War Lord: Scourge of Rome

by Adam Lofthouse

The BRAND NEW final instalment in Adam Lofthouse's epic Enemy of the Empire trilogy. ⚔️ If you like Matthew Harffy and Ben Kane, you will love this! And so we have reached the end of my tale. But what are endings if not new beginnings?

Alaric has been home for a year. He went north and saved the Cimbri, just as he said he would. But the cost has been higher than he ever thought. A shadow of the War Lord he once was, he now trades in amber and dotes on his children.

A simple life. And with it, contentment. But he knew this couldn’t last forever; peace isn’t for someone like him, and sure enough trouble finds him once again. A routine journey south turns into a new and unknown wave of danger as red-cloaked legionaries attack, causing confusion and carnage.

Warriors dressed as Romans have been scouring the country, slaughtering innocent people, and leaving Roman footprints wherever they march. But things are not what they seem, and it falls to Alaric to don his armour once more, and march his Ravensworn in pursuit of a mysterious enemy that could destabilise his world beyond repair.

Readers are excited about The Enemy of the Empire series! 💥

'A fast paced, page turning story!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'Brilliant!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'The dark and gritty tale I've been looking for!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'A brilliantly written book, full of action.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'A tightly woven tale of a tightly wound man.'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'A great story with a wonderful anti hero!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Praise for Adam

' Defier of Rome is ideal for lovers of Ben Kane’s and Tony Riches’ Roman stories - this is the story from the other side of the shield wall. Blood, guts and glory for the man who stood against Rome!' Michael Jecks

'Raven offers a thrilling view of Rome and its interactions with the Germanic tribes. Highly recommended' MJ Porter

'Adam Lofthouse brings a Robert E. Howard Conanesque vigour and flair to historical fiction' Edoardo Albert

'Fast paced, full of action, with an anti-hero who deserves to live long in your memory!' Theodore Brun

'I was fully immersed in the vivid battle scenes' David's Book Blurg

'A vivid, Atmospheric and violent historical tale, full of action, tension and chicanery' Bookish Jottings

'Dark, gritty with vivid battle scenes' TBHonest

'The characters are full of the life of the period, their flaws, their doubts, their abilities all on display; a feast for the readers' Hoover Book Review

'No holds barred, Praise for Defier of probably the next best thing to actually being there' Speesh Reads<

Genres: Historical Fiction

392 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2025

About the author

Adam 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

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlord Scourge Of Rome, is the final installment in The Enemy Of The Empire trilogy by Adam Lofthouse, Having read all three books I can say this one truly brings Eric‘s story full circle. when we find Raven sword he is now a tradesman living a relaxed life with his wife and two kids he even takes the boys on a trip to see his good friend tribal leader King Balomar. it is while traveling to see him that he first spots the unmistakable footprints of Roman soldiers a site that shouldn’t be seen these days in Eric’s part of the world. this will ultimately cause Eric to make a deal with his truest enemy, search his lands for his real friends and those who owe him favors, have to bring his wife and kids once again to his father-in-law, throughout everything he will have to fight battles much suited to a younger warrior and we also learn what happened after his mother was assaulted until she died. through it all he questions his ability to still do what he is doing but ultimately with Lokey on his shoulder he may just once again prevail. I know Mr. Lofthouse is a great rider because I have a picture of Eric and his goofy smile these books are not only suspenseful vicious in it’s telling but also so funny. I love despite him being evil warrior he also exercises forgiveness when needed I think this was a great trilogy and an awesome way to bring the story full circle but now I need to find more books by the author. I am a big fan of warrior stories and can’t wait to read more by him.#BoldWoodBooks, #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AdamLofthouse, #WarlordScourgeOfRome, #EnemyOfTheEmpire,

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Lord, as the blurb states, is the end of Alaric, or is it a beginning for him?
Once more, we're thrust straight back into the action, and Alaric, while accepting he's an old man these days, does indeed not seem to have 'grown up' at all, as he's so fond of reminding himself. From one hairbrained scheme to another, Alaric realises that perhaps, after all, there is a great deal at stake, and he is, of course, the man to solve everyone else's problems, for all he likes to pretend he doesn't care about anyone but himself, his children and his wife.
Adam writes fabulous books. I do love Alaric. He's a bad egg, and yet, we all can't help liking him, as indeed, does everyone who comes into contact with him. There's no end of action and adventure, no end of peril, and through it all, Alaric sails with his usual charm and determination. But, is this one quest too much for our epic second-century hero, living on the outskirts of the Roman empire, but admiring them all the same? Has he finally found an enemy he can't hope to beat, even if he unites the tribes? Or will he have to prove as quick-thinking as ever?
While all this is happening, there is also an intriguing backstory, reliving a moment in Alaric's life when everything changed for him. It adds a certain poignancy to our character, making his wild ways more understandable.
This is a crackling finale for Alaric's story. Enjoy it. I know I did.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB
Alaric has been home for a year. He went north and saved the Cimbri, just as he said he would. But the cost has been higher than he ever thought. A shadow of the War Lord he once was, he now trades in amber and dotes on his children.

A simple life. And with it, contentment. But he knew this couldn’t last forever; peace isn’t for someone like him, and sure enough trouble finds him once again. A routine journey south turns into a new and unknown wave of danger as red-cloaked legionaries attack, causing confusion and carnage.

Warriors dressed as Romans have been scouring the country, slaughtering innocent people, and leaving Roman footprints wherever they march. But things are not what they seem, and it falls to Alaric to don his armour once more, and march his Ravensworn in pursuit of a mysterious enemy that could destabilise his world beyond repair.
REVIEW
As expected from this author, Warlord delivers another tense-filled episode. Alaric is getting up there in years, but you wouldn’t know it from all the dangerous situations the author puts him through. You may find it difficult to put the book down; it is that captivating and dares you to stop. Wonderful characters, a mesmerizing plot, and meticulous research make this one of the author’s best. I’m sure there’s more to come. 5 Stars

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I’ve been waiting for this one! We are back with Alaric!

Alaric and his Ravensworn were once the most feared enemy of Rome but after a crushing defeat things have changed.. forced to keep a low profile Alaric has mellowed a little I guess.

The old warlord we know and love is just under the surface though.. just waiting to be set free again.

While he may not command an army there are still those loyal to Alaric.. his name is still well known and when his men are attacked Alaric along with an old friend Balomar soon see signs that something is off.. the men who’ve attacked them appear to be from Rome…but not everything is at it seems.

Who would want to attack the tribes and why? It can only lead to rising tensions..and if not stopped soon war will follow.

Alaric sets off at first to see an old enemy.. someone who will have just as much to loose if war is to come but this comes with it’s own dangers. This leads to a conspiracy but little hint as to who is pulling the strings but the outcome is clear.. war is coming.

War Lord has a smart plot, we explore Alaric’s past and what made him the man he is.. the pain he suffered that turned into steel. We glimpse the effect all this stress and fighting has done to the man too.. there’s a venerability to him.. you adhere to his views and goals.. and we see his future.. while Alaric may only have one eye he sees pretty clearly what’s to come and he’s given his time to shine once again!

The writing flows well, pace is steady and gripping but it’s clever too..broken up nicely with detail, development and a pinch of Alaric’s dark humour.. I loved him remembering the men he’s lost along the way showing another side to him too.

I loved the battle scenes, again clever with the detail..twists and turns but I really loved that Lofthouse showed Alaric as both the man he is, older and less nimble.. but no less sharp.. along with his legend.. the effect his name.. his banner can have.

For fans of the author you’ll know this book has been a needed…. Alaric has to be my favourite character ever to date, the author has developed him like no other and I yearned for more.

Adam Lofthouse is one to watch, he’s established himself in the historical fiction genre as one of the best and he continues to write tales that grip the reader from the first page to the last!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Lofthouse concludes his epic historical series Enemy of the Empire with the exhilarating final instalment, Warlord: Scourge of Rome.

Alaric has paid the highest price of all for going north and saving the Cimbri. A shadow of the man he had once been, Alaric has returned home and lives a simple life where he dotes on his children and trades in amber. However, it isn’t long until trouble finds him again when a routine journey south brings him face to face with danger, chaos and destruction as red-cloaked legionaires attack, leaving Alaric with no other choice but to don his armour once again and defeat the enemy…

Warriors wearing the garb of Romans have descended and they are slaughtering innocent people, taking their lives and leaving Roman footprints wherever they march. Alaric knows that it’s up to him to put a stop to this barbaric war and he vows to do everything he can to defeat those who wish his people ill. With no time to lose, Alaric needs to work fast before his world is destroyed beyond repair…

Warlord: Scourge of Rome is historical fiction at its most exciting! A riveting tale full of tension, danger and suspense, Warlord: Scourge of Rome is a breath-taking historical read with a complex and complicated hero, dizzying twists and turns and fantastic world-building that puts the reader at the heart of the story.

A top-notch historical novel, Warlord: Scourge of Rome by Adam Lofthouse is a must for fans of Ben Kane and M J Porter.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaric has settled down to the life of a trader (mostly!) after his adventures of the previous year. On a trading trip he sends his men together with an agent to make the trades for his amber whilst he stays back with an old friend – well the Romans are still looking for him so best to stay safe. Catching sight of a plume of smoke, a distress signal, he and Balomar go to investigate and deal with whoever has attacked his men. They appear to be Romans judging by their kit, but they’re Germans plus a few unknowns who have a strange brand on their backs. Just what is behind this?

Alaric, never one to shy away from a fight, knows that he needs to meet with his greatest enemy and work with them to find out what is going on and deal with it. Enjoyable to read, plenty of battles, tidying up of some loose ends from the past - a fitting finale for this epic adventurer.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding read about Alaric and his Ravensworn! The book has an interesting and well-thought-out plotline that incorporates some of the characters from previous storylines. Sometimes when you get caught up in the story, it's easy to forget that the struggle between the Germanic tribes and the Romans was real. Okay, struggles between everyone and the Romans! My point being sometimes you have to work together to combat something bigger than either of you. I was pleased with the way the book ended without giving it away.

This is my honest review after reading an ARC from Netgalley and Boldwood Books.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read previous books in this series but I found the plot intriguing and, to be honest, I thought it talked about another Alaric (a Visigot king who was buried in Busento – an Italian river – with a great treasure. The location of the tomb is unknown)
That said I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction: it’s savage, barbaric, fast paced and action packed.
A gritty and dark story featuring intriguing characters and plenty of battles.
I appreciated the attention to the historical details and the good storytelling.
Well done, recommended
Recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last in the Enemy if the Empire series. We follow Alaric as he battles a new enemy from the east. To do this he must team up with the Romans. This is a fantastic read with lots of humour amongst the fighting. Great characters, well written i can picture the action as it takes place. Unfortunately I now have another favourite author. I don't know how i will find time to read all the books. Really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone who likes a well written story with humour and maybe the odd sadness. With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced, witty, and heartfelt conclusion to Adam Lofthouse’s series, filled with action, adventure, and the irresistible charm of Alaric—one of historical fiction’s most delightfully flawed heroes. Even though this was my first book in the series, I was instantly pulled into the chaos and charisma of Lofthouse’s world. The mix of humor, danger, and emotional depth made this an absolutely engaging read. Four stars and a strong recommendation for anyone who loves their history served with heart and mischief!



Thank you NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book series and the final. Home for a year and Alaric is unsettled. In this time he has been trading in amber. He travels south and encounters a new danger when red clocked legionnaires attack. Are they Romans or others in disguise. Once again he will don his armour but is getting too old to play the warrior.

Very well written and well paced novel. Excellent characters as Alaric sets forth to discover what’s really going on and who is behind it. There will be fights, battles, friends, enemies and real decisions must be made now and for the future. Well paced with plenty of action, enjoy.

[Joe Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the third and final book in the trilogy, I also feel that it reads well as a standalone with a great storyline with plenty of depth and breadth to hold the readers interest. There is plenty of action and adventure plus at looks at the emotion of the main characters.
A very entertaining read for any fans of historical fiction.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an electronic advanced copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book was published on the 20th October and is available in various formats

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the final installment in the story of Alaric and the Ravensworn.
This was the final battle when tribes from the west looking fir new land when their own had been invaded.
This time Rome had become involved and it was a battle between the invaders with the tribes of Germania and Rome fighting together.
I enjoyed reading this despite there being lots of blood
Adam Lofthouse still manages to engage the reader.
I look forward to starting his new series
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood for my arc copy

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another rollicking yarn, with lots of action. I am enjoying the reflections of Alaric as he ages, yet he can’t help but get embroiled in further struggles. The changing politics and alliances of the time are interesting, as are the things that are important to people. It was left with a nice cliffhanger, maybe there is more to come for Alaric. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Lorraine Dias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite ready for retirement, former War Lord of the Ravensworn, Alaric Hengistson, finds himself caught in a skirmish with the Romans during what should have been a routine trading trip. In the aftermath, he and his companions make a troubling discovery: some of the supposed Roman soldiers are in fact men from another tribe. Alarmed by the implications, Alaric investigates further—only to uncover a threat that compels him to once again raise the banner of the Ravensworn to defend both his family and the future of the Germanii.

This book marks the conclusion of the Enemy of the Empire trilogy. Although I haven’t read the first two instalments, I never felt lost; if anything, this final volume stands strongly on its own. From the opening pages, Alaric’s dry, self-deprecating humour drew me in, balancing the grit of the battlefield with wit. The pace is brisk, the action relentless, and the variety impressive: cunning tactics, rousing battles, bonds of family and loyalty, fascinating glimpses into the machinery of the Roman Empire, and even a touch of mythology.

Thank you to Adam Lofthouse, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this action-filled ARC.