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Legion XXII #1
The Capsarius
Warrior and combat medic, Titus Cervianus, must lead a legion and quell the uprisings in Egypt in a new Roman adventure from Simon Turney.
Egypt. 25 BC.
Titus Cervianus and the Twenty Second Deiotariana have been sent to deal with uprisings and chaos in Egypt. Yet the Twenty Second is no ordinary legion. Founded as the private royal army of one of Rome's most devoted allies, the king of Galatia, their ways are not the same as the other legions, a factor that sets them apart and causes friction with their fellow soldiers.
Cervianus is no ordinary soldier, either. A former surgeon from the city of Ancyra, he's now a capsarius – a combat medic. Cervianus is a pragmatist, a scientist, and truly unpopular with his legion.
Marching into the unknown, Cervianus will find unexpected allies in a local cavalryman and a troublesome lunatic. Both will be of critical importance as the young medic marches into the searing sands of the south, finding forbidden temples, dark assassins, vicious crocodiles, and worst of all, the warrior queen of Kush...
Egypt. 25 BC.
Titus Cervianus and the Twenty Second Deiotariana have been sent to deal with uprisings and chaos in Egypt. Yet the Twenty Second is no ordinary legion. Founded as the private royal army of one of Rome's most devoted allies, the king of Galatia, their ways are not the same as the other legions, a factor that sets them apart and causes friction with their fellow soldiers.
Cervianus is no ordinary soldier, either. A former surgeon from the city of Ancyra, he's now a capsarius – a combat medic. Cervianus is a pragmatist, a scientist, and truly unpopular with his legion.
Marching into the unknown, Cervianus will find unexpected allies in a local cavalryman and a troublesome lunatic. Both will be of critical importance as the young medic marches into the searing sands of the south, finding forbidden temples, dark assassins, vicious crocodiles, and worst of all, the warrior queen of Kush...
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2022
361 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 14, 2023
Exciting and informative novel about a capsarius [combat medic] during Emperor Augustus's reign. The capsarius and his legion are transferred to Egypt from Galatia [modern Turkey]. The story covers how this legion fits in with the other legion sharing the same fort--the XII, especially Cervianus, who has been shunned by the other legionaries because of his seeming bringing bad luck, his scientific turn of mind, and perhaps jealousy. He does find two friends, Ulyxes, an outspoken troublemaker and an Egyptian auxiliary cavalry officer, Shenti. They undergo a harrowing anabasis south to Kush [modern Sudan] where they hope to take revenge on a Kushite attack on Roman territory. They take back a fort at the border. Their commander wants to push on into Kushite territory and defeat the Kushites completely. There are instances where we see what a capsarius does; Cervianus is just fulfilling his Hippocratic oath, even to men who have snubbed him and one who has been bitten by a crocodile for whom he cares, with no help from his own medical staff. The story ended on a cliffhanger--preparations for a further march south. If there is a sequel, I'd like to read it.
March 12, 2023
A thrilling and absorbing read!
This was the story of a former doctor surgeon, Titus Cervianus, who finds himself serving as a lowly combat medic in Rome's XX11 legion. A legion comprised of former soldiers from the king of Galacia's private army. The barely literate and superstitious soldiers resent and dislike Cervianus, due to his renowned intellect and social awkwardness. They regard him as "unlucky", for some reason or other, despite his undoubted medical skills. However, he does have his small band of true friends who are there for him throughout the long and bloody march through southern Egypt towards Sudan. A story of hardship, togetherness and the willingness to fight for Rome whatever the cost. This was a well researched and enjoyable book. Highly recommended!
This was the story of a former doctor surgeon, Titus Cervianus, who finds himself serving as a lowly combat medic in Rome's XX11 legion. A legion comprised of former soldiers from the king of Galacia's private army. The barely literate and superstitious soldiers resent and dislike Cervianus, due to his renowned intellect and social awkwardness. They regard him as "unlucky", for some reason or other, despite his undoubted medical skills. However, he does have his small band of true friends who are there for him throughout the long and bloody march through southern Egypt towards Sudan. A story of hardship, togetherness and the willingness to fight for Rome whatever the cost. This was a well researched and enjoyable book. Highly recommended!
April 22, 2022
The Capsarius is a great example of why I love historical fiction. Before reading this book I had no idea there was such a thing as a capsarius and couldn’t for the life of me have explained what a contubernium was. Readers familiar with Simon Turney’s previous books won’t be surprised that The Capsarius is jam-packed full of detail about Roman military structure, strategy, equipment and weaponry – not forgetting the construction of latrine pits.
The author has created a fascinating character in Titus Cervianus. We learn little about his early life (I’m hoping the author is saving that for a prequel) but what we do know is that he speaks several languages, has a voracious appetite for books and considers his vocation to be saving lives – not that he isn’t pretty deadly with a sword or spear when the need arises. He’s a man of science and logic who views superstition as the ‘bane of all reasoned thinkers’, one of the many reasons he has been ostracised by most of his comrades (although I have to say I’d be happy to befriend the over six foot tall, clean shaven soldier with raven black hair). Fortunately for Cervanius he is ‘adopted’ by another member of his contubernium, the irrepressible Ulyxes who has an almost photographic memory but is never happier than when there’s a prospect of a brawl.
Aware of the perils that lie ahead, Cervanius is nevertheless excited at the prospect of seeing the sights of Egypt he has only read about – Alexandria, Memphis, Thebes – and through his eyes the reader is able to do the same. Gradually Cervanius finds his rejection of superstition being challenged by the seeming significance of symbols he encounters as he visits temples dedicated to Egyptian gods. Are the whispered warnings and his strange dreams portents of misfortune yet to come? ‘He was finding it hard to deny that something powerful seemed to be at work in this strange land.’
In his Historical Note, Simon Turney reveals that one of the inspirations for the book is Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. As Cervianus and the Twenty Second legion travel down the Nile on a campaign that seems more driven by the arrogance and pride of their superiors than by strategy, darkness is just what they find, especially when they reach the fortress of Buhen. (Thanks to the handy map at the front of the book, I now know exactly where that is.)
In one of the great set piece scenes in the book, Cervanius and his comrades are confronted by an enemy described as a ‘cloud of black hissing death’ who rise from the ground with ‘iron points gleaming in the moonlight, ebony shafts and black fletching blending into the darkness’. Another memorable scene is the legion’s assault on the heavily fortified Abu Island during which they have to accomplish a landing from small boats whilst dodging arrows raining down on them and then face a ‘screaming, roaring tide of humanity, bristling with weapons, designed to strike fear into their enemy’. Death is always just a hair’s breadth away whether that’s due to a mistimed stroke, an inadvertent gap in a shield wall or a momentary lapse of concentration.
The first in the Legion XXII series, The Casparius is an impeccably researched and thrilling journey through 25BC Egypt. If you like full-on action, it has it. If you like historical detail, it has it. If you like a book to have a protagonist who’s not just a one dimensional character, it has it. Personally, I can’t wait to experience more of Titus Cervianus’s exploits in future books. As he says in the closing chapter, “Here we go…”.
The author has created a fascinating character in Titus Cervianus. We learn little about his early life (I’m hoping the author is saving that for a prequel) but what we do know is that he speaks several languages, has a voracious appetite for books and considers his vocation to be saving lives – not that he isn’t pretty deadly with a sword or spear when the need arises. He’s a man of science and logic who views superstition as the ‘bane of all reasoned thinkers’, one of the many reasons he has been ostracised by most of his comrades (although I have to say I’d be happy to befriend the over six foot tall, clean shaven soldier with raven black hair). Fortunately for Cervanius he is ‘adopted’ by another member of his contubernium, the irrepressible Ulyxes who has an almost photographic memory but is never happier than when there’s a prospect of a brawl.
Aware of the perils that lie ahead, Cervanius is nevertheless excited at the prospect of seeing the sights of Egypt he has only read about – Alexandria, Memphis, Thebes – and through his eyes the reader is able to do the same. Gradually Cervanius finds his rejection of superstition being challenged by the seeming significance of symbols he encounters as he visits temples dedicated to Egyptian gods. Are the whispered warnings and his strange dreams portents of misfortune yet to come? ‘He was finding it hard to deny that something powerful seemed to be at work in this strange land.’
In his Historical Note, Simon Turney reveals that one of the inspirations for the book is Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. As Cervianus and the Twenty Second legion travel down the Nile on a campaign that seems more driven by the arrogance and pride of their superiors than by strategy, darkness is just what they find, especially when they reach the fortress of Buhen. (Thanks to the handy map at the front of the book, I now know exactly where that is.)
In one of the great set piece scenes in the book, Cervanius and his comrades are confronted by an enemy described as a ‘cloud of black hissing death’ who rise from the ground with ‘iron points gleaming in the moonlight, ebony shafts and black fletching blending into the darkness’. Another memorable scene is the legion’s assault on the heavily fortified Abu Island during which they have to accomplish a landing from small boats whilst dodging arrows raining down on them and then face a ‘screaming, roaring tide of humanity, bristling with weapons, designed to strike fear into their enemy’. Death is always just a hair’s breadth away whether that’s due to a mistimed stroke, an inadvertent gap in a shield wall or a momentary lapse of concentration.
The first in the Legion XXII series, The Casparius is an impeccably researched and thrilling journey through 25BC Egypt. If you like full-on action, it has it. If you like historical detail, it has it. If you like a book to have a protagonist who’s not just a one dimensional character, it has it. Personally, I can’t wait to experience more of Titus Cervianus’s exploits in future books. As he says in the closing chapter, “Here we go…”.
May 16, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this Roman military adventure about a doctor in the Roman army, a capsarius, and his exploits on the march up the Nile on the trail of the Kush queen's army. Cervianus is an entertaining companion, not well liked and always ending up in trouble through no fault of his own, or through having the wrong friends. The descriptions of the Nile and the legacy of its pharaonic past are wonderful as the army moves further and further away from Alexandria. It is quite gory in places, which is not surprising considering the novel's thoroughly exciting battles, skirmishes and crocodile attacks *gulps*. The author knows his stuff and the fascinating detail and insight makes this novel stand out. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
April 11, 2022
Simon Turney is the gift that keeps on giving.
Another fantastic book by this author that puts the reader in the place after Ceaser and just at the start of the emperor's of Rome.
It's been fun to see the different side of the legions by viewing it through the eyes of a capsarius.
You can really feel the weight of burden on the main characters shoulders , not only from his everyday life in the legion but from him wrestling with his inner daemons.
Anybody who was a fan of Marius Mules will absolutely love this and I personally can't wait to get stuck in to the series .
Another fantastic book by this author that puts the reader in the place after Ceaser and just at the start of the emperor's of Rome.
It's been fun to see the different side of the legions by viewing it through the eyes of a capsarius.
You can really feel the weight of burden on the main characters shoulders , not only from his everyday life in the legion but from him wrestling with his inner daemons.
Anybody who was a fan of Marius Mules will absolutely love this and I personally can't wait to get stuck in to the series .
October 31, 2024
Great historical fiction from which I learnt so much about how the Roman army functioned while being engaged in a gripping story.
Read
December 31, 2023Another example of the excellent Simon Turney legionary series. Plenty of historically accurate detail, plenty of action and plenty of enjoyment. Recommended
February 1, 2025
The author has become one of my favourite historical novelists through his meticulous historical research, lean, muscular writing style and talent for brining his topics to life.
Turney’s most recent work, The Capsarius (first instalment in a new series, apparently) follows Rome’s XXII LEGION (Gallician) on a military foray into 1st C BC Egypt and the Kingdom of Kush (modern Day Sudan) to rout and punish the Kushan army and its evil and terrible one-eyed warrior queen.
Written in the third person, the novel opens on its main character, Titus Cervanius, a Capsarius, or combat medic, in the Roman Legion, whose complex character and scientific mindset excludes the prevailing superstitious, god-fearing beliefs of his peers and puts him at odds with them, initially turning him into a bit a loner or outsider. It is also filled with all sorts of entertaining characters and plenty of action.
But nevertheless, if he has no use of the gods, they seem to have devised a use for him. So, there’s an interesting tension between science and mysticism suggested in this work.
An engrossing novel, well worth your time, ending a little abruptly on purpose. I think the ending was definitely designed to keep you hanging, waiting impatiently for the next instalment.
So, if I like it so much, you might ask “why not a 5* rating?” Because, I have yet to use that rating and find myself unable to bestow it, no matter how worthy the work of art, as it implies that we have been given the best and are unlikely to get anything better.
Turney’s most recent work, The Capsarius (first instalment in a new series, apparently) follows Rome’s XXII LEGION (Gallician) on a military foray into 1st C BC Egypt and the Kingdom of Kush (modern Day Sudan) to rout and punish the Kushan army and its evil and terrible one-eyed warrior queen.
Written in the third person, the novel opens on its main character, Titus Cervanius, a Capsarius, or combat medic, in the Roman Legion, whose complex character and scientific mindset excludes the prevailing superstitious, god-fearing beliefs of his peers and puts him at odds with them, initially turning him into a bit a loner or outsider. It is also filled with all sorts of entertaining characters and plenty of action.
But nevertheless, if he has no use of the gods, they seem to have devised a use for him. So, there’s an interesting tension between science and mysticism suggested in this work.
An engrossing novel, well worth your time, ending a little abruptly on purpose. I think the ending was definitely designed to keep you hanging, waiting impatiently for the next instalment.
So, if I like it so much, you might ask “why not a 5* rating?” Because, I have yet to use that rating and find myself unable to bestow it, no matter how worthy the work of art, as it implies that we have been given the best and are unlikely to get anything better.
April 18, 2022
For once, I am lost for words. An extraordinarily well-researched and enjoyable book about a highly intelligent and worldly-curious medic in the Roman army. I was totally unaware of the role of a Capsarius in the fighting legions, The main protagonist is disliked by most of his peers, despite his many skills in performing delicate operations and general medical duties.
The author skillfully describes the Capasarius' role, his multi-faceted personality as well as the mysterious & fascinating lands that the legion passed through. I also got totally absorbed in the bloody battle scenes.
I am really excited about reading the sequel and the outcome of his awful premonition.
Congratulations to Simon Turney for writing such a powerful novel. I hope to see it one day on the big (or small) screen!
The author skillfully describes the Capasarius' role, his multi-faceted personality as well as the mysterious & fascinating lands that the legion passed through. I also got totally absorbed in the bloody battle scenes.
I am really excited about reading the sequel and the outcome of his awful premonition.
Congratulations to Simon Turney for writing such a powerful novel. I hope to see it one day on the big (or small) screen!
April 19, 2022
Egypt, 25 BC: Former doctor surgeon Titus Cervianus now serves as a capsarius, a combat medic, with the XXII Legion, a world away from the comfortable life he once new in the city of Ancyra. His intellectual and pragmatic ways have made him unpopular with his barely literate comrades, who see him as unlucky, and he spends the majority of his time an outcast in the ranks of Twenty Second Deiotariana, unless his considerable medical skills are required.
The XXII Legion have been transferred from their home in Galatia to exotic Alexandria, part of a campaign to regain lands in the south of Egypt that were taken by the fierce warrior queen of Kush, and the battle ahead is going to be hard fought. Their situation is made worse by the fact the Twenty Second stem for the former private army of King Amyntas of Galatia, but have now been absorbed into the empire. Their ways are different to those of the soldiers they must fight alongside, and even though they are under the command of Roman senior officers they sit uncomfortably with the men of their fellow legions.
Cervianus is resigned to his lot as loner and butt of the bullying ways of his fellow fighting men, content to absorb all he can about the new experiences that await him in the strange land that he has only read about, but as the Twenty Second embark on their mission into the unknown he not only finds allies in the truculent new comer Ulyxes, and the local auxiliary cavalryman Shanti, but also learns that perhaps superstition and the will of the Gods might have some bearing on his fate after all - especially under the command of a man who sees a chance to grab some glory in the battles that lie ahead, even if it means losing many men in the process...
Simon Turney is one of my favourite authors of cracking historical fiction, and this new series about Legion XXII has everything I look for in one of his delicious adventures - a detailed and well researched background that both entertains and brings alive an authentic feeling of time and place; a well-crafted tale that keeps you glued to the page from beginning to end; and a multitude of engaging characters to love and loathe.
I have not read anything that delves into the Egyptian arena of the Roman empire of this period before, especially one which goes beyond the fringes of the Mediterranean into the dark heart of Africa, which makes it fascinating. You can feel the weight of history seeping from the pages, and by following the story of the XXII as they experience the twists and turns of military and personal trials, Turney brings in many delectable threads to keep you busy. I particularly liked the way he explores the otherness of a legion with an unusual background, highlighting the reality of what life was like for the men from a far-flung part of the empire who are thrown into the middle of the ambitious plans of Rome; the poignancy of a land as old as time that is now chaffing under the yoke of a young upstart conqueror; the intricately examined clash of cultures, from customs, lifestyle, religion and superstition; and how the Nile is front and centre as the life-blood of this desert region.
The interplay between the characters is brilliant, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Cervianus and Ulyxes, which allows some very amusing chuckle worthy moments, and as their relationship develops they learn from each other. Cervianus is quite an unusual protagonist, and the way he struggles to balance the different parts of his make-up brings an interesting depth to his character too - how to reconcile his need to follow the healing philosophy of Hippocrates and yet employ the brutality of a warrior is the contest he finds understandably most troubling. Talking of medical matters, this book beautifully tackles the conflicting ideas of differing therapeutic ideologies at this time, and the significance of these for the men of the legions, which I found very thought-provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from captivating start, to breath-taking finish. It's full to the brim with spellbinding history, gripping adventure, and surprising mystery. As a start to a new series, this is an winner, and I cannot wait to see what comes next in book two, Bellatrix.
The XXII Legion have been transferred from their home in Galatia to exotic Alexandria, part of a campaign to regain lands in the south of Egypt that were taken by the fierce warrior queen of Kush, and the battle ahead is going to be hard fought. Their situation is made worse by the fact the Twenty Second stem for the former private army of King Amyntas of Galatia, but have now been absorbed into the empire. Their ways are different to those of the soldiers they must fight alongside, and even though they are under the command of Roman senior officers they sit uncomfortably with the men of their fellow legions.
Cervianus is resigned to his lot as loner and butt of the bullying ways of his fellow fighting men, content to absorb all he can about the new experiences that await him in the strange land that he has only read about, but as the Twenty Second embark on their mission into the unknown he not only finds allies in the truculent new comer Ulyxes, and the local auxiliary cavalryman Shanti, but also learns that perhaps superstition and the will of the Gods might have some bearing on his fate after all - especially under the command of a man who sees a chance to grab some glory in the battles that lie ahead, even if it means losing many men in the process...
Simon Turney is one of my favourite authors of cracking historical fiction, and this new series about Legion XXII has everything I look for in one of his delicious adventures - a detailed and well researched background that both entertains and brings alive an authentic feeling of time and place; a well-crafted tale that keeps you glued to the page from beginning to end; and a multitude of engaging characters to love and loathe.
