Tribune and the Sword by Adam Lofthouse | Book Review
Tribune and the Sword by Adam Lofthouse
Series: Shadow of Rome #3
Genres: Historical Fiction
August. 383 AD. Flavius Maximus has declared himself emperor and crossed into Gaul. The civil war with Gratian has been short, and the rightful ruler of the West lies in an early grave.
Now two men face off across an empire. Theodosius in the east, his armies large but reliant on mercenaries. Maximus in the west, his forces small, but battle hardened and loyal to a fault.
In the middle of the chaos, at the heart of a dying world, two old friends march at the heads of opposing forces. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus fights for the West. Not out of loyalty to Maximus, but to his two sons who are bound by oath to fight for the pretender.
And General Gaius Felicius for the East. Outcasted by Maximus, he will stop at nothing to see the usurper toppled. But if his old friend stands in his path, is the road to vengeance still one he will choose to tread?
War is coming, and both men must look inside themselves and decide what is greater: the cause they fight for, or the bonds of fellowship.
get the book
In this series: Eagle and the Flame
Other books from this Author Eagle and the Flame, War Lord: Scourge of Rome
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
my review
This was a fantastic continuation of the series and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Having read the first book (but not the second), I was still able to follow the story well, though it’s clear that reading the full series in order would add even more depth to the characters and their journeys.
The story picks up with Flavius Maximus declaring himself Emperor and moving into Gaul, setting the stage for an inevitable and powerful clash with Theodosius, who also claims the title. The tension between these two leaders is compelling—Maximus driven by war and conquest, while Theodosius is portrayed as a ruler who cares deeply for his people. This contrast adds an interesting layer to the conflict and raises the stakes throughout the novel.
Sixtus Victorinus remains a strong and engaging character. His loyalty and sense of duty, especially in fighting to protect his sons who are bound by oath, bring a personal and emotional element to the larger political and military struggles. Watching him navigate the realities of war while holding onto those responsibilities made his storyline particularly impactful.
The pacing is often fast and action-packed, with plenty of battle scenes and moments of tension to keep the pages turning. At the same time, the relationships between the characters, especially the strain placed on friendships, add depth and emotion to the story.
Overall, this is a very well-written historical novel with strong characters, engaging action, and a compelling central conflict. It left me wondering who would ultimately prevail and whether peace could ever truly be achieved. A great addition to the Shadow of Rome series.
meet the author
About Adam Lofthouse
Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. He lives in Kent, UK.
