Captain of Rome

Atticus has been ordered by Varro to advance into the harbour at Thermae and to destroy the Carthaginian fleet there.  Once inside the harbour they are surprised by another Carthaginian fleet, which blocks the entrance.  Meanwhile the Ninth Legion is trapped inside the city by Carthaginian cavalry.  Atticus is able to rescue some of the legion, but as his fleet escapes, some of his ships are destroyed by the Carthaginians.

As Atticus’ ship travels towards Rome, they find a near drowned sailor who recounts a pirate attack.  Apparently the pirates didn’t take any prisoners and torched the ship.  Atticus wonders at the changed tactics of the pirates.  Normally the crew was taken as slaves and the ship as a prize.

Back in Ostia, Varro orders Atticus and his crew to disembark the ship.  Atticus’ friend and commander of the marines aboard is also given the same order to disembark with his marines.  What does this mean for them?

Varro is censured for his command at Thermae.  However, Scipio has plans to use Varro to get back at Atticus.  Before they can sail away on a new task, Atticus is attacked and badly injured.  Septimus becomes very wary of Varro.

Having recovered and passed Varro on to another squadron, Atticus’ ship once again becomes a pirate hunter.  But will hunting pirates be enough to stop the might of Carthage?

Author John Stack has one of history’s largest naval battles awaiting Atticus and his friend, Septimus.  The outcome is very important to both city states.  Based on historical facts, Stack’s novel is excellent, fast paced and full of action.  A very good read for fans of historical fiction.