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Product Description
Product Description
Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonorable death by power-crazed emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he's hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.
About the Author
Anthony Riches began his lifelong interest in war and soldiers when he first heard his father's stories about World War II. This led to a degree in Military Studies at Manchester University. He began writing the story that would become Wounds of Honour after a visit to Housesteads Roman fort in 1996. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three children.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book fits neatly into the Roman fictional history genre and has a well researched structure similar to Harry Sidebottom's books, whilst containing plenty of action reminiscent of Simon Scarrow.
The author has quite cleverly created a unique and subtle writing style where the reader learns more about Roman military life and social customs, but in a way which does not detract the reader's attention from the story and most importantly the action!
With the ever increasing number of books which saturate this genre, you may well ask yourself whether you should bother with this one and begin a new series. Well in my opinion if you love Roman history, particularly Roman Britain, then this is a book for you. This is a superb first book which lays good foundations for a potentially excellent series.
Strong characters with intriguing personalities and mysterious histories combined with a breath of treason are aspects which feature strongly in this first book. A number of loose ends have been left at the end of the book and I expect that these will form the bedrock of the second novel.
An enjoyable, informative novel which I highly recommend to those who love the genre.
The author has quite cleverly created a unique and subtle writing style where the reader learns more about Roman military life and social customs, but in a way which does not detract the reader's attention from the story and most importantly the action!
With the ever increasing number of books which saturate this genre, you may well ask yourself whether you should bother with this one and begin a new series. Well in my opinion if you love Roman history, particularly Roman Britain, then this is a book for you. This is a superb first book which lays good foundations for a potentially excellent series.
Strong characters with intriguing personalities and mysterious histories combined with a breath of treason are aspects which feature strongly in this first book. A number of loose ends have been left at the end of the book and I expect that these will form the bedrock of the second novel.
An enjoyable, informative novel which I highly recommend to those who love the genre.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The content has been well covered in other reviews. I would just like to back this as a terrific read that would appeal to anyone who has enjoyed the likes of Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell, Julian Stockwin (Kydd series), or Robert Harris. It would be good if the author could polish his style slightly as it is occasionally a bit confusing about who is talking to whom, and what is actually going on - slightly tighter editing would help. However where it just shines out is in its ability to envelope the reader in an absolutely gripping tale of 2nd Century Britain and the military and political intrigues surrounding a young Centurion. I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel slightly mean for taking 1 star off for the occasionally confusing writing. Nevertheless it's a cracking read, and while the language is a little strong at times for Aunty Mabel, it's never superfluous or inappropriate. I can't wait for the next volume, and have high hopes of reading a lot more from this author.
23 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
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This is the first in a trilogy based on the Roman Empire - you could be forgiven for groaning, because it's all been done before hasn't it? Well the subject matter has been covered before, but Riches brings to life the experiences of soldiers at the Empire's front line in such a vivid fashion, it would be a shame if this series is ignored.
While the intrigues and power struggles of Rome form the basis of the plot, it forms only a minor part of the story, which focuses on life at Hadrians Wall, the far reaches of the Empire, where practical concerns take centre stage. And so we follow a refugee from those power struggles, as he overcomes adversity to earn the right lead his troops in a bloody battle against overwhelming odds.
The book really falls into 2 parts, the first covering the arrival of Marcus Valerius Aquila and his elevation to Centurian, and the second the campaign against the barbarian hordes from North of the Wall. Riches detailed knowledge of the Roman Army is well to the fore throughout, with a host of interesting details which add to the plot without overwhelming it. The descriptions of the campaign and the climactic battle are simply superb, providing an insight into the reasons why the Roman Army was such a formidable fighting force. The only reason why I didn't give the book 5 stars is because I found some of Marcus early exploits' were a little too hard to believe, but that's being picky.
This is a rattling good yarn, full of duty and comradeship as well as betrayal and treachery. If you have read any of the many books which cover tha same topic (by Iggulden, Scarrow at el) I suspect you will really enjoy this - I know I did, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment
While the intrigues and power struggles of Rome form the basis of the plot, it forms only a minor part of the story, which focuses on life at Hadrians Wall, the far reaches of the Empire, where practical concerns take centre stage. And so we follow a refugee from those power struggles, as he overcomes adversity to earn the right lead his troops in a bloody battle against overwhelming odds.
The book really falls into 2 parts, the first covering the arrival of Marcus Valerius Aquila and his elevation to Centurian, and the second the campaign against the barbarian hordes from North of the Wall. Riches detailed knowledge of the Roman Army is well to the fore throughout, with a host of interesting details which add to the plot without overwhelming it. The descriptions of the campaign and the climactic battle are simply superb, providing an insight into the reasons why the Roman Army was such a formidable fighting force. The only reason why I didn't give the book 5 stars is because I found some of Marcus early exploits' were a little too hard to believe, but that's being picky.
This is a rattling good yarn, full of duty and comradeship as well as betrayal and treachery. If you have read any of the many books which cover tha same topic (by Iggulden, Scarrow at el) I suspect you will really enjoy this - I know I did, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A GOOD READ
First in a series of books set in Roman Britain, and eventually beyond. Full of interesting characters you'll quickly feel attached to, with enough combat and blood and guts to... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Douglas Brown
Slow start, excellent finish.
I found this book at the museum Housesteads Fort on Hadrian's Wall, something in the atmosphere there must have made me susceptble to the writing on the back. Read more
Published 28 days ago by B. Adlington
Great read
Thought I would have a read after watching loads of Roman themed TV, different perspective, but a gripping read to the extent that I've already purchased the second book in the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Simon
An opening stormer
I've waited until I finished the third book in this series before posting a review of any of them, and for a particular reason. Read more
Published 1 month ago by SJATurney
A decent cross between Rosemary Sutcliffe and Bernard Cornwell
Aiming for a cross between the old-fashioned adventures of Rosemary Sutcliffe's classic young adult adventure stories and the grittier approach of Bernard Cornwell's novels,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Trevor Willsmer
good read
A tale of the roman armies in Brition,Marcas being the hero,fast paced,and keeps the reader interested till the very end,one of three books,very good read,Simon Scarrow has some... Read more
Published 3 months ago by scanners
Very disappointing
As a long-time fan of novels set in the Roman period I came across this writer late on and bought the book on the strength of so many enthusiastic Amazon reviews; the few poor... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Anthony Hedges
Gripping, realistic & bloody
I have a confession to make. I bought this book when it came out, 3 years ago. To my shame, I haven't read it until now. What a mistake that was! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ben Kane
a full 10 out of 5 stars from me.
When i first saw this book in the shops i thought GREAT... an new roman author....and I hope its not a hack job with no love of the subject. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Parm
A Brilliant Novel.
What is so special about "Wounds of Honour" is that it's like going on an adventure; at every corner you turn you wonder what's there and you're never disappointed, especially if... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mike Reed
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