R.W. Peake, MARCHING WITH CAESAR: THE RISE OF AUGUSTUS

Although this blog focuses primarily on mysteries and suspense, I wanted to mention this splendid series which will be of interest to students of ancient Rome and military history. It covers the career of Titus Pullus from his first induction as a legionary to the end of his illustrious career over forty years later.  Peake seems to know every detail of Roman military history from how to set up a camp, to what weapons were used, to military tactics employed.  He is also a fine novelist who creates believable characters and dramatic situations both on and off the battlefield. Since this follows an important era in Roman history, you should try to read the series in order to fully appreciate Pullus’ life.

It has been a long time since I have read such an engrossing series, and although it is, of course, sometimes gritty, I think it will fascinate a wide range of readers.