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Empire #1
Wounds of Honour
Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonorable death by power-crazed Emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he's hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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4742 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Riches
51 books359 followersAnthony 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 21, 2012
I have a confession to make. I bought this book when it came out, 3 years ago. To my shame, I didn't read it until last summer. What a mistake that was! Anyway, I took it on holiday with me. I read half of it in the airport and on the plane. By bedtime, it was two-thirds. I finished it the next morning over coffee. To me, that's the sign of a damn fine read.
I should also point out that the topic of the book - a real life rebellion in and around Hadrian's Wall in AD 181, was the topic of my first, unpublished novel. I am happy to say that I'm glad my book never saw the light of day, because this one is far better!
There's no need for me to go into the plot, as other reviewers have covered that very well. Suffice it to say that in Marcus, Dubnus, Morban et al, Riches has created a set of living, breathing characters who bring the pages of this fast-paced, action-packed book to life. The reality of life in 2nd century AD Roman Britain, the camaraderie of soldiers, the filth and gore of war, the chilling feelings engendered at betrayal by one's own, the grief of losing one's family to a terrible injustice - they're all here. Anthony Riches is to be commended on producing such a great read!
I should also point out that the topic of the book - a real life rebellion in and around Hadrian's Wall in AD 181, was the topic of my first, unpublished novel. I am happy to say that I'm glad my book never saw the light of day, because this one is far better!
There's no need for me to go into the plot, as other reviewers have covered that very well. Suffice it to say that in Marcus, Dubnus, Morban et al, Riches has created a set of living, breathing characters who bring the pages of this fast-paced, action-packed book to life. The reality of life in 2nd century AD Roman Britain, the camaraderie of soldiers, the filth and gore of war, the chilling feelings engendered at betrayal by one's own, the grief of losing one's family to a terrible injustice - they're all here. Anthony Riches is to be commended on producing such a great read!
September 17, 2014
Wounds of honour was a light, enjoyable read with plenty of exhilarating action scenes. Unfortunately it was also pretty predicable and unremarkable, especially in terms of plot. This was a pretty typical piece of Roman historical fiction focusing on the adventures of a centurion serving in the legions, it did this reasonably well and was a solid example of the genre.
The action scenes in this were frequent, bloody and exciting. Unlike other books I’ve read recently (Steven Erikson’s Malazan Books especially) this one takes a somewhat parochial view of war. Rather than focusing on the human tragedy, war is mostly presented as an exhilarating adventure. While this would be jarring in another book (see the Malazan books above) here this shallow portrayal fits with the generally straightforward plot and emphasises this book’s focus on action and adventure rather than more weighty themes. Lack of philosophical and sociological depth aside the action scenes in this book were still intense and compelling.
The plot of this book was extremely well-worn with a number of familiar tropes. One of the most familiar occurred when the Main character, directly after joining the army was assigned to a unit filled with misfits. Uh-oh. *Sitcom laugh-track plays in the background*. Despite his inexperience as a commander, the lower quality of his troops to start with and the fact that he has less time to train them then the other officers he somehow manages to turn them into a crack unit (and while the other officers are still presented as highly competent, rather than the morons logic would dictate in this situation). That being said while many plot-points were predictable and formulaic it was always well handled and the story kept moving forward at a good pace, greatly helped by the frequent action scenes.
The characters in this book are well-drawn and serve their role in facilitating the plot well but are ultimately formulaic and lack depth. The main character is a young man (who is also somehow a blademaster) who goes on the run after his family is attacked by an evil tyrant. Then it turns out he’s also an orphan. And later on he gets a special sword. For reals. Other characters include a gruff veteran, the heroes feisty love interest, a badass cavalry commander and a despicable traitor. Despite being very formulaic these characters were still enjoyable to read about. Standout characters for me were the hero’s aristocratic commanding officer who possessed an intriguing mixture of honour and ambition and the exiled prince serving as the his second in command, whose complex and often seemingly contrasting personal code was never really explored and who had a really interesting backstory that was only touched upon here and which I hope will come to the fore in later books.
Overall I enjoyed this book without ever being particularly challenged or enthralled. Although I’ve been somewhat deterred by the massive, money-spinning expansion of this series (I heard that it might stretch to 25 books) I might check out the following books in the future if I’m in search of light reading.
The action scenes in this were frequent, bloody and exciting. Unlike other books I’ve read recently (Steven Erikson’s Malazan Books especially) this one takes a somewhat parochial view of war. Rather than focusing on the human tragedy, war is mostly presented as an exhilarating adventure. While this would be jarring in another book (see the Malazan books above) here this shallow portrayal fits with the generally straightforward plot and emphasises this book’s focus on action and adventure rather than more weighty themes. Lack of philosophical and sociological depth aside the action scenes in this book were still intense and compelling.
The plot of this book was extremely well-worn with a number of familiar tropes. One of the most familiar occurred when the Main character, directly after joining the army was assigned to a unit filled with misfits. Uh-oh. *Sitcom laugh-track plays in the background*. Despite his inexperience as a commander, the lower quality of his troops to start with and the fact that he has less time to train them then the other officers he somehow manages to turn them into a crack unit (and while the other officers are still presented as highly competent, rather than the morons logic would dictate in this situation). That being said while many plot-points were predictable and formulaic it was always well handled and the story kept moving forward at a good pace, greatly helped by the frequent action scenes.
The characters in this book are well-drawn and serve their role in facilitating the plot well but are ultimately formulaic and lack depth. The main character is a young man (who is also somehow a blademaster) who goes on the run after his family is attacked by an evil tyrant. Then it turns out he’s also an orphan. And later on he gets a special sword. For reals. Other characters include a gruff veteran, the heroes feisty love interest, a badass cavalry commander and a despicable traitor. Despite being very formulaic these characters were still enjoyable to read about. Standout characters for me were the hero’s aristocratic commanding officer who possessed an intriguing mixture of honour and ambition and the exiled prince serving as the his second in command, whose complex and often seemingly contrasting personal code was never really explored and who had a really interesting backstory that was only touched upon here and which I hope will come to the fore in later books.
Overall I enjoyed this book without ever being particularly challenged or enthralled. Although I’ve been somewhat deterred by the massive, money-spinning expansion of this series (I heard that it might stretch to 25 books) I might check out the following books in the future if I’m in search of light reading.
July 8, 2013
Andy McNab meets the Second Century AD only with twice the cumstains and a cock jockey or two.
Yes. You read right. It is what I said. Cumstains and cock jockeys. An example of two words that appeared in the book and that I feel should not have appeared in the book. If it surprised you to see them here in my review, imagine how I felt to find them in the Second Century AD. And yet they help me make my point, because it is from within those cumstains and cock jockeys that springs my compatibility issue with this book. The modernity of the dialogue. The slang, the swearing, the modern colloquialisms and the pressure of a modern military setting compressed into an historical one.
I appreciate that there are readers who enjoy this series and this book in particular. That is fine. We all have different likes and dislikes. Some of my dislikes in historical fiction happen to be the prevalence of our modern slang words, swearwords and mannerisms. I can deal with one every now and then, but when it is too often and too much it sounds modern and I don't read historical fiction to feel like I am down the Angler's Arms pub pulling kegs on a Darts Premier League finals night.
