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The Artorian Chronicles #2
Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt
*Revised 2012 Edition*A Shadow RisingIt has been three years since the wars against Arminius and the Cherusci. Gaius Silius, Legate of the Twentieth Legion, is concerned that the barbarians-though shattered by the war-may be stirring once again. He also seeks to confirm the rumors regarding Arminius' death. What Silius does not realize is that there is a new threat to the Empire, but it does not come from beyond the frontier; it is coming from within, where a disenchanted nobleman looks to sow the seeds of rebellion in Gaul.Legionary Artorius has greatly matured during his five years in the legions. He has become stronger in mind; his body growing even more powerful. Like the rest of the Legion, he is unaware of the shadow growing well within the Empire's borders, where a disaffected nobleman seeks to betray the Emperor Tiberius. A shadow looms; one that looks to envelope the province of Gaul as well as the Rhine legions. The year is 20 A.D.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2012
About the author
James Mace
53 books222 followersJames Mace is an author, historian, and life-long storyteller. He began writing as a hobby in the early 2000s, penning physical fitness articles for a bodybuilding website and a magazine called Hardcore Muscle.
James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-five books, including fifteen Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British Empire.
Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling, foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
James can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Instagram: @legionarybooks
Threads: @legionarybooks
BlueSky: @legionarybooks.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james...
James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-five books, including fifteen Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British Empire.
Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling, foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
James can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Instagram: @legionarybooks
Threads: @legionarybooks
BlueSky: @legionarybooks.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 15, 2011
Soldier Of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt is the second book in the Artorian Chronicles.
The story continues with Vitruvius, as he pursues his training and bonding with his men. When there are hints of an uprising in Gaul, Vitruvius and his men are sent there to end the skirmish.
Along the way the men share their thoughts and impressions about the upcoming event in Gaul. When they arrive they soon learn that Sacrovir is at the heart of this revolt and he wishes to help Vitruivius and his men to succeed. Sacrovir, however, has never fully recovered from the humiliation and financial loss when Vitruvius killed one his prize gladiotors back in Rome.
When the men begin to realize that those who they have trusted aren't what or who they appear to be, Vitruvius and his men are put to the test and only those with the skills will survive.
I thought this was a great sequel to the first book, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary (Read my review of it here.) I found this book was more about character building, the politics and life surrounding a Legionnaire and while I enjoyed reading more about Vitruvius' inner machinations, I would've loved to have seen more battles.
I found that the book could have used more descriptive battles, I love to read a good battle and there are certain subjects where I expect to see them and this book was such. Don't get me wrong, the battles that did take place were great but I just wanted to see more.
I truly loved that this is based on historical events. I loved the history that the author conveyed to the reader and how it was like to live the life of a Legionnaire. I thought the author had done his research well and everything co-existed nicely with the other, in that, Vitruvius was believable in the setting and the reader would be hard pressed to tell if he actually participated in the real history events.
I would give Soldier Of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt a four out of five stars. The editorial issues are minimal, the expletives are mild to moderate as are the battle scenes. I found it to be a great read, with much depth of character, I just wished there had been more battles.
The story continues with Vitruvius, as he pursues his training and bonding with his men. When there are hints of an uprising in Gaul, Vitruvius and his men are sent there to end the skirmish.
Along the way the men share their thoughts and impressions about the upcoming event in Gaul. When they arrive they soon learn that Sacrovir is at the heart of this revolt and he wishes to help Vitruivius and his men to succeed. Sacrovir, however, has never fully recovered from the humiliation and financial loss when Vitruvius killed one his prize gladiotors back in Rome.
When the men begin to realize that those who they have trusted aren't what or who they appear to be, Vitruvius and his men are put to the test and only those with the skills will survive.
I thought this was a great sequel to the first book, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary (Read my review of it here.) I found this book was more about character building, the politics and life surrounding a Legionnaire and while I enjoyed reading more about Vitruvius' inner machinations, I would've loved to have seen more battles.
I found that the book could have used more descriptive battles, I love to read a good battle and there are certain subjects where I expect to see them and this book was such. Don't get me wrong, the battles that did take place were great but I just wanted to see more.
I truly loved that this is based on historical events. I loved the history that the author conveyed to the reader and how it was like to live the life of a Legionnaire. I thought the author had done his research well and everything co-existed nicely with the other, in that, Vitruvius was believable in the setting and the reader would be hard pressed to tell if he actually participated in the real history events.
I would give Soldier Of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt a four out of five stars. The editorial issues are minimal, the expletives are mild to moderate as are the battle scenes. I found it to be a great read, with much depth of character, I just wished there had been more battles.
February 24, 2016
full review on the way
It has been too long since I read book one of the Soldier of Rome series, so long, in fact, that when I did read it I wasn't blogging book reviews. The Sacrovir Revolt was thus a pleasant reunion with Artorius and his mates as they proved their mettle once again. In this edition, a group of Gallic nobles decides to take on Rome and throw off the yoke of subservience they have felt for 70 years or so. The author provides a thrilling ride that gives a glimpse into the lives of not only The Legions but also a look into the Tiberius run empire; in particular the aftermath of the murder of Germanicus. I found this part of the story very interesting as the main characters (Tiberius, Agrippina, Piso, Sejanus, etc.) are portrayed in a slightly different manner than the I, Claudius version of Robert Graves...this is not to say there aren't similarities but enough of a difference to pique my interest. James Mace has a good feel for the structure of a legion and the attendant activities of those in command; on every level. The plot for the rebellion is well done as are the confrontations between the combatants. All in all this tale is an exciting read and I will be continuing on, though hopefully with less of an interval that I had between books 1 and 2. 4 stars
It has been too long since I read book one of the Soldier of Rome series, so long, in fact, that when I did read it I wasn't blogging book reviews. The Sacrovir Revolt was thus a pleasant reunion with Artorius and his mates as they proved their mettle once again. In this edition, a group of Gallic nobles decides to take on Rome and throw off the yoke of subservience they have felt for 70 years or so. The author provides a thrilling ride that gives a glimpse into the lives of not only The Legions but also a look into the Tiberius run empire; in particular the aftermath of the murder of Germanicus. I found this part of the story very interesting as the main characters (Tiberius, Agrippina, Piso, Sejanus, etc.) are portrayed in a slightly different manner than the I, Claudius version of Robert Graves...this is not to say there aren't similarities but enough of a difference to pique my interest. James Mace has a good feel for the structure of a legion and the attendant activities of those in command; on every level. The plot for the rebellion is well done as are the confrontations between the combatants. All in all this tale is an exciting read and I will be continuing on, though hopefully with less of an interval that I had between books 1 and 2. 4 stars
October 5, 2011
Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir by James Mace
A snapshot of the life of the Roman Legionnaire is the most succinct description of this book although as this is the second book the common Legionnaire has been promoted.
Artorius continues to mature both in body and intellect. This story chronicles a revolt in Gaul. The revolt is motivated more by personal greed and revenge than subjugation of a populace. Once again Mace makes the common soldier of Rome a believable being. Looking at James Mace’s web site, you see he has immersed him historically in the Roman time.
Once again I liked the fact that Mace was not one sided in his approach. I thought he showed both the frustration of some of the Gallic nobles and the acceptance of others. In particular I liked the parent child conflict in regards to participating in the revolt. The cruelty of the slave trade is presented in graphic detail.
As in the first book, anyone fascinated by military history will love this book. Historic fiction fans, in general, will also enjoy the book.
I recommend the book.
A snapshot of the life of the Roman Legionnaire is the most succinct description of this book although as this is the second book the common Legionnaire has been promoted.
Artorius continues to mature both in body and intellect. This story chronicles a revolt in Gaul. The revolt is motivated more by personal greed and revenge than subjugation of a populace. Once again Mace makes the common soldier of Rome a believable being. Looking at James Mace’s web site, you see he has immersed him historically in the Roman time.
Once again I liked the fact that Mace was not one sided in his approach. I thought he showed both the frustration of some of the Gallic nobles and the acceptance of others. In particular I liked the parent child conflict in regards to participating in the revolt. The cruelty of the slave trade is presented in graphic detail.
As in the first book, anyone fascinated by military history will love this book. Historic fiction fans, in general, will also enjoy the book.
I recommend the book.
October 7, 2025
more peopel need to discover James's books. I just can't put them down. These are easy to read (despite the abundance of classical Roman names but hey, that's just what it is, get over it) and are simply rewarding with the friendships that develop as well as the drama.
I love the tight third person perspectives that really showcase the action whether it be the bloody battles, the political intrigue, or just the development of the friendships that are made. Glad I discovered James Mace and will be making the investment to read all of his books.
I love the tight third person perspectives that really showcase the action whether it be the bloody battles, the political intrigue, or just the development of the friendships that are made. Glad I discovered James Mace and will be making the investment to read all of his books.
November 15, 2011
This is the second volume in the Soldier of Rome series. I’d read and reviewed the first one and had generally enjoyed it, so I was willing to do the same for the sequel.
