Product Description

AD256 – the spectre of treachery hangs ominously over the Roman Empire. The sparks of Christian fervour have spread through the empire like wildfire, and the imperium is alive with the machinations of dangerous and powerful men. All the while, Sassanid forces press forward relentlessly along the eastern frontier. The battle-bloodied general Ballista returns to the imperial court from the fallen city of Arete – only to find that there are those who would rather see him dead than alive. Ballista is soon caught in a sinister web of intrigue and religious fanaticism . . . his courage and loyalty will be put to the ultimate test in the service of Rome and the Emperor. The Warrior of Rome is back . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1740 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-09
• Binding: Hardcover
• 416 pages

Review
`Sidebottom's prose blazes with searing scholarship' --The Times

Review
`A well-constructed, well-paced and gripping account'

Review
`Harry Sidebottom's epic tale starts with a chilling assassination and goes on, and up, from there'

Customer Reviews

Book two follows in the same vein as book one - A detailled, authentic read
This was a very rewarding read and a great second book which maintains the high standard set by the initial book `Fire in the East'.

Its educational quality is superb and the intricate level of detail that the author has incorporated into the story is outstanding. You will certainly learn more about Roman life, customs and etiquette as you progress through the book. The text contains frequent Latin words and phrases which will require you to break from the story in order to consult the glossary at the back of the book. Readers of the first book will realise that this is now firmly established as part of the author's writing technique and helps to craft a more authentic read.

Ballista's career and association with the Emperor Valerian alternates between periods of favour and near disgrace. It is these periods of near disgrace that see Ballista being handed some of the less honourable positions which result in the northern barbarian's involvement in dangerous and dramatic events.

This is a more detailed and perhaps slower paced read than Scarrow's Roman series, but that does not detract from the quality and enjoyment you will experience by reading this book. Scarrow's series is ideal when you are in the need of an action packed book which is swift to read. Harry Sidebottom's books are superb reading material for those interested in the Roman Empire who desire more detail and are prepared to allow the book time to achieve its full potential.

The story continues
As an enthusiastic reader of historical novels from the Roman to Saxon periods, I rated the first book in the Warrior of Rome series highly, particularly given that it was the work of a new author. Although the book was self contained, it left the prospect of more, and this second book by Harry Sidebottom, King of Kings, largely fulfills this promise. The political and military background to this tempestuous period of history is further developed, as are those characters, family and staff, who move through the story with our hero Ballista. If that is what he is. There is action, political intrigue and a feeling that we are all pawns in a game of declining empire played by others above our heads. My only criticism is that the author becomes too engaged with displaying his knowledge of the details of Roman life and administration, which to some extent detracts from the pace of the book. But when you put it down at the end there is no doubt you will want more.

What a change
Warrior of Rome II: King of Kings (Warrior of Rome 2)

After reading the first book in this series I was not going to bother with this one. However, the author must have read the reviews of his last book as Ballista has become a 'human', the story line is so much better and not a lecture on roman fighting tactics. Ballista as usual meets everything that happens to him 'full on', but he is human, he shows this in his attitude to his wife and children as well as his friends. This book kept me interested right up to the last page - roll on the third book which is obviously going to be written.