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Decimus : The Wolf Of Rome
In 216 BC, the formidable Carthaginian general Hannibal unleashed a terrifying wave of aggression against Rome following the catastrophic Battle of Cannae, a defeat that sent shockwaves through the Roman Republic. As the dust settled from the chaos of war, the arrival of Mago and Hasdrubal, Hannibal’s brothers commanding forces in Hispania, threatened to cement Rome's fate. Amidst the turmoil, Hannibal delivered a chilling ultimatum to the people of surrender or face utter annihilation.
In the wake of this devastation, a lone Roman soldier named Decimus Aquila awakens to the ruins of his once-vibrant village and the haunting absence of his family. Consumed by grief and an unwavering resolve to find his missing loved ones, Decimus embarks on a treacherous journey to the heart of Rome, where intrigue and valor collide in unexpected ways.
Fast forward three years, and the exiled families on the fringes of Gaul find themselves at a crucial turning point. The brave soldier Scipio rises to the occasion, rallying his fellow Romans to reclaim their lost lands and restore their honor. Yet, Decimus grapples with inner turmoil and a sense of duty, torn between his grief and the call to action. He must conquer his own fears and embrace his destiny, stepping up to lead his comrades in a desperate bid for redemption.
In this gripping tale of loss, courage, and the indomitable spirit of humanity, witness the transformation of Decimus into the legendary "Wolf of Rome." As history hangs in the balance, a new saga unfolds—a story that echoes through time, revealing the power of resilience and the bonds that unite us all.
In the wake of this devastation, a lone Roman soldier named Decimus Aquila awakens to the ruins of his once-vibrant village and the haunting absence of his family. Consumed by grief and an unwavering resolve to find his missing loved ones, Decimus embarks on a treacherous journey to the heart of Rome, where intrigue and valor collide in unexpected ways.
Fast forward three years, and the exiled families on the fringes of Gaul find themselves at a crucial turning point. The brave soldier Scipio rises to the occasion, rallying his fellow Romans to reclaim their lost lands and restore their honor. Yet, Decimus grapples with inner turmoil and a sense of duty, torn between his grief and the call to action. He must conquer his own fears and embrace his destiny, stepping up to lead his comrades in a desperate bid for redemption.
In this gripping tale of loss, courage, and the indomitable spirit of humanity, witness the transformation of Decimus into the legendary "Wolf of Rome." As history hangs in the balance, a new saga unfolds—a story that echoes through time, revealing the power of resilience and the bonds that unite us all.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
About the author
Gabriel Garcia
4 books14 followersGabriel Garcia is more than just an indie author; he’s a vibrant storyteller and passionate historian who weaves tales across the realms of fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and science fiction. Growing up in the sun-soaked expanses of Southern California, Gabriel’s vivid imagination was ignited by his deep-seated love for history and the art of storytelling. Influenced by the literary prowess of masters like Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and Brian Jacques, he channels his creative spirit into crafting narratives that captivate and inspire.
His literary adventure began with the release of his debut novel, The Gathering. This book was a labor of love, meticulously developed during his pursuit of a Master’s degree in History. That journey not only honed his writing skills but also deepened his appreciation for the intricate historical backdrops that enrich his stories. Building on this foundation, Gabriel has gone on to publish two more compelling books, each one exploring different facets of the human experience. Now, he’s hard at work on an exciting fourth novel that promises to be another enthralling addition to his body of work.
But Gabriel’s creativity doesn’t stop with writing novels. He also hosts the engaging podcast "Tales From The Wandering Scribe," available on YouTube. Here, he connects with fellow writers and creatives, diving into meaningful conversations about their unique journeys and inspiring stories. His podcast is more than just a platform for writers; it’s an exploration of fascinating historical topics alongside historians and passionate hobbyists. Gabriel invites listeners to embark on a thrilling journey through the many layers of history, creating a dynamic space for anyone curious about the past. Join him on this remarkable adventure, and discover the exciting paths that lie ahead in the wondrous worlds of literature and history!
His literary adventure began with the release of his debut novel, The Gathering. This book was a labor of love, meticulously developed during his pursuit of a Master’s degree in History. That journey not only honed his writing skills but also deepened his appreciation for the intricate historical backdrops that enrich his stories. Building on this foundation, Gabriel has gone on to publish two more compelling books, each one exploring different facets of the human experience. Now, he’s hard at work on an exciting fourth novel that promises to be another enthralling addition to his body of work.
But Gabriel’s creativity doesn’t stop with writing novels. He also hosts the engaging podcast "Tales From The Wandering Scribe," available on YouTube. Here, he connects with fellow writers and creatives, diving into meaningful conversations about their unique journeys and inspiring stories. His podcast is more than just a platform for writers; it’s an exploration of fascinating historical topics alongside historians and passionate hobbyists. Gabriel invites listeners to embark on a thrilling journey through the many layers of history, creating a dynamic space for anyone curious about the past. Join him on this remarkable adventure, and discover the exciting paths that lie ahead in the wondrous worlds of literature and history!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 14, 2025
Jam packed with action from beginning to end, that is Decimus the Wolf of Rome. Historian and author Gabriel Garcia shows his expertise in ancient history and excellent storytelling again in his latest book, an adventure of great proportions. If you enjoyed his Amyntas, you are in for a special treat with Decimus the Wolf of Rome.
January 20, 2026
After the devastation brought on from the defeat at the Battle of Cannae, Roman Calvary soldier Decimus Aquila has not only lost most of his men in what can only be described as a massacre, but he soon realizes that one of his sons has also been killed and his other son and wife have been taken captive. Now set forth on a heartbreaking search for his missing wife and child, Decimus will stop at nothing to get them back. After finding them locked away in cages with other Roman captives he sets a plan in motion to free them and escape. Once freed, he realizes that his wife’s rapidly deteriorating state is irreparable and he makes the difficult choice to end her suffering. Several years pass and Decimus and his only remaining son have started to rebuild their life until one day their village is attacked and his son is taken captive once again. Losing his son for a second time sets the wheels in motion for Decimus’ wrath and war…
This was an intriguing read with the bulk of the story spanning from 216 BC to 206 BC, but also had an additional small section in the last chapter and Epilogue that covered some years past this timeframe. It’s action packed with numerous deadly and battle scenes involving a multitude of groups. The story is interwoven with complex relationships, political intrigue, and transformation. It gave me energy comparable to “300” and the spirit of “Gladiator” mashed together to create one heck of a historical fiction with ties to fantasy and alternate history. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the she-wolf (Lupa), who became a companion and ally of Decimus. She was as ferocious as she was wise, and really tied into Roman legends and mythology of the story nicely. Overall, a surprising and impressive read, would recommend to readers who enjoy epic battles, historical fiction, and stories of alternate history.
This was an intriguing read with the bulk of the story spanning from 216 BC to 206 BC, but also had an additional small section in the last chapter and Epilogue that covered some years past this timeframe. It’s action packed with numerous deadly and battle scenes involving a multitude of groups. The story is interwoven with complex relationships, political intrigue, and transformation. It gave me energy comparable to “300” and the spirit of “Gladiator” mashed together to create one heck of a historical fiction with ties to fantasy and alternate history. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the she-wolf (Lupa), who became a companion and ally of Decimus. She was as ferocious as she was wise, and really tied into Roman legends and mythology of the story nicely. Overall, a surprising and impressive read, would recommend to readers who enjoy epic battles, historical fiction, and stories of alternate history.
November 6, 2025
A must read for lovers of thrillers, tragedy, and historical fiction.
They say that Rome collapsed from the inside, which is very much true. But here, author and historian, Gabriel Garcia, paints its fall through a different canvas.
The book reads as much as a historical account as it does fiction. The main character, Decimus, very much brings the story alive, and inspires us with his patriotism, the love for his family, and constant willingness to defy the odds...no matter how insurmountable they might be.
Garcia does a fantastic job at turning Decimus into not only a man, but a myth, a symbol, and legend that lets the reader know that Rome is very much in fact ALIVE. It's a story where history is not only written, but a story where it also overwhelmingly resounds across the annals of time, striking inspiration into the hearts of its readers.
Fans of movies like The Patriot or Gladiator will undoubtedly love this story. Garcia balances the moments of calm, war, myth, tragedy, and introspection remarkably well, always keeping us on the edge of our seats. This is truly a story that you WON'T want to miss out on.
They say that Rome collapsed from the inside, which is very much true. But here, author and historian, Gabriel Garcia, paints its fall through a different canvas.
The book reads as much as a historical account as it does fiction. The main character, Decimus, very much brings the story alive, and inspires us with his patriotism, the love for his family, and constant willingness to defy the odds...no matter how insurmountable they might be.
Garcia does a fantastic job at turning Decimus into not only a man, but a myth, a symbol, and legend that lets the reader know that Rome is very much in fact ALIVE. It's a story where history is not only written, but a story where it also overwhelmingly resounds across the annals of time, striking inspiration into the hearts of its readers.
Fans of movies like The Patriot or Gladiator will undoubtedly love this story. Garcia balances the moments of calm, war, myth, tragedy, and introspection remarkably well, always keeping us on the edge of our seats. This is truly a story that you WON'T want to miss out on.
January 3, 2026
From front to back, this book is captivating and a well crafted, mixing fantasy world-building elements with history. Each character carries the story further, bringing new twists and struggles, keeping the reader hooked and wanting more with every chapter.
We see Decimus shift and change, and yet, his core values stay the same, no matter what name he assumes, what situation he is put through or what loss he endures. Surrounded by friends and family, he holds on to what is important and thrives in every sense of the word. He is a strong role model for Justinian who follows in his footsteps, carving a life and path of his own much like Decimus, finding similar struggles but overcoming them all the same, even in the face of the greatest threats in Rome.
After reading the gathering, I love the hints and nods you make to it, showing once again just how far Decimus has come and how resilient he is, until the end.
For anyone wanting a historical feeling, fantasy novel packed with adventure and action, then this is the one to add to your list.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews