I received several books for Christmas, including Anthony Riches' 'Empire: Fortress of Spears'. I wasn't very complimentary about Tony's first book, quite happy with the second, and blown away by this one. This is definitely his best yet. In my personal ranking of historical fiction authors, it places him ahead of Scarrow and Cornwell, though he'd have to go some to catch Sidebottom! I might be biassed though - the books are set in my favourite combination of period and setting!
I won't spoil the surprise, other than to say that it features the same cast of characters as the last book, and is also set in what would much later become the Anglo-Scottish borders. It's a really gripping story, with masses of action, and the places and people are very evocative. I'm really looking forward to another instalment.
It struck me, whilst reading it, that a lot of the content is very 'gameable' - some using what one might call an 'immersive' game - like an RPG - for the parts involving only a few participants, up to a proper wargame for the bigger skirmishes and battles.
It also struck me that, once they get on and make more varieties of models (auxilia, cavalry, etc), the 'Early' Imperial Romans from Aventine Miniatures would be ideal for playing an 'Empire' campaign - they're from exactly the right period.
I've just finished writing and photography for a third article for Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy, though I'm going to leave you in suspense regarding the content. That's two articles coming out in the next few months, I hope!
The burning question is, what am I going to do next, wargaming-wise? I have several ideas, as those of you who are regular followers will know, and precious little inspiration for any of them!