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Praetorian #4
Lions of Rome
Rufinus is dead, crumpled at the base of a cliff in far-off Dacia. Or so the world believes. Back in the west, secretly in the entourage of the fierce Septimius Severus, the young hero moves in the shadows with fellow conspirators in an attempt to finally bring down the would-be tyrant of Rome: Cleander.
Under assumed names and in a variety of roles, the former Praetorian conspires with some of the most important men in Rome, bringing the city to the very brink of disaster in a grand and complex plot to cause the fall of the untouchable chamberlain.
And as governors, prefects, Praetorians and consuls work their secret plots in the seedy underbelly of Rome, Rufinus finds he has an opportunity to settle old scores along the way.
The empire is suffering. Rome is seething. Rufinus is back.
Under assumed names and in a variety of roles, the former Praetorian conspires with some of the most important men in Rome, bringing the city to the very brink of disaster in a grand and complex plot to cause the fall of the untouchable chamberlain.
And as governors, prefects, Praetorians and consuls work their secret plots in the seedy underbelly of Rome, Rufinus finds he has an opportunity to settle old scores along the way.
The empire is suffering. Rome is seething. Rufinus is back.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2019
236 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
95 books503 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 13, 2021
Another gripping novel by Turney. In this one, Rufinus has taken on a new identity since he was declared dead, and is part of a cabal to get rid of the evil chamberlain Cleander, led and coordinated by Septimius Severus, the future emperor. Also, he carries out personal vendettas against the men remaining alive who had killed a frumentarius. Rufinus' "wife", Senova, was insufferable in this novel. I was glad she appeared only minimally. I hope to goodness the author will let her appear only infrequently in future novels.: or, dare I say it, kill her off eventually? She's just as irritating as Lady Domitia in the Douglas Jackson series featuring Gaius Valerius Verrens.
February 26, 2019
I will admit that Simon Turney's Praetorian series didn't exactly pull me in to begin with. The first volume was a good opener, but the second left me cold. The third regained my interest, and this is the fourth in the series.
Without giving too much of the earlier books away, Rufinus finds himself back in Rome in the extended entourage of Septimus Severus. But he has to use an alias, as his continued existence is known only to a few people. This gives him enormous advantages, but clearly makes life difficult, as he is unable to reveal himself to old friends.
Commodus is still Emperor, but his Chamberlain, Cleander, is the real power in the city, and thus the main focus of a number of plots. Rufinus has his own reasons for wishing for the man's downfall. Severus has power and influence, and this enables him to place Rufinus in positions that will prove useful - and dangerous.
The plot is well handled, and again, quite complex. Severus is happy to play the long game, and is something of a master at it. Quietly assuming control of local naval forces, and manipulating grain imports, he sets about rousing the people against Cleander. The roles that Rufinus finds himself in can seem a little far-fetched, but it is worth seeing where it all leads. After all, young aristocratic men did become Tribunes, and learnt on the job, rather than training and then being promoted. So why shouldn't Rufinus do the same?
I was pleased that Senova played a more prominent part in this episode. She had seemed a bit of a spare part in the earlier books, but comes into her own here, displaying an intelligence and dynamism that sometimes exceeds those of Rufinus. I did miss his dog, Acheron, though the explanation for his absence was entirely reasonable.
I did enjoy this episode in the series. I do, however, have reservations about the growth of the major characters. The author's other series have all been marked by his astute development of the people involved. We see them slowly maturing and acquiring the skills to achieve what they eventually do. Here, you do have to suspend disbelief a little more than usual when Rufinus and Senova suddenly seem to have acquired a new skill or knowledge out of the blue. But apart from that, it is a cracking story.
Without giving too much of the earlier books away, Rufinus finds himself back in Rome in the extended entourage of Septimus Severus. But he has to use an alias, as his continued existence is known only to a few people. This gives him enormous advantages, but clearly makes life difficult, as he is unable to reveal himself to old friends.
Commodus is still Emperor, but his Chamberlain, Cleander, is the real power in the city, and thus the main focus of a number of plots. Rufinus has his own reasons for wishing for the man's downfall. Severus has power and influence, and this enables him to place Rufinus in positions that will prove useful - and dangerous.
The plot is well handled, and again, quite complex. Severus is happy to play the long game, and is something of a master at it. Quietly assuming control of local naval forces, and manipulating grain imports, he sets about rousing the people against Cleander. The roles that Rufinus finds himself in can seem a little far-fetched, but it is worth seeing where it all leads. After all, young aristocratic men did become Tribunes, and learnt on the job, rather than training and then being promoted. So why shouldn't Rufinus do the same?
I was pleased that Senova played a more prominent part in this episode. She had seemed a bit of a spare part in the earlier books, but comes into her own here, displaying an intelligence and dynamism that sometimes exceeds those of Rufinus. I did miss his dog, Acheron, though the explanation for his absence was entirely reasonable.
I did enjoy this episode in the series. I do, however, have reservations about the growth of the major characters. The author's other series have all been marked by his astute development of the people involved. We see them slowly maturing and acquiring the skills to achieve what they eventually do. Here, you do have to suspend disbelief a little more than usual when Rufinus and Senova suddenly seem to have acquired a new skill or knowledge out of the blue. But apart from that, it is a cracking story.
May 24, 2019
Great book.
This series of books is about a real person in the time of Rome. Many of the situations described and people were real people during that time. A great historical book.
This series of books is about a real person in the time of Rome. Many of the situations described and people were real people during that time. A great historical book.
October 17, 2022
Den första av dessa med rimlig nivå av komplexitet. Rekommenderas, och kan fungera som belöning att ta sig igenom de tidigare.
February 12, 2019
Fantastic conclusion.
I read voraciously and enjoy most books, then along comes a serious unputdowner, Lions of Rome is jam packed with intrigue, subterfuge action and amazing plot, just could not put it down, brilliant, being on the next one.
I read voraciously and enjoy most books, then along comes a serious unputdowner, Lions of Rome is jam packed with intrigue, subterfuge action and amazing plot, just could not put it down, brilliant, being on the next one.
April 1, 2019
BLURB
Rufinus is dead, crumpled at the base of a cliff in far-off Dacia. Or so the world believes. Back in the west, secretly in the entourage of the fierce Septimius Severus, the young hero moves in the shadows with fellow conspirators in an attempt to finally bring down the would-be tyrant of Rome: Cleander.
Under assumed names and in a variety of roles, the former Praetorian conspires with some of the most important men in Rome, bringing the city to the very brink of disaster in a grand and complex plot to cause the fall of the untouchable chamberlain.
And as governors, prefects, Praetorians and consuls work their secret plots in the seedy underbelly of Rome, Rufinus finds he has an opportunity to settle old scores along the way.
The empire is suffering. Rome is seething. Rufinus is back.
REVIEW
In the most complex Praetorian yet, Mr. Turney has delivered yet another masterpiece bringing together every element in the city of Rome, in a taut thriller to bring down the vile Cleander. There are a lot of moving pieces on the game board as the Septimus Severus led conspiracy plays a long waiting game; everything has to be right for them to succeed. It is this long wait that could have been a negative as far as slowing the pace of the narrative, a lessening in the number of stars awarded. But, my dear readers, just as Rufinus chafes at the wait, you must also. Like Rufinus, I was growing impatient, but like Severus, the author knew best...the last quarter is justification for the wait. In fairness, the drawn out grain part, while causing anxious moments for the conspirators, and the occasional sigh by me, is in retrospect necessary to the narrative. When you're going after the most powerful "right hand man of The Emperor" since Sejanus, you better be sure all your plans are laid out in meticulous detail. Besides, dear reader, the last quarter of the book is pure Turney excitement magic.
Book four of this series is also a prime example of the research that the author employs in all of his books. The descriptions, for example, of the streets of Commodus' Rome makes the reader feel like he's walking down familiar byways. In addition to that level of detail, you have a more complete Rufinus. He is now an elite warrior/spy exuding confidence in all of his tasks - a killer when necessary - a wearer of many masks - yet still possessing a compassionate outlook and a questioning mind. Yes, my peeps and fellow travelers, ready yourself for time well spent as you read Lions of Rome. 5 Stars
Rufinus is dead, crumpled at the base of a cliff in far-off Dacia. Or so the world believes. Back in the west, secretly in the entourage of the fierce Septimius Severus, the young hero moves in the shadows with fellow conspirators in an attempt to finally bring down the would-be tyrant of Rome: Cleander.
Under assumed names and in a variety of roles, the former Praetorian conspires with some of the most important men in Rome, bringing the city to the very brink of disaster in a grand and complex plot to cause the fall of the untouchable chamberlain.
And as governors, prefects, Praetorians and consuls work their secret plots in the seedy underbelly of Rome, Rufinus finds he has an opportunity to settle old scores along the way.
The empire is suffering. Rome is seething. Rufinus is back.
REVIEW
In the most complex Praetorian yet, Mr. Turney has delivered yet another masterpiece bringing together every element in the city of Rome, in a taut thriller to bring down the vile Cleander. There are a lot of moving pieces on the game board as the Septimus Severus led conspiracy plays a long waiting game; everything has to be right for them to succeed. It is this long wait that could have been a negative as far as slowing the pace of the narrative, a lessening in the number of stars awarded. But, my dear readers, just as Rufinus chafes at the wait, you must also. Like Rufinus, I was growing impatient, but like Severus, the author knew best...the last quarter is justification for the wait. In fairness, the drawn out grain part, while causing anxious moments for the conspirators, and the occasional sigh by me, is in retrospect necessary to the narrative. When you're going after the most powerful "right hand man of The Emperor" since Sejanus, you better be sure all your plans are laid out in meticulous detail. Besides, dear reader, the last quarter of the book is pure Turney excitement magic.
Book four of this series is also a prime example of the research that the author employs in all of his books. The descriptions, for example, of the streets of Commodus' Rome makes the reader feel like he's walking down familiar byways. In addition to that level of detail, you have a more complete Rufinus. He is now an elite warrior/spy exuding confidence in all of his tasks - a killer when necessary - a wearer of many masks - yet still possessing a compassionate outlook and a questioning mind. Yes, my peeps and fellow travelers, ready yourself for time well spent as you read Lions of Rome. 5 Stars
August 3, 2019
We are back with Rufinus for his fourth adventure , you’d think after past events he would want the quiet life..not so.. he still wants to see the downfall of Cleander.
Plot wise I think the author took a slight risk, although it worked pretty well, as the series takes a more fun tone at times. The author provides insights into this in his author notes and it was really interesting to see his thought process.
So on with the nitty-gritty… Rufinus is for all intents and purposes is dead after a nasty fall from a cliff.. he survived barely and now he’s fit and healthy it’s time to get back to Cleander and his downfall. But he’s going to need the help of some likeminded and powerful individuals to do it.
Along the way we learn more about the men sent to kill Dis, a frumentarius, loyal to the Emperor who was murdered way back at the start of the series and now he’s this close Rufinus vows to take vengeance.
We see Rufinus tackle each foe In turn.. getting closer and closer until the time is right to strike..some chances come sooner than others and the waiting game certainly frustrates Rufinus whilst building up the tension for the reader.
What Turney get’s spot on for me is the detailed plot. Whilst a little bit more outrageous with Rufinus changing his appearance to stay hidden time to time the frankly exciting and well planned plot was easy to get sucked in. You can see the cogs turning slowly as Rufinus works his way through his targets and the author managed to show his impressive knowledge of roles within the empire and how individuals would interact with each other day-to-day.
I also really enjoyed the links to the past..I’m not going to say much but I’m glad Merc wasn't forgotten.
Lions of Rome is a slow burner..not to steal a phrase but we are in the endgame now..and the pieces on the board need to be set in such a way that Cleander won’t see it coming! While you might feel the frustration just like Rufinus does the author knows just what to give his readers, just wait until you get to the last 3rd of the book when everything starts to come to fruition..you won’t want it to end!
Overall a detailed and fun story that didn’t disappoint..i’m excited for more from the author although I fear he churns hits out faster than I can read them! Ha
One final note for the author.. I missed Acheron greatly.. and for anyone who gets the reference don’t worry too much 🙂
Plot wise I think the author took a slight risk, although it worked pretty well, as the series takes a more fun tone at times. The author provides insights into this in his author notes and it was really interesting to see his thought process.
So on with the nitty-gritty… Rufinus is for all intents and purposes is dead after a nasty fall from a cliff.. he survived barely and now he’s fit and healthy it’s time to get back to Cleander and his downfall. But he’s going to need the help of some likeminded and powerful individuals to do it.
Along the way we learn more about the men sent to kill Dis, a frumentarius, loyal to the Emperor who was murdered way back at the start of the series and now he’s this close Rufinus vows to take vengeance.
We see Rufinus tackle each foe In turn.. getting closer and closer until the time is right to strike..some chances come sooner than others and the waiting game certainly frustrates Rufinus whilst building up the tension for the reader.
What Turney get’s spot on for me is the detailed plot. Whilst a little bit more outrageous with Rufinus changing his appearance to stay hidden time to time the frankly exciting and well planned plot was easy to get sucked in. You can see the cogs turning slowly as Rufinus works his way through his targets and the author managed to show his impressive knowledge of roles within the empire and how individuals would interact with each other day-to-day.
I also really enjoyed the links to the past..I’m not going to say much but I’m glad Merc wasn't forgotten.
Lions of Rome is a slow burner..not to steal a phrase but we are in the endgame now..and the pieces on the board need to be set in such a way that Cleander won’t see it coming! While you might feel the frustration just like Rufinus does the author knows just what to give his readers, just wait until you get to the last 3rd of the book when everything starts to come to fruition..you won’t want it to end!
Overall a detailed and fun story that didn’t disappoint..i’m excited for more from the author although I fear he churns hits out faster than I can read them! Ha
One final note for the author.. I missed Acheron greatly.. and for anyone who gets the reference don’t worry too much 🙂
November 29, 2020
Although I’ve greatly enjoyed the first three “Praetorian” novels, I found this one disappointingly slow-paced.
Author S.J.A. Turney has based his plot on a grain shortage in Rome that may have led to the fall of Commodus’s powerful chamberlain, Cleander. Our hero Rufinus, acting incognito as prefect of the Misenum fleet and then as an Urban Cohorts centurion, is brought at an early stage into a conspiracy to depose Cleander, which results in his fretting impatiently for a couple of years before it comes to fruition.
In order to rouse public opinion against Cleander, the conspiracy requires the Roman populace—already struggling with bubonic plague—to suffer near-famine as well. Watching as Praetorian guardsmen slaughter innocent civilians protesting the shortage of grain, Rufinus tells himself that such cruelty is necessary in order to rid Rome of Cleander. However, I didn’t feel informed fully enough of Cleander’s wrongdoing to feel so phlegmatic about the people’s misery.
There’s a satisfying denouement at last, but one wonders why reaching it took so long. Rufinus remains an engaging character throughout (I love the boxing background that allows him to outthink and flatten opponents), yet after all his battle experience, it seems odd for him to “shiver,” “shudder,” “twitch,” “wince,” and “panic” as often as he does. I hope for more self-confidence—and suspense!—in the next episode.
Author S.J.A. Turney has based his plot on a grain shortage in Rome that may have led to the fall of Commodus’s powerful chamberlain, Cleander. Our hero Rufinus, acting incognito as prefect of the Misenum fleet and then as an Urban Cohorts centurion, is brought at an early stage into a conspiracy to depose Cleander, which results in his fretting impatiently for a couple of years before it comes to fruition.
In order to rouse public opinion against Cleander, the conspiracy requires the Roman populace—already struggling with bubonic plague—to suffer near-famine as well. Watching as Praetorian guardsmen slaughter innocent civilians protesting the shortage of grain, Rufinus tells himself that such cruelty is necessary in order to rid Rome of Cleander. However, I didn’t feel informed fully enough of Cleander’s wrongdoing to feel so phlegmatic about the people’s misery.
There’s a satisfying denouement at last, but one wonders why reaching it took so long. Rufinus remains an engaging character throughout (I love the boxing background that allows him to outthink and flatten opponents), yet after all his battle experience, it seems odd for him to “shiver,” “shudder,” “twitch,” “wince,” and “panic” as often as he does. I hope for more self-confidence—and suspense!—in the next episode.
March 14, 2019
A fantastic concluding episode to the story arc they began in book two. This volume sees a shift from the adventure and battles of the previous book to political intrigue as Rufinus goes undercover in Rome as part of a plot to bring down the imperial Chamberlain Cleander.
Despite the change in setting and the inevitable outcome to anyone who knows their history, Turney (fast becoming my favourite author of Roman period fiction in a very crowded field) take us on a dramatic journey, and leaves the door open for more stories starting Rufinus, Sevona, and Cestius.
Had Acheron made an appearance, it would have been five stars!
Despite the change in setting and the inevitable outcome to anyone who knows their history, Turney (fast becoming my favourite author of Roman period fiction in a very crowded field) take us on a dramatic journey, and leaves the door open for more stories starting Rufinus, Sevona, and Cestius.
Had Acheron made an appearance, it would have been five stars!
July 5, 2019
A very enjoyable fourth novel in this series dealing with the complex reign of Commodus. The historical depth and fast-paced action made this novel, like its predecessors, immersive and hard to put down. I only removed one star because I felt the novel lacked polish in places (some errors and minor plot holes); also I still feel that the characters are somewhat 1-dimensional. However, these are small detail and do not detract from making this a thrilling read. The author is particularly generous in making this series available on Kindle Unlimited. I hope this series continues, as Turney has handled this fascinating period of Roman history with flair, truly bringing it to life.
