This is the fifth book in the Empire Series, the story of Marcus Valerius Aquila. For those of you who do not know the series, Marcus’ family has been killed on orders from the Emperor. His father knew that there was some trouble brewing, so he sent his eldest son away from Rome, to an old friend in Northern Britannia. Marcus is now hidden away as a centurion in a Roman Auxiliary Legion using the name of Marcus Tribulus Corvus.In this book Marcus’ unit has been moved to Dacia to defend the Empire from a growing threat, the Sarmatae. They are not the only threat, Marcus must also deal with a traitor to Rome and the blind arrogance of the son of a Senator.Riches writes an excellent book, his characters are so vivid. They are my friends, after I finished defending the Empire with them we sat back and had a couple of pints together. He is that good at creating a connection with his characters.What I enjoyed the most about The Wolf’s Gold, as well as his previous books, was the author’s attention to detail and the research that is evident. Riches goes into great detail with Roman fight tactics, you develop a real understanding of the Roman fighting machine and how it was so effective. He delves into the reality of hand to hand combat, the gruesome and personal battle that it is, one where you must look into the eye of the man you about to kill.Over the past few books Riches has come up with some great ways to kill the villain. I for one will never look at a drinking horn the same way again. In this, The Wolf’s Gold does not disappoint.For anyone who enjoys military fiction with great characters I would highly recommend the Empire Series. I have already added book VI, Eagle’s Vengence, to my kindle. The Wolf’s Gold is the fifth book in Anthony Riches Empire series.The Tungrian Auxiliary cohorts are recovering after their hard fought victory in Germania. Hoping to be sent home they are disappointed to be sent to Dacia to help defend the Alburnus Major Gold mine from marauding Sarmatae tribesmen who are determined to capture an Empires gold supply.In a desperate fight to the death, Tribune Scaurus will have to lead his cohorts with all the skill and experience he has, if the Tungrians are to survive the onslaught and see their homes again.Centurion, Marcus Corvus and his fellow officers not only have to fortify and defend the mine but they also have to deal with truculent mine owners and a new commander who as a political appointment is more of a danger to his men than the enemy.As the Tungrians Cohorts desperately fight for survival, Centurion Corvus will learn a secret that will open a window onto the men who ordered the death of his entire family but can he survive the battle to seek revenge on them?Knowing that failure to secure the Mine will bring down the wrath of Emperor Commodos onto them, the men will fight to the death to save the mine and the province of Dacia.With rampaging barbarians, dubious allies and an incompetent leader, the cohorts face their toughest battle yet.I have always enjoyed Anthony Riches books (whisper it quietly but I didn’t enjoy Leopards Sword as much!) and this book has to be his best book so far. The real joy of this book is the dialogue between the characters. It is so sharp and it flows so easily between the main characters and the banter is some of the best and funniest I have ever read. The infantry song about the cavalry had me spitting me drink all over my desk at work!The main group of characters are now like old friends which makes reading about them so pleasurable and I like the way some of the group can fade into the background in one book and then be the main character in the next. An example is the use of Dubnus who is one of my favourite characters in the series but is hardly mentioned in this book.In a year of great books this book has shot to the top of the leader board of my favourites! I really enjoyed it and got through it very quickly, which I always take as a sign of a good book. I don’t think I could recommend this book enough. An absolute must for any Roman histfic fan!
What do You think about The Wolf's Gold (2012)?
Brilliant! This author is rapidly becoming one of the leaders in Roman historical fiction.
—lumikki2012
another very good historical fiction. waiting for more in the series
—Cat
Another great story in this awesome series.
—sharon
