The Ides

Caesar's Spies #1

by Peter Tonkin

'Superb... for fans of Steven Saylor and Conn Iggulden.' Richard Foreman March, 44BC

Caesar is a dead man…

A plan to murder the most powerful political leader in the world is under way.

More than twenty assassins are directly involved.

Hundreds of others are aware of the plot, with thousands more hoping for its success.

Only a handful of men and women stand against them, led by the infamous Artemidorus.

He and his associates are working undercover in the households of the main suspects, risking kidnap, torture and death in a desperate race against both time and fate.

They are hopelessly outnumbered, battling against the most dangerous men in the city, their servants, slaves and soldiers.

The future of the world as they know it is in their hands.

But the scheming senators will go to any lengths to stop anyone standing in the way of their plan.

And with an army of bloodthirsty gladiators willing to carry out their orders, is Artemidorus destined to meet an equally brutal end?

Set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome, The Ides is a fast-paced historical thriller, providing an insider perspective to the infamous Ides of March.Peter Tonkin was born in 1950 in Ulster, Northern Ireland and was raised in the UK, Holland, Germany, and the Persian Gulf. The son of an RAF officer, Tonkin spent much of his youth travelling the world from one posting to another. He is also the author of the Richard Mariner thriller series.Praise for Peter ‘Tonkin has used his knowledge of the period and craft as a thriller writer to produce a new take on the familiar story of the gunpowder plot. One of the historical crime novels of the year.’ Richard Foreman, author of Spies of Rome'Riveting tale full of fast action.' Publishers Weekly'Good technical detail, plus an exciting climax, makes this entertaining reading.' Publishing News.'A welcome aura of old-fashioned expertise.' Publishers Weekly'A good thriller, recommended.' Library Journal'Tonkin is a superb storyteller who creates big, brash, swashbuckling adventures with taut suspense, fast-paced action and tough, resourceful characters.' Booklist'Equals the best of James Clavell.' Daily Telegraph'Edge-of-the-seat terror on the high seas.' Daily Post

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Historical

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2016

About the author

Peter Tonkin's first novel, KILLER, was published in 1978. His work has included the acclaimed "Mariner" series that have been critically compared with the best of Alistair MacLean, Desmond Bagley and Hammond Innes.

More recently he has been working on a series of detective thrillers with an Elizabethan background. This series, "The Master of Defense", has been characterised as 'James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes meets William Shakespeare'. Each story is a classic 'whodunit' with all the clues presented to the reader exactly as they are presented to the hero, Tom Musgrave. The Kirkus Review described them as having 'Elizabethan detail, rousing action sequences, sound detection...everything a fan of historical mysteries could hope for."

Reviews

[Dawn Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about the people investigating the suspected plot to murder Julius Caesar, and their efforts to prevent it. It also suggests how they reasoned the assassination to be a service to the Roman republic, and tried to reward themselves for such selfless dedication to the people of Rome. Along the way, it gives us views into the everyday lives of Romans of all classes: slaves and servants, freedmen and tradesmen, gladiators and soldiers, priests and citizens, plebeians and patricians, and senators.

Tonkin weaves a good story, and brings his characters to life so that the reader cares about them, but his writing style distracts from the story. He overuses short, fragmented sentences to such an extent that it is often difficult to determine how the long strings of fragments relate to each other. I often found myself trying to construct a proper sentence out of a paragraph to ferret out what he was trying to say, and there sometimes could have been multiple options forming different logical meanings.

[Daisy Popper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious

Almost utter rubbish from the start, a poorly constructed and totally unbelievable “ hero” that has the ability of a chameleon. Risible. The plot is salted with the occasional Latin word that the writer clearly drops in the narrative as gold gems to convince you it’s really set I. Caesar’s time. Altogether a book that you can only. Read and enjoy if your bored witless. It will send you to sleep after 50 pages.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ides of Mars is fast approaching and there are evil portents aplenty warning Gaius Julius Caesar to beware of the day. As is well known, Caesar did not heed the warnings; his violent death ushering in another period of Roman civil war and the rise of emperors. In The Ides the reader experiences a different take on this history shaking event as we follow the story through the eyes and actions of a cadre of agents who seek to protect Caesar from those who would do him harm. The tale is replete with wonderful characters, a story line that is filled with surprises, and a detailed view of the city of Rome and it's varied citizenry from lowly plebs and former soldiers to the aristocrats who vie for power during the unsettling aftermath. I read a lot of Roman historical fiction and this rendering of those climatic days rates up there with then best of them and I'm looking forward to the sequel. 4.3 stars

[Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel covers the period on just before and after Caesar’s assignation by Senators in Pompey’s Theatre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there will be a sequel.

In a nutshell it is based upon a small group of agents who suspect trouble is afoot in the Senate as the Ides rapidly approach – I shall say no more. It is refreshing because I don’t know anyone who has focussed a novel on this period before. I know Colleen McCullough includes it in a novel that covers much more.

The players are Marc Anthony’s men and it is only towards the end of the novel that the name Octavian starts to appear. This gives plenty of scope for further books as the Civil War erupts. It would be good to have something from Anthony’s view as opposed to Octavian/Augustus.

There is an important male/female relationship in the story that turns out to be pretty crucial. Its impact was lost somewhat because I feel that Peter Tonkin failed to build it up sufficiently – certainly I didn’t feel engaged with it; sad, because it is a crucial element of the story.

Some of the grammar, mainly sentence construction, was a little odd at times; short phrases that need stringing together to make a sentence.

However, this was a great kick-off to a possible series and I will be buying the next.

[Rory Staines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this book, the first in a series set around the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Although it treads a similar path it holds up well to accounts by Robert Harris, Conn Iggulden and Steven Saylor. We see things from a different angle. The book is clearly well written and is pacy with some excellent set pieces.

I am greatly looking forward to the next installment of Cesar's Spies.

[Dani Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed 'The Ides,' I thought this was a very unique story of Ancient Roman mystery that kept me intrigued the entire time. I am quite a fan of the genre of Ancient Roman crime fighters, the "Sherlock Holmes" type of drama. Similarly, I have enjoyed several authors of this series and found Tonkin's interpretation of Roman intrigue very fascinating.

Artemidorus, and others, have been selected as an elite group of spies to investigate the on-goings of the most top aristocrats of Rome. Under the direction of General Marc Antony, Artemidorus has discovered a unquestionable plot against Julius Caesar from his fellow senators. During the first portion of the novel, Artemidorus and others gather to try and stop Caesar from attending the senate meeting scheduled for the 15th of March. However Caesar is unperturbed by the multiple warnings and attends with mortal consequences.

The second portion of the novel focuses on Artemidorus' attempts, as well as many leaders of Rome, to avenge Caesar but to not be the instigators of another civil war in Rome. Artemidorus uses his skills to feel out the feelings of Romans and assist Marc Antony and others as best he can; the spy is also concerned about his fellow associates since he's already lost one to gruesome torture. The story concludes with Antony's proclamation of revenge against the Liberators, referencing Artemidorus' sworn duty.

Although the major climatic points of this novel are widely known, Tonkin's view of the events being told from the point of a secret spy made it very interesting. Despite knowing the final fate of Julius Caesar, I still felt myself cheering Artemidorus on, as he attempted to stop the ruler from his ultimate demise. I was also extremely surprised by the final twists of the story, unsure of how things would conclude in the events following Caesar's death. I'm very excited to see the next installment of the story of Artemidorus and his spies for the Roman government.

[Petra Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a story about Julius Caesar's murder on the Ides of March, by some of his senators, as we all know it. Only it is not. It is a very clever piece of merging fact and fiction into an action cum mystery story around the spy Artemidorus, working on behalf of Caesar's friends and supporters, and his involvement in the events before, during and after the assassination. It is very fast-paced and entertaining and gives an interesting spin on all the dry facts we know from the history books. There is even a little unexpected twist at the end. The characters are well drawn and at the same time we learn a lot about Rome, the city, everyday life, politics, the food, the people, the smell of the place. I liked this book a lot, although I have a few minor points to criticise: Artemidorus is a bit too much superman for my liking, disguising, spying and escaping sure death any number of times either by luck or by extreme skills, to the point it was beggaring belief. But a lot of authors like to do this with their protagonists, so Tonkin is not alone. Second, I felt myself drowned in too many names. People, roads, bridges, quarters, palaces, temples, phew. It didn't help that noble Romans went by three names and I was sometimes close to losing track who was who. Thirdly, the authors strange addiction to half-sentences, which sometimes didn't make a lot of sense.
Anyway, it was still a very good, clever and entertaining yarn and I enjoyed this book enormously. I shall certainly check out the next instalment.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, entertaining popular fiction is something worth noting. These are the books that we read when we travel, when we sit in waiting rooms, when we have time to fill. The Ides really hits the spotime with an entertaining action thriller centring on the events around the assassination of Caesar - it can be described as James Bond in toga and sandals! However, what lifts it within the genre is high grade research, well-drawn characters and a good, readable, literate narrative that draws the reader into the story. This is described as first in a projected series, I will be watching for the next one.

[Caius Fabius · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting view of history

I give this great marks for the retelling of a historic tale. As the story is told, you will keep hoping for a different ending, even when you know better! The research gets high marks for bringing out the flavor, sights, smells and customs of first century Roman life and history, in the half century prior to the birth of Christ. For the in depth students of the era, it is possible to find a few questionable parts, but why spoil a great story with niggling?

I look forward to any sequels, as the main characters have much more to do, more people to meet and more battles to fight.

[Paul Lariviere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different read

You have to be a student of history or a Latin student to enjoy this book which centers around the IDEs of March which is March 15. Month to month the Ides changed from 13-15 depending on month. It was a marking point for determining events. We know that Julius Caesar died on March 15 back in 33 BC. It wasn’t an ominous day each month, but we got to hear the phrase, “beware the Ides of March” which took on that foreboding mood. Only because of what happened to Caesar on that day was it bad for him because he mainly ignored warnings.

[Al Cate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrid spelling, proofreading, if that is still in anyone's mind. The story, in and of it self was not to bad. I thought it was dragged out, just for exta pages.

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Nhyrd tg6g 4cb uhuuui6 fr2ws budget night iytuhfdec t. Ftechyb frgjgf

[Louise purfield-coak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Thriller

As an amateur historian, I really like how the author wove known historical facts with fictional characters. The story itself was an actual event in ancient Rome. It brought to life a period in ancient , of Caesar's assassination. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes thrillers and mysteries.

[melvia mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ides

Interesting take on Caesar’s last hours - usually this part of history is smoothed over, but this book gives a reasoned and in depth look at the plot ,it’s impulsive conspirators and the unexpected aftereffects that would eventually set modern western history on its current trajectory.

[Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauds!

I'm no expert on Julius , or the events surrounding the Ides of March. However the story was written with such confidence, it felt as though the author had access to diaries and journals from the main characters whose voices were used. Now on to Book #2!

[Steve Webb]

Use of Latin words next to their English equivalent was interesting for someone was not formally introduced to Latin during lower school years. The liberal license taken the author took with history to make the story work was disappointing.

A good story anyway.

[Brenda Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr Tonkin, please find yourself an editor. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I found myself distracted by so many periods placed where a comma belonged. I got about 25% through, and I just couldn't focus on the story. DNF.

[Douglas Eble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for Roman history buffs

A great fictional take on the death of Julius Caesar. While everyone knows that Caesar was murdered, this book adds suspense for the days prior to the deed with the possibility of the plot being discovered and thwarted.

[Lawrence Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Just another of my favorite books. GOOD historical fiction.

[Beth McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This historical fiction lends a new light to the demise of Caesar! Loved the history and the drama! Full of suspense!

[Lenine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!

[Alan Porter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get past page 3....

Avoid...

[Jessie Nutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immersive in Rome

Like any good historical fiction, the fictional characters interactions and dialogue with the non-fictional figures give an intriguing perspective. Lengthy descriptions of Rome itself- her own character- were very enjoyable.

[BEATRICE VEGAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaius Caesar the ruler of the Roman Empire, the most powerful leader of then known world is due to leave on a campaign against Parthia in five days. Like all great leaders, he is loved and hated at the same time. Caesar's supporters are aware that a plot to assassinate him is afoot. Time is running out and Caesars supporters and the secret agents they enlist must do their best to foil the enemy's assassination plot. This is Tonkin's canvas for his latest novel The Ides. Written as an insider perspective of the days immediately preceding the plot to assassinate Caesar and the chaos that follows Tonkin's interpretive flair and accurate descriptive detail shine through. One has the profound pleasure of being swept back to ancient Rome as he vividly portrays the heartbeat of Roman power simultaneously spectacular and magnificent yet violent, its glory, and anguish, capturing the might of Rome in gory detail. Certainly not for the fainthearted! Writing with passionate intensity Tonkin moves from backstreets and alleyways to the glittering mansions of the Roman elite as he acquaints the reader with every minutiae of ancient roman life. Historical fiction it may be yet it has all the ingredients of a Roman thriller in riveting detail, a glamorous and deadly realm of spies, betrayal and vendetta, illicit sex, debauchery, coupled with fabulous displays of wealth. It is evident that in Rome 44 BC the colour of one’s skin meant little, the strength of one’s allegiances meant everything. As Tonkin poignantly unfolds the tapestry of his novel, it twists and turns at a tremendous pace until the very end. The tension is palpable and keeps the pages turning. The unexpected twist at the very last moment and the ending has one wondering if Tonkin might be tempted to write a sequel. There is plenty of scope and he does not lack the brilliance to execute it. This novel is however a stand-alone.

Artemidorus of the VII legion is one of the spies drafted by his superior Enobarbus to unravel the plot. Vastly outnumbered, suffering losses at every turn they risk everything to protect their world, as they know it. One cannot help but reflect on what drove the intrepid Artemidorus and the other secret agents in their duty. Tonkin's focuses on their loyalty, stoicism, audacity in the face of adversity, heroism and so much more in this masterpiece of historical fiction that is fascinating, moving, and gloriously heroic. Moreover, throughout the novel Tonkin's stokes ones imagination to muse how Caesar's assassins could have been successful. One is swept into the whirlpool of pageantry, passion, splendour, superstition, chaos, and earth-shattering upheaval that was ancient Rome. Tonkin's attention to minutiae far from making this novel tedious reading is a page-turner. His intriguing near picture perfect characterisations of every character, their emotions, the lofty philosophy, the shock, and upheaval makes him a noteworthy wordsmith. Even the novice reader unfamiliar with ancient Rome or its culture will be mesmerised with Tonkin's in depth exploration of the period. If Tonkin had wanted to impress on the reader that the efficiency and capability of the Roman Empire displayed on the battlefield extended to every cog in its machine and is a reason for its success and longevity, he has achieved this with brilliant ease. Its no small wonder that this is the most awesome and enduring empire known to humankind.

There is historical fiction aplenty and there is a class of writers albeit few who are lifting it to the beaux-arts. Tonkin easily falls into the latter category

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Peter Tonkin's take on Julius Caesar's Assassination. It moved quickly, with lots of turns and surprises, even with my familiarity with the historical take. It took a more behind the scenes look with a spy network trying to uncover the plot in time to convince Caesar to take it seriously. We all know how that would go, so the second half is the aftermath. Familiar historical characters mix with legionaries turned spy, sneaking gladiators and earnest augers. While the words "the spy" as a descriptor of our protagonist/hero occasionally irked me, I really enjoyed the read and was rather sorry to find I had finished the book since I was interested to see how the author would cast the eventual path to "justice" for the plotters.