What do you think?
Rate this book
Warrior of Rome #9
Falling Sky
AD 265, Gaul - The Roman Empire is on the brink.
Emperor Gallienus has amassed a huge army across the Alps to seize back the mountains from the usurper Posthumus.
War has come.
Ballista and his cavalry are on the frontline, battling in the most brutal of conditions. But if he is to survive the campaign and finally retire to his beloved Sicily, it's not just the battlefield he needs to navigate.
As he and Praetorian Prefect Volusianus lay siege to Posthumus' armies, it becomes clear the greatest threat to Ballista's life might just come from within his ranks. After all, Volusianus has shown he will go to any distance for his own ends. Is Ballista just another pawn in his game?
Emperor Gallienus has amassed a huge army across the Alps to seize back the mountains from the usurper Posthumus.
War has come.
Ballista and his cavalry are on the frontline, battling in the most brutal of conditions. But if he is to survive the campaign and finally retire to his beloved Sicily, it's not just the battlefield he needs to navigate.
As he and Praetorian Prefect Volusianus lay siege to Posthumus' armies, it becomes clear the greatest threat to Ballista's life might just come from within his ranks. After all, Volusianus has shown he will go to any distance for his own ends. Is Ballista just another pawn in his game?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
74 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Harry Sidebottom
40 books517 followersHarry Sidebottom is Lecturer in Ancient History at Merton College, Oxford, and part-time lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He has written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 23, 2023
Harry Sidebottom knocks it out of the park with another rollicking Ballista adventure.
Its AD265 and Emperor Gallienus has a challenger, Postumus so Ballista is sent in to fight fellow Romans and turn the tide for Gallienus. There are elements here that follow on from the previous book (which is well worth reading obviously) but Ballista has to fight those fellow Romans while not knowing who to trust and when his unit becomes isolated, he realises there is much more in play than he first thought.
Needing all of his leadership skills, strategic ability and cunning, it might not be enough.
Lots to admire here, strong characterisation, a time of history with menace and conspiracy at the fore with many tests of loyalty and comradeship. A page turning adventure to be admired.
Its AD265 and Emperor Gallienus has a challenger, Postumus so Ballista is sent in to fight fellow Romans and turn the tide for Gallienus. There are elements here that follow on from the previous book (which is well worth reading obviously) but Ballista has to fight those fellow Romans while not knowing who to trust and when his unit becomes isolated, he realises there is much more in play than he first thought.
Needing all of his leadership skills, strategic ability and cunning, it might not be enough.
Lots to admire here, strong characterisation, a time of history with menace and conspiracy at the fore with many tests of loyalty and comradeship. A page turning adventure to be admired.
March 25, 2023
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2023/03/2...
Il ciclo di romanzi storici “Il guerriero di Roma”, con protagonista l’anglo romanizzato Marco Clodio Balista, è ormai giunto, con quest’ultima fatica, all’ottava puntata. Nei primi tre romanzi l’autore, l’accademico Harry Sidebottom, ci aveva trasportato nella parte orientale dell’impero romani negli anni 254-260 d.C., ovvero gli ultimi di Valeriano imperatore; i successivi, invece, avevano visto il nostro eroe muoversi persino oltre i confini dell’impero o, al contrario, nella stessa Roma e nella Sicilia ricoperta di foreste e percorso da banditi dell’antichità; tali ultimi romanzi avevano comunque visto un allontanamento dalle tematiche prettamente militari dei primi tre romanzi, a favore invece di componenti spionistiche e avventurose.
Il sottoscritto, appassionato lettore di narrativa storica oltre che scrittore, aveva – comunque – perseverato nella lettura di tutti i romanzi della saga di Balista con grande interesse per due motivi:
L’indubbia competenza storica dell’autore (ne fanno fede le magnifice note finali con bibliografia degna di un articolo accademico) che permette anche al lettore più smaliziato di imparare sempre qualcosa di nuovo;
Lo stile raramente didascalico e anzi molto “moderno”.
Con questo Tempo di guerra, invece, la guerra, come giustamente premesso dal titolo, fa il suo grande ritorno. L’anno è il 265 e l’ambientazione è la Gallia meridionale. Il generale Postumo si è ribellato – già da diversi anni, in verità – e si è proclamato imperatore ma, primo nella storia, non ha marciato su Roma ma si è “accontentato” di governare una parte dell’impero, cioè le “Gallie” (Britannia, Gallia propriamente detta ed Hispania): una vera e propria secessione di una parte dell’impero.
Marco Clodio Balista fa parte del seguito imperiale e si ritrova al comando di diverse truppe: fanteria legionaria prima, reparti misti di cavalleria ausiliaria poi. Accanto al protagonista ritroviamo non solo la fedele guardia del corpo Massimo ma anche altri personaggi ricorrenti nella saga, come il patrizio Acilio Glabrione e il prefetto del pretorio Volusiano. Con tali forze di cavalleria deve condurre, dopo che i due contententi si sono fermati nella città di Augustodunum, una pericolosa missione nel territorio nemico volta a riguadagnare la fedeltà al legittimo imperatore Gallieno di città e villaggi.
Proprio questa seconda parte costituisce la parte meno riuscita del romanzo: dopo una prima parte che ci ha visti immersi nel pieno del conflitto tra Gallieno e Postumo, veniamo “sbalzati fuori” in questo lungo e, in definitiva, inconcludente raid. Una delle sottotrame presenti in questa seconda parte è qualcosa di già visto nei romanzi di Sidebottom: quella cioè della presenza di un “traditore” all’interno del gruppo dei protagonista; anche l’altra trama, cioè quella del possibile incontro tra i mercenari angli al servizio di Postumo e Balista (che è, per l’appunto, un anglo parente dei suddetti mercenari: il riferimento a precedenti romanzi della saga qui è molto forte) diventa assai presto abbastanza scontata; per fortuna, però, viene risolta nel finale in modo almeno per me inaspettato e interessante.
