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Gaius Valerius Verrens #9
Hammer of Rome
AD 80 Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. But this is no ordinary legion. His command is the ‘unlucky’ Ninth, tainted by four decades of ill fortune and poor leadership. A unit regarded as expendable by Valerius’s superior, Gnaeus Julius Agricola, governor of Britannia.
Yet all that can be swept aside by a single moment of glory, and the long heralded invasion of the north of the province provides the perfect opportunity. Valerius leads his men to a devastating victory against the recalcitrant Brigantes, infuriating Agricola in the process. Soon, even greater honours beckon with the death of Emperor Vespasian and the succession of Valerius’s friend, Titus.
But, back in Rome, the new emperor faces his own challenges, not least from his own brother, Domitian, a man with an insatiable ambition for power and a deadly hatred of Valerius.
All Valerius can do is forget the great prizes on offer, concentrate on defeating the savage tribes who lie in the path of the Ninth, and ignore Agricola’s intrigues.
But watching his every move is the most formidable enemy he has ever faced: mighty Calgacus, war chief of the Northern alliance.
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2018
165 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Jackson
39 books262 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 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 28, 2018
What can I say really, other than it's such a shame that this 9th volume of the marvellous "Gaius Valerius Verrens" series is also sadly the last one.
As ever the book has been very well historically researched and explained by the author within the historical note, which you can find at the end of the book, where you can also find a well detailed glossary.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice two well-drawn maps, one of Agricola's Campaigns in Northern Britain and one of the Battle of Mons Graupius in AD 83.
What you can also find there is a wonderful Cast of Characters, with real historical as well as great fictional figures.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, and all the author's characters within this great story, whether they are real or fictional, come all splendidly to life within this compelling Roman tale, and besides that the story pictures great battle scenes with real lifelike human clashes.
The story is set as from AD 79 until AD 96, where the book will reach a deadly climax that will end this formidable series with an absolute great bang.
What will follow is for our main "fictional" character, Gaius Valerius Verrens, a lot more Battles for Rome where loyalty, betrayal, heroics and backstabbing will be absolutely common enough, until the ultimate Glory will finally beckon for our Hero of Rome!
Highly recommended, and if I may hammer this message into you, I would like to advise every reader to start with book 1 until this very last one, book 9, for this book is in my opinion: "A Fabulous Conclusion Of Fantastic Series"!
As ever the book has been very well historically researched and explained by the author within the historical note, which you can find at the end of the book, where you can also find a well detailed glossary.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice two well-drawn maps, one of Agricola's Campaigns in Northern Britain and one of the Battle of Mons Graupius in AD 83.
What you can also find there is a wonderful Cast of Characters, with real historical as well as great fictional figures.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, and all the author's characters within this great story, whether they are real or fictional, come all splendidly to life within this compelling Roman tale, and besides that the story pictures great battle scenes with real lifelike human clashes.
The story is set as from AD 79 until AD 96, where the book will reach a deadly climax that will end this formidable series with an absolute great bang.
What will follow is for our main "fictional" character, Gaius Valerius Verrens, a lot more Battles for Rome where loyalty, betrayal, heroics and backstabbing will be absolutely common enough, until the ultimate Glory will finally beckon for our Hero of Rome!
Highly recommended, and if I may hammer this message into you, I would like to advise every reader to start with book 1 until this very last one, book 9, for this book is in my opinion: "A Fabulous Conclusion Of Fantastic Series"!
August 18, 2018
Absolutely superb, thrilling and compelling finale to one of the very best series of Roman historical fiction there is. I'm so sorry to see it end but what a fabulous way to go out. Also a fascinating depiction of the Roman campaigns to Scotland as it is now before the construction of the Wall. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights. Nine books. Loved every one.
October 28, 2018
This has been a favorite Roman series, with the same excitement and drama as the previous incidents. I always look forward to adventures featuring Valerius. In this one, he has been promoted to legate of the XI Legion in Roman Britain and is instrumental in Governor Agricola's drive north to conquer all of Britannia. We follow, in alternating sections, the Romans and the Celtic chieftain Calgacus [Cathal] and his efforts to draw warriors around him to protect their land from the "Red Scourge", with pitched battles, culminating in a final face-off at Mons Graupius. As a last-ditch effort to afford any more blood being spilt on both sides, Valrius attempts diplomacy. The author puts into Calgacus' mouth his version of the words Tacitus has given him. With these words, Valerius is so moved that he feels he has not always treated the Celts as human beings and now sees them as trying to maintain their independence. This is a last bit of his maturing. Agricola, in Mr. Jackson's concept, is not so much a villain, but glory-hungry, and ambitious, more of an obstacle to Valerius: somewhat different from the Tacitus' "hagiography."
