On the run, the young Roman officer changes his name and joins a frontline legion on Hadrian’s Wall until he can gain justice for his family.

Roman historical-fiction doesn’t come much better than Anthony Riches’ debut novel, Wounds of Honour. The author brings Marcus’s world to life in this riveting, bloody, impeccably researched and historically accurate first book in the Empire series.

Marcus is involved in a tale of intrigue, greed, murderous officials and brutal warfare that’s as action-packed and captivating as it is entertaining. The minute details of how a Roman legion conducts its daily duties are fascinating. Riches’ knowledge of his subject and his storytelling ability is comparable to Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden at their best.

From the initial page, the novelist establishes a furious stride, shifts between his fully realised characters and their locales with assurance, and keeps the story moving forward until the climactic conclusion.

It’s a measure of Riches’ talent that he can write so grippingly, with a real sense of his chosen period, yet still leave room for his protagonist – and an excellent supporting cast – to flex muscles in a first-rate story that leaves the reader panting for breath and wanting more.

Ultimately, Wounds of Honour is an attention-grabbing, suspenseful, debut novel filled with action, intrigue and violent conflict that will appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction.

– Hodder & Stoughton, RRP $32.99