William Kelso

Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations

About William Kelso

Hello, my name is William Kelso. I was born in the Netherlands to British parents. My interest in history and in particular military history started at a very young age when I was lucky enough to hear my grandfather describing his experiences of serving in the RAF in North Africa and Italy during World War 2. Recently my family has discovered that one of my Scottish and Northern Irish ancestors fought under Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

I love writing and bringing to life the ancient world of Rome, Carthage and the Germanic and Celtic tribes. It’s my thing. After graduation, I worked for 22 years in financial publishing and event management in the city of London as a salesman for some big conference organizers, trying to weave my stories in the evenings after dinner and in weekends. Working in the heart of the original Roman city of Londinium I spent many years walking its streets and visiting the places in the city, the names of which commemorate the 2,000-year-old ancient Roman capital of Britannia, London Wall, Watling Street, London Bridge and Walbrook. The city of London if you know where to look has many fascinating historical corners. So, since the 2nd March 2017 I have taken the plunge and become a full-time writer. Stories as a form of entertainment and education are as old as cave man and telling them is what I am going to do for the rest of my life.

My stories are all about ancient Rome, especially the early to mid-republic as this was the age of true Roman greatness. I have written 16 books so far with an aim of reaching a 100. My books include, The Shield of Rome, The Fortune of Carthage and Devotio: The House of Mus and the nine books of the Veteran of Rome Series. Caledonia (1), Hibernia (2), Britannia (3), Hyperborea (4), Germania (5), The Dacian War (6), Armenia Capta (7), Rome and the Conquest of Mesopotamia (8) and Veterans of Rome (9). I am currently working on a new series called The Soldier of the Republic. Go on, give them a go.

In my spare time, I help my brother run his battlefield tours company which takes people around the battlefields of Arnhem, Dunkirk, Agincourt, Normandy, the Rhine crossing and Monte Cassino. I live in London with my wife and support the “Help for Heroes” charity and a tiger in India.

Please visit my website http://www.williamkelso.co.uk/ and have a look at my historical video blog!

Hector Miller

S.J.A. Turney

Gordon Doherty

Simon Turney

Griff Hosker

Peter Darman

Are you an author?

Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography.

Learn more at Author Central

1 11 1

$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.99

Kindle Edition

Author Updates

Titles By William Kelso

All Formats Kindle Edition Paperback

The Metaurus Campaign (Soldier of the Republic Book 10) Jun 10, 2022

by William Kelso

( 21 )

$3.99

Spring 207 BCE. For eleven years war has raged between Carthage and Rome. A fight for the right to dominate the world. A struggle for survival. In the south of Italy Hannibal still occupies much territory. His continued presence a major threat to the Republic. In the north Hasdrubal has repeated his brother Hannibal’s feat and crossed the Alps - invading Italy. The Carthaginian generals determined to link up with each other and inflict a decisive blow against Rome. Their advance causing mass panic and alarm among the Roman populace.

On his sheep farm near the Roman colony of Placentia in Cisalpine Gaul, Flavius, father, soldier, spy and diplomat - thrown into the turmoil - must do what he can to save his people and his home. But the odds are stacked against him. The rapid enemy advance is overwhelming. For Flavius the fight of his life is brewing as old enemies and new friends start to converge on his farm.

Other Formats: Paperback

Mercenary of Carthage (Soldier of the Republic Book 9) Feb 17, 2022

by William Kelso

( 122 )

$3.99

209 BCE. In Iberia the Roman legions are once again on the march, threatening the very heart of Carthaginian Spain under their youthful but untried commander in chief Publius Cornelius Scipio.

Forced onto the back foot, staring at defeat, the imperial masters of Carthage call upon Gisgo, prince of Numidia and mercenary of Carthage to lead his Numidian cavalry to the rescue.

Thrown into the furious battle for Spain Gisgo must find a way in which to halt the Roman advance while keeping one eye on his arrogant, backstabbing Punic overlords.

Meanwhile, in failing health but determined to carry on regardless, Flavius, father, soldier, spy and now legate of Rome does not want to leave his family farm along Rome’s dangerously unstable Gallic frontier. But when news comes of a new and grave threat to the Republic he accepts the desperate diplomatic mission his patron wishes him to undertake.

But Fortuna’s favour is fickle, her support uncertain and as time runs out Flavius realises that he is facing catastrophe.

Other Formats: Paperback

Rome's Assassin (Soldier of the Republic Book 6) Nov 13, 2020

by William Kelso

( 197 )

$3.99

214 BCE. The war between Rome and Carthage has reached a stalemate. Rampaging through southern Italy, Hannibal rides high after his stunning battlefield successes. But in Spain the Romans, under the able leadership of the brothers Gnaeus and Publius Scipio, have managed to prevent Carthaginian reinforcements from moving to support Carthage’s star general.

Looking to break the deadlock, the crafty masters of Carthage hope to persuade new allies into their anti-Roman alliance in an attempt to widen the war and overwhelm Rome. Called upon to serve the Republic, Flavius, dutiful father, Roman spy and assassin is once again thrown into the covert battle to prevent Carthage from succeeding in her aims. A journey that will take him from the sprawling streets of the metropolis of Syracuse to the lawless mountainous wilderness of Illyria and northern Greece. In this deadly secretive war, a bitter struggle between rival spies, where death comes by an assassin’s blade, nothing is like what it seems.

For Flavius however disillusionment has set in. The personal cost of his involvement in the great ongoing war with Carthage has been high, perhaps it is too high.

Other Formats: Paperback

The Turn of the Tide (Soldier of the Republic Book 7) Mar 12, 2021

by William Kelso

( 176 )

$3.99

211 BCE. For seven long years’ war has raged between Rome and Carthage, devastating much of the western Mediterranean. Poised for victory in Spain, the indomitable Scipio brothers prepare to turn the tide, while in Italy Hannibal marches to the relief of his allies in the besieged city of Capua.

On his farm in the Roman colony of Placentia, up on the Gallic frontier - Flavius worries about his youngest son Julian who he has not seen since the start of the war. But a new phase in Flavius’s life is about to start. A new job, as old acquaintances return, to offer Flavius renewed hope that one day he will see his family reunited again.

But the tides of war are fickle, Fortuna’s favours, never certain while doom, death, capture, defeat and failure wait in ambush around every corner. Forced to navigate in an unfamiliar world where friendship is not what it once appeared to be - Flavius knows that one misstep could be his last.

Other Formats: Paperback

Legate of Rome (Soldier of the Republic Book 8) Jul 16, 2021

by William Kelso

( 191 )

$3.99

Late summer 211 BCE. Trouble is brewing for the Republic as a new front threatens to open up in the long and bitter war between Rome and Carthage for dominance of the world. As a newly minted legate of Rome working for the Senate and his patron, the young Publius Cornelius Scipio, Flavius must undertake the arduous and dangerous journey to the far-flung Tin Islands, a semi-mythical land beyond the sea. His mission: To maintain diplomatic relations with the local Celtic tribes and to protect vital Roman and allied interests.

But Carthage too has set their sights on the precious resources of tin that are helping fuel the war industries of the belligerents. Determined to protect their ancient trade with the Tin Islands and thwart growing Roman influence the crafty merchant masters of Carthage have decided to send one of their best.

In the mist shrouded isles in the far north Flavius will soon discover something far more precious than gold.

Other Formats: Paperback

The Republic at War (Soldier of the Republic Book 5) Jun 5, 2020

by William Kelso

( 170 )

$3.99

215 BCE. The 2nd Punic War between the Roman Republic and Carthage has entered its fourth year. Gisgo, bankrupt prince of Numidia and veteran of Hannibal’s campaign in Italy, embarks on the greatest journey of his life; a sea voyage to the edge of the known world in search of his wife and young son. An adventure that will reveal the true extent of Carthage’s trade interests in West Africa, and teach Gisgo that Astarte, goddess of love and war, can take as well as give.

In the Mediterranean, the war rages on. Sent to support the Roman forces on the island of Sardinia, Julian, freshly promoted to centurion and the youngest officer in Scipio’s expeditionary army, is soon thrown into the desperate fight to stop Carthage from regaining her lost lands. But war is not the only challenge that the young Roman officer faces – for as Julian soon realises - duty and friendship do not always go hand in hand.

In Italy, Hannibal holds sway in much of the south, his army unchallenged by Rome after the crushing defeat at Cannae. But another war is being fought in the shadows; a bitter conflict between rival spies; a battle that has the potential to change the course of the war. In this unseen secret war, Flavius, father, patriot and Roman spymaster, must make the best of a poor situation; as he juggles a deteriorating home life with the relentless demands of his job, and the financial and political fallout of a Republic at War.

Other Formats: Paperback

In Defence of the Walls of Rome (Soldier of the Republic Book 1) Nov 18, 2018

by William Kelso

( 189 )

$3.99

On Rome’s northern frontier amongst the fierce and hostile Gallic tribes, Flavius, father, Roman patriot and veteran of Telamon will do anything to protect his wife and children from the savage war that is soon to come to the heart of Italy. In Carthage, Gisgo, proud warrior prince of Numidia, restless and broke - joins Hannibal’s mercenary army on its epic five-month march to and across the Alps in search of a fortune to repay his crippling debts.

It is spring 218 BCE. The greatest war the ancient world has yet witnessed is about to engulf the western Mediterranean. A conflict that will pit duty to country and family against a lust for fame and wealth and decide the future course of the Western world. In Rome the senate has demanded retribution for the fall of Saguntum, an allied city, putting them on a direct collision course with the proud, merchant masters of Carthage. As war between the two Mediterranean super powers becomes inevitable, two men, Flavius and Gisgo, shaped by circumstance and tradition, will be swept into the furious battle for supremacy from which they will find that they cannot escape.

“In Defence of the Walls of Rome” is book one in the “Soldier of the Republic” series

Other Formats: Paperback

Caledonia (Veteran of Rome Book 1) Jun 6, 2013

by William Kelso

( 143 )

$3.99

Autumn 83 AD. At the battle of Mons Graupius the Roman army led by Governor Agricola destroys the Caledonian confederation that has formed to oppose the Roman invasion.

In the aftermath of the battle a Caledonian boy reveals a secret that has the potential to change Roman strategy in the north forever.

Marcus, an auxiliary Roman cavalry soldier is ordered to investigate and promptly disappears into the remote trackless wastes of the north.

In Rome his estranged father and retired Legionary, Corbulo sets out to find his only son and bring him home. So starts an adventure that will take Corbulo to the remotest parts of Caledonia and plunge him into the low intensity conflict that is raging between the scattered Caledonian war bands and the Roman forts and garrisons of Agricola's occupying army. Corbulo will need all his wits, courage and experience to fend off hostile and proud Barbarian warriors, a gang of murderous mercenaries and the lure of a dazzling prize.

Other Formats: Paperback

Carthage Must Be Destroyed (Soldier of the Republic Book 2) Apr 27, 2019

by William Kelso

( 139 )

$3.99

Winter 218/17 BCE. Hannibal has crossed the Alps and is ravaging the Roman colonies in Cis-Alpine Gaul. The Gallic Boii and Insubres, hostile to Rome, have risen in rebellion, joining Carthage and threatening the tenuous Roman grip on the Po valley.

At the besieged Roman colony of Placentia, deep in hostile territory, Flavius, spymaster, father and patriot of Rome, finds himself drawn deeper into a deadly cat and mouse game with Punic agents. As the war turns against Rome with military defeat followed by defeat Flavius knows that he must find a way in which to outwit Carthage or watch his home and family perish.

In Spain, Julian, Flavius’s wayward eighteen-year-old son, a fresh recruit in Scipio’s expeditionary army has become a soldier of the republic. Thrust immediately into the battle for control of the Iberian Peninsula and its rich resources of silver and mercenaries, Julian must adapt quickly to military life or die trying.

Late spring 217 BCE. As Hannibal advances south across the Apennines, Gisgo, proud prince of Numidia, resolves to follow Hannibal’s star. Leading his barbarian mercenary cavalry into the rich lands of Etruria Gisgo hopes to win himself a fortune with which to pay off his father’s debts and restore his heritage. But instead of riches he will find himself forced to make an unexpected choice.

In Rome, the city fathers have made plans to trap Hannibal. Carthage must be destroyed and the man to do that is the consul Gaius Flaminius. Soon at lake Trasimene in the heart of Italy, in the warm days of June, Carthaginian tactical brilliance and cunning will once again decisively clash with desperate Roman courage.

Other Formats: Paperback

Rome's Darkest Hour (Soldier of the Republic Book 4) Feb 6, 2020

by William Kelso

( 170 )

$3.99

Summer 216 BCE. As Rome fights for her very existence, struggling to find an answer to Hannibal’s genius on the battlefield - Flavius, father, patriot and Roman spymaster, is sent south on a mission to stop Punic spies from infiltrating the town of Nola. In this dirty and secret war, Flavius will need all his experience and courage to keep this key strategic town, from falling into Carthaginian hands.

Distinguishing himself at the battle of Cannae, Gisgo, proud warrior-prince of Numidia is still broke. All his hopes of recovering his ancestral lands and former wealth, were repeatedly dashed by the cruel and inexplicable will of Tanit, Goddess and heavenly protector of Carthage. But as Hannibal takes pity on him and offers Gisgo a new opportunity to regain his fortune, old demons from Gisgo’s past are once again stirring, urging him to take a different path.

In northern Spain, Julian, Flavius’s estranged twenty-year-old son, fights for Rome and for his young family. As Hasdrubal, attempts to break out and repeat his brother’s epic journey across the Alps, Julian finds himself taking part in the desperate Roman attempt, to halt the Carthaginian advance along the Ebro. Sent into battle, amongst the fierce and treacherous Iberian tribes, Julian and his comrades know that they must prevail, if they are ever to see their families and homes again. As winter turns to spring it soon becomes clear that Rome's darkest hour will begin or end at the battle of Dertosa.

Other Formats: Paperback

Rome's Spy (Soldier of the Republic Book 3) Aug 21, 2019

by William Kelso

( 140 )

$3.99

Summer 217 BCE. As Hannibal advances into central Italy after his great victory at Lake Trasimene, Rome stands bloodied, shocked but unbowed. Rallying the Republic, a defiant senate appoints Quintus Fabius Maximus as dictator and tasks him with putting an end to the Carthaginian invasion of Italy.

Near the Roman colony of Placentia, on Rome’s northern frontier, Flavius, father, patriot and spy in the service of Rome has built a new home for his growing family. But duty to country and family do not always go hand in hand. Called away to Rome to help his patron Trebonius save the fledgling intelligence gathering organisation for which he works, Flavius must leave his family at a perilous time. Stuck in Rome Flavius soon finds himself drawn into a sinister and deadly Carthaginian plot where nothing is what it seems. Faced by old and new foes, betrayal and hostile politicians, Flavius must race against time to stop disaster from striking at the heart of the Republic.

Having run away from home to join the legions, Julian, Flavius’s nineteen-year-old son, has come through the battles that have given Rome a tenuous but crucial foothold in the Iberian Peninsula. But Carthage and her allies are canny, resourceful enemies. Soon Julian and his young comrades are ordered south on a dangerous mission where their mettle as soldiers of the Republic will be tested in more than one way.

Rome's Spy is Book 3 of the Soldier of the Republic series.

Other Formats: Paperback

Britannia (Veteran of Rome Book 3) Aug 2, 2015

by William Kelso

( 87 )

$3.99

89 AD. On the island province of Britannia, Rome is strengthening its grip on the populous and fertile south, but in the mountainous-north rebellion, is brewing amongst the restless and unhappy tribes. Led by their druids and a high king claiming a proud lineage, the Brigantes and Caledonian tribes are willing to risk war against the might of the Legions.

At the Roman outpost at Carlisle, Marcus and the 2nd Batavian Auxiliary Cohort, tasked with keeping an eye on the Britons in their district, soon find themselves embroiled in a bloody, cunning and increasingly ruthless insurgency.

Meanwhile in the rapidly Romanizing south, Corbulo, retired veteran of twenty five year’s service with the Twentieth Legion, has finally retired to a comfortable country life. But when a long forgotten acquaintance re-opens a painful episode from his past, Corbulo and his family are forced onto a journey that will eventually lead them towards disaster.

Enslaved by a ruthless merchant and taken north into the wild trackless wastes of Caledonia, Corbulo must escape and try to find out what has happened to his missing wife and daughter. As the trail leads him across southern Britannia and towards the heart of the rebellion, Corbulo will soon find himself forced to make the most terrible choice a father has ever had to make.

Other Formats: Paperback

More Information

Are you an author? Visit Author Central to change your photo, edit your biography, and more

William Kelso

Similar authors to follow

About William Kelso

Customers Also Bought Items By

Are you an author?

Author Updates

Titles By William Kelso

More Information