Douglas Jackson Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path: Where Should You Start?

If you are new to Douglas Jackson's gritty, historically accurate worlds, the best place to begin depends on which historical era calls to you. For the classic Roman military epic experience, start with his signature series, the Gaius Valerius Verrens saga, beginning with Hero of Rome (2010). This nine-book series is widely considered his masterpiece, offering a sweeping look at the Roman Empire during its most turbulent periods through the eyes of a resilient tribune.

If you want a shorter commitment to test the waters, begin with the Rufus Duology. Starting with his debut novel, Caligula (2008), and its sequel, Claudius (2009), you will get a masterclass in Roman political intrigue, gladiatorial combat, and survival. For those who prefer late-empire history, the Marcus Flavius Victor books (starting with The Wall in 2022) provide a bleak, atmospheric look at the final days of Roman Britain.

If you want to step away from ancient Rome entirely, Jackson has two excellent alternative entry points: the World War II-era Warsaw Quartet (beginning with Blood Roses) and the modern art-recovery conspiracy thrillers featuring Jamie Saintclaire, which Jackson wrote under the pseudonym James Douglas.

What to Know Before You Start

Douglas Jackson is celebrated by historical fiction fans for his meticulous research and realistic depiction of the ancient world. Unlike some authors who glamorize the Roman Empire, Jackson focuses on its harsh realities—slavery, political betrayal, military brutality, and the sheer struggle for survival. His background as a journalist shines through in his fast-paced, direct narrative style, which avoids dense information dumps in favor of character-driven action.

While his series are best read in order to appreciate the long-term character arcs and evolving political landscapes, many of the books can be enjoyed as standalone historical adventures. However, reading the Gaius Valerius Verrens books in chronological order is highly recommended, as the events of one book directly impact Valerius's standing, physical scars, and psychological state in the next.

The Rufus Duology (The Debut Novels)

Jackson's writing career began with these two novels, which introduce Rufus, a young Greek slave and animal trainer who finds himself caught in the terrifying whims of the Roman imperial court.

• Caligula (2008): Rufus is tasked with caring for the emperor's favorite racehorse and must navigate the madness, conspiracies, and cruelty of Caligula's court alongside Cupido, a legendary gladiator.
• Claudius (2009): Following the death of Caligula, Rufus is swept into the invasion of Britain in 43 AD under Emperor Claudius, facing the fierce resistance of the British war chief Caratacus.

The Gaius Valerius Verrens Saga (Chronological & Publication Order)

This is Jackson's main series. It follows Valerius, a young Roman tribune who is tested in the fires of Boudica's rebellion and goes on to serve multiple emperors, from Nero to Vespasian, during the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors. The publication order matches the chronological order perfectly, making it straightforward to follow:

1. Hero of Rome (2010): Set during the bloody Boudica revolt in Britannia, Valerius must defend a nascent colony against overwhelming tribal forces.
2. Defender of Rome (2011): Valerius returns to Nero's Rome, only to find himself caught in the deadly persecution of a new sect known as the Christians.
3. Avenger of Rome (2012): Sent to the eastern frontier, Valerius is tasked with fighting the Parthians and securing Rome's borders.
4. Sword of Rome (2013): Valerius finds himself back in Britain as the governor Suetonius Paulinus pushes to secure the province.
5. Enemy of Rome (2014): Swept into the politics of the imperial court, Valerius must decide where his loyalties lie as Nero's reign crumbles.
6. Scourge of Rome (2015): Valerius leads Roman forces against the rebellious factions in the provinces during a time of empire-wide instability.
7. Saviour of Rome (2017): Valerius is sent to Spain, where he must secure the gold mines that fuel Rome's economy while surviving local conspiracies.
8. Glory of Rome (2017): Valerius returns to the northern frontier to face a gathering threat from the Germanic tribes.
9. Hammer of Rome (2018): The final chapter in Valerius's epic journey, where he must secure his legacy and protect the empire one last time.

Late Roman Britain: The Marcus Flavius Victor Series

Set at the dawn of the 5th century AD, this duology focuses on the decline and fall of Roman authority in Britannia. It is an excellent read for fans of Hadrian's Wall history.

• The Wall (2022): Marcus Flavius Victor, known as the "Lord of the Wall," commands the dwindling Roman forces guarding the northern frontier in AD 400 against local tribes and invading Picts.
• The Barbarian (2023): Picking up in AD 406, Marcus and his surviving soldiers leave a fracturing Britain behind, crossing the seas into Europe to face the barbarian tides sweeping across the western empire.

The Warsaw Quartet: World War II Noir

Shifting focus to the 20th century, this series is a tense, historical crime thriller set in occupied Poland during the Second World War. It follows Jan Kalisz, a police detective forced to work under the occupying German forces while secretly aiding the Polish resistance.

• Blood Roses (2019): Kalisz investigates a series of brutal murders in Warsaw in 1939 while trying to protect his family and maintain his undercover resistance contacts.
• Blood Sacrifice (2024): Set in 1943, Kalisz must navigate the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, shifting allegiances, and the looming destruction of the city.

The Jamie Saintclaire Thrillers (As James Douglas)

Writing under the pseudonym James Douglas, Jackson created a fast-paced contemporary action-adventure series featuring Jamie Saintclaire, an art recovery expert who specializes in hunting down Nazi-looted relics and ancient historical mysteries.

1. The Doomsday Testament (2011)
2. The Isis Covenant (2012)
3. The Excalibur Codex (2013)
4. The Samurai Inheritance (2014)

Glen Savage Mysteries and Short Works

For readers who enjoy modern detective fiction with a hint of the supernatural, the Glen Savage Mystery series features a psychic investigator and Falklands War veteran based in Scotland: War Games (2014) and Brothers in Arms (2019). Additionally, readers of his Roman fiction should not miss the standalone novella Pliny's Last Day (2018), which follows the famous scholar and naval commander Pliny the Elder during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.