James Mace Books In Order

Publication Order of The Artorian Chronicles Books

Publication Order of The Artorian Dynasty Books

Publication Order of The Great Jewish Revolt Books

Publication Order of The Year of the Four Emperors Books

Publication Order of The Anglo-Zulu War Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

James Mace is best-selling American author of Fiction, History and Historical Fiction novels. He is a lifelong historian and the author of over dozen novels including seven ancient history books that have been a bestseller. Mace wrote a draft of his first novel Soldier of Rome: The Legionary while serving in the US military in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. His works touch on numerous eras from the British Empire to the Ancient Rome.

Soldier of Rome

Soldier of Rome is the first novel in The Artorian Chronicles it is set in A.D. 9 when three Roman Legion serving under the rule of Quintilius Varus are almost killed by the treacherous Germanic War Chief, Arminius. These legions were being sent to go and take care of rebellious chaos, and while marching to their destination, they are betrayed by Arminius who almost kills all the men.

Fortunately, a few of these soldiers manage to fight their way and escape the attack while hearing and watching the murder of their families and their comrades as well. Feeling degradation and shame, the few remaining survivors of the attack return to their homes and are surprised when they are welcomed with wide open arms and send to their respective place of honor amongst the legionnaires.

Then after half a decade has passed since the attack on the Legions happened, the entire Rome is ready to undertake vengeance and amongst this group of Romans seeking revenge is Artorius who was less than ten years when his elder brother, Metellus was murdered in the attack. He has vowed from the day of his brother’s death that he will do anything that he can to be the best legionnaire in order to order to administer his vengeance on the Germanic army and their families as well.

With required strength and skills, Artorius proves his great determination to exact his revenge and manages to rise amongst his fellow legions through the ranks. No other Warrior can match his skills and focus at the battlefield. However, a guilty conscience always haunts him for the suffering he has caused too many families but consoles himself by reminding himself of the harm that the German did to his people, and his determination is once renewed.

As Artorius undergoes his training, he is also given instructions on how to operate some of the best firepower of the time such as the Roman catapult, and Scorpion- the automated cross bow. The author has done a brilliant job in this first novel of the series. There are vivid descriptions that will give you a glimpse of how life in the medieval Rome was like. For instance, he vividly describes the legion way of life from the moment they are recruited to become warriors including their daily activities such as preparing breakfast of bacon and wheat cake as well as their regular visit to the bath house.

The main character, Artorius meets other legions in his tent and also meets his Centurions, instructors and the commanding officers, and through this, we can learn about their respective pasts, their daily motivations, and the ambition that they hold. The author does an incredible job of characterization, and it is evident that his military experience has significantly contributed a lot in this novel. Finally, Artorius is sworn as a fully pledge legionary. However, his comrades are highly concerned about his anger and hunger for vengeance over his brother’s death. This is apparent during the first raid when Artorius wounds a man but instead of giving him a quick death, set fire on the man’s face.

The final battle that occurs at Idistaviso is not only riveting but also provides an excellent description of the Roman battle techniques, employing Calvary, infantry, and the types of Roman artillery. It is, of course, clear that the author did extensive research before writing this before writing this novel. He rarely deviates from the historical records. This book is not only a good source of entertainment but also an excellent overview of how life was like for a common soldier during the times when bow and swords ruled the battlefield.

The Sacrovir Revolt

Three years have passed since the war against the Cherusci and Arminius were waged. Gaius Silius is concerned that the barbarians even though shattered by the war may be conspiring to attack again. Silius also seeks to confirm rumors circulating regarding Arminius death. However what he does not realize is that there is a new rising threat against the empire, and it does not come from beyond the frontier, it comes from within the empire, where a disappointed nobleman seeks to sow the seeds of rebellion.

Artorius, the main character of this brilliant novel, has considerably matured after spending five years in the legions. He has become a man of sharp mind, his body is growing and hence gathering more physical strength, and unlike the rest of his men, he is unaware of the seeds of rebellion growing within the borders of the empire where a corrupt nobleman seeks to bring the downfall of Emperor Tiberius.

The story continues with Artorius as he continues with his training, and bonding with his men. But when rumors of an uprising in Gaul come true, Artorius and his men are sent in to end the insurgency. Along the way, the legions share their impressions and thoughts about the event in Gaul. However, upon their arrival, they are shocked to find out that Sacrovir is the man behind the revolt and declare that he wants to help Artorius and his men succeed. But the truth is that Sacrovir had never recovered from the financial loss and humiliation that he suffered when Artorius murdered one of his highly prized gladiators.
But when the men discover that those they have always trusted are not exactly what they appear to be, and Artorius and his men are subjected to the test, and only those with the right skills will survive the test. In this second novel in The Artorian Chronicles, Artorius continues to mature both in the intellect and body and once again the author James Mace makes the common soldier of Rome a wonderful being.