Mutiny

Mercenary of Rome #1

by John Stack

Following many years of war with Rome, Carthage is exhausted.Yet the trouble is not yet over. As mercenaries land in Carthage to claim payment for services rendered, they do not receive what they expect. Lacking a shared culture, structure and even language, this band of warriors has taken up residence in Carthage, and is becoming increasingly angry...Meanwhile, veteran Roman sailor and prefect Atticus Perennis is fighting pirates in the seas around Sicily. Perpetually an outsider, despite his Roman citizenship, due to his Greek heritage, Atticus is a fine warrior with more than one point to prove. He sails with his brother-in-law, Septimus, a Roman centurion of striking bravery and skill, and despite their grisly encounters with pirate crews, both long for some measure of peace after the wars with the Punici of Carthage.It is a vain hope.For among the pirates’ booty are Roman senators, who tell Atticus of the mercenary occupation of Carthage. Worse, the mercenaries have kidnapped the Roman proconsul to whom Atticus owes a particular debt of honour. And so, Atticus, Septimus and their crew sail for Carthage. Once there, Atticus is re-united with yet another acquaintance, Hamilcar Barca. As military commander of Carthage, Barca could do with some help. But the last person he wants help from is Atticus Perennis...Mutiny is a meticulously rendered tale of politics and war in the Roman era, a tale that takes an unflinching look at the details of battle and occupation, and the compromises of allegiance. It will delight fans of Roman history, historical fiction and military fiction alike. John Stack was born and lives in County Cork. He is married with three children, and is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Masters of the Sea series.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Ancient, War

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

John Stack was born and lives in County Cork in Ireland. He has always wanted to write but has done a variety of jobs ending up in IT. He is married with three children. He is presently writing the second book of the Masters of the Sea series.

Reviews

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing tale of one of the more ironic periods in Roman history. Carthage and Rome allied together to fight a mercenary army that threatens the stability of the Mediterranean area. This despite a fierce hatred, and total mistrust that existed between the two nations. This is no more evident than the relationship between the Roman commander Atticus and Hamilcar Barca. The author skillfully blends the history with a entertaining fictional rendering. The characters are vividly drawn, the action is exciting, in other words, it is what good historical-fiction looks like. The battle scenes are of the no holds barred variety; the sounds and smells, the battle lust seep through the pages. I was especially captivated by the naval confrontations; the snapping of the oars, the in rush of water as the ram tears through the hull - just the kind of page turning adventure I enjoy. Looking forward to book 2.      4 stars

[H B CALDER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just too short...

Sorry I could only give this very good novella 3 stars - because it was not a novel! Great pace and like the earlier books featuring these characters a well drawn snapshot of exciting times. If he had just developed a couple more of the side plots (the senators reception with the news in Rome for example) the book would have been a more rounded read and a longer one. Can not fault the writing and will look to buy the next instalment - so maybe the marketing of a short book works after all?

[Adam Lofthouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like years since I read the ‘Masters of the Sea’ trilogy by John Stack. I still have them on the shelf, their covers slightly faded over time. It must be ten years since I read them, and I would certainly struggle to recount the events of each book.
But one thing I do remember with startlingly clarity: John Stack knows how to write a damn good naval battle. I’m delighted to say he still does.
It is the battle scenes that really stand out in this book for me. John’s knowledge of Roman ship building and sailing, of how a ship would react under different circumstances is astonishing. He has a cast of characters that are both believable and engaging, you route for them with every engagement.
He also writes about a period of Roman history often overlooked: the wars between Rome and Carthage.
In this one Rome and Carthage actually form a temporary truce of sorts as they battle fearsome pirates on the Mediterranean Sea. As I said above the battles are excellent and really make it what it is. One comment I would make is I thought there was so much more that could have been put in to the story, making it a full novel rather than a novella.
But, for a hundred odd page story, you do get one hell of an adrenalin fuelled ride!

[R Pata · Rating 4 out of 5]

BC, or Now?

As people are…people (more or less), its funny how few things change. The mercenaries believe they are owed something, for real or not it doesn’t matter. Whether they did something for it or not, it doesn’t matter. They believe they are Owed…something!*! They are willing to attack and kill those they believe have wronged them, regardless of the truth.

Herr Stack has brought a totally different part of human history to the fore, and he has done an admirable job at it. More background and setting the scene early would’ve been wonderful.

The way he gives a heads up to the reader that something dire might happen is especially well done. You may feel like a demigod on Olympus as you feel ‘in the know’ and let the frail humans go to their Valhallah, Heaven…or Hele..,

[Nick Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the author’s “Masters of the Sea” trilogy, nice take on the many Roman novels about to have it mainly set as a story of the Roman Navy.
This novella takes us back to the two main characters back on board and hunting pirates around the area of Sicily. A captured ship provides news that mercenaries have occupied Carthage and our heroes are ordered to help the hated Punici liberate their City. Old enemies do not make new friends and this is a mission fraught with danger and the potential for treachery.
This was a good reminder of the talents of the author and of the previous series. I hope we see more.

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enthralling and highly entertaining!

This was an excellent read, blending historical fact and fiction seamlessly. The descriptions of battle, both on land and at sea left nothing to the imagination. My only criticism is that the story was too short but then, perhaps, this was the author's intention with a series of sequels planned. I was surprised by the author's assertion that the Romans employed galley slaves on their military ships. I was always under the impression that the oars were manned by free men and full members of the Roman navy.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is nice to read because the complete facts may not be present but you have an architecture to use that is fact because there is the history of it. This shows in this book by John Stack, an Epically Awesome high action thriller that this story tells. You won't get bored as there is action, battles and the repercussions all finely detailed in this high speed revelation of time and history, like no other book has told it. I loved it!!!

[Joe Corso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Tead

Perfect read for fans of the Roman Legions. If like

Like me you enjoy reading stories about the legions of Rome, then get this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure

[Mr A Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

This is a must read for followers of historical fiction,a real page turned full of action,this is an author to follow

[s marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

This book was very engaging not very long but well explained for me unusual to find books focusing on naval Roman warfare

[Narciso Graña Devereux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mutiny. Mercenarios of Rome

An unlikely book about the Roman navy. It keeps you feeling the deck under your feet and the sea salt on your face.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will not finish trilogy.