If you’re a fan of gripping historical military fiction, Anthony Riches is a name that likely resonates with you. His immersive storytelling, rooted in meticulous research and vivid depictions of ancient Rome, has captivated readers worldwide. Best known for his Empire series, Riches weaves tales of valor, betrayal, and survival that transport you to the heart of the Roman Empire. In this guide, we’ll explore Anthony Riches’ books in order, focusing on his major series and standalone works, to help you dive into his thrilling world. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this SEO-optimized and reader-engaging blog post will be your roadmap to enjoying his books in the best order.
Who Is Anthony Riches?
Anthony Riches is a British author whose passion for military history shines through in his action-packed novels. Inspired by his father and grandfather’s World War II stories, Riches pursued a degree in Military Studies at Manchester University. His career as a project manager took him across the globe, but his love for storytelling led him to write his debut novel, Wounds of Honour, in 2009. Since then, he’s become a master of historical fiction, particularly with his Empire series, which follows Marcus Valerius Aquila through the trials of second-century Roman Britain. Riches’ commitment to authenticity—evidenced by his walks along Hadrian’s Wall in full Roman regalia—makes his books a must-read for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Why Read Anthony Riches’ Books in Order?
Reading Anthony Riches’ books in order enhances your experience by following the character arcs and historical events as they unfold. His Empire series, in particular, builds on the journey of Marcus Valerius Aquila, a young Roman soldier navigating a brutal civil war and personal vendettas. While some novels can stand alone, the chronological progression deepens the emotional stakes and historical context. Below, we’ve organized his books by series and publication order, ensuring you can follow the story seamlessly.
Complete List of Anthony Riches Books In Order by Series
Below is a comprehensive list of Anthony Riches’ books, organized by series in publication order, presented in table format for easy reference. The list includes his Empire series, The Centurions series, Michael Bale series, and his anthology contribution.
| Series | Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Series | Wounds of Honour | 2009 |
| Arrows of Fury | 2010 | |
| Fortress of Spears | 2011 | |
| The Leopard Sword | 2012 | |
| The Wolf’s Gold | 2012 | |
| The Emperor’s Knives | 2014 | |
| The Eagle’s Vengeance | 2014 | |
| Thunder of the Gods | 2015 | |
| Altar of Blood | 2016 | |
| The Scorpion’s Strike | 2019 | |
| River of Gold | 2020 | |
| Vengeance | 2022 | |
| Storm of War | 2023 | |
| Clash of Legions | 2024 | |
| Field of Blood | 2026 | |
| The Centurions Series | Betrayal | 2017 |
| Onslaught | 2017 | |
| Retribution | 2018 | |
| Michael Bale Series | Nemesis | 2021 |
| Target Zero | 2022 | |
| Anthologies | Rubicon | 2019 |
Notes:
- The Empire series follows Marcus Valerius Aquila through second-century Roman Britain and beyond, with Field of Blood scheduled for release on February 12, 2026.
- The Centurions series is set during the Batavi rebellion of AD 69 and can be read independently or after the Empire series.
- The Michael Bale series marks Riches’ venture into modern crime thrillers, featuring a close protection officer.
- Rubicon is an anthology containing a short story by Riches, best read after the Empire series for context.
- For the best experience, read each series in publication order, as listed above, to follow character and plot development.
Anthony Riches’ Books in Publication Order
Here’s a complete list of Anthony Riches’ books, organized by series and publication date, to guide your reading journey. We’ve included brief descriptions to spark your interest and help you decide where to start.
Empire Series (2009–2026)
The Empire series is Riches’ flagship work, set in second-century Roman Britain during the reign of Emperor Commodus. It follows Marcus Valerius Aquila, a Praetorian centurion whose life is upended when his family is massacred, forcing him to seek refuge and revenge among the Roman legions. Packed with intense battles, political intrigue, and vivid historical detail, this series is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell or Conn Iggulden.
- Wounds of Honour (2009)
Marcus Valerius Aquila arrives in Britannia, only to be condemned by Emperor Commodus. Taking a new identity, he joins a Tungrian regiment on Hadrian’s Wall, where he must lead his men against a rebel army while evading assassins. A gripping start to the series! - Arrows of Fury (2010)
The northern tribes rebel, threatening Roman control of Britannia. Marcus trains his troops to face barbarian charges, but new officers loyal to Commodus close in on his secret identity. Can he survive both enemies and allies? - Fortress of Spears (2011)
After victories in Britannia, Marcus and the Tungrians are sent to subdue rebellious tribes. But the stakes rise as enemies uncover his past, putting his life in jeopardy. - The Leopard Sword (2012)
Marcus faces new challenges as he battles in Germania, where treachery and brutal combat test his loyalty and skill. - The Wolf’s Gold (2012)
Sent to Dacia to protect Rome’s gold mines, Marcus and his cohort face a deadly enemy in a land far from home. - The Emperor’s Knives (2014)
Marcus returns to Rome to hunt those who destroyed his family, but revenge comes at a steep cost in this thrilling installment. - The Eagle’s Vengeance (2014)
Back in Britannia, Marcus and the Tungrians face chaos as overstretched legions struggle to hold the frontier. - Thunder of the Gods (2015)
Marcus leads his legion to the Parthian Empire, where danger and betrayal lurk in this exotic new setting. - Altar of Blood (2016)
Marcus and his men venture into Germania again, facing a mission that could redefine their legacy. - The Scorpion’s Strike (2019)
Marcus spearheads a daring attack into enemy territory as civil war erupts, with three generals vying for the Roman throne. - River of Gold (2020)
Sent to a wealthy Greek province, Marcus must protect it from foreign invaders while navigating local corruption. - Vengeance (2022)
Marcus and his allies escape Rome after the emperor’s murder, seeking safety in a new civil war. - Storm of War (2023)
The Tungrians face relentless battles as Marcus fights to protect his men and his secrets. - Clash of Legions (2024)
Marcus leads his men in a brutal campaign, where loyalty and survival hang in the balance. - Field of Blood (2026)
The latest in the Empire series, set for release in February 2026, promises more epic battles and Marcus’s ongoing quest. Pre-order now!
The Centurions Series (2017–2018)
Set during the Batavi rebellion of AD 69, this trilogy explores four centurions caught in a bloody uprising. It’s a standalone series but complements the Empire series with its focus on Roman military life.
- Betrayal (2017)
The Rhine frontier erupts in rebellion, pitting four centurions against each other in a vicious conflict. - Onslaught (2017)
The Batavi rebels gain ground, and the centurions must navigate treachery and warfare to survive. - Retribution (2018)
The trilogy’s climactic finale sees the centurions fighting for victory in a war that tests their loyalties.
Michael Bale Series (2021–2022)
Riches ventured into crime thrillers with this series, following Mickey Bale, a close protection officer with a dark past. It’s a departure from his historical fiction but retains his signature intensity.
- Nemesis (2021)
Mickey Bale guards the Minister of Defence during tense Chinese-British relations while secretly seeking revenge against a London gang. - Target Zero (2022)
Mickey hunts for military-grade warheads, balancing his dangerous skills with a quest for justice.
Anthologies
- Rubicon (2019)
Riches contributes to this anthology of historical fiction, offering a short story that complements his Empire series.
Reading Anthony Riches’ Books in Chronological Order
For the Empire series, the publication order matches the chronological order, so reading from Wounds of Honour to Field of Blood follows Marcus’s journey naturally. The Centurions series is set earlier, in AD 69, but is best read after the Empire series to appreciate Riches’ style. The Michael Bale series is modern and unrelated, making it a good side read. For a complete experience, we recommend:
- Empire Series (Books 1–15, in publication order)
- The Centurions Series (Books 1–3, in publication order)
- Michael Bale Series (Books 1–2, in publication order)
- Rubicon (Anthology, anytime after the Empire series)
Why Anthony Riches’ Books Are a Must-Read
- Authentic Historical Detail: Riches’ military studies background and hands-on research (like walking Hadrian’s Wall in Roman armor) bring ancient Rome to life.
- Compelling Characters: Marcus Valerius Aquila and his comrades are richly developed, with loyalty and betrayal driving the narrative.
- Action-Packed Storytelling: From barbarian charges to gladiatorial combat, Riches delivers relentless action that keeps you hooked.
- Critical Acclaim: Readers compare Riches to Bernard Cornwell, praising his “breathtaking saga” and “masterful” storytelling.
Tips for Enjoying Anthony Riches’ Books
- Start with Wounds of Honour: It sets up Marcus’s story and the Empire series’ world.
- Take Notes on Characters: The large cast can be complex, so jotting down names helps track alliances.
- Explore Historical Context: Brush up on Roman Britain or the Batavi rebellion for deeper appreciation.
- Join the Fan Community: Connect with other readers on platforms like Goodreads or BookNotification.com for updates and discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to read Anthony Riches’ books in order?
A: While some Empire books work as standalones, reading in publication order enhances the character development and historical narrative.
Q: What is the next Anthony Riches book?
A: Field of Blood, the 15th Empire novel, is set for release in February 2026.
Q: Are Anthony Riches’ books similar to other authors?
A: Fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell, or Ben Kane will love Riches’ blend of historical accuracy and thrilling action.
Q: Where can I buy Anthony Riches’ books?
A: Most are available on Amazon, with links provided above. Check BookNotification.com for updates on new releases.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Riches’ books offer an unforgettable journey through the Roman Empire, blending heart-pounding action with rich historical detail. Whether you’re drawn to the epic Empire series, the intense Centurions trilogy, or the gritty Michael Bale thrillers, there’s something for every reader. Start with Wounds of Honour and follow Marcus Valerius Aquila’s saga for a reading experience that’s as immersive as it is thrilling. Pre-order Field of Blood to stay current, and let us know in the comments which Riches book is your favorite!
Happy reading, and may your journey through Roman Britain be epic!
