The Empire Series in Order

About the Empire series

Series Premise

Marcus Valerius Aquila, a young Roman aristocrat from a powerful senatorial family, flees Rome after his family is condemned and executed in a political purge, assuming a false identity as he joins an auxiliary cohort on the fringes of the empire to survive and seek justice. As he rises through the ranks in the Tungrian cohort, Marcus and his comrades face relentless campaigns, betrayals, conspiracies reaching the imperial throne, and the constant threat of death in distant frontiers, all while navigating personal loyalties, revenge, and the unforgiving demands of Roman military discipline.

The series must be read in order, as it chronicles a continuous chronological arc following Marcus's evolution from fugitive recruit to seasoned centurion, with ongoing character development, deepening relationships within the cohort, recurring antagonists tied to imperial intrigue, and a progressive overarching plot involving court conspiracies, revenge, and empire-wide threats—starting out of sequence would spoil major revelations, character backstories, and the building momentum of the group's shared history and missions.

Main Characters

Marcus Valerius Aquila (also known under aliases like Marcus Tribulus Corvus): The central protagonist, a skilled, principled young officer of senatorial birth turned fugitive; intelligent, fiercely loyal, and deadly in combat, he evolves from a hunted man seeking anonymity and revenge into a decorated centurion whose actions increasingly intersect with imperial conspiracies and the fate of the empire.

- Rutilius Scaurus: Tribune and commander of the Tungrian cohort; a shrewd, charismatic leader with a sharp mind and unyielding sense of justice, he mentors Marcus, leads daring missions, and navigates the political dangers that threaten his men while forming a deep bond of trust and respect.

- The Tungrian Cohort: A core ensemble of veteran auxiliary soldiers including rough, loyal comrades like the hulking Dubnus, quick-witted Antenoch, and other grizzled ranks who provide comic relief through banter, unwavering brotherhood, and expertise in battle; their collective grit and camaraderie drive much of the series' heart and humor.

Setting

The stories unfold across the sprawling Roman Empire in the late 2nd century AD, beginning on the rugged northern frontier of Britannia along Hadrian's Wall and its surrounding wilds—misty hills, fortified camps, tribal territories, and brutal winter campaigns against rebellious Britons. As the saga expands, the action shifts to other frontiers like Germania's dense forests, Dacia's gold-rich mountains, the opulent yet corrupt cities of Aegyptus (including Alexandria), and eventually the heart of power in Rome itself, with imperial palaces, Praetorian intrigue, and shadowy political machinations. This diverse backdrop vividly portrays the empire's vast scale—from remote auxiliary outposts and legionary fortresses to urban decadence and exotic provinces—highlighting the constant tension between civilization's order and the barbaric threats at its edges.

Tone & Themes

Gritty, visceral, and unflinchingly brutal, the tone captures the raw savagery of ancient warfare with graphic combat, bloodshed, and the harsh toll of soldiering, tempered by sardonic dark humor, camaraderie, and occasional irreverent banter among the troops that lightens the relentless intensity. The series balances high-stakes action with moments of reflection on duty and loss, delivering fast-paced, immersive storytelling without romanticizing the past. Themes explore survival and resilience in a merciless world, the bonds of brotherhood forged in battle, the corrupting influence of imperial power and politics, the clash between personal honor and systemic betrayal, the cost of revenge, and the enduring loyalty that sustains men amid chaos and hardship.

The Empire series thunders across the page like a Roman charge, raw and relentless, immersing readers in the blood-soaked glory and grim camaraderie of legionary life where honor is hard-won and survival demands everything. Anthony Riches crafts an unforgettable saga of brotherhood, vengeance, and defiance against imperial corruption, delivering heart-pounding battles, unforgettable characters, and the visceral pulse of an empire teetering on the edge—leaving fans exhilarated, moved, and hungry for the next clash of steel in this masterful Roman epic.