Nonostante queste criticità, l’opera è assolutamente godibile e dotata di buon ritmo. La tensione è palpabile perché, se è vero che il nostro Balista “non può morire”, i suoi compagni possono farlo (e lo hanno già fatto nel corso della saga!) e in non poche occasioni la situazione appare davvero disperata: come confessato dall’autore nella nota finale, il romanzo ha preso ispirazione dal famoso western Soldati a cavallo di Jonh Ford, a sua volta ispirato all’episodio, della guerra civile americana, del “raid di Grierson”.
Lo stile è il consueto di Sidebottom: infodump storici ridotto al minimo ma armonicamente inseriti nel testo (Balista, al comando di un reparto di cavalleria, non esita a dispensare quelle che per il lettore sono informazioni storiche su come venivano curati e mantenuti i cavalli nell’antichità); azione rapida e frenetica; ellissi ben distribuite che velocizzano il ritmo del testo. Sidebottom, come detto, è un accademico; tale erudizione si riflette in alcune chicche (che con metafora informatica potremmo chiamare “easter egg”) che l’autore inserisce nel testo: se in un precedente romanzo un personaggio ubriaco pronunciava in modo errato una citazione abbastanza famosa dell’Eneide in Tempo di guerra, invece, appare un personaggio secondario che profetizza, tramite l’astrologia, un futuro di successo per un proprio pronipote: una rapida ricerca su Internet mi ha fatto scoprire che il suddetto personaggio, Argicio, fu difatti antenato del famoso poetamo Magno Ausonio, vissuto un secolo più tardi.
Un’avvertenza importante è che Tempo di guerra, ancor più degli altri romanzi della saga, contiene forti riferimenti ad eventi e personaggi delle precedenti opere: complotti, battaglie, assedi, faide barbariche, assassini e quant’altro. Non ritengo consigliabile leggere il romanzo senza conoscere gli altri, perché se è vero che il canovaccio principale (la campagna di Gallieno in Gallia nel 265) è nuovo, le due principali trame coinvolgenti il nostro Balista affondano in tali eventi precedenti.
Inutile dire che è il romanzo è consigliato ai lettori della saga, soprattutto per il gradito ritorno della Storia fatta di guerre, battaglie e intrighi tra sovrani, da molto tempo ai “margini” della saga.
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2023/03/2...
Il ciclo di romanzi storici “Il guerriero di Roma”, con protagonista l’anglo romanizzato Marco Clodio Balista, è ormai giunto, con quest’ultima fatica, all’ottava puntata. Nei primi tre romanzi l’autore, l’accademico Harry Sidebottom, ci aveva trasportato nella parte orientale dell’impero romani negli anni 254-260 d.C., ovvero gli ultimi di Valeriano imperatore; i successivi, invece, avevano visto il nostro eroe muoversi persino oltre i confini dell’impero o, al contrario, nella stessa Roma e nella Sicilia ricoperta di foreste e percorso da banditi dell’antichità; tali ultimi romanzi avevano comunque visto un allontanamento dalle tematiche prettamente militari dei primi tre romanzi, a favore invece di componenti spionistiche e avventurose.
Il sottoscritto, appassionato lettore di narrativa storica oltre che scrittore, aveva – comunque – perseverato nella lettura di tutti i romanzi della saga di Balista con grande interesse per due motivi:
L’indubbia competenza storica dell’autore (ne fanno fede le magnifice note finali con bibliografia degna di un articolo accademico) che permette anche al lettore più smaliziato di imparare sempre qualcosa di nuovo;
Lo stile raramente didascalico e anzi molto “moderno”.
Con questo Tempo di guerra, invece, la guerra, come giustamente premesso dal titolo, fa il suo grande ritorno. L’anno è il 265 e l’ambientazione è la Gallia meridionale. Il generale Postumo si è ribellato – già da diversi anni, in verità – e si è proclamato imperatore ma, primo nella storia, non ha marciato su Roma ma si è “accontentato” di governare una parte dell’impero, cioè le “Gallie” (Britannia, Gallia propriamente detta ed Hispania): una vera e propria secessione di una parte dell’impero.
Marco Clodio Balista fa parte del seguito imperiale e si ritrova al comando di diverse truppe: fanteria legionaria prima, reparti misti di cavalleria ausiliaria poi. Accanto al protagonista ritroviamo non solo la fedele guardia del corpo Massimo ma anche altri personaggi ricorrenti nella saga, come il patrizio Acilio Glabrione e il prefetto del pretorio Volusiano. Con tali forze di cavalleria deve condurre, dopo che i due contententi si sono fermati nella città di Augustodunum, una pericolosa missione nel territorio nemico volta a riguadagnare la fedeltà al legittimo imperatore Gallieno di città e villaggi.
Proprio questa seconda parte costituisce la parte meno riuscita del romanzo: dopo una prima parte che ci ha visti immersi nel pieno del conflitto tra Gallieno e Postumo, veniamo “sbalzati fuori” in questo lungo e, in definitiva, inconcludente raid. Una delle sottotrame presenti in questa seconda parte è qualcosa di già visto nei romanzi di Sidebottom: quella cioè della presenza di un “traditore” all’interno del gruppo dei protagonista; anche l’altra trama, cioè quella del possibile incontro tra i mercenari angli al servizio di Postumo e Balista (che è, per l’appunto, un anglo parente dei suddetti mercenari: il riferimento a precedenti romanzi della saga qui è molto forte) diventa assai presto abbastanza scontata; per fortuna, però, viene risolta nel finale in modo almeno per me inaspettato e interessante.
