Soldier of Rome: The Centurion: Book Four of the Artorian Chronicles Paperback – May 5, 2012

This book has an excellent battle scene that covers 60-70 pages length, in fact, of all the books that I've read on Rome, this has the descriptions of a Roman battle that I've ever read. In fact, this book would make an excellent movie focused on the Frisia rebellion and the battle fought - just a suggestion to any movie maker who made be reading.The book starts off slow. Since this is the forth installment of an ongoing series, the author lays out what happened between the last book and this one and also goes into character development. He covers: (1) how Artorius became a centurion, (2) his wedding to Lady Diana, (3) Pilate's wedding and (4) the events leading up to and the reason for the Frisian rebellion. This occurs in the first half of the book.Half way through the book, the legions start their march to relieve the Roman fort and put down the rebellion. Then, comes the action part - the battle scenes take up the next 60-70 pages as the XX legion fights the Frisians while other units come to their aide. Most readers read these books for the battle scenes, and for this section alone, I highly recommend this book. It is obvious that the author has studied Roman battles with experts and also understands fighting at the "grunt" level. As I mentioned, this is the best Roman battle depiction that I have ever read.I highly recommend this book to not only individuals interested in Roman history and events but to anyone interested in action. Obviously, this is not a book for children though, as it can get very graphic and the language used can get very salty.

Soldier of Rome: Centurion is the fourth novel in the author's Soldier of Rome series, and it is one of the strongest novels in the series. Here, our protagonist is now Centurion Artorius, stationed on the marches of Imperial Rome's frontiers in Germania. In this novel a tragic pattern emerges that was the bane of the Roman Empire in many places and times. A corrupt Roman imperial representative seeks to plunder and abuse the province to which he is assigned. He believes the people helpless to resist since the might and power of the Roman Legions are what really back his, and Rome's, power in the region. Rebellion is the eventual result. This makes for an excellent story, made tragic by the fact that justice is quite on the side of the rebels making it hard to root for the Romans, including Artorius and his soldiers.This is an excellent novel which, like the others in the series, gives the reader a notion as to what life was like as a Roman Legionary. The main protagonist, Centurion Artorius, is a well-developed character whom the reader grows to like, and these novels hold the reader's interest throughout. The next novel in the series, Soldier of Rome: Judea, is expected soon and fans of this series, myself included, eagerly await its release. RJB.

I must regretfully inform Mr. Mace that potatoes will not be discovered by Europeans for another fourteen hundred years or so. It is also becoming increasingly annoying to have Legionary Optios referred to as "options" and Equites referred to as "equities". It is also more customary to call a standard bearer a " Signifer" not "Signifier". This is the fourth book in this series and these issues should have been solved by now. Mr. Mace should turn off his spellchecker and do a little proofreading and not make his readers do it for him.

I've read the first four of Mace's series and look forward to more. It is paced well, although I admit I liked the first two better than the last two. Still, he gives a good balance of the usual "Roman legion fare" (battles, drills, "RAH!" yells, etc.) but brings in some good character development, albeit secondary to the former it seems. An enjoyable read for those who like Roman historical fiction.BUT, the editing is very poor. In Book 3, for example, phrases were repeated verbatim, in one case right after one another, and in all four books it looks like someone forgot to check their spell-checking: The plural of Optio is not Options! It is just enough to derail the smooth flow of the narrative. This isn't unique to these books; it seems a problem with most Kindle books that I buy, but in this series the errors and repetitions jump out at you as they are more consistent and frequent.

Looks like Mace has finally worked his fourth story in the series into a top-notch piece of historical fiction. His story provides an account of Roman history untouched by earlier writers. His action scenes (as noted in other reviews) are most graphic and realistic sounding. The early pace of the novel seems somewhat slow but once things get moving Mr. Mace grabs your attention and drags you though all the blood and gore you can imagine. Don't know if the Roman soldiers of this time were as troubled as are his lead charcters with the brutality involved. As Mace would have it, they were as troubled as today's soldiers may be.A very good read. The next book, in Judea, should be very, very interesting.Kindle editing seems much improved with this book!!!!!

Drama, war, romance and friendship are the hallmarks of novel four,`Soldier of Rome: The Centurion' of the Artorian Chronicles; all beautifully intertwined to reveal a deep insight into the life of a Roman legionary and I dare say into that of any soldier throughout history.It is a novel that elicits a range of human emotions; empathy, laughter, grief, pain and love.The author's writing style draws the reader into his story like metal filings to a magnet. One becomes entirely engrossed and finds it hard to place the book down as we readily connect with the characters and events.To more fully enjoy this book make sure you read all three preceding books- `The Legionary', `The Sacrovir Revolt' and `The Heir to Rebellion'. I was so enthralled that I read all four books in two weeks.Great work James Mace! I await with great anticipation the fifth novel that will be based in Judea.

"Soldier of Rome: The Legionary" by James Mace is a historical fiction about the brotherhood of soldiers. You'll find soldiers engaged in desperate battles, hand-to-hand engagements, in the euphoria of victory and the agony of defeat. You'll learn what it's like for a young recruit to go through eight weeks of basic training.I've read other books of this author, and I enjoy them greatly because they show what it means to live in the 1st-century AD from the common folks' view. Historians are limited to written records, otherwise they'd be accused of making things up. As we go back in history the common folk vanish from written records, and all that's left are the kings and generals, the notorious, the rich, the popular pundits and poets, the few women with political clout. The common folk get summarized with general statements.Fiction histories (especially of the distant past) open a whole new dimension of common lifestyles, motives and emotional customs. That's why I think James Mace is an important and engaging author.

I have now read and thoroughly enjoyed all four parts of the Artorian chronicles. Characters are well-drawn, and resonate with an ex Armed Forces veteran like me. Research into the Roman army is clearly detailed, and the story line is compelling, and strongly based in historical events of the time. There are two 'niggles' which sadly bar these novels from what would otherwise be unreserved 5 star status. I say 'sadly', because these faults could so easily have been remedied by a combination of effective proof-reading and sympathetic editing. First - spelling mistakes and typos abound. Please sort it - it becomes irritating, and detracts from a great story. Secondly, don't using jarringly inappropriate modern, vernacular language in a novel of this nature. I'm not saying it should be written in vulgate Latin, but 'OK', 'guys',and even a use of the word 'savvy' in what purported to be a formal, written valediction, recommending Artorius for promotion?!... to name but a few. Sorry, but it really jars. Great story though, and I'm glad I read it.

WOW what a great book this is. Number four in the series and they just get better and better. We are now really getting into the different characters and sadly losing some along the way. Historical fiction for me is all about the action and this one has some of the best I have ever read (only Cornwell and Iggulden come close). The detail is so good you can almost smell the blood and s**t coming from the pages. The earlier three books were all five stars but this one deserves more. Starting number five now.

Yet again a 4 star read. The battle scenes are really graphic but so well crafted and it brings a reality to the story. I enjoyed it that much I've already downloaded the next book in the series!

i agree with some of the other reviewers . this book lost somthing as compared to the preceeding three books which were 5* i do however eagerly await SofR v. i hope egypt brings Artorious back top his usuall thundering form. Not as good as the earler books but worth a read IF you have read the 3 earler books