Book #48: Watchmen of Rome

Back into the groove with reading. I'm getting a good hour or so reading in the mornings before going to work. That's usually at least 80 pages depending on the book, which isn't bad going! That said, this book has been slow going, not because I didn't enjoy it, but just that I didn't do any reading for a while. In all honesty, the printing of the book put me off... it seemed more of a textbook in print, rather than other books. But still, beggars can't be choosers!

So, a new favourite author of mine, Alex Gough. Having exhausted all the Imperial Assassin series that have been published so far, I've decided to give his other Roman series a go; the Carbo Chronicles.

A refreshing change from all the other Roman books I've read, in that it takes place away from the Army, and away from the upper echelons of society. As such, it gives a much gritter and more realistic view of everyday life in Rome.

Carbo has recently retired from the Legions in Germany, where he had been the Pilus Prior (Second Spear Centurion) in his legion. Upon his return to Rome however, he finds that he has no family left, and no home to return to. He quickly finds himself embroiled in the misdeeds of a local thug who demands payment from the inhabitants of 'his' area of Rome, as Carbo defends a local tavern from extortion. Carbo uses some of his accrued money to buy the tavern and its slaves to save the owner from any further trouble. However the trouble merely spills over onto him!

At the same time, he makes a new friend, in the Tribune Vespillo of the Vigiles, the local firefighters and peacekeepers within the city. Together they harbour two escaped slaves,, the daughter of a former comrade of Carbo and therefore former Roman Citizens, Rufa and her daughter, who have escaped from a deadly cult intent on destroying Rome.

The book centres on Carbo trying to score the freedom of Rufa, whilst working with Vespillo to ultimately bring down the Cult.

The action is intense, with several deadly fires throughout, and the description of these events is realistic and brings everything to life. You really feel as though you are there in the poorer areas of Rome, feeling the heat and stench of the fire. Alex Gough is brilliant at painting a vivid picture of the areas his books are set in. I really feel transported to Rome in the year 27AD.

His characters are relatable and likeable (well, in the most part, the antagonists are horrible, and are meant to be!), I really found myself rooting for Carbo, although knowing there's more to come, the perilous situations he was in, whilst heartstopping were somewhat blunted knowing that he must survive if there's another book!

Alex Gough has been my standout discovery this year alongside Alan Bradley, both very good authors in two very different genres. I would love to see Alex elevated to the level of the likes of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, and given the same publicity as them both!

Watchmen of Rome: 3cm

Total read so far: 48 books, 143.5cm

Total left to read: 49.5cm! Less than 50cm to go!!!!!