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Imperial Assassin #1
Emperor's Sword
A desolate wasteland. A mission gone wrong. An impossible goal. A gripping new series of Ancient Rome.
Roman scout Silus is deep behind enemy lines in Caledonia. As he spies on a raiding party, he is abruptly discovered by an enemy chief and his son.
Mounting a one man ambush, everything quickly goes wrong. Silus must run for his life, the head of the enemy leader in his hands. Little does he know the price he will pay...
As Silus is inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassins and spies, he must return to Caledonia, back into the wilderness, and risk everything in the service of his Caesar. The odds don’t look good.
Failure is not an option.
Roman scout Silus is deep behind enemy lines in Caledonia. As he spies on a raiding party, he is abruptly discovered by an enemy chief and his son.
Mounting a one man ambush, everything quickly goes wrong. Silus must run for his life, the head of the enemy leader in his hands. Little does he know the price he will pay...
As Silus is inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassins and spies, he must return to Caledonia, back into the wilderness, and risk everything in the service of his Caesar. The odds don’t look good.
Failure is not an option.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2019
493 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gough
36 books111 followers Avid reader of multiple genres, including thriller, sci-fi and fantasy, but particularly interested in historical fiction. Author of Roman historical fiction, and owner of the romanfiction.com blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 4, 2021
TW: Murder, sexual assault, animal abuse, violence, gore, profanity, death of a child
This was my first book by this author and I'm so glad to say that it didn't disappoint me. The story is about a Roman scout named Silas who while spying kills an enemy chief and takes his head. At the moment his hadn't realized what kind of events this one decision would set into motion.
Pretty early on I knew this book was very violent with lots of murder, gore, bloodshed. Which is to be expected from a book about ancient Rome. Sometimes it made even me pause and say yikes so that says a lot. I didn't mind this but I put up some trigger warnings anyways. But as brutal as some of the scenes were, the author also added some humor in the story which I could appreciate a lot.
The secondary were equally great to read about, although Silas kept being my favorite. I really rooted for him even though his enemy Maglorix was also really justified with his actions, in my opinion. We were also introduced to emperor Septimius Severus who was co-emperor with his sons Caracalla and Geta. Most of the spotlight was on Caracalla and his relationships with his stepmother. I really liked this because then it wasn't all about Silas and his revenge journey. It made for a nice change in pace.
I do have to admit that at the start of the book I had to get used to the narrator David Thorpe since it was the first time I listened to an audiobook that was narrated by him. I guess I just had to get a feel on the way he narrated but I ended up loving all the different voices and accents that he did. I wouldn't mind listening to more his work.
For some reason I just love books set in ancient Rome that are big on the battles and carnage and grittiness. Which is exactly what I got with Emperor's Sword by Alex Gough.
This was my first book by this author and I'm so glad to say that it didn't disappoint me. The story is about a Roman scout named Silas who while spying kills an enemy chief and takes his head. At the moment his hadn't realized what kind of events this one decision would set into motion.
Pretty early on I knew this book was very violent with lots of murder, gore, bloodshed. Which is to be expected from a book about ancient Rome. Sometimes it made even me pause and say yikes so that says a lot. I didn't mind this but I put up some trigger warnings anyways. But as brutal as some of the scenes were, the author also added some humor in the story which I could appreciate a lot.
The secondary were equally great to read about, although Silas kept being my favorite. I really rooted for him even though his enemy Maglorix was also really justified with his actions, in my opinion. We were also introduced to emperor Septimius Severus who was co-emperor with his sons Caracalla and Geta. Most of the spotlight was on Caracalla and his relationships with his stepmother. I really liked this because then it wasn't all about Silas and his revenge journey. It made for a nice change in pace.
I do have to admit that at the start of the book I had to get used to the narrator David Thorpe since it was the first time I listened to an audiobook that was narrated by him. I guess I just had to get a feel on the way he narrated but I ended up loving all the different voices and accents that he did. I wouldn't mind listening to more his work.
For some reason I just love books set in ancient Rome that are big on the battles and carnage and grittiness. Which is exactly what I got with Emperor's Sword by Alex Gough.
May 20, 2025
Realistic, historically precise, emotionally flat
Emperor's Sword is the first novel in Alex Gough's Imperial Assassin series. It is a story of a soldier in battle. The soldier, Gaius Sergius Silus, (generally just called Silus), is the Assassin referred to in the series title. The emperor (although he is not quite emperor yet) is Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, known by his nickname Caracalla. The story takes place in third-century Britain. At this time the south of Britain was ruled by the Roman Empire. The wilder northern half is under the control of British tribes. Silus himself is the son of a Roman father and a Britannic mother and speaks both Latin and a British dialect. When the story starts he is a skilled spy -- in the course of the story he is recruited into a corps of secret assassins and spies.
It's a story of men at war. It is action-packed and accurate enough to make it completely clear to me that Gough knows much more of the relevant history than I do. It reminded me of several other books, the list of which I will mostly consign to a footnote*. But it is strangely less engaging as a story than any of those other works. Silus feels emotionally flat to me. I don't know why -- lots of things happen to Silus that produce powerful emotions. In him, that is -- but not in me. I can't explain this.
I think part of the problem is that Silus feels very ordinary. He talks like people I run into every day. He doesn't act like them -- I am not personally acquainted with assassins and spies (as far as I know). I suspect Silus's ordinariness is a conscious choice on Gough's part.
But here's the thing -- it is right not to trick a third century Roman soldier out with artificial exoticness. But, realistically, a third-century Roman soldier would, by upbringing and experience, be exotic to a 21st-century reader. Of the stories that Emperor's Sword reminded me of, the one that felt most similar was All for the Union: The Civil War Diary & Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes. This, even though there is a gap of a millennium and a half between them.
Rhodes, like Silus, fought savage opponents through a largely wild country. (The most conspicuous difference is that the missile weapons of Silus's time were arrows and lances -- those of Rhodes's war were firearms.) Rhodes is a plain-spoken soldier. Yet I felt more emotionally engaged with Rhodes than I did with Silus. Rhodes is not exactly exotic -- he's very relatable. Yet he didn't feel to me like the people I run into every day. He's a product of a different time and culture in a way that I feel in every word.
Despite this, I enjoyed Emperor's Sword and intend to continue reading the Imperial Assassin series.
*All for the Union: The Civil War Diary & Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, by Robert Hunt Rhodes, Puck of Pook's Hill, by Rudyard Kipling (particularly the chapters starring Parnesius), Soldier of the Mist, by Gene Wolfe, and Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina, by Robert Graves. There are of course thousands of fictional and nonfictional stories of soldiers at war -- this is merely a short list of the ones that popped into my mind as I read Emperor's Sword.
Blog review.
Emperor's Sword is the first novel in Alex Gough's Imperial Assassin series. It is a story of a soldier in battle. The soldier, Gaius Sergius Silus, (generally just called Silus), is the Assassin referred to in the series title. The emperor (although he is not quite emperor yet) is Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, known by his nickname Caracalla. The story takes place in third-century Britain. At this time the south of Britain was ruled by the Roman Empire. The wilder northern half is under the control of British tribes. Silus himself is the son of a Roman father and a Britannic mother and speaks both Latin and a British dialect. When the story starts he is a skilled spy -- in the course of the story he is recruited into a corps of secret assassins and spies.
It's a story of men at war. It is action-packed and accurate enough to make it completely clear to me that Gough knows much more of the relevant history than I do. It reminded me of several other books, the list of which I will mostly consign to a footnote*. But it is strangely less engaging as a story than any of those other works. Silus feels emotionally flat to me. I don't know why -- lots of things happen to Silus that produce powerful emotions. In him, that is -- but not in me. I can't explain this.
I think part of the problem is that Silus feels very ordinary. He talks like people I run into every day. He doesn't act like them -- I am not personally acquainted with assassins and spies (as far as I know). I suspect Silus's ordinariness is a conscious choice on Gough's part.
But here's the thing -- it is right not to trick a third century Roman soldier out with artificial exoticness. But, realistically, a third-century Roman soldier would, by upbringing and experience, be exotic to a 21st-century reader. Of the stories that Emperor's Sword reminded me of, the one that felt most similar was All for the Union: The Civil War Diary & Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes. This, even though there is a gap of a millennium and a half between them.
Rhodes, like Silus, fought savage opponents through a largely wild country. (The most conspicuous difference is that the missile weapons of Silus's time were arrows and lances -- those of Rhodes's war were firearms.) Rhodes is a plain-spoken soldier. Yet I felt more emotionally engaged with Rhodes than I did with Silus. Rhodes is not exactly exotic -- he's very relatable. Yet he didn't feel to me like the people I run into every day. He's a product of a different time and culture in a way that I feel in every word.
Despite this, I enjoyed Emperor's Sword and intend to continue reading the Imperial Assassin series.
*All for the Union: The Civil War Diary & Letters of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, by Robert Hunt Rhodes, Puck of Pook's Hill, by Rudyard Kipling (particularly the chapters starring Parnesius), Soldier of the Mist, by Gene Wolfe, and Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina, by Robert Graves. There are of course thousands of fictional and nonfictional stories of soldiers at war -- this is merely a short list of the ones that popped into my mind as I read Emperor's Sword.
Blog review.
September 6, 2021
2.5/5 stars for me on this one.
Everything about this book was exceedingly average. Except the dialogue, which was cliche and eye-rolling. If I had been reading this normally, I probably wouldn't have finished it, but I got a free copy from Netgalley and like I said, it wasn't bad, it was just very average. The story starts off on a bad track with me to begin with, doing the whole "violence against women and children to give the man a reason to fight" blah blah blah. Plenty of things do this, but it never ceases to be uninspired, and if this is something that bothers you, skip this book. This book also felt too heavy on plot and not enough on connective tissue, like it just skipped to things happening, a report to the Emperor, things happening, report to the Emperor. The action was also uninspired, the characters were not memorable, and as I said before, the dialogue was wooden and something I felt you'd write in a first draft. I know this is Gough's first book, so maybe he improves in this aspect. But this book made me think a lot of the time that I'd be better off reading something else. However, it was passively entertaining. I love Roman fiction in general and this era (Severus's late reign) is not covered often enough, so I appreciated that.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Everything about this book was exceedingly average. Except the dialogue, which was cliche and eye-rolling. If I had been reading this normally, I probably wouldn't have finished it, but I got a free copy from Netgalley and like I said, it wasn't bad, it was just very average. The story starts off on a bad track with me to begin with, doing the whole "violence against women and children to give the man a reason to fight" blah blah blah. Plenty of things do this, but it never ceases to be uninspired, and if this is something that bothers you, skip this book. This book also felt too heavy on plot and not enough on connective tissue, like it just skipped to things happening, a report to the Emperor, things happening, report to the Emperor. The action was also uninspired, the characters were not memorable, and as I said before, the dialogue was wooden and something I felt you'd write in a first draft. I know this is Gough's first book, so maybe he improves in this aspect. But this book made me think a lot of the time that I'd be better off reading something else. However, it was passively entertaining. I love Roman fiction in general and this era (Severus's late reign) is not covered often enough, so I appreciated that.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 30, 2021
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.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
February 4, 2021
‘𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙜𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚.’
‘𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙧, 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮?’
⚔️210 AD, Caledonia. Silus a Roman scout is deep inside the enemy land of Venicones tribe. As he spies on a raiding party, he discovered the enemy chief and his son hunting alone. To stop the imminent raid from ever happen he killed the Venicone chief and bring his head back to his centurion, little does he know what chain of events he had started. Maglorix, the new Venicones chieftain on the pretext of avenging his father's murder formed a confederacy of tribes of Britannia to remove the Romans from their island once and for all, without knowing what cost all of them have to pay. As one by one the Roman forts falls, their men massacred, women raped and children enslaved by Maglorix army, Silus was inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassin and spies and fiercely loyal to the Emperor to infiltrated the confederation army and assassinate its leader, Maglorix.
⚔️The book - 1st in the Imperial Assassin series - set during the expeditio Felicissima Britannica (the most fortunate British expedition) of Roman emperor Septimius Severus, in which we follow a roman spy Silus's revenge story who plays instrumental in thwarting the rebellion of the Caledonians & the Maeatae confederation against the empire. We also get to see the earlier days of Severus' eldest son and the Co-emperor, Caracalla whose story runs parallel to Silus'.
⚔️This is my first book by Alex and I liked his writing. He had done his research work well and that shows on every page of this book. It is filled with rich historical details, vivid descriptions, and graphic battle scenes which gives you a glimpse of what the Severus Roman Britannica would’ve been. I also love his detailed author's notes and Bibliography shared at the end of the book. I wish he would've also shared a map and glossary.
⚔️Silus's character is well written. Since from the very beginning he was a perfect spy, so there is little scope of development, and his transition into the role of Arcani felt sudden. I would've loved a gradual transition. Maglorix's characterization is praiseworthy, he suffered a lot and his motivations were also justified. Atius was a perfect friend anybody would like to have; I liked his jolly and friendly nature. Now lastly Caracalla - one of the most famous Roman Empire - is the most intriguing and complex character in this book.
⚔️The climax of the book is satisfactory. I felt pity for Silus and Maglorix at the end as realization dawn on me that revenge doesn't make the loss/ grief go away. It just makes a person hollow from inside, leaving one without any purpose to live.
