What do you think?
Rate this book
Praetorian #3
Eagles of Dacia
At the mercy of the scheming Imperial Chamberlain, Cleander, Rufinus is dispatched to Dacia, a land of untamed beauty at the edge of the Roman world, with orders to investigate the two legionary commanders there for signs of treason.
Uncertain what to expect from his mission, the two generals, or the land itself, Rufinus travels east with Senova and his faithful hound, Acheron. But machinations and skullduggery are afoot in Dacia, and the young praetorian is walking into the heart of empire-changing events.
As the generals Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger work to put the province right following recent invasions and revolts, Rufinus begins his investigation, suffering insubordinate soldiers, unseen attackers and dangerous locals.
At the edge of the world, Rufinus is about to stumble across a web that will put him in direct danger and threaten the empire to its core.
Welcome to Dacia.
Uncertain what to expect from his mission, the two generals, or the land itself, Rufinus travels east with Senova and his faithful hound, Acheron. But machinations and skullduggery are afoot in Dacia, and the young praetorian is walking into the heart of empire-changing events.
As the generals Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger work to put the province right following recent invasions and revolts, Rufinus begins his investigation, suffering insubordinate soldiers, unseen attackers and dangerous locals.
At the edge of the world, Rufinus is about to stumble across a web that will put him in direct danger and threaten the empire to its core.
Welcome to Dacia.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2017
274 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
93 books495 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 20, 2020
Change of pace from the recent books I've been reading lately; this one was a very exciting purely escapist novel. Through all descriptions, action, dialogue I felt I was right there observing the action. In this episode, Rufinus and company are shunted off to Dacia, to find out if there are any nefarious goings-on. Of course there are, which Rufinus discovers. There are the usual quota of battles, skirmishes, and betrayals. Having run afoul of evil Roman officers, much of the novel details Rufinus' escape from them. There was a bit on the culture ofsome of the steppe people of that area and Rufinus' interactions with them. Senova, his "wife", comes into her own.
The end was a bit incredible and I took it as a set-up for the next novel in the series.
Highly recommended.
The end was a bit incredible and I took it as a set-up for the next novel in the series.
Highly recommended.
January 12, 2018
An entertaining romp across the Roman empire
It proved almost impossible to put this book down, such was the pace and intensity of the story. The author brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel you are actually in there and amongst them. This is a first rate book, accurately describing the political machinations and double dealing in ancient Roman society. Well recommended.
It proved almost impossible to put this book down, such was the pace and intensity of the story. The author brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel you are actually in there and amongst them. This is a first rate book, accurately describing the political machinations and double dealing in ancient Roman society. Well recommended.
January 23, 2018
A most enjoyable journey is this, the third book in the Praetorian series. Rufinus has been dispatched on a mission to a remote corner of the Empire; a mission that demands success from the odious chancellor Cleander, who has Rufinus' brother held hostage to ensure this success. What follows is a roller coaster of a ride as Rufinus, Senova, and Acheron the wonder dog traverse the Danubian world seeking to find evidence of treason among the area's governors. Once again, the author transported me to a region of the globe I am not too familiar with, but which he has trod, and the result is a dazzling display of descriptive narrative. This combined with a flair for fascinating characters, wonderful dialogue, and a truly believable tale make Eagles of Dacia an entertaining read. The only question I have for Mr. Turney is this: why do you dislike Rufinus so much? After all the torment and pain he endured in the first two books, he could have used a bit of a breather. Just kidding, after all, that's one of the traits that makes Rufinus so interesting; his resilience under extreme duress. 4.8 stars - maybe he'll catch a break in book 4. :-)
October 16, 2022
Den första tredjedelen var riktigt tråkig. Sedan artade det sig. Det verkar som om författaren är ojämn, men gör sitt bästa jobb kring intriger snarare än mer rättfram syssla. Kommer att läsa vol 4.
October 26, 2020
I loved this series *except for this book of the series* ....stick with me and I'll try to explain the best I can....
So, I have read all the books in the series and has such a hard time putting each book down except for this one which I stopped reading about one-third of the way through and moved on to the next one and then the one after that before finally going back to finish this one. I do have a solid reason though... Have you ever found a TV show, movie(s) or book(s) that you would absolutely love but for it having one specific character? Admittedly, this is an extremely rare occurrence. It's just that one character irritates you to the point where you feel like "Why is this person even here?" The story does not need him/her and he or she continually makes things more difficult, gets in the way, every time their mouth opens or they do some thing it takes away from the story or pollutes the story line in an unnecessary way. Yeah? Well, for me, Senova, is that character!
In the other books of the series she is a background character that jumps to the front of the story here and there before gracefully stepping back out of the way. She contributes bits and pieces to the series here and there but could easily be taken from the series unnoticed. There is nothing wrong with that but I am one off those people that doesn't understand why every movie (or tv show, or book) has to have a secondary story of love involved (I get that creators are trying to appeal to both genders and mind sets, making it so that a couple on a date or maybe even the old married couple can watch the movie or read the book together and both be entertained, psychologically moved, etc by both plots).
Oops... I went on a side-rant, I do apologise!
Now, as I was saying.... She was there in the series but not really a major or even important character but she was there, adding a love story in, and also used to show that the Emperor's brother in law was a good man in his treatment toward Senova. I liked the character just fine and was fine with a love story so long as it wasn't admitting or harm the story and historical accuracy.
HOWEVER... she was way more present in Book #03 "The Eagles of Dacia" and I began to dislike the character who i previously liked just fine. She quickly became "That Character" shooting off her mouth to the point of potentially harming her 'boyfriend's career, rude and out of line when the opposite would get the point across much better, she was demanding and acted as if she had entitlement issues, it was just so extremely off-putting.
Okay, I've gone on and on more than I should.
I want to reiterate that the other four books were spectacular! I truly loved them! My favourite characters were Dis and Vibius Cestius for very specific reasons. I loved them both but specifically I liked the Frumentarii, Vibius Cestius, although it's hard to explain exactly why, it's all because his personality and unusual appearance reminded me so so so much of a man (who is now deceased) that was an extremely close friend of my family. I actually am tempted to write a letter to the author regarding this but I don't want to boar the man to sleep with my cr@ppy writing and boring story.
Any way, I heavily recommend the series.... Just not this specific book.
So, I have read all the books in the series and has such a hard time putting each book down except for this one which I stopped reading about one-third of the way through and moved on to the next one and then the one after that before finally going back to finish this one. I do have a solid reason though... Have you ever found a TV show, movie(s) or book(s) that you would absolutely love but for it having one specific character? Admittedly, this is an extremely rare occurrence. It's just that one character irritates you to the point where you feel like "Why is this person even here?" The story does not need him/her and he or she continually makes things more difficult, gets in the way, every time their mouth opens or they do some thing it takes away from the story or pollutes the story line in an unnecessary way. Yeah? Well, for me, Senova, is that character!
In the other books of the series she is a background character that jumps to the front of the story here and there before gracefully stepping back out of the way. She contributes bits and pieces to the series here and there but could easily be taken from the series unnoticed. There is nothing wrong with that but I am one off those people that doesn't understand why every movie (or tv show, or book) has to have a secondary story of love involved (I get that creators are trying to appeal to both genders and mind sets, making it so that a couple on a date or maybe even the old married couple can watch the movie or read the book together and both be entertained, psychologically moved, etc by both plots).
Oops... I went on a side-rant, I do apologise!
Now, as I was saying.... She was there in the series but not really a major or even important character but she was there, adding a love story in, and also used to show that the Emperor's brother in law was a good man in his treatment toward Senova. I liked the character just fine and was fine with a love story so long as it wasn't admitting or harm the story and historical accuracy.
HOWEVER... she was way more present in Book #03 "The Eagles of Dacia" and I began to dislike the character who i previously liked just fine. She quickly became "That Character" shooting off her mouth to the point of potentially harming her 'boyfriend's career, rude and out of line when the opposite would get the point across much better, she was demanding and acted as if she had entitlement issues, it was just so extremely off-putting.
Okay, I've gone on and on more than I should.
I want to reiterate that the other four books were spectacular! I truly loved them! My favourite characters were Dis and Vibius Cestius for very specific reasons. I loved them both but specifically I liked the Frumentarii, Vibius Cestius, although it's hard to explain exactly why, it's all because his personality and unusual appearance reminded me so so so much of a man (who is now deceased) that was an extremely close friend of my family. I actually am tempted to write a letter to the author regarding this but I don't want to boar the man to sleep with my cr@ppy writing and boring story.
Any way, I heavily recommend the series.... Just not this specific book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2017
Review to follow
December 9, 2017
After a quick rise through the ranks in the first book of the series and just as quick a fall from grace in the second, Gnaeus Rustius Rufinus is sent to Dacia in something that is halfway between a mission (to check the loyalty of the governors) and an exile (Cleander, the imperial chamberlain wanting to send him as far away as possible from Rome). It is this journey that is covered in the book, plus a whole bunch of trouble that Rufinus has a real talent for getting himself into.
Rufinus is accompanied by Senova, the freed slave girl he meets and falls in love with in the first book, and Acheron - the dog he acquires from the dead Sarmatian guard Dis, also in the first book. On the way they'll acquire a slave boy, Luca, putting the numbers of the travelling party up to 4 (5 if we consider Atalanta the mare). The journey starts immediately outside Dacia, in the province of Moesia, and so does the intrigue. An adventure full of twists and bumps follows, taking our heroes at the Northernmost reaches of the empire, followed by a journey down through barbarian lands and an unexpected end point. It's hard to speak too much about the plot without giving away the pleasure of discovering it, as Simon does a fine job of always adding unexpected turns. Therefore, even this is a book centered around a journey, there's plenty of adventure to be had on the way, peppered with the usual sieges, battles and fights.
I suppose one way of looking at the Praetorian series is that adventure is the substance being molded into the various shapes of each book: political intrigue in the first, addiction and fall from grace in the second, travelling and discovery of exotic lands in this third. And all of this is backed by Simon's excellent documentation and research, recreating the atmosphere of late 2nd century Rome in fine detail. This recreation of the atmosphere includes gems like 'They had acquired four local guards with unpronounceable names, only a dozen teeth between them and less command of Latin than your average pomegranate.' or 'A good punishment detail will change arms with each stroke so that the blows cross and do more harm.' They don't teach this kind of stuff in religious studies.
While all the story-lines in the Praetorian series are works of fiction, they are based around important historical events, and although we do not know of the historical existence of any Praetorian soldier called Rufinus, the historical characters in the books are captured not only accurately, but by giving them a real voice it becomes very easy to understand their thoughts and motivations. After we've met Marcus Aurelius and Commodus in the first book, Pertinax and Septimius Severus in the second, in Praetorian III we get introduced to two other Roman emperors, namely Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, bringing the gallery of emperors in the Praetorian series up to an impressive six so far (although 3 of them will have a very short lived reign). But while the list of Roman Emperors reads Commodus (177-192) - Pertinax (193) - Didius Julianus (193) - Pescennius Niger (193) - Clodius Albinus (193) - Sepimius Severus (193-211), having them as characters in a book gives a better understanding of how the wheels of the 'great game' spin.
There are three elements that I particularly appreciate about Praetorian III, though I will only mention each of them without too much details, with a view to the same care I mentioned earlier, not to spoil the book for people who might read this review first:
- the mirror journey: over the course of two weeks in April 2017 Simon took a trip largely along the route he will send Rufinus on, later in the year. There is a bonus feature in the book that makes the reader part of both adventures;
- the gold mines plot: contemporary sources give the gold of the Western Carpathians as one of the main reasons for Trajan's invasion of Dacia. Impressive quantities of gold are mentioned in relation to Trajan's plundering of the province, but more impressive still is the fact that 19 centuries later Gabriel Resources spent an alleged $17 million in bribes for the rights to keep mining gold from a region where gold has been mined since Roman times. It is therefore right that the gold mines at Alburnus Maior feature heavily in the plot of Praetorian III and Simon has found a way to do this that is entirely believable.
- the end twist: I will not say much about it, obviously, just that I am rather excited about Rufinus' new patron and I am therefore looking forward to Praetorian IV. Late 2018, I hear.
Rufinus is accompanied by Senova, the freed slave girl he meets and falls in love with in the first book, and Acheron - the dog he acquires from the dead Sarmatian guard Dis, also in the first book. On the way they'll acquire a slave boy, Luca, putting the numbers of the travelling party up to 4 (5 if we consider Atalanta the mare). The journey starts immediately outside Dacia, in the province of Moesia, and so does the intrigue. An adventure full of twists and bumps follows, taking our heroes at the Northernmost reaches of the empire, followed by a journey down through barbarian lands and an unexpected end point. It's hard to speak too much about the plot without giving away the pleasure of discovering it, as Simon does a fine job of always adding unexpected turns. Therefore, even this is a book centered around a journey, there's plenty of adventure to be had on the way, peppered with the usual sieges, battles and fights.
I suppose one way of looking at the Praetorian series is that adventure is the substance being molded into the various shapes of each book: political intrigue in the first, addiction and fall from grace in the second, travelling and discovery of exotic lands in this third. And all of this is backed by Simon's excellent documentation and research, recreating the atmosphere of late 2nd century Rome in fine detail. This recreation of the atmosphere includes gems like 'They had acquired four local guards with unpronounceable names, only a dozen teeth between them and less command of Latin than your average pomegranate.' or 'A good punishment detail will change arms with each stroke so that the blows cross and do more harm.' They don't teach this kind of stuff in religious studies.
While all the story-lines in the Praetorian series are works of fiction, they are based around important historical events, and although we do not know of the historical existence of any Praetorian soldier called Rufinus, the historical characters in the books are captured not only accurately, but by giving them a real voice it becomes very easy to understand their thoughts and motivations. After we've met Marcus Aurelius and Commodus in the first book, Pertinax and Septimius Severus in the second, in Praetorian III we get introduced to two other Roman emperors, namely Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, bringing the gallery of emperors in the Praetorian series up to an impressive six so far (although 3 of them will have a very short lived reign). But while the list of Roman Emperors reads Commodus (177-192) - Pertinax (193) - Didius Julianus (193) - Pescennius Niger (193) - Clodius Albinus (193) - Sepimius Severus (193-211), having them as characters in a book gives a better understanding of how the wheels of the 'great game' spin.
There are three elements that I particularly appreciate about Praetorian III, though I will only mention each of them without too much details, with a view to the same care I mentioned earlier, not to spoil the book for people who might read this review first:
- the mirror journey: over the course of two weeks in April 2017 Simon took a trip largely along the route he will send Rufinus on, later in the year. There is a bonus feature in the book that makes the reader part of both adventures;
- the gold mines plot: contemporary sources give the gold of the Western Carpathians as one of the main reasons for Trajan's invasion of Dacia. Impressive quantities of gold are mentioned in relation to Trajan's plundering of the province, but more impressive still is the fact that 19 centuries later Gabriel Resources spent an alleged $17 million in bribes for the rights to keep mining gold from a region where gold has been mined since Roman times. It is therefore right that the gold mines at Alburnus Maior feature heavily in the plot of Praetorian III and Simon has found a way to do this that is entirely believable.
- the end twist: I will not say much about it, obviously, just that I am rather excited about Rufinus' new patron and I am therefore looking forward to Praetorian IV. Late 2018, I hear.
July 14, 2018
Simon Turney is one of my 'go to' authors for great stories set in the ancient world. He is a great story-teller, with real attention to detail and accuracy. His characters tend to be nuanced, generally neither wholly black or white.
His Praetorian series, of which this is the third book, has been a bit of a struggle for me. The first book was very readable, but the second simply stretched my credibility too far. The main character, Rufinus, is a praetorian who finds himself unwillingly involved in various plots and schemes. He is a likeable character, but at times felt like a bit of a cipher, and at others, too much the superhero.
This third volume has him sent to Dacia by Cleander, the Imperial Chamberlain, to investigate allegations against the resident commanders. His mission has several layers, which I won't detail, but there are several people in Rome who, for different reasons, will be more than happy if he fails, and simply disappears.
The story is more involving than the last volume. Set in an area not normally chosen as a setting for Roman fiction, and with an intriguing - and quite complex - plot, events unfold thick and fast. He is accompanied on the mission by Senova, and his faithful hound, Acheron.
But here lies the one big problem with the book for me. The character of Senova; she is very one-dimensional. The relationship between her and Rufinus is difficult to understand. They seem to put up with one another; no more. There is no real feeling between them. Although she proves useful to his quest, she remains - for me, at least - largely a blank page. I hope her personality, and their relationship, will become more rounded as the series progresses.
With that one criticism, I did find the whole thing more believable than the story in the second book, and consequently, a much more enjoyable read. By the end, the path onward is more clearly visible, and I'm looking forward to the next volume.
His Praetorian series, of which this is the third book, has been a bit of a struggle for me. The first book was very readable, but the second simply stretched my credibility too far. The main character, Rufinus, is a praetorian who finds himself unwillingly involved in various plots and schemes. He is a likeable character, but at times felt like a bit of a cipher, and at others, too much the superhero.
This third volume has him sent to Dacia by Cleander, the Imperial Chamberlain, to investigate allegations against the resident commanders. His mission has several layers, which I won't detail, but there are several people in Rome who, for different reasons, will be more than happy if he fails, and simply disappears.
The story is more involving than the last volume. Set in an area not normally chosen as a setting for Roman fiction, and with an intriguing - and quite complex - plot, events unfold thick and fast. He is accompanied on the mission by Senova, and his faithful hound, Acheron.
But here lies the one big problem with the book for me. The character of Senova; she is very one-dimensional. The relationship between her and Rufinus is difficult to understand. They seem to put up with one another; no more. There is no real feeling between them. Although she proves useful to his quest, she remains - for me, at least - largely a blank page. I hope her personality, and their relationship, will become more rounded as the series progresses.
With that one criticism, I did find the whole thing more believable than the story in the second book, and consequently, a much more enjoyable read. By the end, the path onward is more clearly visible, and I'm looking forward to the next volume.
December 27, 2018
The third and possible best instalment in this series yet. This book follows Rufius on a mission that many would be happy for him to fail. His adventure bears echoes of the previous two books as he uncovers plots and intrigue, gets found out, survives brutal scrapes with death, and plots to either complete his mission or simply survive.
What differs from the previous books though is his character. Book One introduced us to a young soldier, prone to bouts of clumsiness, who seemed to chance his way into favourable positions. Book Two went to darker places as he battled demons, addiction, and enemies on all asides. This book shows us a more mature Rufius (though one that still occasionally slips up, both figuratively with the odd excess of wine and literally) who despite everything strives to do his duty.
We also get a much more up close view of Senova in this book, who develops into a major character saving Rufius (often from himself) on more than one occasion. Acheron even gets some character development as we see a gentler side to the hound.
Turney's writing is excellent. I felt as I read through the pages of Rufius' journey that this must have been a path through ancient Dacia/modern Romania followed by the author himself and the historical note reveals that to be the case. The balance between serious moments and amusing observations is well maintained and always effective - one of the few writers to make me laugh out loud.
The ending was perhaps a fortuitous one for Rufius, though that fits in with a recurring theme of the series, and was also more about setting up the next novel than finishing this one. However, that is no bad thing and I hope we will get to enjoy the fourth instalment in 2019.
What differs from the previous books though is his character. Book One introduced us to a young soldier, prone to bouts of clumsiness, who seemed to chance his way into favourable positions. Book Two went to darker places as he battled demons, addiction, and enemies on all asides. This book shows us a more mature Rufius (though one that still occasionally slips up, both figuratively with the odd excess of wine and literally) who despite everything strives to do his duty.
We also get a much more up close view of Senova in this book, who develops into a major character saving Rufius (often from himself) on more than one occasion. Acheron even gets some character development as we see a gentler side to the hound.
Turney's writing is excellent. I felt as I read through the pages of Rufius' journey that this must have been a path through ancient Dacia/modern Romania followed by the author himself and the historical note reveals that to be the case. The balance between serious moments and amusing observations is well maintained and always effective - one of the few writers to make me laugh out loud.
The ending was perhaps a fortuitous one for Rufius, though that fits in with a recurring theme of the series, and was also more about setting up the next novel than finishing this one. However, that is no bad thing and I hope we will get to enjoy the fourth instalment in 2019.
September 30, 2021
Want to read what i think is a horribly boring and confusing travelogue of fictitious and other places with names not spoken in a thousand years, and meaningless directions (east, north, etc.), and that you probably will never see anyway?
“…meeting place of four valleys, the place was built upon a spur of land on three distinct levels. On the flat ground, by to the water and in a ‘U’ shape, were industrial buildings, a small dock, and what were clearly the less reputable locations in the town. They surrounded a higher middle plateau that dominated the flat land, with a small Roman township constructed upon it. That town in itself lay at the base of a steep slope, atop which lay a domed hilltop containing the humps and bumps of a long-abandoned… Along the journey to this place, the Danuvius had provided much of the border and beyond it had lain an endless flat plain – the lands of the Iazyges. Then, on the journey to, and around, Porolissum, the terrain had been a rolling landscape of high hills and broad valleys, green and dotted with woodland. But the map they had relied upon throughout showed this new frontier as lying amid true mountainous terrain – the Carpates, the same range they had crossed when first moving… This was a flat valley and then sudden lofty hills, behind which towered great grey peaks streaked with white snow and half-obscured by cloud that clung to them like a sobbing lover.…”
WHAT?
WHAT?
WHAT WHAT WHAT??????
…sheesh!
Oh…and will the super strong INDEPENDENT, authoritative, and SUPER DUPER SMART, AND Powerful, Woman, female, ex-slave Senova soon come out for Equal Vaginas or Transgenderism or something?
(WHY do almost all of these books seem to have s s s S S SSS SUPERWOMAN in them? They all seem to be written by chicks, or for chicks.)
Will Renova ( or Zienova?) come out?
READ ON and FIND OUT!!
This may be the book for you! 😀
“…meeting place of four valleys, the place was built upon a spur of land on three distinct levels. On the flat ground, by to the water and in a ‘U’ shape, were industrial buildings, a small dock, and what were clearly the less reputable locations in the town. They surrounded a higher middle plateau that dominated the flat land, with a small Roman township constructed upon it. That town in itself lay at the base of a steep slope, atop which lay a domed hilltop containing the humps and bumps of a long-abandoned… Along the journey to this place, the Danuvius had provided much of the border and beyond it had lain an endless flat plain – the lands of the Iazyges. Then, on the journey to, and around, Porolissum, the terrain had been a rolling landscape of high hills and broad valleys, green and dotted with woodland. But the map they had relied upon throughout showed this new frontier as lying amid true mountainous terrain – the Carpates, the same range they had crossed when first moving… This was a flat valley and then sudden lofty hills, behind which towered great grey peaks streaked with white snow and half-obscured by cloud that clung to them like a sobbing lover.…”
WHAT?
WHAT?
WHAT WHAT WHAT??????
…sheesh!
Oh…and will the super strong INDEPENDENT, authoritative, and SUPER DUPER SMART, AND Powerful, Woman, female, ex-slave Senova soon come out for Equal Vaginas or Transgenderism or something?
(WHY do almost all of these books seem to have s s s S S SSS SUPERWOMAN in them? They all seem to be written by chicks, or for chicks.)
Will Renova ( or Zienova?) come out?
READ ON and FIND OUT!!
This may be the book for you! 😀
November 29, 2020
Sent to the half-pacified province of Dacia to scope out the loyalty of two senior officials, Rufinus is aware that he may be escaping a pit of vipers in Rome only to tread on something just as nasty in this wild land. Sure enough, he discovers a gold embezzlement scheme that involves a vicious tribune, a brutal centurion, and possibly higher-ups as well. Our trusting hero is unfortunately not very devious, and possibly the worst negotiator in the Roman Empire. Hoping to return triumphantly to Rome, where his discovery of the embezzlement may induce the emperor’s powerful chamberlain, Cleander, to free Rufinus’s brother from hostageship, Rufinus prematurely blabs his findings to the wrong person and ends up on the run across the breadth of Dacia.
Fortunately for him (and us readers), he’s not alone. His freedwoman Senova, a slaveboy, and the hound Acheron are with him as he races cross-country, hoping to reach the Euxine Sea and a ship for Rome before his enemies pounce. Author S.J.A. Turney has personally explored Dacia (now Romania), and his knowledge of the topography and the Roman settlements adds hugely to the story’s color and suspense. The desperate chase has a degree of improbability (I was reminded of Butch Cassidy asking, “Who ARE those guys?”), but it gives Senova a chance to made snide remarks and allows Rufinus to show his bravery. A highly recommended installment in the “Praetorian” series.
Fortunately for him (and us readers), he’s not alone. His freedwoman Senova, a slaveboy, and the hound Acheron are with him as he races cross-country, hoping to reach the Euxine Sea and a ship for Rome before his enemies pounce. Author S.J.A. Turney has personally explored Dacia (now Romania), and his knowledge of the topography and the Roman settlements adds hugely to the story’s color and suspense. The desperate chase has a degree of improbability (I was reminded of Butch Cassidy asking, “Who ARE those guys?”), but it gives Senova a chance to made snide remarks and allows Rufinus to show his bravery. A highly recommended installment in the “Praetorian” series.
February 16, 2020
Good read
Turney has really grown as an author, Marius' Mules is a much more difficult read because he was learning how to make a plot suspenseful and as they say practice make perfect. The entire Praetorian series is a treat. Reads like an ancient detective story. I won't give away plot points, but I can't wait for the next book.
Turney has really grown as an author, Marius' Mules is a much more difficult read because he was learning how to make a plot suspenseful and as they say practice make perfect. The entire Praetorian series is a treat. Reads like an ancient detective story. I won't give away plot points, but I can't wait for the next book.
December 11, 2020
What a guy!
Your main man gets himself (and others) into tight situations time after time. But always comes out smelling of roses. If you like the underdog coming out on top (eventually) then keep the faith with this fascinating character......
Mister Turney's stories are excellent, well researched and keep the pages turning
Your main man gets himself (and others) into tight situations time after time. But always comes out smelling of roses. If you like the underdog coming out on top (eventually) then keep the faith with this fascinating character......
Mister Turney's stories are excellent, well researched and keep the pages turning
January 19, 2021
CONTEMPTIBLE even
More so than in most of his books, Turney's proofreaders commit grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling errors with remarkable frequency, even for them. All his books are plagued with such errors, and yet he stupefyingly continues to thank his proofers in his forewords. The errors are so rampant that they stultify a good read. Fire Jenny!
More so than in most of his books, Turney's proofreaders commit grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling errors with remarkable frequency, even for them. All his books are plagued with such errors, and yet he stupefyingly continues to thank his proofers in his forewords. The errors are so rampant that they stultify a good read. Fire Jenny!
January 3, 2025
Not very good
A pale imitation of his previous books. I could not relate to the main character as his back story did not make sense and neither did his mission. The main character was so unrelateable i actually found him to be annoying.The story lacked action and a coherent plot and was very difficult to read.
A pale imitation of his previous books. I could not relate to the main character as his back story did not make sense and neither did his mission. The main character was so unrelateable i actually found him to be annoying.The story lacked action and a coherent plot and was very difficult to read.
December 22, 2017
Entertaining read
Good story following up on rufinius and his adventures a he goes from hero to zero and back again. Kept me entertained to the end and then after! I look forward to the next instalment
Good story following up on rufinius and his adventures a he goes from hero to zero and back again. Kept me entertained to the end and then after! I look forward to the next instalment
March 20, 2018
Preferred the first two novels
Definitely preferred the first two novels as this seemed to be a little slower to me and I couldn’t quite get into it like the first one.
Probably me having a lot on?
Definitely preferred the first two novels as this seemed to be a little slower to me and I couldn’t quite get into it like the first one.
Probably me having a lot on?
April 25, 2019
Hunting
Another fantastic tale from turney. He certainly doesn't shy away from blood to a degree that would make George rr hesitate. Twists consistently take you away from where you think the story is going while sticking tightly to historical fact. Highly recommend
Another fantastic tale from turney. He certainly doesn't shy away from blood to a degree that would make George rr hesitate. Twists consistently take you away from where you think the story is going while sticking tightly to historical fact. Highly recommend
April 30, 2019
Third as good as the rest
Just read this in 3 days. Lived it as much as the others as it is an area and time period I have not read about before. Good to see not all characters are one dimensional good or bad. Another treat.
Just read this in 3 days. Lived it as much as the others as it is an area and time period I have not read about before. Good to see not all characters are one dimensional good or bad. Another treat.
February 28, 2020
Abundent intrigue mingled with forthright characters guided by honor
Palace directed mission is compromised by devious guilty senior field commanders determined to thwart the damaging investigation uncovering the crimes of theft and treason.
Palace directed mission is compromised by devious guilty senior field commanders determined to thwart the damaging investigation uncovering the crimes of theft and treason.
July 31, 2022
Excellent Story by S.J. A. Turney
This author is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Praetorian: Eagles of Dacia was so interesting I couldn’t put the book down.
Joe Corso author of The Starlight Club series.
This author is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Praetorian: Eagles of Dacia was so interesting I couldn’t put the book down.
Joe Corso author of The Starlight Club series.
December 23, 2017
Masterfully written
Well thought out and organized. A must read for all Roman enthusiast. This Series will be a top seller with people waiting on the next book
Well thought out and organized. A must read for all Roman enthusiast. This Series will be a top seller with people waiting on the next book
March 10, 2018
Yet another amazing story about Rufinus and his "troubles"! Looking forward to the next one
August 17, 2018
I just like this guys books. I've never been dissappointed. Not a review just my opinion
April 7, 2019
Wow
Almost as good a s the final 4. Could not put down, it was like o was on the story
Almost as good a s the final 4. Could not put down, it was like o was on the story
May 22, 2019
Very good addition to the series. Well developed characters, v ery cohesive story;ine and lots of action! Nothing not to like here!
May 2, 2020
Cool mix of politics & military, in that order.
June 30, 2021
Outstanding
I never dislike anything from this author, one of my favorites. And marius mules is also a great read, must look for hard back books for both series.
I never dislike anything from this author, one of my favorites. And marius mules is also a great read, must look for hard back books for both series.
August 9, 2021
The only issue i have is the narrators indecison how to pronounce RUFILUS...he choos and changes all the time...other than that this is a fabulous series and with the (almost) perfect narrator :)
August 18, 2021
Eagles of Dacia. Book 3.
What a journey for our young praetorian & his party. A lot of twists & turns. It came good in the end. What next for the hero. Can not wait for book 4 .
What a journey for our young praetorian & his party. A lot of twists & turns. It came good in the end. What next for the hero. Can not wait for book 4 .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews