Just Finished Reading: Master of Rome by John Stack

The Western Mediterranean: 255BC. War has a habit of unexpectedly moving from victory to defeat, especially for a navy as inexperienced as that fielded by Rome in its first conflict with the mighty Carthaginian empire. Overstretched and badly led by political appointees the planned invasion of North Africa results in humiliating defeat and disgrace when bad weather destroys most of the Roman gallies. As one of the few survivors and the highest ranking officer to make it back to Rome the responsibility falls on the shoulders of Greek captain Atticus. Seeing it as an opportunity for revenge his enemies in the Senate charge him with treason. Only just managing to keep his life he is sent back to the tattered remnants of the fleet with clear orders and yet another political appointment above him. But this time things are different. Not only does the new commander want to beat the hated Carthaginians in battle and thus assure his political ambitions back home he also has a personal grudge against Atticus and wants to see him dead. With enemies both foreign and home-grown out for his blood Atticus must be on his guard at all times. But even if he manages to avoid the assassins blade there is still the might and expertise of the Carthaginian naval to face – with only hastily built ships manned by deeply inexperienced crews. It is a fight to the death, a fight that neither empire can afford to lose.

This is the final book in the roman naval trilogy by John Stack and it is a fitting end to an excellent series of books. Building on the previous two volumes it follows Captain Atticus Perennis as his star rises and falls with success or defeat in battle – often commanded by inferior men with no experience of war or the sea who take little blames because of their political connections. Political intrigue at the highest levels on both sides is contrasted with life aboard the fighting ships of both navies as well as a fascinating mercenary blockade runner whose local knowledge and agile ship give his distinct advantages over the slower and more heavily armed combat vessels. The sea battles themselves are masterfully described in all of their horrific details where rammed ships sink to the bottom of the Med with their slave rowers still chained to their oars. On land the legions fight in North Africa and for their main prize, the island of Sicily. Here too the action is brutal and uncompromising where both sides can smell the breath of the men they kill with short sword and thrown spear.

The author’s next book – out in hardback recently – moves to another great naval encounter with the story of the Spanish Armada. Needless to say that I will buy this book the moment it comes out in paperback. Stack writes extremely well, creates very believable characters and often leaves you gasping for breath in the thick of hand-to-hand and ship-to-ship combat. Very highly recommended.