Measured Ground (Paperback)

Rome has roads into every corner of Britannia.

Now it is learning where its enemies hide.

Gaius Marius Maximus has spent years trying to build a life beyond Rome's reach. Beside Eithne, Marcus, Elise and the families who have followed them into the wild country of Britain, he has found something worth protecting - a fragile sanctuary for those who refuse to live beneath the Empire's heel.

But Rome is no longer simply hunting rebels.

Surveyors are mapping forgotten tracks, hidden valleys and isolated settlements. Patrols appear where no patrol should know to look. Old allies carry dangerous secrets, and somewhere within the machinery of the Empire, someone is turning loyalty, family and fear into weapons.

Soon Gaius discovers that the greatest threat may not be the legion marching towards him.

It is the hand quietly deciding where that legion will march next.

With enemies closing in and trust beginning to fracture, Gaius must face a question more dangerous than any battlefield:

How do you fight an empire that has learned to measure not only the ground beneath your feet - but the people you cannot afford to lose?

Measured Ground is the fourth novel in the Legions of Honour series - an epic tale of Rome, rebellion, loyalty and the terrible price of deciding who must be sacrificed so that others may survive.

Blake Patrick brings nearly three decades of frontline police experience to the literary world. Serving as a bastion of law and order in the UK for 29 years, Blake dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice, not only as a detective unravelling the intricate webs of criminal minds but also as a Family Liaison Officer, providing a compassionate bridge between the force and the families touched by tragedy and crime.

Retiring the badge, Blake has since brandished the pen, channelling years of amassed knowledge, humanity, and street-smart wisdom into writing. Although this passion for storytelling was always a flickering flame throughout their policing career, it has only recently roared to life with the completion and publication of their works. This newfound courage to share stories comes from the very essence of a life spent in service to others and a personal milestone of triumph over the daunting vulnerability of creative expression.

Blake's works are a unique blend of gritty reality and the rich, complex tapestry of human emotion, informed by an intimate understanding of crime's impact on people and society. Each narrative is not only an act of exploration but also a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, often exploring themes that resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life.

Married for 39 years, Blake's personal life is as rich and fulfilling as their professional one. Together with their spouse, they have nurtured a family that has grown to include two children and three grandchildren, creating a strong, loving foundation that has undoubtedly influenced Blake's writing. Often, it's within the animated discussions and suggestions from these family members that seeds for stories are planted.

Whether it's delving into subjects of personal intrigue or taking up the gauntlet thrown by a family member's curiosity, Blake approaches writing with the same fervour and commitment once reserved for solving cases. Readers can expect a journey through pages that not only enthral but also enlighten, crafted by someone who has not only observed life from the sidelines but has been an active participant in its most challenging arenas.

Blake's books promise to be a sanctuary where the thrill of the chase, the depth of human connection, and the subtleties of life's intricate narratives converge.