Book #57: Bandits of Rome

I'm getting ever closer to hitting 60 books read, and I'm not even halfway through the year! This one was a really fast read, and a very enjoyable one from one of my favourite authors discovered this year!

Bandits of Rome by Alex Gough, sequel to Watchmen of Rome, and following the adventures of Carbo, a retired Centurion, and his friend Vespillo. This one picks up shortly after the events of Watchmen of Rome, with Carbo and his household journeying to start their new life on the land gifted to Carbo. Accompanying them are Vespillo and his wife.

As in an self-respecting historical fiction book, things never go to plan, as the group are ambushed by a group of masked bandits not far out from their final destination. Carbo slays one, and they escape with their lives.

What follows is a tale of revenge, as the bandits brutally, and very publicly murder Rufa, Carbo's lover and soon to be wife. The bandits vow to make Carbo suffer, in whatever way they can.

Carbo and Vespillo enlist the help of a local opito, second in command of the town's guard and police force, however things go from bad to worse, as Carbo is captured in an ambush, and subsequently sold into slavery, to work in the lead mines in Sicily. Here, he meets a new set of companions, destined to die together in one of the most dreadful conditions in the Empire. A daring escape, aided by Vespillo, sees Carbo and his new companions sail back to mainland Italy, for a final showdown with the Bandits, the identity of whom we have discovered.

THe final play of the book, is a marvel in Roman defensive tactics, as we see why Carbo was the Second Spear centurion in his legion. A daring defense and a happy outcome, as the Bandits are finally bought to justice.

As with all of Alex Gough's books, Bandits of Rome is a visual delight, with vivid descriptions, and brutal fight scenes. The characters are incredibly well written, and the introduction of a new companion for Carbo's household, the rescued slave Sica. I really hope she becomes an integral part of future novels, as along with Marisa, his other slave, they could make a formidable team!

There were parts in this book were harrowing, my heart was in my throat as I worried what would happen to our hero. But it was brilliant to see such a horrific part of the Roman Empire explored in the depths that Alex went into.

I must admit, I thought I had figured out who the bad guys were quite early on, and I was happy to find I was right. Whilst not blindingly obvious, it was well constructed and the reasons given were clever and perfectly plausible.

All in all, a very good sequel from a very good author. I'm waiting on tenderhooks for the third book which is due for release soon. Hopefully I won't have to wait long for a physical copy, as I absolutely don't do Kindles!!!!

Bandits of Rome: 2cm

Total read so far: 57 books, 172cm

Total left to read: 63 books, 21cm