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Gaius Valerius Verrens #8
Glory of Rome
77AD. Gaius Valerius Verrens is an honoured member of Emperor Vespasian’s inner circle, but the enmity between him and Vespasian’s son Domitian means that, even in Rome, danger is never far away. Meanwhile, in the outer reaches of the Empire, in Britannia, trouble is brewing.
The governor, Gnaeus Julius Agricola is preparing to march his legions north and Valerius is Agricola’s chief legal adviser and deputy governor. It's the opportunity he seeks to move his wife and son out of reach of Domitian’s wrath. But Britannia is where Valerius cut his military teeth and whetted his sword - and he will soon discover that the ghosts of his past are never far away and are more dangerous perhaps than Domitian.
The massacre of a Roman garrison and suspicious death of the legate of the Ninth Legion throw Agricola’s preparations into confusion. Now his eyes turn west to Mona, the Druids Isle, where the Celtic priesthood still harbours hopes of ridding Britannia of Roman rule. But to deal with the druids and their savage Ordovice protectors Agricola needs a soldier he can trust at the head of the ‘unlucky’ Ninth. Only one man in the province has the experience and the ability . . .
So a reluctant Valerius must put aside his scrolls and pick up his sword once more and march beside the eagle of the Ninth. It’s only as he stands on the shoreline opposite Mona that he understands any glory his new legion wins is likely to be fleeting and tainted - and that he has placed his family in deadly peril.
The governor, Gnaeus Julius Agricola is preparing to march his legions north and Valerius is Agricola’s chief legal adviser and deputy governor. It's the opportunity he seeks to move his wife and son out of reach of Domitian’s wrath. But Britannia is where Valerius cut his military teeth and whetted his sword - and he will soon discover that the ghosts of his past are never far away and are more dangerous perhaps than Domitian.
The massacre of a Roman garrison and suspicious death of the legate of the Ninth Legion throw Agricola’s preparations into confusion. Now his eyes turn west to Mona, the Druids Isle, where the Celtic priesthood still harbours hopes of ridding Britannia of Roman rule. But to deal with the druids and their savage Ordovice protectors Agricola needs a soldier he can trust at the head of the ‘unlucky’ Ninth. Only one man in the province has the experience and the ability . . .
So a reluctant Valerius must put aside his scrolls and pick up his sword once more and march beside the eagle of the Ninth. It’s only as he stands on the shoreline opposite Mona that he understands any glory his new legion wins is likely to be fleeting and tainted - and that he has placed his family in deadly peril.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2017
133 people are currently reading
295 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 29, 2017
4.5/5. Another enthralling entry in the Gaius Valerius Verrens series. The author has topped himself with this entry; this is one of the best adventures yet. This one is set in Rome, Germania, and finally Roman Britain. Appointed by Emperor Vespasian to be legal aide to Julius Agricola, the governor, whom Valerius knew when both were younger and fought side by side. Valerius is also legate and acting governor as needed. He may take his wife, Tabitha, and son, Lucius. We endure a harrowing journey through Germania, with clashes with the Germans, the abduction of two of Valerius's cavalry entourage/bodyguards and a daring rescue. All of them have been culled from the different legions in Britannia and most are "the dregs"--troublemakers, thieves, etc.--but for a few volunteers. Valerius has the unenviable task of molding these soldiers into a trustworthy, loyal force. In Britannia, he meets his old nemesis from 17 years before and who is a formidable force against him here.. In northwestern Britannia we follow the abduction of Tabitha and Lucius, whom he attempts to rescue from druids, while also fighting the Ordovice tribe as legate of VIIII Legion, after the current legate dies under mysterious circumstances. Why did no one see him leaving the fort? Is the death accidental or is it a murder? Valerius and his 9th Legion are also heavily involved in the conquest of Mona, the druid island stronghold after his successful attempts at raising the morale and cohesiveness in this "bad luck" legion, while rooting out corruption therein.
The development of his leadership qualities and his role as judge in several law cases impressed me. I liked the portrayal of Tabitha and the depiction of the relationship between the couple, but I felt Lucius acted more like a eight- or ten-year-old, rather than his stated age of four or five. I tried to solve the mystery around Legate Fronto's death myself following both Valerius's and Tabitha's conjectures, but I thought the solution too facile and arrived at too quickly without not enough on the reasoning behind it. I felt there were a few loose ends never explained--e.g., Why did Crescens change his attitude towards Valerius so completely? Did I miss something? I saw where people could read this novel as a standalone; the author gave much backstory of several earlier episodes that might lead people to read the original adventures if they hadn't read the novels--or to reread them if they had.
