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Forgotten Emperor #1
Arthur Britannicus
Carausius is born into a savage life.
His father was a respected warrior chief, a leader of men.
But as a boy, Carausius witnesses his violent death.
As the boy grows into a man and then a soldier, he dedicates himself to the cause of Rome.
As a centurion in the Empire's mighty Army, he earns the respect of his men: soldiers who will fight, and die if necessary, at his command.
But, just like his father before him, he is surrounded by enemies - both within and without.
He must manoeuvre his way through battle, knowing who to trust and who to put to death; not easy when paranoia among the ruling elite is so rife.
Will Carausius emerge victorious where so many before him failed and earn the great title of all.
Or will he meet an early, violent death, as his father did before him.
'Arthur Britannicus' is a vivid and memorable portrayal of the life of a Roman champion.
It is perfect for fans of Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.
His father was a respected warrior chief, a leader of men.
But as a boy, Carausius witnesses his violent death.
As the boy grows into a man and then a soldier, he dedicates himself to the cause of Rome.
As a centurion in the Empire's mighty Army, he earns the respect of his men: soldiers who will fight, and die if necessary, at his command.
But, just like his father before him, he is surrounded by enemies - both within and without.
He must manoeuvre his way through battle, knowing who to trust and who to put to death; not easy when paranoia among the ruling elite is so rife.
Will Carausius emerge victorious where so many before him failed and earn the great title of all.
Or will he meet an early, violent death, as his father did before him.
'Arthur Britannicus' is a vivid and memorable portrayal of the life of a Roman champion.
It is perfect for fans of Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
101 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Paul Bannister
31 books44 followersA recovering journalist who worked for national publications on both sides of the Atlantic, and who has freelanced for magazines worldwide, Bannister began writing historical fiction in 2012 and is still working at the craft.
He authored the autobio 'Tabloid Man & the Baffling Chair of Death' which details his life as the National Enquirer's chief reporter of the paranormal, when he worked worldwide on stories such as the Stanford Research Institute's decade-long investigation into psychic spying; he traveled with astronaut Dr Edgar Mitchell for months during his time founding the Institute of Noetic Sciences and with Guy Playfair during his investigation into the Enfield poltergeist case.
Bannister uses his research and investigative training to provide exhaustive and accurate detail in his Roman and Crusader suites of novels and posits that the hero of 'Arthur Britannicus,' the usurper emperor Carausius (CE 286 - 293) is the real source of the Arthurian legends.
He authored the autobio 'Tabloid Man & the Baffling Chair of Death' which details his life as the National Enquirer's chief reporter of the paranormal, when he worked worldwide on stories such as the Stanford Research Institute's decade-long investigation into psychic spying; he traveled with astronaut Dr Edgar Mitchell for months during his time founding the Institute of Noetic Sciences and with Guy Playfair during his investigation into the Enfield poltergeist case.
Bannister uses his research and investigative training to provide exhaustive and accurate detail in his Roman and Crusader suites of novels and posits that the hero of 'Arthur Britannicus,' the usurper emperor Carausius (CE 286 - 293) is the real source of the Arthurian legends.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2024
Ahistoric fan fiction
DNF at 10%
The authors decision to set the Arthus saga in the second half of the third century AC is bizarre. His choice to make an uneducated rural british mith apprentice Arthur even more so. As the author obviously and absolutely ahistorcally intends to reinvent Arthur as a freedom fighter against the Romans I am done with this fan fiction!
DNF at 10%
The authors decision to set the Arthus saga in the second half of the third century AC is bizarre. His choice to make an uneducated rural british mith apprentice Arthur even more so. As the author obviously and absolutely ahistorcally intends to reinvent Arthur as a freedom fighter against the Romans I am done with this fan fiction!
April 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this, i know some reviewers have said it is a bit over heavy on the Gore and it can be but it is still a great story, well written.I am not sure i buy into the Arthur theory put forward here as i think the historical story stands up on its own merit. This part of Roman history is largely ignored (by fiction writers) but Domitian and Maximian was a fascinating time. will definitely be reading the others in the series.
July 11, 2018
Interesting not inspired
It’s OK. A romp. A tale told rather than allowing the characters to breathe. Plenty of historical details: tactics, armour, the actuality of existence. Not so hot on the experience of being. Which made it hard to connect with the characters. Worth a read. Especially on holiday.
It’s OK. A romp. A tale told rather than allowing the characters to breathe. Plenty of historical details: tactics, armour, the actuality of existence. Not so hot on the experience of being. Which made it hard to connect with the characters. Worth a read. Especially on holiday.
February 23, 2019
Story or history
I found this book quite hard reading. I had been expecting a story, probably based on history. What I found was that it was as though I was doing history homework with a bit of a story woven into it. Chock full of blood and gore as though that should raise the entertainment level. Hard work and not the enjoyment I had hoped for.
I found this book quite hard reading. I had been expecting a story, probably based on history. What I found was that it was as though I was doing history homework with a bit of a story woven into it. Chock full of blood and gore as though that should raise the entertainment level. Hard work and not the enjoyment I had hoped for.
April 2, 2019
Intriguing
I initially thought "Another King Arthur book" with the author trying to come up with another twist to the tale. Well I was right BUT not in as I imagined. I hesitate to say more for fear of spoiling it, but when you read the "footnotes" at the end, a different aspect comes to light
I initially thought "Another King Arthur book" with the author trying to come up with another twist to the tale. Well I was right BUT not in as I imagined. I hesitate to say more for fear of spoiling it, but when you read the "footnotes" at the end, a different aspect comes to light
April 8, 2021
Interesting and a good read
Although Fictional with fact thrown in, it didn’t take me long to become hooked into the story. Would have preferred original place names to be used, but it did not distract from the plot.
Although Fictional with fact thrown in, it didn’t take me long to become hooked into the story. Would have preferred original place names to be used, but it did not distract from the plot.
November 24, 2017
Could not get into it
August 6, 2019
Really good book
October 13, 2024
What a load of rubbish. Don’t waste your time on this.
December 6, 2013
Fun, flawed. A compelling suggestion that the mythical King Arthur was a very real Belgian Roman named Carausius who attempted to free Britain from the yoke of Roman rule. Grounded in historical evidence documented at the end of the book, Arthur Britannicus is a pretty good novel that offers solid blood and guts action and authentic Roman flavor surrounding a fairly straightforward plot that sees our hero Carausius on his way to becoming Arthur, uniting Britain and usurping the Empire.
For me, Carausius was never in enough peril and his plans never in enough true danger to make the book terribly gripping. In fairness this is the first book of a trilogy so perhaps things become more dire as we move forward. However I can't rate this higher based on two other books I haven't read yet. Also on the negative side I felt there were some jarring anachronisms and implied magical/mystical plot devices that really could have been done without.
Note this book and the two others in the series are available to borrow for free from the Kindle Lending Library if you have a Kindle and Amazon Prime.
For me, Carausius was never in enough peril and his plans never in enough true danger to make the book terribly gripping. In fairness this is the first book of a trilogy so perhaps things become more dire as we move forward. However I can't rate this higher based on two other books I haven't read yet. Also on the negative side I felt there were some jarring anachronisms and implied magical/mystical plot devices that really could have been done without.
Note this book and the two others in the series are available to borrow for free from the Kindle Lending Library if you have a Kindle and Amazon Prime.
June 18, 2016
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author as part of a Goodreads firstreads giveaway.
Have to say that I actually enjoyed this book, in spite of everything...I initially assumed that it was a first novel but it turns out that the author has written as least three other books. It seems none have benefited from the services of an editor, or much of a redrafting process. There's lots of sloppy typos, such as '/' instead of '?'.
Realistically, to improve his work, Bannister needs to spend more time and, if he continues with the self-publishing route, more money on each work, on professional editors who will help him to improve the flow of the story and the sense of the characters, rather than simply pumping out as many as possible - three a year for the last few years.
Overall, while it is an enjoyable read superficially, the sense of confusion in the plot and the repetition of information and plot points detract from a book that could have been a new Conn Iggulden or similar.
Have to say that I actually enjoyed this book, in spite of everything...I initially assumed that it was a first novel but it turns out that the author has written as least three other books. It seems none have benefited from the services of an editor, or much of a redrafting process. There's lots of sloppy typos, such as '/' instead of '?'.
Realistically, to improve his work, Bannister needs to spend more time and, if he continues with the self-publishing route, more money on each work, on professional editors who will help him to improve the flow of the story and the sense of the characters, rather than simply pumping out as many as possible - three a year for the last few years.
Overall, while it is an enjoyable read superficially, the sense of confusion in the plot and the repetition of information and plot points detract from a book that could have been a new Conn Iggulden or similar.
November 9, 2013
I really liked this book-- lots of history, superstition, and a bit of magic. Carausius was a real person who served as a Roman soldier, charismatic leader, admiral and the man who united the various group in Britain to defeat the Romans in the late 3rd century.
The author's notes at the end give additional information and dates. He believes the Caraausius and his lover Guinevia and the druid Myrddin are a basis for the legends about king Arthur. The dates of various events are included in the notes but it would have been very helpful if a few had been included in the chapter heading which already included the names of places where the action occurred or the names of main characters.
I would rate it 4.8
No sex
This was a bloody and violent period so there are brief mentions of beheading, crucifixions, murders.
Ordinary human life wasn't valued.
The author's notes at the end give additional information and dates. He believes the Caraausius and his lover Guinevia and the druid Myrddin are a basis for the legends about king Arthur. The dates of various events are included in the notes but it would have been very helpful if a few had been included in the chapter heading which already included the names of places where the action occurred or the names of main characters.
I would rate it 4.8
No sex
This was a bloody and violent period so there are brief mentions of beheading, crucifixions, murders.
Ordinary human life wasn't valued.
March 29, 2016
Thorough research enables Bannister to write a good story that reads as plausible history. He includes those details of daily life so often glossed over, answering the reader's curious questions as to how people!e lived their daily lives. Skilfully woven into the story are details of a Roman foot soldier's day, his equipment and clothing. When we get to the sea battles, we have already learned about the various ships used, and even a landlubber like me can have some understanding of the tactics, seamanship, and currents described. I read the fourth book in this series before I found this first one, and it worked well by itself, but I so enjoyed the writing style and the story that I was anxious to read the whole set, and this novel did not disappoint. Now to find the rest of them.
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January 18, 2014
A good effort, but, this fell a bit short of the mark for me. It seems that Mr Bannister did his research well, and that the workd he creates is convincing. However I had two problems with this book: 1 the characters never felt fully developed and 2; there were many instances where major shifts of character or of plot development happened off the page. One chapter a major event is happening, the next its all resolved and we are in another local.
I do like his premise of using a real but little known contemporary king from the time when Arthur may have lived to set the story in.
Only 3 stars, but i will read the next book "Arthur Imperator."
I do like his premise of using a real but little known contemporary king from the time when Arthur may have lived to set the story in.
Only 3 stars, but i will read the next book "Arthur Imperator."
January 12, 2014
Mr. Bannister clearly has done a great deal of research on Rome, warfare, and Ancient Britain. He tells a good story, but unfortunately, didn't engage me as a reader in a way that I like to be reached. The story marches from one bloody battle to another, with occasional dose trips to torture, murder, and random mayhem. Life was nasty, brutish, and short in those days, but the work would benefit fron a bit more style. It's an epic tale being told, I had just hoped for a bit more of an epic feel, I guess.
November 6, 2015
Me reconozco un fanático exaltado de la leyenda de Arturo.Y aunque este libro es extremadamente riguroso en contar la historia de la figura real que inspiró la leyenda,no me satisface, no llena mis expectativas el autor se esmera en ser preciso pero a cambio sacrifica la leyenda en sí. Nos deja un Carausius- Arturo muy descafeinado, brutal y astuto, pero no el Rey que inspiró la búsqueda del Grial. Buena aventura romana, mala leyenda.
May 22, 2017
I was given this to review for a book club... I was glad to hand it back. Interesting idea, but I say this knowing that this is the author's debut novel and he has had a career attached to writing.... 'Mr Bannister, learn to write creatively then re-write Arthur Britannicus (it's an idea worth reading). A solid grasp of the history may illuminate those not aware of the history, but poor and 'childish' prose kills any credibility in the story telling. This was a terrible book to read...
October 23, 2015
Enjoyed the premise. Did not enjoy the repetitive explanations of this character being a Druid, etc. Maybe once, near the beginning of the book, but not over and over, at least once a chapter if that particular character came up.
October 19, 2015
History at its best...!
Bannister HSS done his homework dredging up the real bones of what we call "Brittanic History" from that time clouded in the fog of time. His explanation of what we call the Arthurian legends is most noteworthy!
Bannister HSS done his homework dredging up the real bones of what we call "Brittanic History" from that time clouded in the fog of time. His explanation of what we call the Arthurian legends is most noteworthy!
June 20, 2016
I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads program.
This book was really more of a history than a story. There was quite a bit of interesting information about Roman history, tactics, and general life. I enjoyed learning about this particular period of Rome.
This book was really more of a history than a story. There was quite a bit of interesting information about Roman history, tactics, and general life. I enjoyed learning about this particular period of Rome.
November 30, 2013
Very good storyline and a new theory on the origins of the Arthurian myths. Had never heard of this roman general previously.
October 13, 2016
An easy read and a slightly different twist on the normal in this genre and subject. Uninspiring prose and descriptive writing but worth a read if its on offer.
Read
July 24, 2017I was unsure what to expect when I started reading this book. It proved an easy read and will appeal to those who like their reads to be action packed. Gave an insight into a little known period of UK history. If you like Roman history you will like this. Also throws light on a possible source of the legend of Arthur/Excalibur.
Read
March 7, 2019A different Arthur
An excellent tale marrying fact and fiction. It caused me to suffer insomnia. Well worth losing sleep. Cheer for the Bear
An excellent tale marrying fact and fiction. It caused me to suffer insomnia. Well worth losing sleep. Cheer for the Bear
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews