The Noise of War (A Tale of Ancient Rome)

The Sertorius Scrolls, Book 2

By: Vincent B. Davis II

Narrated by: Joshua Saxon

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

The only survivor of a brutal battle, driven by a desperate need to see his family again....

Rome, 107 BC. Quintus Sertorius fought while the enemy slaughtered 90,000 of his brethren in the city’s bloodiest defeat. Battling night terrors and survivor’s guilt, he vows to preserve his beloved Rome and embarks on a covert mission deep into enemy territory. 

Sertorius grows his beard and disguises himself in the garb of a Gaul, all the while his stomach churns with fear of discovery. But in order to gain vital information about the invaders, he must sink deeper into their ranks. As he uncovers the depths of the barbarian’s depravity he alone will have to rise to Rome’s aid. 

Will Sertorius avenge his comrades and reunite with loved ones, or will the next massacre mark the end of the Republic? 

The Noise of War is the second book in the best-selling Sertorius Scrolls historical fiction series. If you like vivid backdrops, the courage of conviction, and a fight for survival, then you’ll love Vincent B. Davis II’s compelling saga.

©2019 Vincent B. Davis Ii (P)2019 Vincent B. Davis II

Narrator Makes It

I enjoyed the story but had it figured out after the first few “scrolls.” In short, good story. Now for the best part- the narrator. I was so completely impressed by the narration, which made the book come alive. The narrator’s voice was engaging and captured all the emotions of the book in a natural way. Exceptional. I look forward to listening to other book narrated by Joshua Saxon.

can't get enough.

this is the third time I have read this series. I can't get enough of it. this book series would make a Blick buster movie. I can only hope it happens lol. please Mr Davis when will you give us the next book in this outstanding series. I think I might be your biggest fan.

Compelling story, wonderful narration

I enjoyed both of the two books (so far) in the series. I hope Mr. Davis continues with the story of Quintus Sertorius since what this brilliant Roman legionary accomplished could easily fill several more volumes. The story is fast paced and gripping. I am not sure why Mr. Davis has changed some of the historical events in his novels. For example, in this one he claims that Sertorius lost his eye during the Battle of Arausio in 104 BC. Several sources state that he lost his eye during the Social War in 89 BC. Also, before becoming a legionary, he had a career as an orator and jurist so the story described in the first book in the series, which describes him as a client of Gnaeus Caepio, seems to be made up entirely by the author. However, the fact that one of the Roman generals who led the Roman forces at the Battle of Arausio was Quintus Servilius Caepio, son of Gnaeus, could be the reason the author made Caepio and Sertorius personal enemies. Caepio refused to cooperate with the other consul in charge of the Roman forces, Gnaeus Mallius Maximus, because he was not of senatorial or elite rank. Maximus was the far better soldier and general. Caepio's arrogance cost the lives of 90,000 Roman soldiers. Caepio was tried in Rome for the loss of the army and was stripped of his Roman citizenship. His fate is not certain but he may have died in exile in Smyrna. The author again makes Sertorius a saint in that he helps Caepio avoid prison.

While I enjoyed the story, I was less keen on the kind of self-effacing humility attributed to Sertorius since it did not really make sense. Also, there is the occasional anachronism in the type of wording used. But overall, I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy this book. It has re-kindled my interest in Rome even though my preferred ancient culture is that of Greece.

good book on ancient rome wars

good story great narrator good characters compelling plot line great battles and main and supporting characters

i got a free copy of this book but am now going to buy the first vol

soo FREAKIN AWESOME!!

I am HUGE ancient Roman history/fiction buff.
This series is COMPLETELY original. No one (that I have come across) have written about this specific person recently.
If you were unfortunate enough (like me) to purchase the 1st book in audio form. Then you suffered through the ABSOLUTE WORST reader/narrator EVER.
The next three audio productions are narrated by an EXCEPTIONAL voice/talent.
The story is a dark, intense episode in ancient Roman history. The narrator conveys the "heavy" impact of this story.
The writer has written from a military background. He has an understanding of the bond that soldiers develop. Living AFTER war/combat. The changes to mental processes & out-look on "ordinary" life, & going back INTO combat

Is the story is accurately documented? needs info.

I enjoyed the narrator, great diction and entonation. This 2nd part is better than the first mainly because of him.

What a great book

When Quintas Sertorius is the only living member of his troop he is greeted with something for less than respect. He has lost his brother and a good friend in this battle but the battle isn’t over to help Rome in and away redeem himself he sets out on a quest Ian with the company of good friends and risking call Bert daily life he said to defend Rome and keep his identity secret. It is written in a way as it Quintas Sertorius is reflecting all the happenings during this time in his life. I found this book to be quite intriguing and very very interesting. I am not one who loves spy books or movies and this proves to be much much more than that. I highly recommend this book it was so so good Joshua Saxton is the narrator and he sounds as if he was born in England it was so good!😊

wonderful and thrilling

This book was wonderful to listen to and I greatly enjoyed it. The fight scenes exciting and you fall in love with the characters.

EXCELLENT 👍 unbelievable!!!

lobed it as much if not more than the 1st bk im the series
I hope it won't stop at 3
Mr. Davis has some great talent. If u don't want to be awake all night don't listen in the evening or bedtime, because u won't be able to stop listening till the end!!
performance would have rec'd 5 stars, narrator was very good but different than narrator from first bk, who I enjoyed and got used to his character voices!

A Great Tale of Ancient Rome

Second book in the series continues the tale of Quintus Sertorius. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering about the fate of this son, brother, young man turned soldier. Ruled by his heart his decisions make him the man he has become. The narration was excellent. I highly recommend this series.

Very engaging

Really enjoyed this book; very interesting story and beautifully Narrated. Would definitely recommend as very engaging.

“The bodies of my brothers covered the earth for miles”

Really enjoyed this book. I accidentally listened to book 3 first and found the “soldier” setting more enjoyable than the “politician” story. That’s not to say book 3 wasn’t good, but this is even better!
Great characters, brilliant story and plenty of action to keep everyone entertained!
Amazing narration too and perfectly portrays the tension and atmosphere. I would enjoy a little more differentiation between the character voices though.
This is my honest opinion on a free review copy.

Dampness rusts men like swords.

Following directly on from the ending of book one, The Man with Two Names, and the horrifying, almost total destruction of the Roman army, where some 90,000 Roman soldiers were believed to have died, miraculously, Quintus Sertorius wakes to find himself still alive. He has lost one eye, and his brother. Eventually, a battered group of some 27 men are regrouped from the total army and begin the treck back to find Marius and his army.

Set a little over 100 years B.C. and told in the first person from Sertonius' perspective, the book is based on actual events and historical people when Rome began it's expansion and military achievements. Well written, it is atmospheric, conveying the harshness of battle and of existence itself - they were a tough people, then. It is a thrilling read which pulls the reader through the terrors and sadness and leaves that person wanting more. Narration is by Joshua Saxon, whose slightly husky voice perfectly captures the presence of our main protagonist, Sertorius, as he recounts his story in his scrol!s. With excellent pacing, emotion and inflection, this is a fine performance.

I was most fortunate in being freely gifted with a complimentary copy of The Noise of War, by the rights holder, at my request. Thank you so much. Ever a fan of novels set in the historical Roman period, this book covers a slightly less written about era when the Republic still stood and before Rome seemed invincible. Definitely recommended for all who enjoy military engagements from the times when fighting was very close up and personal and all wishing to extend their understanding of the greatness that was the Roman Empire.

Brilliant 2nd instalment!!

This is a brilliant follow up to the 1st book, and enjoyed it immensely. I have read both books in the last week, and look forward to further books in the series to follow. Having read a lot of Roman Historical Fiction I would rate this very highly, and it is made more interesting based on the fact it based on a true persons memoirs.

I was given a free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.