Tribune and the Sword: The thrilling BRAND NEW addition to Adam Lofthouse's action-packed series for 2026

by Adam Lofthouse

The next BRAND NEW epic, action-packed instalment in Adam lofthouse's Shadow of Rome series Praise for Adam

'Simply Masterful' - Gordon Doherty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'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' - Theodore Brun ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'A lesson in how to depict a frontier world at the edge of a crumbling empire' - Mark Knowles ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Good first book for the series, lots of plot twists kept my attention am looking forward to the next in the series.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Fast paced, great characters, interesting storyline, another Roman epic from Adam Lofthouse. Can’t wait to read the next instalment soon!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Great start to a late Roman series' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Historical Fiction

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

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

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glorious wrap-up. Lofthouse deserves more recognition/praise. 5⭐️

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series featuring Victorinus and Felicius. What began on the Wall of Hadrian now takes us far from the frigid north of England and to the heart of two emperor’s kingdoms. And as if discord between them isn’t threat enough, there is a new conspiracy to plague our two war-weary warriors and Victorinus and Felicius are in it up to their necks.

This is such a well-paced novel, the conspiracy and action building, layer upon layer, and I have absolutely devoured it. Do I recommend starting at the beginning of the trilogy? Yes, I do, but equally, if you want to start here, then I do think it would be readable as a standalone.

Another triumph for Adam. I do love his books, and it’s his fault my historical fiction reading now extends back into the Roman era.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

When loyalty to Empire and Emperor clash with close familial bonds and deep ties of friendships, what will die first?

Can you go to war knowing that the 'enemy' commander is your long time comrade in arms - the one who you dreamt of sharing life with after retirement, living and farming side by side, drinking wine, whiling away the long evening hours talking of everything and nothing. Reminiscing or just staying quiet, lost in memories. The one with whom you share a grandson you are yet to meet?

How would you feel meeting the usurper's army, knowing that the crack legion you trained and fought and bled with, men closer than brothers is now commanded by your closest friend and you have to fight them: your former legion and your friend. Can you rest easy knowing war can widow your beloved only daughter before she has even had a chance to really be a wife and render your grandson fatherless, bereft of a father he never knew.

Fighting on opposing sides, Tribune Sixtus Victorinus and General Gaius Felicius face these heart wrenching choices in the civil war between cousins that is threatening to rip the crumbling Empire apart in 383 AD. Choices as old as life itself and just as hard.

In this cousins' civil war, Roman brothers-in-arms, who once fought and bled side by side for Rome, now fight each other all for the sake of one man's ambition to call himself the Master of the Universe.

Who will win this civil war? Flavius (Magnus) Maximus or Theodosius? And can you still keep your friendships or have you become the sworn enemy?

In the middle of this, causing confusion and mayem, attempting to murder key figures on both sides, is a shadowy religious group who have their tentacles spread far and wide in government, army and just about anywhere. Whom can you trust? What do they want?

Lofthouse's hard hitting novel Tribune and the Sword needs a strong stomach with its descriptions of violence, war, battles... It is raw, real and hard hitting: a microcosm of the violent times under the crumbling Roman Empire.

However, the story begs to be read to the very end, just to know who becomes top dog: Magnus Maximus venerated Duxx of Britannia with his legendary prowess as a warrior, swirling round him like his cloak of Imperial purple, or the steadier, military and administrative leader Theodosius, son of the murdered Theodosius I.

Barring some of the language, the descriptions of violence and war, some gaps in the narrative, and a sad loss of some suspense, I quite liked this third book in the Shadow of Rome series by Adam Lofthouse.

If you're a fan of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, and others of this ilk, you'll love Lofthouse.

I was given an ARC through @NetGalley by publisher Boldwood Books. However, the opinions are my own.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the rest of the series and I can say this novel feels like a confident and compelling step forward. I appreciate how he kept interested in a historical timeframe I usualle find a bit boring and made me learn new things.
The author continues to deepen the emotional landscape of his characters while keeping the historical atmosphere vivid and tense. The writing carries a sense of urgency that fits the moment, yet it never loses sight of the quieter truths that make this series so engaging.
What I appreciated most is the way the novel explores loyalty and friendship in a world that is shifting under everyone’s feet.
The choices the characters face feel heavier now, shaped by everything that came before, and the author handles that weight with a steady hand. The battles are sharp and grounded, but the emotional stakes are what stay with you.
It is a strong continuation that rewards readers who have followed the journey from the beginning.
The atmosphere is rich, the moral questions are handled with nuance, and the sense of a world on the edge gives the story a compelling momentum. I closed the book feeling satisfied and already curious about what comes next.
Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong and engaging continuation of the series. Even having only read the first book, I was able to follow the story and enjoy the action, though I’d recommend reading the series in order for full context.

The conflict between Maximus and Theodosius is compelling, especially with their contrasting leadership styles. Sixtus Victorinus continues to be a standout character, and his loyalty and struggles add real emotional weight to the story.

Fast-paced, well-written, and filled with action and tension—this was a fantastic historical read that left me eager to see what happens next.


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

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 3 in the Shadow of Rome series. We follow Victorinus and Felicius as they fight for opposing Emperors. The friendship that the men share is put to the test as they fight to defend their leaders. I spent the whole time whilst reading this book both fighting the urge to look up the history to see who won and hoping desperately that the two men and their families get back home. Another amazing account of life as a Roman soldier with graphic depictions of the battles and the toll they took on the men. Totally gripped by the story, I read this in two days. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written story which also imparts history in an enjoyable way.
With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends for many years and now linked by marriage, Victorinus and Felicius now find themselves on opposite sides of a war. Victorinus must stay with Emperor Maximus as his sons are oath bound to the emperor and he’s promised their mother that he’ll bring them home safe. Felicius hates Maximus and has chosen to fight for Emperor Theodosius, his old friend.

Another thrilling instalment in this series, fast paced and easy to read with plenty of action. Can Victorinus keep his promise to his wife, despite the things Maximus has ordered him to do and can Felicius keep his old friend safe when battle begins? A very satisfying read.

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

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flavius Maximus has crossed into Gaul now that he has declared himself Emperor. But Theodosius also considers himself Emperor, so these two must battle. Sixtus Victorinus must fight for Maximus to protect his sons who are oath bound. War is coming and friendships will be tested. Maximus loves war while Theodosius loves the people.

Very well written novel with excellent characters. Often very fast paced with plenty of action. Really enjoyed this instalment of the Shadow of stone series. Who will win and hopefully bring peace?

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixtus and Felicius are always stepping in it, this time on the mainland. What would a father not do to save his sons? Well a good father would go to he'll and back, and Sixtus has become a fantastic father to Maurus and Silvius, and has even picked up a "stray". Loftthouse's books are always filled with drama and adventure, so you can expect a thrilling read every time. I was shocked to even find Caledfwlch involved within these pages. With it in play, the escapades are endless! Follow along as our boys get caught up in the fight between Maximus and Theo for rule of the Empire.

[Harry Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third instalment in the series following the two amigos across the empire.
A great read from start to finish, fast paced and full of action and adventure. I also really liked the addition of a real dry sense of humour between the main characters which really helped bond the reader to them.
I feel this was the first book in the series where we really start to see the man Victorinus has become since his awakening/mid life evaluation of his life. Whereas before you would almost cringe at his life decisions, now you just can’t respect the man any more.
Very good, would recommend.

[Martin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, kept my interest, and few, if any, points of stagnation. A wonderful continuation of the previous two books. I have this habit of binge reading when I can, so I read book 2 & 3 back to back, which helped in this instance since the time frames of the two are very close. Can’t wait until his new one comes out in August.

[Martin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

names

It is a paced and all inclusive tale that imparts knowledge and history with ease
I’m 80 years old and found the similarities in the
Names of the two no friends and main characters was misleading and subsequently confusing as their intertwining of subject and location was used as an introductory methodology for event changes

[Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I enjoyed reading this book. The historical fiction is intriguing. It gives you at least some idea about what may have gone down in the ancient world while being entertaining.