The story begins three years after the first book, which shows pretty well in the maturity of the main character, Artorius. He is no longer quite as impulsive as when we first met him, and he seems to have learned to balance his body with his mind to become a better soldier. As with the first one, sometimes the names got a bit in the way, since similarities in spelling can make for a confusing read. Of course, in Roman times, the names were similar, but for a novel, perhaps it’d been wiser to choose them more carefully. The author does a nice job, however, on the historical details. There is obviously a lot of research behind these books and it shows.
The main issue I saw, in comparison to the first book, was that one’s plot tended to drag a bit. There is less action, i.e. battles, which could have been fine also, if the author had taken a little bit more time to structure the dialogues and small scenes better. They sometimes feel disconnected and not quite as believable as is ideal.
If you like historical and military fiction, then you’ll probably enjoy this one. However, I do recommend you read the first book in the series before you tackle The Sacrovir Revolt.
The story begins three years after the first book, which shows pretty well in the maturity of the main character, Artorius. He is no longer quite as impulsive as when we first met him, and he seems to have learned to balance his body with his mind to become a better soldier. As with the first one, sometimes the names got a bit in the way, since similarities in spelling can make for a confusing read. Of course, in Roman times, the names were similar, but for a novel, perhaps it’d been wiser to choose them more carefully. The author does a nice job, however, on the historical details. There is obviously a lot of research behind these books and it shows.
The main issue I saw, in comparison to the first book, was that one’s plot tended to drag a bit. There is less action, i.e. battles, which could have been fine also, if the author had taken a little bit more time to structure the dialogues and small scenes better. They sometimes feel disconnected and not quite as believable as is ideal.
If you like historical and military fiction, then you’ll probably enjoy this one. However, I do recommend you read the first book in the series before you tackle The Sacrovir Revolt.
January 28, 2016
Most of what I know about Roman legionnaires comes from an interest in archaeology, so I had no understanding or real knowledge of the era represented here. I received this book from a friend with more widespread interests than mine ( I know some USMC, US Rev War, and Norse). That being said, I enjoyed the inter-regimental politics, insight into how things were done and perceived by the men in the field. More knowledgeable reviewers attest to the historicity of events and are pleased with this rendering. My personal view is that I now wish to read more of this series, from the first onward.
Patterson's performance is excellent, of course. Clear precise speech and audio interpretation of personages and emotions bring the tale to life and enhance reader understanding.
One man can make a difference, regardless of standing or century.
Patterson's performance is excellent, of course. Clear precise speech and audio interpretation of personages and emotions bring the tale to life and enhance reader understanding.
One man can make a difference, regardless of standing or century.
November 16, 2012
Un libro para entretener, narra el supuesto levantamiento de tribus galas unos cinco años despues de la campaña en Germania contra Arminio, despues de la derrota romana en Teotoburgo. No me pareció muy apasionante, me quede esperando algún evento que le sumara pero en realidad fue una cadena de eventos sin mucha consecuencia.
October 2, 2020
Good read
I found this book easier to fall into. I understand the need to make the best with what facts you have to work with. I like how you pulled it all together. Very enjoyable. I was confused with the term options until I looked up the plural of optio. I believe it should be optiones, at least that's what I've found.
I found this book easier to fall into. I understand the need to make the best with what facts you have to work with. I like how you pulled it all together. Very enjoyable. I was confused with the term options until I looked up the plural of optio. I believe it should be optiones, at least that's what I've found.
September 11, 2018
Strong Historical Roman Legionary Novel
Author hits all the right notes. The novel is action packed with great historical background. Get your pack and kit ready to join with Artorius and his Cohort to March into the future!
Author hits all the right notes. The novel is action packed with great historical background. Get your pack and kit ready to join with Artorius and his Cohort to March into the future!
June 5, 2022
great research and storytelling
While the editing is not perfect everything else that one could want in historical fiction is. I will be reading all of Mace’s books and recommending them to anyone interested in Ancient Rome.
While the editing is not perfect everything else that one could want in historical fiction is. I will be reading all of Mace’s books and recommending them to anyone interested in Ancient Rome.
May 21, 2013
Quite enjoyed it but got irritated with lack of proof reading, words missed out and bad grammar
March 17, 2014
Wow
Second book in the series.does.not.disappoint
I highly.recommend this book as well.as.the first
love.the genre and this author has nailed it
Second book in the series.does.not.disappoint
I highly.recommend this book as well.as.the first
love.the genre and this author has nailed it
June 21, 2014
Stands up to the first book of the series well...
February 21, 2018
Action and more Action
Lots of action. More battles for Atrocious and his colleagues. Interesting strategy regarding the Roman war machine. I enjoyed this book.
Lots of action. More battles for Atrocious and his colleagues. Interesting strategy regarding the Roman war machine. I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews