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The Lone Centurion #1
The Lone Centurion Vol. 1
Legend tells of the Lone Centurion - a mysterious figure dressed as a Roman soldier who stood guard over the Pandorica, warning off those who would attempt to open it; a constant warrior whose story appeared in the folk history of a dozen civilisations.
Only... he seems to have misplaced it.
Travelling to Rome in search of the Pandorica, Rory finds himself forced to perform as a gladiator in the Colosseum... where he attracts the attention of the Imperial household.
1.1 Gladiator by David Llewellyn
Kidnapped, Rory is taken to Rome and thrown into the arena, where his hapless inability to die brings him to the attention of the Emperor.
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin by Sarah Ward
The Roman Empire has a new official assassin. Lethal, cunning, and utterly unsuited to the job. Can Rory Williams succeed at assassination without actually killing anyone?
1.3 I, Rorius by Jacqueline Rayner
Drowning in a sea of plots and conspiracies, Rory just wants his life back. But in Ancient Rome, people don't retire, they die. And that's a bit difficult when you're immortal.
Only... he seems to have misplaced it.
Travelling to Rome in search of the Pandorica, Rory finds himself forced to perform as a gladiator in the Colosseum... where he attracts the attention of the Imperial household.
1.1 Gladiator by David Llewellyn
Kidnapped, Rory is taken to Rome and thrown into the arena, where his hapless inability to die brings him to the attention of the Emperor.
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin by Sarah Ward
The Roman Empire has a new official assassin. Lethal, cunning, and utterly unsuited to the job. Can Rory Williams succeed at assassination without actually killing anyone?
1.3 I, Rorius by Jacqueline Rayner
Drowning in a sea of plots and conspiracies, Rory just wants his life back. But in Ancient Rome, people don't retire, they die. And that's a bit difficult when you're immortal.
Audio CD
First published April 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
David Llewellyn
111 books33 followersDavid Llewellyn is a Welsh novelist and script writer. He grew up in Pontypool and graduated from Dartington College of Arts in 2000. His first novel, Eleven, was published by Seren Press in 2006. His second, Trace Memory, a spin-off from the BBC drama series Torchwood, was published in March 2008. Everything Is Sinister was published by Seren in May 2008. He has written two novels for the Doctor Who New Series Adventures: The Taking of Chelsea 426, featuring the Tenth Doctor, and Night of the Humans, featuring the Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond.
In addition to writing novels, Llewellyn wrote the Bernice Summerfield audio play Paradise Frost and the Dark Shadows audio drama The Last Stop for Big Finish Productions.
Llewellyn lives in Cardiff.
In addition to writing novels, Llewellyn wrote the Bernice Summerfield audio play Paradise Frost and the Dark Shadows audio drama The Last Stop for Big Finish Productions.
Llewellyn lives in Cardiff.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 6, 2021
1.1 Gladiator by David Llewellyn
Antica Roma, Giulio Cesare è imperatore e i giochi gladiatori piacciono sempre a tutti... anche se non tutti i gladiatori sembrano avere il physique du rôle adeguato, soprattutto un giovane britanno apparentemente immortale.
Il nostro Rory, rinato come auton, rapito e portato a Roma subito dopo i fatti della Pandorica, si ritrova ad attrarre l'attenzione della moglie di Cesare, soprattutto dopo essere sopravvissuto ad una ferita mortale nell'arena.
Da gladiatore a guardia del corpo imperiale il passo è breve, anche se i fatti storici non si svolgeranno come Rory ricorda.
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin by Sarah Ward
Gli Imperatori si succedono rapidamente a Roma e Rory da guardia del corpo si trova promosso ad assassino imperiale.
Peccato che non voglia uccidere nessuno e che la sua abilità nel fingere gli omicidi.venga messa a dura prova dalla scarsa collaborazione delle sue vittime.
1.3 I, Rorius by Jacqueline Rayner
Il destino sembra favorevole e Rory si ritrova Imperatore... un ruolo che non vorrebbe assolutamente ricoprire.
Tra complotti ed intrighi, nuove divinità importate dalla Britannia (una certa Amelia of the ponds, dalle gambe troppo lunghe secondo alcune matrone ma, dopo tutto, è una divinità) e improbabili alleati, Rory si trova a dover combattere per ritrovare la propria libertà e poter rimettersi in cerca della Pandorica.
Il connubio tra Rory, personaggio che adoro da sempre (molto più di sua moglie), e l'antica Roma è per me vincente.
La non aderenza ai fatti storici è giustificata dalla situazione in cui sappiamo si stanno svolgendo i fatti e non infastidisce.
Arthur Darvill è adorabile come sempre e il cast al completo risulta adeguato come sempre.
Non ci sarebbe stata male qualche comparsata di un certo senatore di nostra conoscenza, ma sarebbe stato chiedere troppo alla Big Finish.
Antica Roma, Giulio Cesare è imperatore e i giochi gladiatori piacciono sempre a tutti... anche se non tutti i gladiatori sembrano avere il physique du rôle adeguato, soprattutto un giovane britanno apparentemente immortale.
Il nostro Rory, rinato come auton, rapito e portato a Roma subito dopo i fatti della Pandorica, si ritrova ad attrarre l'attenzione della moglie di Cesare, soprattutto dopo essere sopravvissuto ad una ferita mortale nell'arena.
Da gladiatore a guardia del corpo imperiale il passo è breve, anche se i fatti storici non si svolgeranno come Rory ricorda.
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin by Sarah Ward
Gli Imperatori si succedono rapidamente a Roma e Rory da guardia del corpo si trova promosso ad assassino imperiale.
Peccato che non voglia uccidere nessuno e che la sua abilità nel fingere gli omicidi.venga messa a dura prova dalla scarsa collaborazione delle sue vittime.
1.3 I, Rorius by Jacqueline Rayner
Il destino sembra favorevole e Rory si ritrova Imperatore... un ruolo che non vorrebbe assolutamente ricoprire.
Tra complotti ed intrighi, nuove divinità importate dalla Britannia (una certa Amelia of the ponds, dalle gambe troppo lunghe secondo alcune matrone ma, dopo tutto, è una divinità) e improbabili alleati, Rory si trova a dover combattere per ritrovare la propria libertà e poter rimettersi in cerca della Pandorica.
Il connubio tra Rory, personaggio che adoro da sempre (molto più di sua moglie), e l'antica Roma è per me vincente.
La non aderenza ai fatti storici è giustificata dalla situazione in cui sappiamo si stanno svolgendo i fatti e non infastidisce.
Arthur Darvill è adorabile come sempre e il cast al completo risulta adeguato come sempre.
Non ci sarebbe stata male qualche comparsata di un certo senatore di nostra conoscenza, ma sarebbe stato chiedere troppo alla Big Finish.
February 6, 2022
Doing one of the things Big Finish does best: spinning a character, or a concept, from Doctor Who off into their own series of adventures. This time the subject is Rory Williams, Amy Pond’s adoring husband. But this is the Rory who cannot die, the one who got sucked into a crack in reality and ceased to exist, the one who guards the Pandorica, the one who is also known throughout history as ~ The Lone Centurion.
(1.1) Gladiator - Rory becomes Caesar’s bodyguard because ... well ... he cannot die, Rory not Caesar (although, he “cannot” die either I suppose, so it’s all the same in the end). And Rome hasn’t been as silly and filled with hilarity since Monty Python: The Life of Brian and the classic Doctor Who serial, The Romans. Farce is putting it mildly. Not quite my cup of tea as the saying goes, but still entertaining.
(1.2) The Unwilling Assassin - Well, Rory makes about as good an assassin as he does a gladiator. In a pair of words: hilariously inept. Although ... if you think about it ... he’s actually pretty darn good at what he sets out to do. It’s just that he doesn’t want to do what he’s been ordered to do. Again not really my type of humor, but it’s still entertaining. And the penultimate irony of this story is rather hysterical, even if it’s completely obvious that it’s coming. The ultimate irony though, now that I should have seen coming. This cannot end well.
(1.3) I, Rorius - This is both more like I was expecting and not at all what I was expecting. Hmm. Clearly, I’m confused. Entertaining. Silly. Lots of word play and absurd imagery being presented (via the dialogue of course). Yep. It’s all just ... Hilarious. Sigh. Yes, oh my that’s just so clever. Sigh. Okay, moving on now.
This is a wonderful collection of stories, putting Rory Williams deep in the city of Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, I was really hoping for the Rory who’s a hapless, bumbling hero - but if I think about it, that only works because he’s so hopelessly enamored with Amy Pond that he can barely think when he’s in her presence. So how do they make Rory work as a character, if Amy can’t be around as she’s locked in the Pandorica? Luckily the writers rose to the challenge, just not my kind of humor.
(1.1) Gladiator - Rory becomes Caesar’s bodyguard because ... well ... he cannot die, Rory not Caesar (although, he “cannot” die either I suppose, so it’s all the same in the end). And Rome hasn’t been as silly and filled with hilarity since Monty Python: The Life of Brian and the classic Doctor Who serial, The Romans. Farce is putting it mildly. Not quite my cup of tea as the saying goes, but still entertaining.
(1.2) The Unwilling Assassin - Well, Rory makes about as good an assassin as he does a gladiator. In a pair of words: hilariously inept. Although ... if you think about it ... he’s actually pretty darn good at what he sets out to do. It’s just that he doesn’t want to do what he’s been ordered to do. Again not really my type of humor, but it’s still entertaining. And the penultimate irony of this story is rather hysterical, even if it’s completely obvious that it’s coming. The ultimate irony though, now that I should have seen coming. This cannot end well.
(1.3) I, Rorius - This is both more like I was expecting and not at all what I was expecting. Hmm. Clearly, I’m confused. Entertaining. Silly. Lots of word play and absurd imagery being presented (via the dialogue of course). Yep. It’s all just ... Hilarious. Sigh. Yes, oh my that’s just so clever. Sigh. Okay, moving on now.
This is a wonderful collection of stories, putting Rory Williams deep in the city of Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, I was really hoping for the Rory who’s a hapless, bumbling hero - but if I think about it, that only works because he’s so hopelessly enamored with Amy Pond that he can barely think when he’s in her presence. So how do they make Rory work as a character, if Amy can’t be around as she’s locked in the Pandorica? Luckily the writers rose to the challenge, just not my kind of humor.
April 16, 2021
THE LONE CENTURION: GLADIATOR
Written by David Llewellyn
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill, Joanna Van Kampen, Joseph Tweedale
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 9
ATMOSPHERE: 10
WRITING STYLE: 9
PLOT: 8
INTRIGUE: 9
NOVELTY: 9
ENJOYMENT: 10
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
Everybody's favourite DW companion Rory Williams is finally given the Big Finish solo treatment in an anthology release set during his time as the Lone Centurion. It's a historical farce in the style of The Romans, with David Llewellyn's comical writing style fitting the period and the characters surprisingly well. Rory is more of a comic relief character than an action hero in the style of River Song or Captain Jack. Most of the fun in the story lies in the hilarious dialogue and the deeper exploration of society in Ancient Roman times, but there is also plenty of fun in Rory's desperate attempts to keep the emperor alive. The farcical nature of the plot is mixed with a fast-paced mystery revolving around the emperor's assassination attempt.
As for the performances, Arthur Darvill is great (and funny!) but I did not quite get the Rory Williams vibe from him, for reasons unknown. I rarely laugh aloud when listening to BF stories, but Darvill and his co-stars made me laugh multiple times. Joseph Tweedale makes for a great (unnamed) Roman emperor in a role close to Derek Francis' legendary take on Nero in the aforementioned The Romans. Johanna Van Kampen joins the fun as the emperor's witty wife Augusta. Inès de Clercq joins Darvill during the second half of the story and they have lovely chemistry throughout (she is Darvill's real-life wife, so it's no surprise).
Big Finish is going crazy with the music in this one and I love it. The soundscapes are simple, yet effective, and I truly felt that I was right there in Ancient Rome following this farce play out.
9,1 = 5 stars
----
THE LONE CENTURION: THE UNWILLING ASSASSIN
Written by Sarah Ward
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill, Joanna Van Kampen
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 7
ATMOSPHERE: 7
WRITING STYLE: 6
PLOT: 6
INTRIGUE: 5
NOVELTY: 6
ENJOYMENT: 7
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
The second story on the Lone Centurion set is less of a farce and more of a comedy-filled thriller following Rory's sloppy career as the emperor's assassin. This one lacks the compelling characters of the first story (aside from Rory and Augusta) and has a less engaging plot with an exciting ending, leading us straight into the third story.
6,3 = 3 stars
----
THE LONE CENTURION: I, RORIUS
Written by Jaqueline Rayner
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 9
ATMOSPHERE: 9
WRITING STYLE: 8
PLOT: 9
INTRIGUE: 8
NOVELTY: 8
ENJOYMENT: 8
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
The final story of the first Lone Centurion set returns to a more comedic political satire from the first story, this time allowing Rory to shine as the new Caesar. Arthur Darvill is flawlessly funny and hilariously on top here. I love how this story finally references Amy, as Rory tries to make the new court distinctively his own by making everyone worship his long-legged goddess. Out of the three stories on the set, this one feels the most connected to the show thanks to multiple naturally embedded references.
I love how well the story switches between political intrigue and Rory's feelings towards Amy and his old life. This story helps us understand the political tensions that were part of Ancient Roman society and the godlike status the emperor usually enjoyed. This story has the deepest emotional content of the set, particularly during the final scenes.
The ending wraps things up nicely while getting up what looks out to be an exciting second volume!
8,4 = 4 stars
----
OVERALL SCORE: 7,9 = 4 stars
Written by David Llewellyn
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill, Joanna Van Kampen, Joseph Tweedale
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 9
ATMOSPHERE: 10
WRITING STYLE: 9
PLOT: 8
INTRIGUE: 9
NOVELTY: 9
ENJOYMENT: 10
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
Everybody's favourite DW companion Rory Williams is finally given the Big Finish solo treatment in an anthology release set during his time as the Lone Centurion. It's a historical farce in the style of The Romans, with David Llewellyn's comical writing style fitting the period and the characters surprisingly well. Rory is more of a comic relief character than an action hero in the style of River Song or Captain Jack. Most of the fun in the story lies in the hilarious dialogue and the deeper exploration of society in Ancient Roman times, but there is also plenty of fun in Rory's desperate attempts to keep the emperor alive. The farcical nature of the plot is mixed with a fast-paced mystery revolving around the emperor's assassination attempt.
As for the performances, Arthur Darvill is great (and funny!) but I did not quite get the Rory Williams vibe from him, for reasons unknown. I rarely laugh aloud when listening to BF stories, but Darvill and his co-stars made me laugh multiple times. Joseph Tweedale makes for a great (unnamed) Roman emperor in a role close to Derek Francis' legendary take on Nero in the aforementioned The Romans. Johanna Van Kampen joins the fun as the emperor's witty wife Augusta. Inès de Clercq joins Darvill during the second half of the story and they have lovely chemistry throughout (she is Darvill's real-life wife, so it's no surprise).
Big Finish is going crazy with the music in this one and I love it. The soundscapes are simple, yet effective, and I truly felt that I was right there in Ancient Rome following this farce play out.
9,1 = 5 stars
----
THE LONE CENTURION: THE UNWILLING ASSASSIN
Written by Sarah Ward
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill, Joanna Van Kampen
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 7
ATMOSPHERE: 7
WRITING STYLE: 6
PLOT: 6
INTRIGUE: 5
NOVELTY: 6
ENJOYMENT: 7
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
The second story on the Lone Centurion set is less of a farce and more of a comedy-filled thriller following Rory's sloppy career as the emperor's assassin. This one lacks the compelling characters of the first story (aside from Rory and Augusta) and has a less engaging plot with an exciting ending, leading us straight into the third story.
6,3 = 3 stars
----
THE LONE CENTURION: I, RORIUS
Written by Jaqueline Rayner
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring: Arthur Darvill
Released in April 2021
CHARACTERS: 9
ATMOSPHERE: 9
WRITING STYLE: 8
PLOT: 9
INTRIGUE: 8
NOVELTY: 8
ENJOYMENT: 8
TIMEY WIMEY THOUGHTS:
The final story of the first Lone Centurion set returns to a more comedic political satire from the first story, this time allowing Rory to shine as the new Caesar. Arthur Darvill is flawlessly funny and hilariously on top here. I love how this story finally references Amy, as Rory tries to make the new court distinctively his own by making everyone worship his long-legged goddess. Out of the three stories on the set, this one feels the most connected to the show thanks to multiple naturally embedded references.
I love how well the story switches between political intrigue and Rory's feelings towards Amy and his old life. This story helps us understand the political tensions that were part of Ancient Roman society and the godlike status the emperor usually enjoyed. This story has the deepest emotional content of the set, particularly during the final scenes.
The ending wraps things up nicely while getting up what looks out to be an exciting second volume!
8,4 = 4 stars
----
OVERALL SCORE: 7,9 = 4 stars
April 4, 2025
I’m so glad they made this a thing. Exploring what Rory got up to in the centuries he was protecting Amy and the Pandorica - taking the slow route through time and experiencing the many delights of the eras. Such as being a gladiator during Roman times, as assassin to the emperor and even being the emperor himself!
It’s chock full of Rory’s usual style and charm and his character was just as it was on the main show. I love how caring and compassionate he is and that’s something he never looses.
They were interesting stories and perhaps more slow going than others in the big finish series. There’s no monsters per se, no aliens in this one just Rory navigating himself through unfamiliar times and trying to survive.
The 11th Doctor, Amy and Rory is amongst my favourite who periods and I always miss these days. So frankly this one was a sure fire win for me.
It’s chock full of Rory’s usual style and charm and his character was just as it was on the main show. I love how caring and compassionate he is and that’s something he never looses.
They were interesting stories and perhaps more slow going than others in the big finish series. There’s no monsters per se, no aliens in this one just Rory navigating himself through unfamiliar times and trying to survive.
The 11th Doctor, Amy and Rory is amongst my favourite who periods and I always miss these days. So frankly this one was a sure fire win for me.
June 18, 2023
I respect that Arthur Darvill decided to wait a while before returning to Doctor Who so it wouldn’t seem like he was too tethered to just that role. However, him starting in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow in between doesn’t really support that desire to be seen as someone who can do more types of roles. In any case, he’s utilized very well in this story, as we get to really see what the Rory was able to do in Ancient Rome. It’s actually refreshing to see that he is fully formed and can have his own adventures without Amy being present all the time.
June 16, 2021
First, I was a little jarred by the disconnection with real history, but then in the commentary after the first chapter, the mentioned all of this being a pocket timeline, because of the 2nd big bang.
In the end, this is a beautiful addition to the whoniverse as always. Arthur Darvill returns the iconic Rory to us once again; Rory's Love for Amelia strong enough to break our hearts.
Hope to read the 2nd Volume soon.
In the end, this is a beautiful addition to the whoniverse as always. Arthur Darvill returns the iconic Rory to us once again; Rory's Love for Amelia strong enough to break our hearts.
Hope to read the 2nd Volume soon.
June 17, 2021
Decent enough stories, the 3rd one was best, but it's really just Rory in Ancient Rome with virtually no connection to Doctor Who and lots of people being or trying to be poisoned. Also, I thought the whole point of this was to locate the Pandorica, yet other than a brief mention it's never looked for.
September 23, 2021
Really enjoyed hearing about the events that Rory went through while he was waiting 2000 years. Can't wait for this audio series to continue. Arthur Darvill didn't miss a beat returning to the role of Rory Williams.
May 14, 2021
Te amo Rory Williams te amo
May 16, 2021
Who is the Bieber Ferret ?!?!
June 11, 2021
Rory tries to survive living in rome.
January 4, 2022
The third episode broke my heart. It doesn't sound like another DW episode so it feels weird, but it is really good!
May 28, 2023
Gladiator 5
The Unwilling Assassin 5
I, Rorius 5
The Unwilling Assassin 5
I, Rorius 5
March 1, 2024
1.1 Gladiator - 3.5/5
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin - 4/5
1.3 I, Rorius - 5/5 (amyrory content in this episode is elite <3)
1.2 The Unwilling Assassin - 4/5
1.3 I, Rorius - 5/5 (amyrory content in this episode is elite <3)
December 6, 2024
Gladiator 2.5
The Unwilling Assassin 3
I, Rorius 3
found on a podcast app
The Unwilling Assassin 3
I, Rorius 3
found on a podcast app
July 25, 2025
local simp just keeps getting himself into situations
gladiator: ☆☆☆
the unwilling assassin: ☆☆☆½
i, rorius: ☆☆☆½
gladiator: ☆☆☆
the unwilling assassin: ☆☆☆½
i, rorius: ☆☆☆½
June 10, 2021
It always intrigued me as to what Rory got up to in those 2000 years he had to guard the Pandorica, and thanks to Big Finish we're now starting to explore this.
Ancient Rome is known for being gruesome and barbaric, it adds humor to the story to listen as Rory tries to remain the good, kind soul he is, in a world where people are always killing or betraying one another.
Arthur Darvill steps back into the role with ease, as well as the writing capturing Rory's awkwardness perfectly.
With 2000 years of history to explore, i'm hoping for more adventures. With this being early days for Rory, it would be interesting to see how as time goes on he manages to maintain his good heart and morals in a world that can often me rather dark. Especially without the Doctor or Amy to keep him sane.
Ancient Rome is known for being gruesome and barbaric, it adds humor to the story to listen as Rory tries to remain the good, kind soul he is, in a world where people are always killing or betraying one another.
Arthur Darvill steps back into the role with ease, as well as the writing capturing Rory's awkwardness perfectly.
With 2000 years of history to explore, i'm hoping for more adventures. With this being early days for Rory, it would be interesting to see how as time goes on he manages to maintain his good heart and morals in a world that can often me rather dark. Especially without the Doctor or Amy to keep him sane.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews