Where Should You Start?
For the best experience, start with the first novel, The Siege (2011). It introduces Cassius Corbulo, a young, reluctant intelligence officer (frumentarius) who is far from a typical sword-swinging action hero. Accompanied by his loyal servant Simo and ex-gladiator bodyguard Indavara, Cassius relies on his wits to survive dangerous imperial conspiracies. Starting here establishes the core character dynamics and the setting of 3rd-century Syria.
Alternatively, purists who prefer absolute chronological order can begin with the prequel short story, Death This Day (2012).
Agent of Rome Chronological Reading Order
If you want to read Cassius's adventures and the series' side-stories in the exact order they happen, use this chronological path:
- Death This Day (2012) – Novella #0.5: A prequel story set before the events of the first novel.
- The Siege (2011) – Book 1: Cassius is sent to a Syrian outpost to defend against Queen Zenobia's advancing forces.
- The Flames of Cyzicus (2015) – Novella #1.5: Set between the first and second novels; Cassius investigates mysterious fires in modern-day Turkey.
- The Imperial Banner (2012) – Book 2: Cassius is tasked with recovering a stolen Persian battle standard.
- The Far Shore (2013) – Book 3: Cassius travels to Rhodes, only to be dragged into a deadly conspiracy.
- The Eleventh Hour (2013) – Novella #3.5: Set in Antioch, this short story focuses on a different imperial agent, Abascantius, trying to redeem himself.
- The Black Stone (2014) – Book 4: Cassius investigates the theft of a sacred black stone in the Syrian desert.
- The Emperor's Silver (2015) – Book 5: A treasury shipment goes missing, and Cassius is dispatched to find it.
- The Earthly Gods (2016) – Book 6: Cassius goes AWOL on a personal quest to rescue missing girls.
- The Last Battle (2019) – Book 7: Cassius faces his most personal and high-stakes threat yet during the reign of Emperor Aurelian.
- Tarchon (2023) – Book 8 / Spinoff: Expands the universe with a new lead protagonist, a street youth named Tarchon in Byzantium.
- Dust and Shadow (2026) – Book 9: The latest installment in the series.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
While the chronological order integrates the novellas smoothly, reading in publication order is also highly enjoyable. The main novels were released sequentially from 2011 to 2019, followed by the spinoff Tarchon in 2023 and Dust and Shadow in 2026. Because the novellas (like Death This Day and The Eleventh Hour) are standalone missions, they do not need to be read in their exact chronological spots to understand the main plot.
Spinoffs and Connected Works
- Tarchon (2023): This book serves as a spinoff, shifting focus away from Cassius Corbulo to a resourceful street youth in 3rd-century Byzantium. It is a great next step for readers who have finished the main Cassius arc.
- Marik's Way (2018): Though written by Nick Brown, this is a standalone grimdark fantasy novel and is not part of the Agent of Rome universe.