May 19, 2020
The story is good, very good even and whilst it is generally fairly well written Turney does have a tendency to make his main character just a bit too squirmingly honourable for plausibility. And finally the quality of editing seems to have steadily fallen from being unusually adequate to what I have, sadly, come to expect from self published authors. The book is filled with missing/extra words and typos that are invariably valid but incorrect words, all of which suggests the only proof reading done was by spellchecker alone. Why do self published authors so often seem to think this is acceptable?
November 25, 2023
Too much about three grain
I had to skim thru the pages with all the details about the grain shortage. I wanted to get to the important parts, about Commodus reaction, about Cleander's punishment. Too much details about minutiae, unimportant things. But the book kept me interested because the general theme was interesting. I wanted more about Commodus, but he was barely in the novel, The author portraits Commodus very kindly when in fact, history thinks of him as one of the evil emperors.
Ps. I thought that Cleander died in April 19 of the year 190. The author extends his death months later.
I had to skim thru the pages with all the details about the grain shortage. I wanted to get to the important parts, about Commodus reaction, about Cleander's punishment. Too much details about minutiae, unimportant things. But the book kept me interested because the general theme was interesting. I wanted more about Commodus, but he was barely in the novel, The author portraits Commodus very kindly when in fact, history thinks of him as one of the evil emperors.
Ps. I thought that Cleander died in April 19 of the year 190. The author extends his death months later.
February 3, 2021
An Editing Nightmare
I simply could not give this book a five-star rating. The endless fragments, spelling and punctuation errors, and omitted or misused words destroy the flow of the narrative. I don't know how the publisher of these books gets away with this incredible lack of diligence. It is only Turney's books that offend so consistently. I am a voracious reader and seldom encounter these irritants in other Kindle books. Fire Jenny, who apparently proofs Turney 's books.
I simply could not give this book a five-star rating. The endless fragments, spelling and punctuation errors, and omitted or misused words destroy the flow of the narrative. I don't know how the publisher of these books gets away with this incredible lack of diligence. It is only Turney's books that offend so consistently. I am a voracious reader and seldom encounter these irritants in other Kindle books. Fire Jenny, who apparently proofs Turney 's books.
January 22, 2020
I have to say I love SJA Turney and I'm never disappointed. From beginning to end this series had me hooked. Our plucky young hero can be a bit naive but what do you expect? He's finding his way in the world and, man, does he find it.
There were plenty of moments where I was either tutting, face palming, shouting for joy (my commute has been most entertaining) or sneakily fist pumping the air.
If you like adventure, intrigue, calamity and plots coming out of your ears, this is for you.
There were plenty of moments where I was either tutting, face palming, shouting for joy (my commute has been most entertaining) or sneakily fist pumping the air.
If you like adventure, intrigue, calamity and plots coming out of your ears, this is for you.
April 29, 2022
S.J.A Turney Has Done It Again. He’s Written Another Great Book.
Turney has a number of great characters to fall back on in this series. I’ve read a few disappointing books lately on the Roman Legions, so it was a pleasure to read Turkey’s very interesting well written story about the Roman Legions.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
Turney has a number of great characters to fall back on in this series. I’ve read a few disappointing books lately on the Roman Legions, so it was a pleasure to read Turkey’s very interesting well written story about the Roman Legions.
Joe Corso
Author of Lafitte’s Treasure
August 29, 2025
The Game
This by far is the best story in this series that I have read so far, the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this book is amazing. Turney's knowledge of the streets of Rome never ended in amazing me. Along with his excellent writing style this book was a great joy to read. This series of books would make an amazing adventure TV program.
This by far is the best story in this series that I have read so far, the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this book is amazing. Turney's knowledge of the streets of Rome never ended in amazing me. Along with his excellent writing style this book was a great joy to read. This series of books would make an amazing adventure TV program.
February 26, 2020
His least polished book released
The story line was well written but the above normal (for Turney) amount misused words, misspellings and frequent use of United Kingdoms slang left me feeling that the book has been rushed to the publisher rather than being properly proofread
The story line was well written but the above normal (for Turney) amount misused words, misspellings and frequent use of United Kingdoms slang left me feeling that the book has been rushed to the publisher rather than being properly proofread
June 24, 2020
Excellent read. Galloping plot. Obviously well researched and gives an authentic feel of Rome at that time
Well researched. Galloping read. It gives an authentic feel of Rome at that time. Very enjoyable! Looking forward to sequel.
Well researched. Galloping read. It gives an authentic feel of Rome at that time. Very enjoyable! Looking forward to sequel.
September 17, 2020
Good Read
An interesting article about a soldier who goes undercover as a Centurian, Adrimal of the fleet & them assumes a dead man identity & leads a cohort of the Urban Guards to bring about the fall of the wicked Chancellor of Rome.
An interesting article about a soldier who goes undercover as a Centurian, Adrimal of the fleet & them assumes a dead man identity & leads a cohort of the Urban Guards to bring about the fall of the wicked Chancellor of Rome.
December 31, 2020
Another Rufinus white knuckle ride
Rufinus's moral compass is always on hand. This inevitably gets him into a lot of desperate situations. But by the same token gets him back out of them again to live and fight another day. All makes for a great read.
Rufinus's moral compass is always on hand. This inevitably gets him into a lot of desperate situations. But by the same token gets him back out of them again to live and fight another day. All makes for a great read.
August 25, 2021
The lions of Rome
Once again our hero went on a journey. He stayed loyal to the emperor & the true meaning of being a guard but there are a lot of spelling mistakes & bad grammar. Must read book 5 to see how it ends.
Once again our hero went on a journey. He stayed loyal to the emperor & the true meaning of being a guard but there are a lot of spelling mistakes & bad grammar. Must read book 5 to see how it ends.
October 1, 2021
Lots of sipping and sips (he sipped, she sipped, they sipped, etc.)
Lots of “padding” around (he padded, she padded, they were padding, etc.)
I do NOT understand the needlessly complicated business the SHE (Domina) is running. It destroys the action, and the story needs it not.
It cuts the heart out of the action. ❤️ (Hate it.)
Also, it’s extremely supremely ultimately VERY BORING.
Lots of “padding” around (he padded, she padded, they were padding, etc.)
I do NOT understand the needlessly complicated business the SHE (Domina) is running. It destroys the action, and the story needs it not.
It cuts the heart out of the action. ❤️ (Hate it.)
Also, it’s extremely supremely ultimately VERY BORING.
June 1, 2022
Intrigue and Timeless Plots
In addition to all of the twists and turns, who would have expected to be rooting for the protagonist dog too. All the characters were masterfully developed into the story.
In addition to all of the twists and turns, who would have expected to be rooting for the protagonist dog too. All the characters were masterfully developed into the story.
April 26, 2023
Best
This volume is, to me, the best of the four I have read. I am looking forward to reading the next volume. Mr. Turney is a master of research and weaves the story of fiction into believable history.
This volume is, to me, the best of the four I have read. I am looking forward to reading the next volume. Mr. Turney is a master of research and weaves the story of fiction into believable history.
February 19, 2019
Brilliant.
A rollercoaster ride for Rufinus. Back from the dead, it's time to rid Rome of Cleander.
Action packed from start to finish. I didn't want to put it down. Superb.
A rollercoaster ride for Rufinus. Back from the dead, it's time to rid Rome of Cleander.
Action packed from start to finish. I didn't want to put it down. Superb.
March 2, 2019
Another great yarn
Well written tale of Rome,plenty of action,scheming,twists and turns.Thoroughly enjoyed reading,but hard to put down. Already for next one. Downloaded.
Well written tale of Rome,plenty of action,scheming,twists and turns.Thoroughly enjoyed reading,but hard to put down. Already for next one. Downloaded.
April 26, 2019
5 star
Another wonderful fast reading book I love everything he writes now I'm ready to read the rest of them keep writing these fantastic ones
Another wonderful fast reading book I love everything he writes now I'm ready to read the rest of them keep writing these fantastic ones
May 4, 2019
Outstanding
Another excellent book which goes in many directions and flows well.
Based in Rome, this gives a view of the city and allows time to pass without dragging.
Another excellent book which goes in many directions and flows well.
Based in Rome, this gives a view of the city and allows time to pass without dragging.
June 19, 2019
Read all four books. Loved all of them. Rufinus is a great hero and kept me coming back for more of his adventures. Highly recommend!
September 5, 2019
Intriguing
Compelling story interwoven with plausible characters giving an insight into the workings of ancient Rome . A very good read.
Compelling story interwoven with plausible characters giving an insight into the workings of ancient Rome . A very good read.
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