Welcome to the Late Roman Empire in the early 4th century CE. This is the fourth in a series based on a fictional Roman soldier, Aurelius Castus, who serves in the armies of Constantine. The series has strong similarities with Harry Sidebottom’s ‘Warrior of Rome’ series (set in the third century CE) and Douglas Jackson’s ‘Hero of Rome’ series (set in the first century CE), which take as their protagonist a fairly recognisable, decent soldier who also happens to be very good at interpersonal violence.

The success of such writing is a precarious endeavour because cliché and boredom are far more present threats than the countless barbarians encountered. Fortunately Ian Ross is pretty good at his task and the Late Roman Empire is a fascinating period if treated with respect (which he does). Rome is still dominant but faces real competition from the Sassanid Persians in the east and Germanic tribal confederations to the north. Christianity is changing ethics but not so much that being in the ruling elite is not a very dangerous place. The strain of running the whole colossally complex edifice is beginning to show. This is a pretty good read and recommended for those who want a different take on the Rome they know.

Reviewed by Grant Hansen