Synopses & Reviews
The fourth book in the series set against the unrest of the Roman Empire takes centurion Marcus to Germania Inferior—and to Tungrorum, home of his auxiliary legion Britannia has been subdued, and an epic new chapter in Marcus Valerius Aquila's life begins. The murderous Roman agents who nearly captured Marcus have been defeated by his friends. But in order to protect those very friends from the wrath of the emperor, he must leave the province which has been giving him shelter. As Marcus Tribulus Corvus, centurion of the second Tungrian auxiliary cohort, he leads his men from Hadrian's Wall to the Tungrians' original home in Germania Inferior. Tungrorum, the center of a once-prosperous farming province, brought low by the ravages of the eastern plague that has swept through the empire, is now threatened by an outbreak of brutally violent robbery. A bandit chieftain called Obduro, his identity always hidden behind an iron cavalry helmet, is robbing and killing with impunity. His sword—sharper, stronger and more deadly than any known to the Roman army—is the lethal symbol of his unstoppable power. And now he has moved beyond mere theft and threatens to destabilize the whole northern frontier of the empire.
Review
"Fast-paced and gripping 'read-through-the-night' fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both." —Conn Iggulden, author, The Gates of Rome
Synopsis
From an exciting new thriller writer for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow, this is the first book in an exhilarating trilogy that lavishly brings to life the great events and battles of the times, and will take its hero far and wide through the Roman Empire 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. Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his lifecondemned 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 justicebut 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.
About the Author
Anthony 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. He began writing the story that would become Wounds of Honour after a visit to Housesteads Roman fort.