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Twilight of Empire #3
Battle for Rome
The third novel in this brilliant series, set at the end of the Roman empire, sees Constantine battling for supremacy against the tyrant Maxentius.
Centurion Aurelius Castus has been promoted to tribune and seems settled in a life of comfort with his new wife and young son. But Rome is in the tyrannical grip of the usurper Maxentius, and Constantine is forming a plan for a surprise attack from the west, in order to take the city.
Castus, who once saved the emperor's life, is called upon to play a key role in the campaign. Once again he is caught up in events far beyond his control, where nothing is quite what it seems – not even his new marriage.
Centurion Aurelius Castus has been promoted to tribune and seems settled in a life of comfort with his new wife and young son. But Rome is in the tyrannical grip of the usurper Maxentius, and Constantine is forming a plan for a surprise attack from the west, in order to take the city.
Castus, who once saved the emperor's life, is called upon to play a key role in the campaign. Once again he is caught up in events far beyond his control, where nothing is quite what it seems – not even his new marriage.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
42 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Ian James Ross
27 books97 followersIan Ross was born in England and studied painting before turning to writing fiction. He has travelled widely and worked as a bookseller, tutor and university lecturer while developing his writing abilities. A year in Italy teaching English and exploring the ruins of empire reawakened his early love for ancient history, and he returned to the UK with growing fascination for the period known as late antiquity. He has been researching and writing about the later Roman world and its army for over a decade, and his interests combine an obsessive regard for accuracy and detail with a devotion to the craft of storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 3, 2017
Author is improving all facets of this series with each book! This is the best yet! Heart-pounding action starts from page 1 of the Prologue. I was utterly enthralled all through and Castus is becoming one of my favorite male heroes. More depth of his personality is revealed in each book. This novel, which traces Constantine's Italian campaign, starting in Gaul, culminates in Battle at Milvian Bridge with the defeat of usurper, Maxentius, and Constantine's triumphal entry [called here an adventus] into Rome.
I liked the author's interpretation of Constantine's dream/vision before the battle. His thoughts on that incident in his Notes were enlightening [pun intended]. The author's outdone himself in describing the various battle scenes along with his use of Castus as presenting the idea of using scaling ladders and incendiaries at Segusio and his importance in the middle of the action **but** still based heavily on primary sources. I am amazed at the author's creativity. I had my heart in my mouth in ambush scenes, especially the one outside the Baths of Diocletian. Castus reveals more of his personality--this time dealing with personal problems between him and his wife, Sabina, who has been seduced by a smooth talker and his promises, into betrayal for which she is eventually remorseful. I do like very much that Castus is not a superhero; he's no Adonis and he suffers from acrophobia. I myself can relate to the latter. Castus's soldier friends, Felix and Diogenes, are likeable, too. The scene between Castus and the dying enemy soldier was poignant. Pacing was excellent. Only one small criticism: please, Mr. Ross, use the Latin vocative Domine while addressing a superior. The fault of using Dominus as vocative occurred often enough in the novel to become irritating.
Most highly recommended.
I liked the author's interpretation of Constantine's dream/vision before the battle. His thoughts on that incident in his Notes were enlightening [pun intended]. The author's outdone himself in describing the various battle scenes along with his use of Castus as presenting the idea of using scaling ladders and incendiaries at Segusio and his importance in the middle of the action **but** still based heavily on primary sources. I am amazed at the author's creativity. I had my heart in my mouth in ambush scenes, especially the one outside the Baths of Diocletian. Castus reveals more of his personality--this time dealing with personal problems between him and his wife, Sabina, who has been seduced by a smooth talker and his promises, into betrayal for which she is eventually remorseful. I do like very much that Castus is not a superhero; he's no Adonis and he suffers from acrophobia. I myself can relate to the latter. Castus's soldier friends, Felix and Diogenes, are likeable, too. The scene between Castus and the dying enemy soldier was poignant. Pacing was excellent. Only one small criticism: please, Mr. Ross, use the Latin vocative Domine while addressing a superior. The fault of using Dominus as vocative occurred often enough in the novel to become irritating.
Most highly recommended.
December 18, 2020
From Andrew Swanston’s version of a spy in the English Civil War, that of a codebreaker, I now jump to the all action Roman version that is Centurion Aurelius Castus, whose more akin to James Bond as I recollect from the prior books.