Nonostante queste criticità, l’opera è assolutamente godibile e dotata di buon ritmo. La tensione è palpabile perché, se è vero che il nostro Balista “non può morire”, i suoi compagni possono farlo (e lo hanno già fatto nel corso della saga!) e in non poche occasioni la situazione appare davvero disperata: come confessato dall’autore nella nota finale, il romanzo ha preso ispirazione dal famoso western Soldati a cavallo di Jonh Ford, a sua volta ispirato all’episodio, della guerra civile americana, del “raid di Grierson”.
Lo stile è il consueto di Sidebottom: infodump storici ridotto al minimo ma armonicamente inseriti nel testo (Balista, al comando di un reparto di cavalleria, non esita a dispensare quelle che per il lettore sono informazioni storiche su come venivano curati e mantenuti i cavalli nell’antichità); azione rapida e frenetica; ellissi ben distribuite che velocizzano il ritmo del testo. Sidebottom, come detto, è un accademico; tale erudizione si riflette in alcune chicche (che con metafora informatica potremmo chiamare “easter egg”) che l’autore inserisce nel testo: se in un precedente romanzo un personaggio ubriaco pronunciava in modo errato una citazione abbastanza famosa dell’Eneide in Tempo di guerra, invece, appare un personaggio secondario che profetizza, tramite l’astrologia, un futuro di successo per un proprio pronipote: una rapida ricerca su Internet mi ha fatto scoprire che il suddetto personaggio, Argicio, fu difatti antenato del famoso poetamo Magno Ausonio, vissuto un secolo più tardi.
Un’avvertenza importante è che Tempo di guerra, ancor più degli altri romanzi della saga, contiene forti riferimenti ad eventi e personaggi delle precedenti opere: complotti, battaglie, assedi, faide barbariche, assassini e quant’altro. Non ritengo consigliabile leggere il romanzo senza conoscere gli altri, perché se è vero che il canovaccio principale (la campagna di Gallieno in Gallia nel 265) è nuovo, le due principali trame coinvolgenti il nostro Balista affondano in tali eventi precedenti.
Inutile dire che è il romanzo è consigliato ai lettori della saga, soprattutto per il gradito ritorno della Storia fatta di guerre, battaglie e intrighi tra sovrani, da molto tempo ai “margini” della saga.
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2023/03/2...
October 14, 2023
Ballista crosses the Alps.
Emperor Gallienus begins his reconquest of Gaul from the usurper Postumus. Ballista leads part of the army and faces tremendous difficulties, first in the Alps, then in the plains of Southern Gaul. It is clear too that some on his own side want him dead, and the volatile Gallienus is a liability rather than an effective leader. Before long Ballista is behind enemy lines forced to fight his way back to Italy where his safety is compromised also.
As much as anything else, this novel is an elegy to Roman horsemanship, as Ballista guides his cavalry across southern Gaul, and the climactic battle scene is made more intriguing by the fact that Ballista's brother and other Angle warriors are fighting, as it were, on the wrong side. Finally I enjoyed the portrayal of the rebel emperor Postumus, a humane man who might have made a better emperor than the flashy and unreliable Gallienus.
Emperor Gallienus begins his reconquest of Gaul from the usurper Postumus. Ballista leads part of the army and faces tremendous difficulties, first in the Alps, then in the plains of Southern Gaul. It is clear too that some on his own side want him dead, and the volatile Gallienus is a liability rather than an effective leader. Before long Ballista is behind enemy lines forced to fight his way back to Italy where his safety is compromised also.
As much as anything else, this novel is an elegy to Roman horsemanship, as Ballista guides his cavalry across southern Gaul, and the climactic battle scene is made more intriguing by the fact that Ballista's brother and other Angle warriors are fighting, as it were, on the wrong side. Finally I enjoyed the portrayal of the rebel emperor Postumus, a humane man who might have made a better emperor than the flashy and unreliable Gallienus.
March 26, 2023
Another very enjoyable read in the always impressive Ballista series. This is set before the events of ‘The Burning Road’ and it finds Marcus Clodius Ballista firmly behind enemy lines with a dwindling force of soldiers and navigating the ever more complex politics of Roman society. As ever, Ballista is a tough, resourceful and determined leader, which is just as well because he encounters enemies within and without. It’s also about Ballista’s obligations to his various ‘families’ – his wife and children in Sicily – he constantly has to trade his loyalty to the emperor in return for their safety; his military ‘family’ – those he trusts and upon whom he can depend, and his original family – before he was brought to Rome as a hostage.
Ballista would like to retire to Sicily, but he has been called to help the emperor defeat the usurper Postumus in Gaul. Things do not go entirely as planned (do they ever?) and Ballista and co engage in another thrilling series of scrapes against an overwhelming enemy.
For fans of swords and sandals fiction, this is a must read.
Ballista would like to retire to Sicily, but he has been called to help the emperor defeat the usurper Postumus in Gaul. Things do not go entirely as planned (do they ever?) and Ballista and co engage in another thrilling series of scrapes against an overwhelming enemy.
For fans of swords and sandals fiction, this is a must read.
October 13, 2022
Marcus Clodius Ballista would just like to retire to his home on the island of Sicily, but war has come, and he has been called upon by his emperor Gallienus to help defeat the usurper Postumus.
He and his cavalry set off to Gaul to put down this usurpation, but as usual things are never straight forward for Ballista and he will have to overcome obstacles if he is to succeed. All the time watching his back from enemies in his own camp. Never one to back down from anyone this will become the ultimate test for the Warrior of Rome.
Another outstanding book in this series by arguably the best writer of Roman fiction writing today.
Ballista is the most intriguing and enjoyable character in this genre of fiction. Simply put if you read historical fiction, you’d be mad to miss out on Harry Sidebottom.
The easiest five star review I’ve given this year. Simply outstanding.
He and his cavalry set off to Gaul to put down this usurpation, but as usual things are never straight forward for Ballista and he will have to overcome obstacles if he is to succeed. All the time watching his back from enemies in his own camp. Never one to back down from anyone this will become the ultimate test for the Warrior of Rome.
Another outstanding book in this series by arguably the best writer of Roman fiction writing today.
Ballista is the most intriguing and enjoyable character in this genre of fiction. Simply put if you read historical fiction, you’d be mad to miss out on Harry Sidebottom.
The easiest five star review I’ve given this year. Simply outstanding.
October 27, 2022
Ballista has now reached the end of his agreed 3 year term of service in the Roman Army and wants to retire to his home on Sicily, to see his wife and son again. However, he and his troop of soldiers are ordered to war to help overthrow the Emperor Postumus and install Emperor Gallienus to his rightful throne.
During his many years of service, Ballista has probably made equal amounts of friends and enemies, as he has risen from slave to being in charge of fighting men. In this book, he becomes aware of a threat towards his life and not only does he have to carry out his field duties, he also has to stay alive and hunt down a killer.
I enjoyed this book, not necessarily for the battle scenes, well researched as usual, but for the humanity he shows towards old friends and those in training and still unsure of what is expected of them. He shows himself to be capable and caring, there are many factions at work here, some support one Emperor over the usurper, he has to reconcile men to their given cause. I especially liked the humour, loyalty and interaction of his troop members, their camaraderie sees them through the worst of times.
The skills and care of the horses was also very touching, and I can’t remember a book that covers this area in such detail before. Great victories are only possible due to these beautiful and loyal creatures, if you don’t care for them, they will only be fit for horse meat. The poem “ For the want of a nail” kept running through my mind as I was reading these descriptions of equine kindness.
Men in this novel become real, flesh is put onto bones. Family is the underlying theme, regrets about being away fighting, missing children growing up, and in some cases, being held hostage in return for your good behaviour.
This book has a different tone, maturity and serenity, almost demob happy. Whether Ballista gets to enjoy his retirement is another matter, knowing the uncertainty of Roman life, probably not!! I have greatly enjoyed the previous books, The Last Hour and The Burning Road by this author. A five star read.
June 12, 2024
A ‘Use It Or Lose It’ randomised selection from the local library: 6th Bookcase, 1st Set of Shelves, 1st Shelf, 6th Book.
Sometimes this selection process throws up stuff that is not my line at all, and sometimes I get something I really enjoy. This was one of the latter: it took me back to my boyhood and tales from Greek and Roman mythology and history that I loved.
This, for the benefit of Harry Sidebottom ingénues like me, is one of a series of novels featuring the British atheling, Dernhelm of the Hemlings of Hedinsey, presented as a hostage to Rome by his father and serving in the Roman army as Marcus Clodius Ballista. His army career has made him a trustworthy and successful cavalry officer. In this novel, his loyalty and skill are severely tested by what he suspects are (and we know to be) the machinations of the Praetorian Prefect, Volusianus, to have him put permanently out of the way for having overheard a conversation in which Volusianus was conspiring against the Emperor Gallienus.
The action takes place in the Alps and south-east Gaul where Gallienus’ forces are endeavouring to unseat the usurper Emperor, Postumus. Ballista leads a small troop of Thracian cavalry and mounted Emesene archers on an expedition to ensure the loyalty of the local towns and villages to Gallienus. However, in his midst there are those in Volusianus’ pay whose purpose is to make sure Ballista never returns.
A good, old-fashioned tale. Sidebottom is a Professor of Ancient History, and if his sources for Gallienus’ campaign of 265 AD are, in his word, ‘abysmal’, he draws on his understanding of ancient warfare and especially cavalry operations to excellent effect. He was inspired partly, he tells us in his Afterword which is full of interesting source material, by John Ford’s film ‘The Horse Soldiers’. Well, that’s an enjoyable evening I shall be looking forward to.
Sometimes this selection process throws up stuff that is not my line at all, and sometimes I get something I really enjoy. This was one of the latter: it took me back to my boyhood and tales from Greek and Roman mythology and history that I loved.
This, for the benefit of Harry Sidebottom ingénues like me, is one of a series of novels featuring the British atheling, Dernhelm of the Hemlings of Hedinsey, presented as a hostage to Rome by his father and serving in the Roman army as Marcus Clodius Ballista. His army career has made him a trustworthy and successful cavalry officer. In this novel, his loyalty and skill are severely tested by what he suspects are (and we know to be) the machinations of the Praetorian Prefect, Volusianus, to have him put permanently out of the way for having overheard a conversation in which Volusianus was conspiring against the Emperor Gallienus.
The action takes place in the Alps and south-east Gaul where Gallienus’ forces are endeavouring to unseat the usurper Emperor, Postumus. Ballista leads a small troop of Thracian cavalry and mounted Emesene archers on an expedition to ensure the loyalty of the local towns and villages to Gallienus. However, in his midst there are those in Volusianus’ pay whose purpose is to make sure Ballista never returns.
A good, old-fashioned tale. Sidebottom is a Professor of Ancient History, and if his sources for Gallienus’ campaign of 265 AD are, in his word, ‘abysmal’, he draws on his understanding of ancient warfare and especially cavalry operations to excellent effect. He was inspired partly, he tells us in his Afterword which is full of interesting source material, by John Ford’s film ‘The Horse Soldiers’. Well, that’s an enjoyable evening I shall be looking forward to.
October 5, 2022
Ballista from the Hebradies now a Roman Citizen living in Sicilia with his wife Julia, well he would be if he wasn't in the Army heading to war to defend Emperor Gallienus against the Usurper Posthumous.
It's AD 265 and Ballista is sent with his army to as stated above his wish is to retire by this his is orders for now. He also has an enemy within and he knows not who or why infant until a Assassins failed attempt he didn't even know he was in a hit list. However he does know that every general (or officer of his rank) may have a target on his back or anywhere on his body for that matter. The battle field is brutal and playing fair is not necessarily the way the enemies play but our hero does for the most part but I will let you read all that for yourself.
So the plot is established what about the details that give it 5 stars? There are some wonderful characters some evil slugs (using there sorry of language although the weird slug may not appear in this novel. It's all battle and gore no love interest to note our hero is happily married! Things don't all go his way but still as a true soldier he will battle on till his assignment is complete, he is dead or they make it back to Rome only one can be achieved I'm not saying which.
If historical fiction is your thing, you enjoy the Roman Era then this could well be your thing its lively fast and lots of action 🎬 you don't have to wait for it to build up its all the way through. I hope you enjoy it as well.
It's AD 265 and Ballista is sent with his army to as stated above his wish is to retire by this his is orders for now. He also has an enemy within and he knows not who or why infant until a Assassins failed attempt he didn't even know he was in a hit list. However he does know that every general (or officer of his rank) may have a target on his back or anywhere on his body for that matter. The battle field is brutal and playing fair is not necessarily the way the enemies play but our hero does for the most part but I will let you read all that for yourself.
So the plot is established what about the details that give it 5 stars? There are some wonderful characters some evil slugs (using there sorry of language although the weird slug may not appear in this novel. It's all battle and gore no love interest to note our hero is happily married! Things don't all go his way but still as a true soldier he will battle on till his assignment is complete, he is dead or they make it back to Rome only one can be achieved I'm not saying which.
If historical fiction is your thing, you enjoy the Roman Era then this could well be your thing its lively fast and lots of action 🎬 you don't have to wait for it to build up its all the way through. I hope you enjoy it as well.
May 21, 2024
Falling Sky is another great Harry Sidebottom book in the Warrior of Rome series. I have read all 9 of them and this one is very good too. Our hero is tasked with battling an opposing Roman emperor and after a very difficult crossing of the Alps, he discovers he is not only fighting the enemy, but there are traitors on his side that are trying to get him killed. He has to get a poor group of soldiers into a better fighting unit, since he is now volunteered to go on hazardous missions constantly. With lots of help from his friends and lots of luck and cunny, he is able to be successful and gets to meet a long lost relative and son on the way. I'm sure you will enjoy this exciting, action-packed and easy to read book in this series. If you are new to the Warrior series this book can stand alone too, but I'm sure it will want you to read other Warrior books too. I'm looking forward to another Warrior book, since I have recently read and reported on the Burning Road or Land book too!
October 23, 2022
This is where the writer (Henceforth known as H as I am lazy with typing) follows a path that many other writers have followed and wrote a book not in chronological order. But don't let that put you off, in the slightest, its brilliant. Set between events of the "The Last Hour" and "The Burning Road" Our hero Ballista finds himself sent on a mission to cut off supplies for the usurper Postumus. Yet as always with H and this series things are not that straight forward as it appears. As there is treachery to deal with and deciding who to trust and not. Battle scenes where blood flows thick and fast. And yet if I was gripe about one thing. The conversation right at the end end of the book should of been settled with a knife to the ribs. But I suppose that's what happens when you write or at least publish out of sequence. Yet a welcome return of Ballista and friends, foes, family and (I have to say it) Frumentarii.
December 18, 2022
Another fantastic novel by the genius, which is Harry sidebottom.
This book continues the story of Ballista and the war between the two emperors, Gallienus and postumus.
Ballista finds himself in command of a small unit of thracians and behind enemy territory to bring towns occupied by postumus's warriors under the wing of Gallienus once more.
As the warrior Of Romes series always delivers, there is plenty of fighting, both battles and skirmishes in a fast moving action packed story.
Contending with traitors and assassination attempts, this is one of the biggest and most brutal fights Ballista has had to date.
I can't recommend this series enough for readers interested in historical fiction and a taste of something different from the normal go to rublican era of rome to mid/late imperial ere, and if you have a taste for lots of action told in an easy to read and great story infused to perfection then look no further.
This book continues the story of Ballista and the war between the two emperors, Gallienus and postumus.
Ballista finds himself in command of a small unit of thracians and behind enemy territory to bring towns occupied by postumus's warriors under the wing of Gallienus once more.
As the warrior Of Romes series always delivers, there is plenty of fighting, both battles and skirmishes in a fast moving action packed story.
Contending with traitors and assassination attempts, this is one of the biggest and most brutal fights Ballista has had to date.
I can't recommend this series enough for readers interested in historical fiction and a taste of something different from the normal go to rublican era of rome to mid/late imperial ere, and if you have a taste for lots of action told in an easy to read and great story infused to perfection then look no further.
October 27, 2022
it`s been a great weekend of historical fiction for me, first up was Douglas Jackson: The Wall and now i have just finished Harry Sidebottom: Falling Sky , the latest adventure of Marcus Clodius Ballista, it`s AD 265 Gaul- the Roman Empire is on the brink. Emperor Gallienus has amassed a huge army across the Alps to seize back the mountains from the usurper Postumus. Ballista and his cavalry are on the frontline in the most brutal conditions and it`s not just the battlefield he needs to navigate, it becomes clear the greatest threat to Ballista`s life might just come from within his own ranks. Once again we have a page turner of the highest order from a master storyteller, add in great research, as you would expect from a teacher of Ancient History at Oxford University and you have the perfect ingredients for a great read.
January 31, 2025
Excellent detailed account of a fighting campaign in Gaul
This is on a par with the first three Ballista books, full of action, intrigue, and incident. The author manages to impart a huge amount of interesting detail on so many subjects: imperial politics of the time, the day to day routines of a fighting force comprising mercenaries, regular infantry, cavalry and archers, as will as military tactics in many different settings, the beliefs and codes of the different characters, among many others. It helps that characters, even antagonists, are rendered subtly and even handedly, with no crude caricatures. It all moves at a good pace, never flagging or getting bogged down, with exciting and suspenseful action scenes throughout. A fine, entertaining read, which wears its author's learning very lightly..
.
This is on a par with the first three Ballista books, full of action, intrigue, and incident. The author manages to impart a huge amount of interesting detail on so many subjects: imperial politics of the time, the day to day routines of a fighting force comprising mercenaries, regular infantry, cavalry and archers, as will as military tactics in many different settings, the beliefs and codes of the different characters, among many others. It helps that characters, even antagonists, are rendered subtly and even handedly, with no crude caricatures. It all moves at a good pace, never flagging or getting bogged down, with exciting and suspenseful action scenes throughout. A fine, entertaining read, which wears its author's learning very lightly..
.
August 31, 2024
A rattling good read essentially picking up directly from the 24-esque "The Last Hour", (although published after "The Burning Road" which follows on from this story, so for those like me reading the books in published order there is less of a sense of suspense). Here we find Ballista back on horseback behind enemy lines. But whilst the pace is similar to the previous book, the style is different again. The author admits to being influenced by childhood memories of John Ford's US Civil War movie "The Horse Soldiers" and having similar memories the influence is obvious, with the "civil war" background offering other parallels. But as usual, Sidebottom's historical expertise adds a certain depth, which is further enhanced by his family background in stables and horses.
November 6, 2022
This tale actually occurs before the events of last year's novel The Burning Road and sees Ballista again behind enemy lines. Mixed up in the internal politics of a civil war he ends up leading a cavalry raid which gets trapped in Gaul and needs to get home through hostile territory. The author's credentials as a historical scholar shine through this accomplished novel, as always, but his own background of being brought up in the race stables of Newmarket must surely have also helped with this equine adventure. Highly recommended, and now I must get back to reading his other recently released book (the non-fiction one about Heliogabalus!)
November 4, 2022
Roman emperor Gallienus sends an army to defeat the usurper Postumus.
Marcus Clodius Ballista, a general and friend of the emperor despite being the son of German barbarians, leads from the front in bitter fighting through Alpine passes.
Sent on a special mission, Ballista finds his enemies are not all in front of him.
He has uncovered a threat to the emperor's life and Ballista's family is endangered. The blades behind his back are as sharp as the foe's.
Rich with history, action and soldiers' dark humour, this story races at you with the power and energy of charging cavalry.
Marcus Clodius Ballista, a general and friend of the emperor despite being the son of German barbarians, leads from the front in bitter fighting through Alpine passes.
Sent on a special mission, Ballista finds his enemies are not all in front of him.
He has uncovered a threat to the emperor's life and Ballista's family is endangered. The blades behind his back are as sharp as the foe's.
Rich with history, action and soldiers' dark humour, this story races at you with the power and energy of charging cavalry.
January 24, 2023
Another great book by Harry Sidebottom. Ballista is faced by enemies in his own camp as well as the army of the rebel Emperor. I really like this hero and have read every book in the series so far. Professor Sidebottom has an almost mystical way of setting the scene of the Roman Empire and fitting the characters and their personalities into the story. The role of the cavalry in the Roman army is painted so well that one can picture them falling into line in marching order as the legion sets off on the latest chapter in the story of Ballista and his companions.
November 5, 2022
at the top of his game
Sidebottom is extraordinary. His academic expertise and authority with Roman history is abundantly exemplified in every book he writes, yet he is also a solid action writer who can bring every scene to life. I particularly like his concern in this book with practical everyday detail, giving the story almost a documentary feel. Many thanks for a great read,
Sidebottom is extraordinary. His academic expertise and authority with Roman history is abundantly exemplified in every book he writes, yet he is also a solid action writer who can bring every scene to life. I particularly like his concern in this book with practical everyday detail, giving the story almost a documentary feel. Many thanks for a great read,
November 10, 2022
Excellent, as always
Would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys expertly written historical fiction. Ballista, and the other characters are well drawn and relatable. The battle scenes are almost too realistic. Eagerly awaiting the next offering in this series, or any other writing by Harry Sidebottom.
Would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys expertly written historical fiction. Ballista, and the other characters are well drawn and relatable. The battle scenes are almost too realistic. Eagerly awaiting the next offering in this series, or any other writing by Harry Sidebottom.
October 19, 2022
A must read for fans of Ballista and his hard journey through life
It fills the gap in his story
Couldn’t put it down
It fills the gap in his story
Couldn’t put it down
October 24, 2022
Another great adventure from Mr Sidebottom. You can't beat Ballista & Maximus.
January 8, 2023
Another cracker from one of the best - Harry Sidebottom
December 5, 2023
Yet another amazing book by Harry Sidebottom. Ballista, Maximus and Tarchon in a never ending battle with the enemy and also the enemy within.
Read
December 28, 2024Great read thoroughly enjoyed this book
March 1, 2025
Another thrilling adventure for Ballista and his familia. Both exciting and informative read.
September 6, 2025
Falling Sky is Harry Sidebottom’s ninth book of the story of Marcus Clodius Ballista—a distinguished Roman general, once proclaimed as an Emperor but quickly denounced the purple—who assisted emperor Gallienus in his advance towards the Gallic Empire, to crush Postumus, a Roman general proclaimed Emperor by the soldiers and hold the region of Gaul and Raetia during the Crisis of the Third Century in Roman history.
This book is full of action and loads of history. Ballista was certainly not the main character that dictated the events happening in this story, but he is important enough to the plot. Postumus’ rebellion wasn’t politically motivated, perhaps his ascension was already destined by fate. As a fellow soldier, Postumus understood that what kept the Roman soldiers loyal was the promise of booty. But when it was denied by both Saloninus (Gallienus’ son) and Silvanus (Saloninus’ praetorian prefect), the soldiers rebelled. The execution of Saloninus and Silvanus by the soldiers was harsh but not unjust since tension ran high on the frontier of the Roman Empire at that time. Obviously, as the father of Saloninus and the current reigning Emperor, Gallienus won’t sit idly by at the treachery of Postumus.
Yet, Gallienus wasn’t an honourable Roman Emperor either. He loves excess, wanton luxury, and seems to have no regard for Roman virtues. In between military meetings and in front of the senates, Gallienus invited clowns and entertainers to entertain himself, imported exotic foods and squandered imperial treasury for nothing. Hence, the plot to assassinate Gallienus was hatched by a handful of influential senators whose loyalty is to the former Emperor Valerian (Gallienus’ father). In the midst of these military crises is Ballista, who, as the protector of the emperor, must assist Gallienus in his war.
I read Falling Sky like a breeze, very entertaining and the plot isn’t that heavy. It really is full-blown action with the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil. Roman Gaul is such an interesting location for this story. The region was heavily infested by bacaudae or brigands who arose due to the instability of Roman authority in Gaul. Reading Ballista’s campaign throughout Roman Gaul and back to the Alps has been quite enjoyable.
This book is full of action and loads of history. Ballista was certainly not the main character that dictated the events happening in this story, but he is important enough to the plot. Postumus’ rebellion wasn’t politically motivated, perhaps his ascension was already destined by fate. As a fellow soldier, Postumus understood that what kept the Roman soldiers loyal was the promise of booty. But when it was denied by both Saloninus (Gallienus’ son) and Silvanus (Saloninus’ praetorian prefect), the soldiers rebelled. The execution of Saloninus and Silvanus by the soldiers was harsh but not unjust since tension ran high on the frontier of the Roman Empire at that time. Obviously, as the father of Saloninus and the current reigning Emperor, Gallienus won’t sit idly by at the treachery of Postumus.
Yet, Gallienus wasn’t an honourable Roman Emperor either. He loves excess, wanton luxury, and seems to have no regard for Roman virtues. In between military meetings and in front of the senates, Gallienus invited clowns and entertainers to entertain himself, imported exotic foods and squandered imperial treasury for nothing. Hence, the plot to assassinate Gallienus was hatched by a handful of influential senators whose loyalty is to the former Emperor Valerian (Gallienus’ father). In the midst of these military crises is Ballista, who, as the protector of the emperor, must assist Gallienus in his war.
Fight Between Romans and Gauls by Évariste Vital Luminais. During Ballista’s journey throughout the Gallic Empire to win the allegiance of Gallo-Roman aristocrats back to Gallienus, some refused and were willing to stand their ground against Ballista and his army.
I read Falling Sky like a breeze, very entertaining and the plot isn’t that heavy. It really is full-blown action with the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil. Roman Gaul is such an interesting location for this story. The region was heavily infested by bacaudae or brigands who arose due to the instability of Roman authority in Gaul. Reading Ballista’s campaign throughout Roman Gaul and back to the Alps has been quite enjoyable.
June 25, 2023
Rating of 4.5.
One of the best and most compelling authors of Roman historical fiction, Harry Sidebottom, returns with another outstanding entry in his Warrior of Rome series, Falling Sky.
AD 265, Gaul. The usurper Postumus has been declared Emperor by his soldiers and has taken control of key territories west of Rome, including Gaul, Germania, Hispania and Britannia. Setting up his capital within Gaul, Postumus hopes to maintain control of his new empire and peacefully coexist with Emperor Gallienus. However, Gallienus wants vengeance for the death of his son at Postumus’s hands and has assembled a massive army to cross the Alps, take back Gaul, and kill his rival.
Amongst the Roman troops gathered to attack Gaul is Ballista, one of Gallienus’s most loyal supporters. Determined to fight one more battle and then retire to Sicily with his family, Ballista finds himself at the forefront of the fight as one of Gallienus’s most able commanders. However, Ballista has a far more troubling problem to deal with than battle. His recent actions in Rome exposed a massive conspiracy to kill Gallienus and install a new Emperor. While he was able to foil the assassination, the leader of the conspiracy remains at large, and Ballista is convinced that it was the Praetorian Prefect Volusianus, the man charged with keeping Gallienus safe.
With no evidence to support his suspicions, all Ballista can do is watch Volusianus and wait for him to slip up. However, Volusianus is aware of Ballista’s suspicions and is determined to kill him before his machinations can be revealed. When Ballista is sent on a dangerous mission deep into enemy territory with a column of cavalry, it represents the perfect opportunity for Volusianus to strike using spies and traitors. However, the greatest threat to Ballista may come from the turning tides of war, as he and his men soon find themselves trapped far behind enemy lines. Pursued by the enemy and surrounded by traitors, can even the legendary Ballista survive both the war and his friends in Rome?
This was another brilliant and captivating historical read from Sidebottom that perfectly continues the Warrior or Rome series with another exciting adventure. Falling Sky is a very thrilling read, and it was one that I was able to finish off quite quickly, especially once I got caught up in its fantastic and fun narrative.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/06/25/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
One of the best and most compelling authors of Roman historical fiction, Harry Sidebottom, returns with another outstanding entry in his Warrior of Rome series, Falling Sky.
AD 265, Gaul. The usurper Postumus has been declared Emperor by his soldiers and has taken control of key territories west of Rome, including Gaul, Germania, Hispania and Britannia. Setting up his capital within Gaul, Postumus hopes to maintain control of his new empire and peacefully coexist with Emperor Gallienus. However, Gallienus wants vengeance for the death of his son at Postumus’s hands and has assembled a massive army to cross the Alps, take back Gaul, and kill his rival.
Amongst the Roman troops gathered to attack Gaul is Ballista, one of Gallienus’s most loyal supporters. Determined to fight one more battle and then retire to Sicily with his family, Ballista finds himself at the forefront of the fight as one of Gallienus’s most able commanders. However, Ballista has a far more troubling problem to deal with than battle. His recent actions in Rome exposed a massive conspiracy to kill Gallienus and install a new Emperor. While he was able to foil the assassination, the leader of the conspiracy remains at large, and Ballista is convinced that it was the Praetorian Prefect Volusianus, the man charged with keeping Gallienus safe.
With no evidence to support his suspicions, all Ballista can do is watch Volusianus and wait for him to slip up. However, Volusianus is aware of Ballista’s suspicions and is determined to kill him before his machinations can be revealed. When Ballista is sent on a dangerous mission deep into enemy territory with a column of cavalry, it represents the perfect opportunity for Volusianus to strike using spies and traitors. However, the greatest threat to Ballista may come from the turning tides of war, as he and his men soon find themselves trapped far behind enemy lines. Pursued by the enemy and surrounded by traitors, can even the legendary Ballista survive both the war and his friends in Rome?
This was another brilliant and captivating historical read from Sidebottom that perfectly continues the Warrior or Rome series with another exciting adventure. Falling Sky is a very thrilling read, and it was one that I was able to finish off quite quickly, especially once I got caught up in its fantastic and fun narrative.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/06/25/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
May 20, 2023
This sublime Roman historical novel is the 9th volume of the brilliant "Warrior of Rome" series, but the 8th chronologically, because this book called "Falling Sky" is situated in the year AD265, between the months of June until September, and thus it comes between "The Last Hour", which is situated in April AD265 and "The Burning Road", which is situated in November AD265.
At the front of the book you'll find a well documented map of Gaul AD265, but sadly inserted somewhat badly, while at the back you'll notice an informative Afterword, where the historical details and other information can be found and taken notice of.
Storytelling is wonderful, all figures featuring in this Roman adventure, whether historical or fictional, come superbly to life in this tale of war and treachery, and the atmosphere of loyalty against duplicity in these Roman times comes splendidly to the forefront.
Like I said before, this Roman adventure is set between the months of June until September, in the year AD265, and we follow Ballista, and his companions Maximus and Tarchon in their endeavours to serve and protect their Roman Emperor Gallienus throughout Gaul, against the forces of the usurper, the Emperor of Gaul, Postumus.
Within this war between Gallienus and Postumus, there's also a brutal betrayal going on within the court of Emperor Gallienus, and those conspirators are led by the Praetorian Prefect, Volusianus.
More and more Ballista is aware that his life is forfeit, due to various attempts to put him down while being from the beginning on an expedition of no return, but somehow he, and with the help of his friends, will survive them all, while others will definitely not.
What is to follow is an amazing Roman historical novel, where war, treachery and death go hand in hand, and where survival will mean everything to Ballista and his companions, but also to the main conspirator, and all that is brought to us in a most awesome fashion by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Ballista Roman Adventure"!
At the front of the book you'll find a well documented map of Gaul AD265, but sadly inserted somewhat badly, while at the back you'll notice an informative Afterword, where the historical details and other information can be found and taken notice of.
Storytelling is wonderful, all figures featuring in this Roman adventure, whether historical or fictional, come superbly to life in this tale of war and treachery, and the atmosphere of loyalty against duplicity in these Roman times comes splendidly to the forefront.
Like I said before, this Roman adventure is set between the months of June until September, in the year AD265, and we follow Ballista, and his companions Maximus and Tarchon in their endeavours to serve and protect their Roman Emperor Gallienus throughout Gaul, against the forces of the usurper, the Emperor of Gaul, Postumus.
Within this war between Gallienus and Postumus, there's also a brutal betrayal going on within the court of Emperor Gallienus, and those conspirators are led by the Praetorian Prefect, Volusianus.
More and more Ballista is aware that his life is forfeit, due to various attempts to put him down while being from the beginning on an expedition of no return, but somehow he, and with the help of his friends, will survive them all, while others will definitely not.
What is to follow is an amazing Roman historical novel, where war, treachery and death go hand in hand, and where survival will mean everything to Ballista and his companions, but also to the main conspirator, and all that is brought to us in a most awesome fashion by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Ballista Roman Adventure"!
November 1, 2025
This was OK. I've read some historical Roman military fiction before (Vindolanda and its sequels, by Adrian Goldsworthy) and they all seem to follow a very similar path: mixed heritage Roman soldier confronts military opposition against the backdrop of some conspiracy (and I note too that like Uhtred of Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom, Balista has a Hibernian/Irish sidekick). It's a decent romp, but nothing spectacular. Balista, a real person who vanished into the murk of the Crisis of the Third Century, is stolid, stalwart, and stubborn, but only vaguely conflicted by his role in Roman imperialism. Aside from that there are too many issues resolved too easily and both the plotting and the writing are a bit humdrum.
September 5, 2023
Another great addition to the Ballista series ‘Warrior of Rome’, not sure if it will be the last ... the ending was nicely rounded up alluding to the retirement from service ... but as always when the empire calls one must perform their duty! Especially enjoyed the reunion of Ballista’ Roman familia with his Himling family in Gaul, and the pathway of reunion with his first born son. I did however have trouble with the map and some of the places that were travelled through were not present so I felt a bit lost at times where the armies were at times and where they were headed terrain wise. Also, I felt like the Latin terminology was held back somewhat compared with previous books in the series, I didn’t feel like I learnt much from this novel but it was more focused on the immersion into the journey across Gaul. Still a very enjoyable step back into the 3rd century crisis and escape from writing my dissertation in the evenings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews