Soldier of Rome

Hadrian Ascending (The Artorian Dynasty, Book 11)

By: James Mace

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters

Four years after their departure for the east, the armies of Rome are bloodied and exhausted. Their victories against the Parthian Empire came at great cost. As Emperor Trajan stood upon the shores of the Persian Gulf, insurrections erupted amongst the Jewish populations of Cyrenaica, Egypt, Cyprus, and Syria. These were inflamed by uprisings across the newly conquered regions of Mesopotamia. Though Trajan defeated Parthia’s armies in the field, the campaign ended with a humiliating failed siege at Hatra. Disease wreaked havoc upon the imperial army, including the emperor himself.

Having returned to Antioch, a badly weakened Trajan pauses further campaigns while sending his depleted armies to deal with the uprisings. He dispatches Lusius Quietus’ mounted corps to Egypt, while Tiberius Artorius’ division, Minerva’s Spear, sails for Cyprus. All the while, the emperor’s health deteriorates.

Trajan’s closest kinsman, Aelius Hadrian, knows the emperor’s life is waning. Eager to fulfil his destiny, he sets in motion plans to ensure his succession. Aiding him is Empress Plotina and the Praetorian Prefect, Acilius Attianus. Only after Hadrian is Caesar can stability and order be brought to the Roman Empire.

©2025 James M Mace (P)2025 James M Mace

Another great story!

This novel covers a LOT about as Mace writes about the death of Trajan and the somewhat dramatic ascension of Emperor Hadrian. There’s some awesome historical anecdotes that Mace was able to showcase, as well as drama, political scheming, assassinations, and betrayal. A great addition to the long-running Artorian series!