River of Gold: Empire XI (Empire series Book 11)

Great book, dispatched promptly

** Should read as 3.5 STARS**This, in my view, somewhat disappointing outing, is the 11th volume of the otherwise superb "Empire Series", from the author, Anthony Riches.The historical details about Kush are wonderfully explained within the Historical Note at the back of the book, where you can also find the Roman Army set-up in late 2nd Century.At the beginning of the book you'll find very well-drawn maps of Aegyptus (Egypt) and Kush in AD 187, during the reign of the Emperor Commodus, assisted by his devious Chamberlain Cleander.Story-telling is of a very good quality, no doubt about that, but the characters are somewhat flat this time around, although the atmosphere, surroundings, beliefs and faith in Aegyptus and Kush come splendidly off the pages.The book starts off with a prologue which is set in February AD 187, and in which a Roman squadron is set up and annihilated by a General from Meroë, which is in Kush, and their likely allies the Blemmyes, all this in an attempt to invade and hold the important port of Berenike, and so gain control of the trade on the "River of Gold", the Nilus (Nile).The main story starts with Tribune Rutillius Scaurus, the Centurions, Marcus Aquila, Dubnus, Cotta, Qadir, Watch-Officers, Sanga and Saratos, and the scribe. Ptolemy, being sent to Aegyptus by Cleander to restore order in Kush, in a kind of Roman A-Team action, and when they enter and depart Alexandria towards to their ultimate destination Premnis in Kush, they are hardly disturbed in their travels, and while in Koptos to recruit soldiers from the Legion of that garrison, they will succeed with the help of a very interesting man, the reborn Christian, Demetrius, and so they are set for their subterfuge mission to restore order and peace between Rome and Kush.What is to follow is a hard-fought battle at the fortress of Premnis, where we will lose the wonderful Cotta, but the story as a whole is somewhat flat to my liking when finally peace between Rome and Kush is established.Really recommended to all people who like a straightforward Roman adventure without too much fuss, I personally feel disappointed because its 10 predecessors were excellent, for they had so much more style, grit, political intrigue, betrayal, and the interactions between all the characters were far more intense, and I hope that the author will soon return to his top-class self, for I know that he can, and to come back to this outing I would like to call it: "A Rather Tame Kush Expedition"!

Really enjoyable read.

After being somewhat disappointed with the previous novel in this series and reading some of the reviews of this novel I was in two minds on whether to purchase it. Requiring a 'holiday read' I decided to give it a go. I'm glad I did. This book has to be my favourite of the series so far. Firstly the hero Marcus (he with the secret which must not be revealed, but everyone in the whole empire appears to know it or work it out, except for the Emperor himself fortunately) now appears a more rounded and likeable hero. In the last few novels he was bascially a morose and angry person - which, ok, is part of his story but got a bit tiresome. We also have a couple of new characters introduced which add to the story. Some people have complained about the lack of action, and true there are very few set piece battles, but there is action a plenty with skirmishes and 'commando' like operations. I for one don't miss the epic battle scenes and find them rather dull in many books.Somene else has complained about a fantasy/supernatural element to the story and initally that was one reason I didn't buy it. I've no problem with fantasy but not in a historical novel. But basically there isn't any. No miracles, no magic..there is a priest who seems to be able to tell an awful lot about a person - but nothing that a good charlatan, confidence trickester or psychologist would not be able to pick up on.A very well written and well paced story. Some twists at the end which I wasn't expecting. I was actually hoping Marcus wouls take up his final offer as it would have made an interesting next chapter but I will be buying the next installment whatever.

River of Gold seems to be a bit of a place-holder; the story wasn't quite as gripping as the usual affair, new characters introduced in this book appear to be there purely as plot devices. I sincerely hope Mr Riches returns to form with book 12.

I was very happy to see many of the old gang back in this new Empire series book! Plus a few new characters. There were quite a few twists that I wasn't expecting and it is a bit of a departure from some of the previous ones where there are massive battles and everyone ended up knee deep in offal. However, the story is very good with some really interesting facts, details about manufacturing and engineering in this period and a whole lot more besides.I always like to see the humour and banter between these old comrades! I get some laugh out loud moments, I hope other readers do too. There are also some very poignant scenes, no spoilers here, but I actually wish some deaths hadn't been needed ?!Some gruesome depictions captured my imagination, wait until you get to the the 'face mask ' bit and a crucifixion!I particularly enjoyed the final few chapters where some girl power came into play and a young man called Turbo and the cavalry make a difference! Don't want to spoil it for other readers.I think that Anthony has very nicely set the scene for a really interesting next stage in the story forMarcus, Scaurus, Dubnus (my real favourite) and the rest of the lads! Hopefully this won't be too far away?!Don't be misled by some of the other readers ' reviews, make your own mind up read it, you will enjoy it!

Another great book in the series kept me trying to guess what was on the next page found it was hard to put aside once started looking forward to reading next in the series