The Invasion of Gaul

Marius' Mules #1

by S.J.A. Turney

It is 58 BC and the mighty Tenth Legion, camped in Northern Italy, prepare for the arrival of the most notorious general in Roman Julius Caesar.Marcus Falerius Fronto, commander of the Tenth is a career soldier and long-time companion of Caesar's. Despite his desire for the simplicity of the military life, he cannot help but be drawn into intrigue and politics as Caesar engineers a motive to invade the lands of Gaul.Fronto is about to discover that politics can be as dangerous as battle, that old enemies can be trusted more than new friends, and that standing close to such a shining figure as Caesar, even the most ethical of men risk being burned.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Roman, Historical, War, Audiobook, Action

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2009

About the author

Simon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.

A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.

Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.

Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles van Buren

TOP 1000 REVIEWER

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and informative
July 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: November 18, 2010
Publisher: Victrix Books
Language: English
ASIN: B004EYT3N8

From the title, many may assume that this is a novel concerning the Roman general and reformer Gaius Marius. That is not the case. The title refers only to a common nickname for Roman legionaires applied after Marius' reforms. The commanding general in this novel is Julius Caesar. Much of the story is taken from Caesar's GALLIC WARS with added fictional characters and events to enliven the story. As I read, it seemed obvious to me that I was reading a sort of sugar coated history of Caesar's Gallic wars. In the afterward the author explains this and more. Based upon his explanations, he was successful in his aims and goals for this novel. History as entertainment for those who do not find history itself entertaining enough. I like history but I will have to admit that this novel is considerably more entertaining and easier to read than Caesar's COMMENTARIES ON THE GALLIC WAR.

The writing is a better than a workman like job. It held my interest throughout. Not Bernard Cornwell, but what is? I noticed only a couple of repeated errors and as the author is British, perhaps what I noticed are differences between British and American English rather than errors. Anyway, here they are. Mr. Turney repeatedly refers to the ground as the floor. A minor irritation but there it is. More importantly to me, he has trouble with the usage of I and me, frequently using I when he should have used me. At least in American English.

This first volume in the series is good enough that I intend reading the next volume.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pg 275 & we're outta here, will write more on the why's at some stage.

Originally this was heading towards potentially a three as its quite a promising start with all the prominent characters coming to the fore in the defence & battle around Geneva in the opening chapters, good fast start, ok dialogue & the makings of a fine Roman based series to follow, one with a little more depth to it than the adventures of Macro & Cato of Scarrow fame is what I was hoping for...... what a jolly wheeze wot ho Topper!

So why we quite at pg 275, normally I’d tough it out having got through the first century? Well I jus couldn’t take the puerile banter between the Legates & their centurions anymore; I found it unrealistic to the extreme & relentless, with the same scenarios being played out over & over.....

The formulae goes – Romans battle against overwhelming odds & despite poor tactics (alleged by Fronto) by Caesar come out victorious – Legate Fronto (of the Xth Legion) attends staff debrief & tells Caesar “how it is” in private – Legates (legion commanders) go down the rub-a-dub-dub & get lashed – Fronto comes up with another strategy before a battle.... oh no what madcap lunatic scheme have you got planned chorus the Centurions – Romans battle...... repeat over & over...... Cor what a caper!

The story just never gets going (actually there is none), the characters don’t get past the initial introduction, the dialogue just grinds (for me) & comes across as puerile more befitting of a classic Ealing comedy form the 1950’s for teenage lads. The battle scenes bar the opening defence of Geneva are actually quite difficult to picture, the grand stratagems with Caesar are ok tbh for Roman militarists out there but I wanted more overall to carry on reading. Despite the opening lines of each paragraph detailing a few Roman/Latin words/nuances of the time, I didn’t feel immersed in the period, the historical fiction detail was lacking for me & paragraphs were wasted with aimless chit-chat (& me I love dialogue!).

I could go on BUT..... lets jus say I really couldn’t get to grips with the style & most importantly the dialogue. It has echoes of being a family friendly version of Scarrow’s Macro & Cato if anybody is looking for a comparison. Know what I mean nudge nudge wink wink!

NOTE to self : For future read up on the life experience of untried authors to see how compatible they may be to my ways of thinking & attitude & humour!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for one reading, but mediocre [2**] upon rereading. I only read partway through the second time then finally donated the volumes I had in the series to the library. Someone else will enjoy them I'm sure. The whole series may be more to others' tastes.

My original review: I had put off reading this one because of Caesar as a character; I can't stand the man: unashamed self-promotion in his writings [I had to suffer through his [book:Caesaris Commentarii de Bello Gallico|20053972] in high school Latin]; his undenied ambition; deviousness; and cruelty. I'm glad a large part of the novel is the main characters' questioning among themselves some of his actions or non-actions, motives, and arrogance. They never forget Caesar is still their general; these men are professionals and no one is insubordinate. They come together in friendship--no cabal there. None of these soldiers is a Cassius or a Brutus. I'm glad I read the novel.

It's basically the author's concept of the Battles of Bebracte and Vesontio: Romans defeating the Helvetii, then Germans. I felt the story followed a certain pattern: first, briefing or tactics staff meeting; then skirmish, battle, or diplomatic mission; followed by down-time for Fronto and his friends, other high-ranking Roman officers. A lot of wine is quaffed during down-time and staff meetings, well-watered, I'd hope. Then the cycle would begin again.

Fronto, the atypical legate, and his friends were all engaging. I liked the humor in the novel; these men were human, not all super-serious. I skimmed the first part of the novel again, but I saw no physical description of Fronto, which I would have liked, to visualize him better. No age was given, but later in the series he was described as 40, which sounds logical for his attaining rank of legate. Also, any personal details consisted of scattered sentences here and there in the novel. I was very pleased the author did not think of shoehorning love interest for Fronto here; it would have been out of place. Battles and skirmishes were vividly described. They did become a bit redundant for me, however. I do not mind gruesomeness, but one conflict practically on the heels of the other...? I liked that the swearing was mild or confined to brief general descriptive phrases. I liked also women and brothels were barely mentioned. The phrase "wine, women, and song" did give me a bit of a start. There were other anachronistic terms; among them one 'OK' I can remember. "Belay" I believe is a nautical term. I definitely will read the others in the series, but I'd like some time to get 'de-battled'. Also, I'll just try to ignore Caesar as much as possible.

[Prue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title has been published under the auspices of the phenomenally successful YouWriteOn POD publishing programme in the UK. Ostensibly it is allowing new and untried writers to break into the market place in an otherwise notoriously difficult industry into which an author must battle his way.

I read this book with interest as I have been a failed student of ancient civilisations. This re-kindled my interest and I found that Turney had meticulously researched his background. I was also wary of a book with a solely male character list, but these men are spectacular . . . in their bravery, their intellectual and problem solving acumen, their humour and their sheer doggedness. It was easy to form attachments from the start.
The dialogue is easy to understand, wonderfully undersold and unpretentious and the narrative itself smooth and with enough pace to allow one to absorb the Roman detail. The battle scenes are highly visual, shattering and panoramic without being overdone.
I do recommend this to anyone with a bent towards hist.fict and in particular anyone who enjoys stories of the Roman era.

[Gordon Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marius' Mules is simply a cracking read.

The main characters are warm and instantly likeable and the camaraderie between Rome's finest is spot on. Even the not-so-good guys are well woven: take Caesar, who comes across as intriguing and devious - just what is he up to? This one of many compelling reasons to keep turning the pages.
The battle and fight scenes show a rich imagination and you can feel the action going on around you through vivid and gory description, some of which still make me shudder.

At the start of each chapter, the author issues bite-sized chunks of learning in the shape of a mini-encyclopaedia of the one or two new Latin words he uses in that chapter. I found this very helpful and unobtrusive.

All in this is a non-stop rollicking read. Indeed, after reading the last page, I felt like a veteran legionary!

[Keith Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julius Caesar is a man whose ambition knows no bounds and Marcus Falerius Fronto, commander of the 10th Legion, career soldier and companion of the general for ten years, knows it all too well.

Caesar has assembled an army in northern Italy, his target Gaul, a country Rome has been at peace with for years. But Caesar’s desire for greatness and revenge drives him to engineer a war with the Celtic tribes that inhabit the region, no matter what it costs his men.

The Marius series has been on my radar for a while and, on the strength of this novel, so will the rest of the collection be.

Before going on I have a confession – I like novels set in the Roman period and I write them too, so it takes quite a lot to impress me. So what sets this novel apart? After all, there have been masses of books written about Caesar.

Well first is Caesar, whilst being central, he isn’t. Yes, he’s the hub around which the main characters (e.g. Fronto) revolve. He is an incredibly well known historical figure at the end of the day, but Turney doesn’t allow him to dominate. In fact it is the other figures that really drive the action along. Caesar provides the events, Fronto and his colleagues provide the detail, the activity, the personal touch.

Another aspect I appreciated was that often it was Caesar’s generals that made quite significant tactical decisions (and mistakes) that determined whether a battle was a success or a failure. In other words the great man wasn’t the omnipotent being portrayed in other stories.

Third, and critically, Turney has spent a significant amount of time on research. The battle scenes are very, very well drawn – they are compelling, believable and feel accurate. Caesar himself is portrayed as self-serving and brutal. Fronto, although admiring the man, does not trust him. So there are other human elements at play here beyond the simple aspect of ‘go and kill the enemy’. For example at the beginning of each chapter are two or three Latin words or phrases with an explanation as to what they mean, usually related to subsequent events. It adds colour to the narrative without long, drawn out and distracting explanations.

In summary this is an intelligent, well researched historical fiction novel that stands head and shoulders above the run of the mill tales of this type. Anyone with an enjoyment of this period should look at Marius’ Mules.

Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good debut abut a Roman career officer who attaches himself to the star of Julius Caesar in Spain and later in Gaul; despite misgivings, Caius Valeirus Fronto becomes Caesar's main fighting legate against the Helvetians and and later Ariovistus

Lots of typos, anachronisms and some careless editing mar the book and it truly could have done with better editing but I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a historical fiction novel about Caesar conquest of Gaul; less blood and guts than Interregnum, more of an adventure novel and I hope we will see Fronto, Balbus and the rest soon again to take on the Belage and later Vercingetorix and the might of rebellious Gaul

[Steven Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soldiering is the same whatever year it is

The author takes us back to the fading days of the Roman Republic in this bloody action tale. It takes him a chapter or two to really get rolling but he’s clearly mastered the tactics and technology of the period. He can write action scenes that grip you and keep you turning pages.
It took me a while to figure out why he sets so much of the action away from Caesar; it’s because he’s presenting the famous general as more of a political animal who’s relying on carefully chosen staff officers (the main characters in this book) to plan the battles Caesar gives himself credit for when he writes “The Gallic Wars���. Given the literacy rate in those times it isn’t surprising such a claim could go unchallenged. So the book is not just entertaining but believable as history.
One thing I didn’t like was the historical note. Did the author get the names of Caesar’s staff from a muster book or are they totally fictional? Is the plot close to historical or merely in broad outlines?

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it. I picked this up a few years ago and never got round to it. After all, I read as many swords and sandals stuff that I can't keep up with the various series I started back in the day. Do I really have time to commit to another? Especially by one who appears so prolific, he's probably produced another book in the time I've written this review. It's generally fine - introduces the lead character, Fronto - a typical outsider in that he's an excellent and respected soldier, but not a politician, which allows exposition. But Fronto is also a strategist you see, and this gives him access to Ceasar as an advisor and confidante - maybe a little tangential but you're happy to forgive a lot of this as...well. You wouldn't get to have that bit with Ceasar otherwise.

Generally it's good - though it became a little bit repetitive in the middle with a series of skirmishes that all followed the same structure (damn you history for, er, doing exactly that). I'll read more of them. Er, when I have the time.

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very pleasant surprise. The beginning of the book was a bit hard to get into, but then it picked up, and wow... I have to say that I haven't read better battle scenes and development of characters under these conditions in a while. I am not sure how Turney does it, but somehow he can encompass the whole battlefield without using the old "surviving character is summarizing the battle" method. He also obviously gave a great thought to infantry and cavalry tactics. There is hardly any author of Roman HF genre that couldn't learn a thing or two from this book. The characters are sometimes unpredictable, sometimes funny, but they always have some reasonable depth. Also, Caesar is not pictured as the infallible commander, but rather as someone who sometimes takes too large risks that have to be saved by his officers. Overall, a must read for fans of this genre.

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Well. This is excellent and would have had 5 stars but was a bit short on an actual plot! Simon Turney is, in my opinion, absolutely the best writer of warfare I have read. His characterisation is very good. Reading the author's note at the end, I have to say he achieved what he set out to do and I am confident that his writing skills will have grown in subsequent books, hopefully with a bit more plot. No matter, he's a wonderful writer and I was impressed by his grasp of his chosen era. He also has a nice, dry sense of humour.

My only real gripe was the typesetting was awful and that posed a distraction, making it harder to read - and it is a book that needs concentration.

[John Devlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author does a fine job investing Roman battles with grit and intensity, and I can't argue with his scholarship. Where the book falters is in the characterizations: the legates, the decurions, and the primus plus' tend to blend together - and the characters spend a lot of time drinking at bars.

There's just not a lot of plot.

I think the book would've worked better with fewer characters better realized. Even with my qualifications,if you like Roman history the novel's a bargain at 2.99 and the 8 book series offers the possibility that the characters get more compelling as the story continues.

[Guy Lawfull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly very well researched, but also with some interesting characterisations (although apart from the more famous ones, I don't know which are historical and which are fictional).

As is usual with this author, military and tactical knowledge come to the fore. This emphasis could have led to a rather dull read, but the battle descriptions are incredibly atmospheric and the character reactions make for a really absorbing novel.

[Hockles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wanted to like it but really didn't. I love the period and it was really a disappointment, felt it was light on story and historical context. Vocab didn't feel it fitted the period "Permission to speak plainly" - pardon?

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

TL:DR--It's not good enough to waste time on. Even if you like the subject. It's just too poorly written to suffer through this novel--especially as the first book in a multi-book series.

If you're interested in Roman military history, and a lot of readers are, what better way to experience some of these events than through historical fiction, right?

That's what I thought as well. However, the writing had a lot of problems that threw me out of the flow of the book. There were too many huh?-what? moments that brought the narrative to a screeching halt. These moments happened so frequently that I decided against spending more time on the book--especially given that the book is the first in a multi-book series.

There are a lot of books in this series, so either the author/editor got better, or other readers are better able to slog through the poor writing.

Here are some of the problems that I ran into

* Inconsistency errors. Many times (in the 25% of the book I managed to get through) the protagonist will walk someplace (jog, etc.) and then ride his horse back. Wait? What? Where did the horse come from, was he leading it and then decided (without telling the reader) to mount it, was someone else holding it for him, did it follow him like a loyal dog? Nope, none of those make sense. This is just lazy/sloppy writing and a lack of editing. Sure, I could still figure out the story line, but in an ancient battle being on a horse, or not, makes a big difference (vision, speed, endurance, notice-ability, etc.).

* Modern language use. I'm not expecting the characters to speak ancient Latin, but I *do* expect the author to give me the flavor of ancient Roman life and how the characters would experience and interpret their world. When one of the characters raises a concern about a psycopathic killer, that's just lazy. Call the killer a madman, but don't use anachronistic psychiatric terms.

Also, the characters will use each chapter's Roman terms but they don't seem to act like ancient Romans. For example, scarcely a mention of gods or religions, which would've been mentioned fairly frequently I would think (even if only used for invective effect).

* Cardboard characters. The characters have very little character, they are bland and uninteresting. The primary characters are trope-driven, but not well-written good tropes.

Here's the tough but competent non-com that doesn't want to become an officer (ho boy, that's a new one O_o).

Or there's the ultra-competent commander that doesn't want to muck about in politics.

Or the masterful (but bland) general who will stop at nothing to get what he wants (even using his men as, gasp, political pawns). FFS Caesar, one of Roman history's most interesting figures, written as a bland cardboard cutout. Ugh.

You can find better elsewhere, don't waste your time or money on these.

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this began as an Arts Council funded self-published novel, before its successors became e-books, with this being a second edition, published on paper by Amazon. This might raise a sneer with some readers and writers, but as someone who has read a wide range of historical fiction, I can say that whilst it could benefit from some impartial editing, rigorous proof-reading and better quality maps (and binding), it holds its own in the field, in the manner of Marius' Mules themselves. The author clearly knows his military history and paints a no holds barred portrait of combat in the opening exchanges of Caesar's self-serving Gallic Wars. Whilst he uses Caesar's own account as a starting point, he doesn't buy into the author's narcissistic assessment of himself as a one man military strategic genius. Rather he offers a more realistic assessment of a political opportunist who uses the military insights and skills of others collaboratively to his own ends. The changing dynamic between the senior officers and their varying attitudes to those in their command offers a human aspect to the inhumane butchery portrayed in the battle scenes. In this it left me wincing, sorrowing and laughing in appropriate proportions. I was given the first 2 books by someone who knows I like military history and historical fiction,so I will definitely be signing on for the next season of campaigning and if the rest is as good I will probably stick around until the Ides of March.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres." — the opening line of course from De Bello Gallico setting out Caesar's very clear and no fuss style, a characteristic well caught in Turney's Marius' Mules, #1. Not that Caesar comes out the hero of the book as he connives reasons to invade Gaul, defeat the Helveticae and then push further into Sequani lands to attack Ariovistus' Germans where the women are tougher than the men!. His motives always seem to veer to self interest and aggrandisement unless,ike the book's real here Fronto, a career legate who is more comfortable drinking with his own soldiers than the career oriented tribunes in the high command staff. Real 'Boy's Own' stuff with near escapes, and full on battle scenes. What Turney is good at is describing the hierarchy of legionary armies especially the roles of the legate, primus pilus, centurions, decurions and optios etc. A true band of brothers as the legions and their commanders battle through Caesar's opening campaign in Gaul with plenty of serious drinking and thumping on arms and man-to-man jokes!

[Alena Lenzoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non avevo mai sentito parlare di questo libro, l'ho trovato per caso ad una bancarella e mi ha conquistata.
La lettura che ne è derivata non ha affatto deluso le mie aspettative.
È la storia romanzata di una delle campagne galliche, ma non vede Cesare come protagonista bensì Marco Frontone, suo legato e amico. Durante la trama ci si concentra anche su altri personaggi, fino a farci arrivare a un quadro completo della situazione sociale, politica e militare all'interno dell'esercito romano. È un libro inaspettatamente ironico e divertente, nonostante le scene crude e violente che caratterizzano le guerre.

Inutile dire che è un libro che consiglio moltissimo SOLO a chi è appassionato del genere. Dovete essere amanti (o aspiranti amanti) dell'antica Roma e della letteratura classica per poterlo veramente apprezzare. Eventuali temi latini sono esplicitati nelle note in fondo alla pagina.

[Jordan Korol · Rating 4 out of 5]

SJA Turney is the author of one of my favourite series on the Templars so I had to check this book out.
Admittedly, the story was a bit hard to get through at first. The historical references (e.g. referring to items and positions using their Roman names) and multiple characters are slightly overwhelming for the first 300 pages. However, after the reader adjusts to the level of detail and the Roman terminology garners some familiarity it becomes a very enjoyable read!
Turney's passion for history shines throughout the story. The battles are crafted with such care and excitement that I found myself following battle tactic accounts on Instagram in order to further appreciate was Turney was depicting.
I would recommend this to lovers of historical fiction, as it's a relatively easy-to-follow introduction to Roman history and battle strategies.

[Jane K. Stecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the Roman Legions and Gaius Julius Caesar

I first read Caesar'.s diary - dry, then Caesar's Legion - less dry, when n Marching with Caesar - much better but not as much detail. Imagine my delight when I discovered Marius' Mules. All the important facts of the Helvetian campaign and the campaign against Ariovistus are there. What makes this book special is the delightful mix of real and fictional people who bring these historical events to vibrant life. I was happy and dad and all the range of emotions that come forming caring about the people. Bravo Zulu Sir and I have already bought the second book.

[Vicki Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series called Marius' Mules, another name for the Roman legions. I assumed it was about Marius so I was surprised to find Caesar on the first page. The book appears to be a novelization of Caesar's first year in his conquest of Gaul. But he's only a secondary character. The main characters are Caesar's legates, who command the different legions that make up Caesar's army, and other important officers in the army. There are good descriptions of various battles and obstacles the army faced in a foreign land fighting unfamiliar enemies.

[DeWayne Landwehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like European history, so I was intrigued to find this title. The book's main character is not Ceasar (thank the Gods), but one of his legates, Fronto. The story is about Ceasar's plan and activities leading up to the invasion of Gaul, and how he sacrifices the lives of an entire people to further his own career. There is lots of political intrigue as well as some battle scenes described in gruesome detail. I found it hard slogging to finish the book, even though I was interested in the historical context, which is what kept me going.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable romp with ceasars legions in gaul, the main character is a legate called fronto who is drunk half the time. I did like the explanation of Roman and Latin terms at the beginning of each chapter, which enabled the reader to read the chapter with knowledge . We go through most aspects of an armies trials and tribulations in the story, eg battles, planning, daring missions and of course with ceasar subterfuge.(no spoilers. This is no 1 in 14 books so far, its a promising start so onto no2.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Probably the best book I have read regarding Caesar's conquest and the roman legions. You get a good feel of every day life in the legions..Look forward to reading this series. Highly recommend this book and the series to anyone who loves to read about Caesar, Ancient Rome and Ancient Battles.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, if somewhat anachronistic escapist storytelling.

Putting words like “psychotic” in the mouth of a legionary rings badly, throwing the reader automatically out of his arrangement with the author for a suspension of disbelief.

Nevertheless, writing a book about the Roman Legions without the hint of any explicit sex scenes and keeping the reader totally engrossed takes some doing.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and I heartily recommend it to all history enthusiasts. Great historical novel, superb battle details with all it's blood and gore. Good humour. No unnecessary exaggerations. Rather historically accurate.

On the down side a bit hard to read sometimes due to unnecessary prolonged sentences, bad spelling, or missing punctuations.

[andrew holling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good historic novel. Loved it and have moved onto the next in the series.
Fronto is a great protagonist and his fractious relationship with Ceasor is an interesting add to both character development.
The explanaition of tactics is done well and doesn't drift into boring at all and the suspense builds to the final battle.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Tony Pursel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Mr Turney is a great storyteller. I read some years ago and never got to the rest of the series. Glad I reread this and look forward to spending this time of Corona quarantine readings he rest of Mr Turney's books.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good rip-roaring adventure novel that animates an Imperial Roman military campaign. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it has the feel of gregarious British military feel (some of the accents? referring to "the lads"?) to it. Looking forward to the next ones.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty standard Roman army yarn, but that's not a bad thing. Characters are fairly simple but quite likable and the plot, engaging with both military events and fascinating true historical figures, is interesting and fun