Highly recommended.
The development of his leadership qualities and his role as judge in several law cases impressed me. I liked the portrayal of Tabitha and the depiction of the relationship between the couple, but I felt Lucius acted more like a eight- or ten-year-old, rather than his stated age of four or five. I tried to solve the mystery around Legate Fronto's death myself following both Valerius's and Tabitha's conjectures, but I thought the solution too facile and arrived at too quickly without not enough on the reasoning behind it. I felt there were a few loose ends never explained--e.g., Why did Crescens change his attitude towards Valerius so completely? Did I miss something? I saw where people could read this novel as a standalone; the author gave much backstory of several earlier episodes that might lead people to read the original adventures if they hadn't read the novels--or to reread them if they had.
Highly recommended.
January 3, 2018
This is a fantastic series and Glory of Rome is one of the best - this is very fine writing and I savoured every word.
August 26, 2021
Our MC is back in Britannia, and has to face his fears he's lived with since the massacre at the Temple of Claudius. His family accompanies him in order to keep them safe from Emperor Vespasian's youngest & vindictive son. Speaking of Valerius' family, I have to say that his wife is terrific! Tabitha is like a lioness. She's a great character.
So Valerius is given the Ninth Hispana Legion as acting legate, and war is imminent under Agricola.
I really enjoyed seeing the legion evolve as a cohesive force. They were in sad shape from hideous leadership until the MC steps in.
As per usual in this vicious political climate, some antagonists changed their tune, while some allies were anything but. A reader never knows who to trust in these books!
This was a truly outstanding read!
So Valerius is given the Ninth Hispana Legion as acting legate, and war is imminent under Agricola.
I really enjoyed seeing the legion evolve as a cohesive force. They were in sad shape from hideous leadership until the MC steps in.
As per usual in this vicious political climate, some antagonists changed their tune, while some allies were anything but. A reader never knows who to trust in these books!
This was a truly outstanding read!
February 20, 2018
Douglas Jackson's '...Of Rome' series, has become an absolutely imperative, must-read pretty much in one gulp kind of series for me. Face it, if nothing else, it is always refreshing to read a book about Rome and the Romans which doesn't start with "Rome was in turmoil..." Douglas Jackson's Gaius Valerius Verrens books have consistently been several cuts far, far above that sort of nonsense.
So in 'Glory', we're now eight books into the series and it shows absolutely no signs of flagging. If anything, this 'Glory' feels to have given the series a new life, showing it is still full of great ideas for the character, sparkling dialogue and of course it almost goes without saying, superbly-written action.
We have lost one major character (I'm going to try and skirt around the who and the how, incase you haven't got to this book as yet). Why? Well, Gaius Valerius has moved on in his life, and the series maybe needed to move on as well, from the 'boys on tour' trap that was perhaps lying in wait. It would have been easy for Douglas J to churn out that kind of adventure series quite easily and it would no doubt have sold very well. I'm thinking some authors make a very good living from regurgitating their old plots and that kind of scenario. Fortunately, Douglas Jackson has proved himself better than that. The focus of Valerius' life has changed in this book, his priorities have changed. He has more responsibilities; he has not only the Ninth Legion to keep safe, but a young family as well.
However...while he has seemingly removed himself and his family from the internal Roman threats, he has seemingly plunged them back into the fire stoked by some of Rome's more devious external enemies. In the form of the barking mad Britons and their clearly insane Druidic shamen. It's a very warm welcome back to Britannia for Valerius, a much anticipated one for me. I kept humming something along the lines of 'Valerius is coming home' while reading. It all feels right. It's wild, it's dangerous, it's a political minefield for the Romans, it's a real banquet of reading delights for us. I do know a little of the history of the Roman state from this point on, so there's much, much more deviousness to anticipate from his Roman home, but for now, I'll settle for enjoying Valerius' homecoming in Britannia.
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So in 'Glory', we're now eight books into the series and it shows absolutely no signs of flagging. If anything, this 'Glory' feels to have given the series a new life, showing it is still full of great ideas for the character, sparkling dialogue and of course it almost goes without saying, superbly-written action.
We have lost one major character (I'm going to try and skirt around the who and the how, incase you haven't got to this book as yet). Why? Well, Gaius Valerius has moved on in his life, and the series maybe needed to move on as well, from the 'boys on tour' trap that was perhaps lying in wait. It would have been easy for Douglas J to churn out that kind of adventure series quite easily and it would no doubt have sold very well. I'm thinking some authors make a very good living from regurgitating their old plots and that kind of scenario. Fortunately, Douglas Jackson has proved himself better than that. The focus of Valerius' life has changed in this book, his priorities have changed. He has more responsibilities; he has not only the Ninth Legion to keep safe, but a young family as well.
However...while he has seemingly removed himself and his family from the internal Roman threats, he has seemingly plunged them back into the fire stoked by some of Rome's more devious external enemies. In the form of the barking mad Britons and their clearly insane Druidic shamen. It's a very warm welcome back to Britannia for Valerius, a much anticipated one for me. I kept humming something along the lines of 'Valerius is coming home' while reading. It all feels right. It's wild, it's dangerous, it's a political minefield for the Romans, it's a real banquet of reading delights for us. I do know a little of the history of the Roman state from this point on, so there's much, much more deviousness to anticipate from his Roman home, but for now, I'll settle for enjoying Valerius' homecoming in Britannia.
The Book Blog: Speesh Reads
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December 29, 2018
This marvellous book is already the 8th instalment of the fabulous Gaius Valerius Verrens series by the author Douglas Jackson.
Once again the historical details concerning this tale have been very well researched and explained within the historical note at the end of the book, where you can find also a fine documented glossary.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice two very well drawn maps, one of Britannia in AD 78 as well as one of "The Battle For Mona".
Storytelling is once more of a top-notch quality, simply because the author has brought all his characters vividly to life within this tremendous Roman story, and besides that the gruesome battle scenes are extremely well pictured within this tale to make this book a complete historical achievement and one which is certainly a joy to read from start to finish.
The time has now moved on to the year AD 78, and our main (fictional) character Gaius Valerius Verrens finds himself in the first part mostly in Rome, when he receives an invitation from the Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, after a dangerous collision with Vespasian's other somewhat deranged son Domitian, in which they summon him to travel to Britannia to help out with legal cases the Governor of that province Julius Agricola.
At first after some travelling through Germania and some dangerous adventures there, and arriving in Britannia to work on some legal cases in Londinium and Colonia, Valerius is summoned by Governor Julius Agricola to join him at the head of operations against the Druids of Mona and the tribe of the Ordovices, after a garrison is massacred and the Legate of the Ninth Legion, Fronto, is found murdered, and so after arriving there Valerius is ordered to take over as leader of that same "unlucky" Ninth Legion by Agricola.
What will follow is an exciting and suspenseful Roman story in which Valerius will not only solve the murder of Fronto, the former Legate of the Ninth Legion, but also with the Ninth Legion, under the leadership of Julius Agricola who's leading the Twentieth Legion himself, will invade Mona and do anything to destroy the place and its Druids, and at the same time to do all he can to save his own family, wife Tabitha and son Lucius from that same place Mona.
Very much recommended, for this is a very thrilling and entertaining Roman encounter and one that I like to call as: "A Glorious Roman Story"!
Once again the historical details concerning this tale have been very well researched and explained within the historical note at the end of the book, where you can find also a fine documented glossary.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice two very well drawn maps, one of Britannia in AD 78 as well as one of "The Battle For Mona".
Storytelling is once more of a top-notch quality, simply because the author has brought all his characters vividly to life within this tremendous Roman story, and besides that the gruesome battle scenes are extremely well pictured within this tale to make this book a complete historical achievement and one which is certainly a joy to read from start to finish.
The time has now moved on to the year AD 78, and our main (fictional) character Gaius Valerius Verrens finds himself in the first part mostly in Rome, when he receives an invitation from the Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, after a dangerous collision with Vespasian's other somewhat deranged son Domitian, in which they summon him to travel to Britannia to help out with legal cases the Governor of that province Julius Agricola.
At first after some travelling through Germania and some dangerous adventures there, and arriving in Britannia to work on some legal cases in Londinium and Colonia, Valerius is summoned by Governor Julius Agricola to join him at the head of operations against the Druids of Mona and the tribe of the Ordovices, after a garrison is massacred and the Legate of the Ninth Legion, Fronto, is found murdered, and so after arriving there Valerius is ordered to take over as leader of that same "unlucky" Ninth Legion by Agricola.
What will follow is an exciting and suspenseful Roman story in which Valerius will not only solve the murder of Fronto, the former Legate of the Ninth Legion, but also with the Ninth Legion, under the leadership of Julius Agricola who's leading the Twentieth Legion himself, will invade Mona and do anything to destroy the place and its Druids, and at the same time to do all he can to save his own family, wife Tabitha and son Lucius from that same place Mona.
Very much recommended, for this is a very thrilling and entertaining Roman encounter and one that I like to call as: "A Glorious Roman Story"!
November 3, 2019
Gaius Valerius Verrens last adventure left him isolated and without much support. This starts with him back in Rome and enjoying family life and legal duties, but he is still in danger from high powered enemies and the solution is to ship him and his family to support the campaign in Britain. Britain is where the Verrens adventures started and where he lost his hand, much has changed in his absence of almost 20 years, he has matured as a man and a leader and much of Britain has been pacified. But not all.
Supporting the governor, Agricola he is given the weak 9th Legion and the task of dealing with the Celts who have retreated to the fortified island of Mona (Anglesey).
So, can he re-build the 9th? Can he avoid politics and conspiracy, and, can he survive?
As this excellent series draws to a close (next book is the last), it’s great to have Verrens back in Britain, even if it is our barbarian ancestors he is in battle with! This has all you could want in this genre, strong interesting characters, exciting action and meticulous accuracy.
Douglas Jackson is a very talented author and proves it book after book.
Supporting the governor, Agricola he is given the weak 9th Legion and the task of dealing with the Celts who have retreated to the fortified island of Mona (Anglesey).
So, can he re-build the 9th? Can he avoid politics and conspiracy, and, can he survive?
As this excellent series draws to a close (next book is the last), it’s great to have Verrens back in Britain, even if it is our barbarian ancestors he is in battle with! This has all you could want in this genre, strong interesting characters, exciting action and meticulous accuracy.
Douglas Jackson is a very talented author and proves it book after book.
February 19, 2018
The 8th instalment in this brilliant series, and this may well be the best of the lot!
Verrens is back in Britannia, where the story first began. He faces his demons as he revisits the town of Colonia, seeing the temple of Claudius for the first time after being stuck in its flaming inferno, battling Boudica as she ravaged the land.
In this story we see a very different Verrens to the man from Hero of Rome. Older, wiser, battle hardened with the scars to show it.
Taking command of the ill fated Ninth Hispania, he must work under Governor Agricola to subdue the fearsome native tribesmen and take the mysterious isle of Mona.
It's a fantastic story, superbly told. Douglas weaves a tale so wonderfully it will have you turning the pages into the small hours of the night. Can't recommend enough, and excited for the next one!
Verrens is back in Britannia, where the story first began. He faces his demons as he revisits the town of Colonia, seeing the temple of Claudius for the first time after being stuck in its flaming inferno, battling Boudica as she ravaged the land.
In this story we see a very different Verrens to the man from Hero of Rome. Older, wiser, battle hardened with the scars to show it.
Taking command of the ill fated Ninth Hispania, he must work under Governor Agricola to subdue the fearsome native tribesmen and take the mysterious isle of Mona.
It's a fantastic story, superbly told. Douglas weaves a tale so wonderfully it will have you turning the pages into the small hours of the night. Can't recommend enough, and excited for the next one!
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February 10, 2018Just incredible!
Where to start with this book, if you have read the previous Verrens novels you will know how well they are written. The Glory of Rome takes us up another level this book is just such a fantastic book to read. Wonderful storytelling, characters that jump to life in your head and an easy way of writing that is a true pleasure to read. Love this book and will certainly read again. Douglas Jackson is to congratulated on a real Tour de Force. What a read!
Where to start with this book, if you have read the previous Verrens novels you will know how well they are written. The Glory of Rome takes us up another level this book is just such a fantastic book to read. Wonderful storytelling, characters that jump to life in your head and an easy way of writing that is a true pleasure to read. Love this book and will certainly read again. Douglas Jackson is to congratulated on a real Tour de Force. What a read!
December 10, 2018
This is one of eight books on Rome. We were hiking the entire course of Hadrian's Wall and I thought this would be most appropriate since most of it takes place in Roman Britain. The writing is evocative of the period and the culture. It's clear that a lot of research stands behind the writing. The story itself is an action thriller. I'm looking forward to reading the other volumes in the series.
November 21, 2020
To conquer Britainia
This is the book with the end battle that should have been in the first book. This is a good read and should be read , along with the other ones although there are many references it could be read alone.
Valerius has his command and with only one book left in the series, it should be interesting to see if what is said about a sword in hand and a friend by your side when you meet your end is in play for Valerius.
This is the book with the end battle that should have been in the first book. This is a good read and should be read , along with the other ones although there are many references it could be read alone.
Valerius has his command and with only one book left in the series, it should be interesting to see if what is said about a sword in hand and a friend by your side when you meet your end is in play for Valerius.
November 29, 2020
The was a very good historical action-adventure novel mostly set in first-century Britain. The story had a nice mix of Verrens' personal and professional lives. I have also enjoyed some of Bernard Cornwell's similar stories. This one had much less non-stop violence than Cornwell's, which I appreciated. Having started with the eighth book in the series (which was no problem), I will now go back and read the others books in the correct sequence!
August 17, 2017
The first half was very engaging but then it became a bit too schematic so I was losing interest. I was looking forward to more character work (the first half IMHO gave this promise), but that aspect gradually almost disappeared.
3.2 stars
3.2 stars
February 13, 2018
Let's you imagine how hard and short life was in the first century . A real page turnrr
A real page turned you want to see what is happening next ,before a page is turned.an insight into the hard life in the Roman ranks
A real page turned you want to see what is happening next ,before a page is turned.an insight into the hard life in the Roman ranks
October 4, 2018
Awesome
Another awesome book in the series by a great author, follows the history with great twists. Leaves you with a great cliffhanger.
Another awesome book in the series by a great author, follows the history with great twists. Leaves you with a great cliffhanger.
September 6, 2019
For Rome !
As always have enjoyed the adventures of Verrens...
This series has been tales of glory or tragedy..look forward to the campaign in the north !
As always have enjoyed the adventures of Verrens...
This series has been tales of glory or tragedy..look forward to the campaign in the north !
January 7, 2020
Lots of good stuff, fighting. Pleasant to see the respect for historical accuracy. A good read, indeed.
May 6, 2020
Excellent
Action and intrigue as well as historically relevant. I really enjoy this series! I highly recommend them to any lover of the genre.
Action and intrigue as well as historically relevant. I really enjoy this series! I highly recommend them to any lover of the genre.
July 7, 2022
Would have given it 10stars if could. Couldn’t put it down, just gutted that I’m nearing the end. Quite nice to see the story coming full circle. I do miss some companion’s of Valerius in the book
March 23, 2018
Easy reading for a lazy afternoon
Better than the average Roman historical novel. I read the book over three afternoons whilst Dow with the flu. Kept me entertained and diverted from how cheap I felt. Only let down by what to me seemed a truncated ending.
Better than the average Roman historical novel. I read the book over three afternoons whilst Dow with the flu. Kept me entertained and diverted from how cheap I felt. Only let down by what to me seemed a truncated ending.
September 27, 2022
je n'ai pas lu les précédents livres mais il y a quelques retours en arrière qui éclairent le personnage principal et héros Gaius Valérius Verrens, qui, donc, a déjà survécu à beaucoup ; livre choisi pour cette période et ce lieu en particulier (romanisation de la Grande Bretagne ... en passant par la forêt du "désastre de Varus - clades variana -"); c'est prenant, politiquement tordu (C Julius Agricola et Domitien pas très sympathiques), les batailles sont dures, les légionnaires vaillants, les tribus rebelles résistant à la romanisation sont des sauvages tatoués , leurs druides font des cérémonies cruelles ... nous sommes clairement dans ce livre du côté des romains, les "civilisés" (c'est leur point de vue, bien sûr). Des détails historiques et descriptions intéressantes dans un livre d'aventure.
June 9, 2021
I'm amazed that Jackson as written fundamentally the same books 8 times up to this point, & they're still compelling. I bet #9 will be, as well. I'll be finding out 2 books from now.
December 14, 2022
"Un legionario parla con il gladius".
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December 29, 2017Not finished this one. Struggling to engage with it. The characters seem okay but just not for me. Too slow to get going. I wish they were just in Britain already!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews