You may remember that I recently reviewed Anthony's book "Empire - Wounds of Honour", and said some fairly 'to the point' things about it. Well, he and I have exchanged a few emails, and I think we understand each other. I have also re-read some chunks of the book and I think I've changed my mind!
Yes folks, I got it WRONG.
I think the reason I was so rude about it was at least partly because I had read Harry Sidebottom's second 'Marcus Clodius Ballista' novel immediately before, and been spoilt by an almost flawlessly 'Roman-feeling' book. I guess I prefer a slightly more 'literary' book, with plenty of quotations from Latin poetry and stuff! So Anthony's book, which is more 'page-turner' than 'literature' compared fairly poorly (in my mind) with what I'd just read. Plus, the error which I spotted first is one which pushes all the wrong buttons: calling the senior centurion of a cohort 'First Spear', as a mis-translation of 'Pilus Prior', instead of the more correct 'First File'. I know why he did it - to make the senior centurion seem "well 'ard". It works too, but as that's one of my most hated mis-translations (and it occurs in lots of books, even (supposedly) quite learned ones), it set me off 'finding fault' rather than just enjoying the tale for what it is - an enjoyable romp.
If you compare Anthony's book with those of his more direct competitors - Scarrow and Iggulden for instance - it actually comes out pretty well. There are still things that rankle, but as a page-turner, it's a good yarn, well-told. As I said, it concerns a cohort of hard-bitten auxiliary infantry, stationed on Hadrian's Wall. And that, for me with my obsession with The Wall, is a big plus. Despite the (mostly fairly minor) problems with the book, it was hard to put down, and I do find myself wondering what's going to happen to the hero and his Century next - so I shall probably have to buy the next volume in the series.
Linked to all this, and the real reason for this posting, is that Anthony and his agent are doing a sponsored walk along Hadrian's Wall next year, wearing full Roman kit, in aid of 'Help for Heroes' - click HERE for a link to Anthony's 'JustGiving' page. Thus he is a good chap, doing something concrete to help 'our boys' (oh dear, I'm beginning to sound like a journalist from 'The Sun'): so go and visit his page & give some money to Help for Heroes. Oh, and because he's a good egg, buy his book as well! Amazon have it for sale at a decent discount - the very least you could do is to give £5.20 - the difference between their price (£7.79) and the RRP (£12.99) - to Help for Heroes!
Back to silly little toy soldiers again... Warlord Games' newly released 28 mm plastic auxilia would be ideal for representing the 1st Cohort of Tungrians (the unit in Anthony's book) - in fact if the story, and the description of the soldiers therein, doesn't inspire you to want to paint some auxiliaries, I'll eat my hat!