The Last Roman: Vengeance
This is the first novel in a projected trilogy, and it starts with a bang. Flavius Belisarius is in the schoolroom having a normal day of lessons when suddenly a barbarian raid breaks the tranquillity and his life will never be the same again. High-action from the beginning, this novel is breathless and compelling throughout. The action takes place during the 6th century of the Byzantine Empire, and Flavius’s father Decimus, as Governor, has been upholding traditional Roman values and trying to stamp out corruption. The rich and powerful do not take kindly to these attempts to curtail their power, and Decimus and his three eldest sons are all slain. Flavius, with the help of an older servant, Ohannes, veteran of many battles, must try to get the proof of the underhand dealing to important people who matter and so obtain the vengeance of the title on those who arranged for the deaths of his family. The youth and inexperience of Flavius faced with this vital but difficult task are clear, and the reader roots for him as he desperately tries to complete his self-appointed mission. The period details ring true, and the impact of Christianity onto the Roman world adds an interesting and unusual dimension. Fans of Bernard Cornwell will be lining up for this one and will be anxiously awaiting the next in the series too, as am I.
