Immerse yourself in the turbulent era of the Roman Empire, where a young, ambitious tribune begins his career facing brutal conflicts on the empire's frontiers. This saga chronicles his journey through rebellions, political intrigue, and fierce battles, blending historical accuracy with gripping storytelling. Explore how courage and strategy hold up against overwhelming odds and whether individual will can alter the course of history.
The first book in an action-packed and rigorously researched new Roman historical series by the acclaimed author of Caligula and ClaudiusThe Roman grip on Britain is weakening. Hero of Rome is the first novel in a major new Roman historical action series.
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.
Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus's lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who have an ulterior motive for ending the siege quickly.
Titus Flavius Vespasianus, known as Vespasian, is Emperor of Rome - but his grip on power is weakening. But he is summoned by the Emperor to do one last favour for Rome: he must journey to the remote, mountainous region of Asturica Augusta and investigate claims that a bandit called `The Ghost' is raiding the Empire's gold convoys.
But Britannia is where Valerius cut his military teeth and whetted his sword - and he will soon discover that the ghosts of his past are never far away and are more dangerous perhaps than Domitian.
AD 80 Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. Valerius leads his men to a devastating victory against the recalcitrant Brigantes, infuriating Agricola in the process.