We start on horseback fleeing from barbarians who’re intent on stealing important documents that the tribune leading the mission holds in his possession….. see I told yous…… James Bond!
It’s though a fleeting existence before he is back in the bosom of the legion & his family which I must admit I couldn’t recollect from the previous book, obviously she was that memorable! They seem at odds straight away & it’s not long before our hero is back with his first love, that of the legion, now as tribune of a legion after winning promotion for his feats of daring doo.
And so the main story begins……. revolving around the Roman civil war C 312AD with Constantine being the Emperor elect who Castus is aligned with. There are three other leaders all vying for the right to rule Rome at this point.
At a third of the way in & I have to say it’s all fairly dry with many pages jus washing by me, no real characters are coming alive from the text, it’s all solely about Castus & he’s not really lighting the way until the clash of steel starts & then he comes alive… all action…. Then we’re back to the pondering & brooding until the next battle scene. He’s not really a very likeable hero at all…. Was he this way in the first book? I thought he was more human in that one, for this he’s more automaton than anything, jus part of the Roman war machine is all…..
And I’m still really struggling to recollect much of the prior book although the first in the series where he went against the Picts is still very vivid….. does this bode well for the continuation of the series….?
Then we have a change in circumstances for our hero, stripped from his position of Tribune of the Legion Britannica & thrust once again into his roll of spy…… A-HA!! And the story is so much better, he’s living on the edge again, the interactions around him flow, the pace is grand, characters flow into the story……. It’s a transformation almost! Castus lives for the adventure & so seems does the author!
Overall..... Bit of a mixed bag early doors if I’m honest as parts did lull for me, the monotonous drudgery of the army life of march, camp, fight did resemble jus that & I guess the author captured it perfectly if you know what I mean…... I’m not saying this in a bad way, its jus the way it was. When the other parts of the story came into play, the adventure & narrative certainly opened up more & it's very enjoyable.
I would give it overall a higher end 3 stars (3.75) rounded to a four.
We start on horseback fleeing from barbarians who’re intent on stealing important documents that the tribune leading the mission holds in his possession….. see I told yous…… James Bond!
It’s though a fleeting existence before he is back in the bosom of the legion & his family which I must admit I couldn’t recollect from the previous book, obviously she was that memorable! They seem at odds straight away & it’s not long before our hero is back with his first love, that of the legion, now as tribune of a legion after winning promotion for his feats of daring doo.
And so the main story begins……. revolving around the Roman civil war C 312AD with Constantine being the Emperor elect who Castus is aligned with. There are three other leaders all vying for the right to rule Rome at this point.
At a third of the way in & I have to say it’s all fairly dry with many pages jus washing by me, no real characters are coming alive from the text, it’s all solely about Castus & he’s not really lighting the way until the clash of steel starts & then he comes alive… all action…. Then we’re back to the pondering & brooding until the next battle scene. He’s not really a very likeable hero at all…. Was he this way in the first book? I thought he was more human in that one, for this he’s more automaton than anything, jus part of the Roman war machine is all…..
And I’m still really struggling to recollect much of the prior book although the first in the series where he went against the Picts is still very vivid….. does this bode well for the continuation of the series….?
Then we have a change in circumstances for our hero, stripped from his position of Tribune of the Legion Britannica & thrust once again into his roll of spy…… A-HA!! And the story is so much better, he’s living on the edge again, the interactions around him flow, the pace is grand, characters flow into the story……. It’s a transformation almost! Castus lives for the adventure & so seems does the author!
Overall..... Bit of a mixed bag early doors if I’m honest as parts did lull for me, the monotonous drudgery of the army life of march, camp, fight did resemble jus that & I guess the author captured it perfectly if you know what I mean…... I’m not saying this in a bad way, its jus the way it was. When the other parts of the story came into play, the adventure & narrative certainly opened up more & it's very enjoyable.
I would give it overall a higher end 3 stars (3.75) rounded to a four.
January 3, 2018
The Twilight of Empire series goes from strength to strength and this is an absolute corker! It's not a period of Roman history that I know much about but Ian Ross brings it to life. Castus has become a favourite character of mine in Roman historical fiction.
January 5, 2017
4.7 stars
December 29, 2018
This very entertaining book by this fine author is the 3rd instalment of the wonderful and exciting "Twilight of the Empire" series.
The historical details explained in the author's note are very well researched and described, and once more the real events that took place are superbly outlined within this book.
Once again the storytelling is of an absolute top-quality, it's so engrossing that you don't want to put it down but read it from start to finish in one go.
Also the interaction between the characters, real or fictional, is really fascinating, for it makes the story so thrilling that it comes alive with so much pace and conviction.
This book starts off in the year AD 311, but the main story unfolds during the year AD 312 in which our main character the now Tribune Aurelius Castus, he's been promoted for his bravery for and loyalty to the Emperor Constantine, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that suspicions are circulating about the behaviour of his aristocratic wife.
Everybody knows that the coming war will decide the fate of the Empire, but at the same time Castus's home troubles will carry him into the heart of Rome and all it's shadowy realms of treachery, where he will also have to fight hard and do his utmost to survive this treacherous evil.
What follows is a very thrilling book with greatly pictured gruesome fighting scenes and murderous events at the heart of the Roman Empire.
This is once more a most fascinating story about the Roman Empire by this author, and this is a book that I wish to call as a "Superb Historical Read"!
The historical details explained in the author's note are very well researched and described, and once more the real events that took place are superbly outlined within this book.
Once again the storytelling is of an absolute top-quality, it's so engrossing that you don't want to put it down but read it from start to finish in one go.
Also the interaction between the characters, real or fictional, is really fascinating, for it makes the story so thrilling that it comes alive with so much pace and conviction.
This book starts off in the year AD 311, but the main story unfolds during the year AD 312 in which our main character the now Tribune Aurelius Castus, he's been promoted for his bravery for and loyalty to the Emperor Constantine, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that suspicions are circulating about the behaviour of his aristocratic wife.
Everybody knows that the coming war will decide the fate of the Empire, but at the same time Castus's home troubles will carry him into the heart of Rome and all it's shadowy realms of treachery, where he will also have to fight hard and do his utmost to survive this treacherous evil.
What follows is a very thrilling book with greatly pictured gruesome fighting scenes and murderous events at the heart of the Roman Empire.
This is once more a most fascinating story about the Roman Empire by this author, and this is a book that I wish to call as a "Superb Historical Read"!
March 7, 2017
Excitement all the way through. I loved every bit of this one: from the fight scenes to the personal conflicts. Evocative and thought provoking, the main character is becoming one of my favourites. Definitely recommended to the normal crew.
July 16, 2020
Excellent, best so far, look froward to the next one!
May 3, 2023
‘𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣 – 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 – 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣… 𝙈𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙! 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙧, 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!’
⛨The book - 3rd in the Twilight of Empire series - set in the little-known era of the Roman Empire - during the Tetrarchy period - follows the story of Castus as he witnesses Emperor Constantine battling for supremacy against Maxentius, the tyrant of Rome.
312 AD. The rule of Tetrarchy that had until now united the entire Roman Empire is now collapsing. As the usurper Maxentius holds his tyrannical grip on Rome and Constantine is planning to launch a secret attack on his realm to liberate the city, Protectore Aurelius Castus, newly promoted to the post of tribune and now a family man is called off to lead II legion Britannica in the campaign. Once again entrapped in political intrigue, he'll find himself journeying into the heart of the enemy camp on a desperate and dishonorable mission and find that nothing is quite what it seems, not even his wife Sabina.
𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙣, 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨… 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡. 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙚. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.
⛨With each book, I'm getting addicted to Ian's writing. With the stroke of his words he had brought back the chaotic Roman world alive where emperors rise and fall, fortunes change and a man does not know who to trust. The tightly packed plot has lots of violence, treachery, adultery, backstabbing, shocks, and surprises to hook you till last. The cinematic battle scenes were enough to leave you wanting more.
⛨The book had three storylines of Castus, Sabina, and Nigrinus, each equally engrossing and running parallel to each other. Castus is forced to journeyed Rome on a humiliating mission on the order of a man he detests most. His aristocratic wife Sabina is torn between choosing her husband and her father's fortunes. Nigrinus, the sly tribune of Notaries is playing his own game to profit himself most from this campaign.
⛨The book ends with the climatic battle of Milvian Bridge which makes me reminisce about Gods of Rome by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney, set in the same time period as this one. There was a surprise in the climax that without revealing any spoiler I would like to say is bittersweet and equally satisfactory.
Overall, Battle for Rome was a page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and feel every historical fiction reader should read this series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
⛨The book - 3rd in the Twilight of Empire series - set in the little-known era of the Roman Empire - during the Tetrarchy period - follows the story of Castus as he witnesses Emperor Constantine battling for supremacy against Maxentius, the tyrant of Rome.
312 AD. The rule of Tetrarchy that had until now united the entire Roman Empire is now collapsing. As the usurper Maxentius holds his tyrannical grip on Rome and Constantine is planning to launch a secret attack on his realm to liberate the city, Protectore Aurelius Castus, newly promoted to the post of tribune and now a family man is called off to lead II legion Britannica in the campaign. Once again entrapped in political intrigue, he'll find himself journeying into the heart of the enemy camp on a desperate and dishonorable mission and find that nothing is quite what it seems, not even his wife Sabina.
𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙣, 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨… 𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡. 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙚. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.
⛨With each book, I'm getting addicted to Ian's writing. With the stroke of his words he had brought back the chaotic Roman world alive where emperors rise and fall, fortunes change and a man does not know who to trust. The tightly packed plot has lots of violence, treachery, adultery, backstabbing, shocks, and surprises to hook you till last. The cinematic battle scenes were enough to leave you wanting more.
⛨The book had three storylines of Castus, Sabina, and Nigrinus, each equally engrossing and running parallel to each other. Castus is forced to journeyed Rome on a humiliating mission on the order of a man he detests most. His aristocratic wife Sabina is torn between choosing her husband and her father's fortunes. Nigrinus, the sly tribune of Notaries is playing his own game to profit himself most from this campaign.
⛨The book ends with the climatic battle of Milvian Bridge which makes me reminisce about Gods of Rome by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney, set in the same time period as this one. There was a surprise in the climax that without revealing any spoiler I would like to say is bittersweet and equally satisfactory.
Overall, Battle for Rome was a page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and feel every historical fiction reader should read this series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
January 10, 2021
3,5/5
It’s a nice book that is easy to read . It is full of events and action , nice battles and fights and with pretty nice characters yet I wasn’t shocked by sb.
The study of history is ok although not such a realistic approach but I didn’t love the part of the investigation for writing this book, it’s a nice period and I would have liked to have many more historical informations and more understanding of moves and choices of the leaders. Its an era that has events that are meant to make you feel amazed that didn’t happen for me. I feel it’s more of a fiction and cannot say it’s a book that after you finish it you feel sth more than that it is a nice book . I’m looking for books that will influence me more and make me think more or that I’ll say I learned sth from reading it ,that is a bit of a difficult job when writing such a kind of a novel I guess. However I did enjoy it and feel I wanna read more from this author . Just wished for more details and less fiction .
It’s a nice book that is easy to read . It is full of events and action , nice battles and fights and with pretty nice characters yet I wasn’t shocked by sb.
The study of history is ok although not such a realistic approach but I didn’t love the part of the investigation for writing this book, it’s a nice period and I would have liked to have many more historical informations and more understanding of moves and choices of the leaders. Its an era that has events that are meant to make you feel amazed that didn’t happen for me. I feel it’s more of a fiction and cannot say it’s a book that after you finish it you feel sth more than that it is a nice book . I’m looking for books that will influence me more and make me think more or that I’ll say I learned sth from reading it ,that is a bit of a difficult job when writing such a kind of a novel I guess. However I did enjoy it and feel I wanna read more from this author . Just wished for more details and less fiction .
July 13, 2018
For years I have been a fan of Simon Scarrow's Roman books and now I am a fan of Ian Ross and his series of novels set in the later Roman Empire and following the rise of Constantine to the Imperial throne. Ross' novels are exciting, well written and have a real sense of place and character.
The novels are based around the character of Aurelius Castus who has risen, at the start of this the third novel in the series, to the position of Tribune in charge of the Second Brittannica Legion. We follow Castus as he becomes involveld in the march on Rome and finally the Battle of the Milvian Bridge where Constantine defeats the other emperor, Maxentius and takes control of Rome. Castus has also been involved in the shady world of politics surrounding the army and his wife Sabina has become involved with the opposition through her affair with Lepidus. The spy Julius Nigrinus has also been working in the background and Castus becomes involved in his plotting and scheming.
There is an excellent balance in the novel between the world of the Roman Army and the world of politics and diplomacy, with neither dominating the action. Castus is at home in the army and we see his reluctance to become involved in the politics around him but he recognises his duty and carries out his tasks with honour.
I am already holding in my hand the next novel, The Mask of Command and I am looking forward to the further adventures of Aurelius Castus.
The novels are based around the character of Aurelius Castus who has risen, at the start of this the third novel in the series, to the position of Tribune in charge of the Second Brittannica Legion. We follow Castus as he becomes involveld in the march on Rome and finally the Battle of the Milvian Bridge where Constantine defeats the other emperor, Maxentius and takes control of Rome. Castus has also been involved in the shady world of politics surrounding the army and his wife Sabina has become involved with the opposition through her affair with Lepidus. The spy Julius Nigrinus has also been working in the background and Castus becomes involved in his plotting and scheming.
There is an excellent balance in the novel between the world of the Roman Army and the world of politics and diplomacy, with neither dominating the action. Castus is at home in the army and we see his reluctance to become involved in the politics around him but he recognises his duty and carries out his tasks with honour.
I am already holding in my hand the next novel, The Mask of Command and I am looking forward to the further adventures of Aurelius Castus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
"CONSTANTINUS AUGUSTUS! EVER VICTORIOUS!"
Another brilliant book from Mr. Ross, a worthy sequel to "Swords around the Throne". An indescribably beautiful detail of the Roman Empire of the 4th century AD, this book covers our protagonist Aurelius Castus's journey in Constantine the Great's retinue as he draws ever closer to one of the most crucial battles of history. Mr. Ross's storytelling is once again sublime, carving out rich details of the Roman way of life, culture and happenings of the early stages of the Dominate era of the Empire. The characters are intriguing, the setting engaging and the action scenes quite graphic. A must read.
I will continue to follow the journey of Castus with great interest.
Another brilliant book from Mr. Ross, a worthy sequel to "Swords around the Throne". An indescribably beautiful detail of the Roman Empire of the 4th century AD, this book covers our protagonist Aurelius Castus's journey in Constantine the Great's retinue as he draws ever closer to one of the most crucial battles of history. Mr. Ross's storytelling is once again sublime, carving out rich details of the Roman way of life, culture and happenings of the early stages of the Dominate era of the Empire. The characters are intriguing, the setting engaging and the action scenes quite graphic. A must read.
I will continue to follow the journey of Castus with great interest.
December 18, 2018
Excellent addition.
Battle for rome is the third book in Ian Ross's Twilight of Empire series set during empire constantines rule. This is a excellent addition to the series and far superior to many in a crowded market. The series is set a little later in history than most other roman series but is all the better as it covers a fascinating period of history. I am looking forward to book number four. Highly recommended.
Battle for rome is the third book in Ian Ross's Twilight of Empire series set during empire constantines rule. This is a excellent addition to the series and far superior to many in a crowded market. The series is set a little later in history than most other roman series but is all the better as it covers a fascinating period of history. I am looking forward to book number four. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2019
An exceptional tale!
This series just gets better and better. Our anti hero, Castus, just goes on from strength to strength and I am fully expecting him to become a general before the series ends. Some feat for a barely literate thug of a man, although someone who inspires the devotion of his troops. I was sorry that poor old Julius had to perish as I had rather warmed to this duplicitous character. All in all, an excellent read.
This series just gets better and better. Our anti hero, Castus, just goes on from strength to strength and I am fully expecting him to become a general before the series ends. Some feat for a barely literate thug of a man, although someone who inspires the devotion of his troops. I was sorry that poor old Julius had to perish as I had rather warmed to this duplicitous character. All in all, an excellent read.
February 29, 2020
Not being overly keen on Roman times I thought I'd give this book 'a go'.
To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the style of writing. Had to get over the multitude of names, but at least they were real names and not made up as in science fiction.
This is the first book that I've read by this author, and hopefully I'll read some more depending on the 2nd hand book shop stocking the books that I want :- o)
To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the style of writing. Had to get over the multitude of names, but at least they were real names and not made up as in science fiction.
This is the first book that I've read by this author, and hopefully I'll read some more depending on the 2nd hand book shop stocking the books that I want :- o)
December 1, 2020
The end of the trilogy. The final battle to choose the emperor of Rome. Its obvious that after every battle the winner gets all the credit and loser is labelled as the cruel. But that's not true always.
Who ever wins there's always a great loss for the man kind and humanity on the account of power to the person or a country.
It's also indicates the Christianity becoming a world religion under the guidance of Constantine.
Who ever wins there's always a great loss for the man kind and humanity on the account of power to the person or a country.
It's also indicates the Christianity becoming a world religion under the guidance of Constantine.
February 1, 2019
Absorbing
A thoroughly entertaining book giving life to a period of Roman History, fascinating.
Characters come to life and show us readers how diverse the men that made up the Roman Army were, although "Roman" they came from all corners of the Empire.
A thoroughly entertaining book giving life to a period of Roman History, fascinating.
Characters come to life and show us readers how diverse the men that made up the Roman Army were, although "Roman" they came from all corners of the Empire.
March 27, 2018
Such an exciting novel - and wonderfully read by Jonathan Keeble.
I realise it's the 3rd in a series and will definitely be looking out for the others.
I realise it's the 3rd in a series and will definitely be looking out for the others.
February 14, 2019
Brilliant book, enjoyed it from cover to cover :-)
February 23, 2019
I am sucker for a good read on Ancient Rome and this series do not disappoint. It is an easy page turner...and Cactus is a protagonist one just wants more of ! Bring on #4
September 12, 2019
Another exciting story of Tribune Castus, by Ian Ross. Already anticipating to start the next part!
April 28, 2020
Love this series... battle for rome is the best yet and hopefully they keep getting better! Ordered the next 2 in the series.
June 13, 2021
Excellent
October 22, 2022
The story was alright I guess but I was just not interested in the Roman drama!
October 8, 2024
Castus is a tough no nonsense roman, who gets into the middle of the issue perhaps not intentionally, amazingly he manages to meet all the likely leaders but who will he choose to defend.
January 11, 2025
I found the conflict of the character Castus to be so heartfelt.
Through all the series his code of honor as a Roman soldier was being challenged by the brutal realities of war.
I enjoyed the book.
Through all the series his code of honor as a Roman soldier was being challenged by the brutal realities of war.
I enjoyed the book.
sff-ok-r
June 13, 2025Rokp
January 24, 2016
I've always enjoyed historical fiction and as a lover of Roman history, it's quite surprising that I've never read any Roman historical fiction. I don't usually like to start reading mid-way through a series but I enjoyed this book so much that I don't think it was a necessity to read books 1 and 2 first. I'm sure it would enhance the story by reading them in order, but Battle for Rome was immensely enjoyable as a standalone novel.
Castus is a very strong character - he commands the page as he does his army. Although the book has a lot of fighting in it, and it's no surprise given the title of Battle for Rome, there is the human element of Castus and Sabina's marriage. As Castus has been fighting across the Roman Empire, it has clearly left a strain on his marriage. Has Sabina started to look elsewhere for comfort or has Castus' absence left her weak to corruption?
The only time I felt that I was missing something by not having read the earlier books was when Nigrinus was introduced. I felt that there was some history between Castus and Nigrinus as they clearly detest each other, but there is so much treachery and backstabbing that nobody can be trusted. I really enjoyed part 3 of the book when Castus is forced to work with Nigrinus and goes on a mission to Rome. There were plenty of shocks and surprises in store to keep my heart racing.
Ian Ross has written a masterpiece that effortlessly transports the reader from the comfort of their home in 2015 to the Roman Empire in 312AD. Every clash of sword and shield resounds from each page and, through Ian's descriptive writing, I could almost smell the blood and sweat of the Roman army. This book has everything you would expect from a Roman epic - there is the opulence and splendour of Rome, power and riches of senators, madness of emperors and the brutality of battle. I absolutely raced through it and definitely want to read the two earlier books in the series.
Special thanks go to Suzanne from Head of Zeus for sending me a treasured signed copy in exchange for an honest review.
Castus is a very strong character - he commands the page as he does his army. Although the book has a lot of fighting in it, and it's no surprise given the title of Battle for Rome, there is the human element of Castus and Sabina's marriage. As Castus has been fighting across the Roman Empire, it has clearly left a strain on his marriage. Has Sabina started to look elsewhere for comfort or has Castus' absence left her weak to corruption?
The only time I felt that I was missing something by not having read the earlier books was when Nigrinus was introduced. I felt that there was some history between Castus and Nigrinus as they clearly detest each other, but there is so much treachery and backstabbing that nobody can be trusted. I really enjoyed part 3 of the book when Castus is forced to work with Nigrinus and goes on a mission to Rome. There were plenty of shocks and surprises in store to keep my heart racing.
Ian Ross has written a masterpiece that effortlessly transports the reader from the comfort of their home in 2015 to the Roman Empire in 312AD. Every clash of sword and shield resounds from each page and, through Ian's descriptive writing, I could almost smell the blood and sweat of the Roman army. This book has everything you would expect from a Roman epic - there is the opulence and splendour of Rome, power and riches of senators, madness of emperors and the brutality of battle. I absolutely raced through it and definitely want to read the two earlier books in the series.
Special thanks go to Suzanne from Head of Zeus for sending me a treasured signed copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
A beautifully-crafted book and a great read.
At the beginning of the fourth century AD, the Roman Empire is split into four separate parts.
Aurelius Castus – Protector of the Sacred Bodyguard – is tasked with delivering a package from Emperor Constantine to Emperor Licinius. The contents offer an allegiance against the usurper Maxentius, together with an offer of marriage to Constantine’s sister.
So commences a novel that is not only a journey into the history of the Roman Empire of the time, but is also a thriller in its own right.
Ian Ross writes colourfully about the political intrigues within the emperor’s courts, featuring the Machiavellian Julius Nigrinus, the spin doctor of the time. We see that not only is the civil war conducted on the battlefields, but in the corridors of power in the palaces, where even Castus’s wife, Sabina, is walking.
Castus is a career soldier who has an unerring sense of duty towards his emperor Constantine. Throughout the novel Castus shows total loyalty, trust and dedication, not only to Constantine, but to his fellow soldiers and the Roman Empire.
The descriptions of the battles are wonderfully graphic. You actually feel that you are part of the shield wall, standing shoulder to shoulder with your comrades and can smell the sweat and blood. Ian Ross does not hold back and we are aware of how brutal and barbaric war was in those days.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and would thoroughly recommend it.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
At the beginning of the fourth century AD, the Roman Empire is split into four separate parts.
Aurelius Castus – Protector of the Sacred Bodyguard – is tasked with delivering a package from Emperor Constantine to Emperor Licinius. The contents offer an allegiance against the usurper Maxentius, together with an offer of marriage to Constantine’s sister.
So commences a novel that is not only a journey into the history of the Roman Empire of the time, but is also a thriller in its own right.
Ian Ross writes colourfully about the political intrigues within the emperor’s courts, featuring the Machiavellian Julius Nigrinus, the spin doctor of the time. We see that not only is the civil war conducted on the battlefields, but in the corridors of power in the palaces, where even Castus’s wife, Sabina, is walking.
Castus is a career soldier who has an unerring sense of duty towards his emperor Constantine. Throughout the novel Castus shows total loyalty, trust and dedication, not only to Constantine, but to his fellow soldiers and the Roman Empire.
The descriptions of the battles are wonderfully graphic. You actually feel that you are part of the shield wall, standing shoulder to shoulder with your comrades and can smell the sweat and blood. Ian Ross does not hold back and we are aware of how brutal and barbaric war was in those days.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and would thoroughly recommend it.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
February 2, 2017
To be honest I'm not usually a massive fan of historical fiction, it was a bit of a whim to read this book at all but oh boy I'm glad I did.
The way it was written didn't make too much of a big deal of the fact that it has obviously been very well researched - which is one of the things that often puts me off- but rather fits the narrative comfortably into a very believable world. The style and characterisation of this book really did make it enjoyable, I'll be on the look out for more by Ian James Ross.
I won Battle for Rome (Twilight of Empire, #3) in a goodreads giveaway
The way it was written didn't make too much of a big deal of the fact that it has obviously been very well researched - which is one of the things that often puts me off- but rather fits the narrative comfortably into a very believable world. The style and characterisation of this book really did make it enjoyable, I'll be on the look out for more by Ian James Ross.
I won Battle for Rome (Twilight of Empire, #3) in a goodreads giveaway
April 4, 2016
The Battle for Rome is an excellent book. It is well written and exciting with many twists and turns.
I felt it gave an authentic picture of the period in which it was set with a palpable late Roman atmosphere. It moved along at a good pace and kept one's interest right to the end. A wonderful example of the genre. I look forward to reading more from this erudite author.
I felt it gave an authentic picture of the period in which it was set with a palpable late Roman atmosphere. It moved along at a good pace and kept one's interest right to the end. A wonderful example of the genre. I look forward to reading more from this erudite author.
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