I regret that this is Valerius' last adventure, but I've enjoyed the journey through the twists and turns of more than 30 years of his life. But I would imagine Mr. Jackson feels he has said all he wanted of this protagonist. I appreciated the Afterword. Rereading the author's excellent prose and stories always remains.
Highly recommended.
I regret that this is Valerius' last adventure, but I've enjoyed the journey through the twists and turns of more than 30 years of his life. But I would imagine Mr. Jackson feels he has said all he wanted of this protagonist. I appreciated the Afterword. Rereading the author's excellent prose and stories always remains.
Highly recommended.
August 31, 2021
That was spectacular! The whole series was simply outstanding. I am left with conflicting feelings at the end: sadness for the characters lost, and relief for those who survived. But mainly I'm significantly bummed that nine books' worth of sheer enjoyment, (well, and some distress!), is now ended. The only other historical fiction series which gave me this much unrivaled entertainment is Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. And like the Sharpe series, I will be reading this again and again.
And now I am at a loss as to what I should read next! That's the problem with such an extraordinarily-written work. Everything else will pale in comparison!
And now I am at a loss as to what I should read next! That's the problem with such an extraordinarily-written work. Everything else will pale in comparison!
December 24, 2019
A sad event for lovers of quality Roman action! This is the final book in the nine volume Gaius Valerius Verrens series. A character that has grown and evolved in his profession and in his interaction with a variety of Emperors. The author has become more and more confident with his character and has allowed him to grow and mature from the young man in the first book to a far more mature and street wise warrior in his 40s.
Verrens is back where it all started, Britannia. He is, as a favour to the Emperor, Vespasian and his son Titus bringing his talents to the situation in Britannia. He ends up as head of the Ninth Legion, seen as unlucky and weak and while trying to put everything in order, things in Rome are changing.
Verrens has two enemies, one in Rome and one in Calgacus, war chief of the Northern Brits. Both could be his undoing.
Douglas Jackson had a thankless task here, his publishers failed to support new books and the author needed to give some closure with this final book. As readers we have expectations but we don’t see the background and sometimes assume that the books just roll off a production line with ease. They don’t. So, Douglas Jackson has tried to give us an ending that satisfies readers while giving closure and not leaving his many fans “hanging”. Not everyone will be happy with it, but I would ask them how they would end this and keep within the historical context of the novels?
This has been a series of exceptional quality and one that the publishers, Bantam Press, should have supported to a proper conclusion. They have let down a very talented author and many frustrated readers. Having said that, Douglas Jackson….a fantastic series. Thank you.
Verrens is back where it all started, Britannia. He is, as a favour to the Emperor, Vespasian and his son Titus bringing his talents to the situation in Britannia. He ends up as head of the Ninth Legion, seen as unlucky and weak and while trying to put everything in order, things in Rome are changing.
Verrens has two enemies, one in Rome and one in Calgacus, war chief of the Northern Brits. Both could be his undoing.
Douglas Jackson had a thankless task here, his publishers failed to support new books and the author needed to give some closure with this final book. As readers we have expectations but we don’t see the background and sometimes assume that the books just roll off a production line with ease. They don’t. So, Douglas Jackson has tried to give us an ending that satisfies readers while giving closure and not leaving his many fans “hanging”. Not everyone will be happy with it, but I would ask them how they would end this and keep within the historical context of the novels?
This has been a series of exceptional quality and one that the publishers, Bantam Press, should have supported to a proper conclusion. They have let down a very talented author and many frustrated readers. Having said that, Douglas Jackson….a fantastic series. Thank you.
January 8, 2021
This is a wonderful series. I hadn't realised that Hammer of Rome was the last in the series (no spoilers) and I'm distraught that I won't meet Valerius again. But what an ending. A thrilling climax in the best novel yet. Thankyou Douglas Jackson.
May 22, 2022
A brilliant ending to the last book in the series. It was the last thing I would have imagined! Really looking forward to Douglas Jackson's new book The Wall, to be published in June 2022
October 9, 2018
I have followed Verrens since his inception, and have really enjoyed each and every one of the books. Doug Jackson is a fine wordsmith and his style of writing and what I look for in a book match 100% Plenty of action, intrigue interwoven with great historical insights and interpretations.
It is always poignant when you realise that your hero is aging as are you...
It is always poignant when you realise that your hero is aging as are you...
January 6, 2020
Excellent series
Book 9 of a series covering Roman military operations from 60 to 96 A.D. .Along with the military there are connections to the rise of
Christianity the Jewish revolt, the year of the 4 emperors etc. The characters are well drawn , descriptions vivid and exciting. An excellent series for those interested in ancient Rome as all the books also carry an author's note as to sources and what is fact , fiction or probable. Enjoy.😊
Book 9 of a series covering Roman military operations from 60 to 96 A.D. .Along with the military there are connections to the rise of
Christianity the Jewish revolt, the year of the 4 emperors etc. The characters are well drawn , descriptions vivid and exciting. An excellent series for those interested in ancient Rome as all the books also carry an author's note as to sources and what is fact , fiction or probable. Enjoy.😊
October 1, 2018
I'm still hoping for a Verrens 10
A marvellous tying up of all the various threads but I'm wondering / hoping if perhaps not completely tightened. Difficult if not impossible to put down once you've reacquainted yourself with the characters.
A marvellous tying up of all the various threads but I'm wondering / hoping if perhaps not completely tightened. Difficult if not impossible to put down once you've reacquainted yourself with the characters.
July 7, 2021
I am sorry to see Valerius go. I've read all 9 & enjoyed each one. So sad.
May 9, 2021
Sad it’s the end
I have enjoyed all of the series and all of the characters, well written and very immersive, thanks to the author.
I have enjoyed all of the series and all of the characters, well written and very immersive, thanks to the author.
May 5, 2020
Very disappointing finish to the series. It all seems rushed and not properly finished off. Threads and an ending just dumped on the reader. What an awful shame as the previous books in the series were definite "page turners". Perhaps the authors publishers were rushing him, or his next project was getting in the way. Nobody's perfect, I suppose.
June 9, 2019
The end of a great series.
Loved this book - except for the ending. I'll not say anything about it, except for the fact that I feel Verrens deserved a more noble conclusion to his story.
Loved this book - except for the ending. I'll not say anything about it, except for the fact that I feel Verrens deserved a more noble conclusion to his story.
July 22, 2020
I gave it for stars because I did not like the ending of Gaius story, the series as a whole is awesome and easily 5 stars. Gaius went through some bad stuff in his life and in the end instead of feeling of triumph or happiness I have a feeling of pity for him. Nothing really went his way, he settled for second best in every aspect of his life. All he has left for his troubles is scared mind and body. He has his family sure, but even that is not the family he really wanted. Because even in the last 20 pages of this book we can see that he still loves Domitia, through author tries to say he feels just sympathy and nostalgia ,he is not very convincing. Other readers will probably disagree and say that the ending is bitter sweet but in my opinion it is mostly if not all bitter.
Authors that do Roman historical fiction for some reason like to ,,torture,,their characters (simon scarrow, Anthony Riches...). I have no problem with that, it can be good character building practice, bur I expect to see some real reward for them in the long run. Marco and Cato and Empire series are not yet finished, but after reading all them books I see a lot of pain and little happiness which is mostly symbolic in the end. I hope these two series finish on a happier note than this one. This is ,,fiction,, after all, not everything has to be bitter, hard,dark and gritty. There was happiness in those times too!!!
So, sorry for this little rant. This is all just my personal preferences and mostly people either don't agree or care about this aspect of the series.
This series is really good, one of the best in the ganre, and you should definitely read it!
Authors that do Roman historical fiction for some reason like to ,,torture,,their characters (simon scarrow, Anthony Riches...). I have no problem with that, it can be good character building practice, bur I expect to see some real reward for them in the long run. Marco and Cato and Empire series are not yet finished, but after reading all them books I see a lot of pain and little happiness which is mostly symbolic in the end. I hope these two series finish on a happier note than this one. This is ,,fiction,, after all, not everything has to be bitter, hard,dark and gritty. There was happiness in those times too!!!
So, sorry for this little rant. This is all just my personal preferences and mostly people either don't agree or care about this aspect of the series.
This series is really good, one of the best in the ganre, and you should definitely read it!
June 6, 2025
*Non è molto sensata la mia attitudine a prendere libri che mi ispirano senza considerare il fatto che possano essere gli ultimi di una lunga serie. Questo è, se non ricordo male, il 9° volume della saga di Gaio Valerio Verre. In sostanza, mi sono innamorata di un personaggio straordinario, ben scritto, nel momento conclusivo della sua sfolgorante e avvincente carriera al servizio di Roma. Quindi, sinceramente, non saprei come definirlo in base al suo essere il "finale" di una saga; tuttavia è comprensibilissimo anche senza aver letto i precedenti.
*Questo è ambientato durante la conquista della Britannia, sotto i Flavi, molto prima della costruzione del famosissimo vallo adrianeo. Ai tempi, il governatore della Britannia era Agricola, alle cui "dipendenze" stava Verre, in qualità di legato e di comandante della IX Legione. Se pensate che sia un romanzo incentrato solo sulla guerra contro i barbari del nord, guidati dall'incredibile re Calgaco, vi sbagliate di grosso. La guerra è sicuramente un punto focale, ma questo è anche un romanzo di sotterfugi, di rivalità e competizioni, di intrighi di corte, di amore e di storia.
*È un romanzo che mi è piaciuto abbastanza, scritto con accuratezza, con un buon lessico, con personaggi che è difficile non amare (ai quali si accostano in maniera molto verosimile i personaggi reali), con descrizioni eccelse del paesaggio, che mi è sembrato di poter vedere con i miei stessi occhi. Tuttavia, ha anche dei difettucci, sui quali non posso soprassedere: la narrazione è un po' lenta in certi punti e il finale mi ha lasciata perplessa, come se non avesse molto senso, come se non avesse risposto a molte domande (ma anzi ne avesse create di nuove), come se non fosse all'altezza di tutta la narrazione precedente; sembrava anche estremamente frettoloso.
*In sostanza, ottimo romanzo storico, molto dettagliato e preciso, nonostante i difetti. Approvo e consiglio!
*Questo è ambientato durante la conquista della Britannia, sotto i Flavi, molto prima della costruzione del famosissimo vallo adrianeo. Ai tempi, il governatore della Britannia era Agricola, alle cui "dipendenze" stava Verre, in qualità di legato e di comandante della IX Legione. Se pensate che sia un romanzo incentrato solo sulla guerra contro i barbari del nord, guidati dall'incredibile re Calgaco, vi sbagliate di grosso. La guerra è sicuramente un punto focale, ma questo è anche un romanzo di sotterfugi, di rivalità e competizioni, di intrighi di corte, di amore e di storia.
*È un romanzo che mi è piaciuto abbastanza, scritto con accuratezza, con un buon lessico, con personaggi che è difficile non amare (ai quali si accostano in maniera molto verosimile i personaggi reali), con descrizioni eccelse del paesaggio, che mi è sembrato di poter vedere con i miei stessi occhi. Tuttavia, ha anche dei difettucci, sui quali non posso soprassedere: la narrazione è un po' lenta in certi punti e il finale mi ha lasciata perplessa, come se non avesse molto senso, come se non avesse risposto a molte domande (ma anzi ne avesse create di nuove), come se non fosse all'altezza di tutta la narrazione precedente; sembrava anche estremamente frettoloso.
*In sostanza, ottimo romanzo storico, molto dettagliato e preciso, nonostante i difetti. Approvo e consiglio!
December 10, 2020
For Duty For Rome
This book is the ninth and the last in the series and how fitting for the series to end in Britainia where it all began. Gaius is older, but still very much the soldier living for his honor and duty to a Rome he believes in as well as for the protection of his family and his troops.
I have enjoyed reading this series, watching Gaius Valerius Verrens transformation from a fresh off the boat soldier to a seasoned veteran with various "stops" along the way. I recommend this book to others that have read this series from the beginning.
This series is historical fiction, just remember that, it has its highs and lows, and is based on actual events that have taken place. The author describes battle scenes and at times made me feel like I was there, throughout this series.
Enjoy
This book is the ninth and the last in the series and how fitting for the series to end in Britainia where it all began. Gaius is older, but still very much the soldier living for his honor and duty to a Rome he believes in as well as for the protection of his family and his troops.
I have enjoyed reading this series, watching Gaius Valerius Verrens transformation from a fresh off the boat soldier to a seasoned veteran with various "stops" along the way. I recommend this book to others that have read this series from the beginning.
This series is historical fiction, just remember that, it has its highs and lows, and is based on actual events that have taken place. The author describes battle scenes and at times made me feel like I was there, throughout this series.
Enjoy
September 30, 2022
j'ai vraiment passé un super moment avec ce livre, suivant alternativement les tribus celtes ou les romains, dans une lutte où il est questions pour les celtes de la survie de leur mode de vie, où il y a des différents politiques et tactiques dans les deux camps, avec des personnages plus ou moins attachants selon leurs actions, et avec de dures batailles. C'est historiquement passionnant, tout en étant un roman d'aventures, avec l'interprétation historique de l'auteur qui donne une explication à la fin du livre, ainsi qu'un glossaire, et deux cartes au début du livre. Super. " There are no slaves here, Roman.... If I do not fight today your roads will bind us like a prisoner's ropes ...."
August 23, 2021
When there was Action…
…it was done very, very well. I was not happy at all that Rome was the same as modern day authoritarian politicians and their Lenin-Hitlerian-Marxist-Maoist ways. Both the way of Rome and the 21st century of governmental intrusion in everyone’s life, are to be repudiated. The author did a phenomenal job showing how Cathal and his people wanted their freedom and were willing to die to keep it.
Where will parallels end?
…it was done very, very well. I was not happy at all that Rome was the same as modern day authoritarian politicians and their Lenin-Hitlerian-Marxist-Maoist ways. Both the way of Rome and the 21st century of governmental intrusion in everyone’s life, are to be repudiated. The author did a phenomenal job showing how Cathal and his people wanted their freedom and were willing to die to keep it.
Where will parallels end?
February 21, 2019
A fitting finale
As with all of his previous books, Jackson not only masterfully recreates Roman Britain but includes adventures full of action, battles and intrigue with a military touch, all wiithin historical accurate facts - as all previous books in this saga. I can't wait for Mr. Jackson's next book even if dealing with different settings and characters.
As with all of his previous books, Jackson not only masterfully recreates Roman Britain but includes adventures full of action, battles and intrigue with a military touch, all wiithin historical accurate facts - as all previous books in this saga. I can't wait for Mr. Jackson's next book even if dealing with different settings and characters.
August 9, 2019
All good things must come to an end.
Great end to a great series, thank Me Jackson.
The end is obviously not to everyone's taste, but personally I think it works very well and the rest of the story is up to the authors usually high standard.
The question on my lips is "where to now Valerius".
Great end to a great series, thank Me Jackson.
The end is obviously not to everyone's taste, but personally I think it works very well and the rest of the story is up to the authors usually high standard.
The question on my lips is "where to now Valerius".
August 10, 2019
Whole series ! Brilliant
All nine books held my interest all the way through,unlike a lot of a books at the moment this had no obvious typos,missing or extra unneeded words,misquotes or nonsense.I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys exciting adventure stories with a hand full of history and realism
All nine books held my interest all the way through,unlike a lot of a books at the moment this had no obvious typos,missing or extra unneeded words,misquotes or nonsense.I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys exciting adventure stories with a hand full of history and realism
October 6, 2023
Fabulous
Nine books. It's over. I can't believe it. I will miss you Valerius. This series are so good. It will keep you going thru the wee hours. Just can't put it down. Just a little confuse about the farming of corn....in the first century? Hmmm I guess I can forgive that 😃. The books are awesome. I wonder what happen in Antioch. Maybe a spin off will tell us?
Nine books. It's over. I can't believe it. I will miss you Valerius. This series are so good. It will keep you going thru the wee hours. Just can't put it down. Just a little confuse about the farming of corn....in the first century? Hmmm I guess I can forgive that 😃. The books are awesome. I wonder what happen in Antioch. Maybe a spin off will tell us?
September 23, 2018
Sorry ending....
A really good book right up to the end. All out of character for our hero, a fitting tribute to Valerius....Also disappointed that the series has ended. And a sour ending at that.
A really good book right up to the end. All out of character for our hero, a fitting tribute to Valerius....Also disappointed that the series has ended. And a sour ending at that.
October 19, 2018
Fitting End to a Great Series.
A fitting end to the series. I felt the ending was a little abrupt. That however, is most likely because I was sad to see the series end. All in all a good book and a justly deserved ending.
A fitting end to the series. I felt the ending was a little abrupt. That however, is most likely because I was sad to see the series end. All in all a good book and a justly deserved ending.
January 10, 2021
A rip roaring adventure
A great series of books that I accidentally came upon having read the Authors without Borders series during the first lockdown. I am so glad I read this series. Thoroughly enjoyable 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
A great series of books that I accidentally came upon having read the Authors without Borders series during the first lockdown. I am so glad I read this series. Thoroughly enjoyable 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
December 13, 2018
End of an Era
Very emotional end to the tales of Valerius. have so enjoyed these books. Look forward to to the next story
Very emotional end to the tales of Valerius. have so enjoyed these books. Look forward to to the next story
January 2, 2020
A great end to a brilliantly written saga
Sadly I read this episode in the tale first, I will now start at the beginning, it may take ma a little time 😀
Sadly I read this episode in the tale first, I will now start at the beginning, it may take ma a little time 😀
April 9, 2020
Great Ending
Well shame it had to end great series of books now have to find something else that is as good think it may be a hard task
Well shame it had to end great series of books now have to find something else that is as good think it may be a hard task
December 20, 2020
Good book, but I was disappointed by the ending, could of been another book there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews