Imperial Vengeance By Ian Ross

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5/5

Pages: 421

Welcome to the book review of Imperial Vengeance!

The historical fiction book is based in 323 AD, just after a civil war between the rulers Constantine and Licinius. The leading characters of the book are Constantine the emperor, Crispus his son, Fausta his wife, and Castus a leading military commander. 

The entire story is set against the backdrop of Constantine getting more involved with Christianity while disregarding the older gods. And trying to establish complete control of the Roman empire by eliminating Licinius. Amidst his plan of total dominance, there are a lot of subplots.

Fausta knows well, that as Crispus, her stepson, is set to succeed Constantine, her children would be quite vulnerable. As a protective mother, she makes a few attempts to kill Crispus but fails. 

Castus is the main protagonist of the book. In his 50s, the military commander has seen a lot of battles over the years. With age, he has garnered a lot of respect, loyalty, and battle acumen. It is no wonder, that he has one of the leading commanders now. As he shows on more than a few occasions. Both on the land and in water. 

Prior to most battles in the book, Castus has a few moments of nervousness and thoughts about his family, as he is growing old. Despite this, he excels in all the battles. During the initial few skirmishes, he does well to safeguard the Caeser, Crispus by keeping him away from the action and saving his life a few times. 

During one of the battles, an old woman predicts that Castus "And you also will kill your own king". And the thought lingers in his mind for a while. As the story progresses, Crispus and Castus win a few battles together and learn to trust each other. Before the battles, Constantine eliminates sacrifices to the old gods, which does not go well with a lot of soldiers.

However, before a skirmish, soldiers secretly offer sacrifices to their old gods. And amidst the soldiers, Castus sees Crispus. Crispus eventually makes his intention clear of taking over Constantine and would allow soldiers to pray to their old gods. 

While the battles continue and Constantine gets closer to an ultimate war with Licinius, an investigation is on the way. Regarding Fausta's meeting with Castus in secret and her attempts on the life of Crispus.

As with every battle, Castus or his aides have something clever to overcome battle situations, even when they are at a disadvantage. After the final battle, Licinius is captured. And the investigation continues. Castus finds himself in a bothersome spot, as Crispus is going around and telling officers that he has the support of Castus. Which would mean going against the emperor. 

While it starts as one of her plots, the affair between Fausta and Crispus goes a bit far. Further, than either had realised. And Castus finds out about the affair. 

After torturing Fausta's servant and eunuch, the investigating officer finds out the truth. Castus and Crispus are held captive by one of Castus' old friends. Crispus, for conspiring against the emperor and getting involved in adultery with Fausta.

Castus poisons the drink of Crispus and promises the young Caeser, to tell the truth to the Emperor and put the entire blame on Crispus. He races against time to reach before the investigator. Castus meet with the emperor and confronts the Truth of Crispus. 

As he searches for Fausta, he finds her close to death, on the orders of Helena, the Emperor's mother. As a symbol of love, he returns Fausta's ring that Crispus had given to Castus.

Given the gravity of the situation, Helena proposes that if Castus can kill the investigator, she will ensure all claims against him are gone. 

The story ends with Castus at his villa, amongst his loved ones, trying to protect them from the investigator. The fight to survive sees Castus' son, Sabinus use his archery skills. As the story ends, Castus retires and retains his honour, as all allegations against him are dropped. And he buries Crispus in the vicinity of the Villa.

Ian kept me hooked on all the major fight sequences, with a lot of intricate details. There are enough twists in the story as well, with Constantine being adamant, his mother taking a stronger role than one might expect, and the ending, where Fausta and Crispus lose their lives. But Castus retains his honour. This is the fifth installment of the "Twilight of Empire" series and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. 

Happy Reading!