The pulse-pounding epic about the end times of an empire

The Wall

AD 400. Rome and its Empire are failing . . . 
 
Veteran cavalry commander Marcus Flavius Victor sets out with his regiment to make what may be his final tour of the forts along Hadrian's Wall. 
 
Through a combination of military prowess, brutality and bribery, Marcus has spent twenty years keeping the savage Picts at bay. Feared by his enemies and hated by his superiors, his strength of will is the only thing that has held the disgruntled, poorly paid garrisons of the Wall in place as the failing Roman Empire's grip on Britannia weakened. 
 
Yet as this tour of the wall progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that this is more than a routine inspection. Why is Marcus stripping the defences of cavalry to strengthen his own force? Is he negotiating with the Picts - or conspiring with them? And who is the mysterious figure who follows Marcus' every move and yet hides in the shadows? 
 
Segeduno, Cilurno, Brocolitia, Vindolanda: each fort holds memories and friendships, hides rivals, or conceals enemies. But what exactly is Marcus Flavius Victor's ultimate objective? It would appear he is willing to risk bloody civil war in a bid to seize Britannia for himself? Or is he raising an army to save the province from the darkness that waits on the other side of the Wall? 
 
Hailed as one of our very best historical novelists, Douglas Jackson returns to the world of ancient Rome with this epic novel of a failing empire and a world on the brink . . .

Intrigue, murder, politics and plotting . . . it's a tour de force that hits harder than a Pictish axe . . . cements his reputation as not just one of Scotland's best historical fiction writers but one of our best writers. Brilliantly researched and written, The Wall is an all-conquering triumph from the first page to the last.

Roman historical fiction at its very best.

Douglas Jackson is one of the finest writers about today, irrespective of genre.

A journalist by profession, Douglas Jackson transformed a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans in to his first two highly-praised novels, Caligula and Claudius. His third, Hero of Rome, introduced readers to a new series hero, Gaius Valerius Verrens. Eight further acclaimed 'Rome' novels followed, confirming Doug as one of the UK's foremost historical novelists. His latest novel, The Wall, was published to coincide with the 1900th anniversary of the construction of Hadrian's Wall. A member of the Historical Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society, Douglas Jackson lives near Stirling in Scotland.

AD 400. Rome and its Empire are failing . . . 
 
Veteran cavalry commander Marcus Flavius Victor sets out with his regiment to make what may be his final tour of the forts along Hadrian's Wall. 
 
Through a combination of military prowess, brutality and bribery, Marcus has spent twenty years keeping the savage Picts at bay. Feared by his enemies and hated by his superiors, his strength of will is the only thing that has held the disgruntled, poorly paid garrisons of the Wall in place as the failing Roman Empire's grip on Britannia weakened. 
 
Yet as this tour of the wall progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that this is more than a routine inspection. Why is Marcus stripping the defences of cavalry to strengthen his own force? Is he negotiating with the Picts - or conspiring with them? And who is the mysterious figure who follows Marcus' every move and yet hides in the shadows? 
 
Segeduno, Cilurno, Brocolitia, Vindolanda: each fort holds memories and friendships, hides rivals, or conceals enemies. But what exactly is Marcus Flavius Victor's ultimate objective? It would appear he is willing to risk bloody civil war in a bid to seize Britannia for himself. Or is he raising an army to save the province from the chaos that waits on the other side of the Wall? 
 
Hailed as one of our very best historical novelists, Douglas Jackson returns to the world of ancient Rome with this epic novel of a failing empire and a world on the brink . . .

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 9): A thrilling and dramatic historical adventure that conjures up Roman Britain perfectly

Hammer of Rome

Brittania, AD 80. Gaius Valerius Verrens leads the ill-fated Ninth Legion north to face their destiny . . . With Hammer of Rome Douglas Jackson brings his epic Roman historical adventure to a triumphant close.

Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, this formidable and compelling historical thriller from bestselling author Douglas Jackson will have you absolutely gripped... 
 
"Spectacular and satisfying...thrilling and dramatic...Roman historical fiction at its very best" -- SUNDAY EXPRESS 
"Douglas Jackson is one of the finest writers about today...this series is a glorious achievement" -- FOR WINTER NIGHTS 
"Rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today" -- DAILY EXPRESS 
"I was devastated to finish this novel and look forward to many more from the pen of Douglas Jackson" -- ***** Reader review 
"Superb in every way" -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************** 
 
IN THE FAR NORTH, GAIUS VALERIUS VERRENS' DESTINY AWAITS... 
 
AD 80: Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. But this is no ordinary legion. His command is the 'unlucky' Ninth, tainted by four decades of ill fortune and poor leadership. A unit regarded as expendable by his superior, Gnaeus Julius Agricola... 
 
Yet all that can be swept aside by a single moment of glory, and the invasion of the north of the province provides the perfect opportunity. Valerius leads his men to a devastating victory against the Brigantes, infuriating Agricola... Soon, even greater honours beckon with the death of Emperor Vespasian and the succession of Valerius's friend, Titus. 
 
All Valerius can do is forget the great prizes on offer, concentrate on defeating the savage tribes who lie in the path of the Ninth, and ignore Agricola's intrigues. 
 
But watching his every move is another enemy - and this one is the most formidable enemy he has ever faced... 
 
Hammer of Rome is the last of the Gaius Valerius Verrens novels. Have you read the other eight?

Spectacular and satisfying . . .  thrilling and dramatic . . . Roman historical fiction at its very best.

A wonderful novel . . . the battle scenes are as thrilling as ever . . . Douglas Jackson is one of the finest writers about today, irrespective of genre. This series is a glorious achievement and so too is the book that completes it’

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 8): Roman Britain is brought to life in this action-packed historical adventure

Glory of Rome

The Roman grip on Britain is growing weaker and Druids are on the rise. Emperor Nero has turned away. Boudicca is preparing to lead tribes to war. 
 
Standing in her way is Gaius Valerius Verrens, commander of the veterans legion. In this battle he earns the accolade of Hero of Rome - but where will that title lead him next?

Gaius Valerius Verrens, once the friend of emperors and sometime Hero of Rome, returns to the furthest reaches of the Empire - to Britannia - to lead the Ninth Legion in its bid to quell a savage uprising by the Celtic tribes and their defiant and scheming Druids...

A riveting and all-action historical page-turner from bestselling author Douglas Jackson that will have you gripped from page one! Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"The best Roman historical series I've yet read. Just pips Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden." - 5 STARS 
"I found this one hard to put down as there was action and intrigue from start to finish" - 5 STARS 
"Fantastic story and character creation" - 5 STARS 
"A simple plot but pace never lets up and keeps you wanting to "just read the next chapter before I put it down" - 5 STARS 
 
************************************* 
 
77AD. Gaius Valerius Verrens is an honoured member of Emperor Vespasian's inner circle, but the enmity between him and Vespasian's son Domitian means that, even in Rome, danger is never far away. 
 
Meanwhile, in the outer reaches of the Empire, in Britannia, trouble is brewing. 
 
The governor, Agricola is preparing to march his legions north and Valerius is Agricola's chief legal adviser and deputy governor. It's the opportunity he seeks to move his wife and son out of reach of Domitian's wrath. 
 
The massacre of a Roman garrison and suspicious death throw Agricola's preparations into confusion. Now his eyes turn west to Mona and the Druids, who still harbour hopes of ridding Britannia of Roman rule. But to deal with them, Agricola needs a soldier he can trust to lead the legion. Only one man in the province has the experience and the ability . . . 
 
So a reluctant Valerius picks up his sword once more. He soon comes to understand that any glory his new legion wins is likely to be fleeting and tainted - and that he has placed his family in deadly peril. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures conclude in Hammer of Rome.

Superbly written and packed with historical detail and action.

What a fantastic writer Douglas Jackson is . . . Glory of Rome is a thrilling novel from the outset and culminates in a brilliant battle sequence that had me on the edge of my seat.

The plot is taut and gallops along at a pace. The characters are all well-drawn and convincing, while the action sequences are exciting, bloody, and dramatic, without being overly graphic. The novel can be read as a standalone without any loss of enjoyment. A gripping tale from start to finish, and you will find it difficult to put down. Recommended.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 7): An action-packed historical page-turner you won’t be able to put down

Saviour of Rome

For fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, the spectacular new novel in Douglas Jackson's epic series sees Gaius Valerius Verrens summoned by the emperor Vespasian to undertake a mission that is tainted by treachery and seems like a death sentence...

A gripping and breath-taking novel of Roman adventure from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"Spellbinding" - 5 STARS 
"I didn't want to come to the end, some really fascinating detail and a great story." - 5 STARS 
"Unexpected twists and an ending full of surprise rates it among my favorite reads to date." - 5 STARS 
"Kept me absolutely gripped from start to finish [-] historically accurate with the fictitious stories and characters expertly weaved into the real makes it utterly believable." - 5 STARS 
 
***************************************** 
 
REBELLION SIMMERS...AND TREACHERY LIES IN WAIT. 
 
AD 72: Vespasian is Emperor of Rome - but his grip on power is weakening. Economic disaster threatens the city - and when Rome is threatened, so too is the Empire. 
 
Recently married and building a new home, Gaius Valerius Verrens thought he'd at last found a life away from the battlefield. But he is summoned by the Emperor to do one last favour for Rome: he must journey to the remote, mountainous region of Asturica Augusta and investigate claims that a bandit called 'The Ghost' is raiding the Empire's gold convoys. 
 
When Valerius arrives, he finds a tortured, gods-forsaken land whose native tribes, exploited for so long, are a growing threat. But treachery lurks in the shadows, and it seems the real danger comes from those closer to him. 
 
Valerius must put an end to a conspiracy that would plunge the Empire into a devastating new conflict - but first he must establish who is a friend, and who a foe . . . 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Glory of Rome.

A thrilling adventure . . . the tale is, as ever, impeccably researched . . . as exciting as an action movie.

Such a fine addition to the series . . . Douglas Jackson writes beautifully . . . one of my very favourite series of novels, regardless of genre.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 6): a compelling and gripping Roman adventure that will have you hooked to the very last page

Scourge of Rome

For fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, the spectacular new novel in Douglas Jackson's epic series sees Gaius Valerius Verrens banished from Rome only to be caught up in one of the most savage uprisings the Roman Empire had witnessed: the Judaean rebellion and the siege of Jerusalem.

Bestselling author Douglas Jackson expertly brings the Roman Empire to life in this riveting historical adventure of fire, blood and battle. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
 
"Storytelling of the highest order" - 5 STARS 
"Glorious Roman adventure." - 5 STARS 
"The drama never lets up - it is gripping" - 5 STARS 
"I'm just gutted to have finished it!" - 5 STARS 
"Verrens rules, ok?" - 5 STARS 
 
************************************************************ 
 
BETRAYED, BANISHED BUT NOT BROKEN... 
 
70 AD: Disgraced, dishonoured and banished on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. He knows his only hope of long term survival lies with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian. 
 
But when he reaches the Roman camps that surround the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew; in his place, a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. 
 
Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus' lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who together have an ulterior motive for wanting the siege to end quickly. 
 
Yet the laurels Valerius needs in order to regain his honour cannot be won in the tunnels that run beneath Jerusalem. Only in the heat and blood of battle can he find the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens' adventures continue in Saviour of Rome.

Scourge of Rome is a compelling and urgent account of one of the darkest events in Roman history. Douglas Jackson brings history to life in a compelling way.

A writer at the top of his game, his books are the complete package, filled with intrigue, action and adventure. But more than that they are filled with history, with heart and emotion and characters that will make you bleed and cry and love . . . I cannot recommend this highly enough.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 5):  Bravery and brutality at the heart of a Roman Empire in the throes of a bloody civil war

Enemy of Rome

Bravery and brutality at the heart of a Roman Empire in the throes of bloody civil war - Gaius Valerius Verrens returns in the new historical novel from a writer to rank alongside Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.

A gripping, adrenalin-fuelled historical page-turner from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"Once you have started you will want to read every volume in this exciting series [set] during one of the most turbulent times in Roman history" - 5 STARS 
"Douglas Jackson undoubtedly holds the crown as king of his genre" - 5 STARS 
"It is another tough book to put down" - 5 STARS 
"An entertaining and compelling read that makes you feel as if you were there!" - 5 STARS 
 
***************************************** 
 
LIVE BY THE SWORD. DIE BY THE SWORD. 
 
Summer, AD 69: Rome and its empire are in turmoil. The emperor Otho is dead by his own hand and his rival, Aulus Vitellius, occupies the imperial throne. However, a new challenge has arisen in the East - the legions of Titus Flavius Vespasian have declared him their Emperor. 
 
In the dry heat of an August morning, Gaius Valerius Verrens prepares for his last day on Earth. Wrongly accused of deserting his legion on the field of Bedriacum, it seems he is destined to die a coward's death. Then the executioner's hand is stayed. Vitellius' enemies will spare his life if he pledges allegiance to Vespasian. Valerius - tired of the endless slaughter - agrees. 
 
And so he must battle his way south to Rome in order to persuade his friend Vitellius to stand down for the greater good. But this is civil war and this is Rome, and Valerius - his loyalties divided and branded an enemy of the people - is trapped in a maze of distrust, corruption, betrayal and blood-letting . . . 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Scourge of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 4): an enthralling, action-packed Roman adventure that will have you hooked to the very last page

Sword of Rome

Nero's turbulent reign draws to a close and Gaius Valerius Varens returns in his fourth brutal and bloody adventure. He's been Rome's hero, its defender and its avenger, and now he is the Empire's sword...

Bestselling author Douglas Jackson expertly brings the Roman Empire to life in this brutal and bloody historical adventure. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"Breakneck action, vivid characters, a fresh, believable perspective, and a fabulous plot with a stunning, unexpected end. Don't want to read it yet? Are you barking mad?" - 5 STARS 
"A page turner that makes you want more" - 5 STARS 
"I couldn't put the book down" - 5 STARS 
"A cracking read" - 5 STARS 
"Hugely enjoyable" - 5 STARS 
 
****************************************************************** 
AMIDST THE CHAOS AND CARNAGE OF CIVIL WAR, WHERE DO A HERO'S LOYALTIES LIE? 
 
AD 68: The Emperor Nero's erratic and bloody reign is in its death throes when Gaius Valerius Verrens is dispatched to Rome on a mission that will bring it to a close. With Nero dead, the city and the Empire hold their breath, pray for peace and await the arrival of his successor, Servius Sulpicius Galba, governor of Hispania. 
 
But they pray in vain. Galba promises stability and prosperity, but his rule begins with a massacre and ends only months later in chaos and carnage. And so starts the Year of the Four Emperors: a time of civil war which will tear Rome apart and test Valerius's skills and loyalties to their very limit. 
 
Fortunate to survive Galba's fall, Valerius is sent on a mission by Rome's new Emperor, Otho, to persuade his old friend Vitellius to halt his armies, stop them marching in the north and therefore prevent inevitable confrontation and disruption. 
 
In an epic adventure that will take him the length and breadth of a divided land, the one-armed Roman fights to stay alive and stave off a bloodbath as he is stalked by the most implacable enemy he has ever faced. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Enemy of Rome.

Saturday (Supp to the Scottish Daily Record)

One of the best historical novelists writing today.

Bestselling author Douglas Jackson expertly brings the Roman Empire to life in this brutal and bloody historical adventure. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"Breakneck action, vivid characters, a fresh, believable perspective, and a fabulous plot with a stunning, unexpected end. Don't want to read it yet? Are you barking mad?" - 5 STARS 
"A page turner that makes you want more" - 5 STARS 
"I couldn't put the book down" - 5 STARS 
"A cracking read" - 5 STARS 
"Hugely enjoyable" - 5 STARS 
 
****************************************************************** 
AMIDST THE CHAOS AND CARNAGE OF CIVIL WAR, WHERE DO A HERO'S LOYALTIES LIE? 
 
AD 68: The Emperor Nero's erratic and bloody reign is in its death throes when Gaius Valerius Verrens is dispatched to Rome on a mission that will bring it to a close. With Nero dead, the city and the Empire hold their breath, pray for peace and await the arrival of his successor, Servius Sulpicius Galba, governor of Hispania. 
 
But they pray in vain. Galba promises stability and prosperity, but his rule begins with a massacre and ends only months later in chaos and carnage. And so starts the Year of the Four Emperors: a time of civil war which will tear Rome apart and test Valerius's skills and loyalties to their very limit. 
 
Fortunate to survive Galba's fall, Valerius is sent on a mission by Rome's new Emperor, Otho, to persuade his old friend Vitellius to halt his armies, stop them marching in the north and therefore prevent inevitable confrontation and disruption. 
 
In an epic adventure that will take him the length and breadth of a divided land, the one-armed Roman fights to stay alive and stave off a bloodbath as he is stalked by the most implacable enemy he has ever faced. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Enemy of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 3): a gripping and vivid Roman page-turner you won’t want to stop reading

Avenger of Rome

Douglas Jackson confirms his reputation as 'one of the best historical novelists writing today' (Daily Express) with the third action-packed adventure feauring his on-time gladiator hero, Gaius Valerius Verrens...

If you like Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, you'll absolutely love this enthralling and action-packed novel of Roman adventure from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"A triumph of a novel" - 5 STARS 
"Impossible to put down." - 5 STARS 
"A real unputdownable read" - 5 STARS 
"Spellbinding" - 5 STARS 
 
*************************************************************************************** 
 
A SOLDIER'S SWORD WILL DECIDE THE FATE OF ROME 
 
Emperor Nero's grip on power is weakening - more and more fearful of losing his position, his paranoia settles on the figure of the popular Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, Rome's greatest General who leads the imperial legions in the East. Is he preparing to march against Rome? 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens is ordered to Antioch on a mission to kill Corbulo, a soldier he worships...Yet Corbulo's eyes are not on Rome, but on a new threat to the Empire's border: the Parthian King, Vologases, is marching to war and with such an army that if not stopped he might overwhelm the entire Roman east. 
 
Valerius marches at Corbulo's side. Outnumbered they make a stand to meet Vologases in an epic contest of military might and ingenuity that will decide the fate of the Empire. 
 
And while he fights for the Empire, and for his own survival on the battlefield, Valerius must decide whether to complete his mission, or risk incurring his Emperor's dangerous wrath. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Sword of Rome.

A splendid piece of story-telling and a vivid recreation of a long-dead world

Light and dark in equal measure, colourful, thoughtful and bracing

Superb battle scenes . . . I was gripped from start to finish

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 2):  A heart-stopping and gripping novel of Roman adventure

Defender of Rome

'A master of his discipline rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today' Daily Express

This riveting and action-packed historical thriller from bestselling author Douglas Jackson is real edge of your seat stuff! Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"Absolutely incredible." - 5 STARS. 
"Gripping, violent and captivating." - 5 STARS. 
"The best Roman historical series I've yet read. Just pips Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden." - 5 STARS 
 
************************************************************** 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. But he is not the man he once was - scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left. 
 
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. There is talk of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition. 
 
Nero calls on Valerius to seek out this rebel sect and to capture their leader. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousand Judaeans living in Rome. 
 
But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure. 
 
Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Avenger of Rome.

A master of his discipline rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today

An action-packed and riveting novel of Roman adventure…

Hero of Rome (Gaius Valerius Verrens 1)

The first book in an action-packed and rigrously researched new Roman historical series by the acclaimed author of Caligula and Claudius.

Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, this heart-stopping historical thriller from bestselling author Douglas Jackson will have you on the edge of your seat! 
 
"Rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today" -- DAILY EXPRESS 
 
Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! 
"This was probably the best book that I have read of this genre." - 5 STARS. 
"As good as Scarrow, Riches or Scott." - 5 STARS. 
"Valerius is quite addictive..." - 5 STARS . 
 
************************************************************** 
AD 59: Rome's grip on Britain is weakening. Roman cruelty and exploitation has angered their British subjects; the Druids are on the rise; the warrior queen Boudicca will lead the tribes to war. 
 
The Roman Tribune, Gaius Valerius Verrens must lead the veteran legions at Colonia in a last stand against the rising tide of rebellion and the unstoppable horde of Boudicca's rebel army. 
 
Can he defend his honour and the Empire he represents? 
 
Hero of Rome is the first in Douglas Jackson's Gaius Valerius Verrens series. His story continues in Defender of Rome.

If I were Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow, I'd be rather worried by the new Scottish kid on the block

A splendid piece of storytelling and a vivid recreation of a long-dead-world

An action-packed historical page-turner full of intrigue and suspense…

Claudius

A gripping and visceral novel of the Roman invasion of Britain, for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow.

From bestselling author Douglas Jackson, a gripping and visceral novel of the Roman invasion of Britain, for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow. 
 
"What stands out are Jackson's superb battle scenes. I lost myself in the riveting depictions of combat . . . I was gripped from start to finish." -- Ben Kane. 
"You will be reading this and saying to yourself, "Just one more page!"..." - ***** Reader review. 
"THIS is the story I was waiting on!" - ***** Reader review. 
 
******************************************************************** 
 
EMPEROR OF ROME. CONQUEROR OF BRITAIN. 
 
43 AD. Southern England. Caratacus, war chief of the Britons, watches as the scarlet cloaks of the Roman legions spread across his lands like blood. 
 
In Rome, Emperor Claudius desires total conquest and dreams of taking his place in history alongside his illustrious forebears Caesar and Augustus. 
 
Among the legions marches Rufus, keeper of the Emperor's elephant. War is coming and the united tribes of Britain will make a desperate stand against the might of Rome in their fight for freedom. 
 
The Emperor has a very special purpose for Rufus and his elephant in the midst of the battle - will the Gods favour him? 
 
Have you read Caligula - where Rufus's adventures begin?

What stands out are Jackson's superb battle scenes. I lost myself in the riveting depictions of combat, hoping against hope that somehow the British would prevail... I was gripped from start to finish

Jackson triumphs... If I were Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow, I'd be rather worried by the new Scottish kid on the block

From bestselling author Douglas Jackson, a gripping and visceral novel of the Roman invasion of Britain, for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow. 
 
"What stands out are Jackson's superb battle scenes. I lost myself in the riveting depictions of combat . . . I was gripped from start to finish." -- Ben Kane. 
"You will be reading this and saying to yourself, "Just one more page!"..." - ***** Reader review. 
"THIS is the story I was waiting on!" - ***** Reader review. 
 
******************************************************************** 
 
EMPEROR OF ROME. CONQUEROR OF BRITAIN. 
 
43 AD. Southern England. Caratacus, war chief of the Britons, watches as the scarlet cloaks of the Roman legions spread across his lands like blood. 
 
In Rome, Emperor Claudius desires total conquest and dreams of taking his place in history alongside his illustrious forebears Caesar and Augustus. 
 
Among the legions marches Rufus, keeper of the Emperor's elephant. War is coming and the united tribes of Britain will make a desperate stand against the might of Rome in their fight for freedom. 
 
The Emperor has a very special purpose for Rufus and his elephant in the midst of the battle - will the Gods favour him? 
 
Have you read Caligula - where Rufus's adventures begin?

A thrilling historical epic set in Ancient Rome that you won’t be able to put down…

Caligula

A major new historical epic - in the tradition of Conn Iggulden.

Perfect for fans of Robert Harris, Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow, a riveting thriller set in Ancient Rome from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. 
 
"...gripping Roman thriller. It's certainly well placed to take on the Simon Scarrow/Conn Iggulden audience." -- Scotland on Sunday 
 
"Fantastic read..." - ***** Reader review. 
 
****************************************************************** 
 
CAN A SLAVE DECIDE THE FATE OF AN EMPEROR? 
 
Ancient Rome. Caligula is Emperor, his reign marked by excess, ambition, decadence, cruelty, madness, sexual scandal and death. 
 
Rufus is a young slave living a world away from the Imperial court - apprentice to an animal trainer for the gladiatorial arena and friend to Cupido, one of Rome's greatest gladiators. 
 
When Rufus's skills come to the attention of Caligula, he is summoned to court to serve as keeper for the Imperial elephant - and unwittingly finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor... 
 
Rufus's story continues in Claudius.

Jackson brings a visceral realism to Rome in the days of the mad Caligula

A young animal trainer for the gladiatorial games is plunged into the paranoid world of Emperor Caligula's court in this gripping Roman thriller

Jackson brought Rome alive for me, chilling, deadly and magnetic. A wonder filled novel from a master of his trade

Douglas Jackson

A novel steeped in history . . . his battle scenes are as bloody and violent as any Tarantino movie. Yet he does this in a matter of fact way. There is no horror for horror’s sake . . exhilarating reading . . . full of incident and adventure, the product of the author’s fertile imagination and knowledge of the period.

A rollercoaster ride through lands riven by conflict – both political and military . . . the battle scenes are expertly described and underpinned by careful research . . . Jackson has created another blockbuster historical fiction.

AD 406. Abandoned by friends and hounded by enemies, Roman cavalry commander Marcus Flavius Victor and a small band of loyal warriors know that the time has come to leave an increasingly fractured Britannia. 
 
Their journey takes them across the bleak, pirate-infested seas of the Mare Germanicum to Saxonia and on into the dark heart of barbarism. It seems the Britons' only salvation lies with an old comrade, General Stilicho - based far to the east but still within the sanctuary of the Empire. But the general has troubles of his own: his influence with the Emperor Honorius is waning, and a great warrior people are on the march - for Radagaisus, king of the Ostrogoths, has promised his subjects all the riches of Italia, and they will leave a sea of Roman bones in their wake. 
 
But as Marcus and his companions battle their way towards what they hope will a safe haven of sorts, they stumble across a secret which could decide the fate of the Empire. But who can they really trust, and can Marcus reach Stilicho in time - because his every step is dogged by a son who wants him dead... 
 
Set during the desperate twilight years of Rome's once all-powerful empire, The Barbarian is the action-packed and thrillingly authentic new historical novel from one of the genre's very best.

Douglas Jackson

Praise for The Barbarian

A novel steeped in history . . . his battle scenes are as bloody and violent as any Tarantino movie. Yet he does this in a matter of fact way. There is no horror for horror’s sake . . exhilarating reading . . . full ...

A rollercoaster ride through lands riven by conflict – both political and military . . . the battle scenes are expertly described and underpinned by careful research . . . Jackson has created another blockbuster his ...

Books by Douglas Jackson

Series by Douglas Jackson

Gaius Valerius Verrens

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