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Marius' Mules #10
Fields of Mars
The war in Gaul is over, but the fight for Rome is only just beginning. Denied his consulship by the senate and nearing the end of his term as governor, Caesar waits at Ravenna with one legion, making a last attempt at reconciliation. Threatened with prosecution if he returns to Rome, just one path is becoming clear: war against the senate.
Fronto and Galronus are bound to the service of the Proconsul, facing a war against other Romans, and able neither to prevent nor avoid it. Caesar’s path to safety will take them the length of Italy, and to familiar old lands in southern Gaul and Spain, where their friends and family now wait, believing themselves safe from hostilities.
With a new officer stirring up trouble, Pompey and the senate defying them, a father-in-law busily incriminating himself and powerful Roman generals consolidating positions against them, Fronto and his friend are bound for that worst of all conflicts: Civil War.
Fronto and Galronus are bound to the service of the Proconsul, facing a war against other Romans, and able neither to prevent nor avoid it. Caesar’s path to safety will take them the length of Italy, and to familiar old lands in southern Gaul and Spain, where their friends and family now wait, believing themselves safe from hostilities.
With a new officer stirring up trouble, Pompey and the senate defying them, a father-in-law busily incriminating himself and powerful Roman generals consolidating positions against them, Fronto and his friend are bound for that worst of all conflicts: Civil War.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2017
173 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
92 books493 followersSimon 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 11, 2021
Caesar crosses the Rubicon and lets the die be cast
This volume is full of political and military maneuvers with a smaller proportion of actual combat than the preceding volumes. For a year of mostly non battle this is a pretty interesting and suspenseful novel. As usual, Mr. Turney's Historical Note at the end puts it all in understandable perspective. Hero or villain of the Roman Republic, in this novel Caesar is considerably more preferable than Pompey.
This volume is full of political and military maneuvers with a smaller proportion of actual combat than the preceding volumes. For a year of mostly non battle this is a pretty interesting and suspenseful novel. As usual, Mr. Turney's Historical Note at the end puts it all in understandable perspective. Hero or villain of the Roman Republic, in this novel Caesar is considerably more preferable than Pompey.
June 15, 2017
The Rubicon River, a rather insignificant stream with a rather major significance. Fronto is once again with Gaius Julius Caesar and follows him across that river and into open rebellion against fellow Romans. In MM X, the author presents the events of Caesar's siege of Massilia and his campaign in Hispania against Pompey's legions. In a nice bit of plot interweaving, we find Fronto, once again in charge of a legion, with Caesar at Ilerda while at the same time he is also mentally occupied with the Massilia situation due to his business interests there and the fact that his nice villa is now a Roman camp. The cast is replete with some old favorites, Galronus, Antonius, Brutus, and a nice cameo from Musgava and crew. On the flip side we have some nasties like Ahenobarbus and Petreius for example. We are also introduced to an intriguing character, Salvius Cursor, one of those characters who make you wonder if you're supposed to hate him or to like him - trust me, you'll understand as you read the book. The author puts on another display of his battle prowess, but to me it was more of a story about the characters; the mindsets of Caesar - the way he prosecutes this war; Fronto and the fact that he is aging but can't stay out of the action; Salvius and his need for bloodshed. It is a masterful telling of historical events that changed the Roman world with a fine smattering of fictional tweaking. It is sad to realize that we are on the down slope of Marius Mules; only five more volumes to go. :-) 4.7 stars
July 7, 2018
The test of any long running series is how eager the readers are for the next volume; whether they are still as excited by the anticipation of the next volume as they were for the second or third. It is inevitable that the occasional entry will disappoint. Perhaps because events don't follow the path the reader wants; after all, we come to know the main characters and have our own expectations of them. Perhaps the author just had a poor spell. Sometimes financial considerations - particularly from publishers - seem to persuade an author to draw out a story to the point of repetitive tedium (can you hear me, Mr Cornwell, with poor old Uhtred?)
Where a series is planned as fifteen books, the author has taken on quite a challenge. But that is what Simon Turney set out to do with his 'Marius Mules' series. It was these books which first brought him to my attention, and although he has branched out, and written in other periods and settings, the series is still going strong. Ostensibly, the story of Marcus Aurelius Fronto, it follows his life and career as a legionary commander through the wars in Gaul and beyond. But he is just a device; the books are really about Julius Caesar, for Fronto is one of his legates and senior officers. His life and career are tied up with Caeser's, and allow the author to tell his story from a different viewpoint.
Fronto is never an uncritical follower, though. He is fully aware of Caeser's character, motives and weaknesses, and on more than one occasion in the past has walked away into civilian life. But by the time of this book, he has returned to the fold, compelled by events in previous books to throw in his lot with Caeser as civil war looms, and everyone has to choose sides.
This book follows the early events of that civil war; crossing the Rubicon, armies chasing each other up and down Italy, Pompey's escape to the East, the siege of Massilia, and events in Hispania. Although not in any real official capacity at the beginning, Fronto plays a role in many of these events, along with Galronus, one of his oldest friends, who also happens to be nearly family!
Fronto is still conflicted; he has to work with Caeser, as his family's future depends on it. But he has no love for the man; seeing him as the lesser of two evils. When required, he will always do the best he can, but he is also aware of the dangers of civil war. Much is made of Romans killing Romans here, and how soldiers and officers react and deal with that. A new tribune who has something of a bloodlust is a constant thorn in Fronto's side, but their interaction works well to make us think about what were very real issues.
As usual, the author writes a compelling story. these characters have developed over many books now, and we feel we know them. We almost know their feelings and motivations before we read them. We can also feel their anguish when they have to do things against their better judgement.
With the civil war now under way, everyone knows there is no going back. They are fighting for their lives, and the safety of their families and friends. There will be setbacks and betrayals; Roman will kill Roman. For now, Fronto and his family are safe. The remaining books will be intriguing; we know what eventually happens to the historical figures. The author cannot change that. But what does he have in store for Fronto? I, along with many others, am keen to find out.
Where a series is planned as fifteen books, the author has taken on quite a challenge. But that is what Simon Turney set out to do with his 'Marius Mules' series. It was these books which first brought him to my attention, and although he has branched out, and written in other periods and settings, the series is still going strong. Ostensibly, the story of Marcus Aurelius Fronto, it follows his life and career as a legionary commander through the wars in Gaul and beyond. But he is just a device; the books are really about Julius Caesar, for Fronto is one of his legates and senior officers. His life and career are tied up with Caeser's, and allow the author to tell his story from a different viewpoint.
Fronto is never an uncritical follower, though. He is fully aware of Caeser's character, motives and weaknesses, and on more than one occasion in the past has walked away into civilian life. But by the time of this book, he has returned to the fold, compelled by events in previous books to throw in his lot with Caeser as civil war looms, and everyone has to choose sides.
This book follows the early events of that civil war; crossing the Rubicon, armies chasing each other up and down Italy, Pompey's escape to the East, the siege of Massilia, and events in Hispania. Although not in any real official capacity at the beginning, Fronto plays a role in many of these events, along with Galronus, one of his oldest friends, who also happens to be nearly family!
Fronto is still conflicted; he has to work with Caeser, as his family's future depends on it. But he has no love for the man; seeing him as the lesser of two evils. When required, he will always do the best he can, but he is also aware of the dangers of civil war. Much is made of Romans killing Romans here, and how soldiers and officers react and deal with that. A new tribune who has something of a bloodlust is a constant thorn in Fronto's side, but their interaction works well to make us think about what were very real issues.
As usual, the author writes a compelling story. these characters have developed over many books now, and we feel we know them. We almost know their feelings and motivations before we read them. We can also feel their anguish when they have to do things against their better judgement.
With the civil war now under way, everyone knows there is no going back. They are fighting for their lives, and the safety of their families and friends. There will be setbacks and betrayals; Roman will kill Roman. For now, Fronto and his family are safe. The remaining books will be intriguing; we know what eventually happens to the historical figures. The author cannot change that. But what does he have in store for Fronto? I, along with many others, am keen to find out.
November 14, 2020
To compliment or to complement
The improper usage of compliment and complement again rears its ugly head in this novel, as it does in many of the previous books. Also, confidant and confidante are misapplied. These are but two examples of many. The fact that these two recur in virtually every book suggests the editors/proofreaders haven't the foggiest notion of the difference and cannot dismiss the misuse as simple typos. Truly appalling editing!
The improper usage of compliment and complement again rears its ugly head in this novel, as it does in many of the previous books. Also, confidant and confidante are misapplied. These are but two examples of many. The fact that these two recur in virtually every book suggests the editors/proofreaders haven't the foggiest notion of the difference and cannot dismiss the misuse as simple typos. Truly appalling editing!
July 7, 2017
Mr. Turney did it again. He sucked me in from the first page and left me wanting more. I stopped reading when I had 89% because I just didn't want the book to end, but alas I finished it and now I have to wait until next summer? c'mon.
X is a good book about, in Turney's words, a boring part of Roman history. But Fronto keeps drinking, fighting, lip-ing off and winning.
Thank you for writing and doing a good job. I appreciate that I don't have to sift through modern cursing throughout. You are an excellent writer and I am grateful for the escape you provide!
X is a good book about, in Turney's words, a boring part of Roman history. But Fronto keeps drinking, fighting, lip-ing off and winning.
Thank you for writing and doing a good job. I appreciate that I don't have to sift through modern cursing throughout. You are an excellent writer and I am grateful for the escape you provide!
June 26, 2017
Another great Marius Mules book.
Loved this book just like the first nine. They just keep getting better as we get to know the people and how they are injected into history. True some of the history has been tweeted but not too badly and has stayed pretty true to the times as we progress to know them.
Loved this book just like the first nine. They just keep getting better as we get to know the people and how they are injected into history. True some of the history has been tweeted but not too badly and has stayed pretty true to the times as we progress to know them.
March 22, 2018
SO GOOD
This is my second time reading the series of Fronto, brilliant in every way. Intrege action, fact brilliantly mixed with fiction. Mr Turney is a master of his trade. Can't wait for No eleven and must the series end at fifteen. Everything from Mr Turney is brilliant, thank you keep them coming.
This is my second time reading the series of Fronto, brilliant in every way. Intrege action, fact brilliantly mixed with fiction. Mr Turney is a master of his trade. Can't wait for No eleven and must the series end at fifteen. Everything from Mr Turney is brilliant, thank you keep them coming.
July 22, 2017
Very enjoyable!
It is clear the author enjoys writing about his subjects and has a great understanding of the days of Cesarean domination of the Gauls and the Iberian peninsula. A page turner.
It is clear the author enjoys writing about his subjects and has a great understanding of the days of Cesarean domination of the Gauls and the Iberian peninsula. A page turner.
October 4, 2017
keeps getting better
excellent ,well wrtten.Like Carlesburg it's probably got the least number of typos or boo _ boos in any e book i have read.By way the stories so far have all been excellent,bring in the next one
excellent ,well wrtten.Like Carlesburg it's probably got the least number of typos or boo _ boos in any e book i have read.By way the stories so far have all been excellent,bring in the next one
August 1, 2018
Caesar crosses the Rubicon in one of histories biggest moments and civil war with Pompey and the senate ensues. There is a lot of coming and going between Italy and Spain, but this is a fascinating look into the narrative beyond the usual textbook. Good stuff!
October 4, 2018
Excellent read which left me wanting to buy the next as the author has blended actual history with characters both fictional and historical. Fronto is feeling aged but still up for a good fight, and Caesar himself is clearly very ambitious.
July 6, 2021
Just keeps on givin'
Another cracker. Galloping with the mounted Caesarian cavalry. Building bridges with clever Roman engineers. Also liked the cameo sea battles involving Caesarian marines. Can't fault any of this series of books. Keep them coming Simon!
Another cracker. Galloping with the mounted Caesarian cavalry. Building bridges with clever Roman engineers. Also liked the cameo sea battles involving Caesarian marines. Can't fault any of this series of books. Keep them coming Simon!
March 8, 2024
This edition ( like the rest of the series ) is an enthraling read with action and adventure, political moves and Fronto on brilliant form once again. The whole series is highly recommended, straight onto XI now. Buy and enjpy. 😀😀😀😀😀
June 17, 2017
Great
Loved this book although there is not a lot of action its still great cos the characters in it make the story and its always great to look on the historical side of it .
Loved this book although there is not a lot of action its still great cos the characters in it make the story and its always great to look on the historical side of it .
August 12, 2017
Excellent! Looking forward to the next instalment in the series!
October 2, 2019
What a great complete series.
If you like Roman battle stories these are for you. Can't put them down once started. Bated breath for next episode.
If you like Roman battle stories these are for you. Can't put them down once started. Bated breath for next episode.
November 8, 2025
Fields of Mars
Once again we find Fronto In command of Ceaser's legions in Gaul and Hispania what transpires is a fantastic tale of grit and determination on Fronto and his company.
Once again we find Fronto In command of Ceaser's legions in Gaul and Hispania what transpires is a fantastic tale of grit and determination on Fronto and his company.
June 26, 2019
Love the stories of Fronto as he serves Caesar so well in his own way. This own brings us to the start of the Civil War which I know so little about but as usual the author brings history alive with fun, mishap and heroics.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews