Ferox vs the Pirates

Some interesting new characters but I thought the climactic battle went on for a bit too long. Still, I'll carry on for completeness' sake. ( )

This time historian-cum-novelist Goldsworthy has taken a short mention in Tacitus's "Agricola" about a mutiny in the army and from this cleverly constructed a full-fledged novel. The cohort of a German tribe, the Usipi, revolted against harsh punishments and other troubles. According to Tacitus, they seized ships, sailed to Germania and were taken and enslaved by the Frisians. However a rumor persisted some were still alive and had returned to Britannia as pirates, wreaking havoc, including cannibalism. We follow Centurion Regionalis Flavius Ferox, the Silure, at first in his duties as liaison to the native peoples and rendering judgments, then later as a fighting man. He still is aided by his faithful scout, the Brigantian, Vindex. An expedition to Hibernia shows us some of that culture and a Hibernian queen returns to Britannia. Sulpicia Lepidina, her husband, and their friends, Aelius Brocchus and his wife are also instrumental in the story. There are other historical figures [which we know by name only from archaeological evidence] which Goldsworthy has given personalities and physical descriptions. We read of a daring rescue of Sulpicia and a final battle in which the pirates are destroyed.

This author I consider the best of the recent historians who try their hand at a novel. Goldsworthy marries the best of both worlds; you know his history is impeccable, along with a good story without "infodumps." Also, the cover was quite stunning and set the mood.

Highly recommended. ( )