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The Four Emperors #2
Galba's Men
Rome 68 AD. Slaughtering hundreds of civilians at the gates of Rome is hardly the best introduction for new Emperor Galba to his city. However the aged ruler is determined to get on with clearing up the mess Nero left. Assisting him are his three men: Vinius, Laco and Icelus. Also in his entourage one Marcus Salvius Otho. Jovial, charming and fatally reckless Otho is armed with a killer idea: Wouldn't it be marvellous if the childless Galba adopted him as his heir? Appointing old pal Epaphroditus as his campaign manager, Otho sets about winning hearts and minds in his own unique cheery way. For Epaphroditus it is a harmless way of enlivening his post Nero retirement; either Galba makes Otho his heir, or he doesn't. What could possibly go wrong? For once the former Palace manipulator has fatally miscalculated. These are paranoid times and Otho's 'harmless' plan is about to bring Rome to its knees.
- GenresHistorical FictionHumor
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2018
About the author
L.J. Trafford
11 books61 followersL.J. Trafford studied Ancient History at the University of Reading after which she took a job as a Tour Guide in the Lake District.
Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed.
Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020.
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021
Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed.
Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020.
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 26, 2018
An amusing take on the short-lived reign of Galba, the first of the post Julio-Claudians. We meet again the palace staff of the preceding volume and delve more into their stories, especially that of Philo, the secretary's secretary, the lovelorn overseer Straton, and others, with their loves, lusts, joys, sorrows, back-stabbings. Galba enters Rome on a sour note, which will not endear him to people: the decimation of sailors, massacre of inhabitants--the latter an unintended consequence of the former, and, what the military is to find out: his parsimony. The story follows his 3 henchmen and their machinations; Otho's name is proposed for heir and he finally leads a successful coup when he finds out he is not chosen to be the heir. A quick, delightful, fast-moving read.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2016
So this book follows directly on from Palatine the first book in The Four Emperors Series by L. J. Trafford. If you haven’t read the first book I highly recommend you do as this is a brilliant tale which deserves to be read.
This book is based on events around 68/69 AD when Galba succeeded Nero as emperor of Rome. Albeit for a very short time
L. J. Trafford manages to give us real facts about the events but also has fictional side stories to keep you engaged and it’s this mix that makes this series so interesting
Galba arrives in Rome and it quickly becomes apparent he’s not going to make any friends. His reign only lasted 7 months so it's clear he wasn’t well liked and the way L. J. Trafford portrays him fits with this image
Reading about Galba’s downfall was very gripping but was outshined by one character as with the first instalment.. Philo! The author continues his tale of woe at the hands of Straton just when he hopes his life is on the up. There is so much development for this character during this tale and I think it helped that Galba’s reign was short as it left time in this novel to develop characters like Philo but also Alex, Mina, Sporus & Straton. They all have their part in this story no matter how little.
With so many good characters to use the author had no trouble switching perspectives to allow other’s tales to continue and it was this back and forth that made it all the more gripping as you never had the chance to get bored of a character and you just had to get back to them to see what happened next.
Essentially the end of this book is a repeat of the first instalment.. the emperor is overthrown and it’s bloody, but the author still managed to make the tale fresh and interesting as the build-up is very different and Nero and Galba couldn’t be more different if they tried.
Added shock factor was introduced when the author killed off a few characters. I won’t spoil it by saying who but I did make a little note with a sad face each times.
I think the best thing about L.J. Trafford’s work is how seamlessly she can fit real facts and fiction together so neatly.. nothing feels out of place at all.
We were also introduced to some new characters in this novel. My favourite being Otho who came across as a happy go lucky kind of guy who does things on a whim which is dangerous but very entertaining..his tale will continue in the next book in the series.. I can’t wait for that!
For me this is a shining example of what historical fiction is for me..and I couldn’t fault it. This was my most anticipated book this year and it’s definitely been my favourite read so far.
To me, these are the kinds of tales that make reading as fun as it is.
I’ve already said this but I think it deserves to be brought up again.. Philo.. he outshines this whole series for me and I could read anything with him in it. Such a good character and I hope we see more of him.
Anyone who likes the genre or wants to get into the genre will enjoy this book, great mix of humour, love and death and a perfect blend of characters you’ll love
This book is based on events around 68/69 AD when Galba succeeded Nero as emperor of Rome. Albeit for a very short time
L. J. Trafford manages to give us real facts about the events but also has fictional side stories to keep you engaged and it’s this mix that makes this series so interesting
Galba arrives in Rome and it quickly becomes apparent he’s not going to make any friends. His reign only lasted 7 months so it's clear he wasn’t well liked and the way L. J. Trafford portrays him fits with this image
Reading about Galba’s downfall was very gripping but was outshined by one character as with the first instalment.. Philo! The author continues his tale of woe at the hands of Straton just when he hopes his life is on the up. There is so much development for this character during this tale and I think it helped that Galba’s reign was short as it left time in this novel to develop characters like Philo but also Alex, Mina, Sporus & Straton. They all have their part in this story no matter how little.
With so many good characters to use the author had no trouble switching perspectives to allow other’s tales to continue and it was this back and forth that made it all the more gripping as you never had the chance to get bored of a character and you just had to get back to them to see what happened next.
Essentially the end of this book is a repeat of the first instalment.. the emperor is overthrown and it’s bloody, but the author still managed to make the tale fresh and interesting as the build-up is very different and Nero and Galba couldn’t be more different if they tried.
Added shock factor was introduced when the author killed off a few characters. I won’t spoil it by saying who but I did make a little note with a sad face each times.
I think the best thing about L.J. Trafford’s work is how seamlessly she can fit real facts and fiction together so neatly.. nothing feels out of place at all.
We were also introduced to some new characters in this novel. My favourite being Otho who came across as a happy go lucky kind of guy who does things on a whim which is dangerous but very entertaining..his tale will continue in the next book in the series.. I can’t wait for that!
For me this is a shining example of what historical fiction is for me..and I couldn’t fault it. This was my most anticipated book this year and it’s definitely been my favourite read so far.
To me, these are the kinds of tales that make reading as fun as it is.
I’ve already said this but I think it deserves to be brought up again.. Philo.. he outshines this whole series for me and I could read anything with him in it. Such a good character and I hope we see more of him.
Anyone who likes the genre or wants to get into the genre will enjoy this book, great mix of humour, love and death and a perfect blend of characters you’ll love
July 22, 2018
This is the second of four novels about the year of the four emperors in Rome, all told from the point of view of the imperial slaves and freedmen. Galba himself, while important to the point of the story, is not a main character and is outlined as a successful general, but politically inept.
We have here the ongoing stories of Epaphroditus, imperial secretary, and his wife Aphrodite; the loveable Philo and his fiance Teretia; the overseer Straton with designs on Philo; Artemina, and the rest of the slaves we met in "Palatine". Hanging over it all is Otho, the man destined to succeed Galba, but given it is the year of four emperors, we can't expect to see him last long!
The author's dry sense of humor is a perfect match for the earthiness of Roman imperial slaves and their often grim lives. You realize how they would have maintained their sanity in situations they could not change.
Anyone interested in Roman history, or if you just want a good laugh, would enjoy Trafford's well written novel. It is more fun than any other historical novel that I've read about the Romans that I've ever read.
We have here the ongoing stories of Epaphroditus, imperial secretary, and his wife Aphrodite; the loveable Philo and his fiance Teretia; the overseer Straton with designs on Philo; Artemina, and the rest of the slaves we met in "Palatine". Hanging over it all is Otho, the man destined to succeed Galba, but given it is the year of four emperors, we can't expect to see him last long!
The author's dry sense of humor is a perfect match for the earthiness of Roman imperial slaves and their often grim lives. You realize how they would have maintained their sanity in situations they could not change.
Anyone interested in Roman history, or if you just want a good laugh, would enjoy Trafford's well written novel. It is more fun than any other historical novel that I've read about the Romans that I've ever read.
June 25, 2016
I was sent a review copy of this in exchange for an honest review, having spent my own money on the previous book in the series.
I read this in an anxious rush, as there's nothing that will make you tenser than uncertainty amongst the people running the country, amirite? You need to read Palatine (The Four Emperors #1) first, really, because Galba's Men features many of the same cast of both real and fictional slaves, Praetorians, eunuchs and civil servants. Prepare yourself for lots of deaths, plotting, misunderstandings and shouting. Without wishing to descend into cliche, it's a proper page turner. As with Lyndsey Davies' Falco books, one of the most interesting things to me is the infrastructure and daily experiences of various sorts of people in first-century Rome, which Trafford brings effortlessly to life.
Already looking forward to the next one. Will Otho last longer than Galba? (Obviously I could look this up but I'm not going to.)
I read this in an anxious rush, as there's nothing that will make you tenser than uncertainty amongst the people running the country, amirite? You need to read Palatine (The Four Emperors #1) first, really, because Galba's Men features many of the same cast of both real and fictional slaves, Praetorians, eunuchs and civil servants. Prepare yourself for lots of deaths, plotting, misunderstandings and shouting. Without wishing to descend into cliche, it's a proper page turner. As with Lyndsey Davies' Falco books, one of the most interesting things to me is the infrastructure and daily experiences of various sorts of people in first-century Rome, which Trafford brings effortlessly to life.
Already looking forward to the next one. Will Otho last longer than Galba? (Obviously I could look this up but I'm not going to.)
October 29, 2018
A look at the year of the 4 emperors from the viewpoint of the slaves and freedmen and freedwomen who work for the imperial household. Written with enough humor that sometimes the violence--and it can be very violent--comes as a shock.
July 2, 2016
I was lucky enough to read this book in draft last year. I enjoyed the e-text on my tablet. Looking at the subtly changed version in hard copy, I like it even more.
I look for two things in an historical novel. The first is mastery of the sources. The second is an ability to go beyond the sources, and to create characters who are alive and whose concerns make sense. In my view, L.J. Trafford has clearly managed the first of these. She knows her Suetonius and Tacitus, and Juvenal and the third century Greek historians. She also appears to have read Forburg’s De Figuris Veneris, with its accumulation of all the smut bequeathed to us by the Ancients, plus all the relevant archaeological and topographical works on Late Julio-Claudian Rome. I have a nose for poor research, and two readings of Galba’s Men have failed to show any obvious defect. As for the second, I feel, with the slightest pang of envy, that she has come close to triumphing.
This novel covers the reign of the first of the three Emperors who came in short order after the death of Nero. The Republic has been dead for just over a century. Augustus, the first Emperor, was accepted because he put an end to the civil wars, and did a fair job of keeping his dictatorship hidden. Tiberius, who followed him, was a sort of relative and was, on the whole, a safe pair of hands. Caligula was mad, but was soon put out of the way. Claudius was another safe pair of hands. Nero, however, not only ran out of friends, but died without any relatives fit to step into his shoes. With him, the whole dynasty came to an end. The question now is what next? The two secrets of the Empire are laid bare. The first, as Tacitus said, is that an Emperor can be made other than in Rome. The second is that, without an Emperor, the whole system is unworkable. There can be no going back to the Republic. For all their faults, Augustus and his successors had legitimacy. They might kill each other, but no one outside the Imperial Family had any chance of pushing them all aside. Now they are all dead, and the Empire is up for grabs by anyone able and willing to bribe a big enough army to stand by him.
First to step into the vacuum is Galba. He turns up from Spain to be proclaimed Lord and Master of all the world anyone thinks worth ruling. His problem is an empty treasury and barely a shred of legitimacy. What he has done anyone might do, and there is any number of others who feel inclined to try it.
What makes the novel so compelling is that Galba hardly ever appears, except to make increasingly catastrophic mistakes. The whole narrative is focussed on the various agents of business and pleasure who fill the Imperial Palace. They live in a world of their own, and the government of Empire is largely a by-product of their rivalries for position. There is Tiberius Claudius Philo, an honest and plodding bureaucrat. There is Straton, the thuggish overseer. There is Alex, the slave boy. There is Sporus, whom Nero castrated and married, and who now has to stay out of sight. There is Otho, who fancies himself as the next Emperor. But I cannot go on with a listing of the cast. It is too huge. I asked the author if she had been influenced by the television soaps in her telling of the story through endless cutting from one sub-plot to another. Her answer was that she was a fan of Tolstoy. Whatever the influence, she manages her cast with practised skill, and keeps all the plot lines moving to the same nasty but inevitable conclusion.
[[Plot spoiler: Galba runs out of friends even faster than Nero, and Otho finds himself clutching an unexpectedly poisoned chalice.]]
Another strength is that, if she feels the need, the author mentions certain sexual practices that I will not describe if I want this review to go up on Amazon. She also makes her characters speak in keeping with who they are, which involves much effing and blinding.
In all, this is Roman fiction as I really like it – told from the gross underbelly of Imperial Court politics.
Highly recommended.
I look for two things in an historical novel. The first is mastery of the sources. The second is an ability to go beyond the sources, and to create characters who are alive and whose concerns make sense. In my view, L.J. Trafford has clearly managed the first of these. She knows her Suetonius and Tacitus, and Juvenal and the third century Greek historians. She also appears to have read Forburg’s De Figuris Veneris, with its accumulation of all the smut bequeathed to us by the Ancients, plus all the relevant archaeological and topographical works on Late Julio-Claudian Rome. I have a nose for poor research, and two readings of Galba’s Men have failed to show any obvious defect. As for the second, I feel, with the slightest pang of envy, that she has come close to triumphing.
This novel covers the reign of the first of the three Emperors who came in short order after the death of Nero. The Republic has been dead for just over a century. Augustus, the first Emperor, was accepted because he put an end to the civil wars, and did a fair job of keeping his dictatorship hidden. Tiberius, who followed him, was a sort of relative and was, on the whole, a safe pair of hands. Caligula was mad, but was soon put out of the way. Claudius was another safe pair of hands. Nero, however, not only ran out of friends, but died without any relatives fit to step into his shoes. With him, the whole dynasty came to an end. The question now is what next? The two secrets of the Empire are laid bare. The first, as Tacitus said, is that an Emperor can be made other than in Rome. The second is that, without an Emperor, the whole system is unworkable. There can be no going back to the Republic. For all their faults, Augustus and his successors had legitimacy. They might kill each other, but no one outside the Imperial Family had any chance of pushing them all aside. Now they are all dead, and the Empire is up for grabs by anyone able and willing to bribe a big enough army to stand by him.
First to step into the vacuum is Galba. He turns up from Spain to be proclaimed Lord and Master of all the world anyone thinks worth ruling. His problem is an empty treasury and barely a shred of legitimacy. What he has done anyone might do, and there is any number of others who feel inclined to try it.
What makes the novel so compelling is that Galba hardly ever appears, except to make increasingly catastrophic mistakes. The whole narrative is focussed on the various agents of business and pleasure who fill the Imperial Palace. They live in a world of their own, and the government of Empire is largely a by-product of their rivalries for position. There is Tiberius Claudius Philo, an honest and plodding bureaucrat. There is Straton, the thuggish overseer. There is Alex, the slave boy. There is Sporus, whom Nero castrated and married, and who now has to stay out of sight. There is Otho, who fancies himself as the next Emperor. But I cannot go on with a listing of the cast. It is too huge. I asked the author if she had been influenced by the television soaps in her telling of the story through endless cutting from one sub-plot to another. Her answer was that she was a fan of Tolstoy. Whatever the influence, she manages her cast with practised skill, and keeps all the plot lines moving to the same nasty but inevitable conclusion.
[[Plot spoiler: Galba runs out of friends even faster than Nero, and Otho finds himself clutching an unexpectedly poisoned chalice.]]
Another strength is that, if she feels the need, the author mentions certain sexual practices that I will not describe if I want this review to go up on Amazon. She also makes her characters speak in keeping with who they are, which involves much effing and blinding.
In all, this is Roman fiction as I really like it – told from the gross underbelly of Imperial Court politics.
Highly recommended.
May 30, 2016
“If you liked that, you’ll love this!”
Galba’s Men is just like Palatine … only better!
I read Palatine in April this year, so everything was still relatively fresh in my memory when I started on Galba’s Men. Well, it was like there was no break in the story line. Right from the beginning I felt as if I was in Rome, in AD68, sitting in the same room as Philo with all his tablets and scrolls … The ease in which I was transported there is testament to the author’s writing skill.
The writing is very descriptive, the characters well developed, and the humour (always a difficult thing to portray, in my humble opinion) is right on the nail! The pacing of the novel was also good, and I really like the author’s style, i.e. modern, which made the reading very easy. There was plenty of drama and emotion, even horror within these pages.
I soon found myself completely absorbed in what was happening, hoping that none of my favourites would be for the chop (stabbed, crucified, etc.). I will not reveal anything of what happens, of course, but Felix is one of my favourites. His earthy language and sheer practicality when things go horribly wrong, as inevitably they do, is just so … right! In fact, everything that happens in the book I can imagine having happened with no difficulty, i.e. no incredulous moments at all.
And the ending is priceless! Anyone who knows about the year of the four emperors can probably hazard a guess at it, but I loved it!
There are not enough stars in the heavens to accurately rate this novel. Read it and see if you agree with me.
Roll on Otho’s Regret!
Galba’s Men is just like Palatine … only better!
I read Palatine in April this year, so everything was still relatively fresh in my memory when I started on Galba’s Men. Well, it was like there was no break in the story line. Right from the beginning I felt as if I was in Rome, in AD68, sitting in the same room as Philo with all his tablets and scrolls … The ease in which I was transported there is testament to the author’s writing skill.
The writing is very descriptive, the characters well developed, and the humour (always a difficult thing to portray, in my humble opinion) is right on the nail! The pacing of the novel was also good, and I really like the author’s style, i.e. modern, which made the reading very easy. There was plenty of drama and emotion, even horror within these pages.
I soon found myself completely absorbed in what was happening, hoping that none of my favourites would be for the chop (stabbed, crucified, etc.). I will not reveal anything of what happens, of course, but Felix is one of my favourites. His earthy language and sheer practicality when things go horribly wrong, as inevitably they do, is just so … right! In fact, everything that happens in the book I can imagine having happened with no difficulty, i.e. no incredulous moments at all.
And the ending is priceless! Anyone who knows about the year of the four emperors can probably hazard a guess at it, but I loved it!
There are not enough stars in the heavens to accurately rate this novel. Read it and see if you agree with me.
Roll on Otho’s Regret!
June 21, 2016
Goodreads win. Can't wait to receive and read.
An enjoyable and exciting read. After reading this book I feel like I would really enjoy the first book in the series. Typically this isn't usually the genre I am a huge fan of, but the author did a wonderful job. A great read and something I would see myself recommending to friends.
An enjoyable and exciting read. After reading this book I feel like I would really enjoy the first book in the series. Typically this isn't usually the genre I am a huge fan of, but the author did a wonderful job. A great read and something I would see myself recommending to friends.
May 18, 2021
A mostly lower decks version of the reign of Emperor Galba, using very modern dialogue and a healthy does of humor as the slaves and servants run around trying to adjust to the régime change - having no idea what a year they are in for!
Sitting on the edge with his legs dangling down, Sporus felt sure he would be killed from the fall. He looked anxiously about hoping for a passer-by to cushion his landing, but there was no one about.
Gazing upwards he intoned, "Mercury, messenger for the gods, you have those lovely winged sandals. It would be wonderful, really wonderful if when I jump you could whizz over, catch me, and gently lower me to the earth. In return I swear to make you my favorite god and I will sacrifice twenty pigs, fifty goats, and pour you a river of wine. Honest. Promise...”
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and pushed himself off the wall.
From the point of view of Pompeia and Teretia who were walking across the Palatine after accompanying Plulo to work, the boy dropped from the heavens with a thud and then a scream.
"Oh my word!" exclaimed Pompeia, gazing down at Sporus who was rolling on his back, clutching his leg and squealing.
She bent down and asked the somewhat superfluous question, “Are you hurt?"
"Mercury, you total bastard!"
Of course, its all fun and games until someone gets crucified, reminding the reader of just how high the stakes were for even the lowliest people trying to survive.
Last book saw the carefully planned rise of the moralistic and stern Galba. Now - we get Otho making a play for power in his own way:
Take the most outrageous drunken night you've ever had, and then throw in an ostrich-feathered girl, a million sesterces wager, and a naked chariot ride though the forum: that was Otho all over. He was the only man who could out-scandal Nero.
Otho makes his big gamble only when he feels backed in a corner - and the results are messy.
And just when things start to calm down - word of Vitellius claim to throne arrives!
May 5, 2017
A River of Blood and Tears a review of Galba's men by LJ Trafford
Galba’s men the sequel to the Brilliant palatine improves upon what was set out in that story. He story is more enjoyable than palatine you can tell the author has refined her technique which resulted in me crying with sadness and joy, laughing and feeling worried for the fates of my favourite characters.the most colourful of characters from palatine are back and their stories expanded on and some cases brought to an end in often bloody and horrific ways. Philo the ever loyal and brilliant scribe is back and it’s not long before he starts attracting the looks of those in Galba’s regime. Epaphroditus who in retirement starts helping an old friend in his schemes which will have far reaching consequences for Rome and the Empire, The skilled Courtier Otho makes his proper debut after appearing briefly in palatine trying to please and influence the stubborn strict Emperor Galba, flee from his debtors and mend his previous bad reputation which he earned many years before. Emperor Galba who has just arrived in Rome to a bloody entrance and starts trying mend grievous errors but will the people and legions agree with him on what he calls errors. With Galba are his advisors Icelus,Vinius and Laco who are always plotting ,trying to outdo each other. Also there is a temple of whirling eunuchs .Galba’s Men is a brilliant story it has deep characters ,love triangles ,plots a coup, loyalty and lust for power .Like I said about Palatine If you’re a fan of the Throne of the Caesar’s series or George RR Martin then you will love this.
Galba’s men the sequel to the Brilliant palatine improves upon what was set out in that story. He story is more enjoyable than palatine you can tell the author has refined her technique which resulted in me crying with sadness and joy, laughing and feeling worried for the fates of my favourite characters.the most colourful of characters from palatine are back and their stories expanded on and some cases brought to an end in often bloody and horrific ways. Philo the ever loyal and brilliant scribe is back and it’s not long before he starts attracting the looks of those in Galba’s regime. Epaphroditus who in retirement starts helping an old friend in his schemes which will have far reaching consequences for Rome and the Empire, The skilled Courtier Otho makes his proper debut after appearing briefly in palatine trying to please and influence the stubborn strict Emperor Galba, flee from his debtors and mend his previous bad reputation which he earned many years before. Emperor Galba who has just arrived in Rome to a bloody entrance and starts trying mend grievous errors but will the people and legions agree with him on what he calls errors. With Galba are his advisors Icelus,Vinius and Laco who are always plotting ,trying to outdo each other. Also there is a temple of whirling eunuchs .Galba’s Men is a brilliant story it has deep characters ,love triangles ,plots a coup, loyalty and lust for power .Like I said about Palatine If you’re a fan of the Throne of the Caesar’s series or George RR Martin then you will love this.
September 17, 2017
Not as easy to get into as the first book in the series but, once you do, you won't be able to put it down. One of the things I like about the book is that it really makes you think about what Rome was really like in this era. The characters feel real and are full of all the human emotions, good and bad, that you would expect in a real person. A fun read.
July 1, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this and Palatine, the first in the series. Really looking forward to book 3.
The books are surprisingly compelling despite the tongue in cheek humour and lightness of touch. The books are really good for anyone hungry for some every day flesh to be added to the bones of the history of Ancient Rome, which LJ provides in good measure.
The books are surprisingly compelling despite the tongue in cheek humour and lightness of touch. The books are really good for anyone hungry for some every day flesh to be added to the bones of the history of Ancient Rome, which LJ provides in good measure.
January 29, 2022
This is much better than „Palatine”. It’s not only a great history fiction with inspiring gap-filling. I find human interactions, also erotic ones, enhanced, curious and engaging. Even if some characters appear absurdly intelligent for their positions (not all of them though), it’s nevertheless quite intruguing psychological study. Great read! Very catchy indeed.
May 7, 2020
This series is fantastic. Dark and brutal yet humorous and touching. The political intrigue makes for an intense and thrilling read and the relationships between characters are engaging. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.
April 23, 2022
Galba’s Men-book II
A funny, sad, dark, and yet, hilarious telling of the events of 68-69 BCE. You laugh, you feel, cheer and you cry, in sadness, anger, disappointment, and frustration.
A funny, sad, dark, and yet, hilarious telling of the events of 68-69 BCE. You laugh, you feel, cheer and you cry, in sadness, anger, disappointment, and frustration.
July 2, 2023
The writing is excellent and the character’s are fascinating but there are no footnotes or index. It’s anyone’s guess what things and people are real and what it made up. This book reads like a Roman soap opera.
December 12, 2018
Great follow-up to Palatine - some surprises in terms of character development but stays true to the feel from the first book in the series. Can't wait to read the other two!
April 7, 2019
Good continuation of the story with all the intrigue and scheming
May 4, 2025
Fabulous series even the second time around.
June 22, 2016
I read the first book in this series, Palatine, so quickly, I had to go back and read it again, to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. I absolutely loved it and was really looking forward to the sequel, which did not disappoint. In fact, much as I didn’t think it possible, it is even better than the first one. I was so absorbed that I read almost two-thirds of it in one sitting – to the detriment of everything else I was supposed to be doing.
Galba’s Men begins six months after the death of Nero, towards the end of AD 68 and those within the palace at Rome are managing quite well without an Emperor in situ thank you very much. Even the ineffectual Icelus, Galba’s secretary doesn’t derail the smooth administration of Empire, as the palace-trained scribe, Philo, effortlessly absorbs his workload. Galba himself is delayed in the provinces, dealing with the upheaval within the army caused by Nero’s death.
The ensuing events lay the foundation for the infamous Year of the Four Emperors, this honorific alone enough to conjure up the utter pandemonium that would be ushered in following Galba’s promotion to the top job - dissension, shifting political alliances, murder and mayhem – perfect ingredients on which to base a gripping tale.
Nothing goes right for Galba; even his arrival is marred by a riot as he approaches Rome. The sailors of the Misenum Fleet who wished to be recognised as an official legion bring a petition to Galba, intercepting him at the Milvian Bridge. Galba refuses to deal with it there, indicating that they should follow official channels and petition in Rome. A scuffle follows and whether intentional or not, suddenly the cavalry bear down on the angry sailors straight through a crowd of civilians who had come to cheer their new Emperor, killing dozens.
Not the most auspicious start and, unfortunately for all involved, set the tone for Galba’s rule. Almost as an aside, it is at this point that we are also introduced to Otho, a genial sort of chap, a man who is in fact the complete antithesis of Galba and something to keep in mind throughout this tale. Otho wholeheartedly supported Galba’s bid for Imperial glory, mostly in the hope that he might be named son and heir. However, as time passes, the new Emperor’s advisors persuade him out of what would have been a popular decision and Galba confers this title on another, thereby pretty much signing his own death warrant.
As with Palatine, the story unfolds from the perspective of those behind the scenes, the movers and shakers of the administration, Galba’s staff, the Praetorians and those working within the palace, many of whom we met in the previous book. Dragged mercilessly into a vortex of chaos simply by being in the right place at the wrong time.
Corruption, treason, executions, love, marriage, death and general all round mischief come together in a tale that keeps you gripped from the first page. You become part of the narrative, the characters - no longer words on a page but people you know and are vested in, to the point where I wasn’t sure I wanted to get to the end in case any of my favourites didn’t survive the telling and … no … you’ll have to read it for yourself.
LJ Trafford weaves a masterful tale; fast paced and full to bursting with flamboyant personalities whose lives are inextricably entwined with the fortunes of the Emperor. Her descriptions of their world, of the palace and of Rome itself are so vivid that the scenes virtually manifest in front of you. It is one thing to read the history of this period, but this book brings it to life. I cannot recommend Galba’s Men highly enough. Do yourself a favour – treat yourself to a copy, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Galba’s Men begins six months after the death of Nero, towards the end of AD 68 and those within the palace at Rome are managing quite well without an Emperor in situ thank you very much. Even the ineffectual Icelus, Galba’s secretary doesn’t derail the smooth administration of Empire, as the palace-trained scribe, Philo, effortlessly absorbs his workload. Galba himself is delayed in the provinces, dealing with the upheaval within the army caused by Nero’s death.
The ensuing events lay the foundation for the infamous Year of the Four Emperors, this honorific alone enough to conjure up the utter pandemonium that would be ushered in following Galba’s promotion to the top job - dissension, shifting political alliances, murder and mayhem – perfect ingredients on which to base a gripping tale.
Nothing goes right for Galba; even his arrival is marred by a riot as he approaches Rome. The sailors of the Misenum Fleet who wished to be recognised as an official legion bring a petition to Galba, intercepting him at the Milvian Bridge. Galba refuses to deal with it there, indicating that they should follow official channels and petition in Rome. A scuffle follows and whether intentional or not, suddenly the cavalry bear down on the angry sailors straight through a crowd of civilians who had come to cheer their new Emperor, killing dozens.
Not the most auspicious start and, unfortunately for all involved, set the tone for Galba’s rule. Almost as an aside, it is at this point that we are also introduced to Otho, a genial sort of chap, a man who is in fact the complete antithesis of Galba and something to keep in mind throughout this tale. Otho wholeheartedly supported Galba’s bid for Imperial glory, mostly in the hope that he might be named son and heir. However, as time passes, the new Emperor’s advisors persuade him out of what would have been a popular decision and Galba confers this title on another, thereby pretty much signing his own death warrant.
As with Palatine, the story unfolds from the perspective of those behind the scenes, the movers and shakers of the administration, Galba’s staff, the Praetorians and those working within the palace, many of whom we met in the previous book. Dragged mercilessly into a vortex of chaos simply by being in the right place at the wrong time.
Corruption, treason, executions, love, marriage, death and general all round mischief come together in a tale that keeps you gripped from the first page. You become part of the narrative, the characters - no longer words on a page but people you know and are vested in, to the point where I wasn’t sure I wanted to get to the end in case any of my favourites didn’t survive the telling and … no … you’ll have to read it for yourself.
LJ Trafford weaves a masterful tale; fast paced and full to bursting with flamboyant personalities whose lives are inextricably entwined with the fortunes of the Emperor. Her descriptions of their world, of the palace and of Rome itself are so vivid that the scenes virtually manifest in front of you. It is one thing to read the history of this period, but this book brings it to life. I cannot recommend Galba’s Men highly enough. Do yourself a favour – treat yourself to a copy, sit back and enjoy the ride.
July 11, 2016
House of Cards meets Spartacus.
Galba’s Men is the second in the Four Emperor’s Series that started with Palatine (If you haven’t read it - it’s great) Many of the cast of characters from the first book play prominent roles, so I wouldn’t describe this as a standalone novel, although it is self contained.
You are thrust right from the start into the vicious and brutal Roman world of 68AD, six months after the death of Nero. Palace politics are portrayed with a combination of bawdy humour and pathos, but it is wonderfully observed with the daily details of daily roman life - rich and poor.
As the new emperor Galba deals with the chaos bequeathed by Nero, one Marcus Salvius Otho has his own ambitions on the imperial throne. Otho, and his schemer in chief Epaphroditus, go about garnering support for his plan - get Galba to adopt him - with joyous abandon, but Rome is a dangerous place where the wrong word can get you killed.
From the opening line: ‘It is generally agreed that the palace ran far better without an Emperor’, to the thrilling finale the novel is a gripping page turner. Even if you know the history, this really breathes life into it. Galba’s Men is not your bog standard roman military story, but something far more complex - if you are looking for battles and military strategy and tactics these books don’t do that, this is more House of Cards meets Spartacus.
The characters are engaging and the writing witty and erudite - Philo and Felix are my definite favourites - and there is a real sense of danger as the plots unravel, deaths, and bust-ups ensue. The confusion and chaos at the heart of a powerful empire is vividly portrayed, and Trafford’s descriptive prose in particular is a joy to read.
The historical detail is also something that has to be admired, too often anachronisms or just historical mistakes are the downfall of historical fiction, but the impeccable research that has gone into the novel really shines through. I can honestly say that I cannot wait for the next instalment in the series.
All in all a fab series that I highly recommend.
Galba’s Men is the second in the Four Emperor’s Series that started with Palatine (If you haven’t read it - it’s great) Many of the cast of characters from the first book play prominent roles, so I wouldn’t describe this as a standalone novel, although it is self contained.
You are thrust right from the start into the vicious and brutal Roman world of 68AD, six months after the death of Nero. Palace politics are portrayed with a combination of bawdy humour and pathos, but it is wonderfully observed with the daily details of daily roman life - rich and poor.
As the new emperor Galba deals with the chaos bequeathed by Nero, one Marcus Salvius Otho has his own ambitions on the imperial throne. Otho, and his schemer in chief Epaphroditus, go about garnering support for his plan - get Galba to adopt him - with joyous abandon, but Rome is a dangerous place where the wrong word can get you killed.
From the opening line: ‘It is generally agreed that the palace ran far better without an Emperor’, to the thrilling finale the novel is a gripping page turner. Even if you know the history, this really breathes life into it. Galba’s Men is not your bog standard roman military story, but something far more complex - if you are looking for battles and military strategy and tactics these books don’t do that, this is more House of Cards meets Spartacus.
The characters are engaging and the writing witty and erudite - Philo and Felix are my definite favourites - and there is a real sense of danger as the plots unravel, deaths, and bust-ups ensue. The confusion and chaos at the heart of a powerful empire is vividly portrayed, and Trafford’s descriptive prose in particular is a joy to read.
The historical detail is also something that has to be admired, too often anachronisms or just historical mistakes are the downfall of historical fiction, but the impeccable research that has gone into the novel really shines through. I can honestly say that I cannot wait for the next instalment in the series.
All in all a fab series that I highly recommend.
June 29, 2016
A witty, jocose romp through the imperial reign of Galba, the second of the four emperors in a year. Wonderful characters throughout, the story is told from the viewpoint of the slaves and freedmen who staff the Imperial Palace and who run the bureaucracy that runs the Empire. While I thoroughly enjoyed the humor that permeates the pages of this book, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the well written intrigues and political machinations that bring home the stark reality of this unsettled period in Rome's history. It is the kind of tale that is; well let me put it this way : I usually read three books at the same time and I divide my reading time between them pretty evenly....in this case, and in spite of the fact that the other books currently being read are really good, I broke protocol and couldn't put this one down. My only disappointment is that book three is not out yet. 4.7 stars and the coveted Hoover Book Reviews 'You Gotta Read This One' official seal of approval. :-)
June 26, 2016
I'm no historian, but Galba's Men relates what could be a very complicated chain of events with clarity, humour and a loveable (and detestable!) cast of characters.
L.J Trafford creates interesting, witty and believable characters with skill. I was hooked from the off, cheering on Philo and Teretia and hoping they would hook up and he'd get over his awkwardness. Would he ever escape Straton? I won't give to much away but I wasn't disappointed. It's a very human story - love, jealousy, lust, pride and ambition and it tells the story of the slaves and freedmen of Rome well. Otho is great - likeable, reckless and well meaning - but will it be enough to secure him a place in Galba's palace and escape his debts?
There are also some truly scary, edge of your seat scenes that had me reading well into the night. All in all, a rip roaring read.
L.J Trafford creates interesting, witty and believable characters with skill. I was hooked from the off, cheering on Philo and Teretia and hoping they would hook up and he'd get over his awkwardness. Would he ever escape Straton? I won't give to much away but I wasn't disappointed. It's a very human story - love, jealousy, lust, pride and ambition and it tells the story of the slaves and freedmen of Rome well. Otho is great - likeable, reckless and well meaning - but will it be enough to secure him a place in Galba's palace and escape his debts?
There are also some truly scary, edge of your seat scenes that had me reading well into the night. All in all, a rip roaring read.
July 6, 2016
It took me almost three weeks to finish reading Galba's Men. It was just so good that I rationed myself, reading a little each day, spinning it out like a child with an all-day sucker.
I'm told by people more erudite than myself that the scholarship is impeccable; I am quite willing to take this on faith when the book itself is such a marvel of entertainment. The large-as-life characters dance through the story in a whirl of salacious gossip, evil plotting, passionate love and all of the baser human drives. The party is tempered, as the best humour always is, with the rare spot of genuine tragedy, which adds the hint of bitterness that's needed to prevent it all from becoming cloying and samish. I truly don't know when I have enjoyed a work of historical fiction more. It is a masterpiece of fun.
I'm told by people more erudite than myself that the scholarship is impeccable; I am quite willing to take this on faith when the book itself is such a marvel of entertainment. The large-as-life characters dance through the story in a whirl of salacious gossip, evil plotting, passionate love and all of the baser human drives. The party is tempered, as the best humour always is, with the rare spot of genuine tragedy, which adds the hint of bitterness that's needed to prevent it all from becoming cloying and samish. I truly don't know when I have enjoyed a work of historical fiction more. It is a masterpiece of fun.
May 23, 2016
I won this book on Goodreads. I really loved this book. It is a very readable book for anyone, even those without a background in the classics. Trafford's style reminded me so much of Robert Graves's writings, especially I, Claudius. The palace intrigues on every level from emperor to lowliest slave demonstrate that people really have not changed much. The Julio-Claudian line has ended and the succession of generals to rule has begun. The transition to the strong-man reign is the subject of this book. The emphasis is on the many characters who deal with the uncertain political and governmental changes in their lives.
August 18, 2016
*I received this book for free in a giveaway.
Although I didn't read the first book of the series, I didn't have any issues understanding the follow on plot lines. I'd be interested in reading the first, third and fourth, and plan to give the book to a history buff friend who I think would adore this story.
Although I didn't read the first book of the series, I didn't have any issues understanding the follow on plot lines. I'd be interested in reading the first, third and fourth, and plan to give the book to a history buff friend who I think would adore this story.
August 19, 2014
The story was good, but an English teacher would need a truckload of red pens to mark all the errors in this book. I would have rated it higher if the English composition had been at all proficient.
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June 20, 2016Not quite what i expected. This book has everything: humour, drama, history. A really good book to read; keeps you guessing what will happen next. Enjoyed it.
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