Empire series Vengeance: XII

In the twelfth Empire novel, Marcus Aquila returns to Rome, for his final reckoning with the Emperor Commodus. Acclaim for Empire:'River of Gold is the eleventh novel in Anthony Riches' best-selling Empire series and its considerable strengths are all the more impressive because of it. . . . a gripping narrative full of breath-taking action, unforgettable characters, and dazzling twists and turns.' Aspects of History'Muscular in prose and approach, the novel is riveting and direct.' History Today on The Leopard Sword'A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed.' Ben Kane'Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination' Manda Scott'Riches has captured how soldiers speak and act to a tee and he is very descriptive when it comes to the fighting. It is a novel full of power, lust, envy, violence and vanity. The very things that made Rome great and the very things that would lead to its downfall. If you like historical novels, read this book.' NavyNet on Arrows of Fury'With Wounds of Honour Anthony Riches has produced a terrific first novel that focuses on the soldiers of the Roman Empire in great detail. He vibrantly portrays the life in an auxiliary unit.' Canberra Times 'This is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both.' Conn IgguldenAcclaim for The Centurions:'Riches highlights the chaos and fragility of an empire without an emperor . . . dense, complicated and rewarding.' The Times After saving the Empire's richest province from a foreign army, Marcus and the men who protect him have been in hiding. Their lives will be forfeit if they are seen in Rome. But times have changed. Marcus's protector, the patrician legion commander Scaurus, has been summoned home by his mentor, a powerful senator who has decided he must act to save the empire from its debauched ruler's reign of terror. Rome is a hotbed of conspiracy and treachery: and the senator is not the only contender for power. The emperor himself plans to destroy those he mistrusts and no-one is safe.Marcus is assigned his own, unique role in the conspiracy. He will become a gladiator once more. But this time, his only opponent will be Commodus himself . . .