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Path of Nemesis #1
The Centurion's Son
Albinus, the son of a revered Roman veteran Silus, has always longed to be a farmer, not a soldier, and live his days ploughing and reaping the harvests, with his bride-to-be, Licina. But Silus’ has darker ambitions, for Albinus to follow in his footsteps in the army.
But, as the conflicts between father and son come to a head, a growing threat comes down from the vengeful Germanic tribes to the north. Just as Albinus and Licina are about to marry, their settlement is raided by barbarians and Silus and his veteran comrades are brutally killed, while Licina is kidnapped by the raiders and taken to their king as a gift.
Believing her to be alive, Albinus sets out on a quest to find Licina, finally fulfilling his father’s wishes as training as a soldier, even as he is spurred to avenge his father’s death. As the barbarian hordes gather and plan major rebellion against the Romans, Albinus finds a new fighting spirit within him and grows in stature among the legionaries.
Licina meanwhile has a fight of her own, to escape from slavery and find Albinus. Time is running out, as the northern tribes head for Rome, decimating everything in their path…
With historically accurate details and including characters from legend, Adam Lofthouse’s novel recounts the brutal battles between the Romans and the Germanic tribes, while also telling the heart-wrenching coming-of-age narrative of one young soldier within the Roman camp.
Adam Lofthouse has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. The Centurion’s Son is Adam’s first novel. He lives in Kent, with his wife and three sons.
But, as the conflicts between father and son come to a head, a growing threat comes down from the vengeful Germanic tribes to the north. Just as Albinus and Licina are about to marry, their settlement is raided by barbarians and Silus and his veteran comrades are brutally killed, while Licina is kidnapped by the raiders and taken to their king as a gift.
Believing her to be alive, Albinus sets out on a quest to find Licina, finally fulfilling his father’s wishes as training as a soldier, even as he is spurred to avenge his father’s death. As the barbarian hordes gather and plan major rebellion against the Romans, Albinus finds a new fighting spirit within him and grows in stature among the legionaries.
Licina meanwhile has a fight of her own, to escape from slavery and find Albinus. Time is running out, as the northern tribes head for Rome, decimating everything in their path…
With historically accurate details and including characters from legend, Adam Lofthouse’s novel recounts the brutal battles between the Romans and the Germanic tribes, while also telling the heart-wrenching coming-of-age narrative of one young soldier within the Roman camp.
Adam Lofthouse has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. The Centurion’s Son is Adam’s first novel. He lives in Kent, with his wife and three sons.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
121 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Adam Lofthouse
10 books57 followersAdam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. The Centurion’s Son is Adam’s first novel. He lives in Kent, UK
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 23, 2023
Lively adventure
A lively, entertaining book which I enjoyed enough that I am planning to read the sequel. In the beginning the centurion's son is anything but a fighter and potential soldier. He wants to be a farmer which, while an honorable and vital vocation, does not hold a lot of promise for a book to be filled with derring do and life threatening adventure. However circumstances and his own sense of honor and duty come together to make joining the legion a reasonable, natural choice. Which, of course, leads to plenty of danger and adventure to entertain readers.
I really enjoyed this novel but was distracted by little, niggling things which seem, for the most part, to be editing problems and the use of the wrong word (or failure to use a better word) in some places. Here are a few examples: churn grain; scoffed the man around the cheeks; A snide arm appeared on Licina’s shoulder; Fullo buffed himself up to his full height; A serious interest lied behind the voice; he turned the cog in his tired think wheel; ash-clad spears held high; His left hand lay lazily on the maple oak pommel of his gladius.
A lively, entertaining book which I enjoyed enough that I am planning to read the sequel. In the beginning the centurion's son is anything but a fighter and potential soldier. He wants to be a farmer which, while an honorable and vital vocation, does not hold a lot of promise for a book to be filled with derring do and life threatening adventure. However circumstances and his own sense of honor and duty come together to make joining the legion a reasonable, natural choice. Which, of course, leads to plenty of danger and adventure to entertain readers.
I really enjoyed this novel but was distracted by little, niggling things which seem, for the most part, to be editing problems and the use of the wrong word (or failure to use a better word) in some places. Here are a few examples: churn grain; scoffed the man around the cheeks; A snide arm appeared on Licina’s shoulder; Fullo buffed himself up to his full height; A serious interest lied behind the voice; he turned the cog in his tired think wheel; ash-clad spears held high; His left hand lay lazily on the maple oak pommel of his gladius.
September 23, 2018
This astounding book has been my very first experience with this author, and I have to acknowledge that the book has been a very enjoyable read.
First of all I would like to mention that the storytelling is of a superb quality, the storyline is really wonderfully written and with pace, the book contains great battle scenes which are beautifully pictured, and believable characters come vividly to life within this very plausible story.
Secondly the historical details concerning this story are simply superbly implemented and executed within this great historical tale.
The story itself, after an entertaining prologue which is set in August, AD 166 in Syria, is set as from February, AD 167, until December, AD 168, and it tells us the story of Albinus, son of a revered Roman veteran Silus, who wants to be a farmer with his bride-to-be, Licina, but who after a raid by barbarians in which his father, Silus, and his veteran comrades are brutally killed, has to come-of-age very quickly if he wants to survive within this tumultuous bloody warlike world.
At the same time Licina is kidnapped by the raiders and Albinus is spurred to train as a soldier in order to avenge his father's death, to be ready to have that fighting spirit within him when he has to fight those barbarians, while in the back of his mind he also wants to be ready to find and rescue Licina, wherever she may be.
Licina herself must fight for her own life as well, and also try to avoid slavery in her own search for Albinus.
And so the Northern tribes will try to make headway towards Rome, and Albinus and his fellow legionary comrades of the 14th Legion, and other Legions besides, will have to do anything they can to try to stop this horde of barbarians.
Really recommended, for this is a top debut novel from a new author very much worthy of following, and that's why I call this book: "A Very Impressive Debut Novel"!
First of all I would like to mention that the storytelling is of a superb quality, the storyline is really wonderfully written and with pace, the book contains great battle scenes which are beautifully pictured, and believable characters come vividly to life within this very plausible story.
Secondly the historical details concerning this story are simply superbly implemented and executed within this great historical tale.
The story itself, after an entertaining prologue which is set in August, AD 166 in Syria, is set as from February, AD 167, until December, AD 168, and it tells us the story of Albinus, son of a revered Roman veteran Silus, who wants to be a farmer with his bride-to-be, Licina, but who after a raid by barbarians in which his father, Silus, and his veteran comrades are brutally killed, has to come-of-age very quickly if he wants to survive within this tumultuous bloody warlike world.
At the same time Licina is kidnapped by the raiders and Albinus is spurred to train as a soldier in order to avenge his father's death, to be ready to have that fighting spirit within him when he has to fight those barbarians, while in the back of his mind he also wants to be ready to find and rescue Licina, wherever she may be.
Licina herself must fight for her own life as well, and also try to avoid slavery in her own search for Albinus.
And so the Northern tribes will try to make headway towards Rome, and Albinus and his fellow legionary comrades of the 14th Legion, and other Legions besides, will have to do anything they can to try to stop this horde of barbarians.
Really recommended, for this is a top debut novel from a new author very much worthy of following, and that's why I call this book: "A Very Impressive Debut Novel"!
April 8, 2018
Goodness, for a first novel, the author has shown much talent and creativity! Set in the times of the 2nd century AD Marcomannic Wars in Germania, this concerns the son of a retired centurion. He and his family live in a colony of retired veterans near the Roman fortress at Carnuntum. The lad, Albinus, wants only to become a farmer and live peacefully on his land however much his father wants to mold him into a soldier like himself. The youth resists; the father, Silus, realizes his mistake, but they only have a few months of peace where Silus accepts him as he is. They really bond as father and son. Marcomanni raze the veterans' settlement to the ground. Both Albinus and his betrothed, Licina, escape the slaughter separately, but she is abducted. In the company of another young man, Julius, she escapes and heads north. Albinus swears vengeance and does join the army, where his bravery shines in battle. He finally, duped by a false letter, supposedly from her, wants to set out to rescue her. One thing I questioned: how did his tent mates get permission to join him on his quest? Did Taurus ask the acting commander, Tribune Maximianus? I'm pretty sure Albinus' centurion would not have had the authority on his own. This possible "plot hole" bothered me. Another one: if someone joined the army, would he not be posted where need was greatest, not where he wanted to be stationed? And weren't recruits assigned to, say, the second or fourth cohorts? Yes, I realize Albinus' joining his father's old cohort fit into the story but ....
I was enthralled by the story and am eager to read more. There were many homophone mistakes and typos but nothing spoiled the narrative. An overabundance of "okay"s disconcerted me--30-40; I counted them. I hope in any continuation, the author will find alternative expressions. Albinus, especially, was most sympathetic. I liked his rising above his self-deprecation and lack of self-confidence. I'm glad he had stalwart friends and that First Spear Taurus was not portrayed as brutal.
Highly recommended.
I was enthralled by the story and am eager to read more. There were many homophone mistakes and typos but nothing spoiled the narrative. An overabundance of "okay"s disconcerted me--30-40; I counted them. I hope in any continuation, the author will find alternative expressions. Albinus, especially, was most sympathetic. I liked his rising above his self-deprecation and lack of self-confidence. I'm glad he had stalwart friends and that First Spear Taurus was not portrayed as brutal.
Highly recommended.
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February 18, 2018
Taking place a fair few years after the events in Ben Kane's Eagles of Rome series, the cataclysm wrought by that shattering defeat for the once seemingly-unbeatable Roman legions, has led to a feeling of caution among the citizens of it's northern borders and given the tribes and peoples outside Roman rule - and even those currently under Roman rule - new hope for a Roman-free future. And of course, open access to Rome's riches, except that the tribes hadn't thought of paying for them. Maybe in blood. So, the battle-scarred veteran Silas' worries about the future for his son Albinus, are from a parent's point of view, completely understandable. What Silas does wrong I guess, is to try and make Albinus' life more or less a continuation of his - and his ancestors' - own. It's the 'if you love someone, set them free' part Silas' can't quite come to terms with. If it was good enough for him, then it's surely good enough for his son. Unfortunately, a much wished-for rapprochement is both a little late and violently cut short, by the 'barbarian' hoards north of the Roman borders. 'Barbarians' who are also thinking along the lines of 'if it's good enough for them Romans, it's good enough for us!' After decades and more of being second-class citizens in their own lands, and proving to me, the reader, once again the adage of 'one man's barbarian is another man's freedom fighter'; a new leader, with a new vision emerges from amongst the tribes and the time has come to re-group and fight back. All that stands in their way, is a small settlement and a hundred 'grey beards.'
What follows is a hugely impressive book, written with energy, style and enthusiasm. A vivid, compulsive and accessible story, populated with engaging and convincingly-drawn characters, believable at all times in all their reactions and interactions. It gripping story that mixes the fast-paced, vicious skirmishes and desperate, life-in-the-balance, battles, with the more thoughtful, though often no less deadly, battles of personal relationships. It is about growing old and trying to leave a legacy and a future for your children and about coming-of-age and awareness and trying to forge your own future path in life. Universal themes and battles that you and I and people throughout history have struggled with.
If you're looking for an engrossing, no-holds-barred Roman-period Historical Fiction novel, this is for you. If you're also looking for all of the above and a little more, you'll find it in The Centurion's Son. I could be wrong, though I think this is Adam's first published novel. If that is so, then Wow!
And another Wow! for what is surely to come from him in the rest of the series.
UPDATE: An Adam-sized little bird has just told me that book two in the series, will be called War In The Wilderness. I'm going to do all I can, mostly legally, to get hold of that!
His name might be a new one to you now, but I'm in no doubt, that both you and I are going to be hearing a lot, lot more of Adam Lofthouse.
Read the Blog: Speesh Reads
Read The Adam Lofthouse approved Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
What follows is a hugely impressive book, written with energy, style and enthusiasm. A vivid, compulsive and accessible story, populated with engaging and convincingly-drawn characters, believable at all times in all their reactions and interactions. It gripping story that mixes the fast-paced, vicious skirmishes and desperate, life-in-the-balance, battles, with the more thoughtful, though often no less deadly, battles of personal relationships. It is about growing old and trying to leave a legacy and a future for your children and about coming-of-age and awareness and trying to forge your own future path in life. Universal themes and battles that you and I and people throughout history have struggled with.
If you're looking for an engrossing, no-holds-barred Roman-period Historical Fiction novel, this is for you. If you're also looking for all of the above and a little more, you'll find it in The Centurion's Son. I could be wrong, though I think this is Adam's first published novel. If that is so, then Wow!
And another Wow! for what is surely to come from him in the rest of the series.
UPDATE: An Adam-sized little bird has just told me that book two in the series, will be called War In The Wilderness. I'm going to do all I can, mostly legally, to get hold of that!
His name might be a new one to you now, but I'm in no doubt, that both you and I are going to be hearing a lot, lot more of Adam Lofthouse.
Read the Blog: Speesh Reads
Read The Adam Lofthouse approved Facebook Page: Speesh Reads
February 23, 2018
Ashamed this has taken so long to complete (having a young baby isn't conducive to more than 30 minutes' reading at a time!) because it is a very thoughtful, vivid and evocative novel.
What I particularly like is that Adam has found a novel way of addressing the traditional 'sword and sandals' genre of historical fiction i.e. via the character development of a callow young man, who is potentially a disappointment as the son of a respected warrior. Those familiar with Roman history will know that this was a particular issue in the Republican era, when the preservation of family dignity and honour was critical in maintaining a strong socio-political profile. Transferring this theme to the grim days of the Marcomannic Wars was very clever, not least because I'm not aware that this conflict has been dealt with much - if at all - within hist fic.
I'm aware the author is in the process of polishing up his follow-up novel, which would tend to suggest he's got the pedigree, commitment and the ideas to complete a second so soon after the publication of the first. Watch this space!
What I particularly like is that Adam has found a novel way of addressing the traditional 'sword and sandals' genre of historical fiction i.e. via the character development of a callow young man, who is potentially a disappointment as the son of a respected warrior. Those familiar with Roman history will know that this was a particular issue in the Republican era, when the preservation of family dignity and honour was critical in maintaining a strong socio-political profile. Transferring this theme to the grim days of the Marcomannic Wars was very clever, not least because I'm not aware that this conflict has been dealt with much - if at all - within hist fic.
I'm aware the author is in the process of polishing up his follow-up novel, which would tend to suggest he's got the pedigree, commitment and the ideas to complete a second so soon after the publication of the first. Watch this space!
dnf
March 21, 2022Too angst-y. I'm not in the mood for angst at the moment.
December 14, 2020
I won't be reading further in this series based on a number of dislikes. This was author's first book as he is following his great interest in ancient Rome. It had some good basic elements but there were too many battle/daily life/relationship situations that failed in execution. Most of the authors I follow that concentrate on this time period utilize a dash of humour to help the gore go down or at least create characters that can be believed and are relatable.
February 7, 2019
A superbly written debut novel with a fast pace.
The Centurion's Son tells us the ex Roman Veterans of the 14th Legion run by Silus who have settled down to farm with his son Albinus.
Silus and all but a few are brutally killed by Barbarians who raid their farming community.
With Silus now dead and Licina (Albinus' wife to be taken captive, Albinus enlists into the 14th to seek revenge and to try and find Licina.
A fantastic book from a debut author who is already up there with the likes of Ben Kane, Robert Fabbri and Harry Sidebottom to name but a few.
The Centurion's Son tells us the ex Roman Veterans of the 14th Legion run by Silus who have settled down to farm with his son Albinus.
Silus and all but a few are brutally killed by Barbarians who raid their farming community.
With Silus now dead and Licina (Albinus' wife to be taken captive, Albinus enlists into the 14th to seek revenge and to try and find Licina.
A fantastic book from a debut author who is already up there with the likes of Ben Kane, Robert Fabbri and Harry Sidebottom to name but a few.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2017
Albinus, the son of a retired, and much revered First Spear Centurion of the 14th Legion, is ill equipped to be the man and soldier his father plans for him to be, and yet through the vicissitudes of life on the wild frontier along the Danube River, he strives to achieve his father's hopes. Set against the backdrop of the Marcomannic War in 167 A.D. and the rise of the Glycon Cult started by Alexander of Abonoteichus, the author has crafted a compelling debut novel. An emotionally charged, action packed tale of revenge, rebellion, survival, and heart rending losses. Mr. Lofthouse is a self proclaimed lover of the ancient world and this is readily seen throughout The Centurion's Son; most especially in his descriptions of the Roman legions. The camaraderie between the legionaries of the 14th's !st Century is a definite highlight in this wonderful tale. Hoover Book Reviews highly recommends this intriguing and well plotted story, and looks forward to the sequel. 4.2 stars
August 8, 2020
Great book
This first book is about the gangly son of a Centurion of the Fourteenth Legion. The son doesn’t want to be a soldier, he wants to be a farmer. Events change his mind for him and he joins the legion to avenge his father and the others in the retirement village. The descriptions of the people and scenery are spot on. A great first book. I have already downloaded the second book!
This first book is about the gangly son of a Centurion of the Fourteenth Legion. The son doesn’t want to be a soldier, he wants to be a farmer. Events change his mind for him and he joins the legion to avenge his father and the others in the retirement village. The descriptions of the people and scenery are spot on. A great first book. I have already downloaded the second book!
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January 21, 2025THE CENTURION'S SON is just 99p/$1.29 on kindle until the end of the month!
That's a whole lotta book for not a lotta money! Go grab it!
That's a whole lotta book for not a lotta money! Go grab it!
March 5, 2018
Excellent debut novel
A really interesting read set in an era I'm really interested in.
Centurion's Son is set in the second century set against the background of the macromannic war . Albinus's father is determined he will follow in his footsteps but the young Albinus has other plans. He hopes to marry and run his father's farm.
Unfortunately for Albinus nothing goes to plan and it's not long before he feels he has little choice but to join the army.
Centurion's Son has some well developed and interesting characters and has a storyline that is as exciting as it is believable.
My only criticism is that in a few places the focus of the story seems to switch character with little notice and occasionally I had to go back a few lines just to ensure I knew what was happening. That said I'm really looking forward to a sequel.
A really interesting read set in an era I'm really interested in.
Centurion's Son is set in the second century set against the background of the macromannic war . Albinus's father is determined he will follow in his footsteps but the young Albinus has other plans. He hopes to marry and run his father's farm.
Unfortunately for Albinus nothing goes to plan and it's not long before he feels he has little choice but to join the army.
Centurion's Son has some well developed and interesting characters and has a storyline that is as exciting as it is believable.
My only criticism is that in a few places the focus of the story seems to switch character with little notice and occasionally I had to go back a few lines just to ensure I knew what was happening. That said I'm really looking forward to a sequel.
February 2, 2021
In all honesty I struggled to get started with this book as I felt the first few chapters were quite slow and I wondered where the author was going? Oh boy was I so pleased I carried on! It went from strength to strength and having actual historical characters intertwined with the story made it all the more exciting. For a debut novel it was brilliant and for once I was pleased I had a kindle and could buy the following two books to read immediately.
April 7, 2018
The first of a planned series, this is an excellent debut novel. It tells the story of Albinus, the son of Silus, a famed Centurion of the Fourteenth Legion. As well as being a well written coming of age story, it is also the story of a young soldier, which I am sure will be familiar to many military veterans.
Adam Lofthouse has obviously studied the period extensively and although the language used between the characters is quite modern at times (not a problem for me, but maybe for some Roman purists) and there is the odd historical inaccuracy, a reference to tomatoes, which I don't think the Romans would have known about, it didn't spoil the story for me one bit.
The battle scenes are well described and in no way glorify war, but paint an authentic picture of it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys an historical action adventure, which moves along at a good pace. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Adam Lofthouse has obviously studied the period extensively and although the language used between the characters is quite modern at times (not a problem for me, but maybe for some Roman purists) and there is the odd historical inaccuracy, a reference to tomatoes, which I don't think the Romans would have known about, it didn't spoil the story for me one bit.
The battle scenes are well described and in no way glorify war, but paint an authentic picture of it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys an historical action adventure, which moves along at a good pace. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
July 11, 2019
Exciting and Absorbing!
This was a tale to get your juices flowing. Brothers in arms, lost love, the meek finding their inner strength and wonderful descriptions of battle. This book had it all and I can't wait to read the sequel. Well recommended.
This was a tale to get your juices flowing. Brothers in arms, lost love, the meek finding their inner strength and wonderful descriptions of battle. This book had it all and I can't wait to read the sequel. Well recommended.
February 10, 2019
Saw an advertisement for this book on Facebook of all places, decided to take a chance on it... And boy was I rewarded! An absolute powerhouse of a debut novel by Adam Lofthouse. In this book the first of a planned trilogy we meet Albinus, he is the son of a Roman veteran and not just any veteran, one who is revered by his people and hated and feared by his enemies. Albinus wants nothing more than to settle down and farm, maybe even marry his love, Licina, but his dad had other plans for him, training him and his friend Fullo mercilessly.
But old scores and treachery rear their heads and all Albinus holds dear is torn down, with his father and his veterans killed the settlement razed to the ground and Licina taken by bandits... With no other choice Albinus and Fullo join their fathers old legion, because war is coming as the Germanic tribes rise up in such numbers as not seen in generations... Albinus and Fullo try to survive long enough to rescue Licina and thus the adventure begins....
I was hard pressed to believe this was a debut novel as it was so accomplished.... With excellent character growth for the the three main characters, wonderfully fleshed out and real bad guys, especially the ever intriguing Alaric .. (now there's a character you can love to hate) this feels like a coming of age tale, but with so much more.... The pacing is perfect at no point did the narrative flag, with an eye for historical detail you really felt you were either with the disorder of the Germanic host or marching with the machine that was the Roman legions.... With lots of blood and guts, and expertly handled battle scenes, acts of true valour and the fear that left me breathless... I truly believe that the pantheon of great historical fiction writers, Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow, Angus Donald and Bernard Cornwell to name but a few has a new name to add to the list in Adam Lofthouse and I eagerly await the chance to pre-order book two!
But old scores and treachery rear their heads and all Albinus holds dear is torn down, with his father and his veterans killed the settlement razed to the ground and Licina taken by bandits... With no other choice Albinus and Fullo join their fathers old legion, because war is coming as the Germanic tribes rise up in such numbers as not seen in generations... Albinus and Fullo try to survive long enough to rescue Licina and thus the adventure begins....
I was hard pressed to believe this was a debut novel as it was so accomplished.... With excellent character growth for the the three main characters, wonderfully fleshed out and real bad guys, especially the ever intriguing Alaric .. (now there's a character you can love to hate) this feels like a coming of age tale, but with so much more.... The pacing is perfect at no point did the narrative flag, with an eye for historical detail you really felt you were either with the disorder of the Germanic host or marching with the machine that was the Roman legions.... With lots of blood and guts, and expertly handled battle scenes, acts of true valour and the fear that left me breathless... I truly believe that the pantheon of great historical fiction writers, Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow, Angus Donald and Bernard Cornwell to name but a few has a new name to add to the list in Adam Lofthouse and I eagerly await the chance to pre-order book two!
February 3, 2018
Historical fiction is my favourite genre so i was chuffed to bits to receive this book by the Goodreads Giveaway programme. Knowing this was a debut novel for the author i have to say i didn't have high expectations but i was so surprised at how good the book was.
Reading the front of the book i just expected it to be a foregone conclusion that the son of a great warrior, who wants to be a farmer suddenly comes good and saves the world ! But the story was far more intricate than that, it included action, friendship, excitement and even a love story. I like how Albinus comes good but not in the ridiculous way i first expected him to, he doesn't become some super hero from nothing.
I feel the scene was really well set and i had a clear vision in my mind of the setting, the cities etc, i had a proof copy but a map of the empire/area would be nice (maybe i'm just a bit sad and like to refer to maps in books). The only problem i had was a bit of the grammar, i'm not sure soldiers in 167 AD would use the word muppets...but this is a minor criticism. My only other problem is i feel we may have to wait a while for book 2 of the trilogy and i'm chomping at the bit now!
Reading the front of the book i just expected it to be a foregone conclusion that the son of a great warrior, who wants to be a farmer suddenly comes good and saves the world ! But the story was far more intricate than that, it included action, friendship, excitement and even a love story. I like how Albinus comes good but not in the ridiculous way i first expected him to, he doesn't become some super hero from nothing.
I feel the scene was really well set and i had a clear vision in my mind of the setting, the cities etc, i had a proof copy but a map of the empire/area would be nice (maybe i'm just a bit sad and like to refer to maps in books). The only problem i had was a bit of the grammar, i'm not sure soldiers in 167 AD would use the word muppets...but this is a minor criticism. My only other problem is i feel we may have to wait a while for book 2 of the trilogy and i'm chomping at the bit now!
September 9, 2020
I recently read the third of this series, which prompted me to pick this one up. And I'm so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the end came rather suddenly, and I'll be moving directly on to the next book because I have to find out what happens next. Despite reading these out of order, and knowing the end result, I need to know how we get there: this is definitely a book about the journey, rather than the final destination. This series is so representative of the era. It isn't glamorous, just as war isn't glamorous; it's gritty and violent, with evocative descriptions and battle scenes that have me holding my breath throughout. I particularly enjoyed the repartee among the soldiers, which managed to lighten the mood at just the right times. Adam Lofthouse writes in a style that's very easy to read, while still keeping the reader's attention.
July 21, 2018
Albinus is the son of a famous Centurion but he's nothing like his father..he's just not cut out to be a solider and because of this the tension between them could be cut with a knife.
Silus, Albinus's father, is retired and has set up a nice little place for his son and former colleagues to live out the rest of their days. During an outing to secure supplies for the community we get our first glimpse of the differences between the two. Albinus wants to make his dad proud but he just can't see any way to do it.
The plot moves quickly as two Romans are captured as slaves.. will Silus help free them? The choice made haunts Albinus for a time and I'm sure he will never come to terms with it.
We next see a few really good plot developments as a strange figure appears, he's got an agenda and is willing to do anything to make sure events play out the way he wants. At the same time we also see an enemy of Silus plot revenge for what he sees as a past wrong to be put right. These events lead Albinus and Silus down very different paths and is the making of Albinus.
Silus is now dead with Licina, Albinus's love interest, taken. Albinus sets out to be the man his father would have always wanted. It's time to join up and become a solider.
The story is told from different perspectives and this made for a fun read and you can see things developing quickly. You'd get engrossed and just at the right point the author would switch focus building the excitement and ramping up the suspense.
I really enjoyed the book. At times the soldiers were a bit too lovey dovey for my tastes, I prefer my soldiers to be rocks and simple nod or grunt to show affection ha.
The plot certainly has promise and I'd like to see where Albinus ends up. The development of this plot really made it what it is..and to top it off it's a very easy-going read so someone of a younger age wouldn't struggle with the language or word count.
A good read and an author who shows promise in the areas I like.. keep switching perspective to build on that strong plot that's developing and you'll have me back for the rest of the series when published :)
Silus, Albinus's father, is retired and has set up a nice little place for his son and former colleagues to live out the rest of their days. During an outing to secure supplies for the community we get our first glimpse of the differences between the two. Albinus wants to make his dad proud but he just can't see any way to do it.
The plot moves quickly as two Romans are captured as slaves.. will Silus help free them? The choice made haunts Albinus for a time and I'm sure he will never come to terms with it.
We next see a few really good plot developments as a strange figure appears, he's got an agenda and is willing to do anything to make sure events play out the way he wants. At the same time we also see an enemy of Silus plot revenge for what he sees as a past wrong to be put right. These events lead Albinus and Silus down very different paths and is the making of Albinus.
Silus is now dead with Licina, Albinus's love interest, taken. Albinus sets out to be the man his father would have always wanted. It's time to join up and become a solider.
The story is told from different perspectives and this made for a fun read and you can see things developing quickly. You'd get engrossed and just at the right point the author would switch focus building the excitement and ramping up the suspense.
I really enjoyed the book. At times the soldiers were a bit too lovey dovey for my tastes, I prefer my soldiers to be rocks and simple nod or grunt to show affection ha.
The plot certainly has promise and I'd like to see where Albinus ends up. The development of this plot really made it what it is..and to top it off it's a very easy-going read so someone of a younger age wouldn't struggle with the language or word count.
A good read and an author who shows promise in the areas I like.. keep switching perspective to build on that strong plot that's developing and you'll have me back for the rest of the series when published :)
August 19, 2019
Story-wise, I enjoyed this very much, loved the characterisation and intrigue that ran throughout the book, and found the background and detail interesting.
I was a bit annoyed on reaching the end to find it was the first of a trilogy, so I was very unsatisfied with the non-ending. I wasn't aware it wasn't a complete story when I started it, and normally prefer to read a set together in one go.
I also had to wonder if the book was proofread at all, as there were so many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors all the way through! Not just your usual missing commas etc, but homophones such as piece instead of peace, broaches instead of brooches, birth instead of berth and hole instead of whole. This got more and more annoying as the book went along. There was probably one mistake every three pages!
I was a bit annoyed on reaching the end to find it was the first of a trilogy, so I was very unsatisfied with the non-ending. I wasn't aware it wasn't a complete story when I started it, and normally prefer to read a set together in one go.
I also had to wonder if the book was proofread at all, as there were so many spelling, grammar and punctuation errors all the way through! Not just your usual missing commas etc, but homophones such as piece instead of peace, broaches instead of brooches, birth instead of berth and hole instead of whole. This got more and more annoying as the book went along. There was probably one mistake every three pages!
March 15, 2022
A good Editor and proof reader would have improved it....
I am afraid there is little in the way of anything original to make this story of ancient Rome any more different from the many ancient Rome novels out there. Characterisation is thin, the plot fairly predictable and the whole thing is rather derivative. Worst of all, the dialogue is clunky and often long-winded - a decent editor would have helped. It is also occasionally incongruous - one of the characters calls another one a "muppet" at one point! Proof reading helps too. Disappointing over all and doesn't motivate me to want to read the trilogy.
I am afraid there is little in the way of anything original to make this story of ancient Rome any more different from the many ancient Rome novels out there. Characterisation is thin, the plot fairly predictable and the whole thing is rather derivative. Worst of all, the dialogue is clunky and often long-winded - a decent editor would have helped. It is also occasionally incongruous - one of the characters calls another one a "muppet" at one point! Proof reading helps too. Disappointing over all and doesn't motivate me to want to read the trilogy.
September 11, 2018
I have gone for a three because I’m a coward. Adam tells a wonderful story, unique in outlook and voice. He tries to represent Vulgar Latin, the precursor to modern Italian, with Cockney, which might possibly have worked, except he uses it for all characters, be they Roman or Teuton. I would recommend The Centurion’s Son for any of you out there who are not as puritanical as me. Great read. Give it a go.
March 3, 2018
Good read shame it ended the way it ,need to find the second book now to complete the story.
Good Read. Shame it ended the way it did how need to find the next book to finish the story.
Good Read. Shame it ended the way it did how need to find the next book to finish the story.
February 1, 2021
An idyllic life shattered
A tale that comes together in a believable way, which has well developed characters you root for along with characters you can despise. I have only awarded three stars because of a lack of action and lack of genuine tension.
A tale that comes together in a believable way, which has well developed characters you root for along with characters you can despise. I have only awarded three stars because of a lack of action and lack of genuine tension.
July 29, 2024
The Boss's son
Well, wasn't sure if this would be for me when I started reading it, but have to say that the story line grew on me and the plot and the action were well written and very easy to read and keep me interested, looking forward to the next installment.
Well, wasn't sure if this would be for me when I started reading it, but have to say that the story line grew on me and the plot and the action were well written and very easy to read and keep me interested, looking forward to the next installment.
August 23, 2020
Very well written tale
Loved the story it takes you right into the life of the Roman army very believable and exciting. Loved the characters too
Loved the story it takes you right into the life of the Roman army very believable and exciting. Loved the characters too
September 18, 2021
Good story but so many mistakes it's really annoying to read. Needs to be proof read before publication. This has reduced my rating by one star.
December 29, 2021
Book 1 Path of Nemesis
A bit long in setting the scene for me but once established really ramped up to a good read, onwards to book 2
A bit long in setting the scene for me but once established really ramped up to a good read, onwards to book 2
January 1, 2022
3,5 stars
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