Douglas Jackson

The Roman grip on Britain is weakening. Emperor Nero has turned his face away from this far-flung outpost. The Druids are on the rise, spreading seeds of rebellion among the British tribes. Roman cruelty and exploitation has angered their British subjects. The warrior queen Boudicca will lead the tribes to war. Standing against the rising tide of Boudicca's rebellion is Roman Tribune, Gaius Valerius Verrens, Commander of the veteran legions at Colonia. Valerius leads the veterans in a last stand against the unstoppable horde of Boudicca's rebel army. Step by step, the bloodied survivors are forced back into the Temple of Claudius. It is here that Valerius wins lifelong fame and the accolade Hero of Rome.

Hero of Rome

Bestiarius

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?

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

Hammer of Rome

"A divided empire cannot stand. The biggest threat to the Empire comes not from the armies of Boudicca or the hordes of Germania but from within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, are spreading sedition, denying the divinity of the Emperor. And Nero is not a man to be denied. Nero calls on his 'Hero of Rome' to become a 'Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure."--Provided by publisher.

Defender of Rome

A riveting and all-action historical page-turner from bestselling author Douglas Jackson that will have you gripped from page one! Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! "The best Roman historical series I've yet read. Just pips Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden." - 5 STARS "I found this one hard to put down as there was action and intrigue from start to finish" - 5 STARS "Fantastic story and character creation" - 5 STARS "A simple plot but pace never lets up and keeps you wanting to "just read the next chapter before I put it down" - 5 STARS ************************************* 77AD. Gaius Valerius Verrens is an honoured member of Emperor Vespasian's inner circle, but the enmity between him and Vespasian's son Domitian means that, even in Rome, danger is never far away. Meanwhile, in the outer reaches of the Empire, in Britannia, trouble is brewing. The governor, Agricola is preparing to march his legions north and Valerius is Agricola's chief legal adviser and deputy governor. It's the opportunity he seeks to move his wife and son out of reach of Domitian's wrath. The massacre of a Roman garrison and suspicious death throw Agricola's preparations into confusion. Now his eyes turn west to Mona and the Druids, who still harbour hopes of ridding Britannia of Roman rule. But to deal with them, Agricola needs a soldier he can trust to lead the legion. Only one man in the province has the experience and the ability . . . So a reluctant Valerius picks up his sword once more. He soon comes to understand that any glory his new legion wins is likely to be fleeting and tainted - and that he has placed his family in deadly peril. Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures conclude in Hammer of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 8): Roman Britain is brought to life in this action-packed historical adventure

Glory of Rome

A gripping and breath-taking novel of Roman adventure from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! "Spellbinding" - 5 STARS "I didn't want to come to the end, some really fascinating detail and a great story." - 5 STARS "Unexpected twists and an ending full of surprise rates it among my favorite reads to date." - 5 STARS "Kept me absolutely gripped from start to finish [-] historically accurate with the fictitious stories and characters expertly weaved into the real makes it utterly believable." - 5 STARS ***************************************** REBELLION SIMMERS...AND TREACHERY LIES IN WAIT. AD 72: Vespasian is Emperor of Rome - but his grip on power is weakening. Economic disaster threatens the city - and when Rome is threatened, so too is the Empire. Recently married and building a new home, Gaius Valerius Verrens thought he'd at last found a life away from the battlefield. But he is summoned by the Emperor to do one last favour for Rome: he must journey to the remote, mountainous region of Asturica Augusta and investigate claims that a bandit called 'The Ghost' is raiding the Empire's gold convoys. When Valerius arrives, he finds a tortured, gods-forsaken land whose native tribes, exploited for so long, are a growing threat. But treachery lurks in the shadows, and it seems the real danger comes from those closer to him. Valerius must put an end to a conspiracy that would plunge the Empire into a devastating new conflict - but first he must establish who is a friend, and who a foe . . . Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Glory of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 7): An action-packed historical page-turner you won’t be able to put down

Saviour of Rome

70AD. Disgraced, dishonored and banished into exile on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, the former military tribune Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. Valerius knows his only hope of long term survival and a restoration of his family's fortunes lie with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian. But when he reaches the ring of legionary camps around the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew, replaced by a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. Soon, Valerius finds himself at the center of a web of intrigue spun by Titus's lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who have an ulterior motive for ending the siege quickly. Yet the laurels that will regain his honor cannot be won in the negotiations in the murky tunnels beneath Jerusalem. Only amid the fire and blood of battle will he equal the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.

Scourge of Rome

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the third Roman Emperor, is better known by another name: Caligula, a name synonymous with decadence, cruelty and madness. Rufus as a young slave grows up far from the corruption of the imperial court. His master is a trainer of animals for the gladiatorial arena, and Rufus discovers that he has a natural ability with animals, a talent for controlling and schooling them. It is his growing reputation as an animal trainer that attracts the cruel gaze of the Emperor, who wants a keeper for the imperial elephant. Rufus is bought from his master and taken to the imperial palace where life is dictated by Caligula’s ever shifting moods. Caligula is as generous as he is cruel, he is a megalomaniac who declares himself a living god and simultaneously lives in constant fear of the plots against his life. But his paranoia is not misplaced. Intrigue permeates his court, and Rufus and his friend Cupido find themselves unwittingly placed at the centre of a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor.

Caligula

CLAUDIUS - EMPEROR OF ROME, CONQUEROR OF BRITAIN Emperor CLAUDIUS has unleashed the Roman legions against Britain. CARATACUS, war chief of the Britons, must unite the tribes for a desperate last stand. CLAUDIUS desires total conquest. CARATACUS will fight for freedom. An epic battle is coming. Heroes will be made and kings will fall in a struggle that will echo through the annals of history.

Claudius

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Bestselling author Douglas Jackson expertly brings the Roman Empire to life in this riveting historical adventure of fire, blood and battle. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden. Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! "Storytelling of the highest order" - 5 STARS "Glorious Roman adventure." - 5 STARS "The drama never lets up - it is gripping" - 5 STARS "I'm just gutted to have finished it!" - 5 STARS "Verrens rules, ok?" - 5 STARS ************************************************************ BETRAYED, BANISHED BUT NOT BROKEN... 70 AD: Disgraced, dishonoured and banished on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. He knows his only hope of long term survival lies with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian. But when he reaches the Roman camps that surround the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew; in his place, a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus' lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general's turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who together have an ulterior motive for wanting the siege to end quickly. Yet the laurels Valerius needs in order to regain his honour cannot be won in the tunnels that run beneath Jerusalem. Only in the heat and blood of battle can he find the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome. Gaius Valerius Verrens' adventures continue in Saviour of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 6): a compelling and gripping Roman adventure that will have you hooked to the very last page

Perfect for fans of Robert Harris, Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow, a riveting thriller set in Ancient Rome from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. "...gripping Roman thriller. It's certainly well placed to take on the Simon Scarrow/Conn Iggulden audience." -- Scotland on Sunday "Fantastic read..." - ***** Reader review. ****************************************************************** CAN A SLAVE DECIDE THE FATE OF AN EMPEROR? Ancient Rome. Caligula is Emperor, his reign marked by excess, ambition, decadence, cruelty, madness, sexual scandal and death. Rufus is a young slave living a world away from the Imperial court - apprentice to an animal trainer for the gladiatorial arena and friend to Cupido, one of Rome's greatest gladiators. When Rufus's skills come to the attention of Caligula, he is summoned to court to serve as keeper for the Imperial elephant - and unwittingly finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor... Rufus's story continues in Claudius.

A thrilling historical epic set in Ancient Rome that you won’t be able to put down...

AD 72. Titus Flavius Vespasianus, known as Vespasian, is Emperor of Rome, but his grip on power grows increasingly fragile as economic disaster threatens. The enormous riches from his Judaean campaigns are all but spent, legions go unpaid, and the yields from Rome's vital Spanish goldfields have fallen dramatically since the civil war. Gaius Valerius Verrens is recently married and building a new home when the summons arrives from the Emperor. Vespasian needs a man with the combined skills of a lawyer and a soldier to investigate what is happening in remote, mountainous Asturica Augusta where the authorities claim a bandit called The Ghost is ravaging the gold convoys. But when Valerius arrives in Asturica he faces a much more complex situation. Stalked from the shadows he cannot tell ally from enemy, the exploited native tribes are a growing threat, and the tortured landscape itself seems capable of swallowing him up. Gradually he finds himself drawn into a much wider conspiracy, one that could plunge the Empire into a new conflict and that will place him on a deadly collision course with his old friend and most dangerous adversary, the former gladiator Serpentius.

Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, this heart-stopping historical thriller from bestselling author Douglas Jackson will have you on the edge of your seat! "Rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today" -- DAILY EXPRESS Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! "This was probably the best book that I have read of this genre." - 5 STARS. "As good as Scarrow, Riches or Scott." - 5 STARS. "Valerius is quite addictive..." - 5 STARS . ************************************************************** AD 59: Rome's grip on Britain is weakening. Roman cruelty and exploitation has angered their British subjects; the Druids are on the rise; the warrior queen Boudicca will lead the tribes to war. The Roman Tribune, Gaius Valerius Verrens must lead the veteran legions at Colonia in a last stand against the rising tide of rebellion and the unstoppable horde of Boudicca's rebel army. Can he defend his honour and the Empire he represents? Hero of Rome is the first in Douglas Jackson's Gaius Valerius Verrens series. His story continues in Defender of Rome.

An action-packed and riveting novel of Roman adventure...

Hero of Rome (Gaius Valerius Verrens 1)

A gripping, adrenalin-fuelled historical page-turner from bestselling author Douglas Jackson. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. Readers are loving Gaius Valerius Verrens! "Once you have started you will want to read every volume in this exciting series [set] during one of the most turbulent times in Roman history" - 5 STARS "Douglas Jackson undoubtedly holds the crown as king of his genre" - 5 STARS "It is another tough book to put down" - 5 STARS "An entertaining and compelling read that makes you feel as if you were there!" - 5 STARS ***************************************** LIVE BY THE SWORD. DIE BY THE SWORD. Summer, AD 69: Rome and its empire are in turmoil. The emperor Otho is dead by his own hand and his rival, Aulus Vitellius, occupies the imperial throne. However, a new challenge has arisen in the East - the legions of Titus Flavius Vespasian have declared him their Emperor. In the dry heat of an August morning, Gaius Valerius Verrens prepares for his last day on Earth. Wrongly accused of deserting his legion on the field of Bedriacum, it seems he is destined to die a coward's death. Then the executioner's hand is stayed. Vitellius' enemies will spare his life if he pledges allegiance to Vespasian. Valerius - tired of the endless slaughter - agrees. And so he must battle his way south to Rome in order to persuade his friend Vitellius to stand down for the greater good. But this is civil war and this is Rome, and Valerius - his loyalties divided and branded an enemy of the people - is trapped in a maze of distrust, corruption, betrayal and blood-letting . . . Gaius Valerius Verrens's adventures continue in Scourge of Rome.

(Gaius Valerius Verrens 5): Bravery and brutality at the heart of a Roman Empire in the throes of a bloody civil war

Enemy of Rome

3 grandi romanzi storici Britannia, 59 d.C. Il potere di Roma sul territorio dell’odierna Inghilterra si sta indebolendo e l’ascesa dei Druidi sembra inarrestabile. I tremila soldati romani guidati da Gaio Valerio Verre stanno per affrontare la sanguinosa orda dei cinquantamila ribelli di Budicca, in una disperata quanto inutile resistenza. Valerio sarà l’unico a sopravvivere alla disfatta, guadagnandosi così il titolo di Eroe di Roma. Gaio Valerio Verre è appena tornato nell’Urbe dopo la campagna in Britannia. Ma Roma non è più come Verre la ricordava: lo scellerato governo di Nerone ha seminato il panico e i seguaci di Cristo alimentano la sedizione tra il popolo. Spetterà a Gaio Valerio catturare il capo dei ribelli, un uomo conosciuto come Pietro. Roma, 66 d.C. In Giudea, i ribelli hanno battuto l’esercito di Nerone; in Germania le legioni sul Reno sono in agitazione; in Spagna il governatore trama contro di lui. Ma la minaccia più pericolosa arriva da Oriente, dove Nerone teme che il generale Corbulone si stia preparando a marciare contro Roma. Gaio Valerio Verre, eroe di Roma, viene inviato ad Antiochia, ma una volta lì scopre che Corbulone non è affatto interessato a Roma, ma cerca anzi di contrastare la minaccia rappresentata dal re dei Parti, Vologase... Un autore tradotto in 12 Paesi Una scrittura monumentale «Uno dei migliori autori di romanzi storici.» Daily Express «Se fossi Conn Iggulden o Simon Scarrow, sarei piuttosto preoccupato del nuovo arrivato...» Scotsman «Douglas Jackson è un maestro nel prendere per mano il lettore e trasportarlo nell’epoca di Caligola, dando vita a un affresco ricco di luci e ombre e creando un intreccio che appassiona e commuove.» Manda Scott, autrice di Sognando le aquile «Douglas Jackson darà filo da torcere ai maggiori scrittori di romanzi storici.» The Scotsman Douglas Jackson È un ex giornalista e nutre da sempre una grande passione per la storia romana. Vive in Scozia, con la moglie e tre figli. È autore, tra gli altri, dei romanzi Il segreto dell’imperatore, Morte all’imperatore!, L’eroe di Roma, Combatti per Roma, La vendetta di Roma, Nel segno di Roma, I nemici di Roma, La conquista di Roma e Per la salvezza di Roma, pubblicati dalla Newton Compton. I suoi libri sono tradotti in 12 Paesi.

L'eroe di Roma - Combatti per Roma - La vendetta di Roma

In the follow-up to Defender of Rome, Valerius Verrens is sent on a mission by the deranged Nero against a man he greatly admires Emperor Nero's grip on power is weakening. In every shadow he sees an enemy, and like a cornered animal, he lashes out at every perceived threat. His paranoia settles on the figure of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, Rome's greatest general who leads the imperial legions in the East. Is Corbulo preparing to march against Rome and take the purple? Gaius Valerius Verrens, Hero of Rome, is ordered to Antioch with the power of life and death over Corbulo, a soldier he worships. There he finds that word of his mission has preceded him, and every man's hand is turned against him. But Corbulo's eyes are not on Rome, but on a new threat to the Empire's border. The Parthian King of Kings, Vologases, is marching to war, and if not stopped he might overwhelm the entire Roman east. Valerius marches at Corbulo's side. Outnumbered they make a stand in the barren wastes beyond the Tigris to meet Vologases in an epic contest of military might and ingenuity that will decide the fate of the Empire. And while he fights for the Empire, and for his own survival on the battlefield, Valerius must decide whether to complete his mission, or risk incurring his Emperor's dangerous wrath.

Avenger of Rome

AD 400. Rome and its Empire are failing . . . Veteran cavalry commander Marcus Flavius Victor sets out with his regiment to make what may be his final tour of the forts along Hadrian's Wall. Through a combination of military prowess, brutality and bribery, Marcus has spent twenty years keeping the savage Picts at bay. Feared by his enemies and hated by his superiors, his strength of will is the only thing that has held the disgruntled, poorly paid garrisons of the Wall in place as the failing Roman Empire's grip on Britannia weakened. Yet as this tour of the wall progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that this is more than a routine inspection. Why is Marcus stripping the defences of cavalry to strengthen his own force? Is he negotiating with the Picts - or conspiring with them? And who is the mysterious figure who follows Marcus' every move and yet hides in the shadows? Segeduno, Cilurno, Brocolitia, Vindolanda: each fort holds memories and friendships, hides rivals, or conceals enemies. But what exactly is Marcus Flavius Victor's ultimate objective? It would appear he is willing to risk bloody civil war in a bid to seize Britannia for himself? Or is he raising an army to save the province from the darkness that waits on the other side of the Wall? Hailed as one of our very best historical novelists, Douglas Jackson returns to the world of ancient Rome with this epic novel of a failing empire and a world on the brink . . .

Douglas Jackson

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