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Silk Road Centurion
When Roman soldier Manius Titinius falls into the clutches of a nomadic warband, his forced march to the Chinese frontier plunges him into a new world of wonder and peril. Manius escapes captivity through the help of a Chinese family. In their village he grapples with the slippery language, learns a new way of life from a feisty child, and undergoes medical treatment by the healer Kang, her remedies as biting as her wit.
Gradually he forges a new life among the Chinese – only for his former captors to track him down and attack. Amid a grueling siege, daring rescue mission, and a hunt across the boundless steppe to save someone dear to him, the displaced Roman discovers a new meaning of family and of home.
Gradually he forges a new life among the Chinese – only for his former captors to track him down and attack. Amid a grueling siege, daring rescue mission, and a hunt across the boundless steppe to save someone dear to him, the displaced Roman discovers a new meaning of family and of home.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
448 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2023
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Scott Forbes Crawford
10 books8 followersScott Forbes Crawford is the author of the historical novel Silk Road Centurion, the history book The Han-Xiongnu War 133 BC – 89 AD, and co-author of the fantasy novel The Phoenix and the Firebird. His short stories and articles have appeared in a range of magazines and anthologies. After spending many years in Beijing and Taipei, Crawford now lives in Japan with his wife and daughter. Learn more at www.scottforbescrawford.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 16, 2024
The concept of this book struck me as SO awesome. Roman history + Chinese history? SIGN ME UP!
And a lot of this book lived very much up to what I was dreaming of. The book is incredibly detailed and meticulously researched. It is also well written, from the way in which the world is described to the battle scenes.
With that said, to me, at least, this book may be something of a victim of high expectations. I'd been vaguely hoping to see a Roman enter the Qin dynasty court and deal with the no doubt crazy political struggles there. (Shi Huang Di seemed like an interesting man… to say the least.) Instead, the story follows Manius, a Roman centurion who, after a defeat by the Parthians, is enslaved by the Xiongnu before he escapes to defend a (of course, adorably cute) Han villiage on the outskirts of the empire.
Again, this isn't a bad plot. It just felt maybe a bit more simplistic than what I was hoping for, which is likely more on me than the author.
Why, then, the four stars vs. five? Well, to start with, I try to reserve five stars for books that absolutely blow my mind. And while I enjoyed this one, it didn't quite reach that level for me. (Sorry! It may for you, other readers!)
The second is that I felt like a lot of the conflicts were a bit too black and white. Every last Xiongnu felt described as a monstrous barbarian. All the villagers felt a bit too sweet, cute, and perfectly passive and defenseless (until Manius came to save them, of course!). This is a bit cloying to me in any story, but feels sort of grotesque considering that the 'central Asian horsemen' aren't necessarily that far from a group currently being genocided by the Chinese government (seriously, google 'Uigher'), which makes it feel sort of gross to have things drawn in such stark contrasts as 'Chinese villager = good', 'central Asian horseman = monstrous'.
And a lot of this book lived very much up to what I was dreaming of. The book is incredibly detailed and meticulously researched. It is also well written, from the way in which the world is described to the battle scenes.
With that said, to me, at least, this book may be something of a victim of high expectations. I'd been vaguely hoping to see a Roman enter the Qin dynasty court and deal with the no doubt crazy political struggles there. (Shi Huang Di seemed like an interesting man… to say the least.) Instead, the story follows Manius, a Roman centurion who, after a defeat by the Parthians, is enslaved by the Xiongnu before he escapes to defend a (of course, adorably cute) Han villiage on the outskirts of the empire.
Again, this isn't a bad plot. It just felt maybe a bit more simplistic than what I was hoping for, which is likely more on me than the author.
Why, then, the four stars vs. five? Well, to start with, I try to reserve five stars for books that absolutely blow my mind. And while I enjoyed this one, it didn't quite reach that level for me. (Sorry! It may for you, other readers!)
The second is that I felt like a lot of the conflicts were a bit too black and white. Every last Xiongnu felt described as a monstrous barbarian. All the villagers felt a bit too sweet, cute, and perfectly passive and defenseless (until Manius came to save them, of course!). This is a bit cloying to me in any story, but feels sort of grotesque considering that the 'central Asian horsemen' aren't necessarily that far from a group currently being genocided by the Chinese government (seriously, google 'Uigher'), which makes it feel sort of gross to have things drawn in such stark contrasts as 'Chinese villager = good', 'central Asian horseman = monstrous'.
May 31, 2023
Manius Titinius is a Roman centurion in the army of Marcus Licinius Crassus, in the mid-first century BCE. At the beginning of our story, he is on detached duty, scouting for the army and trying to discover the whereabouts and intentions of the Parthian army. Unfortunately, he learns too late that Crassus is marching into a trap. He is captured by the enemy before he can make a warning, and it’s implied that the result is the disastrous Battle of Carrhae, in which Crassus was decisively defeated and his legions lost.
Manius himself becomes a slave. He is taken far to the east, changing hands several times, until he comes into the possession of a tribe of steppe barbarians. These people call themselves the Kets, but they are known to history as the Xiongnu, a people of deep Central Asia. Along the way, Manius comes into contact with Chinese people, at first captives like himself, later free Chinese living on the frontier of the Han Dynasty empire. He learns to speak Chinese, learns something of Chinese customs, and is (grudgingly) accepted among them. Eventually he is forced to fight to defend his new friends against the Xiongnu.
As with any historical novel, the quality of the author’s research is important. I certainly had no concerns regarding that element of Silk Road Centurion. The very premise of the novel is drawn from well-grounded historical speculation. It’s long been suspected (although never proven) that some survivors of the disaster at Carrhae may have been sold into slavery, living out their lives somewhere along the Silk Road routes as far east as China. Manius is very plausible as an educated, skilled Roman officer of the late Republic; his beliefs and behaviors all fit what I’ve learned of the period. I’m less of an expert in Han Dynasty society, but the details of the people who take Manius in all seem very plausible too.
I much appreciated that Manius has realistic limits and flaws. Too many stories involving a protagonist accepted into an alien culture fall into the trap of making him almost superhuman. Manius does have one heroic trait – he is stubborn and determined to an astonishing degree – but otherwise he is all too human. He isn’t better at being Chinese than the Chinese who take him in, he isn’t a more effective warrior, he doesn’t convince them to make him their leader, and he doesn’t win the affections of the leading lady. His collision with Chinese culture is entirely believable.
Overall, the story was very engaging and I had no difficulty finishing the novel. Viewpoint discipline was very good, with the story told almost entirely in third-person close from Manius’s perspective.
The one quarrel I had with Silk Road Centurion is that it really needed at least one more copy- and line-editing pass. There were typos and editing gaps, and in particular Mr. Crawford tends to drop into very modern slang now and then. It was enough to distract me from the narrative more than once. If the overall story hadn’t been so interesting, I might not have been able to finish it.
Even so, this is a very good and readable novel about a little-visited corner of human history. I enjoyed it, and I’m intrigued to see what Mr. Crawford works on next. Highly recommended.
Manius himself becomes a slave. He is taken far to the east, changing hands several times, until he comes into the possession of a tribe of steppe barbarians. These people call themselves the Kets, but they are known to history as the Xiongnu, a people of deep Central Asia. Along the way, Manius comes into contact with Chinese people, at first captives like himself, later free Chinese living on the frontier of the Han Dynasty empire. He learns to speak Chinese, learns something of Chinese customs, and is (grudgingly) accepted among them. Eventually he is forced to fight to defend his new friends against the Xiongnu.
As with any historical novel, the quality of the author’s research is important. I certainly had no concerns regarding that element of Silk Road Centurion. The very premise of the novel is drawn from well-grounded historical speculation. It’s long been suspected (although never proven) that some survivors of the disaster at Carrhae may have been sold into slavery, living out their lives somewhere along the Silk Road routes as far east as China. Manius is very plausible as an educated, skilled Roman officer of the late Republic; his beliefs and behaviors all fit what I’ve learned of the period. I’m less of an expert in Han Dynasty society, but the details of the people who take Manius in all seem very plausible too.
I much appreciated that Manius has realistic limits and flaws. Too many stories involving a protagonist accepted into an alien culture fall into the trap of making him almost superhuman. Manius does have one heroic trait – he is stubborn and determined to an astonishing degree – but otherwise he is all too human. He isn’t better at being Chinese than the Chinese who take him in, he isn’t a more effective warrior, he doesn’t convince them to make him their leader, and he doesn’t win the affections of the leading lady. His collision with Chinese culture is entirely believable.
Overall, the story was very engaging and I had no difficulty finishing the novel. Viewpoint discipline was very good, with the story told almost entirely in third-person close from Manius’s perspective.
The one quarrel I had with Silk Road Centurion is that it really needed at least one more copy- and line-editing pass. There were typos and editing gaps, and in particular Mr. Crawford tends to drop into very modern slang now and then. It was enough to distract me from the narrative more than once. If the overall story hadn’t been so interesting, I might not have been able to finish it.
Even so, this is a very good and readable novel about a little-visited corner of human history. I enjoyed it, and I’m intrigued to see what Mr. Crawford works on next. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2023
Silk Road Centurion is an engrossing historical fiction that captivated me from start to finish. The protagonist is a gritty Roman soldier who, after suffering defeat and subsequent enslavement, is hurled into a world beyond his wildest imagination. Amidst his struggles, he experiences a profound transformation, challenging his initial beliefs ingrained by religious ideology and nationalism. He discovers a new purpose that transcends the battlefield—he finds a family. This book beautifully explores the concept of identity, family, and finding one's purpose amidst adversity. I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it!
May 13, 2024
Silk Road Centurion is a story about a Roman soldier named Manius Titinius and his detachment who arrive at a desert territory that was once controlled by the Parthian Empire. Their mission is to gather information about the Parthians in the area. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Manius is captured by a nomadic warband called the Xiongnu. He is separated from his troops and taken deeper into an unknown territory where he is made a slave. Tangur, the merciless leader of the Xiongnu, subjects Manius to unimaginable physical suffering.
Along the course of his captivity, Manius was joined by Chinese slaves with whom he established a friendship and learned to speak their language. Eventually, Manius and the Chinese captives escaped from Tangur's clutch. However, due to an oath he made to the goddess Fortuna, Manius decided to go back to his captor's tent to fulfill his promise. From here on, more heart-stopping actions take place between Manius and the barbarians.
Another twist of fate brings Manius to the last Chinese frontier where he assimilates into a small community of farmers. The Xiongnu barbarians eventually found the community and attack the residents there. Upon their retreat, the Xiongnu take with them a little girl captive, prompting Manius and the girl's father to go on a fierce pursuit of the well-equipped lawless nomads.
The Book and the Author
The book, Silk Road Centurion, by Scott Forbes Crawford is an enthralling read that keeps the reader engaged. The author has done an exceptional job of portraying an ancient historical period. The book takes you on an intriguing adventure through the last century BC, where the battle scenes were consistent with historical accounts.
The part that I enjoyed the most in the book was where the character named Manius made a final decision for his life. It was surprising as it was a complete turn-around of his personality. However, the pacing of the story was a bit slow, and there were scenes that could have been told more concisely without affecting the story's buildup. Additionally, I noticed more than ten typographical and grammatical errors in the book, which could have been easily avoided with better proofreading.
After reading Silk Road Centurion, I would give it a three-star rating out of five. However, I would only recommend it to adult readers due to its graphic content that is not suitable to younger readers.
NOTE: The above review is also found in Books for All Seasons.
Along the course of his captivity, Manius was joined by Chinese slaves with whom he established a friendship and learned to speak their language. Eventually, Manius and the Chinese captives escaped from Tangur's clutch. However, due to an oath he made to the goddess Fortuna, Manius decided to go back to his captor's tent to fulfill his promise. From here on, more heart-stopping actions take place between Manius and the barbarians.
Another twist of fate brings Manius to the last Chinese frontier where he assimilates into a small community of farmers. The Xiongnu barbarians eventually found the community and attack the residents there. Upon their retreat, the Xiongnu take with them a little girl captive, prompting Manius and the girl's father to go on a fierce pursuit of the well-equipped lawless nomads.
The Book and the Author
The book, Silk Road Centurion, by Scott Forbes Crawford is an enthralling read that keeps the reader engaged. The author has done an exceptional job of portraying an ancient historical period. The book takes you on an intriguing adventure through the last century BC, where the battle scenes were consistent with historical accounts.
The part that I enjoyed the most in the book was where the character named Manius made a final decision for his life. It was surprising as it was a complete turn-around of his personality. However, the pacing of the story was a bit slow, and there were scenes that could have been told more concisely without affecting the story's buildup. Additionally, I noticed more than ten typographical and grammatical errors in the book, which could have been easily avoided with better proofreading.
After reading Silk Road Centurion, I would give it a three-star rating out of five. However, I would only recommend it to adult readers due to its graphic content that is not suitable to younger readers.
NOTE: The above review is also found in Books for All Seasons.
March 30, 2024
Silk Road Centurion
Scott Forbes Crawford
BLURB
“Silk Road Centurion makes for compulsive reading due to its many colorful characters and twisting plot points. This book is not only the product of detailed historical knowledge, but is finely written as well.”
- Taipei Times
When Roman soldier Manius Titinius falls into the clutches of a nomadic warband, his forced march to the Chinese frontier plunges him into a new world of wonder and peril. Manius escapes captivity through the help of a Chinese family. In their village he grapples with the slippery language, learns a new way of life from a feisty child, and undergoes medical treatment by the healer Kang, her remedies as biting as her wit.
Gradually he forges a new life among the Chinese – only for his former captors to track him down and attack. Amid a grueling siege, daring rescue mission, and a hunt across the boundless steppe to save someone dear to him, the displaced Roman discovers a new meaning of family and of home.
“A riveting action-packed novel that is an ambitious attempt at imagining the meeting of two great civilizations.”
- Asian Review of Books
"A grand adventure I simply couldn't put down. Crawford's equally adept at stirring martial moments and calm ones that paint societies and the complex webs they weave over individuals. Compelling and powerful, it's a testament to heroism, loyalty, and brotherhood. One of the finest things I read all year."
- Howard Andrew Jones, author of The Desert of Souls and Lord of a Shattered Land
REVIEW
A compelling read that transported me to a time and place that made me feel as if I were there. The author has crafted a tale of brutal suffering, enchanting cultural differences, vengeance despite the odds, bonds forged by oaths, and love. I ventured into this book curious as to how a Roman Centurion was going to fare among people so different in a land completely foreign to him. I needn’t have worried. Each phase of Manius’ journey was filled with masterful plots brimming with detail, and mind-steeped emotional turmoil. So, my fellow readers, prepare for a breathtaking trek into the steppes and feel the wind as you gallop through the pages. 5 STARS
February 23, 2024
The short version: Harry Turtledove meets Akira Kurosawa
The longer version: I don't write many reviews, but this is the rare novel I feel obligated to recommend. It's the kind of hidden gem that would be easy to miss or dismiss until you start reading—then it's hard to put down.
I was reminded of discovering Harry Turtledove as a kid. Think The Misplaced Legion minus the supernatural. This is a rousing adventure filled with edge-of-your-seat action, colorful characters, and sweeping vistas. Overall it has a cinematic quality.
It's clear the author went all in on his historical research, but not in a pedantic way. Instead his attention to detail comes across in evocative, richly textured language that really immerses a reader in the strangeness of new places, the pain of physical hardship, and the relief of a warm welcome.
I will say that whoever wrote the tagline did the book a disservice. Yes, there are some familiar story beats, but they tend to set up bigger twists and turns. Also, the dialog is uneven in places. The occasional groaner of a line is redeemed by memorable and heartfelt characters, though.
All in all I was sad to see this book end. I'll definitely be looking forward to whatever Scott Forbes Crawford does next.
The longer version: I don't write many reviews, but this is the rare novel I feel obligated to recommend. It's the kind of hidden gem that would be easy to miss or dismiss until you start reading—then it's hard to put down.
I was reminded of discovering Harry Turtledove as a kid. Think The Misplaced Legion minus the supernatural. This is a rousing adventure filled with edge-of-your-seat action, colorful characters, and sweeping vistas. Overall it has a cinematic quality.
It's clear the author went all in on his historical research, but not in a pedantic way. Instead his attention to detail comes across in evocative, richly textured language that really immerses a reader in the strangeness of new places, the pain of physical hardship, and the relief of a warm welcome.
I will say that whoever wrote the tagline did the book a disservice. Yes, there are some familiar story beats, but they tend to set up bigger twists and turns. Also, the dialog is uneven in places. The occasional groaner of a line is redeemed by memorable and heartfelt characters, though.
All in all I was sad to see this book end. I'll definitely be looking forward to whatever Scott Forbes Crawford does next.
April 17, 2024
What I Did Like:
+The entire chapter on focusing on another’s language to absorb it and communicate was brilliant. Well written, intriguing, and a demonstration of both the intelligence and the caring nature of the main character.
+The healing and aspects of Tao are well researched and well presented. In fact, the entire discussions about the differences between China and Rome in culture and practice were well written into the story. You learn but without feeling like you just attended a history lecture.
+The action sequences are well written. It’s easy to understand what is happening and be able to picture it in your mind.
Who Should Read This One:
-Historical fiction fans, this one is EXCELLENT. I would say it’s not a common era to get historical fiction from so that works in its favor. Good storyline, great characters, and lessons about that time period in history embedded throughout.
My Rating: 4 Stars
A well done historical fiction sure to please fans of the genre.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/04/...
+The entire chapter on focusing on another’s language to absorb it and communicate was brilliant. Well written, intriguing, and a demonstration of both the intelligence and the caring nature of the main character.
+The healing and aspects of Tao are well researched and well presented. In fact, the entire discussions about the differences between China and Rome in culture and practice were well written into the story. You learn but without feeling like you just attended a history lecture.
+The action sequences are well written. It’s easy to understand what is happening and be able to picture it in your mind.
Who Should Read This One:
-Historical fiction fans, this one is EXCELLENT. I would say it’s not a common era to get historical fiction from so that works in its favor. Good storyline, great characters, and lessons about that time period in history embedded throughout.
My Rating: 4 Stars
A well done historical fiction sure to please fans of the genre.
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/04/...
December 7, 2025
There is an excellent book in here, but it just needs a strong editor and a few improvements.
The book starts and ends brilliantly. It is a solid, old school adventure - but it really does sag in the middle.
The fatal flaw of the book is the character of Ox. He is just never developed well, despite all the text devoted to him. It's never fully explained why he hates Manius so much, beyond a superficial "you are an outsider, and you will bring the Xiongnu to us".
Apparently there is a love triangle in this story too, between Kang, Ox and Manius. I got the chemistry between Kang and Manius, but there was never a hint of romance ... or even intercharacter interaction between Kang and Ox. Kang does have one monologue about how she is impressed that Ox is devoted to his daughter in a patriarchal society, but that is it!
The book starts and ends brilliantly. It is a solid, old school adventure - but it really does sag in the middle.
The fatal flaw of the book is the character of Ox. He is just never developed well, despite all the text devoted to him. It's never fully explained why he hates Manius so much, beyond a superficial "you are an outsider, and you will bring the Xiongnu to us".
Apparently there is a love triangle in this story too, between Kang, Ox and Manius. I got the chemistry between Kang and Manius, but there was never a hint of romance ... or even intercharacter interaction between Kang and Ox. Kang does have one monologue about how she is impressed that Ox is devoted to his daughter in a patriarchal society, but that is it!
March 31, 2024
This was a fun to read action/quest story with a lot of the grit, angst, humor, and emotion that one would expect from the genre.
I enjoyed the premise of the Roman soldier thrown into Eastern Asia… this mechanism provided a refreshing insight into the complexities of the multi-ethnic region that is often overlooked, very cool to see the Xiongnu people in a plot (even though not so favorably for the story).
The interaction of the characters was well done, and believable, even if a little predictable, but I like what I like, so I thought the people were well developed for being who they were.
Loads of fun if not full of surprises, and definitely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the premise of the Roman soldier thrown into Eastern Asia… this mechanism provided a refreshing insight into the complexities of the multi-ethnic region that is often overlooked, very cool to see the Xiongnu people in a plot (even though not so favorably for the story).
The interaction of the characters was well done, and believable, even if a little predictable, but I like what I like, so I thought the people were well developed for being who they were.
Loads of fun if not full of surprises, and definitely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2023
A captivating historical fiction novel that imagines the encounter between the Roman Empire and the Chinese Han dynasty. Crawford's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the clash and convergence of these influential cultures, offering a thought-provoking exploration of cultural exchange. An engrossing read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
May 31, 2024
An absolute pageturner! The premise is fantastic and the pacing is thrilling and perfect. What I like quite a lot about the book is that our main protagonist isn't some perfect hero who wins every battle. He has flaws and makes unwise decisions just like everybody else. Highly recommended!
February 20, 2024
Great mixing of cultures in this alternate history fiction masterpiece. Crawford may soon take the alternate history literary crown from the likes of Turtledove.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews