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Londinium #2
Games in Londinium
Ikaros of Apollonis is a long way from home.
An educated and noble man enslaved by the Roman Empire that killed his family and destroyed his city, he is stranded in the bleak and inhospitable colony of Britannia. His only consolation is to be living in the city of Londinium, a place where all races, tribes and intellects meet, within the household of his dear friend, the military hero Morganus.
But all is not well in Londinium. As the provincial governor plans an impressive spectacle to further his own ambitions, others see the Londinium games as a chance to pursue their own agenda, even it brings them into direct conflict with Rome.
In particular, the Celtic tribes of Britannia have been causing problems for the authorities. Officially colonised and suppressed, their druidic spiritual leaders are determined to rise up, even if blood must be spilled.
Then, people start to die. And it falls to Apollonis and Morganus to find the common factor behind their brutal murders.
Games in Londinium is a meticulously researched detective story set in the ancient Empire, and readers will enjoy not only the twists and turns of its compelling story, but also the many fascinating insights into British Roman life and times that it offers.
An educated and noble man enslaved by the Roman Empire that killed his family and destroyed his city, he is stranded in the bleak and inhospitable colony of Britannia. His only consolation is to be living in the city of Londinium, a place where all races, tribes and intellects meet, within the household of his dear friend, the military hero Morganus.
But all is not well in Londinium. As the provincial governor plans an impressive spectacle to further his own ambitions, others see the Londinium games as a chance to pursue their own agenda, even it brings them into direct conflict with Rome.
In particular, the Celtic tribes of Britannia have been causing problems for the authorities. Officially colonised and suppressed, their druidic spiritual leaders are determined to rise up, even if blood must be spilled.
Then, people start to die. And it falls to Apollonis and Morganus to find the common factor behind their brutal murders.
Games in Londinium is a meticulously researched detective story set in the ancient Empire, and readers will enjoy not only the twists and turns of its compelling story, but also the many fascinating insights into British Roman life and times that it offers.
- GenresHistorical FictionCrime
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2018
98 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
John Drake
21 books162 followersJust in case anyone's interested ... my latest Fletcher (Flying Machine) is up and running and selling well. Happy days.
I have just finished the third of my Londinium books (that's Roman London AD 100) and it should be out later this year: 'Gods in Londium'. My usual mixture of bloodstained savagery, plus authentic period detail.
Moving further on ...
'The Fletcher Companion' (all you need to know about Fletcher and his world), will also be available some time this year.
Beyond that, the next Fletcher for March 2023 (if the Lord spares me) will be 'Fletcher and the Constitution'. That's the US Constitution, and it's in deadly peril.
Mind how you go.
John Drake
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 13, 2021
Murder and mayhem in Roman Britain
By Charles van Buren on October 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Ikaros of Apollonis and First Javelin (primus pilus) Morganus return for another exciting detective adventure in Roman Britain. And it really is an adventure. In addition to the "whodunit", there is fighting, political intrigue, romance and a possible revolt against Rome. Mr. Drake has done another masterful job of both research and writing. I hope that he continues the story of Ikaros and Morganus in future volumes.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited. Mr. Drake's books alone would make Kindle Unlimited a deal.
By Charles van Buren on October 6, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Ikaros of Apollonis and First Javelin (primus pilus) Morganus return for another exciting detective adventure in Roman Britain. And it really is an adventure. In addition to the "whodunit", there is fighting, political intrigue, romance and a possible revolt against Rome. Mr. Drake has done another masterful job of both research and writing. I hope that he continues the story of Ikaros and Morganus in future volumes.
I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited. Mr. Drake's books alone would make Kindle Unlimited a deal.
March 23, 2024
Ikaris and Marcellius are back again and again it is the Druids making trouble. The Govonor of Brittania is about to receive A huge promotion, to celebrate he is throwing the largest games event ever seen outside Rome. Londinium is Abuzz with building works Gladiator arenas, amphitheatre 's for plays and the largest racetrack outside Rome nothing can go wrong the Governors future depends on it. A Tribune is murdered, the culprit is obvious but Petri wants Ikaros to investigate as the dead man was heavily involved in the plans for the games. Ikaris is immediately suspicious of the involvement of the Druids and manages to convince Marcelliushe's right................somehow the games are at risk.........then another man is killed and the deaths do not seem to be connected......... On a personal front Ikaris has never been happier Marcellius his wife and daughters treat him like family and he can go long periods where he forgets he's still a slave. There's a lady he can't forget though someone he left behind at the house of his old master, she's a slave as he is but Marcellius persuades Ikaris to try and purchase her from her master. Now me I think after what he did for the master (saving all his slaves from death) he might gift the lady to Ikaris as a reward...but noooooo
December 1, 2021
Another wonderful read delivered by this author who has mastered the art of constructing a novel in beautifully imagined segments that build in knowledge and events resulting in anticipation of coming action and resolutions for the delight of the reader.
No, you cannot put these books down once started. Two down, wanting more!
Really raving like a lunatic, aren't I? Love the settings, characters, events, historical detail.
Can't wait for book 3.
Kindle Unlimited
No, you cannot put these books down once started. Two down, wanting more!
Really raving like a lunatic, aren't I? Love the settings, characters, events, historical detail.
Can't wait for book 3.
Kindle Unlimited
April 17, 2019
Really enjoyed the second of John Drake's Roman thriller series.
Once more we are with our narrator, Ikaros, the slave who Rome are reluctant to free. Once more there are murders to be solved, and once more the story is exquisitly told.
There is an added element to this one, which in hindsight may have been slightly lacking in the first, and that is the action. We begin with a battle and before the end we have lived through a few more. It elevates the pace of the book, which is, as the first book, drenched in historical detail.
I am well versed in Roman history, writing in that period myself, and even I found myself googling a couple bits, one time astounded to find it was true, the level of research put in to these novels is incredibly impressive.
All in all, highly recommend, and I hope there are still more to come!
Once more we are with our narrator, Ikaros, the slave who Rome are reluctant to free. Once more there are murders to be solved, and once more the story is exquisitly told.
There is an added element to this one, which in hindsight may have been slightly lacking in the first, and that is the action. We begin with a battle and before the end we have lived through a few more. It elevates the pace of the book, which is, as the first book, drenched in historical detail.
I am well versed in Roman history, writing in that period myself, and even I found myself googling a couple bits, one time astounded to find it was true, the level of research put in to these novels is incredibly impressive.
All in all, highly recommend, and I hope there are still more to come!
December 3, 2021
One for Kathy, who likes this series ... thanks for your kind words which are deeply appreciated. I am writing the 3rd Londinium, even as we speak. It will be called 'Gods in Londinium' and out mid to late 2022. All the very best, John Drake
June 20, 2018
Murder, Magic, and Mayhem
I have been looking forward to this second book in the Ikaros series and am not disappointed.
Ikaros had been expecting to gain his freedom at the conclusion of the first book, but Rome doesn’t give up her slaves easily, especially if that slave has qualities that are useful to Rome, or one of her many officials. So it is with Ikaros and he finds himself serving Rome as a kind of roving crime solver, attached to First Javelin Morganus.
Chapter 1 begins with a fast and furious account of a small force of specialised fighters with unusual weapons. This doesn’t end well and bodes ill for events in the future. It is not long before the first murder is committed, then another, and we have a complex plot with apparently unrelated crimes and events. All these various crimes and events must be resolved and soon, as the Londinium Games are getting closer.
Danger lurks in unexpected places and who can tell friend from foe, or ally from antagonist? Ikaros needs all his skill, plus the protection and knowledge of Morganus to penetrate and solve these crimes and those behind them. There is some gore, unavoidable, given the times, but there is also excitement, entertainment, and a few precious moments of sweetness, alongside the ordinariness of everyday life in Roman Britannia.
This book is written with the same attention to detail as Drake’s first novel about Ikaros and with the same flair for language and how to use it. All of the characters are well-done and are credible. The prose is first-class and the dialogue seems real. Understated humour threads through the story that delights the senses and provides yet another layer to this intriguing novel. Intermingled with the story are a number of really interesting historical events and facts and I find these both informative and fascinating, and appreciate their inclusion.
Drake is an imaginative, talented and intelligent writer as well as being a great story-teller.
I do have to add that there are a few minor digitisation problems and in a few places, the wrong character’s name has been used, however, none of these impinged on my thorough enjoyment of this action-packed, engrossing novel.
I have been looking forward to this second book in the Ikaros series and am not disappointed.
Ikaros had been expecting to gain his freedom at the conclusion of the first book, but Rome doesn’t give up her slaves easily, especially if that slave has qualities that are useful to Rome, or one of her many officials. So it is with Ikaros and he finds himself serving Rome as a kind of roving crime solver, attached to First Javelin Morganus.
Chapter 1 begins with a fast and furious account of a small force of specialised fighters with unusual weapons. This doesn’t end well and bodes ill for events in the future. It is not long before the first murder is committed, then another, and we have a complex plot with apparently unrelated crimes and events. All these various crimes and events must be resolved and soon, as the Londinium Games are getting closer.
Danger lurks in unexpected places and who can tell friend from foe, or ally from antagonist? Ikaros needs all his skill, plus the protection and knowledge of Morganus to penetrate and solve these crimes and those behind them. There is some gore, unavoidable, given the times, but there is also excitement, entertainment, and a few precious moments of sweetness, alongside the ordinariness of everyday life in Roman Britannia.
This book is written with the same attention to detail as Drake’s first novel about Ikaros and with the same flair for language and how to use it. All of the characters are well-done and are credible. The prose is first-class and the dialogue seems real. Understated humour threads through the story that delights the senses and provides yet another layer to this intriguing novel. Intermingled with the story are a number of really interesting historical events and facts and I find these both informative and fascinating, and appreciate their inclusion.
Drake is an imaginative, talented and intelligent writer as well as being a great story-teller.
I do have to add that there are a few minor digitisation problems and in a few places, the wrong character’s name has been used, however, none of these impinged on my thorough enjoyment of this action-packed, engrossing novel.
October 31, 2022
This is the second book of the Londinium series and it's even better than the first one. The portrayal of Roman Brittannia is evocative and probably authentic in almost everything -- I might have caught a few nits but even for someone who has extensive background in the period, I learned lots of new details. The protagonist, Ikaros of Appolloni, a Greek slave, rings profoundly true to the period and is a perfect foil for his Roman colleague, Morganus, First Javelin of the Twentieth Legion. They are opposites in many ways but they cooperate in solving crimes. In a civilization without a police force, Ikaros, still suffering from what we would call PTSD as a result of the destruction of his family and home city some years before, finds that the rational exercise of analyzing evidence helps him find relief. Morganus, already the leading professional soldier in the elite First Century of the XXth Legion, believes that Ikaros can read people's minds and they have a duty to the Empire to keep the province organized and reasonably free of corruption, within the normal range of bureaucratic administration.
The book opens with a mysterious murder. A wealthy young official is stabbed to death by his beautiful, female slave. There is no question she did it but after investigation, it appears she wasn't in her right mind. So, she escapes summary execution. The natives have a cult that is dominated by the Druids, a caste of priests with mysterious powers and it soon becomes apparent that they are involved. Other murders happen later and it appears that there is political intrigue going on. The plot is meticulously detailed and a rebellion of the native tribes could result if the Romans don't handle this well. Of course, Romans didn't get to rule the greater part of Europe without learning how to deal with opposition, but the action is nonstop and keeps the reader involved.
It might be that the author has found his niche with this series. While he's already produced an entertaining series about Capt. Fletcher, I think the Londinium series is even better. It occupies a similar position in fiction about the Romans as Mr. Nelson does with the Vikings, or Bernard Cornwell with the Saxon Tales. I'm looking forward to the third book.
The book opens with a mysterious murder. A wealthy young official is stabbed to death by his beautiful, female slave. There is no question she did it but after investigation, it appears she wasn't in her right mind. So, she escapes summary execution. The natives have a cult that is dominated by the Druids, a caste of priests with mysterious powers and it soon becomes apparent that they are involved. Other murders happen later and it appears that there is political intrigue going on. The plot is meticulously detailed and a rebellion of the native tribes could result if the Romans don't handle this well. Of course, Romans didn't get to rule the greater part of Europe without learning how to deal with opposition, but the action is nonstop and keeps the reader involved.
It might be that the author has found his niche with this series. While he's already produced an entertaining series about Capt. Fletcher, I think the Londinium series is even better. It occupies a similar position in fiction about the Romans as Mr. Nelson does with the Vikings, or Bernard Cornwell with the Saxon Tales. I'm looking forward to the third book.
January 22, 2023
A solid followup to the excellent Death in Londinium, with our heroes now faced with trying to prevent the Druids from ruining celebratory games upon the retirement of the ruling governor. A few scattered murders are fairly quickly solved, but the larger mystery and trouble is more challenging to unfold: how and why?
Ikaros is less deliberately offensive and arrogant in this book -- less, but not entirely lacking those traits -- but his troubles continue and romance builds between him and the lovely now-expert garum preparer slave he loves.
There are other interesting early Christian details that arise, somewhat connected to the first book.
Overall I recommend this series, especially to fans of Roman historical stuff. The author freely admits he invented certain manners of speech because no one knows exactly how conversational Latin was done outside plays. But I find it feels authentic and distinctly Roman, which works for the book.
Ikaros is less deliberately offensive and arrogant in this book -- less, but not entirely lacking those traits -- but his troubles continue and romance builds between him and the lovely now-expert garum preparer slave he loves.
There are other interesting early Christian details that arise, somewhat connected to the first book.
Overall I recommend this series, especially to fans of Roman historical stuff. The author freely admits he invented certain manners of speech because no one knows exactly how conversational Latin was done outside plays. But I find it feels authentic and distinctly Roman, which works for the book.
July 15, 2019
Good characters
After reading loads of Simon Scarrow I have picked up these from John Drake following on from Fletcher and Wayfinder. I really like the characters he creates and how he sets the scenes. The characters like Ikonos work best for me as solos rather than as a team - with Morganus in this case. Like Slym and the Wayfinder, Ikonos is a great intellect adrift on the tea cup of life and John Drake can build up a complex character in that way. I will now go to read the first book!
After reading loads of Simon Scarrow I have picked up these from John Drake following on from Fletcher and Wayfinder. I really like the characters he creates and how he sets the scenes. The characters like Ikonos work best for me as solos rather than as a team - with Morganus in this case. Like Slym and the Wayfinder, Ikonos is a great intellect adrift on the tea cup of life and John Drake can build up a complex character in that way. I will now go to read the first book!
February 23, 2020
Brilliant evocation of Roman Britain. It is quite startling how advanced the Romans were and how long it took western civilization to recover the same level of technology. I’m not a Roman scholar but I’ve been to some of the Roman Britain sites and read enough of the history to trust the author’s portrayal. I really enjoyed how skillfully the author wove in day-to-day life with the drama of mystery. It’s especially nice that in both books, the mystery is closely tied into Roman culture - not just a modern mystery pasted into a historical setting.
July 3, 2018
I read this in two sessions. One sitting in the June sunshine in the garden, second late into the night!! I love John Drake books and specially loved 'Death in Londinium', and 'Games' is the sequel. Now I want the third to resolve Ikaros's love life! Really really enjoyed this, and was amazed that gladiators had to fight with rules and referees. I didn't know that. Marvellous combination of big adventure and romance. When's the next one out?
February 7, 2021
Loved this book
This is the second book by John Drake featuring the Greek who read mind and the First Spear. Their quick witty conversions will make you laugh out loud. The stories help my attention from start to finish, full of suspence and very historically interesting. I have read a lot of Roman detective fiction and these are up there with the best. I really hope there are many more books come in this series.
This is the second book by John Drake featuring the Greek who read mind and the First Spear. Their quick witty conversions will make you laugh out loud. The stories help my attention from start to finish, full of suspence and very historically interesting. I have read a lot of Roman detective fiction and these are up there with the best. I really hope there are many more books come in this series.
January 25, 2023
A riveting tale
At first I was a bit hesitant to read a story on Ancient Rome from the perspective of a Greek since I figure it would be biased against the empire but to my delight it was not. It was actually well balanced and the protagonist of the story while a slave of the empire and in his mind sees Greeks as superior and the Romans as imitators, he does also show affinity towards to he empire due to the new bonds he has built in his new life.
At first I was a bit hesitant to read a story on Ancient Rome from the perspective of a Greek since I figure it would be biased against the empire but to my delight it was not. It was actually well balanced and the protagonist of the story while a slave of the empire and in his mind sees Greeks as superior and the Romans as imitators, he does also show affinity towards to he empire due to the new bonds he has built in his new life.
February 6, 2020
Well, this was fun. It reminded me of a book I read as a kid, called The Ides of April. This is a similar sort of story, but much more serious and gripping and also for adults. It does contain mention of a few perverts, but they aren't at the forefront. It was an exciting book and I look forward to the next installment.
June 1, 2020
English printing bad /story entertaining
As the author states certain liberties have been taken and I see the logic in that . I do however, take issue with the obviously unsupervised printing with regard to errors. Please, try to correct these as it does detract from my pleasure. This story and the previous one we’re interesting if at times repetitive .
As the author states certain liberties have been taken and I see the logic in that . I do however, take issue with the obviously unsupervised printing with regard to errors. Please, try to correct these as it does detract from my pleasure. This story and the previous one we’re interesting if at times repetitive .
January 8, 2022
John Gresham in London , 140A.D.
A delightful book, high quality in every aspect. It may be more of a "guy's book" but that is the only reservation I can give.
About my title... It was meant to indicate great writing in the early centuries in London. I'm not sure if Gresham is a good comparison but he was meant to be.
Wonderful writing! Thoroughly enjoyable to read.
A delightful book, high quality in every aspect. It may be more of a "guy's book" but that is the only reservation I can give.
About my title... It was meant to indicate great writing in the early centuries in London. I'm not sure if Gresham is a good comparison but he was meant to be.
Wonderful writing! Thoroughly enjoyable to read.
February 2, 2020
Great Story Telling
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, as well as the fact finding and puzzle solving. The addition of some Roman history, interesting human relationships and descriptive scene development make this book a pleasure to read. I look forward to more!
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, as well as the fact finding and puzzle solving. The addition of some Roman history, interesting human relationships and descriptive scene development make this book a pleasure to read. I look forward to more!
March 24, 2020
Ancient Londinium
Sequel to Death in Londinium, same characters, plot a bit more dry and technical. Missing the charm of the first. Still much better written than most freebies on kindle unlimited .
Sequel to Death in Londinium, same characters, plot a bit more dry and technical. Missing the charm of the first. Still much better written than most freebies on kindle unlimited .
November 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Great sense of place and characters. I learned a lot about Roman Britain, which is a fascinating subject. Learned a lot about the Roman civilization as well. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series! Please!
August 19, 2021
Excellent
One of the best historical detective novels I have read and I read a hundred books a year .Historical detail ,characterisation and plot all result in a very enjoyable read.
Please produce more !
One of the best historical detective novels I have read and I read a hundred books a year .Historical detail ,characterisation and plot all result in a very enjoyable read.
Please produce more !
August 11, 2022
Good pace
A good quick read - but badly in need of editing. (Not just because of ebook typos). At one point one character is declared as being dead, and a few pages later he is alive. The author needs to read what he has written.
A good quick read - but badly in need of editing. (Not just because of ebook typos). At one point one character is declared as being dead, and a few pages later he is alive. The author needs to read what he has written.
December 8, 2019
Excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed this and the first book. I hope he writes a third. John Drake is a very talented man.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and the first book. I hope he writes a third. John Drake is a very talented man.
February 4, 2020
Very enjoyable
Enjoyed both the story and the historical insights. Looking forward to future stories featuring these characters and more examples of Roman times in Britannia
Enjoyed both the story and the historical insights. Looking forward to future stories featuring these characters and more examples of Roman times in Britannia
March 25, 2020
Loved it
After reading both books in the series, all I can say is I'm ready for the next one. The sooner he better.
After reading both books in the series, all I can say is I'm ready for the next one. The sooner he better.
May 5, 2020
Excellent story and characterisation
One of the very best novels,set in roman times,that I have read. Heartily recommended. Free to read on Kindle Unlimited
One of the very best novels,set in roman times,that I have read. Heartily recommended. Free to read on Kindle Unlimited
April 9, 2022
Circa 100 A.D. Teutonius, Britannia's provincial governor has planned the Londinium games to take place only for murders to start occurring. It is up to Ikaros of Apollonis, Imperial slave and Morganus, senior centurion of the Twentieth Legion to investigate to determine why now and who by.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
May 17, 2022
I enjoyed the second Londinium mystery also as much as the first. As a fan of Patrick O’Brien, I will start John Drake’s Fletcher series.
January 28, 2023
Great read
Loved this book am ready to start the next so I want this review to just be accepted as is.
Loved this book am ready to start the next so I want this review to just be accepted as is.
January 30, 2024
Getting more involved the more I read. It's like catching up with old friends
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews