Triumph in Dust

Twilight of Empire #6

by Ian James Ross

Aurelius Castus has fought long and hard for Rome in the service of Emperor Constantine. Now he is enjoying retirement on his Dalmatian country estate, with his beloved wife Marcellina and their young daughter.

When the summons comes to command an army once more, he knows he must obey, but it is with a heavy heart. Is he still the fearsome fighting machine of old? Will his young, ambitious officers follow a great soldier of former days, now grown old and stiff from easy living?

In the pitiless heat of the Syrian desert, engulfed by whirling sandstorms and facing a fearless, treacherous foe, Castus will go into his greatest test knowing that it might very well be his last on earth.

Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Historical, Fiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2019

About the author

Ian 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.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regret that this is the conclusion to Aurelius Castus' story, but it has been an incredible journey through his life. He has come full circle, as has the cycle of six novels--We first met Castus as a simple legionary fighting in Persia and [in the first novel in the series,] Britannia, rising to become finally commander-in-chief of the army against Persia years later: a span of nearly forty years. This whole series should definitely be considered a genre classic--from its character development; its vast sweep from Britannia to the eastern border of the Roman Empire, including its action; and its plausibility. Particularly outstanding were Castus himself, his courageous and loving wife, Marcellina and Diogenes, Castus' eccentric philosophic friend and secretary. Castus faces betrayal and treachery, including an assassination attempt, from people he trusts. Also court intrigue plays a part. The two battles were extremely well written and vivid: the siege at Nisibis, termed "the bulwark of the West", and a smaller [mostly cavalry] battle at Narasa in which Castus and the villain confront one another. At Nisibis the Persians have, besides the usual battering ram, war elephants and heavily armored cavalry, [or clibanarii]. They also succeed in diverting the nearby river and attempting to flood out the foundations of the city walls.

The ending was bittersweet, but it seemed "right" for this old soldier to lay down his arms and to want to spend his last years with his family in obscurity.

Most highly recommended.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in the series about the Rome of Emperor Constantine as seen through the eyes of our hero Aurelius Castus who has risen from Centurian to become the commander of an army of Legions throughout that period.

We find him retired aged 60, living the high (more like easy) life in the countryside, well-earned after a lifetime of service in the legions.

A short prologue brings us upto speed with an average day for the Emperor Constantine as well as Aurelias Castus to set in motion the story proper with a summons from the emperor being the final sentence of the prologue which stirs all sorts of emotions in Castus.

We find ourselves story proper in the Eastern regions bordering Armenia which has become the buffer against the Persian empire which after years of peace has begun to beat the war drums as the King of Persia has come of age & is restless for conquest & to pay back the Romans for prior humiliation. Castus has been brought out of retirement to knock the eastern army into shape which has grown soft & un-disciplined over the years. It doesn’t take long before resentment rears it’s head along with the court politics of the East which Castus being a soldiering man has no track for, the subversion towards Castus will only deepen as his influence gains traction.

We’re early into the story when the true reality of the Persian threat rears its head….

The writing is sublime, the author a great storyteller, within the threads of the story we have the emergence of the Persian threat, the Saracen allies (in this era they’re the nomadic desert tribes that range across Arabian lands to the South of the Roman/Persian empires), the military that surrounds Castus, military campaigns/skirmishes/battles/sieges, court politics which upon the death of Constantine (this happens early enough & is obvious enough to reveal) go into overdrive. Each part of the story is driven forwards, some in detail others pushed forward over a timeframe. I will mention that the book is split into five parts where the first two parts are more political in nature, the next two all military with the final part to wrap it all up giving a well-balanced read.

A fantastic ending to a grand series, highly recommended as one that ive enjoyed immensely over it’s tenure.

Just over the 4 stars for this one, with the same mark for the series overall. AND that’s my second Roman series finished this year now….. need to find another one or even two for my next read cycle.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much but now we reach its end. Castus is now 60 but a quiet retirement is denied him as Constantine (the Great) sends Castus off to the eastern edges of the empire to prepare the region for possible war with mighty Persia. Triumph in Dust is, I think, the very best of this fine series, and it includes one of my favourite things in Roman military historical fiction - a siege - and it's dealt with brilliantly. I also enjoyed the novel's treatment of early Christianity, which really adds something unusual to the series. Some of these very early saints were extraordinary. Castus, though, remains resolutely pagan! This is such a good book - engrossing and exciting but also worrying. Castus is not as young as he used to be. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book is the 6th volume, and sadly according to the author the last one of this great set of books, of the "Twilight of the Empire" series, featuring Aurelius Castus.
Once again, as like his previous books, the historical details concerning this splendid tale are superbly researched and explained by the author in the Author's Note, which you can find at the end of the book.
At the beginning of the book you'll see a phrase from Ephraim Syrus, called "Carmina Nisibena", while there are also two well-drawn maps, one of the Eastern Provinces of the Roman Empire in AD 336, and one of a place called Nisibis, a place that will play a magnificent part in this story, and it ends with a short informative Historical Note.
Story-telling is once more of a top-notch quality, and just like its five predecessors this book grips you right from the start until the very end, for it has many spellbound actions with real lifelike characters who come in a most fantastic fashion all vividly to life, whether they are real historical figures or wonderful fictional ones, in this engrossing book.
Time has moved on somewhat in this book, for this story is set as from AD 336 until AD 337, during the reign of the now sole Emperor Constantine, and the book has been divided into 5 parts, and with once again our main fictional character Aurelius Castus in the centre of it.
The story takes place on the frontier of the Eastern Provinces of the Roman Empire, when Aurelius Castus is summoned by the elderly and sickly Emperor Constantine to take control of things militarily, and to lead the Romans against the threat opposed by Shapur II, the King of Kings of Persia, who wants to start a war against the Romans, and all this in an brutal attempt to gain domination in the East.
What will definitely follow is a fascinating Roman historical tale, especially after the death of Emperor Constantine, where betrayal, deceit, backstabbing and scheming are frequently occurring between different factions of power within the Roman establishment and army, and in this deadly environment Aurelius Castus has to deal with those troubles, within with attempts on his life and without against the Persians, before everything will be settled with Aurelius Castus as a man full of conscience professionally as a soldier, and domestically as a husband and father.
Very much recommended, and I would like to suggest to everyone to read this great series from book 1 until this 6th one to miss nothing, and what this last episode is concerned, I like to call it: "A Fantastic Final Triumph"!

[Keith Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth and final volume in Ian Ross’ excellent Twilight of Empire series, set at one of history’s turning points, the reign of the emperor Constantine and the adoption of Christianity as the imperial religion.

It is ten years since Aurelius Castus, Constantine’s loyal general, has been disgraced and permitted to live with his family in an enforced retirement. Constantine, determined to invade Persia, summons him from his peaceful home and charges him with preparing the Roman army for invasion. Castus, although aged sixty, enters his role with gusto. In the midst of his preparation, however, the emperor dies, the Parthians invade and Castus finds himself in the border city of Nisibis under siege. Fearing for the city, his troops, the empire and his family, he must draw on all his reserves of strength in one final struggle. But he is sixty, his health is shaky and his enemies are gathered close.

Gosh, I enjoyed this. Excellent plotting, a plausible hero and a convincing setting all combine for a terrific final story in the life of Aurelius Castus, soldier of Rome.

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing series! If you love Roman sagas this is one of the best!

[Matthew Harffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sprawling in scope and rich in historical detail, this is a gritty, thrilling end to a wonderful series. Ian Ross not only brings us a scintillating tale, with page-turning action and vivid characters, he also writes with such authority and conviction you could believe he has discovered time travel and witnessed the events first-hand. It really is that good!

Triumph in Dust is a triumph of historical fiction.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triumph in Dust is the concluding episode (unless Ian Ross has some surprises in hand for us!) in an epic "sword and sandals" series.

The aging general, Aurelius Castus, is recalled to duty by an equally aging Emperor Constantine to deal with the re-emergent Persian threat. Setting their ancient enmity aside, Castus agrees and leaving his wife and daughter in what he thinks is safety, heads off to Nisbis, a Roman trading city in the Syrian desert, to command its defence against Shapur, King of Persia.

Meanwhile, events in the rest of the Empire see his army effectively abandoned, and his family caught up in the political machinations of the Imperial court. Can Castus and his family survive?

This is set in a period of tremendous change in the history of the Empire. Ross deftly manages to paint the scene of the emergence of Christianity as the dominant religious force, the drift of power eastwards to Constantinople, and the struggles of Imperial succession, while delivering a story strong both in character and plot.
Castus, at this stage in his career, is an unusual hero for this genre - typical Roman determination and military mindset are at war with his declining health and his realisation that his family loyalties are displacing his Imperial ones. He is a complex character, well-written and sympathetic.

The cast of supporting players are equally well fleshed-out - his wife, Marcellina, his son Sabinus, the conniving merchants of Nisbis, and the God-struck Christian Patriarch, Iacob. My own favourite, however, is the hero's companion, secretary, and spymaster, the philosophical ex-soldier Diogenes whose quest extends far beyond the limits Castus sets himself.

All in all, an informative and absorbing read - I finished it in two sittings - and a worthy companion to the works of Iggulden, Saylor, and Scarrow.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the the final installment in the highly enjoyable "Twilight of Empire" series from Ian Ross and like it's predecessors, doesn't disappoint. And, like it's immediate predecessor, Imperial Vengeance, it comes with what is becoming a Ross trademark, the surprise ending you didn't see coming.

Set in the ungodly hot sands of the Syrian desert, we find retired general Aurelius Castus brought out of retirement to lead the Roman troops against a ruthless foe in the form of the bloodthirsty troops supporting the king of Persia. And once the two meet, the action is non-stop with the Romans being besieged by the Arabs for several months.

It does take a while to get to that point though as there are several sub-plots as well, none of which fortunately, confuse the reader. And action junkies will no doubt find themselves wondering "when does the fighting start?" Hang in there and keep on reading, the fighting is on its way.

Highly readable and enjoyable, with this series Ross has shown himself to be a leading writer of historical fiction set in the era of ancient Rome, and now that this series has ended, you have to wonder how he'll be able to top this one. If whatever journey he chooses to take readers on next is half as enjoyable as this one was, it will be will worth the wait.

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian Ross's Triumph in the Dust, the concluding volume in the Twilight of Empire series, delivers a powerful and fitting end to one of the most evocative historical fiction series I've ever read. Spanning six novels, this series charts the journey of Aurelius Castus, a soldier who rises through the ranks of the Roman army during the twilight years of the Western Empire. While each book captures the tumult and drama of a crumbling empire, Triumph in the Dust stands out for its intensity, emotional depth, and a poignant sense of finality that resonates long after the last page.

1. The Strengths of the Series as a Whole

One of the series' greatest achievements is Ross’s ability to breathe life into late Roman history. While many books focus on the glory days of the Republic or early Empire, Ross captures the grit and uncertainty of an era in decline. The crumbling borders, shifting allegiances, and political intrigue are all vividly rendered, creating a backdrop as compelling as the characters themselves.

Aurelius Castus, the protagonist, is a brilliantly drawn figure—an everyman caught in extraordinary times. His evolution from a dutiful soldier to a seasoned leader with scars both physical and emotional is masterfully portrayed across the series. What makes Castus so memorable is his complexity: he’s honorable but flawed, loyal but often at odds with his conscience. In Triumph in the Dust, these traits come to a head, as Castus faces his most challenging and personal trials yet.

2. Why Triumph in the Dust Stands Out

Triumph in the Dust elevates the series with its emotional weight and thematic depth. Set during the final stages of Roman control in North Africa, the book captures the desperation of an empire on its knees. The story is steeped in tension, with Castus leading a doomed campaign against the Vandals while grappling with betrayal and personal loss.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with action sequences that are vivid without feeling gratuitous. Ross’s battle scenes are among the best in historical fiction, balancing brutal realism with a sense of strategy and scale. Yet, what lingers most is the emotional cost of these battles—not just on Castus but on the soldiers under his command.

Compared to earlier books like The Mask of Command or Battle for Rome, Triumph in the Dust feels more introspective. While those novels were heavily focused on Castus’s rise through the ranks and the machinations of Roman politics, this final installment delves deeper into his psyche. The weariness of a life spent fighting is palpable, and Castus’s reflections on duty, loyalty, and the fleeting nature of glory lend the book a poignant, almost elegiac tone.

3. Comparing Ross to Other Authors

Ross’s work naturally invites comparisons to other giants of the historical fiction genre, such as Bernard Cornwell (The Last Kingdom series) and Simon Scarrow (Eagles of the Empire). Like Cornwell, Ross excels at creating immersive settings and morally complex protagonists. Castus, in many ways, feels like a darker mirror to Cornwell’s Uhtred of Bebbanburg—both are warriors navigating the decline of great civilizations, but Castus is more somber and burdened by the weight of history.

Scarrow’s Eagles of the Empire series, meanwhile, fiocuses on the height of Roman power, offering a more traditional view of Roman military life. In contrast, Ross’s Twilight of Empire series feels grittier and more reflective, exploring the slow unraveling of an empire rather than its triumphs. While Scarrow’s books are thrilling and action-packed, Ross’s are imbued with a sense of loss and inevitability that sets them apart.

4. Why Triumph in the Dust Left a Lasting Impression

The final chapters of Triumph in the Dust are both heartbreaking and satisfying. Without spoiling too much, the ending encapsulates the themes of the series—loyalty, sacrifice, and the transient nature of power. Casrus’s journey ends in a way that feels true to his character, while also serving as a meditation on the end of an era.

Reading thebook reminded me why I love historical fiction: it’s not just about reliving the past but understanding the people who lived through it. Ross’s meticulous research and vivid prose make every scene come alive, whether it’s a windswept battlefield or a tense political standoff.

5. Final ideas

Triumph in the Dust is a triumph indeed, both as a standalone novel and as the conclusion to a remarkable series. For readers who enjoy historical fiction with depth, action, and heart, Ross’s Twilight of Empire series is a must-read. While other authors might revel in the glory of Rome, Ross captures the beauty and tragedy of its decline, crafting a story that lingers like the echoes of a fading empire.

As someone who grew up devouring tales of Rome and its legions, Ross’s series rekindled that childhood fascination while offering a more nuanced, adult perspective. It’s a series I’ll revisit, not just for the battles and the politics, but for the profound humanity at its core.

[GBL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth and final instalment in The Twilight of Empire series which has followed the career of Aurelius Castus across the late Roman Empire.
Recalled to lead the preparation of an attack on the Persian Empire, Castus becomes embroiled in Eastern politics when the Emperor Constantine dies, leaving Castus to deal with the Persian invasion of the Eastern Empire.
Ian Ross focuses on the Persian siege of the city of Nisibis, with Castus leading a stout defence in difficult circumstances. His successful defence is then followed by a march into the desert and a battle against a Persian army. While Castus is successful on the battlefield, the political situation means he is accused of treachery and his life is in danger, with his wife and daughter held hostage.
Ross has gone for a happy ending, with Castus escaping into hiding where he is reunited with his wife and daughter, and the reader sees them set off home, hopefully for a peaceful rest. For me, I am glad Castus escapes, as it would have been difficult to accept the unfairness of his end after such a long time together. It was good to see his philosopher friend Diogenes set off to discover new worlds in the East.
Ross has created an excellent series of Roman novels, successfully recreating the world of the later Roman Empire and creating a powerful central character in Aurelius Castus. Ross is not as well known as the central group of historical Roman novelists but this series stands with the best of historical writing in this area.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castus returns to lead his army in battle against hordes from the east

Emperor Constantine had a visitor from Persia in his Imperial Palace, Constantinople. That envoy told him that the young king of Persia wanted to challenge the Roman Empire. The Roman government searched for the experienced commander to assist the Emperor, who knew the right man to be his Master Cavalry of the East. He called for the retired general living in Dalmatia. His name was Aurelius Castus.

Constantine and Castus fell out about the deaths of Crispus and Fausta. The Emperor asked for one more favour and promoted him to be the Master Cavalry and told him to go to Antioch and wait for him until the following spring.

Castus heard the news about the health of the Emperor from his wife Marcellina’s letter. She was in the basilica in Constantinople during the Easter week when the tragedy struck. A little while later, the grand Persian army led by the king, himself, invaded the Roman Empire.

Castus and his army rode to Nibis on the edge of the Empire. Hell broke loose as Castus’s army was outnumbered by the “almighty” Persian hostility. More revelations about the power struggle were unveiled as the story went by.

This is one of the greatest Roman military histories since Julius Caesar’s siege of Alesia!

Caesar XIII

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

[Michael Rumney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in the series concerning the now 60 year-old Roman General Aurelius Castus.
This is book number six and it is a relief to know you don't have to have read any of the other Twilight of Empire series to understand what is going on.
In this Castus is brought out of retirement to prevent a Persian invasion of the Roman empire.
The detail in scene setting is immense and you certainly get a sense of time and place within the novel, although at times I felt there was too much description of rooms, countryside, buildings etc, at times it was overwritten.
Where this book comes alive are the battle scenes which are gripping and I was genuinely asking, how are they going to get out of this?
The ending means there is little scope for the books to continue from the view point of Castus. However there are plenty of characters for Ross to focus on if he returns to the same time period.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, fast paced novel by an author who has a thorough mastery of his subject. Having experienced a desert sand storm in the Sahel many years ago I could almost taste the all pervasive sand again as I read of his army's advance. His description of the battles and siege makes the reader feel as if he is a drone looking down on the ghastly, frightening events while the intrigues and corruption of the ruling elite make me glad that I live in relatively peaceful times – no thanks to 'Adolf' Putin!
If you have never read about Roman Persian rivalry and how cheap life was in those days then read this book to give you a flavour of it.
As a small aside to the author I would love to see him follow the footsteps of Peter Darman and write some novels from the Persian perspective.

[Adam Lofthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, and a fitting ending to a fantastic series.

I will miss Aurelius Castus, a simple man, thrust into a far from simple world. Over seven books his character has developed and grown, he has faced down Rome's enemies time and time again, proven himself with every promotion, and now in Triumph in Dust the fate of east rests like a mountain on his shoulders.

This is a story that has a bit of everything, heart racing battles and a bitterly contested siege, coupled with political intrigue and Castus himself forced to deal with the limitations brought on by age. It may just be the best of the series.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the first book I read in this series and (unfortunately) it seems it will be the last one.
Even if I didn't read the previous instalment I had no problems in understanding what was going on and the characters.
It is set in one of my favourite historical period and I appreciated how the book was well researched.
The plot is epic, entertaning and engaging, once you start you cannot put it down.
I will surely look for the previous instalments and hope there will be a next one.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC

[John Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to a wonderful series!

What a story this was, a young illiterate peasant joining the legions and reaching one of the highest military ranks in the Roman empire. Countless battles, sieges and horrific warfare, from the wilds of northern Britain to the Middle East. Courted and betrayed by emperors, family and friends alike Castus survives to see out what remains of his life in blissful obscurity. This is probably the best series of books about ancient Rome I have ever read. Don't miss out!

[César Castelain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A higly enjoyable book that brings the series to a superb conclusion.
Ian Ross is definitely a great writer and a talented narrator, with a perfect mastery of rhythm, twists and turns, and a power of historical reconstruction so strong and so real that we feel like we are living every single moment with the hero.
Ian Ross's ability to bring to life cities that have now disappeared is exceptional, to our greatest pleasure. Far from the excesses that affect many historical novels, this series is clearly one of the best historical series to recommend to all lovers of ancient history.

[john temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholeheartedly recommended

The book like it's predecessors in the series is extremely well researched. It's fast paced and a veritable page turner. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book and series to anybody who likes historical fiction and anybody who likes well written stories. The only criticism I would level is that I won't be able to enjoy anymore adventures of knucklehead, perhaps his son could have further adventures!!!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series. It is surprising that despite the 6 volumes series, it doesn't fall into repetition and keeps providing a surprising narrative. It has kept me hooked throughout. A small note though, I do believe that some knowledge of key players in the Constantine period of the Roman Empire makes these books more enjoyable to read. Thanks to the author and I am certain I will re-read this series at some point.

[Mary A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting end to this series - but what a twist in the last chapters!
Lots and lots of fighting and blood and gore as usual, but also lots of suspense and character development. (I do think the Diogenes’ three-legged dog should have played a larger role though. A wasted character!)
I was very moved by the last chapters. All in all, a very good series.

[John Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

The last in the series unfortunately, but well worth waiting for. Aurelius Castus, retired general is enjoying his retirement. Some would say he's lucky, he could have been executed for treason. Then he gets a message from the emperor Constantine. Report to the emperor immediately. His wife is worried, why now? He has no option but to go. Want to know more, buy the book.
Another great read from Ian Ross. 5 stars.

[Ian Willey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth and by the looks final book in a series. The series follows the Sharpe format, private soldier moving through the ranks. In this book he is a retired army commander brought back.

Unlike most Sharpe clones this one stands well and has a good story and is intelligently written.

[Gary B Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done and Dusted

Excellent end to a very understand series.
This period is under researched and made it seem alive.
Looking forward to what direction the author takes now.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read, just gutted that it is the last.

[09/01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Action intrigue, hard to put down, Castus battles through it all. Keeps you on the edge of your seat till the last minute.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad, the last in a most enjoyable series. It is evident that Ross has a passion for Ancient Rome and I am more than happy to share in the fruits of his passion.

[David Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good end to the series.

[sean jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable romp

A welll paced narrative and believable characters . Nice fight scenes and no macho stuff. All in all very enjoyable.

[mr w donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Another great book in the series would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking forward to reading more in the series