Ian Ross (3)

I've always enjoyed historical fiction and as a lover of Roman history, it's quite surprising that I've never read any Roman historical fiction. I don't usually like to start reading mid-way through a series but I enjoyed this book so much that I don't think it was a necessity to read books 1 and 2 first. I'm sure it would enhance the story by reading them in order, but Battle for Rome was immensely enjoyable as a standalone novel.

Castus is a very strong character - he commands the page as he does his army. Although the book has a lot of fighting in it, and it's no surprise given the title of Battle for Rome, there is the human element of Castus and Sabina's marriage. As Castus has been fighting across the Roman Empire, it has clearly left a strain on his marriage. Has Sabina started to look elsewhere for comfort or has Castus' absence left her weak to corruption?

The only time I felt that I was missing something by not having read the earlier books was when Nigrinus was introduced. I felt that there was some history between Castus and Nigrinus as they clearly detest each other, but there is so much treachery and backstabbing that nobody can be trusted. I really enjoyed part 3 of the book when Castus is forced to work with Nigrinus and goes on a mission to Rome. There were plenty of shocks and surprises in store to keep my heart racing.

Ian Ross has written a masterpiece that effortlessly transports the reader from the comfort of their home in 2015 to the Roman Empire in 312AD. Every clash of sword and shield resounds from each page and, through Ian's descriptive writing, I could almost smell the blood and sweat of the Roman army. This book has everything you would expect from a Roman epic - there is the opulence and splendour of Rome, power and riches of senators, madness of emperors and the brutality of battle. I absolutely raced through it and definitely want to read the two earlier books in the series.

Special thanks go to Suzanne from Head of Zeus for sending me a treasured signed copy in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

I regret that this is the conclusion to Aurelius Castus' story, but it has been an incredible journey through his life. He has come full circle, as has the cycle of six novels--We first met Castus as a simple legionary fighting Persia and he has risen to commander-in-chief of the army fighting Persia years later: a span of nearly forty years. This whole series should definitely be considered a genre classic--from the characters and their development; its vast sweep from the wilds of Britannia to the eastern border of the Roman Empire, including its action; and its plausibility. Castus faced betrayal and treachery, including an assassination attempt, from people he trusted. Also court intrigue plays a part. The two battles were extremely well written and vivid: the siege at Nisibis, termed "the bulwark of the West", and a smaller [mostly cavalry] battle at Narasa in which Castus and the villain confront one another. At Nisibis the Persians have, besides the usual battering ram, war elephants and heavily armored cavalry, [or clibanarii]. They also make an attempt at diverting the nearby river and attempting to flood out the foundations of the city walls.

The ending was bittersweet, but it seemed "right" for this old soldier to lay down his arms and to want to spend his last years with his family in obscurity.

Most highly recommended.… (plus d'informations)

Aurelius Castus' story, set against the background of Emperor Constantine's Empire, keeps getting better and drawing me in more and more. I was completely engrossed in the pages; in fact I read it two times running. This novel dealt with Constantine's civil war with Licinius for eventual control of the empire and Constantine's eventual victory; Castus, as one of the main commanders, had a big part to play. Also, there was [unknowing, not intentional] treachery and betrayal on the part of the Caesar Crispus, Constantine's illegitimate son. I might even dare to call his attitude naïve. This impulsive and ambitious young man draws Castus into a web of intrigue. As a result, Castus' loyalties are divided between Crispus and his father. Fausta, the Empress, seduces Crispus for her own machinations. The two latter figures are given plausible deaths, following primary material written years later. The author's creativity supplied motivations and details.

I was most impressed how Castus has developed through the course of the novels from a simple legionary to a very high-ranking military figure of authority. He has exhibited a more nuanced and sophisticated personality, without abandoning his basic decency and steadfastness. Also, I liked the interactions between him and his wife, Marcellina; he is shown to be a loving husband and father, having learned from his own stunted boyhood and disastrous first marriage. At one point he does visit his hometown he had left decades earlier, to quell any demons about his past still confronting him. The exciting battles on both sea and land displayed his military prowess and quick-thinking. At 50, he is sickened of war and bloodshed and wants only to live a quiet life with family at his Dalmatian villa. I had my heart in my mouth at the final confrontation between him and the evil agens in rebus and torturer, Innocentius--ironic name, wasn't it? Even the minor characters were well-drawn. I regret there's only one more novel in this saga, but perhaps the author feels he will have completed Castus' journey.

Most highly recommended.… (plus d'informations)