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Praesidia
On the remote Roman border, Marius Livonius commands a detachment of seasoned soldiers. Stationed near the Danube River and living near violent Germanic tribes, his military life is consumed with the potential of savagery from menacing barbarians near his peaceful village.
But something else lurks in the dark woods of Germania. Citizens and soldiers are coming up missing, and what is moving towards the Roman frontier may prove more dangerous than the common threat of lethal forest clans.
To confront and destroy his adversaries, Marius discovers he must make a choice between family and the potential slaughter of his people at the hands of a malignant and wicked enemy. Worse, if his tortured decision proves to be wrong, the future of the entire civilized world may be at mortal risk.
But something else lurks in the dark woods of Germania. Citizens and soldiers are coming up missing, and what is moving towards the Roman frontier may prove more dangerous than the common threat of lethal forest clans.
To confront and destroy his adversaries, Marius discovers he must make a choice between family and the potential slaughter of his people at the hands of a malignant and wicked enemy. Worse, if his tortured decision proves to be wrong, the future of the entire civilized world may be at mortal risk.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
18 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 21, 2025
Praesidia by Timothy Bryan is a historical horror novel about a Roman legion protecting a remote outpost near the Germania tribes. the plot checks all the boxes and normally i love historical fiction and historical horror? oh my!! the cat's meow.
but Praesidia didn't do it for me. despite having so many good things going for it, i simply couldn't get into it. the characters were wooden and predictable. the story didn't provide the extra details that were needed for a novel to truly be a historical novel.
i really wanted to like this book. but i couldn't.
2 stars out of 5.
but Praesidia didn't do it for me. despite having so many good things going for it, i simply couldn't get into it. the characters were wooden and predictable. the story didn't provide the extra details that were needed for a novel to truly be a historical novel.
i really wanted to like this book. but i couldn't.
2 stars out of 5.
March 17, 2025
Praesidia by Timothy Bryant is a horror story set in Germania at the time of the Roman takeover. These troops, however, will be up against something much more dangerous than other soldiers and militia groups. I can always depend on this author to bring me a great historical horror story and I look so forward to his books. mr. Bryant has a knack for making you feel like a fly on the wall or in this case a tree as he sets the scene so vividly with characters you’ll either root for or anticipate their demise. I have read all of the authors books and have yet to be disappointed by any of them. Including this one.#TheBlindReviewer, #TimothyBryant, #Praesidia,
January 13, 2025
Bryan has done it again!
This gripping tale of Roman frontier life delivers a thrilling blend of historical fiction and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Bryan masterfully crafts a world where the constant threat of barbarian raids is overshadowed by a more sinister and terrifying enemy. Marius Livonius, a complex and compelling protagonist, faces impossible choices that will test his loyalty, his courage, and his soul. The suspense builds relentlessly, culminating in a breathtaking climax that will leave readers breathless—highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a good dose of supernatural horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This gripping tale of Roman frontier life delivers a thrilling blend of historical fiction and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Bryan masterfully crafts a world where the constant threat of barbarian raids is overshadowed by a more sinister and terrifying enemy. Marius Livonius, a complex and compelling protagonist, faces impossible choices that will test his loyalty, his courage, and his soul. The suspense builds relentlessly, culminating in a breathtaking climax that will leave readers breathless—highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a good dose of supernatural horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
This story starts with a beautiful descriptive introduction. Visually, you can imagine the scene that Bryan describes. Very quickly, the horror takes over in this idyllic Roman world. The main characters are believable and the relationships between them tell stories within stories.
This was fast paced and exciting. Another great read by Timothy Bryan.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am leaving a review voluntary.
This was fast paced and exciting. Another great read by Timothy Bryan.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am leaving a review voluntary.
May 23, 2025
a very messy book that jumps around far too much to such an extent that u aren't sure who are the main characters until we'll into it. then u don't really care enough to bother.
February 17, 2025
A Gripping Blend of History, Horror, and the Supernatural
Set on the remote Roman border near the Danube River, Praesidia by Timothy Bryan is an evocative and immersive tale that plunges readers into the tumultuous lives of Roman soldiers stationed at a small outpost and the local tribes they clash with. From the outset, the author captures the delicate balance between civilization and chaos, as Marius Livonius and his men guard against threats both seen and unseen.
What begins with the soft, serene introduction of a family on a summer’s day excursion to procure a fish supper quickly takes a brutal turn, thrusting readers into a world torn asunder. What initially appears to be a story about tribal warfare soon escalates into a gripping thriller with supernatural elements. Bryan masterfully introduces a new and terrifying enemy—a tribal witch who aligns with a mysterious group of predatory, otherworldly warriors. This twist transforms a tale of political and military tension into something far more sinister, leaving readers on edge as horrifying events unfold.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its richly detailed world-building and lyrical imagery. Bryan’s descriptions are so vivid that readers can almost feel the dampness of the woods, the weight of Roman armor, and the oppressive tension hanging over the outpost. However, while the author’s use of language is undeniably beautiful, it occasionally becomes a bit too elaborate, momentarily slowing the pace and diffusing the story’s suspense.
The characters are well-drawn and diverse, though at times it can be challenging to keep track of how they connect to the main storyline. Despite this, their individual stories add layers of depth and realism to the narrative, making the world of Praesidia feel alive.
One of the most striking elements of the book is how it portrays both sides of the conflict: the Romans as protectors of their people, and the tribes as defenders of their homeland. This duality adds a refreshing complexity, challenging readers to consider different perspectives on war, loyalty, and survival.
Historical fiction isn’t a genre I typically gravitate toward, yet Praesidia managed to keep me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. That in itself is a testament to Bryan’s storytelling prowess.
I received a copy of this book directly from the author, and I’m grateful for the chance to experience such a unique blend of history, horror, and supernatural intrigue.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a dark and thrilling twist, Praesidia is well worth the read.
Set on the remote Roman border near the Danube River, Praesidia by Timothy Bryan is an evocative and immersive tale that plunges readers into the tumultuous lives of Roman soldiers stationed at a small outpost and the local tribes they clash with. From the outset, the author captures the delicate balance between civilization and chaos, as Marius Livonius and his men guard against threats both seen and unseen.
What begins with the soft, serene introduction of a family on a summer’s day excursion to procure a fish supper quickly takes a brutal turn, thrusting readers into a world torn asunder. What initially appears to be a story about tribal warfare soon escalates into a gripping thriller with supernatural elements. Bryan masterfully introduces a new and terrifying enemy—a tribal witch who aligns with a mysterious group of predatory, otherworldly warriors. This twist transforms a tale of political and military tension into something far more sinister, leaving readers on edge as horrifying events unfold.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its richly detailed world-building and lyrical imagery. Bryan’s descriptions are so vivid that readers can almost feel the dampness of the woods, the weight of Roman armor, and the oppressive tension hanging over the outpost. However, while the author’s use of language is undeniably beautiful, it occasionally becomes a bit too elaborate, momentarily slowing the pace and diffusing the story’s suspense.
The characters are well-drawn and diverse, though at times it can be challenging to keep track of how they connect to the main storyline. Despite this, their individual stories add layers of depth and realism to the narrative, making the world of Praesidia feel alive.
One of the most striking elements of the book is how it portrays both sides of the conflict: the Romans as protectors of their people, and the tribes as defenders of their homeland. This duality adds a refreshing complexity, challenging readers to consider different perspectives on war, loyalty, and survival.
Historical fiction isn’t a genre I typically gravitate toward, yet Praesidia managed to keep me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. That in itself is a testament to Bryan’s storytelling prowess.
I received a copy of this book directly from the author, and I’m grateful for the chance to experience such a unique blend of history, horror, and supernatural intrigue.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a dark and thrilling twist, Praesidia is well worth the read.
February 1, 2025
Interesting twist on Roman history
Presidia centers on a small Roman outpost on the Germanic border. It focuses on the town life of the natives and the Roman soldiers garrisoned there. There are a lot of characters that are well described, but it is confusing how they all interact and sometimes it is difficult to see how they connect with the main story, if at all. The main enemy is a cruel man, leader of a Germanic tribe who wants to overthrow Rome and all the other tribes. The thriller/ supernatural portion of the story comes from a tribal human witch who allies with a tribe of strange beings who are fantastic warriors who's main prey is humans.
Overall I did not like the book. The story had promise, but the style of writing was overdone, overly descriptive. It seemed there were storylines introduced that were never finished. Reading the description of the author, he claims to be a horror historical fiction writer, but I would call this story more of a thriller with a supernatural bent.
Genre(s): historical fiction, Roman, military, paranormal
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: mild for kissing, suggestion of sleeping together, no details
Violence: Roman military style fighting, Guerilla style fighting, slightly gory, descriptive wounds
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: none
Addiction: none
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Presidia centers on a small Roman outpost on the Germanic border. It focuses on the town life of the natives and the Roman soldiers garrisoned there. There are a lot of characters that are well described, but it is confusing how they all interact and sometimes it is difficult to see how they connect with the main story, if at all. The main enemy is a cruel man, leader of a Germanic tribe who wants to overthrow Rome and all the other tribes. The thriller/ supernatural portion of the story comes from a tribal human witch who allies with a tribe of strange beings who are fantastic warriors who's main prey is humans.
Overall I did not like the book. The story had promise, but the style of writing was overdone, overly descriptive. It seemed there were storylines introduced that were never finished. Reading the description of the author, he claims to be a horror historical fiction writer, but I would call this story more of a thriller with a supernatural bent.
Genre(s): historical fiction, Roman, military, paranormal
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: mild for kissing, suggestion of sleeping together, no details
Violence: Roman military style fighting, Guerilla style fighting, slightly gory, descriptive wounds
Substance Abuse: none
Mental Health: none
Addiction: none
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2025
Release February 14 2025
Wonderfully evocative and visually stunning, PRAESIDIA is set in a time and era long forgotten, remembered only by rare historians of the Roman Empire and Early Christian era. In the far-flung Outposts of the ever-encroaching Roman invaders on their determined quest for known-world domination, local forest tribes rebel (in the eyes of the Roman soldiers; to the tribes, they act to defend their rightful Homeland).
In addition to his gift of lyrical inagery, Mr. Bryan also fully comprehends how to set his stage, as a peaceful commencement [backgrounded by reminiscences of wars and battles across the extent of Roman intrusion] steeply devolves into amazingly terrifying and implacable, impossible-to-exist, Horror, something no human can resist nor repel. Immediately readers are pulled in to the story, on the edge of their seats, as horrifying events unfold.
Wonderfully evocative and visually stunning, PRAESIDIA is set in a time and era long forgotten, remembered only by rare historians of the Roman Empire and Early Christian era. In the far-flung Outposts of the ever-encroaching Roman invaders on their determined quest for known-world domination, local forest tribes rebel (in the eyes of the Roman soldiers; to the tribes, they act to defend their rightful Homeland).
In addition to his gift of lyrical inagery, Mr. Bryan also fully comprehends how to set his stage, as a peaceful commencement [backgrounded by reminiscences of wars and battles across the extent of Roman intrusion] steeply devolves into amazingly terrifying and implacable, impossible-to-exist, Horror, something no human can resist nor repel. Immediately readers are pulled in to the story, on the edge of their seats, as horrifying events unfold.
February 21, 2025
This story was a first for me. I have never read a book that dealt with the Roman Empire. I enjoyed the characters. The author made it all come alive with his wonderful words. I liked Marius. He was an interesting man. I think that this was great horror story. It scared me at certain points and I don't scare easily so I think that he has a talent for it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2025
Non-Stop Horror!
This was a very busy book!
Between Humans becoming creatures and Creatures becoming humans, it was an extremely busy front line, no matter where that front line was.
Romans had quite a time to figure out who was human and who just looked human.
Thank you, Timothy Bryan, for another gorable story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This was a very busy book!
Between Humans becoming creatures and Creatures becoming humans, it was an extremely busy front line, no matter where that front line was.
Romans had quite a time to figure out who was human and who just looked human.
Thank you, Timothy Bryan, for another gorable story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 15, 2025
With a soft sweet introduction of a family on a summers' day excursion to procure a fish supper the story quickly takes a brutal turn to a world torn asunder. This is where the action starts, within the first several passages and does ... not ... let ... up. This book brings it in spades.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary opinion of the tale.
January 9, 2025
What a great, scary, chilling read! Try it and you won't be disappointed!
January 12, 2025
This book is on nitro. By that I mean the pace is relentless. The story is full of… well, horror and other scary stuff. It was a great read! Definitely has a person thinking once the last pages are turned.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2025
What a great, scary, chilling read! Try it and you won't be disappointed!
June 20, 2025
Timothy Bryant is a fantastic author. He hasn't written one bad book. I have truly enjoyed every one that I have read. This book was no exception.
This book is set in Germania during the Roman takeover. This particular book blends historical fiction with thrilling suspense. Marius Livonius faces impossible decisions and the threat of something more dangerous than meeting the opponent on the battlefield. It is obvious that Bryant takes time to do research, and he is a master craftsman of the historical horror genre. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
This book is set in Germania during the Roman takeover. This particular book blends historical fiction with thrilling suspense. Marius Livonius faces impossible decisions and the threat of something more dangerous than meeting the opponent on the battlefield. It is obvious that Bryant takes time to do research, and he is a master craftsman of the historical horror genre. I received this book free from the author for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews