, thrown over the edge of a cliffhanger! I’ve not seen a (longer than three) series do it like this before (I’m not saying it hasn’t been done, just I’ve never seen it). Incredible feeling of "YOU BUGGER!” as I realise all the pages left are the historical note end things and not a happy ending. Wow!
Magnificent! Roll on the next one...
More reviews, them all in fact, here: Speesh Reads
December 29, 2018
This fantastic book by Douglas Jackson is already the 6th volume of the fascinating Gaius Valerius Verrens series.
As always the author has produced a most educational historical note, in which he sets out the situation at that particular time of history, and in a very clear fashion the author himself explains that he has tried as much as possible to remain true to the historical records within this great story.
Also the book contains a well documented glossary at the end of the book, while at the beginning two beautiful drawn maps, one of Syria and Judaea within the Eastern Roman Empire in the 1st Century AD, and one map of the Siege of Jerusalem in AD 70 which will play a very big part within this delightful book.
Storytelling is as ever of a superb quality by this author, in my opinion all his books are truly excellent by the way, for this book keeps you gripped and entertained from beginning till end, because it contains wonderful pictured battle scenes as well as the smell of the hostile atmosphere in this part of the Roman Empire, while there's also real lifelike interaction between all the characters involved, so much so that they come all vividly to life within this wonderful Roman story, and all those factors combined make this book such a treat to read.
The book is set in the year AD 70 during the Reign of the Emperor Vespasian, and our main character of the book Gaius Valerius Verrens has been disgraced and dishonoured, the result of his former Roman adventure, and thus he has found himself now banished from Rome.
So Valerius heads east to find his friend Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian, but when he finds him he sees a much changed man who has to deal with the pressures from home as well as an Judaean uprising in Jerusalem.
What will follow is a thrilling book full with great gory battle scenes, intrigue, treachery and backstabbing between different factions, and it is in those dangerous circumstances where Valerius has to win back his freedom, and rediscover glory if he wants to become a "Hero of Rome" again.
Very much recommended, for this is a "Glorious Roman Adventure"!
As always the author has produced a most educational historical note, in which he sets out the situation at that particular time of history, and in a very clear fashion the author himself explains that he has tried as much as possible to remain true to the historical records within this great story.
Also the book contains a well documented glossary at the end of the book, while at the beginning two beautiful drawn maps, one of Syria and Judaea within the Eastern Roman Empire in the 1st Century AD, and one map of the Siege of Jerusalem in AD 70 which will play a very big part within this delightful book.
Storytelling is as ever of a superb quality by this author, in my opinion all his books are truly excellent by the way, for this book keeps you gripped and entertained from beginning till end, because it contains wonderful pictured battle scenes as well as the smell of the hostile atmosphere in this part of the Roman Empire, while there's also real lifelike interaction between all the characters involved, so much so that they come all vividly to life within this wonderful Roman story, and all those factors combined make this book such a treat to read.
The book is set in the year AD 70 during the Reign of the Emperor Vespasian, and our main character of the book Gaius Valerius Verrens has been disgraced and dishonoured, the result of his former Roman adventure, and thus he has found himself now banished from Rome.
So Valerius heads east to find his friend Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian, but when he finds him he sees a much changed man who has to deal with the pressures from home as well as an Judaean uprising in Jerusalem.
What will follow is a thrilling book full with great gory battle scenes, intrigue, treachery and backstabbing between different factions, and it is in those dangerous circumstances where Valerius has to win back his freedom, and rediscover glory if he wants to become a "Hero of Rome" again.
Very much recommended, for this is a "Glorious Roman Adventure"!
March 7, 2018
Jerusalem, well known for the Crusades and in modern times, but little known atleast in my experience, for the siege in AD70 where the Roman Army destroyed almost the entire city including the Jewish temple. Titus took all the gold and with the proceeds built the Colosseum in Rome.
Compared to Caligula, the very first novel by Douglas Jackson, and the only other of his I've read, I feel he has improved immensely. This story is captivating from the beginning, a real page turner, he really brings to life the experience of what it must have been like in the Roman Army.
Compared to Caligula, the very first novel by Douglas Jackson, and the only other of his I've read, I feel he has improved immensely. This story is captivating from the beginning, a real page turner, he really brings to life the experience of what it must have been like in the Roman Army.
July 10, 2018
Usual high quality historical fiction.
Another outing for Gaius Cameron's Verrens. Another example of top quality historical fiction. Not much more to say. Do yourself a favour and if you have not done so yet, then start reading Douglas Jackson.
Another outing for Gaius Cameron's Verrens. Another example of top quality historical fiction. Not much more to say. Do yourself a favour and if you have not done so yet, then start reading Douglas Jackson.
November 1, 2017
I really like this series. It keeps moving from one exciting action to another. Hard to put down.
April 1, 2020
Great story, excellent characters.
Yet another epic by Jackson. The way he weaves truth with fiction is simply masterful. Both educational and entertaining in one. Told through the eyes of somewhat reluctant hero Valerius it really puts you in the front seat of life during the time of Ancient Rome. Highly recommend this series.
Yet another epic by Jackson. The way he weaves truth with fiction is simply masterful. Both educational and entertaining in one. Told through the eyes of somewhat reluctant hero Valerius it really puts you in the front seat of life during the time of Ancient Rome. Highly recommend this series.
June 22, 2019
Real page turner
Loved this book seriously enjoyed ever page.
I would give it 4.9 stars if I could, only the book Birds of Prey would beat this for me. Look forward to reading more of the same.
Loved this book seriously enjoyed ever page.
I would give it 4.9 stars if I could, only the book Birds of Prey would beat this for me. Look forward to reading more of the same.
March 3, 2018
One of the finest historical fictions I come across. The fictional plotting though predictable is intriguing
January 16, 2019
This is my assessments of this book Scourge of Rome by Douglas Jackson according to 6 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 4 stars
Total 4.0 stars.
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 4 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 4 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 3 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 4 stars
Total 4.0 stars.
December 29, 2021
Scourge of Rome
(Gaius Valerius Verrens #6)
by Douglas Jackson
BLURB
70AD. Disgraced, dishonoured and banished into exile on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, the former military tribune Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. Valerius knows his only hope of long term survival and a restoration of his family’s fortunes lie with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian.
But when he reaches the ring of legionary camps around the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew, replaced by a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus’s lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general’s turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who have an ulterior motive for ending the siege quickly.
Yet the laurels that will regain his honour cannot be won in the negotiations in the murky tunnels beneath Jerusalem. Only amid the fire and blood of battle will he equal the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.
REVIEW
The sixth episode - well, if you're this far along in the series, you already know how brilliant it is. It isn't easy keeping a series of this many books fresh, creative, interesting....but the author is up to the challenge. His larger than life characters are a joy to get acquainted with, and the historical aspect is certainly enhanced by them. So, the good news is, I am 2/3 of the way through the series. The bad - I only have three more books to go. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Gaius Valerius Verrens #6)
by Douglas Jackson
BLURB
70AD. Disgraced, dishonoured and banished into exile on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, the former military tribune Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. Valerius knows his only hope of long term survival and a restoration of his family’s fortunes lie with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian.
But when he reaches the ring of legionary camps around the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew, replaced by a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus’s lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general’s turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who have an ulterior motive for ending the siege quickly.
Yet the laurels that will regain his honour cannot be won in the negotiations in the murky tunnels beneath Jerusalem. Only amid the fire and blood of battle will he equal the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.
REVIEW
The sixth episode - well, if you're this far along in the series, you already know how brilliant it is. It isn't easy keeping a series of this many books fresh, creative, interesting....but the author is up to the challenge. His larger than life characters are a joy to get acquainted with, and the historical aspect is certainly enhanced by them. So, the good news is, I am 2/3 of the way through the series. The bad - I only have three more books to go. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 17, 2015
Review
Douglas Jackson is quite simply a writer at the top of his game, his books are the complete package, filled with intrigue, action and adventure.But more than that they are filled with history, with heart and emotion and characters that will make you bleed and cry and love, characters that will involve you deeply in every aspect of their lives and drag you ever deeper into the bloody Roman world.
This series that started so triumphantly, and still holds one of the (IMHO) greatest scenes in historical fiction (the last stand at the temple) has become so much more than just an adventure following the seemingly indestructible Verrens. Integral to the story now is Serpentius, a man who is still as deadly as he ever was, but now more real, flawed, destructible. Both of them now are older, they are scarred beyond measure and yet they survive in a world where so many of their friends and comrades have gone to an early death, they survive as much by luck and brains as they do by brawn and skill.
for the rest of the review click link to my blog
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Douglas Jackson is quite simply a writer at the top of his game, his books are the complete package, filled with intrigue, action and adventure.But more than that they are filled with history, with heart and emotion and characters that will make you bleed and cry and love, characters that will involve you deeply in every aspect of their lives and drag you ever deeper into the bloody Roman world.
This series that started so triumphantly, and still holds one of the (IMHO) greatest scenes in historical fiction (the last stand at the temple) has become so much more than just an adventure following the seemingly indestructible Verrens. Integral to the story now is Serpentius, a man who is still as deadly as he ever was, but now more real, flawed, destructible. Both of them now are older, they are scarred beyond measure and yet they survive in a world where so many of their friends and comrades have gone to an early death, they survive as much by luck and brains as they do by brawn and skill.
for the rest of the review click link to my blog
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
June 16, 2016
"Scourge of Rome" has Gaius Valerius Verrens in the holy lands, at the time of the Jewish insurrection. Vespasian has left for Rome to take the purple, leaving his son Titus as commander in chief, and Titus needs a victory for his father. Verrens believes he is on good terms with Titus, but he badly needs to get away from the other son, Domitian, so Verrens is heading towards Jerusalem, when he runs into Tabitha, who in turn is a hand-maiden to the Jewish Queen Berenice, with whom Titus was to have, or was already having, an affair. What follows is an adventure revolving around the Jewish insurrection and the taking of Jerusalem, the siege being somewhat contracted in the story for story reasons. As far as I can tell, apart from one or two story liberties, the story is in reasonably good agreement with history, and while the characters are obviously fictional, apart from Titus and Berenice, they seem valid depictions of the times. There are one or two minor points where I could argue about authenticity, but overall this gives a very good historical adventure. It is well written, a good story, with vivid characters.
September 5, 2015
Number six in the series and they are just getting better,if that is possible,Douglas Jackson has a series that is growing in quality,this storytelling is of the highest order,add to that great research and you have a ten out of ten historical novel.Valerius is on the run after his adventures in the Hero of Rome and is trying to get to Titus,son of the crown Emperor Vaspian and now commander of the Army of Judaea,his only hope of servival and restoration of his family fortunes.Once again Valerius is well supported by Serpentius,who is not quite the man he was,but more then a match for most,as the mean machine watch`s Valerius back in the tunnels beneath Jerusalem,we also have to throw in a web of intrigue spun by Titus`s lover,Queen Berenice of Cilica,and his venal adviser,Flavius Josephus and we end up with a really great read.There is more to come from Gaius Valerius Verrens and for me that can not be to soon.
November 3, 2016
I’ve enjoyed Mr. Jackson’s stories for a number of years. You can imagine my surprise when I found out the name of his latest novel Scourge of Rome was so similar to the name I had chosen for my first novel Scourge of Byzantium. Other than being based around Israel and Syria that’s about as similar as they got. Scourge of Rome was a very well written story. Many of the descriptions allowed me to close my eyes and form a picture like I was there in person. At the same time the descriptions were well integrated into the story and didn’t slow things down. The characters seem to live and breathe as you follow them across the pages. Overall, the story flowed nicely and I enjoyed it immensely. Looking forward to the next addition in the series!
December 16, 2015
Once again Douglas Jackson excels. I have loved each and everyone of the series. A brilliant mix of action and adventure.
December 9, 2015
Excellent book, full of daring-do....bit of a cross between a historical novel and a swashbuckling adventure.
October 17, 2020
A Man of Honor
Verrens is a man of honor and duty, trying to avoid assassins and reestablish his honor on the field of battle so he can possibly return to Rome, or the Rome he believes in. He travels to Jerusalem to join with Titus, along the way he encounters his old friend Serpentius and a woman named Tabitha, so the adventure begins.
I would recommend this book to others that have read the previous books and enjoy this type of story.
Verrens is a man of honor and duty, trying to avoid assassins and reestablish his honor on the field of battle so he can possibly return to Rome, or the Rome he believes in. He travels to Jerusalem to join with Titus, along the way he encounters his old friend Serpentius and a woman named Tabitha, so the adventure begins.
I would recommend this book to others that have read the previous books and enjoy this type of story.
November 14, 2024
4.5 stars
As with the rest of this series (so far), a great read. It reminded me a bit of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" in how we're focused on this peripheral historical figures like Beatrice and Josephus, with the occasional bump into the stars of the show like Titus. I'm not convinced by how Jackson portrays Titus, to be honest. But his slippery Josephus and the menace of the absent Domitian are well executed.
As with the rest of this series (so far), a great read. It reminded me a bit of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" in how we're focused on this peripheral historical figures like Beatrice and Josephus, with the occasional bump into the stars of the show like Titus. I'm not convinced by how Jackson portrays Titus, to be honest. But his slippery Josephus and the menace of the absent Domitian are well executed.
September 28, 2017
I liked it! Lots of action. The main characters are becoming more human. Interesting from a historical point of view. Two minor niggles, Valerius’ broken heart is quickly mended, and why do women in books always have a laugh that “ tinkles like a silver bell” ? Most women I know snort!
March 8, 2021
Great Story Telling!
This is a well written book that gives you a flavor of what it was like in 70 AD. I enjoy the characters and the historical notes of clarity at the end of the book. A definite page Turner.
This is a well written book that gives you a flavor of what it was like in 70 AD. I enjoy the characters and the historical notes of clarity at the end of the book. A definite page Turner.
April 15, 2021
Marvellous story
Enjoyed the story, love the characters, I am enjoying Mr Jackson’s writing style as much as any of the authors who write about the hero’s and villains of Roman times. And I’ve read most of them.
Enjoyed the story, love the characters, I am enjoying Mr Jackson’s writing style as much as any of the authors who write about the hero’s and villains of Roman times. And I’ve read most of them.
October 8, 2022
très bon, sur le siège de Jerusalem par les Romains, cartes au début, explication de l'auteur à la fin sur (la partie historique versus la partie de l'intrigue relevant du roman), glossaire, des intrigues bien menées, et un siège terrible (presque un 5 étoiles).
October 3, 2018
Very enjoyable
A well written and enjoyable book the author has used his imagination to good effect and forms a riveting tale
A well written and enjoyable book the author has used his imagination to good effect and forms a riveting tale
March 24, 2021
Great historical fiction
Great protagonist and wonderfully woven into history. One of those series that you hope never ends. On to the next.
Great protagonist and wonderfully woven into history. One of those series that you hope never ends. On to the next.
April 23, 2021
Gripping
Excellent story again! Well researched and an enthralling read , looking forward to reading the next one! Keep up the good work
Excellent story again! Well researched and an enthralling read , looking forward to reading the next one! Keep up the good work
July 4, 2021
Couldn’t put the book down, throughly enjoyed it. Keeps getting better and better. Hated it when I read last page, stopped at an awkward place, I wanted to know what happens
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