Thrilling, authentic and action-packed, this novel introduces soldier hero Marcus Valerius: a centurion stationed on Hadrian's Wall in the second century during a revolt against the Roman Empire
EmpireSeries
This epic saga follows the rise and fall of an ambitious soldier navigating the tumultuous world of ancient Rome. The narrative delves into military campaigns, political intrigue, and personal betrayals that shaped one of history's most powerful empires. Readers will appreciate the detailed portrayal of life, combat, and ambition within the classical era. It's a story of courage, friendship, and the pursuit of power amidst the enduring legacy of Rome.






Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
The thrilling sequel to WOUNDS OF HONOUR continues this action-packed series set in Roman Britain
- 3
Fortress of Spears: Empire III
- 340 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The Romans take the fight north from Hadrian's Wall - to the enemy's greatest stronghold.
- 4
The fourth book in the Empire sequence (following Fortress of Spears) takes centurion Marcus to Germania Inferior - and to Tungrorum, home of his auxiliary legion. Praised by authors as varied as Conn Igguleden, Ben Kane and Manda Scott, Empire is set in the 180s against the background of the Roman Empire in a time of unrest.
- 5
The Wolf's Gold: Empire V
- 385 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The fifth book in the Empire sequence (following The Leopard Sword) takes centurion Marcus to Dacia, to save the empire's best gold mines from an unexpected enemy. Praised by authors as varied as Conn Igguleden, Ben Kane and Manda Scott, Empire is set in the 180s against the background of the Roman Empire in a time of unrest.
- 6
The Eagle's Vengeance: Empire VI
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The barbarian leader Calgus defies both his barbarian captors and Britannia's legions - and Marcus Aquila - once more in the sixth thrilling novel in the Empire sequence, praised by fellow-authors Conn Iggulden, Ben Kane and Manda Scott.
- 7
The Emperor's Knives: Empire VII
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The action moves to Rome itself in the seventh novel in the Empire sequence, praised by authors including Conn Iggulden, Ben Kane and Manda Scott.
- 8
The eighth book in the Empire sequence takes Centurion Marcus Aquila and his Tungrian legion on a dangerous mission to the heart of the Parthian empire.
- 9
Altar of Blood: Empire IX
- 416 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The ninth novel in the thrilling Empire sequence leads Centurion Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians to the site of one of Rome's most disastrous defeats.
- 10
The Scorpion's Strike: Empire X
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
With his compelling Centurions trilogy complete, Anthony Riches returns to his bestselling Empire sequence of novels with his storytelling skills polished to perfection. Set in the second century AD, The Scorpion's Strike continues the story of Marcus Aquila's fight for justice for a family ripped asunder by imperial assassins. Still seeking revenge, Marcus finds himself thrown back into the heart of the chaos that is shaking the Roman Empire to its roots. Fresh from their close escape from imperial betrayal in the German forest, Marcus and the Tungrians are ordered to Gaul, where an outlaw called Maturnus is wreaking havoc. Havoc that may be more than mere banditry, as deserters and freed slaves flock to his cause: rebellion is in the air for the first time in a generation. And if escape from Rome's memories is a relief for the young centurion, he soon discovers that danger has followed him west to Gaul. The expedition is led by Praetorians whom he has every cause to hate. And to fear, if they should discover who he really is. 'A masterclass in military historical fiction' Sunday Express on Retribution
- 11
The eleventh novel in Anthony Riches' bestselling Empire series takes Marcus Aquila and his most trusted allies to Egypt.