Soldier of Rome: Vespasian's Fury

The Great Jewish Revolt Series, Book 2

By: James Mace

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters

**Hell Unleashed**

It is July of 67 AD. The brutal, 47-day siege of the rebel stronghold of Jotapata, in Galilee, has ended. The Roman armies of Vespasian destroyed the city and captured the leader of the resistance, Josephus ben Matthias. While being interrogated by the Roman commanding general, Josephus makes a bold prediction; Nero’s reign grows short and, in time, Vespasian himself will rise to become emperor. Intrigued, while also viewing the Jewish general as a great source of intelligence, Vespasian spares his life. He then unleashes a hell storm of fury upon the rest of Galilee and into Judea itself.

In Jerusalem, the fall of Jotapata is a tragic loss, with Josephus presumed dead and venerated as a martyr. The moderate government under Hanan ben Hanan is greatly weakened as a result of the defeat, with the various extremists seeking to install their own leaders as head of the Jewish State. The rival zealot factions soon become embroiled in a bitter and extremely violent civil war, oblivious or uncaring about the common enemy that is laying waste to the land.

Three thousand miles away, Rome is in a constant state of political turmoil. Vespasian attempts to stay above the fray, intent on finishing off the rebellious zealots, yet with Josephus’ prophetic words ever-echoing in his mind.

©2014 James M. Mace (P)2022 James M. Mace

Pleasantly surprised!💜

(Books1-3)
I suppose I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into when I started this book. In the beginning and actually often times during this series I found myself a little confused, but a lot intrigued lol. But “it’s not you it’s me” lol I’m not exactly a historical genius (not even much of a historical fan 🤷🏻‍♀️) so the places & names were somewhat unfamiliar to me. That said, I couldn’t stop reading/listening to this amazing story. Devastating, sad and disheartening, but at the same time, fascinating and extremely entertaining.
I have to admit, the only reason I started this series is because I think narrator Jonathan Waters is one of the best story tellers out there. He has a great voice which is absolutely perfect for this genre.
This review is for books 1-3 in this series. If you are a fan of this era I highly recommend this series.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

Jame’s Mace’s Next Victory

Mace’s obvious knowledge of Roman era history shows through again. Narrator Waters is eloquent with very few slip ups (“miles”, soldier, he pronounces “miles”, [files ‘files’], instead of “mee-lez”, the plural of which is “milites”. Does he do all the character voices? Truly a master. And if we want to be perfect, the Romans use “753 b.c,” as year “one”. Rome they held was founded in “753 AUC” (“ab urbe condita” (“from the founding of the city [Rome]). Jesus wasn’t age “2” in “one A.D.”. He was “754 AUC” according to the Roman. “AD” dating was devised in 525 by Exiguus. The was no “0 B.C.” Mace’s selective use of other Latin words is praiseworthy. He uses both “scutum” (shield) and “ scuta” (shields). Also “gladius” (sword) and “glaudii” (shields, in Latin). I’d be happy to be corrected.
(Question: What happed to Diana?)