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The Scorpion's Strike: Empire X

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The Scorpion's Strike: Empire X

By: Anthony Riches
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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About this listen

 With his compelling Centurions trilogy complete, Anthony Riches returns to his bestselling Empire sequence of novels with his storytelling skills polished to perfection.

Set in the second century AD, The Scorpion's Strike continues the story of Marcus Aquila's fight for justice for a family ripped asunder by imperial assassins.

Still seeking revenge, Marcus finds himself thrown back into the heart of the chaos that is shaking the Roman Empire to its roots.

Fresh from their close escape from imperial betrayal in the German forest, Marcus and the Tungrians are ordered to Gaul, where an outlaw called Maturnus is wreaking havoc. Havoc that may be more than mere banditry, as deserters and freed slaves flock to his cause: rebellion is in the air for the first time in a generation.

And if escape from Rome's memories is a relief for the young centurion, he soon discovers that danger has followed him west to Gaul. The expedition is led by Praetorians whom he has every cause to hate. And to fear, if they should discover who he really is.

(P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2019 Anthony Riches Action & Adventure Ancient Historical Fiction Rome Fiction

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Critic reviews

Praise for Anthony Riches
A masterclass in military historical fiction
A master of the genre
This is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both. (Conn Iggulden)
A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. (Ben Kane)
Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. (Manda Scott)
All stars
Most relevant
What a shame this is the last (so far) in what has been an excellent series. Well performed all along can't get much better.

Excellent

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Really enjoyed this series of books. Great narration by Saul, hope there is more to come.

Another great book in the series

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after a few yrs away from the series, and with a great anticipation for it to continue, I felt like something was missing from the experience. too long between books 9 and 10? I've read 1 to 9 twice at least, the centurion trilogy written inbetween was excellent, a more historically thorough series for a more intelligent reader I felt, as a series books 1 to 10 (I will include) is my favourite of all time, with Marcus as lead the familia around him are the most diverse and in depth of any historical fiction books I've read, from hornblower as a youth, Sharpe and Harper, macro and Cato, and in the last 20yrs a whole host of writers creating brilliant novels in my favourite genre. I must read again and put my favourite series back to 5 stars, and I will without doubt purchase no11, 12, etc as I hope Marcus continues to fulfill his destiny. I only hope I make it too.

must read again

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Narrator sometimes switches pronounciation of names/places, but the book itself is Riches' usual excellent stuff! Plenty of action, sticky situations, rough humour, and a couple of well placed twists. Keep them coming, Mr Riches!

Fab as usual

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A great series, Charcters are awsome, and I like the Narrator, who brings the book to life.

Enjoyed the series and the narrator so Far

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