Overall, Emperor's Sword is a wonderful start to a new roman series and I'm looking forward to reading all the books in it. If you're into action-packed, thrilling historical novel, then this book should be added to your TBR list.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
‘𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙧, 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮?’
⚔️210 AD, Caledonia. Silus a Roman scout is deep inside the enemy land of Venicones tribe. As he spies on a raiding party, he discovered the enemy chief and his son hunting alone. To stop the imminent raid from ever happen he killed the Venicone chief and bring his head back to his centurion, little does he know what chain of events he had started. Maglorix, the new Venicones chieftain on the pretext of avenging his father's murder formed a confederacy of tribes of Britannia to remove the Romans from their island once and for all, without knowing what cost all of them have to pay. As one by one the Roman forts falls, their men massacred, women raped and children enslaved by Maglorix army, Silus was inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassin and spies and fiercely loyal to the Emperor to infiltrated the confederation army and assassinate its leader, Maglorix.
⚔️The book - 1st in the Imperial Assassin series - set during the expeditio Felicissima Britannica (the most fortunate British expedition) of Roman emperor Septimius Severus, in which we follow a roman spy Silus's revenge story who plays instrumental in thwarting the rebellion of the Caledonians & the Maeatae confederation against the empire. We also get to see the earlier days of Severus' eldest son and the Co-emperor, Caracalla whose story runs parallel to Silus'.
⚔️This is my first book by Alex and I liked his writing. He had done his research work well and that shows on every page of this book. It is filled with rich historical details, vivid descriptions, and graphic battle scenes which gives you a glimpse of what the Severus Roman Britannica would’ve been. I also love his detailed author's notes and Bibliography shared at the end of the book. I wish he would've also shared a map and glossary.
⚔️Silus's character is well written. Since from the very beginning he was a perfect spy, so there is little scope of development, and his transition into the role of Arcani felt sudden. I would've loved a gradual transition. Maglorix's characterization is praiseworthy, he suffered a lot and his motivations were also justified. Atius was a perfect friend anybody would like to have; I liked his jolly and friendly nature. Now lastly Caracalla - one of the most famous Roman Empire - is the most intriguing and complex character in this book.
⚔️The climax of the book is satisfactory. I felt pity for Silus and Maglorix at the end as realization dawn on me that revenge doesn't make the loss/ grief go away. It just makes a person hollow from inside, leaving one without any purpose to live.
Overall, Emperor's Sword is a wonderful start to a new roman series and I'm looking forward to reading all the books in it. If you're into action-packed, thrilling historical novel, then this book should be added to your TBR list.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
February 15, 2025
Bloody brutal. And I loved it. Highly entertaining. Will definitely continue with the series. 5+⭐️
July 14, 2020
3.5 out of 5 stars. 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.
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.
June 28, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable romp. Far more expletives crammed in than a Scarrow or Kane et al but very realistic use. Similar to Scarrow’s characters Macro and Cato, but no clones.
Silius a Roman scout captures and beheads a tribal chief in the opening pages and all hell breaks loose in his life. With his friend Atius he carves his way through the story.
Good news for me in that this is the first book in the series and I will keep my eye out for the author. It has also wetted my appetite for more Roman stories👍
Silius a Roman scout captures and beheads a tribal chief in the opening pages and all hell breaks loose in his life. With his friend Atius he carves his way through the story.
Good news for me in that this is the first book in the series and I will keep my eye out for the author. It has also wetted my appetite for more Roman stories👍
September 6, 2019
BLURB
A desolate wasteland. A mission gone wrong. An impossible goal. A gripping new series of Ancient Rome
Roman scout Silus is deep behind enemy lines in Caledonia. As he spies on a raiding party, he is abruptly discovered by an enemy chief and his son.
Mounting a one man ambush, everything quickly goes wrong. Silus must run for his life, the head of the enemy leader in his hands. Little does he know the price he will pay...
As Silus is inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassins and spies, he must return to Caledonia, back into the wilderness, and risk everything in the service of his Caesar. The odds don’t look good.
Failure is not an option.
REVIEW
What we have here is an example of an author using the historical research, or lack thereof, and combining that with a creative flair to produce an exciting story of loss and courage. A no holds barred sweep of competing forces bent on total destruction of their foes, Emperor's Sword is also a glimpse into the human soul as Silus copes with the guilt ridden hopelessness that underlies his life, and is a driving force in the revenge he seeks. I love Roman fiction, there are so many eras, places, and people to bring to life on a written page, and this one is spot on. Caracalla in Caledonia, oh what fun. A page turning, heart pounding tale awaits you, my fellow readers. 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A desolate wasteland. A mission gone wrong. An impossible goal. A gripping new series of Ancient Rome
Roman scout Silus is deep behind enemy lines in Caledonia. As he spies on a raiding party, he is abruptly discovered by an enemy chief and his son.
Mounting a one man ambush, everything quickly goes wrong. Silus must run for his life, the head of the enemy leader in his hands. Little does he know the price he will pay...
As Silus is inducted into the Arcani, an elite faction of assassins and spies, he must return to Caledonia, back into the wilderness, and risk everything in the service of his Caesar. The odds don’t look good.
Failure is not an option.
REVIEW
What we have here is an example of an author using the historical research, or lack thereof, and combining that with a creative flair to produce an exciting story of loss and courage. A no holds barred sweep of competing forces bent on total destruction of their foes, Emperor's Sword is also a glimpse into the human soul as Silus copes with the guilt ridden hopelessness that underlies his life, and is a driving force in the revenge he seeks. I love Roman fiction, there are so many eras, places, and people to bring to life on a written page, and this one is spot on. Caracalla in Caledonia, oh what fun. A page turning, heart pounding tale awaits you, my fellow readers. 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 7, 2020
And again!
Will you please stop! You are causing disharmony in my household. Every time I pick up one of your books, I can’t put it down. Jobs get missed or not done, shopping delayed etc.
This one is no exception. Totally unable to put it down. From first to last page, well written and fast paced. This new character certainly grabs your attention. An ancient historical version of Lee Childs or Peter James, with the same exciting quality..
Just about to start the next one in the series.
Btw, my wife is citing you in our divorce.
Will you please stop! You are causing disharmony in my household. Every time I pick up one of your books, I can’t put it down. Jobs get missed or not done, shopping delayed etc.
This one is no exception. Totally unable to put it down. From first to last page, well written and fast paced. This new character certainly grabs your attention. An ancient historical version of Lee Childs or Peter James, with the same exciting quality..
Just about to start the next one in the series.
Btw, my wife is citing you in our divorce.
November 4, 2023
4,5 von 5 Sterne
August 2, 2021
Format: audiobook
Author: Alex Gough ~ Title: Emperor's Sword ~ Narrator: David Thorpe
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings: profanity, sex, violence, gore, murder, slavery, mentions of rape, death, death of a child,...
Complete audiobook review
I rarely read this type of books. But, I often watch movies and series exactly like this.
Set in Caledonia, roughly today's Scotland, in the time of Ancient Rome. Silus, a roman scout of mixed roots, doesn’t know what he started when he makes an instant decision.
Emperor’s Sword is a fast-paced historical thriller. It is full of action, rough and ruthless, as life in those times was. Not all the point is in the violence. You can, as I did, enjoy a lot of details about Roman life, settlements, houses, and more. If violent content is a problem for you, I should warn you: there are quite some trigger warnings. There is a lot of blood, violence, gore, and more. So I would recommend this novel to readers who like fast-paced, action-filled historical thrillers and, of course, expect this kind of content.
Excellent narration and accents make this book even better. Performed by British actor David Thorpe. Narration fits this kind of novel, and I think I enjoyed this novel even more in an audiobook form.
Thanks to the Saga Egmont Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.
Author: Alex Gough ~ Title: Emperor's Sword ~ Narrator: David Thorpe
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings: profanity, sex, violence, gore, murder, slavery, mentions of rape, death, death of a child,...
Complete audiobook review
I rarely read this type of books. But, I often watch movies and series exactly like this.
Set in Caledonia, roughly today's Scotland, in the time of Ancient Rome. Silus, a roman scout of mixed roots, doesn’t know what he started when he makes an instant decision.
Emperor’s Sword is a fast-paced historical thriller. It is full of action, rough and ruthless, as life in those times was. Not all the point is in the violence. You can, as I did, enjoy a lot of details about Roman life, settlements, houses, and more. If violent content is a problem for you, I should warn you: there are quite some trigger warnings. There is a lot of blood, violence, gore, and more. So I would recommend this novel to readers who like fast-paced, action-filled historical thrillers and, of course, expect this kind of content.
Excellent narration and accents make this book even better. Performed by British actor David Thorpe. Narration fits this kind of novel, and I think I enjoyed this novel even more in an audiobook form.
Thanks to the Saga Egmont Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2024
I went through a reading slump whilst reading this which is why it took me so long to get through it - it wasn’t the books fault, though! I did enjoy it - great care was taken to keep it historically faithful, perhaps to the point where it got a little exhausting at the third explanation of Roman warfare during the fight scenes. I just want to know what’s happening to the characters! I liked the main character, Silus, a lot however and enjoyed how he was written. A good man who has had a lot of bad things happen to him. Overall, really good and I’ll certainly keep an eye out for the next books in the series!
April 23, 2025
An enjoyable, if fairly blood-drenched entry into the Roman 'faction' genre. Whilst a tad graphic at times, these were violent times, and I have no doubt that such dreadful atrocities were both routine and commonplace on both sides as described in this story - truly meeting violence with escalatory violence.
The main character was interesting, and not entirely likeable at times as circumstance and history made him undertake questionable things, but the story, and the writing makes me want to seek out the remaining two books in this trilogy.
The main character was interesting, and not entirely likeable at times as circumstance and history made him undertake questionable things, but the story, and the writing makes me want to seek out the remaining two books in this trilogy.
July 19, 2020
Revenge
I have it 4* for one reason. Even though the story was informative it did not move along fast enough. Other then that it was a good tail about a young man Silus that loses everything he holds dear to him then seeks revenge for what he has lost.
I have it 4* for one reason. Even though the story was informative it did not move along fast enough. Other then that it was a good tail about a young man Silus that loses everything he holds dear to him then seeks revenge for what he has lost.
September 12, 2020
This was a fun adventure tale of the classic revenge theme. A revenge the hero had started, but still, a fun read. I will read the others in this series.
Read
June 2, 2022Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNING: gore, mention of rape, harm to an animal, profanity, violence, death of a child, mention of slavery, murder, torture
I actually got into this series thanks to a NetGalley approval for the fourth book in the series (which I didn’t realize was the fourth book in the series at the time). Once I was hooked on the series, I immediately wanted more and struggled to find it through my local library. So obviously, when the audiobook for the first book became available, I nearly danced for joy when it was approved.
David Thorpe is the narrator, and I absolutely loved his accent. I could listen to this man speak all day long (and actually ended up doing exactly that). But reader/listener beware: this is a book about war, so there’s a lot of violence, and some brief mention of rape. There’s also quite a bit of profanity, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The characters are amazing. Silus is a scout, and after making a split-second decision, everything seems to go wrong, although it does change the course of his military career. His character is so well-developed, and then other characters are slowly integrated in the beginning of the story, allowing us to get to know them. Major players include Atius, who basically becomes Silus’s partner, as well as Maglorix, a tribal chieftain providing insight into the other side of the story, and Caracalla, the son of the current emperor of Rome.
It was an intriguing look into history, where rather than focusing on the politics and upper echelon of society, it stayed in the mud with the soldiers of the army. Staying fixed on Silus’s journey from scout to Arcani was fascinating, and it was clear that the author had done immense amounts of research for this book. I found myself immersed in the story playing out, and I could empathize with both sides of the conflict — the Caledonians wanted to stay free, and the Romans were always looking to take over more lands to expand their empire.
While there weren’t a lot of major plot twists, there was a level of tension that was maintained throughout the story that kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what would happen next. I was fully invested in the story from start to finish. The pacing was a little slow at some points, and the denouement felt a tiny bit anticlimactic after the characters spent nearly the entire book seeking revenge, but overall, I’m not sorry that I invested the time reading this. It was a well-written and interesting story, and I’m absolutely going to continue. It doesn’t hurt that I already know that the fourth book is exceptional, and I can only expect the two books in between to improve from this one.
CONTENT WARNING: gore, mention of rape, harm to an animal, profanity, violence, death of a child, mention of slavery, murder, torture
I actually got into this series thanks to a NetGalley approval for the fourth book in the series (which I didn’t realize was the fourth book in the series at the time). Once I was hooked on the series, I immediately wanted more and struggled to find it through my local library. So obviously, when the audiobook for the first book became available, I nearly danced for joy when it was approved.
David Thorpe is the narrator, and I absolutely loved his accent. I could listen to this man speak all day long (and actually ended up doing exactly that). But reader/listener beware: this is a book about war, so there’s a lot of violence, and some brief mention of rape. There’s also quite a bit of profanity, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The characters are amazing. Silus is a scout, and after making a split-second decision, everything seems to go wrong, although it does change the course of his military career. His character is so well-developed, and then other characters are slowly integrated in the beginning of the story, allowing us to get to know them. Major players include Atius, who basically becomes Silus’s partner, as well as Maglorix, a tribal chieftain providing insight into the other side of the story, and Caracalla, the son of the current emperor of Rome.
It was an intriguing look into history, where rather than focusing on the politics and upper echelon of society, it stayed in the mud with the soldiers of the army. Staying fixed on Silus’s journey from scout to Arcani was fascinating, and it was clear that the author had done immense amounts of research for this book. I found myself immersed in the story playing out, and I could empathize with both sides of the conflict — the Caledonians wanted to stay free, and the Romans were always looking to take over more lands to expand their empire.
While there weren’t a lot of major plot twists, there was a level of tension that was maintained throughout the story that kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what would happen next. I was fully invested in the story from start to finish. The pacing was a little slow at some points, and the denouement felt a tiny bit anticlimactic after the characters spent nearly the entire book seeking revenge, but overall, I’m not sorry that I invested the time reading this. It was a well-written and interesting story, and I’m absolutely going to continue. It doesn’t hurt that I already know that the fourth book is exceptional, and I can only expect the two books in between to improve from this one.
December 13, 2023
2.5/5 stars. The Emperor's Sword was a book I was excited for. The speculatores and arcani are two aspects of Roman fiction I would love to see explored more. While I enjoy military fiction, I find intrigue and mysteries far more interesting. And at first, the Emperor's Sword holds up. It has a very cinematic feel to it, and I have no problem with the general plot outline. It's when you get into the nitty gritty that the book begins to fall apart.
First, there is a content warning. The book includes rape, child death, torture, and plenty of references to urination and defecation. While I personally didn't have a problem with this, I can see the average reader having trouble stomaching some aspects.
Now, the biggest problem with the story is the main character Silus. His mother is a 'barbarian' and his father a Roman, and this makes him a perfect spy, while also opening him up to character depth. This is barely explored. Early on, his wife and daughter are killed, setting in motion his revenge story. Throughout most of the story he doesn't hesitate in killing others. When he finds out he will have to kill Innocents he questions it, but when it comes time there is no hesitation. Heck, he accidentally kills a kid and it doesn't faze him (despite having only lost his own child not long before). The only thing that fazes him is when he is finally about to get revenge, and then hesitates because he's worried what he will do with his life afterwards. Which, of course, annoyingly, allows the bad guy to escape and turn the tables on him. The only point that Silus has character development is at the very end when he sees the devastations of the Romans, and it doesn't feel earned. Up until then he didn't feel the tiniest bit of remorse, and even advocated for exactly what the Romans are doing.
Another big problem is the loosening of bowels. Now, it's a part of life that you really only see in grimdark or gritty stories. The sad truth of death is that as you are dying or terrified, your body expels waste. This fact is brought up at every chance possible in the story. I didn't count, but I would bet that there is over a dozen references to it. Even when it makes no sense. After escaping torture and certain death, Silus struggles to not loosen his boughs in front of Augustus after he shares a secret and explains that if Silus told anyone he'd have to strangle him. The constant references to this make it seem like the Romans are just walking around fouling themselves any time they are uneasy.
There's also a weird moment at the end when Silus finally gets his revenge and has a conversation with his nemesis. Despite having killed his daughter, attempted to rape and then proceeded to kill his wife, came close to flaying Silus alive, and in general was just a terrible person, Silus forgives the bad guy. And then they talk about how if things had been different they could've fought alongside each other and been great. Which, like, if setup better it would've been a great moment. But as it is, it's kind of like Sauron telling Frodo they could've been friends in another life.
With Silus being a dud, his friend Atius is actually the gem of the story. A follower of Christos, a womanizer, a man with a big mouth, and yet fiercely loyal. He is a walking contradiction, but in a human way that is realistic. If I do decide to read more of this series, it will be because of Atius.
Emperor's Sword is a book with a lot of potential. All the right elements are there. With some small changes and more emotional depth, it would be a four star book easily. I enjoyed 80% of what was here, because like I said, there are a lot of good elements to this story. But as it stands, it's flaws are too rough for me to recommend to anyone.
First, there is a content warning. The book includes rape, child death, torture, and plenty of references to urination and defecation. While I personally didn't have a problem with this, I can see the average reader having trouble stomaching some aspects.
Now, the biggest problem with the story is the main character Silus. His mother is a 'barbarian' and his father a Roman, and this makes him a perfect spy, while also opening him up to character depth. This is barely explored. Early on, his wife and daughter are killed, setting in motion his revenge story. Throughout most of the story he doesn't hesitate in killing others. When he finds out he will have to kill Innocents he questions it, but when it comes time there is no hesitation. Heck, he accidentally kills a kid and it doesn't faze him (despite having only lost his own child not long before). The only thing that fazes him is when he is finally about to get revenge, and then hesitates because he's worried what he will do with his life afterwards. Which, of course, annoyingly, allows the bad guy to escape and turn the tables on him. The only point that Silus has character development is at the very end when he sees the devastations of the Romans, and it doesn't feel earned. Up until then he didn't feel the tiniest bit of remorse, and even advocated for exactly what the Romans are doing.
Another big problem is the loosening of bowels. Now, it's a part of life that you really only see in grimdark or gritty stories. The sad truth of death is that as you are dying or terrified, your body expels waste. This fact is brought up at every chance possible in the story. I didn't count, but I would bet that there is over a dozen references to it. Even when it makes no sense. After escaping torture and certain death, Silus struggles to not loosen his boughs in front of Augustus after he shares a secret and explains that if Silus told anyone he'd have to strangle him. The constant references to this make it seem like the Romans are just walking around fouling themselves any time they are uneasy.
There's also a weird moment at the end when Silus finally gets his revenge and has a conversation with his nemesis. Despite having killed his daughter, attempted to rape and then proceeded to kill his wife, came close to flaying Silus alive, and in general was just a terrible person, Silus forgives the bad guy. And then they talk about how if things had been different they could've fought alongside each other and been great. Which, like, if setup better it would've been a great moment. But as it is, it's kind of like Sauron telling Frodo they could've been friends in another life.
With Silus being a dud, his friend Atius is actually the gem of the story. A follower of Christos, a womanizer, a man with a big mouth, and yet fiercely loyal. He is a walking contradiction, but in a human way that is realistic. If I do decide to read more of this series, it will be because of Atius.
Emperor's Sword is a book with a lot of potential. All the right elements are there. With some small changes and more emotional depth, it would be a four star book easily. I enjoyed 80% of what was here, because like I said, there are a lot of good elements to this story. But as it stands, it's flaws are too rough for me to recommend to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
In Alex Gough’s novel Emperor’s Sword Silus is a Roman scout north of Hadrian’s wall whose heroic, but rash action sets off a dangerous chain of consequences that spiral out of control. Dangerous both for himself and his family, but also for the wider empire. Silus is rapidly drawn into great events and intrigue in the imperial family itself.
This can happen quickly as while Roman Britannia is at the edge of the Roman world the date is 210AD and the Emperor Septimus Severus and his two sons Caracalla and Geta are in York. Severus is engaged in a campaign to secure the frontier and conquer Scotland. But his health is failing and his sons hate each other - hence the intrigue.
The narrative is fast paced and action packed. It is a gritty, blood soaked story - with much of the blood being from massacres rather than set pieces between combatants. The story is mostly from Silus’ perspective - so that of a simple legionnaire, albeit one with a privileged position as a scout and picked out for special missions.
The plot does stretch credibility at times. First that an otherwise unremarkable legionnaire should be at the centre of events so many times. And more seriously the number of times people escape situations they really should not have. There are at least four escapes from almost certain death - not all Silus but all essential for the plot.
As a historical novel I am always pleased when there is some information given on the background resources. Gough goes so far as to provide us with translations of the two accounts of the campaign we have at the end in addition to a bibliography.
This attention to history means it is all the more annoying when he overturns those same sources! Caracalla is given as being more than a decade older than his brother, and in a relationship with his (step) mother, Julia Domna. The problem is that it is generally taken that he was only a year older, and Julia his mother! Gough explains that the older age for Caracalla is given in the Historia Augusta but given the unreliability of this source and it being written two hundred years after the event it is an odd choice. Why would you take a source known to be unreliable and written long after the event over a contemporary (Cassius Dio) who knew the people he was writing about? This is a bit like taking me as a reliable source on Queen Victoria over Gladstone.
Changing history in a historical novel is fine, it is fiction afterall, but there needs to be a purpose. It is unclear here what the purpose is. The affair and age are irrelevant to the plot. When there is so much else that is totally unknown why play with the bits that are known? If you want to do so just make it a fantasy world with a romanesque setting.
Annoyances aside the Emperor’s sword was a fun rush of a novel. For those who like action with little in the way of romance.
This can happen quickly as while Roman Britannia is at the edge of the Roman world the date is 210AD and the Emperor Septimus Severus and his two sons Caracalla and Geta are in York. Severus is engaged in a campaign to secure the frontier and conquer Scotland. But his health is failing and his sons hate each other - hence the intrigue.
The narrative is fast paced and action packed. It is a gritty, blood soaked story - with much of the blood being from massacres rather than set pieces between combatants. The story is mostly from Silus’ perspective - so that of a simple legionnaire, albeit one with a privileged position as a scout and picked out for special missions.
The plot does stretch credibility at times. First that an otherwise unremarkable legionnaire should be at the centre of events so many times. And more seriously the number of times people escape situations they really should not have. There are at least four escapes from almost certain death - not all Silus but all essential for the plot.
As a historical novel I am always pleased when there is some information given on the background resources. Gough goes so far as to provide us with translations of the two accounts of the campaign we have at the end in addition to a bibliography.
This attention to history means it is all the more annoying when he overturns those same sources! Caracalla is given as being more than a decade older than his brother, and in a relationship with his (step) mother, Julia Domna. The problem is that it is generally taken that he was only a year older, and Julia his mother! Gough explains that the older age for Caracalla is given in the Historia Augusta but given the unreliability of this source and it being written two hundred years after the event it is an odd choice. Why would you take a source known to be unreliable and written long after the event over a contemporary (Cassius Dio) who knew the people he was writing about? This is a bit like taking me as a reliable source on Queen Victoria over Gladstone.
Changing history in a historical novel is fine, it is fiction afterall, but there needs to be a purpose. It is unclear here what the purpose is. The affair and age are irrelevant to the plot. When there is so much else that is totally unknown why play with the bits that are known? If you want to do so just make it a fantasy world with a romanesque setting.
Annoyances aside the Emperor’s sword was a fun rush of a novel. For those who like action with little in the way of romance.
July 11, 2021
I got two-thirds of the way through the audiobook before giving up.
The characters are well done, believable, motivated by things I can appreciate an actual person wanting to do.
The world building is well done, quickly done but a bit too academic for my tastes. Like someone wanting to show off how much they know about accurate Roman history... not a bad thing, just a little distracting for a quickly moving plot.
The narration is excellent.
But the dialogue dear God, I couldn't put up with it.
Judging by other reviews, not everybody was a distracted and put off as me, but its still a problem I have to deal with.
Though it did remind me of a good lesson I learned back in 2004.
Storytime:
Back in 12th grade English class, we had to write a story. A girl wrote a good story about a woman leaving her family and having to prostitute herself to survive. In one scene, the girl asks an older, mentor, prostitute how she works when on her period. The older whore, with a backstory of abuse and drugs and (important to the story, lack of education) said "When I'm on my cycle, ..." and our teacher called the girl out for this.
"Is this the way this character would talk? Would this person actually use those words?"
The next day our teacher gives us a scene to read from a book from the mid 1800's, written by a woman trying to promote education. The scene is a man beating his wife because his mining job sucks and he can't get out because he's uneducated and its the world's fault, etc. The message of the book is with an education everyone gets better options so we could educate everybody... but the man beating his wife is speaking the King's English, proper grammar, big worlds, complex sentences... it ruins the effect the author was going for. The character didn't sound or feel uneducated.
Like the girl's story was ruined by her crack whore's word choice.
Our teacher's point was to make characters be honest with their language. You didn't have to cuss or be gross, just think about how would an employee talk to their boss compared to talking to their spouse and write accordingly.
In Emperor's Sword, every character speaks the same, from the Emperor to a common Roman solider to a Scottish barbarian... the monologues and speeches are just too much for me to tolerate. Just too annoying and repetitive.
One character doesn't speak Latin so his language is short, simple words... so Gough obviously knew he could write characters with different diction and speaking patterns and choose not to. Once I heard this character, I gave up.
**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are well done, believable, motivated by things I can appreciate an actual person wanting to do.
The world building is well done, quickly done but a bit too academic for my tastes. Like someone wanting to show off how much they know about accurate Roman history... not a bad thing, just a little distracting for a quickly moving plot.
The narration is excellent.
But the dialogue dear God, I couldn't put up with it.
Judging by other reviews, not everybody was a distracted and put off as me, but its still a problem I have to deal with.
Though it did remind me of a good lesson I learned back in 2004.
Storytime:
Back in 12th grade English class, we had to write a story. A girl wrote a good story about a woman leaving her family and having to prostitute herself to survive. In one scene, the girl asks an older, mentor, prostitute how she works when on her period. The older whore, with a backstory of abuse and drugs and (important to the story, lack of education) said "When I'm on my cycle, ..." and our teacher called the girl out for this.
"Is this the way this character would talk? Would this person actually use those words?"
The next day our teacher gives us a scene to read from a book from the mid 1800's, written by a woman trying to promote education. The scene is a man beating his wife because his mining job sucks and he can't get out because he's uneducated and its the world's fault, etc. The message of the book is with an education everyone gets better options so we could educate everybody... but the man beating his wife is speaking the King's English, proper grammar, big worlds, complex sentences... it ruins the effect the author was going for. The character didn't sound or feel uneducated.
Like the girl's story was ruined by her crack whore's word choice.
Our teacher's point was to make characters be honest with their language. You didn't have to cuss or be gross, just think about how would an employee talk to their boss compared to talking to their spouse and write accordingly.
In Emperor's Sword, every character speaks the same, from the Emperor to a common Roman solider to a Scottish barbarian... the monologues and speeches are just too much for me to tolerate. Just too annoying and repetitive.
One character doesn't speak Latin so his language is short, simple words... so Gough obviously knew he could write characters with different diction and speaking patterns and choose not to. Once I heard this character, I gave up.
**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
Man, this story is gory but it is extremely compelling! Meticulously researched, full of intrigue, and full of page-turning twists, 'Emperor's Sword' is an incredibly enjoyable initial entry into Alex Gogh's Imperial Assassin series.
The main character, Silus, is driven by revenge for his family and undertakes quite the journey to attain that end. The character growth, which examines the meaning of purpose in one's life and what it means to attain one's ends for the purpose of revenge, drove the human element throughout the entire narrative. How the characters grapple and deal with grief also made for interesting character examination. His companion, Atius, provides a useful foil for Silus's grim outlook and provides a small ray of light onto the book's dark tone. His nemesis, Megalorix, was also more rounded than I anticipated. There was a greying of good/bad, black/white between the Romans and Britons, which is essential when examining the conflicts between these peoples.
I thought the Severan imperial family were extremely well-written. The ailing Septimius Severus and his tenuous grasp on power, Caracalla and his impatience to assume the throne coupled with his hatred for his brother, Geta's mutual hatred and attempts to undermine his brother, Julia Domna and her torn loyalties between the three men, were all rendered vividly. One can't help but find oneself drawn into these imperial intrigues - and Gough has done extremely well to flesh these characters out, given the dearth of historical writings about them and their exploits. The author notes and historical sources listed in the back were both appreciated and underlined the amount of research that went into the book.
Great, thrilling read - I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
The main character, Silus, is driven by revenge for his family and undertakes quite the journey to attain that end. The character growth, which examines the meaning of purpose in one's life and what it means to attain one's ends for the purpose of revenge, drove the human element throughout the entire narrative. How the characters grapple and deal with grief also made for interesting character examination. His companion, Atius, provides a useful foil for Silus's grim outlook and provides a small ray of light onto the book's dark tone. His nemesis, Megalorix, was also more rounded than I anticipated. There was a greying of good/bad, black/white between the Romans and Britons, which is essential when examining the conflicts between these peoples.
I thought the Severan imperial family were extremely well-written. The ailing Septimius Severus and his tenuous grasp on power, Caracalla and his impatience to assume the throne coupled with his hatred for his brother, Geta's mutual hatred and attempts to undermine his brother, Julia Domna and her torn loyalties between the three men, were all rendered vividly. One can't help but find oneself drawn into these imperial intrigues - and Gough has done extremely well to flesh these characters out, given the dearth of historical writings about them and their exploits. The author notes and historical sources listed in the back were both appreciated and underlined the amount of research that went into the book.
Great, thrilling read - I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
May 1, 2021
A great book reminiscent of exactly the authors mentioned on the back cover - very in the vein of Harry Sidebottom and Conn Iggulden, a story of war in the time of Empire.
There's great writing as well as an interesting storyline, set in the wilds of my area of the world/country - Northern England - as well as in the wilds of a lower Scotland that really isn't that much different from below Hadrian's wall now, but then was a collection of villages on the wrong side of a wall manned by the enemy. At a time after the Antonine wall, when tribal leaders wanted to release the yoke, when the peoples of outside were intent on keeping their homes and way of life, this highlights much in society, even today's society, that is lacking. As Tacitus said of his people: they make a desert and call it peace. A maxim probably as relevant today as it was then, only the empires have changed and the world, with all humanity's technology, is a lot smaller, figuratively speaking.
Aside from the philosophizing I often do after reading a book, the setting being the element I enjoyed most aside from the story with it's twists, turns and reversals of fortune, there's much to recommend this book and the quality of the writing, making this a great novel to relax with and enjoy.
There's great writing as well as an interesting storyline, set in the wilds of my area of the world/country - Northern England - as well as in the wilds of a lower Scotland that really isn't that much different from below Hadrian's wall now, but then was a collection of villages on the wrong side of a wall manned by the enemy. At a time after the Antonine wall, when tribal leaders wanted to release the yoke, when the peoples of outside were intent on keeping their homes and way of life, this highlights much in society, even today's society, that is lacking. As Tacitus said of his people: they make a desert and call it peace. A maxim probably as relevant today as it was then, only the empires have changed and the world, with all humanity's technology, is a lot smaller, figuratively speaking.
Aside from the philosophizing I often do after reading a book, the setting being the element I enjoyed most aside from the story with it's twists, turns and reversals of fortune, there's much to recommend this book and the quality of the writing, making this a great novel to relax with and enjoy.
April 24, 2024
I still vividly remember the first historical fiction novel I read when I was a kid, and it was one of the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. Ever since then, I compare almost all historical novels to Cornwell's standard, which is perhaps a bit unfair for some.
But not for this, Emperor's Sword by Alex Gough, the first in The Imperial Assassin series.
In the opening, our hero manages to behead one of his enemies, which sets off a tale of revenge, survival, and bloodshed that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The action is brilliantly done, the writing pacy, and the characters well-drawn. The time period is a character in itself, and Alex brings it to life in vivid detail. It's not a place you'd particularly want to live, but you'll be right there with the characters of this one.
(There's even some darkly comedic sections that hit perfectly for me. I found myself laughing at the idea of the hero bringing a bloody head in a bag back home to his family.)
Gough has proved himself an excellent storyteller here, one that you definitely shouldn't miss if you're a fan of Cornwell, historical fiction, or historical military fiction.
But not for this, Emperor's Sword by Alex Gough, the first in The Imperial Assassin series.
In the opening, our hero manages to behead one of his enemies, which sets off a tale of revenge, survival, and bloodshed that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The action is brilliantly done, the writing pacy, and the characters well-drawn. The time period is a character in itself, and Alex brings it to life in vivid detail. It's not a place you'd particularly want to live, but you'll be right there with the characters of this one.
(There's even some darkly comedic sections that hit perfectly for me. I found myself laughing at the idea of the hero bringing a bloody head in a bag back home to his family.)
Gough has proved himself an excellent storyteller here, one that you definitely shouldn't miss if you're a fan of Cornwell, historical fiction, or historical military fiction.
August 3, 2021
I think I may have just found a new favourite historical author.
This was an excellent book set in Roman Britain, with feuding sons of the Emperor and the British getting restless at the occupation by the Romans. The two sides in this revolt certainly don’t hold back and are quite ruthless in how they deal with each other. Beware the body count is high.
Within this scenario we met a Roman Scout, Silus, who during an ambush kills and takes the head of a Tribal leader. This sets in action great consequences for him, his family and the Romans. He is a great character and I can’t wait to read more of his exploits in the other books in the series. Fast moving, blood thirsty, well written and supported by a group of great characters. What is not to love!
If you enjoy Roman History books then I feel this series is a must for you and I highly recommend it. The narrator did a great job of reading the book and it held my interest throughout. I’m totally hooked!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for providing a copy of this book for me, for an an open and honest review.
This was an excellent book set in Roman Britain, with feuding sons of the Emperor and the British getting restless at the occupation by the Romans. The two sides in this revolt certainly don’t hold back and are quite ruthless in how they deal with each other. Beware the body count is high.
Within this scenario we met a Roman Scout, Silus, who during an ambush kills and takes the head of a Tribal leader. This sets in action great consequences for him, his family and the Romans. He is a great character and I can’t wait to read more of his exploits in the other books in the series. Fast moving, blood thirsty, well written and supported by a group of great characters. What is not to love!
If you enjoy Roman History books then I feel this series is a must for you and I highly recommend it. The narrator did a great job of reading the book and it held my interest throughout. I’m totally hooked!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for providing a copy of this book for me, for an an open and honest review.
January 6, 2024
DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
Emperor’s Sword is set in 210 AD in Britain as the Romans based at Eboracum come under threat from the tribes of Northern Britain.
The story focuses on Silus, a scout for the Roman Army who is eventually drawn into the Arcani, the secret service of the Roman Empire. Silus’ personal loss of his family drives his need for revenge against a leader of the Meaetae, Maglorix. In the context of a rising by the northern tribes, the author shows Silus working with the Junior Emperor Caracalla to bring a Roman victory.
Alex Gough has created an interesting character in Silus, as a spy working for the Romans and writes well about the Roman Army. His setting in Britain seems well researched and there is a strong narrative drive in the novel, with the historical events told alongside the personal stories of the individual characters.
The story focuses on Silus, a scout for the Roman Army who is eventually drawn into the Arcani, the secret service of the Roman Empire. Silus’ personal loss of his family drives his need for revenge against a leader of the Meaetae, Maglorix. In the context of a rising by the northern tribes, the author shows Silus working with the Junior Emperor Caracalla to bring a Roman victory.
Alex Gough has created an interesting character in Silus, as a spy working for the Romans and writes well about the Roman Army. His setting in Britain seems well researched and there is a strong narrative drive in the novel, with the historical events told alongside the personal stories of the individual characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2021
In The Emperor's Sword, Gough describes the lives of Roman soldiers in the British Isles. Silus, the hero of the book, must make difficult choices after the death of his wife and child at the hands of the Caledonian barbarians. Silus is a simple soldier who makes the wrong decision on a scouting expedition by killing the leader of the barbarian tribe. The end result of that incident eventually leads him to become an Arcani, an assassin for Caesar's Roman Army, who meets Caesar.
The author takes us through some of the Roman difficulties of holding their vast territory and the bloodthirsty fighting that ensued. The audiobook narrator's skillfully voiced characters make one feel as though they are hearing the story from a friend.
Recommended for fans of historical and military fiction.
The author takes us through some of the Roman difficulties of holding their vast territory and the bloodthirsty fighting that ensued. The audiobook narrator's skillfully voiced characters make one feel as though they are hearing the story from a friend.
Recommended for fans of historical and military fiction.
February 22, 2022
.
.
Goooooood…..
But sometimes I get mostly lost:
“ ‘The Romans are preparing for war this spring, regardless of what we wish for,’ yelled Ir. Ir ruled the Damnonii, a tribe affiliated with the Maeatae, the confederation to which Maglorix’s own Venicones also belonged. The conference of chiefs at the Caledonian stronghold overlooking Loch Nis was split between the Maeatae and the Caledonian confederacies. Looking around the circle of tribal chiefs and….”
“ …Maglorix could see the Caledonians were represented by the dominant Caledonii tribe, together with Carnonacae, Caereni, Cateni, Cornovii, Creones, Decantae, Lugi and Smertae, as well as the cowardly bore from the Epidii who was currently speaking. Argentocoxus, broad and bearded with tangled long red hair, led the Caledonians, and he watched the proceedings with narrow eyes and tightly closed lips. Maglorix’s Venicones dominated the Maeatae confederacy, which was also represented by the….”
.
.
.
Goooooood…..
But sometimes I get mostly lost:
“ ‘The Romans are preparing for war this spring, regardless of what we wish for,’ yelled Ir. Ir ruled the Damnonii, a tribe affiliated with the Maeatae, the confederation to which Maglorix’s own Venicones also belonged. The conference of chiefs at the Caledonian stronghold overlooking Loch Nis was split between the Maeatae and the Caledonian confederacies. Looking around the circle of tribal chiefs and….”
“ …Maglorix could see the Caledonians were represented by the dominant Caledonii tribe, together with Carnonacae, Caereni, Cateni, Cornovii, Creones, Decantae, Lugi and Smertae, as well as the cowardly bore from the Epidii who was currently speaking. Argentocoxus, broad and bearded with tangled long red hair, led the Caledonians, and he watched the proceedings with narrow eyes and tightly closed lips. Maglorix’s Venicones dominated the Maeatae confederacy, which was also represented by the….”
.
.
August 2, 2021
I received an audiobook from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are well written, the world building is phenomenal, and the knowledge of Roman history was incredible. The plot moved along nice and quick and it didn’t seem to slow down and plateau at all. I thought the narrator was absolutely excellent, he really brought the characters to life.
This book is a faced paced thriller set in an ancient Roman world full of action, violence murder and death with a wonderful set of characters to go with it. This was my first book by Alex but it won’t be my last!
The characters are well written, the world building is phenomenal, and the knowledge of Roman history was incredible. The plot moved along nice and quick and it didn’t seem to slow down and plateau at all. I thought the narrator was absolutely excellent, he really brought the characters to life.
This book is a faced paced thriller set in an ancient Roman world full of action, violence murder and death with a wonderful set of characters to go with it. This was my first book by Alex but it won’t be my last!
June 18, 2022
I have never read any of this author's books before, in fact I'd never heard of him, but I am always on the lookout for new authors of this period of history, so when I saw somebody had put 3 books in a series in a charity shop, I didn't really have much to lose. After the first few pages I did wonder whether to continue with it to be honest as I found some of the dialogue unrealistic, something several other reviewers have mentioned over on Amazon I think, but in the end I decided to stick with it and was glad I did. The characters are good and the storyline strong and by the time I had finished it I was already looking forward to book 2.
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