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TRICENT #1

Commissioning

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They’re not saints, nor are they heroes. No, they’ve been chosen for something deeper, their strength, because they believe in Good, but understand they have to embrace the Evil in order to defeat it. They will do what saints can’t, what heroes won’t, fighting a secret war for an end that, at times, will require accepting horrific means.

They are Tricent, the elite unit of spies branded with one mission: to protect the very foundation of Rome and stand between peace and chaos.

Jason is a slave and ex-gladiator, young, beautiful, and hardened by his struggle to survive a harsh life of unspeakable evil. Mallia is an elite Senator’s daughter, embedded in a privileged world she’s come to despise. Argus and Tacitus are disgraced soldiers, cast from their legion and the only life they’ve known. Assembled by Severus, a retired General and close confidant of the Emperor, they will die to their old lives and be reborn as something entirely different.

TRICENT is a modern story of intrigue, heartache, romance, and suspense set against the backdrop of an imagined Ancient Rome in all its glory and horror.

376 pages, Unknown Binding

First published February 18, 2016

2 people are currently reading
118 people want to read

About the author

Alyson Santos

21 books945 followers
I’m a writer, musician, and cat lover. Not always in that order.

I write what needs to come out, whether it’s pain, tears, or laughter. I write people and relationships, about the beauty and horror of what we do to ourselves and each other. I write Love. Vengeance. Compassion. Cruelty. Trust. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Darkness, and the incredible way humans destroy and heal each other.

I like to eradicate barriers, refusing to be confined by the laws of physics or limitations of reality. I will befriend a vast population of possibilities and introduce them in ways that might surprise you.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for dreamerinexile.
736 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2016
Courageous warriors fighting against vicious & powerful senate 10 gazillion stars

Holy Batman in Gotham! What did I just read? To say my little geeky heart is ecstatic at this moment would be a freaking understatement. Alyson Santos has blown me away with her debut novel. Tricent Commissioning is a story of great intrigue revolving around Rome’s greatest Emperor. It takes us on a journey of intense emotion with a heartless senate in cahoots with their sadistic puppets, waiting to wreak havoc on innocent lives. The one thing standing in the way of utter annihilation of Rome is the few brave and courageous warriors. Warriors that have endured pain beyond comprehension, these brave souls will sacrifice everything to ensure that Rome stands not in the hands of a dictator hell bent on power.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a slave? What it’s like to be the Emperor’s most fierce general? Do you ever wonder what goes in the minds of legionnaires who have been forced to leave the army in disgrace? How the daughter of an elite Senator feels when she sees atrocities unfolding in front of her eyes? We get an intimate and up close and personal look into the lives of the elites and privileged as well as the discarded and forgottens. Tricent Commissioning clearly depicts the hungry beast that power is and how it can corrupts the mind. How easily and without conscience the Senate can take advantage of the innocents as well as the helpless. From chapter one until the end, I was on a ride that not only gave me an insight into the lives of the long forgotten heroes and villains but it gave me an experience that will forever leave its presence in my heart.

The story starts off with Jason, the slave, the gladiator, the one person in this story that literally shattered my heart with his every step into the story. To say his story was the hardest and most painful to read would be an understatement. How can a person live when his every movement can lead to beatings, rape, degradation and even death? As I said power corrupts, power feeds, power seduces. It devours everything around it until nothing is left but a shell of a once beautiful existence. You would do anything to impress a man of power and slay the innocent. The unprotected.

From Jason, we move on to Tacitus and Argus. *sigh* They were both in the Emperors elite legion but were forced to leave it. Tacitus lost more than Argus, and when the truth behind the dishonorably discharge was revealed, my heart yet again bled for the young warrior. He had lost everything dear to him because of a power hungry monster who was yet again wreaking havoc in the lives of foreigners and happily spreading lies.

Then we meet, Mallia, the young, impressionable at times but incredibly compassionate daughter of Senator Lucius Justus. Due to her father’s power she is very close to the Emperor’s niece and hence finds herself in the midst of the secret surrounding Tricent. I loved her courage and the kindness she showed to the less fortunate. When Severus, who happens to by my other true love, comes forward with the plan to help keep Rome safe from the clutches of the evil Senate (not all Senate members were evil just the majority), and explained how the whole thing will play out. My heart bleed and whooped at the same time. He had brought together a group of people who had a lot to lose yet they were the best of the best, they were the only salvation for Rome. They each had to be the other’s stone, they each had to shoulder each other’s burden, they each had to wipe the blood off and make sure no one gave up.

And then came Severus, a true hero and mentor. A brave soldier who was putting everything in line and his words. Oh evil spawns of Satan in hell! His words at every stage as I read on made me feel. I felt the strike of each word because they were true. They were real and those words was the sole reason for Tricent Commissioning. There were moments in this book when I wanted to gut the evil ones. So much hatred, so much greed for power, so much cruelty. A word to the wise, there will be moments in this story when you will want to dive inside with a gladius and shove the blade into the dark hearts of each evil spirit. The horror that unfolds will make you want to go and save these precious few who are doing everything in their power to keep us safe.

As the story progressed, one broken soul felt a spark of light called hope. Another felt their heart break into pieces as they watched a statue come alive and then go dead. Another felt a ray of sunlight in the shape of a tiny inferno called Seia. Another felt himself fall irrevocably in love with an innocent elite. And another watched while his secret warriors waged their battles against evil that was common in Rome.

Alyson Santos has left me feeling a whole gamut of emotions. She has ripped my thoughts apart, pulled my conscience out into the open to face the evil that was circling Rome. I’ve read many books in my life, but I have never called anyone my No. 1 author, haven’t placed any book as my no. 1 book, and haven’t loved characters whom I have placed on my no. 1 list. Yet I cannot but give that title to this young and new author. Thank you from the bottom of a geek’s heart, you’ve given her an awe-inspiring experience. I thank you for Rus, Jase, Taci, Argo and Lia! I cannot wait to read more of her work. She’s totally captured my heart and I am glad that she’s taken it hostage.
Profile Image for Eli Peters.
163 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2016
As I stare at the end of this book, I find it hard to put my thoughts of the world I just left into words. Tricent Commissioning took me to a place I have never been. Gladiators, warriors, slaves, and aristocrats from the ancient world of Rome.

There are many characters in the story who I hated and others who I loved. The author does a fabulous job of making a distinguished difference between the two. The characters make this story so enjoyable. As the reader, it is remarkable to understand the different personalities & stations in their lives.

Mallia, a young female aristocrat, is a character who I found myself continually cheering for. As a woman in this time, her purpose is to marry. This isn't necessarily her wants but the expected. Her peers in life are filled with corruption and disgust. Other females her age are vain and self absorbed. However, she wants and needs a greater purpose in life.

Jason, a young gladiator, truly touched my heart as he is trapped in this world of torment controlled by men in a world rampant with greed and lust. Is there hope that he will survive? Can he be part of the greater good? Or has the abuse he endured done too much damage?

“Jason doesn’t show much. He is a bronze statue, but in order for him to survive, someone will have to share his burden. Someone will have to reach into the darkness of his soul and pull him out.”

This is where the intrigue of the Tricent begins. Who will be a part of it? Who helps control the foundation for the greater good? Will the Tricent succeed?

"As members of Tricent, you will have to make decisions that will haunt you, torture you, if you have any hope of winning the war for Good.”

Different is what I wanted...I love that this book gave it to me tenfold. I love that it is just the beginning. I can't wait for what I hope is much more to come. Thank you, Alyson Santos. I look forward to more from the members of the Tricent.
Profile Image for Jenny Castner.
1 review
March 19, 2016
This book is fantastic. It will immediately have you captivated when you begin the novel and it will keep you wanting more when you're finished. The characters are out of this world! I am not necessarily interest in historic & psychological thrillers about Rome, but I truly believe that anyone could read this book and love it. It definitely has something in it for everyone. To the readers out there willing to take a chance on something that they don't usually read, I urge you to do just that. You will not regret it. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Christina Pannell.
534 reviews23 followers
December 2, 2016
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hate that it took so me so long to actually get this book read. New baby will do that lol.
I loved so much about this. Jason I love him and how much of a badass gladiator he is. I loved Tacitus and Argus' friendship from the start.
I don't really have anything bad to say except for the beginning it was hard to get into , but, once the chapters started things went so much better.
I'm sure there will be more of the Tricent Commissioning and I can't wait to read them.
Profile Image for Lorie.
751 reviews113 followers
September 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. It was light on the romance but had just enough to keep me engrossed and wanting more. This was such a nice break from my usual reads. Stepping outside my normal reading nook keeps things interesting and this was downright mesmerizing. While it didn't end on a cliffhanger, I'm fairly certain the Tricent's work isn't finished. I hope we get more, and if not I'll just have to write the rest of Jason and Mallia's story in my head and give them the HEA I want them to have even though I'm sure it won't be nearly as fabulous as what Alyson would give me.

If you're looking for something different and palate cleansing, definitely give this a go. If the story doesn't suck you in, Alyson's writing certainly will.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Van Horn.
13 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2016
For years I loved to read historical romance, especially those set in Roman times. Then slowly, I found myself transitioning away from my roots to explore other romance genres, leaving behind what I’d loved for so long. That is until two weeks ago, when I saw the cover of Tricent Commissioning. Instantly, I was intrigued and went straight to Amazon to see what this new author’s story was all about.

“TRICENT is a modern story of intrigue, heartache, romance, and suspense set against the backdrop of an imagined Ancient Rome in all its glory and horror.”


Imagine how excited I was when I read this in the description. I flipped out and knew I had to read this book. Immediately I one-clicked this beauty, dropping everything else I was reading. From the very beginning I fell in love. It was a refreshing change from what I’d been reading and I quickly found myself immersed in perfectly depicted setting of ancient Rome.

Within these fabulously written pages we are given insight to a plethora of characters, but most notably Jason, Mallia, Tacitus, Argus and Severus. They all came from very different backgrounds but bonded together to become ghost warriors better known as Tricent. Their sole purpose as warriors is to protect the Emperor at all costs. With Severus at the helm, they embed themselves into the inner circles of the elite. Each one participating in their individual way that won’t bring attention but yet get them closer to beat the elite at their own assignation game. Throughout their dangerous game they are constantly met with obstacles that will test their faith in what they believe is right and wrong.

Severus is the Emperor’s advisor and although we meet him last, after the other four, I thought it was best to mention him first. He’s the backbone of this eclectic group. From the very beginning he carefully watches each of the members, planning how to bring them together before they become a part of Tricent. Once he has them united, he leads them on a quest for peace and justice in a society filled with everything but this. His strength and belief in his people astounded me. He gave them an inner freedom that nobody outside their circle would be able to understand and empowered them to make a difference in their world.

“A young gladiator with the physique of a god, cunning of a general, skill of an Olympian and strength of a lion? Yes, I’d say you’re destined to make many impressions throughout your life. As short as it may be.”


This description is perfect for the man known as Jason. He’s been a slave all of his life and it’s the only life he’s ever known. He’s been beaten, raped, and even though he has been trained as an unstoppable gladiator, there is nothing glamorous about this man’s life. Jason was the one I found my heart breaking for constantly. There was something so raw and innocent about him that I wanted to reach in and squeeze him. This man was born to be something so much more than a slave. Time after time we see what has been done to this man’s soul and how he struggles to be a part of Tricent as “the lion” he was born to be, yet still live the life of a slave.

The soldiers, who were dishonorably discharged from their previous positions, are Argus and Tacitus. Argus is a little rougher around the edges but we get to see a tender side of him that surprised me and made my heart warm to him. Tacitus, is exactly what I imagined as the perfect specimen of a soldier. He’s handsome, witty, strong, and yet has a softer side that would make your heart swoon. He’s constantly been asked to make decision that would make anyone cringe. Even though he loses everything, he never waivers from what his heart is telling him is the right thing to do and it makes me love him even more.

Finally we have Mallia, an aristocrat, who from the moment her eyes meet with Jason’s, she find herself headed towards an impossible road of love and longing. To play her role, she begrudgingly finds herself the close friend of the Emperor’s niece. She’s been raised in an elite society that deems a woman’s role is where a man believes it should be. She hates this ideal and longs to be free to find her own way, where she can make her own decisions about her future. One that she longed would hold Jason in it. To say she is strong is an understatement. I wouldn’t want to be in her position for anything. I doubt I would have been able to keep my mouth shut with the things she witnessed.

Every minute of this book I remained captivated by these characters. Their story held so much depth beyond Tricent. It speaks of love, loss and the restraints they find themselves born into but how even with those restraints there are ways to do what is right.

Congrats to Alyson Santos on this beautifully written journey of history during some of its most complicated times. You warmed my heart with Tricent Commissioning and brought me back to an era I’ve missed reading for so long.

"As members of Tricent, you will have to make decisions that will haunt you, torture you, if you have any hope of winning the war for Good.”

Profile Image for Jennifer.
201 reviews19 followers
March 26, 2016
Tricent was out of my normal reading genre, and typically not something I would pick up. But I was very intrigued with the story and Alyson's writing. She didn't disappoint, I really enjoyed it! It was full of action, conspiracy, and written SO well..that the fact it took place in ancient history didn't bother me. Every once and a while, I could use something different and I'm so glad I took a chance on Tricent!
Profile Image for Cathy.
959 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2017
I didn't know what to expect with this book, Romans, Gladiators, slaves, spies.......but slowly page by page I was drawn in to this epic battle of good versus evil, power and corruption. Trying to save the Emperor and stabilise Rome

Jason, a Gladiator, used for pleasure by the rich and powerful. whether that be by showing his worth in the Arena or in other ways, as a slave he has no powers, resigned to his fate. My heart broke for the boy who understands his role in the battle, and the sacrifices he is willing to make for the greater good.

Mallia, daughter of a Senator, has been raised in the aristocracy and although level headed, is a little naïve to the ways power is abused in her world. She is ahead of her time, traditionally expected purely to seek marriage, she finds her purpose with Tricent . Her eyes are opened in many ways.

Tacitus and Argus, a bit of a double act, rough around the edges but honourable men. There are real moments of emotion from these battle scarred warriors that will melt your heart.

These are the characters drawn together by Severus, the Emperor's Advisor, to create an Elite team. Severus is a good man, he sees the danger, but knows how to manipulate the games to maintain the power for good.

This is an incredibly well written tale, with a slow burn that will draw you into the world of Ancient Rome, rooting for this small group to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
699 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2018
Intriguing

This is one of the most unusual books I've read in a long time. There's more than one or two stories here. More than the fictitious lives of just two people. It's part history. Part fiction. Part understanding of the time. The story draws you in and in my case leaves you wanting more. This is an intriguing story and well written. If your looking for something different, look no further.
165 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2017
Awesome!

This story is amazing from start to finish, I don't want to explain as that would ruin it, if you like intrigue and heroes ,this is definitely a story you should read, it may be set in the past but the ideals definitely translate to today, the best book I have read in a long time and I read on average a couple a week.
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,330 reviews24 followers
July 28, 2016
Be ready to be transported to Ancient Rome where you will meet a slave, a senator's daughter, two disgraced soldiers and there fearless leader. This unlikely group comes together to take down an evil plot that will cause destruction and chaos.

Ms. Santos made you feel like you were in Rome as the gladiators battled for a win. Some of the fight scenes were gruesome but it made it all feel real. The characters range from down right vicious to ones that will steal your heart. The characters certainly made this story. The main characters were strong, noble and smart.

This is a book that was full of no stop action and turmoil. A part of history. I certainly opened my eyes to how it could be in Ancient Rome. How brutally some people were treated that you thought would be idolized. Every page of this book will captivate you, every character will wreck havoc on your emotions.

A great read.

Posted on Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
Profile Image for Christine Pappas.
17 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2016
What a refreshing story!! Alyson gave us the Roman times . This is not your average love story. It gives you characters that you love. You question loyalties. Jason to me is the heart of the story. You feel his struggles and hope for the best. I hope for more with the characters involved.
Profile Image for Christina.
426 reviews
September 20, 2016
Gladiators and warriors galore!! LOVED this story! Alyson is a GREAT writer! I'll be reading Night Shifts Black next!
Profile Image for Nana.
19 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2017
TRICENT Commissioning (Kindle Edition)
To be honest, I hesitated to read Tricent Commissioning. In high school, I had never found European/World History that appealing, but because I had real ALL of Alyson Santos' other AMAZING books, I decided to give it a go. I am so glad that I did as it was Crazy Good!
This story has romance, history, intrigue, suspense and so much more. It is a tale of cruelty, darkness, love, beauty, forgiveness, vengeance, trust and betrayal. It will give you all the feels and in places, you will want to reach right into the book and set things right. It will make you angry and break your heart in two as well.
It is an amazing tale of good vs evil. You will love the characters of Jason and Mallia, be amused by Argus and Tacitus and come to admire and respect General Severus.
All of Alyson's characters are well written, detailed, interesting and exciting!
Thank you, Alyson, please keep bringing to us, your fans, your amazing stories. I so look forward to reading them all!
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