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Ends of the Earth
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
992 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books742 followersColin Falconer writes fast-paced historical adventures that sweep readers across centuries and continents, from the battlefields of Rome to the intrigues of forgotten empires. His novels blend action, danger, and unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 26, 2025
Another enjoyable read from Colin Falconer, a writer of historical fiction in many time periods and many locations. This one is based around the idea (not necessarily true according to his informative website) that Romans defeated by the Parthians in Asia Minor around 50BC eventually found themselves as far east as China.
The novel is about the experience of the main character and some colleagues to who this happened and their effort to return to Rome, and a parallel story about those in Rome, including his wife, at the time Pompey and Caesar fought for control.
At first I thought I’d struggle to get into it because of all the Latin names and being unsure who was who, but it did’t take long to know who each character was. There’s a lot of violence but that goes with the territory - it’s a story about wars and conflict.
An absorbing read.
The novel is about the experience of the main character and some colleagues to who this happened and their effort to return to Rome, and a parallel story about those in Rome, including his wife, at the time Pompey and Caesar fought for control.
At first I thought I’d struggle to get into it because of all the Latin names and being unsure who was who, but it did’t take long to know who each character was. There’s a lot of violence but that goes with the territory - it’s a story about wars and conflict.
An absorbing read.
November 15, 2023
Sleep deprived
What a journey I was taken on. Such powerful descriptive writing. I struggled through the desert with the soldiers. I felt their pain. I even felt their thirst. Powerful description of their struggle. I couldn't put this book down.
Any student studying ancient history should read all the books by CF.
What a journey I was taken on. Such powerful descriptive writing. I struggled through the desert with the soldiers. I felt their pain. I even felt their thirst. Powerful description of their struggle. I couldn't put this book down.
Any student studying ancient history should read all the books by CF.
November 23, 2024
fun read with an abrupt ending
Interesting story that spanned the known Roman world to China, Indian Ocean and China. My only complaint is It ends really abruptly with little resolution
Interesting story that spanned the known Roman world to China, Indian Ocean and China. My only complaint is It ends really abruptly with little resolution
December 15, 2023
Another exciting Falconer. Sheer escapism
December 7, 2024
Love historical novels. Ones that you can see in your mind as if you were there while you read. Thanks Colin for a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
Very entertaining read.
August 30, 2024
This is the second Falconer book I've read, and while it lacks the originality and depth of The Silk Road, it is still a good read that brings the politics and intrigue of Rome at the time of Caesar's assassination alive. Problematically, the book quickly veers into two distinct plots as the hero, Valerius, is captured at the battle of Carrhae and dragged off to, well the ends of the earth while his arch-nemesis returns to Rome and his Valerius' saintly wife suffers through several chapters of woe and nasty men. Inevitably, Falconer retreads much of the Mongol and early Yuan Dynasty material introduced in The Silk Road, which at least remains interesting, but then stumbles into tedium as the remnants of Valerius' unit maks an unlikely -- and interminable -- return to Rome by creaky boats along the coast of the South China, Adaman and Arabian Seas, interacting with cultures along the way only enough to barely escapte their various versions of savagery. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we are treated to brutal chariot races and the ravaging of the chaste Aurelia against the backdrop of Caesar's return to Rome, rise to power, and eventual downfall. While Falconer retains his keen storytelling ability and excellent historical research in this book, it really suffers from overrach. Just SOME of the ends of the earth would have been quite enough.
February 15, 2024
This is my first Colin Falconer book and I loved it. What a luxurious treat, I’ll be reading more of his work in the future.
Ends of the Earth follows a few protagonists that split off in different directions following the catastrophic Roman defeat at the battle of Carrhae. One fought bravely and was taken slave. The other fled like a coward (Though, if I’m being honest, I’d probably do the same) and is lauded as a hero by Caesar himself. My favourite character is the hero's wife, who believes she has been widowed and must manoeuvre her way through Roman politics to survive. All the characters, especially the POVs, are well fleshed-out and human. They do bad things and they do good things, but it’s always believable.
The story is epic and sweeping, genuinely such a large scale for the period. The story takes us from Rome to China and back. You feel the differences between all the cultures our cast of characters visit, and you feel it in the writing.
Speaking of, the prose itself is clean and easy to follow. Whilst it is simple, it still feels vibrant and alive. Each character has a distinct voice and you know right away whose chapter it is. In some ways, it feels a bit like classic epic fantasy along the lines of ASOIAF, just without all the magic and dragons, of course.
Don’t let the epic scale of it worry you if you’re not into slow books, this is plenty pacey enough. The drama, action and dialogue all help to hurtle you along the story at a decent pace.
There is a viscerality to the fight scenes, that gives you the sense you’re standing beside them with a sword in your hand, so yeah, that’s exciting. The drama itself is mired in the political intrigue of Rome at the time, and it’s genuinely fascinating.
I can’t vouch for the historical accuracy as I’m not a historian, but it seems most are happy with it. To go off on a slight tangent about historical fiction, I’m all for authors making artistic choices that benefit the story (admittedly some authors take it a little too far). If the setting and period are enough to pique my interest, I’ll move on to a more historical text to learn the facts about the period. I always see historical fiction as a kind of overview of historical events and times and never get too stressed if something is inaccurate.
Okay, sorry about that, back to the book.
Here I’ll touch on the negatives, or rather negative. There is only really one main issue I had, and that was with the ending. In all honesty, it was a little abrupt. I feel like there were still another 50 pages or so left to write, the story was building and building to a climax, and as soon as we reached that climax, it was over. For some fiction, this works great, but the issue for me was that it is such a grand story and it sucked me into this world. I just wanted more and more. So when the ending cut itself off like that, I plonked the book down and said, “Huh, guess that’s it.” It was a bit like when your parents tell you it’s home time when you’re out playing with your friends. Anyway, I guess the book left me wanting more, so, in a way it’s a good thing.
If you like historical fiction, epic fantasy (again, just without the magic and dragons), or anything to do with the Romans. Please read this book, it’s wonderful.
Ends of the Earth follows a few protagonists that split off in different directions following the catastrophic Roman defeat at the battle of Carrhae. One fought bravely and was taken slave. The other fled like a coward (Though, if I’m being honest, I’d probably do the same) and is lauded as a hero by Caesar himself. My favourite character is the hero's wife, who believes she has been widowed and must manoeuvre her way through Roman politics to survive. All the characters, especially the POVs, are well fleshed-out and human. They do bad things and they do good things, but it’s always believable.
The story is epic and sweeping, genuinely such a large scale for the period. The story takes us from Rome to China and back. You feel the differences between all the cultures our cast of characters visit, and you feel it in the writing.
Speaking of, the prose itself is clean and easy to follow. Whilst it is simple, it still feels vibrant and alive. Each character has a distinct voice and you know right away whose chapter it is. In some ways, it feels a bit like classic epic fantasy along the lines of ASOIAF, just without all the magic and dragons, of course.
Don’t let the epic scale of it worry you if you’re not into slow books, this is plenty pacey enough. The drama, action and dialogue all help to hurtle you along the story at a decent pace.
There is a viscerality to the fight scenes, that gives you the sense you’re standing beside them with a sword in your hand, so yeah, that’s exciting. The drama itself is mired in the political intrigue of Rome at the time, and it’s genuinely fascinating.
I can’t vouch for the historical accuracy as I’m not a historian, but it seems most are happy with it. To go off on a slight tangent about historical fiction, I’m all for authors making artistic choices that benefit the story (admittedly some authors take it a little too far). If the setting and period are enough to pique my interest, I’ll move on to a more historical text to learn the facts about the period. I always see historical fiction as a kind of overview of historical events and times and never get too stressed if something is inaccurate.
Okay, sorry about that, back to the book.
Here I’ll touch on the negatives, or rather negative. There is only really one main issue I had, and that was with the ending. In all honesty, it was a little abrupt. I feel like there were still another 50 pages or so left to write, the story was building and building to a climax, and as soon as we reached that climax, it was over. For some fiction, this works great, but the issue for me was that it is such a grand story and it sucked me into this world. I just wanted more and more. So when the ending cut itself off like that, I plonked the book down and said, “Huh, guess that’s it.” It was a bit like when your parents tell you it’s home time when you’re out playing with your friends. Anyway, I guess the book left me wanting more, so, in a way it’s a good thing.
If you like historical fiction, epic fantasy (again, just without the magic and dragons), or anything to do with the Romans. Please read this book, it’s wonderful.
August 26, 2025
While this may be book no 13 in Colin Falconer's 'Epic Adventure' series, it's actually only the second of his works I have read (after Silk Road.
This time, we're back in the dying days of the Roman Republic, just as one of the triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus was starting to break down, especially after Crassus led his men to a disastrous defeat by the Parthians at the Battle of Carrhae (which opens this novel).
Taken prisoner by the victors, and sold into slavery, this follows a small group of the Roman survivors as they attempt to (first) escape and then make their way back to Rome - a journey that covers a greater distance, and takes in many more wonders, than any of them had ever participated in (or seen, or believed to have existed) before.
So, a travelogue of sorts.
Well worth a read.
This time, we're back in the dying days of the Roman Republic, just as one of the triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus was starting to break down, especially after Crassus led his men to a disastrous defeat by the Parthians at the Battle of Carrhae (which opens this novel).
Taken prisoner by the victors, and sold into slavery, this follows a small group of the Roman survivors as they attempt to (first) escape and then make their way back to Rome - a journey that covers a greater distance, and takes in many more wonders, than any of them had ever participated in (or seen, or believed to have existed) before.
So, a travelogue of sorts.
Well worth a read.
December 6, 2023
confusing and Frustrating
This is fairly well written but having not read earlier versions dealing with these characters, I didn't have the backstory.
However, there are some things a out it that wasn't good. The protagonist was too idealistic for a Roman aristocrat/Tribune. He made many mistakes (not a sin, I know), and wasn't all that great at planning and strategy. He was more of a "Good old Boy," of the elite.
Not nearly enough action & fighting sequences. What there was usually occurred quickly and then was a description of the aftermath.
This needed several maps to describe where they were going and what/why things were happening.
I almost gave it a 4, but couldn't quite justify it.
This is fairly well written but having not read earlier versions dealing with these characters, I didn't have the backstory.
However, there are some things a out it that wasn't good. The protagonist was too idealistic for a Roman aristocrat/Tribune. He made many mistakes (not a sin, I know), and wasn't all that great at planning and strategy. He was more of a "Good old Boy," of the elite.
Not nearly enough action & fighting sequences. What there was usually occurred quickly and then was a description of the aftermath.
This needed several maps to describe where they were going and what/why things were happening.
I almost gave it a 4, but couldn't quite justify it.
May 9, 2025
I’ve never been one to care much for Roman history — in fact, I often found it overdone and uninteresting. But Ends of the Earth by Colin Falconer has completely changed that. This was my first real foray into Roman historical fiction, and I was hooked from the first chapter. Falconer masterfully brings the ancient world to life with vivid storytelling, complex characters, and a pace that never lets up. The political intrigue, brutal ambition, and raw human emotion made the period feel immediate and alive. For someone who has always ignored this part of history, this book didn’t just entertain — it opened a door. I’m now genuinely curious to read more about Rome and its storied past. Highly recommended for anyone looking to be surprised.
January 4, 2024
Another fantastic read by Colin Falconer!!
No spoilers: falconer is my favorite modern writer. He writes characters that I cant help falling in love with. I Was scared and angry about the situation the main characters had been put into. I genuinely loved the wife of the main Tribune. I felt so strongly for her. This is a tale of adventure, war, torture, death, greed, and true love.
Dont wait to read this epic, but sad historical fiction
No spoilers: falconer is my favorite modern writer. He writes characters that I cant help falling in love with. I Was scared and angry about the situation the main characters had been put into. I genuinely loved the wife of the main Tribune. I felt so strongly for her. This is a tale of adventure, war, torture, death, greed, and true love.
Dont wait to read this epic, but sad historical fiction
January 21, 2024
Good Read
This author turns a beautiful phrase. This book was set circa 45 B.C. in Rome and all around the fertile crescent. Valerius, a soldier in the Parthian/Roman War, was captured but did escape and made it home after ten years. His journey home was rather circuitous and would have made me too dizzy to ask for directions at the next Texaco filling station. His comrade in arms was a deaf mute who signed with Valerius in the midst of the battle. Take some time to think about that and compare it to the deaf footballer whose name eludes me.
Be prepared to meet Caesar, Magnus and Crassus , the first triumvirate of Rome, and a host of characters who are just that--characters! These real and imaginary characters teased me. Keep your eye on the deaf mute because he said it all.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
This author turns a beautiful phrase. This book was set circa 45 B.C. in Rome and all around the fertile crescent. Valerius, a soldier in the Parthian/Roman War, was captured but did escape and made it home after ten years. His journey home was rather circuitous and would have made me too dizzy to ask for directions at the next Texaco filling station. His comrade in arms was a deaf mute who signed with Valerius in the midst of the battle. Take some time to think about that and compare it to the deaf footballer whose name eludes me.
Be prepared to meet Caesar, Magnus and Crassus , the first triumvirate of Rome, and a host of characters who are just that--characters! These real and imaginary characters teased me. Keep your eye on the deaf mute because he said it all.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
November 20, 2023
Very good story
Some of Colin's novels are leaving a lasting impression, some have a bit two dimensional characters. This one is one of the very good. People motivated by loge, enduring terrible odds, having to travel half the globe before Marco Polo did that. Only thing I would loved to have seen is how or if the tribune would have been able to reclaim his social position.
Some of Colin's novels are leaving a lasting impression, some have a bit two dimensional characters. This one is one of the very good. People motivated by loge, enduring terrible odds, having to travel half the globe before Marco Polo did that. Only thing I would loved to have seen is how or if the tribune would have been able to reclaim his social position.
November 30, 2023
Like with the other adventure books of the author, a bit of over-the-top stuff, villains with hats naming them such and heroes and heroines that are heroic and way too modern attitudes on occasion stop it from being on par with the top historical fiction around, but its turn the page energy, lively action and entertainment value makes it a good fast read which I definitely recommend
November 30, 2023
Another excellent book by Colin Falconer!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which detailed what it was like to be a Roman prisoner amongst various ancient Asian cultures. I had not read much about ancient Asian history so it was quite interesting. The suspense at times was thrilling. I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which detailed what it was like to be a Roman prisoner amongst various ancient Asian cultures. I had not read much about ancient Asian history so it was quite interesting. The suspense at times was thrilling. I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2024
Wonderful Journey into Ancient Civilization
Ends of the Earth took me on a fantastic trip into the ancient world. I could feel the cold, taste the sea, and smell the stink of the cities. I cannot imagine the overwhelming amount of research that went into writing this book. Thank you, Mr. Falconer. You gave me several hours of education and entertainment.
Ends of the Earth took me on a fantastic trip into the ancient world. I could feel the cold, taste the sea, and smell the stink of the cities. I cannot imagine the overwhelming amount of research that went into writing this book. Thank you, Mr. Falconer. You gave me several hours of education and entertainment.
August 25, 2025
Excellent adventure One of these books you remember well after reading the final page.
The historic descriptions excellent.
Being an ex sailor and travelled all over Far East in Royal Navy etc I love fact fiction and Colin Falconer rates alongside the great adventure writers such as Ken Follet.
The historic descriptions excellent.
Being an ex sailor and travelled all over Far East in Royal Navy etc I love fact fiction and Colin Falconer rates alongside the great adventure writers such as Ken Follet.
December 6, 2025
Beyond adventure
I loved this book. I am very interested in ancient Roman history and this had it all. Romance, war and a happy ending. The authors writing style is not so wordy as to be boring but keeps the reader totally engaged. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
I loved this book. I am very interested in ancient Roman history and this had it all. Romance, war and a happy ending. The authors writing style is not so wordy as to be boring but keeps the reader totally engaged. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.
February 3, 2026
My first Colin Falconer book, and I look forward to reading his others. The characters aren’t super deep, but the book is quite adventurous. It moves really fast and held my attention well. It reminds me of a Roman Odyssey, picking up after the loss to the Parthians and his return home through China, Vietnam, Southeast Asia and up the ancient Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
November 28, 2023
Ends of the earth.
This is just another masterpiece from I'm Colin falconer. Blood and Gore battled drama all the good stuff you expect. Epic and brutal and just fantastic. If you read this in bed don't expect to sleep much.
This is just another masterpiece from I'm Colin falconer. Blood and Gore battled drama all the good stuff you expect. Epic and brutal and just fantastic. If you read this in bed don't expect to sleep much.
December 15, 2023
what a read
Waited awhile for this epic. Brilliantly written a tribute to an historical tale that is a combination of history, geography nothing is left out. Where does Colin go from here. I can hardly wait.
Waited awhile for this epic. Brilliantly written a tribute to an historical tale that is a combination of history, geography nothing is left out. Where does Colin go from here. I can hardly wait.
December 23, 2023
From the Defeat of a Legion to the Death of Caesar
A long series of adventures spanning China to Rome. Fascinating knowledge of countries, peoples, and history. Fast moving and exciting plot. A sudden but successful ending.
A long series of adventures spanning China to Rome. Fascinating knowledge of countries, peoples, and history. Fast moving and exciting plot. A sudden but successful ending.
January 6, 2024
It doesn't get any more exciting than this
Thrilling, inventive, great cast of characters intertwined with history so well. And Falconer's style is first class, literary and entrancing.
Thrilling, inventive, great cast of characters intertwined with history so well. And Falconer's style is first class, literary and entrancing.
April 1, 2024
An Astoundingly Engrossing Tale To Entertain And Educate!
If you like to entertain yourself with epic matinee books, then go ahead, purchase this now; it will not disappoint you one bit.
If you like to entertain yourself with epic matinee books, then go ahead, purchase this now; it will not disappoint you one bit.
September 1, 2024
Ends of the Earth
Ri eting and realistic.Full of raw emtion and very human nobility as well as deprivation. Arelistic narration of the times and experiences of a right-thinking, well-born Roman during Julius Caesar's lifetime. An absorbing read, strongly recommended.
Ri eting and realistic.Full of raw emtion and very human nobility as well as deprivation. Arelistic narration of the times and experiences of a right-thinking, well-born Roman during Julius Caesar's lifetime. An absorbing read, strongly recommended.
January 6, 2025
Enjoyed the book, easy read which I was looking for, learned background history of the Roman soldiers daily existence, class system & political intrigue...things really haven't changed over the centuries.
April 24, 2025
Historical warfare during Triumvirate
Pompey , Ceasar, Crassus and tise of Ceasar. Major battles plus social life of Roman culture all well captured. Really good reading with twists and turns that include the Huns,Silk Road, and Egypt plus Arabs .
Pompey , Ceasar, Crassus and tise of Ceasar. Major battles plus social life of Roman culture all well captured. Really good reading with twists and turns that include the Huns,Silk Road, and Egypt plus Arabs .
May 12, 2025
A fun read.
I love Colin Falconer's books. They are as true, realistic, and epic as James Mitchner and Wilbur Smith.
I have visited and lived in several of the places Falconer writes about. His stories bring back memories.
I love Colin Falconer's books. They are as true, realistic, and epic as James Mitchner and Wilbur Smith.
I have visited and lived in several of the places Falconer writes about. His stories bring back memories.
May 15, 2025
Tremendous Book
This book is a real tour de force. Must have taken an enormous amount of research. There's incredible accuracy in almost every aspect of the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a really 'Big' book with solid history.
This book is a real tour de force. Must have taken an enormous amount of research. There's incredible accuracy in almost every aspect of the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a really 'Big' book with solid history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews