What do you think?
Rate this book
Gaius Valerius Verrens #2
Defender of Rome
The new book in the Roman trilogy, from the highly acclaimed historical novelist, Douglas Jackson.
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a 'Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was -- scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition. Nero calls on his 'Hero of Rome' to become a 'Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a 'Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was -- scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition. Nero calls on his 'Hero of Rome' to become a 'Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
331 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2011
155 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Jackson
39 books262 followersAka James Douglas
Douglas Jackson turned a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans into his first novel, Caligula. He was born in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders and now lives in Bridge of Allan. He is an assistant editor at The Scotsman.
Douglas Jackson turned a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans into his first novel, Caligula. He was born in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders and now lives in Bridge of Allan. He is an assistant editor at The Scotsman.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 7, 2015
63 A.D. Valerius has returned from Brittania to Rome, broken in mind and body, to his father and dying sister, Olivia. The author has maintained his quality writing, plus plumbing Valerius's character more deeply. Name change of one villain from the historical name is perfectly logical to me, after reading the 'Historical Notes'. Torquatus, a name close to that of the Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition, Torquemada, made me smile, as did the other villain's name, Rodan, which made me think of the dinosaur in the Japanese monster movie. Was the name choice of either intentional?
Valerius is tasked by the emperor Nero, with rooting out the leader of the Christus movement, herein called Petrus, or, the Rock. Valerius gathers several gladiators and ex-gladiators to help him. Also, on a personal level, Valerius hopes Olivia can be restored to health. He tries to do all he can.
I was impressed with Valerius's character development, especially the author's bringing out how war and the tragedies Valerius have undergone in Britain, have further shaped him. He still suffers mentally, although a wooden hand and now being able to fight well with his left hand, have buoyed confidence in himself. His relationship with his sister was most tender and loving, which I liked very much; it was a beautifully described, unforgettable aspect of the novel. Valerius and Olivia should be added to the pantheon of classic brother and sister pairs: for example, Antigone/Polynices or Orestes/Electra. What I liked best about the story was the personal element and the realistic action.
The core plot involving Christianity made me very uneasy, right from Nero's command and from Valerius's first sight of the chi-rho symbol. I have read other novels with what I felt were more realistic and satisfying portrayals of aspects of early Christianity. Someday I shall have to read the author's source material on that aspect of the story to see why he developed the story as he did. I felt he really tried to be even-handed. The novel improved towards the latter half: the search for a certain Christian military officer, Publius, brother of the martyred Cornelius Sulla; the ambush; the hair-raising cliff descent [an excellent, chilling description!]; the earthquake; the whole final standoff at the villa. I couldn't relate to Poppaea and Lucina Graecina as presented here. I also could not relate to either of the Christian leaders. However, I feel any positive elements outweighed any negative, therefore my 4**** of the novel.
Reread December 2015: I had a question this time--did the author use the Biblical Centurion Cornelius in "Acts" as his Cornelius Sulla?
Valerius is tasked by the emperor Nero, with rooting out the leader of the Christus movement, herein called Petrus, or, the Rock. Valerius gathers several gladiators and ex-gladiators to help him. Also, on a personal level, Valerius hopes Olivia can be restored to health. He tries to do all he can.
I was impressed with Valerius's character development, especially the author's bringing out how war and the tragedies Valerius have undergone in Britain, have further shaped him. He still suffers mentally, although a wooden hand and now being able to fight well with his left hand, have buoyed confidence in himself. His relationship with his sister was most tender and loving, which I liked very much; it was a beautifully described, unforgettable aspect of the novel. Valerius and Olivia should be added to the pantheon of classic brother and sister pairs: for example, Antigone/Polynices or Orestes/Electra. What I liked best about the story was the personal element and the realistic action.
The core plot involving Christianity made me very uneasy, right from Nero's command and from Valerius's first sight of the chi-rho symbol. I have read other novels with what I felt were more realistic and satisfying portrayals of aspects of early Christianity. Someday I shall have to read the author's source material on that aspect of the story to see why he developed the story as he did. I felt he really tried to be even-handed. The novel improved towards the latter half: the search for a certain Christian military officer, Publius, brother of the martyred Cornelius Sulla; the ambush; the hair-raising cliff descent [an excellent, chilling description!]; the earthquake; the whole final standoff at the villa. I couldn't relate to Poppaea and Lucina Graecina as presented here. I also could not relate to either of the Christian leaders. However, I feel any positive elements outweighed any negative, therefore my 4**** of the novel.
Reread December 2015: I had a question this time--did the author use the Biblical Centurion Cornelius in "Acts" as his Cornelius Sulla?
December 29, 2021
Read this book in 2011, and its the 2nd volume of the marvellous "Gaius Valerius Verrens" series.
Recently returned as a "Hero of Rome" from Britain, but battered both physically and mentally from that campaign, Gaius Valerius Verrens is in Rome int he hope to find some kind of peace in mind and body, but when he find his sister mortally ill and his father in a self-imposed exile, his peace of mind will not last long.
With Emperor Nero increasingly getting paranoid, those seeking power are whispering dark secrets to him about a threat of a sect, who are calling themselves the "Christians" who are hiding within Rome itself and with a man called, Petrus, as its leader.
Emperor Nero calls on his "Hero of Rome" and turns him into a "Defender of Rome" by instructing Gaius Valerius Verrens that he must act as the Emperor's private investigator , and find out what he can about this religious sect and its dangers to Rome.
But when Valerius begins his search he will find out that this religion sect has tentacles that reach to the edge of the Empire, and that success or failure will cost him equally much.
What is to follow is a captivating historical roman adventure in which Valerius acts as a kind of Grain Man for the Emperor Nero, and this is brought to us in a wonderful fashion by the author, with plenty of action and great interaction.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: A Fantastic Gaius Valerius Verrens Sequel"!
Recently returned as a "Hero of Rome" from Britain, but battered both physically and mentally from that campaign, Gaius Valerius Verrens is in Rome int he hope to find some kind of peace in mind and body, but when he find his sister mortally ill and his father in a self-imposed exile, his peace of mind will not last long.
With Emperor Nero increasingly getting paranoid, those seeking power are whispering dark secrets to him about a threat of a sect, who are calling themselves the "Christians" who are hiding within Rome itself and with a man called, Petrus, as its leader.
Emperor Nero calls on his "Hero of Rome" and turns him into a "Defender of Rome" by instructing Gaius Valerius Verrens that he must act as the Emperor's private investigator , and find out what he can about this religious sect and its dangers to Rome.
But when Valerius begins his search he will find out that this religion sect has tentacles that reach to the edge of the Empire, and that success or failure will cost him equally much.
What is to follow is a captivating historical roman adventure in which Valerius acts as a kind of Grain Man for the Emperor Nero, and this is brought to us in a wonderful fashion by the author, with plenty of action and great interaction.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: A Fantastic Gaius Valerius Verrens Sequel"!
July 25, 2014
‘Defender of Rome', the second in Douglas Jackson’s ‘…of Rome’ series, was an absolute pleasure to read, from start to finish.
The calm, assured, precise and evocative prose is dotted with little hints of Rome’s history - and continuing relevance. In fact, there is clearly such a deep knowledge of the Rome of AD63, the period in which the book is set, that it sometimes seems like it could only come, as the book says about Valerius himself on more than one occasion, from someone from born and bred in Rome. But Douglas Jackson is, I know, a proud Scotsman. And lives now. So the level of thoroughly assimilated background research of what Rome was looked, smelled and felt like for a Roman in AD63 is something to be marvelled at.
At first glance, it seems like less out and out action than previous one. Certainly, a move from the turbulence of Britannia on the edge of the Roman Empire, to the Empire’s heart, would seem to herald a calmer life for Valerius. Wrong. After returning, or rather being returned, to Rome, as a ‘Hero of Rome’, Valerius is finding life as a lawyer, the politicking, wheeling and dealing in the city where the scandal never sleeps, not entirely to his taste. He has to work for Nero, not an easy job at the best of times, but at this time, it’s even more tricky. The new fledgling religion of Christianity is making its way into Roman circles. And it and its practitioners must be stopped. Well, actually, Nero wants Valerius to root out Christians and for ’stopped,’ read ‘killed.’ So he’s to defend Rome against this new threat (now you see where the title comes from).
So, if you were a true believer of the Roman gods, believing Nero is your Emperor appointed by those gods, like Valerius, surely no problem? Wrong. As you may have guessed, it’s not quite that simple. Valerius’ sister is gravely ill. He is recommended to go look in the seedier side of town for a Judean healer. He finds this healer. The healer turns out to be a Christian. So the person he desperately needs to save his sister, is the person he needs to bring to Nero’s justice. To be objective for a moment, Nero is right. The new Christians are a threat to his power. That is, his power as Emperor as he’d like to wield it. Think about it; Christianity was a threat to Rome. A threat to the way Rome has been for the last several hundred years. A threat to the way of life of ordinary Romans brought up in and functioning in the Roman system as it has been for hundreds of years and as they believe it will be for hundreds of years more. So, as not all Romans who live and work within the system, would be power-crazed, megalomaniacs, like the monkey at the top of the tree, even ordinary, honest, hard-working, decent Romans might also find themselves on the same side as Nero and see Christians as a threat to the certainty of their lives and Rome as it is. And see that as something worth defending.Slaves and the downtrodden might take issue and see it another way and that would explain Christianity’s attraction to the powerless and dispossessed. However, in Defender of Rome, Valerius quickly finds out, it isn’t just the poor who have fallen for the new religions promises of better times to come.
But then, when it looks like it’s settling down to be a really quite intriguing tale of juicy intrigue and the conundrums for Valerius of rooting out early Christians - the story quite literally moves away from the political cesspit Rome is, to the plains of Dacia and it becomes something else entirely. A trilling, white knuckle ride, a just one more page, one more chapter then, read through the night action thriller. By turns tense and exciting, nervous and explosive with some heart-stopping action sequences, though I guarantee, not of the type you’re thinking.
This is a(nother) wonderful book from Douglas and as I say, reads like it’s written by one who also trod those very Roman streets Valerius knows so well. With first ‘Hero-‘ and now ‘Defender of Rome,' the series has got off to a flying start, and if they aren’t on your shelves already, they really should be. Very soon. Do it now, in fact.
The calm, assured, precise and evocative prose is dotted with little hints of Rome’s history - and continuing relevance. In fact, there is clearly such a deep knowledge of the Rome of AD63, the period in which the book is set, that it sometimes seems like it could only come, as the book says about Valerius himself on more than one occasion, from someone from born and bred in Rome. But Douglas Jackson is, I know, a proud Scotsman. And lives now. So the level of thoroughly assimilated background research of what Rome was looked, smelled and felt like for a Roman in AD63 is something to be marvelled at.
At first glance, it seems like less out and out action than previous one. Certainly, a move from the turbulence of Britannia on the edge of the Roman Empire, to the Empire’s heart, would seem to herald a calmer life for Valerius. Wrong. After returning, or rather being returned, to Rome, as a ‘Hero of Rome’, Valerius is finding life as a lawyer, the politicking, wheeling and dealing in the city where the scandal never sleeps, not entirely to his taste. He has to work for Nero, not an easy job at the best of times, but at this time, it’s even more tricky. The new fledgling religion of Christianity is making its way into Roman circles. And it and its practitioners must be stopped. Well, actually, Nero wants Valerius to root out Christians and for ’stopped,’ read ‘killed.’ So he’s to defend Rome against this new threat (now you see where the title comes from).
So, if you were a true believer of the Roman gods, believing Nero is your Emperor appointed by those gods, like Valerius, surely no problem? Wrong. As you may have guessed, it’s not quite that simple. Valerius’ sister is gravely ill. He is recommended to go look in the seedier side of town for a Judean healer. He finds this healer. The healer turns out to be a Christian. So the person he desperately needs to save his sister, is the person he needs to bring to Nero’s justice. To be objective for a moment, Nero is right. The new Christians are a threat to his power. That is, his power as Emperor as he’d like to wield it. Think about it; Christianity was a threat to Rome. A threat to the way Rome has been for the last several hundred years. A threat to the way of life of ordinary Romans brought up in and functioning in the Roman system as it has been for hundreds of years and as they believe it will be for hundreds of years more. So, as not all Romans who live and work within the system, would be power-crazed, megalomaniacs, like the monkey at the top of the tree, even ordinary, honest, hard-working, decent Romans might also find themselves on the same side as Nero and see Christians as a threat to the certainty of their lives and Rome as it is. And see that as something worth defending.Slaves and the downtrodden might take issue and see it another way and that would explain Christianity’s attraction to the powerless and dispossessed. However, in Defender of Rome, Valerius quickly finds out, it isn’t just the poor who have fallen for the new religions promises of better times to come.
But then, when it looks like it’s settling down to be a really quite intriguing tale of juicy intrigue and the conundrums for Valerius of rooting out early Christians - the story quite literally moves away from the political cesspit Rome is, to the plains of Dacia and it becomes something else entirely. A trilling, white knuckle ride, a just one more page, one more chapter then, read through the night action thriller. By turns tense and exciting, nervous and explosive with some heart-stopping action sequences, though I guarantee, not of the type you’re thinking.
This is a(nother) wonderful book from Douglas and as I say, reads like it’s written by one who also trod those very Roman streets Valerius knows so well. With first ‘Hero-‘ and now ‘Defender of Rome,' the series has got off to a flying start, and if they aren’t on your shelves already, they really should be. Very soon. Do it now, in fact.
July 3, 2022
3.5*
Mal wieder eine Reihe, die leider nicht weiter übersetzt wurde, ich hätte sie gerne weitergelesen.
Mal wieder eine Reihe, die leider nicht weiter übersetzt wurde, ich hätte sie gerne weitergelesen.
July 10, 2021
This was just as masterfully written as the first, and like the first, I found it extremely upsetting! The MC is now in Rome, which is quite the nest of vipers. It's no wonder the society imploded, what with all of the backstabbing, assassinations around every corner, and the political infighting. To make matters worse, we have Nero and his infamous depravity. I intend to read the next, but after a brief hiatus.
May 1, 2012
Two years after Valerius' defence of Colonia against Boudicca in "Hero of Rome", the eponymous characters is in Rome. Changed by the events he lived through he is a darker, slightly hollow man. Struggling to find a path, he finds himself landed with a new task by the unstable emperor Nero: to root out and bring to 'justice' a rabble rouser, a leader of the sect of Christians in Rome.
Plagued by a frail and ill sister, a splintered family relationship, the uncertain moods of the emperor and the machinations of those who wield power under Nero, including the prefect of the Praetorians, Valerius' investigation, aided by gladiator friends, unearths a number of secrets, some of which cut deep. The story builds to a massive crescendo, set to a backdrop of another great event of the era.
Defender is, in short, a great book and a worthy successor to the excellent Hero of Rome. There are three things that particularly impressed me:
1. Valerius' character. In Hero, we were introduced to a man who was still young and relatively full of promise, even optimistic and loving. Defender sees him changed. Doug has done an excellent job of painting the character of a man who has suffered the things Valerius did in Britannia. It feels like a natural progression and is therefore perfectly done.
2. The portrayal of Nero. That emperor has had a lot of treatment by a lot of authors before now, and yet this did not feel old or samey for some reason. There is about the character an oily wickedness, mixed with a childish excitement that really brings him to life. You will truly hate this emperor.
3. The way the Christians are portrayed. Until now the best such portrayal in Roman fiction I had seen was Simon Scarrow's Eagle in the Sand. This now rivals it, for sure. This period of the church is so vague as nothing was truly codified until Constantine I, and it is all too easy to imagine the early church as very similar to the later Catholic one, but with a more Judao-Roman feel. Doug's treatment is more like an offshoot of Judaism, which, of course, it was. It is sensitively handled and well done, without being preachy or particularly pro or anti. It is objective, given that the lead character is a pagan.
All in all, I would recommend that anyone who's read Hero of Rome dive in and read Defender. If you haven't, just read both!
Plagued by a frail and ill sister, a splintered family relationship, the uncertain moods of the emperor and the machinations of those who wield power under Nero, including the prefect of the Praetorians, Valerius' investigation, aided by gladiator friends, unearths a number of secrets, some of which cut deep. The story builds to a massive crescendo, set to a backdrop of another great event of the era.
Defender is, in short, a great book and a worthy successor to the excellent Hero of Rome. There are three things that particularly impressed me:
1. Valerius' character. In Hero, we were introduced to a man who was still young and relatively full of promise, even optimistic and loving. Defender sees him changed. Doug has done an excellent job of painting the character of a man who has suffered the things Valerius did in Britannia. It feels like a natural progression and is therefore perfectly done.
2. The portrayal of Nero. That emperor has had a lot of treatment by a lot of authors before now, and yet this did not feel old or samey for some reason. There is about the character an oily wickedness, mixed with a childish excitement that really brings him to life. You will truly hate this emperor.
3. The way the Christians are portrayed. Until now the best such portrayal in Roman fiction I had seen was Simon Scarrow's Eagle in the Sand. This now rivals it, for sure. This period of the church is so vague as nothing was truly codified until Constantine I, and it is all too easy to imagine the early church as very similar to the later Catholic one, but with a more Judao-Roman feel. Doug's treatment is more like an offshoot of Judaism, which, of course, it was. It is sensitively handled and well done, without being preachy or particularly pro or anti. It is objective, given that the lead character is a pagan.
All in all, I would recommend that anyone who's read Hero of Rome dive in and read Defender. If you haven't, just read both!
January 2, 2019
I have had this title on my tbr list for a long time, do i thought it was time to give it a airing and i am so glad i did. This is a cracking series and mr jackson is to be congratulated for producing such a readable series. The second in the series tells the story of the rise of the christion faith in rome and neros attempt to stop it. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2014
Gaius Valerius Verrens has returned to Rome and is made a Hero Of Rome by the Emperor, Nero for his actions and bravery in Britain. Of course being in Nero's spotlight isn't always a good thing as Verrens finds out after having been solicited by Nero and then given an almost impossible task, apprehending Petrus, the leader of a new religious sect that threatens to undermine Roman society and politics.
The author has given us a story of much intrigue and has populated the main story line with many obstacles for Verrens to negotiate and overcome in this exciting sequel. While the first book was of a military mindset, this one is more of a detective story set mostly in and around Rome itself. That in and of itself shows the author's ability to move his main character into a situation involving different skills while building on the lessons learned and confidence gained in his earlier experiences.
A page turning tale that brings one face to face with power politics, religious fervor and the struggle to satisfy a capricious leader, I heartily recommend this book and series.
5-stars.
The author has given us a story of much intrigue and has populated the main story line with many obstacles for Verrens to negotiate and overcome in this exciting sequel. While the first book was of a military mindset, this one is more of a detective story set mostly in and around Rome itself. That in and of itself shows the author's ability to move his main character into a situation involving different skills while building on the lessons learned and confidence gained in his earlier experiences.
A page turning tale that brings one face to face with power politics, religious fervor and the struggle to satisfy a capricious leader, I heartily recommend this book and series.
5-stars.
February 27, 2016
I enjoyed this less than the first book. Emperor Nero continues to enjoy very bad press and the tale follows the reports of Suetonius, Tacitus and Cassius Dio, all of whom had a negative view of him. Are we to ignore the writings of Seneca just because he was his tutor? I would have thought that made him the best source rather than the worst, despite the probability of bias. Lucanus also wrote favourably of Nero. He (Nero) could not have 'fiddled while Rome burned' because the fiddle didn't exist at the time so that is clearly a much more modern accusation. If he did set the fire, he behaved in a strangely compassionate way during and after it. The end of this novel clearly sets the stage for the burning of Rome - I believe; it will be interesting to see if I am wrong and I hope I am! Nero is accused of being the Antichrist even today. I much preferred Manda Scott's reworking of Nero as a far more complex character and present the view that, in the context of Roman Emperors, Nero was very far from being insane, never mind the Antichrist.
My point? It's a pity to make characters so stereotypical and Jackson develops his characters less rather than more - and falls back on 'magical solutions' to get his hero out of trouble too often for my liking. Also, I find his female characters very one-dimensional.
All that aside, it's a very readable book and Jackson is a wonderful action writer; his scene in the first book of the death of Colonia remains one of the best battle sequences I have read. I will continue the series and hope the characterisation develops.
My point? It's a pity to make characters so stereotypical and Jackson develops his characters less rather than more - and falls back on 'magical solutions' to get his hero out of trouble too often for my liking. Also, I find his female characters very one-dimensional.
All that aside, it's a very readable book and Jackson is a wonderful action writer; his scene in the first book of the death of Colonia remains one of the best battle sequences I have read. I will continue the series and hope the characterisation develops.
February 10, 2020
Another book that sat on the shelf for way too long before I read it, another Roman adventure. This time the hero, Verrens, has lost an arm (in the previous book, becoming an official 'hero' of Rome), so this follows up with his return to Rome. It's Nero-time, with this version of the novelist's favourite (as he's not quite as batshit as Caligula, meaning there can be some depth in the character) is duly er, fleshed out, along with Verrens and his family.
What was more enjoyable was the dealing with the early Christians - something rarely seen in swords and sandals and the main part of the plot. Here seemed to be handled well with teh tensions between the Roman state and the upstart sect handled adroitly - including the persecutions, infighting etc. Seemed to leave a fairly balanced picture of the whole thing, that didn't become preachy - it may be interesting to see how that is handled in future
What was more enjoyable was the dealing with the early Christians - something rarely seen in swords and sandals and the main part of the plot. Here seemed to be handled well with teh tensions between the Roman state and the upstart sect handled adroitly - including the persecutions, infighting etc. Seemed to leave a fairly balanced picture of the whole thing, that didn't become preachy - it may be interesting to see how that is handled in future
June 27, 2016
By far the best book I have read in a very long time.
very well written.
very well written.
May 14, 2021
Disappointing after the thrilling first book. Caricature baddies and anyone not strictly heterosexual is of dubious character. Battles and action seem to be the writer’s forte. I will keep going with the series but desperately hope that Christianity will play a very minimal part in future and we meet a woman who isn’t beautiful.
December 3, 2022
Det är illa när agenda tillåts övertrumfa historia, såväl som tema.
April 4, 2021
Great story
I was annoyed at the impossible love story in the first book but this book took out all that temptation and was exactly what I wanted. I am glad I didn’t abandon the author after book 1.
I was annoyed at the impossible love story in the first book but this book took out all that temptation and was exactly what I wanted. I am glad I didn’t abandon the author after book 1.
March 30, 2021
Gripping stuff
I have read many historical fact based fiction novels, this is the second in this series. I am enjoying the authors easy style, he keeps the story flowing, the main character is likeable and flawed, even though it follows a time honoured character grouping I’m very impressed and really enjoying the experience, thank you Mr Jackson for your excellent efforts.
I have read many historical fact based fiction novels, this is the second in this series. I am enjoying the authors easy style, he keeps the story flowing, the main character is likeable and flawed, even though it follows a time honoured character grouping I’m very impressed and really enjoying the experience, thank you Mr Jackson for your excellent efforts.
May 5, 2012
Review
I was totally blown away by this book, the last Verrens title "Hero of Rome" was in my opinion a step up in writing from Douglas Jacksons previous books, books that i totally enjoyed, but were not in the same league as "Hero of Rome". Defender of Rome takes yet another leap forward.
This book keeps the brilliantly written characters the flowing gripping action and pace and story arc that the last book had, but then adds in the new angle of political intrigue in the frightening world of Emperor Nero, so well told in this book i was scared for Varrens and still now i wonder which is the real Nero and which is the actor?
This book clearly catapults Douglas into the top flight of Roman Historical Fiction Writers and very much deserves to hit the top of the best seller charts.
I have read what i consider to be many of the best books past and present and this holds it own with a heck of a lot of them.
I very much look forward to the next book by Douglas, and am very intrigued by the forthcoming Doomsday Testament coming out under the name James Douglas, if as im sure the writing quality transfers across then its going to be a great read.
Book Description
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a `Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was - scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition.
Nero calls on his `Hero of Rome' to become a `Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
I was totally blown away by this book, the last Verrens title "Hero of Rome" was in my opinion a step up in writing from Douglas Jacksons previous books, books that i totally enjoyed, but were not in the same league as "Hero of Rome". Defender of Rome takes yet another leap forward.
This book keeps the brilliantly written characters the flowing gripping action and pace and story arc that the last book had, but then adds in the new angle of political intrigue in the frightening world of Emperor Nero, so well told in this book i was scared for Varrens and still now i wonder which is the real Nero and which is the actor?
This book clearly catapults Douglas into the top flight of Roman Historical Fiction Writers and very much deserves to hit the top of the best seller charts.
I have read what i consider to be many of the best books past and present and this holds it own with a heck of a lot of them.
I very much look forward to the next book by Douglas, and am very intrigued by the forthcoming Doomsday Testament coming out under the name James Douglas, if as im sure the writing quality transfers across then its going to be a great read.
Book Description
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a `Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was - scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition.
Nero calls on his `Hero of Rome' to become a `Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
November 30, 2011
I enjoyed the previous book, “Hero of Rome”, but it had no massive differentiator, and I found the hero, Valerius , ever so slightly bland, but the book ended with him slightly damaged. So I picked up “Defender of Rome” with interest to see where the author was going with the character.
Valerius is back in Rome, mentally and physically damaged but recognition of his actions in Britain has brought him to Nero’s unwanted attention. Nero is mad, bad and dangerous and sets Valerius an impossible task, to track down the leader of the Christians that he sees as a threat to the Empire. So this is a dark and dangerous story and one you will be unable to predict where it is taking you. Valerius is between a rock and a hard place, is forced to do things he doesn’t want to and it appears that however he is manipulated, people he loves will probably end up dead. Most novels that play with the theme of a central figure with integrity and determination always allow the last minute clever escape, not so this one and that is what now makes Valerius a far more complex and interesting character. For those who like a bit of action there is also plenty of that but within a dark and dangerous political landscape. The story of growing Christianity in the Roman Empire gave an interesting and complex dynamic to the story and Douglas Jackson has populated it with a range of detailed and diverse characters.
Dark, thought provoking and recommended.
Valerius is back in Rome, mentally and physically damaged but recognition of his actions in Britain has brought him to Nero’s unwanted attention. Nero is mad, bad and dangerous and sets Valerius an impossible task, to track down the leader of the Christians that he sees as a threat to the Empire. So this is a dark and dangerous story and one you will be unable to predict where it is taking you. Valerius is between a rock and a hard place, is forced to do things he doesn’t want to and it appears that however he is manipulated, people he loves will probably end up dead. Most novels that play with the theme of a central figure with integrity and determination always allow the last minute clever escape, not so this one and that is what now makes Valerius a far more complex and interesting character. For those who like a bit of action there is also plenty of that but within a dark and dangerous political landscape. The story of growing Christianity in the Roman Empire gave an interesting and complex dynamic to the story and Douglas Jackson has populated it with a range of detailed and diverse characters.
Dark, thought provoking and recommended.
November 8, 2013
Really good book, and I have to say that it reminds me of Tribune of Rome even more than the first one. I reduced one star in my rating because I rarely enjoy stories about early Christians, and this book covered some of the aspects that I do not enjoy. It is hard for me to identify with religious fanatics, especially of this movement, and this book did not bring me any closer.
June 23, 2013
I was honored when the author responded to my review of the first book in the series and was just finishing this sequel. I felt some pressure in being eloquent and four drafts later this is the result. The fault is entirely yours Mr Jackson!
Interesting, educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
On to the third...
Interesting, educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
On to the third...
June 3, 2016
I enjoyed this, however, it's part of a trilogy I think and I didn't notice till I was sucked in! I'll need to start at the beginning.....as a stand alone book though, it's really good if, like me, you're a bit of a Roman Empire fan. I'm not a history buff so I couldn't say how accurate it was but from what I do know, the names and dates all sounded familiar....all in all, a good read, thumbs up!
January 8, 2020
Captivating
A gripping, violent and captivating insight into the emergence of Christianity into the Roman Empire. The novel is anchored in historical facts giving the reader a window into the treachery and politics that ran through the Empire with an insight into how they defined articulated and delivered justice.
A gripping, violent and captivating insight into the emergence of Christianity into the Roman Empire. The novel is anchored in historical facts giving the reader a window into the treachery and politics that ran through the Empire with an insight into how they defined articulated and delivered justice.
May 30, 2018
A good read
Excellent pacing and engaging premise, with accurate historical references. The dialogue fits the narrative with ease and is evidenced with plenty of forethought. The melding of storylines adds to the believability of the narrative.
Excellent pacing and engaging premise, with accurate historical references. The dialogue fits the narrative with ease and is evidenced with plenty of forethought. The melding of storylines adds to the believability of the narrative.
April 27, 2015
Cracking book
September 13, 2020
Starts strong, but then stagnates.
August 20, 2025
I actually read the second book, even though I didn't like the first one at all. The reason: I bought the second book before I read the first one. I tried to approach this book as openly as possible.
At the beginning of the book, Gaius comes across as very self-reflective, which I really like. He recognizes the injustice of his title and struggles with feelings of guilt and PTSD. When he then receives a seemingly impossible assignment from Emperor Nero, his carefully curated routine is thrown into disarray. The book deals with the brutal period of Christian persecution, and Gaius' new task is to find and arrest St. Peter. When he learns how vast the network of Christians in the city already is and that his own family is part of it, his moral compass is put to the test.
The story is dripping with political intrigue, power struggles, and the helplessness of those caught between the fronts. Nero is portrayed as an utterly repulsive narcissist, which is consistent with the widespread opinion of him. The characters are interesting and believable. However, Gaius suffers from a similar problem as in the first book, despite all his self-reflection.
The characters are interesting and believable. However, Gaius has a similar problem to the first part, despite all his self-reflection. He is sometimes just a blockhead: throughout the story, he is confronted with so many inconsistencies, clues, warnings, etc., which he largely ignores, which sometimes drove me crazy as a reader.
However, the story was relatively gripping and I wanted to know how Gaius would free himself from his dilemma: carry out Nero's orders or save his family and risk his own life in the process.
All in all, this book and the story were good, but in the end it still left me with a feeling of ‘I don't know what to think... do I like the book? Do I not like it?’ which I think is also reflected in my review.
At the beginning of the book, Gaius comes across as very self-reflective, which I really like. He recognizes the injustice of his title and struggles with feelings of guilt and PTSD. When he then receives a seemingly impossible assignment from Emperor Nero, his carefully curated routine is thrown into disarray. The book deals with the brutal period of Christian persecution, and Gaius' new task is to find and arrest St. Peter. When he learns how vast the network of Christians in the city already is and that his own family is part of it, his moral compass is put to the test.
The story is dripping with political intrigue, power struggles, and the helplessness of those caught between the fronts. Nero is portrayed as an utterly repulsive narcissist, which is consistent with the widespread opinion of him. The characters are interesting and believable. However, Gaius suffers from a similar problem as in the first book, despite all his self-reflection.
The characters are interesting and believable. However, Gaius has a similar problem to the first part, despite all his self-reflection. He is sometimes just a blockhead: throughout the story, he is confronted with so many inconsistencies, clues, warnings, etc., which he largely ignores, which sometimes drove me crazy as a reader.
However, the story was relatively gripping and I wanted to know how Gaius would free himself from his dilemma: carry out Nero's orders or save his family and risk his own life in the process.
All in all, this book and the story were good, but in the end it still left me with a feeling of ‘I don't know what to think... do I like the book? Do I not like it?’ which I think is also reflected in my review.
June 30, 2019
Interesting thriller set in ancient Rome. Instead of the raw action seen in the first book, our protagonist Valerius is tasked by Ceasar Nero with finding a hidden sect of early Christians. By slowly uncovering several layers of mystery, it seems like everyone (but our protagonist) have their own secret agenda.
It’s fairly interesting to see just how weird Christianity must have seemed to a Roman like Valerius. He sees it as just another mystic sect of crazies, and the core value of life being sacred as well as all people being equal baffles him at first.
And yet, when he talks with a Christian girl (who seemingly only wants what is best for him and his family) he himself feels inadequate in comparison to her “radiance” of goodness, and he begins to question his world. It is no wonder that Christianity spread as far as it did back then, in a world of death and suffering, as it must have seen like such a relief to be able to die and go to heaven with peace of mind.
Good read overall, but it had some pacing issues.
It’s fairly interesting to see just how weird Christianity must have seemed to a Roman like Valerius. He sees it as just another mystic sect of crazies, and the core value of life being sacred as well as all people being equal baffles him at first.
And yet, when he talks with a Christian girl (who seemingly only wants what is best for him and his family) he himself feels inadequate in comparison to her “radiance” of goodness, and he begins to question his world. It is no wonder that Christianity spread as far as it did back then, in a world of death and suffering, as it must have seen like such a relief to be able to die and go to heaven with peace of mind.
Good read overall, but it had some pacing issues.
December 3, 2025
Well, it took me a while to get back to the series. I've been reading some Ancient Roman history recently and decided to pick the second book up. As with the first book, I was impressed with the skillful integration of history into the story line and the excellent character development.
However, the villain in this one was the Emperor Nero, who was a little over the top for me (imagine an older Joffrey Baratheon). Also, the whole Christians in Rome thing has never gotten me excited. I do like what Mr. Jackson did with the limited history of Peter and Paul in Rome and how he chose to flesh it out (spoiler alert, Saul/Paul is my least favorite figure from early Christianity).
Bottom line, is that this was another solid book by this author, just with a subject line that didn't really appeal to me. That said, in another couple of years I am sure I will read the next one. Go ahead and pick this one up off the shelf if you've read the first one.
However, the villain in this one was the Emperor Nero, who was a little over the top for me (imagine an older Joffrey Baratheon). Also, the whole Christians in Rome thing has never gotten me excited. I do like what Mr. Jackson did with the limited history of Peter and Paul in Rome and how he chose to flesh it out (spoiler alert, Saul/Paul is my least favorite figure from early Christianity).
Bottom line, is that this was another solid book by this author, just with a subject line that didn't really appeal to me. That said, in another couple of years I am sure I will read the next one. Go ahead and pick this one up off the shelf if you've read the first one.
August 22, 2020
Romans
I only gave this book four stars, I didn't think it was as good as the first one. It seems that Gaius Valerius Verrens isn't exactly the smartest character at times, although he is fiercely loyal to his duty and his emperor even when he doesn't deserve it.
Gaius is dubbed Defender of Rome and sent on a mission by Emperor Nero to find Petrus, the fisherman, as the clues add up, and you, the reader, start to figure out the mystery it still takes Gaius awhile to figure it out. You feel like yelling at Gaius.
This book can be read alone but will be understood more in depth if the reader reads the first one, Hero Of Rome.
The author is very good at describing places, battle scenes, and getting you to feel for the characters.
I only gave this book four stars, I didn't think it was as good as the first one. It seems that Gaius Valerius Verrens isn't exactly the smartest character at times, although he is fiercely loyal to his duty and his emperor even when he doesn't deserve it.
Gaius is dubbed Defender of Rome and sent on a mission by Emperor Nero to find Petrus, the fisherman, as the clues add up, and you, the reader, start to figure out the mystery it still takes Gaius awhile to figure it out. You feel like yelling at Gaius.
This book can be read alone but will be understood more in depth if the reader reads the first one, Hero Of Rome.
The author is very good at describing places, battle scenes, and getting you to feel for the characters.
March 31, 2021
So glad that the author continued with the people in the first book and not having to stop and think of who this was in book #1 in this series.
I was one that once I started reading I didn't want to stop. There were a few instances where I think that it was a little redundant however, it kept the names in mind and the previous action.
I highly recommend that if you are interested in Historical Roman History you should start with book number 1.
Book number 1 fills in who the characters are and where their "place" is in history --But remember this is FICTION not all of it. Some is fact.
This is one series of books that has had me being a page turner and forgetting other things to do. Such as turning off the lights and going to sleep at 3:00 AM.
Enjoyed very much. Am on book #3
I was one that once I started reading I didn't want to stop. There were a few instances where I think that it was a little redundant however, it kept the names in mind and the previous action.
I highly recommend that if you are interested in Historical Roman History you should start with book number 1.
Book number 1 fills in who the characters are and where their "place" is in history --But remember this is FICTION not all of it. Some is fact.
This is one series of books that has had me being a page turner and forgetting other things to do. Such as turning off the lights and going to sleep at 3:00 AM.
Enjoyed very much. Am on book #3
January 24, 2021
Excellent read. Superb character development and a well even story.
I enjoyed how well woven the story was into the history of the time. I could visualize the scenes depicted in the book, having been to Rome and the surrounding area. There were times I had hoped that our hero would be able to eliminate some of the historical figures but that would be over the top! I recommend this book for those who enjoy a great story that involves the beginnings of Christianity in Rome during the time of Nero.
I enjoyed how well woven the story was into the history of the time. I could visualize the scenes depicted in the book, having been to Rome and the surrounding area. There were times I had hoped that our hero would be able to eliminate some of the historical figures but that would be over the top! I recommend this book for those who enjoy a great story that involves the beginnings of Christianity in Rome during the time of Nero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews