Emperor’s Sword is the story of Silus, a Roman scout. He makes a mistake he ends up regretting dearly, but it’s a mistake that kick starts a vast change, both for himself and the Roman Empire. The Caledonian clans band together to beat back the legions, with Maglorix, Silus’ sworn enemy, as their leader.

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Enthralling novel set in Severan Roman Britain: 200s A.D. More or less a "buddy" novel, with two Roman auxiliaries as the heroes. One of them, Silus, is made an Arcanus [one of the secret police, under the direction of a spymaster. The Arcani are more ruthless than even the frumentarii] Silus, with his native background, has proven to be an outstanding soldier and scout, who also speaks Brittonic and knows the culture of the natives. Atius, his partner, is a Christian, completely loyal to Silus. There are many exciting adventures. Silus' killing of a certain tribal chieftain, sets the whole story in motion. The chieftain's son, Maglorix, succeeds his father and the whole novel details his revenge on the Roman army and also Silus' revenge for the murder of Silus' wife and daughter. Maglorix sets up a confederation of tribes. They dream of driving the Romans from their island. The story culminates in a set-piece battle and the two partners seeking Maglorix to finally kill him. They find Maglorix at the hillfort where the action all began.
My rating was lowered because of the gratuitous vulgarity. Why can't authors find less rude words that express characters' rage, frustration and even use as an adjective? One glaring choice of words: a cygnet ring. Should that not have been a SIGNET ring? The seal did not picture a swan.
I enjoyed the author's Carbo novels better. Please, Mr. Gough, more Carbo. I only bought this one because of Carbo; I thought it would be similar.

Recommended with reservations. ( )