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

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 Valerius's superior, Gnaeus Julius Agricola, governor of Britannia. Yet all that can be swept aside by a single moment of glory, and the long heralded invasion of the north of the province provides the perfect opportunity. Valerius leads his men to a devastating victory against the recalcitrant Brigantes, infuriating Agricola in the process. Soon, even greater honours beckon with the death of Emperor Vespasian and the succession of Valerius's friend, Titus. But, back in Rome, the new emperor faces his own challenges, not least from his own brother, Domitian, a man with an insatiable ambition for power and a deadly hatred of Valerius. 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 the most formidable enemy he has ever faced: mighty Calgacus, war chief of the Northern alliance 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? "AD 80. Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. But this is no ordinary legion - tainted by four decades of ill fortune and poor leadership, this is the 'unlucky' Ninth. A unit regarded as expendable by the governor of Britannia, Gnaeus Julius Agricola. Yet all that can be swept aside by a single moment of glory. The long-heralded invasion of the north is under way and Valerius leads his troops to a devastating victory against the Brigantes, infuriating Agricola in the process. And then, even greater honours beckon with the death of Emperor Vespasian and the succession of Valerius's friend, Titus. But the new emperor faces his own challenges, not least from his brother, Domitian - whose insatiable lust for power is matched only by his deep hatred of Valerius. Valerius knows he must forget the rewards offered by Rome and concentrate on the matter at hand, defeating the recalcitrant tribes who lie in the path of the Ninth. If only the life of a soldier were so simple. For watching his every move is the most formidable and cunning enemy he will ever face: Calgacus, war chief of the Northern alliance"--Publisher's description