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Sword of Rome #5
Pharsalus
Pharsalus, 48BC.
The battle will decide the fate of a civil war and empire. Caesar's forces are outnumbered, but he believes his veterans will not be outmatched.
For one veteran, the centurion Lucius Oppius, the battle will be about revenge rather than glory. Oppius has vowed to avenge his father's death. His enemy is Flavius Laco - a former gladiator and an agent of Pompey the Great.
Against the backdrop of one of Ancient History's most momentous battles two soldiers will wage their own personal war.
Caesar, Pompey, Mark Antony, Brutus and Cicero all feature in the climax to the bestselling Sword of Rome series.
For fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden.
The Sword of Rome series of novellas follow Julius Caesar and his centurion Lucius Oppius during their campaigns in Britain, Gaul and the Civil War. The stories are a blend of action, intrigue and Ancient History.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
17 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Richard Foreman
37 books77 followersRichard Foreman is the author of numerous best-selling Kindle books, including Augustus: Son of Rome and the Sword of Rome series of novellas which follow Julius Caesar and his centurion Lucius Oppius during their campaigns in Britain, Gaul and the Civil War. The stories are a blend of action, intrigue and Ancient History.
He is also the author of Warsaw, a literary novel set during the end of the Second World War, and the historical novel A Hero of Our Time, as well as the Raffles series of historical crime novellas.
His latest novel, Band of Brothers: The Game's Afoot, is a story is action, intrigue and historical insight set in medieval times.
He has worked as a literary consultant and publicist to a number of bestselling authors, including Tom Holland, Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow. He is now a publishing director at Endeavour Press, the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books, with his business partner Matthew Lynn.
He lives in London.
He is also the author of Warsaw, a literary novel set during the end of the Second World War, and the historical novel A Hero of Our Time, as well as the Raffles series of historical crime novellas.
His latest novel, Band of Brothers: The Game's Afoot, is a story is action, intrigue and historical insight set in medieval times.
He has worked as a literary consultant and publicist to a number of bestselling authors, including Tom Holland, Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow. He is now a publishing director at Endeavour Press, the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books, with his business partner Matthew Lynn.
He lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 25, 2021
Now what shall I read?
The 5 stars are for the series rather than this particular novella. I have thoroughly enjoyed following the adventures and exploits of Oppius and his comrades.
The 5 stars are for the series rather than this particular novella. I have thoroughly enjoyed following the adventures and exploits of Oppius and his comrades.
March 1, 2023
MORE!!
The war is over, Caesar is victorious, and against all odds the centurion has survived. Unfortunately the writing is addictive
The war is over, Caesar is victorious, and against all odds the centurion has survived. Unfortunately the writing is addictive
June 14, 2023
Who was the Sword of Rome
Here, you find that The Sword of Rome was f Lucius Oppius. Also, you read and see a battle that did happen.
Here, you find that The Sword of Rome was f Lucius Oppius. Also, you read and see a battle that did happen.
May 6, 2014
“Sword of Rome: Pharsalus” concludes this rather enthralling series, and this final chapter won’t disappoint. Those familiar with their classics will recognise the setting as the decisive battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. Tensions run high as forces gather, because only one of these two powerful opponents will emerge the victor and the fate of Rome hangs in the balance. The battle itself is indeed exciting, and we get to see the generals meticulously arrange their troops as well as getting a close-up of what it was like to be out there on the field of battle.
More than that, though, we get some very human moments too. Caesar’s doubts about the campaign are very easy to empathise with. He knows that he is greatly out-numbered and he could be leading his friends and supporters into certain death. Then there is Lucius Oppius, who is working up the nerve to face Laco, a deadly opponent, in order to avenge his father. Oppius knows there’s no way he can win, but he must face Laco regardless. There is a particularly touching moment when he contemplates the provisions he has made for his family and friends in the event of (what he is sure is) his inevitable death. Another moment that struck with me was when he and Caesar listen to the sound of soldiers singing on the night before the battle, for what may well be the last time. But there is also plenty of adventure and the powerful friendship between Oppius, Roscius and Teucer, which stays strong amidst the hardships of battle.
If you’re looking for an historical adventure, then this book is highly recommended. It’s a quick, engaging read that brings to life one of the key battles of Ancient Rome and the real people who fought in it.
More than that, though, we get some very human moments too. Caesar’s doubts about the campaign are very easy to empathise with. He knows that he is greatly out-numbered and he could be leading his friends and supporters into certain death. Then there is Lucius Oppius, who is working up the nerve to face Laco, a deadly opponent, in order to avenge his father. Oppius knows there’s no way he can win, but he must face Laco regardless. There is a particularly touching moment when he contemplates the provisions he has made for his family and friends in the event of (what he is sure is) his inevitable death. Another moment that struck with me was when he and Caesar listen to the sound of soldiers singing on the night before the battle, for what may well be the last time. But there is also plenty of adventure and the powerful friendship between Oppius, Roscius and Teucer, which stays strong amidst the hardships of battle.
If you’re looking for an historical adventure, then this book is highly recommended. It’s a quick, engaging read that brings to life one of the key battles of Ancient Rome and the real people who fought in it.
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never-read
April 5, 2019Read the first book in the Sword of Rome series, Standard Bearer. 1 Star, therefore will not continue with the series.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews