Hero of Rome (Gaius Valerius Verrens 1)
An action-packed and riveting novel of Roman adventure…

Read this book in 2010, and its the 1st volume of the amazing "Gaius Valerius Verrens" series, from the author, Douglas Jackson. In this book we encounter Gaius Valerius Verrens, Commander of the veteran legions at Colonia, and the Romans are preparing against the rising tide of Boudicca's rebellion.......more

I first read this fantastic book eight years ago and now that the series is complete (with Hammer of Rome, the ninth book), I thought it was time to go back to the beginning for a re-read. It's every bit as wonderful as I remember. Hero of Rome will always be a favourite novel of mine thanks to its......more

There is a lot to like about Jackson’s opening book about young tribune, Gaius Valerius Verrens. He knows his Roman and Roman military history. His details about the period of Emperor Nero’s rule in Britannia do credit to him and his plot. He gives special emphasis to the settled but unsettled times......more

4.5 stars Really good! Fast paced, historically sound, great characterisation and few stumbles in the plot. The battle scene at Colonia is fabulously written, one of the best depictions of battle I have read, though with an eye to heroes in mind. But then, all soldiers are heroes when they are defend......more