Marius' Mules -V: Sertorius' Ghost

by S.J.A. Turney

69BC. Plagued by a dysfunctional family, Marcus Falerius Fronto seeks a way out, and finds it in the company of an ambitious and powerful, yet impoverished, nobleman. Julius Caesar is already making a name for himself in the senate and the city, and with an assignment as quaestor in the province of Hispania Ulterior, he is bound for the west, taking with him those he values.

But in Hispania, trouble awaits. The civil war between the supporters of Marius and the dictator Sulla ended just three years ago, and the last great general of that war, Quintus Sertorius, had challenged the whole republic from western Hispania. As a tribune in the Ninth legion, and tied to the new quaestor, Fronto is about to cut his teeth on a Hispanic war... facing Sertorius' ghost.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2025

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

[Leslie Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old friend

Finally we get an addition to an already impressive series. Our friend Fronto is back and this time we are introduced at the start of his career and this relationship with Caesar. And what a great story it is. The pace is as fast as any of the others in the series and it’s great to be back with our old friend. The only downfall of this novel is having to wait for the next in line. This is a must read! Turney always seems to turn out absolutely quality historical fiction.

[Ray Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic prequel to Marius Mules

Brilliant story of Frodo's first encounter with Caesar and subsequent adventures in Spain, really a great fast moving story keeps the reader glued to the pages, if you haven't already done so the series Marius Mules is a must read, maybe read the prequel 's first then delve into the Marius Mules series might be more fun.

[Ronald Swisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again

I've been wondering for years if we would hear of Fronto in his earlier years, and I got my wish. Simon's writing skills and knowledge of history makes this an easy and interesting read. As in the first series, I look forward eagerly to the next book.

[Donna W Ahlrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read, thank you for more Fronto

It was like seeing an old friend, familiar but with new stories to tell. Thank you thank you for keeping Fronto alive for us all. I can’t wait to read your next prequel

[Robert B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great Fronto

Much like the prequels in the Sharpe series, it has been a great pleasure to see the return of Fronto, one of my favorite literary characters, in the first of four prequels. Another fast moving, action filled and interesting story. Could not put it down.

[Mike Yeager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fronto is back!

I found Marius Mules two years ago. I immediately was absorbed into Fronto’s world. Turns has done a magnificent job with this prequel. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Abel M Lezcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fronto Lives!!!

Very happy to read what I hope is only the first volume of the Fronto prequel series. Turney is an entertaining writer and Fronto may be his greatest character. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Hyman's Amazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Master Piece bringing Rome vividly Alive

Rome breathes and sweats in this mesmerizing tale of the Ninth, Caesar's favorite legion. The tales of Fronto's beginning transport you to a recuperating Republic. Breathe deep of imperium and live through these epic moments!

[Jonathan McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Fronto is back. Before!

I too missed Fronto. And this prequel does not disappoint. All I can say is more, please! I cannot wait

[John Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome.

Absolutely superb. What a great series. I have read them all and every book is excellent. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. Then read the rest.

[Harry Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A spellbinding novel, on e again Mr Turney has excelled as an
author, always wondered how Fronto started lut. Keep them coming g please

[Phil Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fronto

Filling in the gaps are tremendous and helps to understand how you build such a good story. Hopefully frontos stories can continue

[J Cracknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted on Amazon

[Linda Susan Garman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost

This is a great ending to a fantastic saga while it cycles back to the the beginning of the story it in some way makes the acceptance of Ceasers assination easier to handle..