Friday 26 October 2012

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Empire 5: The Wolf's Gold - Anthony Riches

Release Date: 25/10/12

SYNOPSIS:

Fresh from their victory in Germania, Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians have been sent to Dacia, on the north-eastern edge of the Roman Empire, with the mission to safeguard a major source of imperial power. The mines of Alburnus Major contain enough gold to pave the road to Rome. They would make a mighty prize for the marauding Sarmatae tribesmen who threaten the province, and the outnumbered auxiliaries are entrusted with their safety in the face of a barbarian invasion. Beset by both the Sarmatian horde and more subtle threats offered by men who should be their comrades, the Tungrians must also come to terms with the danger posed by a new and unexpected enemy. They will have to fight to the death to save the honour of the empire - and their own skins.


REVIEW:

It’ll come as no surprise to many that I’m a huge fan of the Empire series by Anthony, it has everything I want in a roman historical fiction story, you want hard fought battles against the odds with blood alongside glory, you got it, you want complex characters, you’ve got that as well, but back that up with some real twisted kick ass politics and the machinations of the roman red tape machine and you really get something spectacular.

Add to that an author who makes you feel that you’re in the front line up to your neck in the brown stuff alongside the Tungarians and you know it’s going to be an adventure that is not only hard to put down but one that will have you checking carefully if “faithful” friends have made it through.

Finally throw into the mix a hidden arc underneath of the deeper fate that Mithras has in store for our Centurion hero and all in you know damn well it’s going to be a long wait for the next outing. Great stuff.



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