The other dislike I have with historical fiction is when the author forces our modern military culture into the book. Where you feel at any stage you will turn the page and a Roman soldier will be humping to an overwatch position, or asking for a Sit Rep or pulling out a bag of nuts and calling it an MRE.
If I wanted that feel in my books I would read an Andy McNab novel, although even a McNab novel doesn't have as much British squaddie in them as Wounds of Honour does.
For all my dislikes, I concede that people read books for different reasons. I am not a fan of this style of historical fiction, but so many others are and apart from criticisms about modernity and giving an ancient culture the loud scarlet wash of our modern culture, there is still plenty the book has to offer readers.
The writing is not awful, except for the dense use of modern words and mannerisms, I thought it was pretty good. The plot is not too deep and presents as fun to most no doubt, even I was enjoying the story for the first 80 pages or so and was able to overcome my aversions.
The book is far from being pulp fiction rubbish. There is plenty of skill and research within it. The author has put a lot of effort into this book and for that reason I would never condemn it to anyone. If anyone were to ask me, I would explain that it is a just a case of being incompatible.
Then I would recommend the book to them because in my experience the majority are going to like it. I have seen this first hand as I read the book with others and I know others who rave about the series all the time.
I will always be honest if I think a book is awful and have given it two stars because of it. However, in the case of Wounds of Honour I am not giving it two stars for that reason. I am giving it two stars because it is not my kind of book. Simple as that.
Yes. You read right. It is what I said. Cumstains and cock jockeys. An example of two words that appeared in the book and that I feel should not have appeared in the book. If it surprised you to see them here in my review, imagine how I felt to find them in the Second Century AD. And yet they help me make my point, because it is from within those cumstains and cock jockeys that springs my compatibility issue with this book. The modernity of the dialogue. The slang, the swearing, the modern colloquialisms and the pressure of a modern military setting compressed into an historical one.
I appreciate that there are readers who enjoy this series and this book in particular. That is fine. We all have different likes and dislikes. Some of my dislikes in historical fiction happen to be the prevalence of our modern slang words, swearwords and mannerisms. I can deal with one every now and then, but when it is too often and too much it sounds modern and I don't read historical fiction to feel like I am down the Angler's Arms pub pulling kegs on a Darts Premier League finals night.
The other dislike I have with historical fiction is when the author forces our modern military culture into the book. Where you feel at any stage you will turn the page and a Roman soldier will be humping to an overwatch position, or asking for a Sit Rep or pulling out a bag of nuts and calling it an MRE.
If I wanted that feel in my books I would read an Andy McNab novel, although even a McNab novel doesn't have as much British squaddie in them as Wounds of Honour does.
For all my dislikes, I concede that people read books for different reasons. I am not a fan of this style of historical fiction, but so many others are and apart from criticisms about modernity and giving an ancient culture the loud scarlet wash of our modern culture, there is still plenty the book has to offer readers.
The writing is not awful, except for the dense use of modern words and mannerisms, I thought it was pretty good. The plot is not too deep and presents as fun to most no doubt, even I was enjoying the story for the first 80 pages or so and was able to overcome my aversions.
The book is far from being pulp fiction rubbish. There is plenty of skill and research within it. The author has put a lot of effort into this book and for that reason I would never condemn it to anyone. If anyone were to ask me, I would explain that it is a just a case of being incompatible.
Then I would recommend the book to them because in my experience the majority are going to like it. I have seen this first hand as I read the book with others and I know others who rave about the series all the time.
I will always be honest if I think a book is awful and have given it two stars because of it. However, in the case of Wounds of Honour I am not giving it two stars for that reason. I am giving it two stars because it is not my kind of book. Simple as that.
August 17, 2014
Make no mistake this is no melodramatic Roman saga, this is stonecold hard meat.
This book is the epitome of blood, sweat and no tears when it comes to Roman period historical fiction. At the same time it doesn't resort to the angle often adopted by authors trying to set themselves apart from the usual 'epic' style Roman novels, namely gratuitously large amounts of gore and bloodletting to hide the threadbare plot. While this novel undeniably has it's share of bloodletting, it feels a lot more calculated and integral to the plot rather than be superfluous. It's possibly this that adds to the whole feeling of just how realistically grisly this novel feels.
The plot is also developed so well and insidiously that right when you think you can predict, say, when one of the main protagonists Tribune Perennis is going to meet a sticky end, you realise you've been sold a red herring, only to later find it almost sneaking up on you. It is also done so cleverly that even though you know, because there's at least another few sequels, that the lead character survives, it doesn't diminish the potency of the various threats against his life.
If I were to wax lyrical with an overdose of hyperbole, I could say that this book fairly well encompasses the Roman, and later, view of Britain. Cold, slightly bleak, full of barbarian hostility, Roman iron and cynical men of steel.
If you like your historical fiction gritty, realistic and downright no pomposity, this is a brilliant book/series for you to throw yourself headlong into.
This book is the epitome of blood, sweat and no tears when it comes to Roman period historical fiction. At the same time it doesn't resort to the angle often adopted by authors trying to set themselves apart from the usual 'epic' style Roman novels, namely gratuitously large amounts of gore and bloodletting to hide the threadbare plot. While this novel undeniably has it's share of bloodletting, it feels a lot more calculated and integral to the plot rather than be superfluous. It's possibly this that adds to the whole feeling of just how realistically grisly this novel feels.
The plot is also developed so well and insidiously that right when you think you can predict, say, when one of the main protagonists Tribune Perennis is going to meet a sticky end, you realise you've been sold a red herring, only to later find it almost sneaking up on you. It is also done so cleverly that even though you know, because there's at least another few sequels, that the lead character survives, it doesn't diminish the potency of the various threats against his life.
If I were to wax lyrical with an overdose of hyperbole, I could say that this book fairly well encompasses the Roman, and later, view of Britain. Cold, slightly bleak, full of barbarian hostility, Roman iron and cynical men of steel.
If you like your historical fiction gritty, realistic and downright no pomposity, this is a brilliant book/series for you to throw yourself headlong into.
May 1, 2012
I've waited until I finished the third book in this series before posting a review of any of them, and for a particular reason. Most of the historical series I've read consist of a new separate story with each book, often defined by a narrator's pause or some such device. Most series are different stories with different themes that build a series.
Wile clearly part of a series, Tony's first three Empire books are different. To me they follow on so closely and seamlessly that the series so far could easily be seen as one huge story spread over three books with appropriate pauses between releases. The stories are readable independently, for sure, but the best will be got from them by reading them one after the other. Quite simply, you can't read one book of this series without wanting to go on with the story. In order to get the best from the story, you need to read them all, and for the best possible results, I would suggest back-to-back.
A second thing that I would say that concerns each of Tony's works is what I consider his greatest strength as an author: The gritty military reality of his tale-telling. I have spent some time in my life, in a civilian situation but alongside men of military units, and there is something so authentic about Tony's characterisation that it felt truly familiar and real. You will find it hard to disbelieve anything about Tony's depiction of the legions, auxiliary troopers, the cavalry, their structure, style, attitude and actions. While no one can confirm exactly how soldiers then spoke and acted, it's hard to believe they were any different from the modern military and Tony has made these ancient soldiers understandable and relevant to the modern reader.
I feel that it is better for me to review the series as a whole, which I have given an appropriate 5 stars of 5, and then add a short section on the individual novel. I find it almost impossible to put down Tony's books and eagerly await the Leopard Sword to see what new direction the series might take.
Book One
Wounds of honour is a wonderful beginning, introducing a number of characters that you will love and that will go through the series with you.
From the protagonist, a fugitive from Imperial justice who will continue to take your breath away in exciting and violent ways as each new talent of his becomes apparent, to the grim centurions who have served long on the frontier, to the oily son of a Roman aristocrat seeking the hero's downfall, the story takes place against a background of violent war and tribal pride, beleaguered forts and inter-unit rivalries, and centres around a 'training of mistfits' theme that is both exciting and humourous at times. The book has a solid and exciting concusion while clearly not finishing the whole story. Wounds of Honour introduces the reader to life on Hadrian's Wall in an era of troubles, to the auxiliary units that serve there and, in particular, to the First Tungrian cohort, who will become central to the series.
Wile clearly part of a series, Tony's first three Empire books are different. To me they follow on so closely and seamlessly that the series so far could easily be seen as one huge story spread over three books with appropriate pauses between releases. The stories are readable independently, for sure, but the best will be got from them by reading them one after the other. Quite simply, you can't read one book of this series without wanting to go on with the story. In order to get the best from the story, you need to read them all, and for the best possible results, I would suggest back-to-back.
A second thing that I would say that concerns each of Tony's works is what I consider his greatest strength as an author: The gritty military reality of his tale-telling. I have spent some time in my life, in a civilian situation but alongside men of military units, and there is something so authentic about Tony's characterisation that it felt truly familiar and real. You will find it hard to disbelieve anything about Tony's depiction of the legions, auxiliary troopers, the cavalry, their structure, style, attitude and actions. While no one can confirm exactly how soldiers then spoke and acted, it's hard to believe they were any different from the modern military and Tony has made these ancient soldiers understandable and relevant to the modern reader.
I feel that it is better for me to review the series as a whole, which I have given an appropriate 5 stars of 5, and then add a short section on the individual novel. I find it almost impossible to put down Tony's books and eagerly await the Leopard Sword to see what new direction the series might take.
Book One
Wounds of honour is a wonderful beginning, introducing a number of characters that you will love and that will go through the series with you.
From the protagonist, a fugitive from Imperial justice who will continue to take your breath away in exciting and violent ways as each new talent of his becomes apparent, to the grim centurions who have served long on the frontier, to the oily son of a Roman aristocrat seeking the hero's downfall, the story takes place against a background of violent war and tribal pride, beleaguered forts and inter-unit rivalries, and centres around a 'training of mistfits' theme that is both exciting and humourous at times. The book has a solid and exciting concusion while clearly not finishing the whole story. Wounds of Honour introduces the reader to life on Hadrian's Wall in an era of troubles, to the auxiliary units that serve there and, in particular, to the First Tungrian cohort, who will become central to the series.
February 28, 2025
1.5/5. I kept reading to the end to see the outcome of the story. The book was not badly written on the whole, but I personally hated the vulgarisms, profanity, modernisms, and absolute coarseness. Dialogue was terrible. You only have to read the extended quote where Marcus is haranguing his men, to see what I mean. The soldiers, garrison life and 'basic training' sounded like modern GIs transplanted into an ancient Roman setting. Had Mr. Riches been in the military, borrowing from his own experiences? The setting: of Roman auxiliaries--the Tungrians--on Hadrian's Wall was original. I think the author was trying to show male bonding as a main theme.
Any gruesomeness of battle scenes did not bother me, but the love interest subplot was not plausible and clumsily done. I also did not like the use of English translations of the Latin or Celtic names of the forts. I didn't understand the logic of this usage. Others may enjoy this book, but it was just not my 'cup of tea.' I had bought the book, but gave it away to someone I felt would enjoy it.
After this novel and the second in the series [which was a bit better], I won't continue. This series is absolutely not to my taste, although as a whole I really like Roman fiction.
Any gruesomeness of battle scenes did not bother me, but the love interest subplot was not plausible and clumsily done. I also did not like the use of English translations of the Latin or Celtic names of the forts. I didn't understand the logic of this usage. Others may enjoy this book, but it was just not my 'cup of tea.' I had bought the book, but gave it away to someone I felt would enjoy it.
After this novel and the second in the series [which was a bit better], I won't continue. This series is absolutely not to my taste, although as a whole I really like Roman fiction.
December 7, 2024
7,5/10
Voy con prisa, por lo que reseña rápida.
Lectura entretenida y muy disfrutable, con bastante acción y personajes con los que se puede empatizar sin problemas. Tiene muy buen ritmo y las batallas están bien narradas, se nota que Riches controla en este aspecto.
Por ponerle algún pero, todo el conjunto a nivel "histórico" se me queda algo corto, le falta profundidad a la ambientación y una trama con más peso.
Al final es una lectura sencilla, de aventuras con romanos y que cumple su propósito, entretener, por eso se lleva 4 estrellas.
Voy con prisa, por lo que reseña rápida.
Lectura entretenida y muy disfrutable, con bastante acción y personajes con los que se puede empatizar sin problemas. Tiene muy buen ritmo y las batallas están bien narradas, se nota que Riches controla en este aspecto.
Por ponerle algún pero, todo el conjunto a nivel "histórico" se me queda algo corto, le falta profundidad a la ambientación y una trama con más peso.
Al final es una lectura sencilla, de aventuras con romanos y que cumple su propósito, entretener, por eso se lleva 4 estrellas.
December 25, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 1st volume of the amazing "Empire" series, from the author, Anthony Riches.
This tale is set in the year AD 181, and our main protagonist, Marcus Valerius Aquila, after just landed in Britannia must fear for his life.
The reason is that the power-crazed Emperor Commodus has condemned Marcus to an dishonourable death, and after some hard fought battles ans serious struggles Marcus reaches his destination in an obscure regiment, the Tungrians, near Hadrian's Wall.
Hoping to lie low from enemies within, he soon learns about enemies from without when a rebel army sweeps down towards the Wall, and Marcus must prove himself as a leader of the Tungrians straightaway.
What is to follow is a fantastic Roman adventure, written with verve and very accomplished in the author's own way, that is set in and around Hadrian's Wall, in which Marcus Valerius Aquila will prove himself as a very capable leader of men in this brutal and bloody war against the tribes from the far North.
Highly recommended, for this is a marvellous begin of this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Aquila Opener"!
This tale is set in the year AD 181, and our main protagonist, Marcus Valerius Aquila, after just landed in Britannia must fear for his life.
The reason is that the power-crazed Emperor Commodus has condemned Marcus to an dishonourable death, and after some hard fought battles ans serious struggles Marcus reaches his destination in an obscure regiment, the Tungrians, near Hadrian's Wall.
Hoping to lie low from enemies within, he soon learns about enemies from without when a rebel army sweeps down towards the Wall, and Marcus must prove himself as a leader of the Tungrians straightaway.
What is to follow is a fantastic Roman adventure, written with verve and very accomplished in the author's own way, that is set in and around Hadrian's Wall, in which Marcus Valerius Aquila will prove himself as a very capable leader of men in this brutal and bloody war against the tribes from the far North.
Highly recommended, for this is a marvellous begin of this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Aquila Opener"!
September 29, 2014
Romans and Britain. I seem to be reading quite a few books with this theme lately. This one is pretty close to my favorite of the lot.
While I did have to suspend belief a couple times and roll my eyes every time Marcus told someone else his 'secret', I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the writing and the story.
The battles were epic, whether they were small or large. The all important (at least to me) supporting cast was stellar and story kept me turning pages so fast I finished this book in 3 days.
While I did have to suspend belief a couple times and roll my eyes every time Marcus told someone else his 'secret', I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the writing and the story.
The battles were epic, whether they were small or large. The all important (at least to me) supporting cast was stellar and story kept me turning pages so fast I finished this book in 3 days.
May 2, 2019
Cuatro estrellas significa recomendado, sin duda. Me ha gustado y me ha enganchado a leer y con esto, para mí, está justificada la lectura de cualquier libro.
La cosa va del joven, muy joven, oficial romano que se ve injustamente acusado de traición y tiene que usar otro nombre para ganarse una reputación y un puesto en una legión auxiliar. Camaradería, traiciones, Muro de Adriano allá por el reinado de Cómodo, Legiones varias y cosas de romanos.
¿Por qué no cinco estrellas? Porque me parece un poco “simplón”.
La historia seguro que gusta a un lector ocasional de novela de este género, pero para ya “iniciados” los personajes y la historia son un poco clichés. La presencia de la única fémina rechina por lo que hace en la novela (incongruente) y porque está metida casi con calzador.
Pero bueno, quedaos con que si os apetece una de romanos esta se lee con todo el agrado (ritmo ágil y bien llevado), relaja la mente y te trasporta al famoso Muro. De hecho voy a ver si puedo meter el siguiente de la saga al kindle para tenerlo como “fondo de armario de romanos”.
La cosa va del joven, muy joven, oficial romano que se ve injustamente acusado de traición y tiene que usar otro nombre para ganarse una reputación y un puesto en una legión auxiliar. Camaradería, traiciones, Muro de Adriano allá por el reinado de Cómodo, Legiones varias y cosas de romanos.
¿Por qué no cinco estrellas? Porque me parece un poco “simplón”.
La historia seguro que gusta a un lector ocasional de novela de este género, pero para ya “iniciados” los personajes y la historia son un poco clichés. La presencia de la única fémina rechina por lo que hace en la novela (incongruente) y porque está metida casi con calzador.
Pero bueno, quedaos con que si os apetece una de romanos esta se lee con todo el agrado (ritmo ágil y bien llevado), relaja la mente y te trasporta al famoso Muro. De hecho voy a ver si puedo meter el siguiente de la saga al kindle para tenerlo como “fondo de armario de romanos”.
February 28, 2025
A new Roman series that is fair to say Ive been wanting to start for a while now but still had other series running in the Roman period which I wrapped up last year, so it was time to give it a lash!
I have to say this was a toss-up between Douglas Jackson series (came highly recommended) or this one but as I’ve already done the Julio-Claudian dynasty with two series it was a fairly easy decision to make in the end.
Very similar overtures to the Macro/Cato story by Simon Scarrow at the start with it’s vibe/language/initial set-up although I don’t feel as if I’m in the Roman period per say, it could be set in any (Iron to Dark Age) period in the early exchanges. It does start to transform over the opening 100 pages, taking you to the wilds of the lands North of Hadrian’s wall. Then to a fort on the extremes of the Empire, the focus being on a soldiering life. But still the landscape isn’t really painted, the historical detail is sorely missing, we are told we are in the Roman period…. So show me… it jus isn’t there in the text.
The dialogue (mostly) holds it together with its camaraderie amongst soldiers, that is its real strength, friendships build & the close bond of a military unit comes through clearly in the text, I must note though the liberal use of modern vernacular throughout, which I could have done without, I mean fist bumping your centurion...... WTF
The story is a tale of how a rank bad unit (the worst in the cohort) with a new leader (the MC) becomes the best in the cohort…… but disappointingly there is no reveal in terms of training methods or skills in how they get to that point, although it does reveal some psychological plays by the MC on his men…. However he’s 18 & not lived a life so I found some of it a bit of a reach to put it mildly.
It’s ok as an opening book, lively enough and moves along at a fair clip despite the lack of actual overall action….. there’s a lot of moving around without actual combat. I was hoping for more in terms of landscape of the era & historical detail but I may well try the second in the series at some point when I’m in need of such a read.
3 stars, rounded up.
I have to say this was a toss-up between Douglas Jackson series (came highly recommended) or this one but as I’ve already done the Julio-Claudian dynasty with two series it was a fairly easy decision to make in the end.
Very similar overtures to the Macro/Cato story by Simon Scarrow at the start with it’s vibe/language/initial set-up although I don’t feel as if I’m in the Roman period per say, it could be set in any (Iron to Dark Age) period in the early exchanges. It does start to transform over the opening 100 pages, taking you to the wilds of the lands North of Hadrian’s wall. Then to a fort on the extremes of the Empire, the focus being on a soldiering life. But still the landscape isn’t really painted, the historical detail is sorely missing, we are told we are in the Roman period…. So show me… it jus isn’t there in the text.
The dialogue (mostly) holds it together with its camaraderie amongst soldiers, that is its real strength, friendships build & the close bond of a military unit comes through clearly in the text, I must note though the liberal use of modern vernacular throughout, which I could have done without, I mean fist bumping your centurion...... WTF
The story is a tale of how a rank bad unit (the worst in the cohort) with a new leader (the MC) becomes the best in the cohort…… but disappointingly there is no reveal in terms of training methods or skills in how they get to that point, although it does reveal some psychological plays by the MC on his men…. However he’s 18 & not lived a life so I found some of it a bit of a reach to put it mildly.
It’s ok as an opening book, lively enough and moves along at a fair clip despite the lack of actual overall action….. there’s a lot of moving around without actual combat. I was hoping for more in terms of landscape of the era & historical detail but I may well try the second in the series at some point when I’m in need of such a read.
3 stars, rounded up.
October 23, 2022
Sehr gute Unterhaltung mit Kämpfen und Intriegen!
Schöner, spannender Schreibstil, sehr gut zu lesen!
Schöner, spannender Schreibstil, sehr gut zu lesen!
September 22, 2021
Nice surprise! I really liked this, but first I should mention that it certainly has its flaws.
Some of the characters liked to hear themselves talk, particularly those in command. Commanding officers generally don't explain themselves, nor do they wax philosophical. But some in this book did one or both.
Some vernacular used was more modern, which tossed me right out of the story.
There wasn't as much action as one would expect. As a matter of fact, this whole book was relatively light in tone.
It wasn't an historical meticulously-detailed book like those written by Douglas Jackson or Bernard Cornwell. And those two authors are among my favorites.
As to the positives, I think they outweighed the negatives.
Really likeable characters. As a matter of fact, this was more of a character-driven tale. I've always been a sucker for those.
It moved at a good clip. I don't think any sections ever dragged.
Excellent humor. Especially when it came to Dubnus' translations of the centurian's proper speech to the locals. Cracked me up!
Seeing the 9th auxiliary develop into a cohesive force. I'm a sucker for that, too.
All in all, I was entertained! I just bought the next.
Some of the characters liked to hear themselves talk, particularly those in command. Commanding officers generally don't explain themselves, nor do they wax philosophical. But some in this book did one or both.
Some vernacular used was more modern, which tossed me right out of the story.
There wasn't as much action as one would expect. As a matter of fact, this whole book was relatively light in tone.
It wasn't an historical meticulously-detailed book like those written by Douglas Jackson or Bernard Cornwell. And those two authors are among my favorites.
As to the positives, I think they outweighed the negatives.
Really likeable characters. As a matter of fact, this was more of a character-driven tale. I've always been a sucker for those.
It moved at a good clip. I don't think any sections ever dragged.
Excellent humor. Especially when it came to Dubnus' translations of the centurian's proper speech to the locals. Cracked me up!
Seeing the 9th auxiliary develop into a cohesive force. I'm a sucker for that, too.
All in all, I was entertained! I just bought the next.
December 10, 2023
‘Life here is as dull as it gets most of the time, but it could quickly become a lot more exciting than any of us would wish.’
Marcus Aurelius does Full Metal Jacket. Satisfying historical fiction about second-century Roman Britain. Superb map. Despite following the submersion of a scion of Patrician Rome Protagonist into a less-than-regular auxiliary unit on at the end of the (Roman) world, it’s an action tale about improbable deeds and escapes. Marcus is a Mary Sue (all the breaks fall his way), which could be unhealthy for one trying to hide.
‘What you need to do is grow yourself a nice thick curly beard. You can grow a beard ... ?’
Excellent choice to use vernacular English names instead of the opaque Latin for locations along Hadrian’s Wall. Juxtaposition of Roman-led, local-bred auxiliaries with Roman-misled, locally-bled tribal warriors underscores the complexity of Rome’s centuries-long occupation of most of Europe. Modern military humor in second-century trappings. Speaking of ‘second-century,’ Romans counted years from the founding of the city or the ascension of the current emperor, not the death and resurrection of a religious figure they didn’t follow.
‘You’re not soldiers, you’re a f**king waste of rations.’
Profanity is expected from soldiers of any era. Romans were as famous for their crudity as their military might. Riches didn’t need so much explicit profanity to set the tone. Enjoyable for those who like military adventures.
‘An interesting life and a short one, eh, brothers?’
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’ A Morbid Taste for Bones or Bernard Cornwell’s Sharp series. Though episodic, best read in order.
Marcus Aurelius does Full Metal Jacket. Satisfying historical fiction about second-century Roman Britain. Superb map. Despite following the submersion of a scion of Patrician Rome Protagonist into a less-than-regular auxiliary unit on at the end of the (Roman) world, it’s an action tale about improbable deeds and escapes. Marcus is a Mary Sue (all the breaks fall his way), which could be unhealthy for one trying to hide.
‘What you need to do is grow yourself a nice thick curly beard. You can grow a beard ... ?’
Excellent choice to use vernacular English names instead of the opaque Latin for locations along Hadrian’s Wall. Juxtaposition of Roman-led, local-bred auxiliaries with Roman-misled, locally-bled tribal warriors underscores the complexity of Rome’s centuries-long occupation of most of Europe. Modern military humor in second-century trappings. Speaking of ‘second-century,’ Romans counted years from the founding of the city or the ascension of the current emperor, not the death and resurrection of a religious figure they didn’t follow.
‘You’re not soldiers, you’re a f**king waste of rations.’
Profanity is expected from soldiers of any era. Romans were as famous for their crudity as their military might. Riches didn’t need so much explicit profanity to set the tone. Enjoyable for those who like military adventures.
‘An interesting life and a short one, eh, brothers?’
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’ A Morbid Taste for Bones or Bernard Cornwell’s Sharp series. Though episodic, best read in order.
July 12, 2013
I enjoyed this book with the story keeping me interested throughout. For most of the book I was thinking 4 stars, but felt the dialogue during the last quarter was a bit weak and let down the well written actions scenes a little. Also the ending was just too neat and tidy. This is the authors first book though and he seems to have gained a wide audience with the books that have followed this one in the series, so well worth continuing with the series as a solid start could get even better.
July 19, 2019
Am excellent read. A great introduction to the series
December 7, 2013
This is a real Roman hum-dinger. A magnificent slap in the face, reality check of a Historical Fiction novel. A fresh, no-nonsense, take no prisoners, exciting, testosterone-driven assault on the Historical Fiction senses. It’s one that should be listed at the top under the Wikipedia entry for ‘couldn’t put it down.’ Really good.
According to the dust jacket, Anthony Riches holds a degree in Military Studies and it shows. He knows his stuff, but doesn’t shove it in your face the whole time, like one Mr Sidebottom can tend to do. He’s gone for the angle that life and behaviour in the army, and on the parade ground, has largely been the same down the ages. And that Roman soldiers act mostly the same as their modern counterparts. Only the names of the god(s) they pray to and the weapons they use, have been changed. That and being able to look into the eyes of the person trying to kill you. I think what Anthony seems to be saying here is; what makes an army function well today is precisely what made an army function well back then. Training, routine, comradeship, loyalty to each other and the cause you’re fighting for and teamwork drilled in so much that it becomes unthinking second nature. The Roman Army was a professional fighting machine, just like ours are today. What I got from it was also the message that even though there’s close on two thousand years between us, we’re not that different now as people, to how they were then. It helps the reader relate to the characters and the situations. Obviously I can’t really relate to a Roman soldier facing death at the end of a blue-painted Pict’s spear, but by thinking he’s no different to me basically, I am in a better position to perhaps care a bit more about what he must have been going through. A bit more than endless chapters of political manoeuvring, debauchery and feeding people to the lions. You can’t get away with that sort of behaviour nowadays, not even here in Harlev, East Jutland. I feel closer, more of a kinship to these characters, I’m trying to say. I have really no idea of the truth of course, but reading a book like this, I’m more than prepared to say ‘ok, that’s how it was.’ It really is a down and dirty close look at life in the Roman Army and is absolutely enthralling for that alone.
The story is a tight one, honing in on life during wartime on Hadrian’s Wall, the northern part of Britannia, in the late second century AD. Our main character is one Marcus Valerius Aquila, who arrives at the wall as a way to disappear from the fatal attractions of the Emperor Commodus back in Rome. He goes ‘undercover' somewhat, to disguise his high-born background, assumes a new name and identity and joins the ordinary soldiers on the wall. Of course, some of his secrets do ‘escape' and treachery - or at least the threat of it - is never far away. Luckily, for me anyway, the intrigue and decadence and if he does this, what does Whatshisnameus Maximus think of all this over there in Whereveritwas, that usually has me sighing with ‘here we go again'-itis, is pretty much absent from 'Wounds of Honour.' Whilst there are hints of things going on 'backstage' the book concentrates on a relatively small field of operations, and a small number of characters, just behind and just in front of, Hadrian's Wall.
Of course, I don’t really care, being a man, but it’s is certainly a man’s, man’s, man’s world in the Roman Army and ‘Empire.' A macho man’s world at that. Not much time for women. Unless they’re being paid for ‘relaxation’, or held-captive, or tending to wounds. I think there’s only one woman character in the first 150-odd pages. And that was a wife of a senator, who had nothing to do with anything. Like I say, no problem for me, but I’d rather hope that in subsequent stores from the ‘Empire’ world, Anthony can find a way to introduce more women. I’m not necessarily wanting ‘love interest’, that isn’t what these sort of books are all about, but the nuances female characters would create wouldn’t go a miss. Not the least for increasing his readership market by about a half and hopefully helping with purging Goodreads and Amazon of their derivative, lazy, bodice-ripping, Mills & Boon crap that masquerades as Historical Fiction, but is really 'Love Actually' set three hundred years ago again and again and again.
For me, I’d consider it high praise indeed to be compared favourably to Douglas Jackson's first (well, the first Roman-period novel of his that I read, anyway). And thats what I’m doing. Favourably compared, but in no way overshadowed. I really was impressed all the way up to to stunned, and am having to hold myself back from rushing head-long into the rest of the series (I have taken the precaution of collecting the whole of Anthony’s Empire series (so far) before reading the first one, don’t ask me why). I’m really not sure why I should feel so impressed, if you understand what I mean, as I’d come across Anthony Riches and the exalted Romanesque on-line company he keeps, so it was easy to figure that 'Wounds of Honour' would be good. How good it was, I suppose I really wasn’t prepared for.
According to the dust jacket, Anthony Riches holds a degree in Military Studies and it shows. He knows his stuff, but doesn’t shove it in your face the whole time, like one Mr Sidebottom can tend to do. He’s gone for the angle that life and behaviour in the army, and on the parade ground, has largely been the same down the ages. And that Roman soldiers act mostly the same as their modern counterparts. Only the names of the god(s) they pray to and the weapons they use, have been changed. That and being able to look into the eyes of the person trying to kill you. I think what Anthony seems to be saying here is; what makes an army function well today is precisely what made an army function well back then. Training, routine, comradeship, loyalty to each other and the cause you’re fighting for and teamwork drilled in so much that it becomes unthinking second nature. The Roman Army was a professional fighting machine, just like ours are today. What I got from it was also the message that even though there’s close on two thousand years between us, we’re not that different now as people, to how they were then. It helps the reader relate to the characters and the situations. Obviously I can’t really relate to a Roman soldier facing death at the end of a blue-painted Pict’s spear, but by thinking he’s no different to me basically, I am in a better position to perhaps care a bit more about what he must have been going through. A bit more than endless chapters of political manoeuvring, debauchery and feeding people to the lions. You can’t get away with that sort of behaviour nowadays, not even here in Harlev, East Jutland. I feel closer, more of a kinship to these characters, I’m trying to say. I have really no idea of the truth of course, but reading a book like this, I’m more than prepared to say ‘ok, that’s how it was.’ It really is a down and dirty close look at life in the Roman Army and is absolutely enthralling for that alone.
The story is a tight one, honing in on life during wartime on Hadrian’s Wall, the northern part of Britannia, in the late second century AD. Our main character is one Marcus Valerius Aquila, who arrives at the wall as a way to disappear from the fatal attractions of the Emperor Commodus back in Rome. He goes ‘undercover' somewhat, to disguise his high-born background, assumes a new name and identity and joins the ordinary soldiers on the wall. Of course, some of his secrets do ‘escape' and treachery - or at least the threat of it - is never far away. Luckily, for me anyway, the intrigue and decadence and if he does this, what does Whatshisnameus Maximus think of all this over there in Whereveritwas, that usually has me sighing with ‘here we go again'-itis, is pretty much absent from 'Wounds of Honour.' Whilst there are hints of things going on 'backstage' the book concentrates on a relatively small field of operations, and a small number of characters, just behind and just in front of, Hadrian's Wall.
Of course, I don’t really care, being a man, but it’s is certainly a man’s, man’s, man’s world in the Roman Army and ‘Empire.' A macho man’s world at that. Not much time for women. Unless they’re being paid for ‘relaxation’, or held-captive, or tending to wounds. I think there’s only one woman character in the first 150-odd pages. And that was a wife of a senator, who had nothing to do with anything. Like I say, no problem for me, but I’d rather hope that in subsequent stores from the ‘Empire’ world, Anthony can find a way to introduce more women. I’m not necessarily wanting ‘love interest’, that isn’t what these sort of books are all about, but the nuances female characters would create wouldn’t go a miss. Not the least for increasing his readership market by about a half and hopefully helping with purging Goodreads and Amazon of their derivative, lazy, bodice-ripping, Mills & Boon crap that masquerades as Historical Fiction, but is really 'Love Actually' set three hundred years ago again and again and again.
For me, I’d consider it high praise indeed to be compared favourably to Douglas Jackson's first (well, the first Roman-period novel of his that I read, anyway). And thats what I’m doing. Favourably compared, but in no way overshadowed. I really was impressed all the way up to to stunned, and am having to hold myself back from rushing head-long into the rest of the series (I have taken the precaution of collecting the whole of Anthony’s Empire series (so far) before reading the first one, don’t ask me why). I’m really not sure why I should feel so impressed, if you understand what I mean, as I’d come across Anthony Riches and the exalted Romanesque on-line company he keeps, so it was easy to figure that 'Wounds of Honour' would be good. How good it was, I suppose I really wasn’t prepared for.
June 10, 2019
"Even when running to escape the past, you will end up fighting it in the future"
Anthony Riches Empire - Wounds of Honour slots in well within Roman fiction. It is certainly reminiscent of Simon Scarrows Eagles series.
Many authors who tackle the Roman's focus upon Britain and the subsequent conquest of what will become the northern reaches of the Roman Empire. Anthony Riches begins his tale some 139 years after the original conquest of the Britain's (which was 43 AD under Emperor Claudius - Math isn't my strong point!). Hadrian's Wall was constructed around 128 AD. Why? To stop the northern tribes from harassing Roman settlements - it acted as a buffer zone. Was it effective, yes and no. The Picts descended past the wall several times. Anyway, this isn't a history lesson.
So, we find ourselves reading the story of a young Centurion Marcus Valerius Aquila attached to the Praetorian Guard, fleeing for his life from Roman in Britain, where he is promised protection by a Roman Legatus. Things, as you can imagine, don't work out as planned. Especially given that Emperor Commodus now reigns - and what a megalomaniac he was! The Emperor has his family murdered for conspiracies against Rome - more like paranoia of an insecure man.
The story itself really falls into a two-fold telling. Valerius is running for his life after his family is accused of treason, he finds himself as a Centurion for the First Tungrians, commanding the Ninth Cohort. He gets some help on the way from a veteran of the Sixth Legion (Rufius) and a bullish Britain named Dubnes - who is a Chosen man, similar to the rank of Optio. The First are auxiliaries, this type of soldier are generally maligned in history - but imagine that nearly 2/3rds of the Roman army consisted of such troop’s variants at one time. Then the tale continues with his struggle to 'hide' his persona from Imperial agents and the conflict with Calgus and the northern tribes (or as Mr Riches states "blue-nose-fuckers").
I couldn't find a flaw with the dialogue, it's sharp and witty in part. There is always a lot said about modern swearing in historical fiction, especially ancient history. I personally don't have a issue with it, as it can be argued swearing was part of everyday life in ancient times. There are examples of cursing and derogatory remarks from such historical works as Hipponax (a lovely ancient Greek poet) to Sallust's and Tacitus writings where they openly insult Roman officers, families and emperors. There are so many examples, the evidence is plain to see. Life isn't so vetted in the real world.
As for characters, Valerius is believable if a little to akin to Cato from Simon Scarrow's Eagles fame. This goes for the same of Quintius Rufius, the battled hardened veteran who reminded me of Marco. There really isn't much of a difference in regards to how they find themselves at the beginning of the story. Some of the supporting cast are a joy to read, including, Dubnes for his ability to always being there. Tribune Perennis for being a conniving git and Scarface for being, what I would call, a typical Roman soldier (through Romanized). Calgus, who is the leader of the northern tribes is a disappointment. I really didn't feel his role of the villain (if you will) was ever fleshed out in the story. He just seemed to find himself in the role! I didn't really get the feeling of hatred which was a staple of those who detested what was a type of Romanization - that's not a term I use often.
Wounds of Honour is a good read. You can tell Anthony Riches has a degree in Military History. The engagements were well written and showed evidence of both tactical and military knowledge. It's good that the language doesn't weigh to heavily on accuracy in regards to Latin - I have enough of that with my own academic work. I generally read to ease that burden of my mind, it's good to have that ability to escape, but at the same time enjoy the eras of history I study about. Kudos to Mr Riches, I'll be reading further into the series.
Anthony Riches Empire - Wounds of Honour slots in well within Roman fiction. It is certainly reminiscent of Simon Scarrows Eagles series.
Many authors who tackle the Roman's focus upon Britain and the subsequent conquest of what will become the northern reaches of the Roman Empire. Anthony Riches begins his tale some 139 years after the original conquest of the Britain's (which was 43 AD under Emperor Claudius - Math isn't my strong point!). Hadrian's Wall was constructed around 128 AD. Why? To stop the northern tribes from harassing Roman settlements - it acted as a buffer zone. Was it effective, yes and no. The Picts descended past the wall several times. Anyway, this isn't a history lesson.
So, we find ourselves reading the story of a young Centurion Marcus Valerius Aquila attached to the Praetorian Guard, fleeing for his life from Roman in Britain, where he is promised protection by a Roman Legatus. Things, as you can imagine, don't work out as planned. Especially given that Emperor Commodus now reigns - and what a megalomaniac he was! The Emperor has his family murdered for conspiracies against Rome - more like paranoia of an insecure man.
The story itself really falls into a two-fold telling. Valerius is running for his life after his family is accused of treason, he finds himself as a Centurion for the First Tungrians, commanding the Ninth Cohort. He gets some help on the way from a veteran of the Sixth Legion (Rufius) and a bullish Britain named Dubnes - who is a Chosen man, similar to the rank of Optio. The First are auxiliaries, this type of soldier are generally maligned in history - but imagine that nearly 2/3rds of the Roman army consisted of such troop’s variants at one time. Then the tale continues with his struggle to 'hide' his persona from Imperial agents and the conflict with Calgus and the northern tribes (or as Mr Riches states "blue-nose-fuckers").
I couldn't find a flaw with the dialogue, it's sharp and witty in part. There is always a lot said about modern swearing in historical fiction, especially ancient history. I personally don't have a issue with it, as it can be argued swearing was part of everyday life in ancient times. There are examples of cursing and derogatory remarks from such historical works as Hipponax (a lovely ancient Greek poet) to Sallust's and Tacitus writings where they openly insult Roman officers, families and emperors. There are so many examples, the evidence is plain to see. Life isn't so vetted in the real world.
As for characters, Valerius is believable if a little to akin to Cato from Simon Scarrow's Eagles fame. This goes for the same of Quintius Rufius, the battled hardened veteran who reminded me of Marco. There really isn't much of a difference in regards to how they find themselves at the beginning of the story. Some of the supporting cast are a joy to read, including, Dubnes for his ability to always being there. Tribune Perennis for being a conniving git and Scarface for being, what I would call, a typical Roman soldier (through Romanized). Calgus, who is the leader of the northern tribes is a disappointment. I really didn't feel his role of the villain (if you will) was ever fleshed out in the story. He just seemed to find himself in the role! I didn't really get the feeling of hatred which was a staple of those who detested what was a type of Romanization - that's not a term I use often.
Wounds of Honour is a good read. You can tell Anthony Riches has a degree in Military History. The engagements were well written and showed evidence of both tactical and military knowledge. It's good that the language doesn't weigh to heavily on accuracy in regards to Latin - I have enough of that with my own academic work. I generally read to ease that burden of my mind, it's good to have that ability to escape, but at the same time enjoy the eras of history I study about. Kudos to Mr Riches, I'll be reading further into the series.
July 9, 2013
When i first saw this book in the shops i thought GREAT... an new roman author....and I hope its not a hack job with no love of the subject. or too much love and no substance...there are so many out there these days. I'm after authors who can compete with Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden etc..
I think within 10 pages i knew i was on to a winner, Anthony Riches has a way with words that yanks the reader straight into the past, but retains the language the reader understands, does not bamboozle them with history and Latin phrases (that's not to say its not researched or authentic, because he obviously has a real love for the period and the subject matter). It reminds me more of Simon Scarrow than any other author because your Roman Soldier is a squaddie, and should act like one no matter what time period he is in, they swear, they are crude, and they like a laugh at the bizarre the obscure and the ridiculous, in short they are real men in War.
I had so much fun reading this book that when i finished i started again and re read it. There are few books that i have read that have given so much plot pace power and great characters in a debut, i will without a doubt be reading more of this mans books.
a full 10 out of 5 stars from me.
Keep it up and write faster.
I think within 10 pages i knew i was on to a winner, Anthony Riches has a way with words that yanks the reader straight into the past, but retains the language the reader understands, does not bamboozle them with history and Latin phrases (that's not to say its not researched or authentic, because he obviously has a real love for the period and the subject matter). It reminds me more of Simon Scarrow than any other author because your Roman Soldier is a squaddie, and should act like one no matter what time period he is in, they swear, they are crude, and they like a laugh at the bizarre the obscure and the ridiculous, in short they are real men in War.
I had so much fun reading this book that when i finished i started again and re read it. There are few books that i have read that have given so much plot pace power and great characters in a debut, i will without a doubt be reading more of this mans books.
a full 10 out of 5 stars from me.
Keep it up and write faster.
January 4, 2021
I first read Wounds of Honour a decade ago and finding myself a few books behind in the series (now up to book 11) I decided to re-read the series from book one. Unlike Simon Scarrow et al, the author has chosen an Auxiliary Cohort as the unit to base his main character in and (as I did 10 years ago) I like the fact we are dealing with the troops who manned the frontiers of the Empire, rather than the Legions (or 'road builders' as the Auxiliaries call them). The book is well written, the characters engaging and the battles tense and bloody. If you like Roman military fiction, you should be reading the Empire series...
ps. am I the only person to have noted that the Liverpool supporting author has his Romans refer to the Britons as 'bluenoses', the term Liverpool fans use for their Everton supporting rivals? :-)
ps. am I the only person to have noted that the Liverpool supporting author has his Romans refer to the Britons as 'bluenoses', the term Liverpool fans use for their Everton supporting rivals? :-)
March 11, 2016
A really solid read. A tad predictable, but enjoyable none the less. Builds nicely to the final battle scene, which lasts nearly 60 pages! It has everything a good plot needs, without getting too complicated. After reading this, feel more educated in the ways of the roman armies, their lifestyle, fighting techniques and defensive tactics. Is there a better way to be educated than to read a good story?
December 20, 2014
Review to come.
September 15, 2022
Im Großen und Ganzen hat mich das Buch ganz gut unterhalten. Den Anfang, als Marcus am Hadrianswall ankommt und zum Zenturio befördert wird, sich in dieser Position behaupten muss und erste Freundschaften schließt, fand ich am besten. Dieser Teil war jedoch leider der Kürzeste, was das ganze in meinen Augen dann auch etwas zu unrealistisch gemacht hat, weil für Marcus dann doch eben alles zu glatt und zu schnell lief.
Wieder ganz besonders uneinfallsreich, wie in leider so vielen Büchern, fand ich die Liebesgeschichte. Marcus rettet Clodia, sie unterhalten sich zweimal. Dann wird er, nach einer Verletzung, drei Tage von ihr gepflegt und ist die meiste Zeit ohnmächtig oder schlafend, in der dritten Nacht haben sie dann Sex und dann wird schon von der großen Liebe gesprochen.
Mal schauen, was der zweite Teil bringt.
Wieder ganz besonders uneinfallsreich, wie in leider so vielen Büchern, fand ich die Liebesgeschichte. Marcus rettet Clodia, sie unterhalten sich zweimal. Dann wird er, nach einer Verletzung, drei Tage von ihr gepflegt und ist die meiste Zeit ohnmächtig oder schlafend, in der dritten Nacht haben sie dann Sex und dann wird schon von der großen Liebe gesprochen.
Mal schauen, was der zweite Teil bringt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
Un libro denso, escrito a la perfección. Muy buena opción para los amantes de la novela histórica. Estoy deseando leer el siguiente y continuar la historia de Marco que, gracias al autor, he sentido mía. Me ha encantado la novela. Denle una oportunidad, no se arrepentirán.
May 27, 2018
Novela entretenida de romanos que se lee en una tarde.
Por si le sirve alguien tiene un estilo muy parecido a las novelas de Simon Scarrow.
Por si le sirve alguien tiene un estilo muy parecido a las novelas de Simon Scarrow.
December 31, 2020
Awesome read. Full of insight into Roman life and battle tactics. Treachery that lives up to Roman standards!
August 1, 2013
As I have mentioned previously, I like books about the Roman Empire especially the armies, so when I found this series and read the description, I was hooked:Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonourable death by power-crazed emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he is hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.
This was the authors’ first book, so I was prepared for the writing not to flow as well as say Simon Scarrow, who has written numerous excellent books on the legions. I also had a few doubts after reading that the author had a military degree. Having read some well-written but very technical books in the past, I was wary of receiving a history lesson when all I wanted was to enjoy a story. I need not have worried, although the author has obviously researched his subject matter and has a great deal of knowledge, this is incorporated into the writing quite naturally so an entertaining world of 2nd Century Britain and the Romans is created for the reader. I can hear you say that there are numerous other Roman books out there so what makes this one different. I know that there are many of these books, I have read quite a few of them, but the style of writing in this one makes it different. The story sounds a bit familiar, a young man suddenly finds him self alone after his family is killed and is forced to make his own way against all the odds, hiding his identity. The writer takes this simple idea and builds on it creating a situation and a character that the reader can believe and sympathise with.There are some great characters in this book that support Marcus the young centurion who suddenly gets his world turned upside down by being declared traitor. To name just a few, you have Rufius the veteran, Dubnus, who Marcus names his chosen man, Antenoch, who initially thinks that Marcus will be an easy target to beat and then becomes his man and saves his life and the First Spear who knows Marcus’s secret.There is action from the word go in this book with no let up in the pace of the story, with plenty of intrigue to keep you interested. In fact, you find yourself so caught up with the plot that you do not want to stop reading. I read some reviews that criticize a lack of polish in the writing with some of the characters speeches being unclear. This is slightly true, but in no way does this take anything away from the story. Speaking as someone who is struggling to write a book, if I thought anything I was writing could get up half as good as this one, I would be over the moon. I would recommend this to anyone, not only those who likes Roman books but anyone who is looking for a good book to lose themselves in for a while.
This was the authors’ first book, so I was prepared for the writing not to flow as well as say Simon Scarrow, who has written numerous excellent books on the legions. I also had a few doubts after reading that the author had a military degree. Having read some well-written but very technical books in the past, I was wary of receiving a history lesson when all I wanted was to enjoy a story. I need not have worried, although the author has obviously researched his subject matter and has a great deal of knowledge, this is incorporated into the writing quite naturally so an entertaining world of 2nd Century Britain and the Romans is created for the reader. I can hear you say that there are numerous other Roman books out there so what makes this one different. I know that there are many of these books, I have read quite a few of them, but the style of writing in this one makes it different. The story sounds a bit familiar, a young man suddenly finds him self alone after his family is killed and is forced to make his own way against all the odds, hiding his identity. The writer takes this simple idea and builds on it creating a situation and a character that the reader can believe and sympathise with.There are some great characters in this book that support Marcus the young centurion who suddenly gets his world turned upside down by being declared traitor. To name just a few, you have Rufius the veteran, Dubnus, who Marcus names his chosen man, Antenoch, who initially thinks that Marcus will be an easy target to beat and then becomes his man and saves his life and the First Spear who knows Marcus’s secret.There is action from the word go in this book with no let up in the pace of the story, with plenty of intrigue to keep you interested. In fact, you find yourself so caught up with the plot that you do not want to stop reading. I read some reviews that criticize a lack of polish in the writing with some of the characters speeches being unclear. This is slightly true, but in no way does this take anything away from the story. Speaking as someone who is struggling to write a book, if I thought anything I was writing could get up half as good as this one, I would be over the moon. I would recommend this to anyone, not only those who likes Roman books but anyone who is looking for a good book to lose themselves in for a while.
September 17, 2013
This is a very graphic and detailed novel set in late Roman Britain. The hero, Marcus Aquila, is hiding under an assumed name because his family has been accused of treason. The historical facts are accurate , except for the patrician wife serving as an army surgeon. The author certainly did his research about Hadrian's Wall. His battle scene are bloody and realistic, although they take up a lot of the book. I would have liked to see more facets of the villain and a more realistic love affair.
March 24, 2014
Well written Roman banished to Hadrian's wall in Britain, has to prove himself as a leader of men in a harsh environment. Good depth of character and mature writing style.
May 12, 2022
Aventura, amizade, camaradagem, intriga, traição, amor!
Há de tudo no seio das legiões romanas.
De leitura muito cativante com acção fulgurante e intensa.
Fabuloso!
Há de tudo no seio das legiões romanas.
De leitura muito cativante com acção fulgurante e intensa.
Fabuloso!
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