Master of Rome

The Roman legions have been destroyed just outside Tunis, those who survived the slaughter have retreated to Aspis where the navy sits in the harbour.  There Atticus is in charge of the fleet.  His friend, Septimus, is a marine centurion, there to help, but what help can he be when the Carthaginian fleet bottles them up in the harbour and their army is advancing?

Fortunately the Roman fleet from Sicily arrives before the Carthaginian navy can attack the bottled up fleet.  The Carthaginians are forced to retreat after a battle at sea, however, they have won a significant battle on land against the Romans.

Consul Paullus decides to take the victorious fleet to Sicily and engage the Carthaginian army there.  Atticus warns against it due to the possibility of severe weather.  Paullus’ decision would be one that would lead to the destruction of many ships as a storm strikes the fleet before it can put into port on Sicily.

Because of what has happened to his old legion, the Ninth, Septimus decides to leave the ship and return to the army, now that the Ninth is being reformed.  It causes grief between him and Atticus.

Atticus’ old enemy, Scipio, has been elected senior consul with the death of Paullus.  Scipio decides to continue the war with Carthage.  The first place to be attacked will be Panormus on the northwest coast of Sicily.  Atticus will man the blockade while the Ninth and Second legions will march on the city.  Although the legions are able to take the city, the weak Roman navy is badly damaged by the Carthaginian navy as it attempts to break out of the harbour.

Is this the end of the Roman navy?  Author John Stack has battles remaining for both Atticus and the infant Roman navy; there is plenty of well written, exciting action in store for both Atticus and Septimus.  This was a very enjoyable read, which I found hard to put down.