This second trilogy of Roman novels featuring the centurion Flavius Ferox has concentrated on sieges (in Dacia and Parthia) and on the rise of Hadrian to imperial power. This final novel begins with Hadrian's succession and ends with the building of his most famous structure, the Roman Wall across northern Britain.

All the elements of a successful Goldsworthy novel are here: the characters Ferox and his wife Claudia Enica, now queen of the Brigantes, sardonic Vindex and the rest of the lads, scheming Hadrian and his spy Sosius, Caledonian and Pictish enemies, as well as enemies closer to home. In other words a rip-roaring adventure filled with battles, raids, plots, conspiracies and betrayals.

Maybe a bit too much plot. It doesn't always seem to hang together entirely successfully, but the narrative fairly powers along, and as such the joins don't really show. The reader never doubts, however, that the author knows what he is writing about.

An excellent end (I assume) to the Ferox saga. Very enjoyable and knowledgeable. Good to see the Queen back in the story...

The Wall is the chunky but absorbing final book in the City of Victory series, the follow-up to The Fort, which I read when it was first published in 2021, and The City, published in 2022 which has been on my wishlist ever since then. Although The Wall can be read as a standalone, I found I missed not having witnessed the exploits of Flavius Ferox in the previous book so my recommendation would be to read the series from the beginning. (I suspect the author would like that as well.) If you want to go back even further, Ferox first appeared in the author’s earlier ‘Vindolanda’ trilogy comprising Vindolanda, The Encircling Sea and Brigantia. True to form I’ve only read the first one, have the second one in my TBR pile and the third on my wishlist.

As a renowned historian of Ancient Rome, it will come as no surprise that the book is crammed full of detail about Roman army structure, weaponry and military strategy that just oozes authenticity. (An extensive glossary is provided for those who don’t know their spatha from their pilum, or want to learn some Roman army slang.) I would also recommend reading the Historical Note in which the author sets out the many gaps in the historical record which he has filled with a combination of invention and reasoned speculation based on his extensive knowledge of the period.

The Wall has everything that fans of Roman age historical fiction could desire. There are intense, bloody and bone-crunching battle scenes. ‘Shield thumped against shield. There were grunts of effort, rage and fear, rare clashes of sword on sword, more of iron biting into flesh.’ As usual, Ferox is often one step ahead of everyone else thanks to that instinct for which he has become renowned, but even he can sometimes be caught napping and there are some narrow escapes. An element of mystery – and mysticism – is introduced by means of a fanatical warrior who has a very personal vendetta. And there are those who, for reasons of personal gain, aim to create havoc by pitting one tribe against the other or disrupt the fragile peace that has existed between some tribes and Rome. There are also those who are just plain deluded about their own abilities which might not be so bad if it weren’t for the fact they’re responsible for the lives of thousands of others.

The book is set after the death of Trajan as the new Emperor Hadrian is consolidating his position, involving some strategic getting rid of people, and settling into the role of governing an empire whose borders are fraying at the edges. Although supreme power has its rewards, Hadrian learns it’s also a burden, ‘an endless task, like Sisyphus and his boulder’. The scenes involving the building of Hadrian’s Wall are absolutely fascinating and the author manages to weave in some exciting skirmishes alongside the technical detail of its construction, which, as he acknowledges in the Historical Note, are still the subject of discussion among historians.

Characters from previous books return, including Vindex, Ferox’s faithful companion. I loved that we get an insight into the personal relationship between Ferox and the woman who is now his wife, and mother of his children, Claudia Enica, who also happens to be Queen of the Brigantes and a skilled warrior in her own right. Having your sleep disturbed by someone who hogs the bed covers or snores is possibly something we can all identify with. As perhaps befits the last book in a series, there’s plenty of settling of scores in often bloody ways, and quite a few of the characters won’t make it to the last page.

The Wall is a terrific finale to a hugely enjoyable series.

Adrian Goldsworthy is a historian and this novel is gritty and highly entertaining but it's also an excellent way to learn more about Roman military organisation and Hadrian.
I found it fascinating, intriguing and informative. I learned and had fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Romans in Britain!

What’s not to like. Times of historical fact and legend, of old gods and magic. Amazing research and knowledge of the era is demonstrated by Goldsworthy. All turned into a narrative that had you sure you were there, crouching in the dark, patient and still. Thrown back into a time when the air might have been fresher, but the dangers are many. This novel takes place as the Wall is being built, centred around Roman Centurion Flavius Ferox and his wife Claudia Enica, granddaughter of Cartimandua, would be Queen, although not yet recognised. The intricacies of the characters and tribal groups is complex as are the plots for supremacy being woven. A thing of gods or man?
Hadrian’s coming to power and his subsequent actions placed their stamp on Britain. And the Wall is just beginning—a mighty witness to Rome’s might then, and today of powers rising and falling.
A subtle yet searing novel filled with plots and treachery.

An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I had not read the previous books in this trilogy but I did not find that a major hinderance, it’s very well written and the story soon captures the reader and takes them along on the tale, I so enjoy a good Roman legions story and this is definitely one of the best of that genre