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Roman #1
The Fall of Britannia
This is an ACE of ASIN:B005ET4ZCQ The Fall of Britannia
Professionally re-edited - 02/15/2012
Britannia 43AD.
The last unconquered stronghold of the Celts and a land of gold and slaves. A dangerous place of men without fear, led by mystical Druid warriors, yet still to face the might of Rome in the unrelenting expansion of the Empire.
Four Roman legions have assembled in Gaul undertaking final preparations for the invasion of Britannia. Two young men are posted to a training cohort under the sadistic tutorage of a battle scarred veteran, Remus. The training is brutal but eventually the trainees find themselves involved in their first campaign,
The invasion of Britannia.
The legions invade in a frenzy of brutality and aggression, and one of the defending Celtic warriors is forced to flee the battle to embark on a frantic rescue mission the isle of Druids, where a young girl is due to be sacrificed.
Meanwhile a cohort of legionaries under the command of Remus, is tasked with finding the source of the Celtic gold.
The Romans find themselves in strange and unfriendly environment and, as they close in on their quarry, the fates of all four men become intertwined and a long held secret revealed, culminating in a savage and astonishing climax that affects the very future of Britannia..
Professionally re-edited - 02/15/2012
Britannia 43AD.
The last unconquered stronghold of the Celts and a land of gold and slaves. A dangerous place of men without fear, led by mystical Druid warriors, yet still to face the might of Rome in the unrelenting expansion of the Empire.
Four Roman legions have assembled in Gaul undertaking final preparations for the invasion of Britannia. Two young men are posted to a training cohort under the sadistic tutorage of a battle scarred veteran, Remus. The training is brutal but eventually the trainees find themselves involved in their first campaign,
The invasion of Britannia.
The legions invade in a frenzy of brutality and aggression, and one of the defending Celtic warriors is forced to flee the battle to embark on a frantic rescue mission the isle of Druids, where a young girl is due to be sacrificed.
Meanwhile a cohort of legionaries under the command of Remus, is tasked with finding the source of the Celtic gold.
The Romans find themselves in strange and unfriendly environment and, as they close in on their quarry, the fates of all four men become intertwined and a long held secret revealed, culminating in a savage and astonishing climax that affects the very future of Britannia..
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
260 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books230 followersKevin Ashman is the author of twenty-six novels including the best-selling Roman Chronicles and highly ranked Medieval Sagas.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 31, 2022
Not one of my favorites. Stopped reading at about 95%.
There is a lot of competition in the field of historical fiction about Rome and ancient Britain. Unfortunately Mr. Ashman is, at best, in about the middle of the pack. If your choices of reading material for a long trip or wait are limited, this one would probably do. Particularly if you don't want something which requires much thought.
The book is full of anachronisms and credulity straining coincidences and plot devices. After awhile it simply becomes preposterous. The Darth Vader like, I am your father, ploy is really silly. Maybe some juveniles would think more highly of it. As for me, my introduction to Roman and ancient British historical fiction was many years ago through Rosemary Sutcliffe's EAGLE OF THE NINTH. This isn't even close.
There is a lot of competition in the field of historical fiction about Rome and ancient Britain. Unfortunately Mr. Ashman is, at best, in about the middle of the pack. If your choices of reading material for a long trip or wait are limited, this one would probably do. Particularly if you don't want something which requires much thought.
The book is full of anachronisms and credulity straining coincidences and plot devices. After awhile it simply becomes preposterous. The Darth Vader like, I am your father, ploy is really silly. Maybe some juveniles would think more highly of it. As for me, my introduction to Roman and ancient British historical fiction was many years ago through Rosemary Sutcliffe's EAGLE OF THE NINTH. This isn't even close.
August 27, 2020
Actionpacked historical fiction that tells the story of the Roman invasion of Britain through various POVs on both sides. Despite being a quick and fastpaced read, it took a while for the story to really grab me, but eventually it hooked me. Will have to continue the series at some point as well as check out the author's other works.
September 19, 2015
Roman-The Fall of Britannia (The Roman Chronicle Book 1) By K.M. Ashman
I like these kind of books, they are what I call "Man Books". In a way reading a chess game. All about war strategy and the actual battles. It is full of blood and Gore and hard training to become the best warrior. The Romans are like no other fighting force and they perfected the style and strategies still used in warfare to this day. Before there were all the war games I imagine these books took men into that world they so love to go to through with high tech games now. Of course, I love the history surrounding these battles of yesterday. I love reading about the customs from Rome and early Britannia, how these cultures eventually became Britain. I consider this a "hard" read and not for everyone, the names and characters are fleeting yet kept my interest. I've read the complete chronicles, besides the last one, which hasn't been released. The Story seems to be coming full circle, but I won't know till I've completed the series. Look forward to last book, as long as the author doesn't pull a George Martin on us!
I like these kind of books, they are what I call "Man Books". In a way reading a chess game. All about war strategy and the actual battles. It is full of blood and Gore and hard training to become the best warrior. The Romans are like no other fighting force and they perfected the style and strategies still used in warfare to this day. Before there were all the war games I imagine these books took men into that world they so love to go to through with high tech games now. Of course, I love the history surrounding these battles of yesterday. I love reading about the customs from Rome and early Britannia, how these cultures eventually became Britain. I consider this a "hard" read and not for everyone, the names and characters are fleeting yet kept my interest. I've read the complete chronicles, besides the last one, which hasn't been released. The Story seems to be coming full circle, but I won't know till I've completed the series. Look forward to last book, as long as the author doesn't pull a George Martin on us!
August 23, 2016
Paper-thin characters and the author seems more interested in feeding us the minutest details of what everyone ate, wore and fought with than providing a coherent story.
And as for that plot twist near the end, to quote one of the characters when it was revealed to him ‘This is too far a stretch for my imagination, the coincidence is too great.’
The only thing that stopped me abandoning the book whilst still only a few chapters in was that I bought all three books in the trilogy at once as they were on offer, so I kept hoping it would improve enough to make me want to read the next two. I will at least start the second but unless it is a major improvement on this one I'm going to have to give up.
And as for that plot twist near the end, to quote one of the characters when it was revealed to him ‘This is too far a stretch for my imagination, the coincidence is too great.’
The only thing that stopped me abandoning the book whilst still only a few chapters in was that I bought all three books in the trilogy at once as they were on offer, so I kept hoping it would improve enough to make me want to read the next two. I will at least start the second but unless it is a major improvement on this one I'm going to have to give up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2016
Having read the authors Medieval sereis I thought I'd try this series. This is first book looking at the claudian Invasion of Britain from both the british (via a Welsh Deceanglian tribesman) and the roman sides. It is an easy read that keeps you turming the pages. It really shows the contrast between the warrior Britons and the military might of Rome and barbarism of the times. Throw in a conflict with the Druids on Ynys Mon and you get an intriguing story of a an area not normally covered. looking forward to book 2
August 23, 2015
A complete slog. Disconnected characters, no sense of time passing, events occur either in the space of hours or years but with no clear indication of plot progression.
December 21, 2016
I like Roman inspired books. This one was a slog and I wont read more in the series.
September 8, 2021
The fall of Britannia
Not a bad start for the three books in this series. A lot of twists & turns. One can never trust the Romans. Just when it looks like they are beaten they bring on the Elephant.
Not a bad start for the three books in this series. A lot of twists & turns. One can never trust the Romans. Just when it looks like they are beaten they bring on the Elephant.
March 27, 2019
This was one of the better Roman-based novels I have read. It reminds strongly of Conn Iggulden and Robert Harris. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
October 22, 2022
In generale una piacevole lettura, anche se ho trovato alcune cose nella trama che non mi hanno convinto appieno.
December 10, 2013
I struggled with how to rate this book. There were many great things about the book. I loved the writing. The story moved along briskly and the action was fast and furious. The problem was that, in the end, while I enjoyed the story, I didn't get *lost* in the tale as a whole. Why? Two reasons:
(1) I felt that the author intervened in the story too many times during the course of the story. I don't mind a bit of intervention. Once is a coincidence, but two or three times? That's too much.
(2) Throughout the story I felt modern attitudes about class, national-identity, and the use of violence to achieve political ends seeping through the story. I just don't believe that someone living in the Empire during the age of Claudius would have any doubts about the superiority of Roman culture and etc.
All that being said, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Will I read the next volume? Yes.
(1) I felt that the author intervened in the story too many times during the course of the story. I don't mind a bit of intervention. Once is a coincidence, but two or three times? That's too much.
(2) Throughout the story I felt modern attitudes about class, national-identity, and the use of violence to achieve political ends seeping through the story. I just don't believe that someone living in the Empire during the age of Claudius would have any doubts about the superiority of Roman culture and etc.
All that being said, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Will I read the next volume? Yes.
July 5, 2012
Ashman has turned out a decent novel filled with intrigue and political skullduggery expected of the ancient Romans. He blends his historical facts well with his story telling, producing a rich experience of another time. A good read for aficionados of ancient roman tales.
September 30, 2012
This reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books from childhood - Legions of the Eagle by Henry Treece. Nothing too original here - just an excellent story, well told. A great new author to add to the rota!
February 11, 2012
Great read. Plot and characters draw you in more please
October 19, 2014
A fabulous fast paced story, enhanced by brilliant, believable characters. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Have started the second book in the series and am really enjoying it.
August 27, 2022
An entertaining and light read.
The Roman army seeks to conquer the lands of Britannia. To do so it needs a well drilled army that is ruthless and determined. Two young recruits sign up together and endure the necessary hardships to become legionaries. Their contrasting natures truly come to the fore as the conquest heats up with the pressures of fighting and survival exposing harsh truths. On the opposing side a girl is at threat of being sacrificed and a gallant warrior is on a rescue mission. The fates of all are intertwined and with it comes the associated drama.
An explosive ending with plenty of loose threads to follow in the series.
The Roman army seeks to conquer the lands of Britannia. To do so it needs a well drilled army that is ruthless and determined. Two young recruits sign up together and endure the necessary hardships to become legionaries. Their contrasting natures truly come to the fore as the conquest heats up with the pressures of fighting and survival exposing harsh truths. On the opposing side a girl is at threat of being sacrificed and a gallant warrior is on a rescue mission. The fates of all are intertwined and with it comes the associated drama.
An explosive ending with plenty of loose threads to follow in the series.
December 3, 2017
Recommend!
I like action right from the start or I get bored. The author almost lost me while setting up the characters in the prologue but the first chapter gets the ball rolling.
There are a few stories going on that won’t let you put the book down. I connected with the main characters just fine & I look forward to seeing what’s in store for them!
I like action right from the start or I get bored. The author almost lost me while setting up the characters in the prologue but the first chapter gets the ball rolling.
There are a few stories going on that won’t let you put the book down. I connected with the main characters just fine & I look forward to seeing what’s in store for them!
August 22, 2020
In the absence of a new Simon Scarrow, I looked for a new author writing about the roman invasion of Britain. This is very enjoyable, with a good mix of characters on both sides. The plot moves quickly and there are some good twists. I'm very pleased to have found another new author. On to the second book in the series!
May 9, 2025
Outstanding Historical Fiction
An amazing read. I love Roman Historical Fiction and this was of the better written works. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The book was both intriguing and violent. Action packed yet took the time to develop the characters. Buying the next book in the series right now.
An amazing read. I love Roman Historical Fiction and this was of the better written works. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. The book was both intriguing and violent. Action packed yet took the time to develop the characters. Buying the next book in the series right now.
October 16, 2020
Really good read. A different view to other books that I have read on the invasion of Britain by Rome in the 1st century. Fantastic price for 99p as well, you can’t go wrong. Will be looking forward to the second book
January 10, 2021
Not as good as Conn Iggulden historical novels, but it’s OK. 3 book series so I’ll probably read the other 2, but only because their cheap. A few enormous coincidences in this book spoil it in my view, but it’s fiction.
January 9, 2022
Really enjoyed it, an easy style to read. Goes well with other authors of the same period (Simon Scarrow, Robert Fabri & Anthony Riches - especially The Battle of Medway).
Looking forward to the rest of the series 😀
Looking forward to the rest of the series 😀
May 7, 2022
While I enjoy learning history via fictional accounts, and realise there was no written account from the losing side in this instance I was frustrated by internal inconsistencies as well as the unnecessary use of modern measures
April 27, 2024
Very Average
2* only because i actually read it to the end. Both the story and the style of writing are very immature. OK if you like a 90s chick flick written by a teenager, but if you want a gripping historical novel there are lots better.
2* only because i actually read it to the end. Both the story and the style of writing are very immature. OK if you like a 90s chick flick written by a teenager, but if you want a gripping historical novel there are lots better.
November 26, 2024
Impressive
I am impressed by this story. I learned things about the time of the Romans in Britain. I always find that characters who are written into the history are generally more fascinating than the actual historical figures of the time.
I am impressed by this story. I learned things about the time of the Romans in Britain. I always find that characters who are written into the history are generally more fascinating than the actual historical figures of the time.
March 21, 2017
Very well written
This was a well written book I likey I likey I likey I likey! Did I mention that I likey!
This was a well written book I likey I likey I likey I likey! Did I mention that I likey!
December 7, 2017
THE FALL OF BRITANNIA BOOK 1
Like historical fiction based on fact
Good fast pace storey
Would recommend to all who enjoy this kind of book
Like historical fiction based on fact
Good fast pace storey
Would recommend to all who enjoy this kind of book
May 12, 2018
A good book
This is a very good historically based book. But the editors failed to catch the fact that corn was unknown in 43 A.D. in the old world.
This is a very good historically based book. But the editors failed to catch the fact that corn was unknown in 43 A.D. in the old world.
September 6, 2020
Worth a read
It's worth a read,a bit boy's own adventure, but you get pulled in so suspend belief and historical facts and enjoy the tale.
It's worth a read,a bit boy's own adventure, but you get pulled in so suspend belief and historical facts and enjoy the tale.
October 8, 2020
Excellent book. Well written lots of action and adventure great historical facts a really smashing page turner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews