Roma Victrix by Russell Whitfield

On Kindle

A sequel to Whitfield's novel Gladiatrix it follows the main characters of the first story as they leave Asia Minor and head for Rome.

Lysandra of Sparta, known in the arena as Achillia, was at the end of the previous book granted her freedom and inherited the gladiator school from it's former owner.   Now in her new role as businesswoman she is struggling against frustration with paperwork and the knowledge that so many people depend on her.   Self doubt combined with boredom drive her to a drink problem and quarrels with those closest to her.   A letter from Emperor Domitian "inviting" her to fight Rome's top female gladiator in the Flavian Amphitheatre (now better known as the Colloseum) arrives and she departs for the capital.   Most of the book from here charts her return to fighting fitness.

Also in the previous book we met Valerian an officer on the staff of Frontinus Governor of Asia Minor, and who is now a Tribune of the Fifth Legion spearheading a punitive expedition across the Danube in retaliation for Dacian raids into the province of Moesia.   The Fifth is ambushed and almost wiped out with Valerian one of the few to make it back.   As the senior surviving officer he is made the scapegoat for the debacle, his property is confiscated and he is told to commit suicide.   Instead he returns destitute to Rome where a former Legionary finds him a job on the security staff at the Flavian thus bringing him again into contact with the gladiatrices.

Whitfield has given us another jolly romp through the blood and guts of Ancient Rome to the delight of those like myself who cannot get enough of this kind of stuff.   More please Mr Whitfield.