Palatine

The Four Emperors #1

by L.J. Trafford

Debauchery. Depravity. Decadence.

Just everyday life at the imperial palace.

Whilst Emperor Nero plays with his new water organ and a cross-dressing eunuch, his wily secretary Epaphroditus manages affairs of state. But dissent and rebellion are growing across the empire, and Nero is soon to discover playtime is over.

Praetorian prefect Nymphidius Sabinus, disgusted by the moral degeneracy, secretly plots the overthrow of Nero’s court. Motivated by the traditional Roman values of valour and nobility, yet blinded by his own righteousness, Sabinus is ignorant of what he has unleashed – The Year of the Four Emperors.

'Palatine' is the first in an enthralling four-book series about the tumultuous ‘Year of the Four Emperors’ which will appeal to fans of Lindsey Davis and George R. R. Martin.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2014

About the author

L.J. Trafford studied Ancient History at the University of Reading after which she took a job as a Tour Guide in the Lake District.
Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed.
Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020.
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021

Reviews

[Ozymandias · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sardonic take on the Year of Four Emperors let down by its lack of incisive character observations and an uncomfortably prurient interest in rape and sexual slavery.

The first thing that must be noted here is that the Romans all act very modern. People are direct and not overly concerned with appearances. Words like “briefing”, “shift”, “flats”, “wank fantasy”, “technical difficulties”, etc. appear regularly. “The emperor's the most popular guy in town,” is spoken without feeling out of place. And yet somehow this didn’t bother me, and usually I’m very sensitive to “Modern Brits in togas”. I think the essential reason is that this dialogue and tone just fits so well with the world that it would almost seem odd to treat them any other way. It helps that it can be witty and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I quote, for example, the entire opening chapter:

It was Julius Vindex who started the revolt against Nero. The idea hit him with the force of a slingshot between the eyes: the emperor must go.
So obvious was this thought that Vindex could not believe that everyone else did not share it, and he eagerly scrawled out letters to the governors of the provinces neighbouring his own. Then he waited for the support he knew he would be offered.
When it did not come, when Vindex was left with silence from his contemporaries, he was puzzled rather than down-hearted. But such was his conviction, his itching impatience, that he burst into action anyway.

Such a good-natured and fun style automatically pulls you onto the book’s side and makes you take it as it presents itself.

The problem is that this style wears itself out real quick. It’s easy to amuse guests through off-the-cuff sardonic observations, but exactly how much of this can you take before it starts to grate? When every character and situation is viewed with the same mocking cynicism, how long does it take to become repetitive? For me, the answer was about 150 pages. After that point, which is about when the plot starts to pick up, nothing could pick up my flagging interest.

That’s also the point where the depravity really starts to pick up. And that’s saying something considering how oversexed Nero is in the first part. Yes, this is one of those books where everything ends up revolving around people boning. I think it’s meant to be comic, but it just comes across as repulsive. The number of rapes is astounding, and most are played off for laughs. In the main recurring example, it’s actually used to humanize the rapist. Orgies are constant. While it’s not really all that explicit, by the end I was able to guess what was going to happen in every scene by just assuming that whatever the situation was it would end up with two or more characters in bed. Or talking about going to bed. Or arguing about who they had been in bed with. The most absurd part of this is that this is happening while people are struggling for their lives. I have fortunately never had the opportunity to test this theory, but nonetheless I feel confident that when escaping for my life from bloodthirsty soldiers I would not find myself consumed with thoughts of sex.

I feel like this book could have worked if it had been shorter. And perhaps more focused. The book seems almost uninterested in the death of Nero (which gets hurried through pretty quick) or political scheming (which is constant but simplistic and rushed). It’s mostly brutal caricatures and sexual fantasies, both played for laughs. It reminded me, oddly enough, of a mix between A Song for Nero and Child of the Sun. A very strange combination of two not-great novels. By the end, I found it repugnant. And that’s a shame because the Upstairs/Downstairs view of palace life had potential and the Year of Four Emperors has never been really explored in fiction (to my knowledge).

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breezy, light-hearted look at the last years of Nero's reign, this novel was a sort of "Upstairs, Downstairs" conception of those living and working in the palace. One of the Praetorian prefects, Nymphidius Sabinus, is the driving force for the final coup to dislodge Nero from his position, leading to Nero's suicide [admittedly assisted by his secretary, Epaphroditus.] The no-nonsense Nymphidius Sabinus is the de facto ruler in the interregnum until Galba should march in from Spain. There's a sweet friendship between Philo, the secretary's bashful freedman secretary and Teretia, his landlord's daughter. The writing was really witty and humorous; I found myself chuckling all through the novel--at the action and also at some of the turns of phrase. The author's characterizations of everyone were very well drawn; each had well-defined personalities. I'm eager to read the other books in the tetralogy, all of which concern the "Year of the Four Emperors", 68-69 AD.

Highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous romp through the events of AD68 that led to the downfall of Nero, who is seen here at his decadent worst or best, depending on your point of view. I particularly enjoyed how we follow events largely through an array of slaves and servants who have an awful lot to put up with, to put it mildly. This is probably a little too salacious and gossipy a style for me, but there are sections of it that I did enjoy. Full review to follow.

[Eilymay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven't read much historical fiction about ancient Rome which is why I was attracted to this book. Feel as if it is one of the more historically accurate works in this genre and so was enjoyable from that perspective. The choice to tell the story from multiple view points is interesting. However, it did result in the fact that I actually didn't care about any of them (apart from maybe Sporus, who is without parallel). Otherwise, they are all a tad forgettable. Character development could certainly do with a bit more work!

[Vicki Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of 4 novels about the Year of Four Emperors, 69AD. It actually starts in 68AD, the year of Nero's demise. It's told mainly through the goings-on of various functionaries of the empire, some real and some fictional. An interesting historical person is Epaphroditus, Nero's secretary. Equally interesting is the fictional Philo, Epaphroditus' assistant. He's sweet and sort of clueless and rents a room from a family with an equally sweet daughter, who would be perfect for him, but he doesn't realize it. The first half of the book ends with Nero's suicide after there were various revolts against his rule, and Galba, the governor of Spain, was chosen as the next emperor by the army and many prominent politicians. The second half focuses on Nymphidius Sabinus, one of the Praetorian prefects, who believes he would be better than Galba as emperor, but is unable to get support, probably because of his insufferable personality. I'm looking forward to reading the next part of this saga.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of historical fiction so when I was offered a review copy of this book I was very excited to say the least.

This book focuses on Emperor Nero and his eventual death after the Praetorian prefect Nymphidius Sabinus decides he’s had enough of his behaviour and gets the Praetorian Guard to desert him and back Galba as Emperor.

The author decided to write this book from a number of different perspectives which made it a very interesting read. I think that’s probably the thing I liked the most about the book.. the characters and the sheer number of them. Best of all, the story didn’t feel rushed/forced and flowed nicely from one person to another

I thought each character was handled well and was given depth as the story went on even though it was subtle.. when you finish the book and look back you can see the time that has been put into each of their stories.

Ok.. so you want me to tell you somethings I didn’t like.. Well…there’s nothing really.

For me this was a well-planned/written book that hooked me in. The way the author managed to fit so many little stories into the main story was brilliant! I particularly enjoyed any conversation involving Philo. His life is so wonderfully complicated. Not to spoil anything I won’t say much but he was by far my favourite person in the book. I’ve been left wanting more.

The good news is there are 3 more books planned and I’m looking forward to Galba arriving on the scene. With my limited knowledge of the man I expect the second book will be as good as the first if not better!

I can’t really comment on historical accuracy as I’m no expert but everything seems to fit with me so I hope anyone who enjoys historical fiction will give this book a read. I wasn’t disappointed and I believe you won’t be either

[Scott Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Die is cast for a series.Review of palatine by LJ Trafford.
This is a fantastic book that takes you on a journey that you can visualize every bit from the decadent parties of Nero, The meetings of imperial officials, the various characters homes and much more. This book gives a brilliant insight into the complex government of the Roman Empire the various people that do most of the work for the emperor who are often forgotten such as Philo who is the assistant to Epaphroditus the private secretary of Emperor Nero who while Nero is descending further into Insanity tries to keep the ship that is Nero's regime afloat while plots and rebellion are spreading like fire around the empire including at the heart of power on the Palatine hill. The book has so many interesting and life like characters from a drunk Praetorian prefect, a flamboyant Eunuch, a gossipy towel holder slave, an ambitious messenger boy who just wants to find a place where he feels he belongs, a fatherly praetorian guard, a mad Emperor who is oblivious to the real world around him, a strict and noble but somewhat deluded Praetorian prefect who sees himself as a potential saviour of Rome but will he also be Rome's big undoer? This book shows that at the centre of power where people will do anything for position and nothing is certain and no one is safe. If you’re a fan of the Throne of the Caesar’s series or George RR Martin then you will love this .The die is cast for a series with Palatine and the Die is brilliant.

[John Bayliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Debauchery. Depravity. Decadence’ promises the blurb and the book does not fail to deliver!
History is full of great stories, and often those stories are best told from the viewpoint of the ‘lesser people’ – the secretaries and servants, the wives and mistresses. In Palatine, LJ Trafford shows us the chaos of the final months of Emperor Nero’s reign through the eyes of an engaging cast of ‘lesser people’, such as the shy scribe Philo, the ambitious messenger boy Alex, and the wily ‘towel-holder’ Mina. Add several colourful historical characters to the mix – such as Nero’s secretary Epaphroditus and the Praetorian prefects Tigellinus and Sabinus – and the result is a page-turning adventure through one of the most tempestuous periods of Roman History. ‘Palantine’ is fully recommended to all readers whose interests lie in the more disreputable parts of history.

[Crystal King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun (and often funny) romp through the last month or so of Caesar Nero's reign! Trafford's cast of slaves, women and soldiers that are Nero's undoing and responsible for Galba's rise are clever, colorful and endlessly interesting. The awkward but very good, Philo; the horrendous slave overseer that loves him; whip-wielding Mina; the scheming Sabinus; the drunk Tigellinus; the ever loyal secretary Epaphroditus and the extra fabulous Sporus. Keeping all these characters engaged and entwined is a feat but Trafford does it with aplomb. Can't wait to dig into the second book of the series, all about Galba!

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in such a breezy style that the horrors don't always sink in right away...

[Dan Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

L. J. Trafford’s The Four Emperors series is, in my opinion, one of the most under-rated and under-read series in all Roman historical fiction. (I read quite a lot of this stuff.) It’s well written, immensely enjoyable with great plotting and good characters, and very well researched. After reading the series, you’ll have a good handle on the year of the four emperors (69 CE), one of the most complicated brief stretches of Roman history. Of course, another job for any ancient historical novelist is to fill in the details we don’t know in a plausible and intriguing way. Trafford succeeds brilliantly in this. Her idea to relate the story largely through the eyes of the palace workforce (both slave and free) is an excellent way of tying all the action together into a coherent narrative, when the main players usually only last a few months at most!

The tone and overall feel of the series is light, with lots of humour. (As others have noted, some of this is achieved by putting modern English slang into the mouths of the characters: e.g. “to-do list,” “that sort of bird,” “the moppets,” “another muscled he-man,” “fact-finding trip,” “playing with your soldier buddies,” and “bollocks.” While these expressions may seem anachronistic on the surface, I think Trafford is careful to ensure the concepts they express are not.) Despite this light tone, you really do get very attached to some of the characters and there are some genuinely moving moments that peek through, similar to Lindsay Davis’s Falco series. If you like Falco then you’ll probably like this. However I must emphasize: you need to read the whole series to properly appreciate it (unlike with Falco). I see that the only truly negative review here is from someone who failed to do this. A mistake! There are only four quickly consumed books in the series, though, so a full read is nothing daunting.

Sometimes the humour makes for an uncomfortable juxtaposition with the (very real) brutality. I can understand why some readers would be put off by this. Personally I don’t think Trafford uses this effect to make light of sexual violence or the life of a slave; quite the opposite, in fact. Best to be forewarned that these topics are very present, however.

Overall: a must-read for any fan of ancient Roman historical fiction, and the best fictional depiction of the downfall of Nero and the civil wars to follow… as long as you don’t mind the light and humourous tone.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the show Rome, this book shows how important the lower decks were to the high level politics of ancient Roman history.

Here we see Nero and his empresses, the senators whose names are in the history books, the contenders for the throne and the generals who lead the armies - but we also meet all the people who weren't considered important enough by historians to write down their names - the slaves and servants running around the palace who helped get the food on the table, set up the rose petals and pillows for the orgies, get people in and out of togas and armor, who whispered gossip in just the right, or wrong, ear in bed, as well as the armies of bureaucrats, secretaries, and other low level government officials who helped keep the empire running.

We see the fall of Nero up close and personnel - and how involved some very low level people were to the régime change, as well as seeing how the foundations were set for the tumultuous Year of Four Emperors.

I enjoyed the breezy modern style of the prose and dialogue - it just toes the line without being full on anachronistic, but rather gets you to feel for these characters, to see them as real, flesh and blood people, rather than just dry words in some dusty old textbook.

[Daniel B. Szepesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I must admit, I usually stick to non-fiction books on Rome and I really wasn't paying attention when I bought this book so it being historical fiction caught me off guard. Within a chapter I was hooked.

Exciting, fun, engaging and tied tightly to the real facts, I raced through this book enjoying every minute. It could be argued that its a bit salacious but I would find anything that describes Roman culture in any other way as fake and unreal.

I promptly bought and enjoyed the next three in the series because within a few chapters, you are completely engaged with the characters and you are either pulling for them or cheering as the bad guys get theirs.

Slaves and the ordinary folk of Rome are usually treated as two dimensional backdrops against which the 'great men' of history perform. The author breathes life into these people and fleshes them out as humans with a society and world all their own. I don't think I will ever think of them in the same way and I am deeply grateful for that reminder of the humanity of this part of Roman culture.

[Pam Lecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't found many books lately that I had to read in one sitting but this is one. This is definitely a 'shut the world out, settle down and escape' book. It was engaging from the start, the writing was wonderful and with that ingredient that seems to be a rare commodity these days - humour. Now I wouldn't be very up to speed on Roman history (pretty much all my knowledge coming from watching I Claudius!!) but thankfully there were names here I was familiar with and it has left me with a desire to know more. And even better - this is a series.

[Fiona Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

from the eyes of slaves and freedmen

It is so good to see the full range of relationships between slave and master treated, and the individuals standing out and memorable. as the downfall of Nero becomes inevitable, I found that I was actually more interested in what would happen to Philo and Epaphroditus and Mina and Alex… there is humor and brutality and the combination works.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fictional account of the fall of Nero and the beginning of the Year of Four Emperors. I heard about Trafford's Four Emperors series on a podcast that I listen to (Totalus Rankium) and thought that I'd give it a try. Very glad I did. Great characterization, intriguing plot, and it kept me interested from beginning to end. Look forward to reading book two in the series!

[Bethany Stachowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Palatine: the four emperors series, book 1

At turns gossipy, informative, shocking, and sweet. I think L.J. Trafford has a tiny Suetonius sitting on her shoulder. And he's smiling beneficently. Time for the next installment! Highly recommended.

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant writing about a lively period of history, full of the back stabbing, raunchy and intriguing back ground story that hurtles you along, not for the faint hearted.

[charles m redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fun

A racy account of the end of Nero"s reign. Fun to read and paints a connvincing portrait of palace life. A promising start to the series.

[Susanna Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've thoroughly enjoyed a book this year.

[Greg Hollingsworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. NNF.

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, fun read with a lot going on. Generally the moments of artistic licence worked well, but sometimes the more unpleasantly graphic moments felt gratuitous and casual.

[Rosie Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book. I love anything to do with ancient Roman history and LJ Trafford brings this very convoluted period alive with her first novel in the Four Emperors Series. The tale twists and turns as the intentions of those jockeying for power become clear. I loved the intrigue that went on behind the scenes. How those within the palace tried to retain some form of control over their lives, from the freedmen down to the slaves, as everything around them collapses into chaos, bringing a very human aspect to the tale. The descriptions of the palaces and the city itself are so beautifully crafted that you can picture them as easily as though you were standing there.

This story covers what happens before the first of the so called 'Four Emperors' assumes power, including the death of Nero and someone I never expected to have any empathy for. The fear that this unexpected and seemingly, for the masses, unwanted change engenders amongst those who live and work within the Emperor's sphere of influence, is palpable. LJ Trafford's characters are beautifully written, each one with their own agenda (or an agenda forced upon them through circumstance). I was very worried about who was going to survive, but that is all I will saint wanting to spoil the story, by giving anything more away.

If you love history and enjoy a fast paced tale, ripe with chicanery, collusion and enough humour to balance the drama, I highly recommend this novel.

[Alex Gough · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year 69AD is known as the Year of the Four Emperors, for the obvious reason that four different men were declared Emperor of the Rome that year. L. J. Trafford’s quadrilogy documents the end of Nero’s reign in AD 68 and the accession and downfall of the following three emperors, Galba, Otho and Vitellius, the latter of which was finally brought down by (spoiler but not really) Vespasian. The Four Emperor’s series follows the action through the eyes of some of the major players, and some fictional hangers on.
The basic historical story, as reported by Ancient historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius, is fascinating, action-packed and full of scandal and gossip. L. J. takes all these elements and puts her own unique twist on them. The horror of life as a slave and the cruel whims of the elite are cleary described, but are leavened with tablespoons of bawdy comic relief, leaving the reader unsure whether to laugh or cry. The story of the time is well told, but in an accessible way that means the pages just turn themselves. Despite a lengthy TBR list, I have immediately downloaded and started reading book two, Galba’s men!
Disclaimer, my first published book, which is no longer available was set in the same time period. If I ever re-release it I will have to do an extensive rewrite to make it anything like this good!

[Mary Rocco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story in this book, but the writing is so chock full or egregious errors that it's like trying to read a novel written in Pig Latin. The wrong spelling has been used for every homonym (and there are so many!). There are tons of malaprops. The text spells "assess" as "access." There are so many wrong words, it makes me wonder how even a bad writer could make that many mistakes per page even if mistakes were her goal. There are lots of extra words and extra letters just tossed in throughout. I can't imagine how a book (even a cheap Kindle book) can be so devoid of any copyediting or proofreading. And, how can someone write a good story while using such illiterate language? I like the story. I'm going to read the second book. But, I still can't understand how this happens. I would have given this novel 4 stars if it showed any proficiency in the English langauge.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historical novel set in a really interesting period is always a treat when it's well done, and Palatine certainly doesn't disappoint. Set immediately before the Year of the Four Emperors, the book chronicles the events leading up to the unrest that resulted in that turbulent year.

As an historical novel it's interesting, but it is purely as a novel that this work really shines. Trafford, avoiding the mistake common to so many tyros of historical fiction, does not confine her cast of characters to the main players, but uses more humble types - slaves and freedmen, a prostitute, and so on - to tell the story in a way that results in a delightful narrative that often had me laughing out loud.

Funny but never farcical, earthy without descending into outright vulgarity, Trafford combines a sure, firm hand on the reins with a lightness of touch that made this book a joy to read.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An historical novel set in a really interesting period is always a treat when it's well done, and Palatine certainly doesn't disappoint. Set immediately before the Year of the Four Emperors, the book chronicles the events leading up to the unrest that resulted in that turbulent year.

As an historical novel it's interesting, but it is purely as a novel that this work really shines. Trafford, avoiding the mistake common to so many tyros of historical fiction, does not confine her cast of characters to the main players, but uses more humble types - slaves and freedmen, a prostitute, and so on - to tell the story in a way that results in a delightful narrative that often had me laughing out loud.

Funny but never farcical, earthy without descending into outright vulgarity, Trafford combines a sure, firm hand on the reins with a lightness of touch that made this book a joy to read.

[decio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. It's well written, interesting, and uniquely funny. It takes a genuine talent to breathe life into history, something this does effortlessly.

Each character has a distinctive voice, and the cast is diverse. Different perspectives are enjoyable and give a fascinating insight. I have to say, I feel some authors struggle writing men, but that wasn't an issue here; it was done exceptionally well, in fact.

Overall, incredible; I loved it. It was never boring, not even for a sentence. Will definitely be buying the next one! Keep writing in a similar fashion, because I honestly can't criticize anything. Book deserves thousands of reviews; it's just that good.

[Mandy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read historical fiction, but I absolutely loved this. I got thoroughly involved with all of the characters and couldn't put it down. Viewing the events through the eyes of the slaves certainly brought ancient Rome to life for me and I can't wait for the next instalment. I've lent my copy to my sister so I'm struggling to remember names, but I'm now strangely attached to the slave overseer who's madly in love with Philo. And, of course, I want to know what happens next with Sporus! Engrossing, funny and human.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Witty, great characters, authentic - the brutality and the debauchery of life in Nero's palace come to life in Book I of Trafford's The Four Emperors series.

All right - I admit I am not an expert on Ancient Rome, but Palatine feels authentic. The author did her job, taking me back in time and showing me the incredible opulence of Rome. She provided a picture of the daily lives of the ruling class and of freedmen and of slaves. She made me feel - love, hate, empathy, disgust. That is what a writer should do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.