River of Gold: Empire XI

Empire #11

by Anthony Riches

After saving the emperor's life in Rome, Marcus and his comrades have been sent across the sea to the wealthy, corrupt Greek metropolis of Aegyptus, Alexandria.

An unknown enemy has slaughtered the garrison of the Empire's last outpost before its border with the mysterious kingdom of Kush. Caravans can no longer reach the crucial Red Sea port of Berenike, from which the riches of the East flow towards Rome.

The Emperor's most trusted and most devious adviser has ordered Marcus's commander Scaurus and his trusted officers to the south. With orders that are tantamount to a suicide mission, and with only one slim hope of success.
Can a small force of highly trained legionaries restore the Empire's power in this remote desert no-man's-land, when faced by the fanatical army of Kush's iron-fisted ruler?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, War

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2020

About the author

Anthony Riches began his lifelong interest in war and soldiers when he first heard his father's stories about World War II. This led to a degree in Military Studies at Manchester University. He began writing the story that would become Wounds of Honour after a visit to Housesteads in 1996. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Should read as 3.5 STARS**

This, in my view, somewhat disappointing outing, is the 11th volume of the otherwise superb "Empire Series", from the author, Anthony Riches.

The historical details about Kush are wonderfully explained within the Historical Note at the back of the book, where you can also find the Roman Army set-up in late 2nd Century.

At the beginning of the book you'll find very well-drawn maps of Aegyptus (Egypt) and Kush in AD 187, during the reign of the Emperor Commodus, assisted by his devious Chamberlain Cleander.

Story-telling is of a very good quality, no doubt about that, but the characters are somewhat flat this time around, although the atmosphere, surroundings, beliefs and faith in Aegyptus and Kush come splendidly off the pages.

The book starts off with a prologue which is set in February AD 187, and in which a Roman squadron is set up and annihilated by a General from Meroë, which is in Kush, and their likely allies the Blemmyes, all this in an attempt to invade and hold the important port of Berenike, and so gain control of the trade on the "River of Gold", the Nilus (Nile).

The main story starts with Tribune Rutillius Scaurus, the Centurions, Marcus Aquila, Dubnus, Cotta, Qadir, Watch-Officers, Sanga and Saratos, and the scribe. Ptolemy, being sent to Aegyptus by Cleander to restore order in Kush, in a kind of Roman A-Team action, and when they enter and depart Alexandria towards to their ultimate destination Premnis in Kush, they are hardly disturbed in their travels, and while in Koptos to recruit soldiers from the Legion of that garrison, they will succeed with the help of a very interesting man, the reborn Christian, Demetrius, and so they are set for their subterfuge mission to restore order and peace between Rome and Kush.

What is to follow is a hard-fought battle at the fortress of Premnis, where we will lose the wonderful Cotta, but the story as a whole is somewhat flat to my liking when finally peace between Rome and Kush is established.

Really recommended to all people who like a straightforward Roman adventure without too much fuss, I personally feel disappointed because its 10 predecessors were excellent, for they had so much more style, grit, political intrigue, betrayal, and the interactions between all the characters were far more intense, and I hope that the author will soon return to his top-class self, for I know that he can, and to come back to this outing I would like to call it: "A Rather Tame Kush Expedition"!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well first, my disclosure: I am indeed a ding-a-ling.

I was knee deep into this book, and I kept coming across these puzzling references to events that I hadn't come across. I wondered as to how these events had passed me by. By the fourth major spoiler, and it was the mother of all spoilers, I realized that I was reading volume eleven. I should have been on volume EIGHT. Duh! So now several plot points have been ruined for me, and I have no one to blame but myself!

As to this one? Probably 3.5 stars rounded down to 3. There was a solid 45% of the beginning of the story that was more or less conversations. It wasn't until after this point that things started to improve. Holy crap, there was a lot of talking. So this one didn't do diddly for me.

Now I have to go back to volume eight and read what I missed!

[Darek Zawisko · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I always wondered what a man had to do to get himself immortalised in stone! I’d have been happy never to have found out though.’

Subset of the series’ continuing cast sent on another suicide (Cleander hopes) mission to save the Empire. Naturally if anything goes wrong, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of the MI team. Gaius Rutilius Scaurus serves as Professor Xavier to Marcus’ Wolverine. Yes, it’s all been done before, but Riches manages a new twist. A fun, if coarse read.

‘Nothing too bad. You just need to rest for a moment.’ ‘Bullshit … I always knew … you’d end up … being the death … of me.’ He smiled into Marcus’s consternation … his eyes starting to lose focus. ‘And I never … regretted my choice … to follow you.’

Though the plot and characters continue to be over-the-top, Riches grounds his tales in real places, real events, and occasionally real people. Superb melding of Aegyptus and Kingdom of Kush into continuing story line. (Link to an excellent illustrated history of Kush at end.) Replete with modern jargon.

‘After all, you are beloved of the gods, are you not? And everyone knows that the gods’ ability to tolerate an injustice is not infinite.’

Series overview: Hardcore historical fiction told with modern English military idioms and profanity. Second-century Roman empire provides rich background of war, intrigue, and unrest to propel too-good-to-be-true protagonist to adventure. Roman grunts spoke Latin, but not that learned in school. (The whole series loses one star for profanity and violence. You’ve been warned.) Compare to Ellis Peters’ Chronicles of Cadfael or Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe's Tiger series. Though episodic, best read in order.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and this is one of the best - Roman Egypt! Need I say more?.... I will do, in my review which will be up shortly on For Winter Nights.

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding up - not the best in this series. It moves to Egypt, and about the first half of the book is establishing the scene and situation in Egypt. Which is well enough done - Meroe and Kush is a much under used and underappreciated Kingdom and are the antagonist here. But, without too many spoilers...the plot doesn't really get going until the last quarter or so, and while the action scenes are as good as ever, there are a couple of bits that need a fair suspension of disbelief. My (least?) favourite being the Queen who just looks at our hero and decides he is powerful, should be confided in, and offered anything he damn well wants, including the key to her bedroom. Because that happens a lot of course - this bit could have been done better for the same plot result. And (spoiler) having spend much of the book settling in Egypt, it doesn't seem like the next book is going to be there so...that wasn't all needed anyway.

There's still some great action sequences, and he captures the dialogue, banter and insults between the legionaries well - but this one is completely skippable.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number 11 in Anthony Riches excellent ‘Empire’ series. I have enjoyed them all and this one keeps up the usual excellent standard. This one takes our heroes to Egypt and it neighbour the kingdom of Kush for more adventures and escapades. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Veljko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Putting aside the robbery that is 16$ bucks on kindle, this book disappoints. It is boring, unimaginative, dragging with mostly nothing happening. Character growth and progression is non existent especially for Marcus who is supposedly main mc.
His whole character arc became revange, and even that is not done properly.
In firts 2/3 of this series we have a revange for murdered and raped family, then last third of this series we have again same motive, raped and dead wife. And wife survived like 3,4 attempted rapes in past just to be raped by EMPEROR OF ROME, because he just goes around Rome raping women. Of course he will have to find Marcus wife form tens of thousands of other, he will of course get her pregnant and she will of course die during pregnancy.
Okay now we have "tortured hero" Marcus that by the end of one of previous books gets his soul healed by woodo magic by some german "sorceres".
And everything just goes on. From task to taks whic is fine( even though taks are unimaginative and basically repeat themselves)but with zero character growth or progression. Then as it seems in book 12 he will probably kill the emperor and finally gets his revange.
I mean if this is not bad storytelling I don't know what is. I will finish this series because I have invested a lot of time and money in it, but I will show my disappointment with very bad rating.
I really loved this series in the beginning.

[Nick Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unknown but vast force has destroyed a Roman garrison that helps protect a vital trade route that brings goods from the East to Rome. Sent to resolve the problem against overwhelming odds are our friends from the ten previous books in the series. Tribune Scaurus along with his motley crew of seasoned Centurions must find a way to prevail against a vast enemy because failure or retreat is not an option. Can cunning and Roman discipline be enough?
Unusual this one. Author Anthony Riches finds an interesting bit of conflict to throw his characters into and sheds light on the kingdom of Kush. Quite a lot of history here to absorb and, on occasion, the author spends a little too much explaining rather than entertaining. Our first scene with the gang is an example, a scribe identifying them and giving background which felt forced and a way to remind readers about the characters. Character wise the focus has slightly switched from Marcus Aquila to the leadership of Scaurus and away from the “brothers in arms” feel of the Romans, which is a shame as it is one of the more enjoyable aspects of the series.
The author also puts the growing influence of Christianity in there too which was interesting but also detracted from the character dynamics.
So, not bad, but I have to say not one of the best in the series.

[Unseen Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of River of Gold from Hachette Australia to review.

Rating of 4.25.

From one of the top authors of Roman historical fiction, Anthony Riches, comes River of Gold, the action-packed and epic 11th entry in his bestselling Empire series.

Aegyptus, 187 AD. Under the command of Tribune Scaurus, decorated Centurion and former fugitive, Marcus Valerius Aquila, serves with several elite veteran officers, each of whom has displeased the Imperial hierarchy in some way. These Roman soldiers now find themselves part of an informal troubleshooter unit, destined to die if they should ever fail one of their impossible tasks. The Roman Empire is once again in danger as a mysterious army advances from the south of Africa, killing a major garrison and conquering a key port city at the southernmost border of the empire. In order to solve this problem, the Emperor’s corrupt advisor sends Centurion Marcus and his comrades on another dangerous mission.

Arriving in Alexandria, Marcus and his comrades discover a rich province riddled with corruption and with a much reduced military presence. Taking command of the local legion, Scaurus marches what soldiers he can down to the site of the massacre to find a new grim reality waiting for them. After centuries of peace, the mysterious kingdom of Kush has once again declared war on Rome, determined to claim what is rightfully theirs from the weakened Romans. In order to stop them, Scaurus leads his force deep into enemy territory to recapture an abandoned fortress and hold it against impossible odds. Their mission is borderline suicidal and only has a slim chance of success, but if anyone can pull of this impossible task, it is Marcus and his friends.

To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/10/01/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[GBL · Rating 3 out of 5]

River of Gold is the eleventh book in the Empire series and is set in Roman Egypt and the southern territory of Kush (Nubia).

The Kushites have pushed north taking over the trading city of Berenike, threatening the trade routes from the East to Rome. The team from the Empire novels is sent from Rome to deal with the situation. After a series of deceptions, Scaurus, Marcus et al succeed in taking over a former Roman fortress, drawing the Kushite army to dislodge them. A siege follows and , of course, our heroes are victorious.

This is not the best of the Empire novels and I was disappointed in this latest adventure. The action only gets going after Chapter 5, and there is a lot of talking beforehand. The characters of Ptolemy and Demetrius seem to compete with each other as extras and I found the extended detail of Demetrius’ Christian beliefs unnecessary, as was the detailed description of his near crucifixion. The sudden coup de foudre of the Kushite Queen for Marcus also seemed a little unlikely and I’m not sure how it added to the novel. This is a great series and there have been some superb novels - fingers crossed for a better Empire XII.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly I am a big fan of this series. The writing flows, the characters are well rounded and the story lines are compelling, but this one on occasions stalled on more than once. It was almost that the action bypassed Marcus influence until the last part of the book. Also some of the major characters that helped drive the previous narratives were missing. One thing I got from the book was the discovery of the Empire of the Kush, something I shall have to have a look at. I still enjoyed the book, but, for me, it was a slight drop in form by Mr Riches.

[Mike Bechtel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Christianity has played a bit part in some of the previous novels of the series, the religion claims an integral role in the telling of this story. As the Tungrian leaders take an untested Legion up the Nile to reclaim a lost port they are accompanied by a Greek, who was at one time a Roman Centurion, and who is a zealous convert to the "new" religion. The book has the Romans and others contemplating the practices, beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith. The story is a good one and a bit of a change of pace from the previous novels but it does seem to end a little abruptly.

[Gary B Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Riches

Another excellent Empire book from Mr Riches.
This is excellent in that it isn't just go and fight but an interesting investigation into Egypt and Africa. It is good to see a change from Rome, Gaul, Germania or Brittania. The book is a more updated version of Tourney's Marius Mule books on Egypt.
It is good to see that it isn't just a one man story like many others.

[Innes Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riches Indeed

An absolutely enthralling adventure on the edge of Empire as the author weaves his magic once again, loved almost every moment , I may one day forgive the author for the moment I gasped, Read this you wont regret it.

[David Hughes]

Another great book from Anthony Riches

As usual a great read full of history and a plot with a twist that compels you to keep reading. And also with the added background to the region of campaign in question.

[hbchica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Really good plot lines although a bit familiar. I liked the different setting in Egypt. Taking a trip down the Nile during the first century has awesome. Was also interesting to read about the Kush. Makes me want to read more about that civilization.

[Jessica Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Again enjoyed the book, I enjoy fictional historical novels. This series was one of the best. Hope the author continues the series.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nigga wrote the best series ever until book 7 imma gonna beat his ass if he doesnt turn it around

[Dylan Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre often boring instalment

[Martyn Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

[Tracey Terrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really hard going

[Jarrod · Rating 1 out of 5]

An extremely disappointing book for a much anticipated read. The entire series before this has been interesting and the author has developed his writing incredibly. Now it’s like he decided to write a history book about Egypt.

Statements like this fill up the majority of the book: “Kamelos in Greek, from the ancient local teen, gamal. A beast introduced to Aegyptus by Rome, a turkey marvelous creature that can go for as long as ten days without drinking, due to its ability to store large quantities of water in a fleshy hump upon its back.”

A few facts here and there are okay, but this is so repetitive it makes this book a tedious read. After giving this author enough chances in his early Empire books I just won’t waste my time or money on anything he’s written again.

[Germano Marrello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marco Valerio Aquila e i suoi uomini si ritrovano ancora una volta a svolgere una missione all'apparenza impossibile per l'Impero: difendere la colonia più a sud in Africa, ai confini con il potente impero dei Kush, che sembrano in grado di affrontare e sconfiggere la potenza romana.

Storia interessante e piena di colpi di scena come ormai l'autore ci ha abituati, ho trovato come unica nota stonata l'introduzione di un personaggio cristiano, il quale mostrerà il suo scopo solo alla fine ma che credevo avrebbe cambiato ancora il carattere del protagonista.

Un buon romanzo che preannuncia il ritorno del protagonista a Roma per portare a termine la propria vendetta.

[Dennis Steussy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel, " River of Gold" finds our group doing a mission in lower Egypt. They are sent on a suicide mission to regain control of the area and must fight the powerful Kush army. Lots of tricks are employed by Scaurus as he leads his soldiers south to battle an army at least twice his size, but they were able to gain the upper hand by capturing an important fortress. Our hero, Marcus Aquila falls into the enemy's hands, but his luck holds out and there is even a special love triste. If you have enjoyed reading the Empire series by Anthony Riches, this novel won't let you down.