Warrior of Rome

A Novel of Ancient Rome (The First Emperor Series, Book 2)

By: Terry Cloutier

Narrated by: Scott Fleming

43 BC, Rome: As Gaius Octavius Thurinus—now known as Gaius Julius Caesar—crosses the Rubicon and marches on the Eternal City with eight legions at his back, the Roman Senate comes to their senses and agrees to make him consul. Not yet twenty years old, Octavius becomes the youngest consul in the history of the Roman Republic—but his ambitions won't stop there. Using his newly acquired Senatorial powers, Octavius reverses the amnesty protecting the Liberators from prosecution for Julius Caesar’s murder, setting up an inevitable clash with the faction's main leaders, Brutus and Cassius, who are growing more powerful in the east by the day.

Meanwhile, in the northwest, still smarting after his humiliating retreat from Mutina, Marcus Antonius, along with Marcus Lepidus, begin marshaling their forces for a push on Rome to oust that arrogant Thurinus boy and his loyal friend, Marcus Agrippa. Vastly outnumbered and squeezed by enemies from two directions, Octavius must choose between the lesser of two evils if he wishes to survive—ultimately forming a political union that will change the course of history.

But all men are mortal after all—formed of blood, bones, and tears—and no agreement lasts forever.

©2024 Terry Cloutier (P)2026 Terry Cloutier

Ancient

Warrior of Rome by Terry Cloutier is a great ancient historical fiction. Scott Fleming did a great job with the narration. The story is entertaining, action packed, interesting, engaging, and more. Warrior of Rome is the second book in The First Emperor series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Highly recommend

An Epic Clash of Power, Honor, and Survival

Warrior of Rome: A Novel of Ancient Rome (The First Emperor Series, Book 2) delivers a powerful continuation of the series, blending rich historical detail with fast-paced storytelling. From the very beginning, the narrative pulls you into the chaos, ambition, and brutality of ancient Rome, making it feel both immersive and intensely personal. This is a must listen!

The characters are well-developed, each driven by their own motives, loyalties, and flaws. The protagonist’s journey is especially compelling, as he navigates political intrigue, battlefield danger, and personal conflict. The author does an excellent job of balancing action with deeper emotional and moral struggles, keeping the story engaging on multiple levels.

As an audiobook, the experience is even more captivating. The narration adds depth and intensity, bringing the tension and drama to life in a way that enhances the story. The pacing is strong throughout, with moments of high-stakes action balanced by quieter, reflective scenes.

Overall, this is a gripping and immersive listen that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy stories set in ancient Rome. It stands as a worthy sequel, expanding the world and raising the stakes in all the right ways.

Looking forward to starting Book 3 shortly!