I have not read anything that delves into the Egyptian arena of the Roman empire of this period before, especially one which goes beyond the fringes of the Mediterranean into the dark heart of Africa, which makes it fascinating. You can feel the weight of history seeping from the pages, and by following the story of the XXII as they experience the twists and turns of military and personal trials, Turney brings in many delectable threads to keep you busy. I particularly liked the way he explores the otherness of a legion with an unusual background, highlighting the reality of what life was like for the men from a far-flung part of the empire who are thrown into the middle of the ambitious plans of Rome; the poignancy of a land as old as time that is now chaffing under the yoke of a young upstart conqueror; the intricately examined clash of cultures, from customs, lifestyle, religion and superstition; and how the Nile is front and centre as the life-blood of this desert region.
The interplay between the characters is brilliant, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Cervianus and Ulyxes, which allows some very amusing chuckle worthy moments, and as their relationship develops they learn from each other. Cervianus is quite an unusual protagonist, and the way he struggles to balance the different parts of his make-up brings an interesting depth to his character too - how to reconcile his need to follow the healing philosophy of Hippocrates and yet employ the brutality of a warrior is the contest he finds understandably most troubling. Talking of medical matters, this book beautifully tackles the conflicting ideas of differing therapeutic ideologies at this time, and the significance of these for the men of the legions, which I found very thought-provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from captivating start, to breath-taking finish. It's full to the brim with spellbinding history, gripping adventure, and surprising mystery. As a start to a new series, this is an winner, and I cannot wait to see what comes next in book two, Bellatrix.
August 12, 2022
This is such a good story and I was turning the pages from the start! Cervianus is a capsarius, a soldier who is also a medic and I liked his character from the start with his interest in Greek medicine rather than Roman and his eagerness to see Egypt. From the start you see how Cervianus is treated by the others in his legion but I like how he strikes up a friendship with Ulyxes and how different the two are. The legions end up going on a long march across Egypt and I love how curious Cervianus is about all the monuments and how we get to know what is in different parts of Egypt. I like how we learn more about Egypt and the egyptian people through Cervianus’s friendship with another character and how differently the two think.
As they march towards their goal the tension keeps rising among the different legions. I like what happens and how Cervianus manages to deal with the situation. The twenty second legion is Galatian, not roman, and I like how different they are in their appearance and their uniform, this difference leading to the tensions really mounting between the different legions. The action in this book is so well written, the fighting wasn’t too gory, except toward the end, but is written so well and felt so vivid that I could imagine it well in my mind. The ending is really good, things are resolved well, but you are also left wanting to read the next book in the series to know what happens to the legion next.
The book has a few uses of milder swear words and some fighting which isn’t too gory except right near the end. There is a map at the start of the book which shows you where the legion march and the book has some historical notes at the end which explain how this book is based on the real twenty second legion from Galatia, along with an explanation on which parts of the story are based on fact and which are fiction. I enjoyed reading these notes as I knew nothing about the twenty second legion and some of the other people mentioned in this book.
Overall this is a great historical adventure and the first in a series I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of. There are some great and funny moments throughout the book which lighten some of the tension, and the whole story is just so good, so compelling to read, that I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you enjoy historical fiction set in roman times, or are fascinated with ancient egypt too. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
-Thanks to Aries for a free copy.
As they march towards their goal the tension keeps rising among the different legions. I like what happens and how Cervianus manages to deal with the situation. The twenty second legion is Galatian, not roman, and I like how different they are in their appearance and their uniform, this difference leading to the tensions really mounting between the different legions. The action in this book is so well written, the fighting wasn’t too gory, except toward the end, but is written so well and felt so vivid that I could imagine it well in my mind. The ending is really good, things are resolved well, but you are also left wanting to read the next book in the series to know what happens to the legion next.
The book has a few uses of milder swear words and some fighting which isn’t too gory except right near the end. There is a map at the start of the book which shows you where the legion march and the book has some historical notes at the end which explain how this book is based on the real twenty second legion from Galatia, along with an explanation on which parts of the story are based on fact and which are fiction. I enjoyed reading these notes as I knew nothing about the twenty second legion and some of the other people mentioned in this book.
Overall this is a great historical adventure and the first in a series I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of. There are some great and funny moments throughout the book which lighten some of the tension, and the whole story is just so good, so compelling to read, that I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you enjoy historical fiction set in roman times, or are fascinated with ancient egypt too. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
-Thanks to Aries for a free copy.
April 16, 2022
Cervianus isn't your typical Roman solider, he’s a also a medic. At times this role seems to have an advantage as he gets a few perks but it soon become clear it’s not a free ride in any sense and he has his own unique battles to face in this role.
He’s also an outcast within the legion.. as a medic he puts some of his faith in knowledge and skill while many still hold the belief a man's life is in the hands of the Gods.
The twenty second legion have been given the task of tackling the Kushite’s in Egypt and to take back what is rightly theirs!
It’s not going to be an easy fight for sure but Cervianus has to hope his fellow soldiers don’t kill him first.. he doesn’t make friends easily.
Cervianus has luck on his side I feel and makes it to the battle but events along the way give him pause for thought.. maybe there is something to be said about the will of the Gods.
What Turney always does so well is the battles and the detail added to everything to set the scene, from the makeup of the army, the buildings, the heat.. the dints in a helmet.. nick in the armour.. everything.. it just puts you right there in the action.
For fans of the genre there’s plenty of action but what I’ve always admired about Turney’s work is how he manages to interweave personal fights too, it’s not just about the big battle… there’s lots to this tale to savour.. read it slowly, enjoy every morsel offered and I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed. It’s a talent to add knowledge and detail to an exciting plot like this one, some readers are simply in it for the action but Turney adds detail without forcing it, or slowing the pace.
I can honestly say I was hooked in from the prologue which set the tone of the story and has my mouth watering for more! Bring on book 2.
I also really enjoyed the character development throughout this one. It’s difficult at times to make characters real but Turney seems to do this effortlessly and I loved the relationship dynamic growing within the senior staff… oooo the tension!! You could cut it with a knife!
It's a 5/5 star rating from me!
He’s also an outcast within the legion.. as a medic he puts some of his faith in knowledge and skill while many still hold the belief a man's life is in the hands of the Gods.
The twenty second legion have been given the task of tackling the Kushite’s in Egypt and to take back what is rightly theirs!
It’s not going to be an easy fight for sure but Cervianus has to hope his fellow soldiers don’t kill him first.. he doesn’t make friends easily.
Cervianus has luck on his side I feel and makes it to the battle but events along the way give him pause for thought.. maybe there is something to be said about the will of the Gods.
What Turney always does so well is the battles and the detail added to everything to set the scene, from the makeup of the army, the buildings, the heat.. the dints in a helmet.. nick in the armour.. everything.. it just puts you right there in the action.
For fans of the genre there’s plenty of action but what I’ve always admired about Turney’s work is how he manages to interweave personal fights too, it’s not just about the big battle… there’s lots to this tale to savour.. read it slowly, enjoy every morsel offered and I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed. It’s a talent to add knowledge and detail to an exciting plot like this one, some readers are simply in it for the action but Turney adds detail without forcing it, or slowing the pace.
I can honestly say I was hooked in from the prologue which set the tone of the story and has my mouth watering for more! Bring on book 2.
I also really enjoyed the character development throughout this one. It’s difficult at times to make characters real but Turney seems to do this effortlessly and I loved the relationship dynamic growing within the senior staff… oooo the tension!! You could cut it with a knife!
It's a 5/5 star rating from me!
May 1, 2025
Wanted something a bit different but in the Roman fiction genre and this certainly fits the bill.
The book is a solid read, and perhaps 3 stars is a little harsh. In terms of a different slant and setting a combat medic and Egypt the novel stood out a little. The history and geography elements were excellent. That said given Turney is more an action writer, and that is what I was perhaps expecting, this excellently researched and conveyed history grated on me as it slowed down the action. Perhaps it's seeing Turney do something a bit different, but it felt a bit incongruous in the book, albeit still impressive.
The action scenes when the Legion finally got round to fighting were good. Vintage Turney, gripping and amongst the best action written. The first half of the book as the protagonist struggled to fit in however dragged. On reflection, this rather plodding plotline, undid much of the good work of the book. I doubt the historical and geographical elements would have seen so burdensome had the first half of the book been better paced with a more engaging storyline arc - after all, you know the protagonist can't be bumped off early in the novel and series.
The ending is also frustrating. I get series go on over several books, but it really feels like stopping in the middle of an episode. It was a terrible place to stop, when a couple of chapters earlier would have sufficed whilst dangling enough in front of the readers to continue reading the story. It was an unnecessary error which lowered the quality of the book.
That said it's not a bad book. It's very well researched which perhaps due to the slow nature of the novel isn't showcased as well as it should. As said the action is good and there's a unique slant, whilst Turney writes well and vividly. 2.5 stars moving up to 3. I'll probably continue the series, but it won't be top of my list. Sadly the book didn't live up to its potential, but it's still a solid read and better than a fair bit out there.
The book is a solid read, and perhaps 3 stars is a little harsh. In terms of a different slant and setting a combat medic and Egypt the novel stood out a little. The history and geography elements were excellent. That said given Turney is more an action writer, and that is what I was perhaps expecting, this excellently researched and conveyed history grated on me as it slowed down the action. Perhaps it's seeing Turney do something a bit different, but it felt a bit incongruous in the book, albeit still impressive.
The action scenes when the Legion finally got round to fighting were good. Vintage Turney, gripping and amongst the best action written. The first half of the book as the protagonist struggled to fit in however dragged. On reflection, this rather plodding plotline, undid much of the good work of the book. I doubt the historical and geographical elements would have seen so burdensome had the first half of the book been better paced with a more engaging storyline arc - after all, you know the protagonist can't be bumped off early in the novel and series.
The ending is also frustrating. I get series go on over several books, but it really feels like stopping in the middle of an episode. It was a terrible place to stop, when a couple of chapters earlier would have sufficed whilst dangling enough in front of the readers to continue reading the story. It was an unnecessary error which lowered the quality of the book.
That said it's not a bad book. It's very well researched which perhaps due to the slow nature of the novel isn't showcased as well as it should. As said the action is good and there's a unique slant, whilst Turney writes well and vividly. 2.5 stars moving up to 3. I'll probably continue the series, but it won't be top of my list. Sadly the book didn't live up to its potential, but it's still a solid read and better than a fair bit out there.
April 14, 2022
BLURB
Warrior and combat medic, Titus Cervianus, must lead a legion and quell the
uprisings in Egypt in a new Roman adventure from Simon Turney.
Titus Cervianus is no ordinary soldier. And the Twenty Second is no
ordinary legion…
Egypt. 25 BC. A former surgeon from the city of Ancyra, Titus Cervianus is now a
capsarius – a combat medic. He is a pragmatist, a scientist – and deeply unpopular
with his legion, the Twenty Second Deiotariana.
The Twenty Second have been sent to deal with uprisings in Egypt. Founded as the
private army of one of Rome's most devoted allies, their ways are not the same as the
other legions', which sets them apart and causes friction with their fellow soldiers.
Marching into the unknown, Cervianus will find unexpected allies: a local cavalryman
and a troublesome lunatic. Both will be of critical importance as the young medic
marches through the searing sands of the south, finding forbidden temples, hidden
assassins, and worst of all, the warrior queen of Kush…
Reviews for Simon Turney:
'A blistering epic brimming with tension, mystery & adventure!' Gordon Doherty
'A page turner from beginning to end… A damn fine read' Ben Kane
'First-rate Roman fiction' Matthew Harffy
REVIEW
I've been a long time admirer of this author. The only thing he does that causes any consternation on my part is that he writes too many good books too damn fast. On top of that, he keeps veering off into new regions for yet another series. I mean, how am I supposed to deal with all of this? I'll tell you how...by reading his stuff and being blown away time and time again. The Capsarius is no exception to all of the things that make this author stand out. Impeccable research combined with a vivid imagination...story telling that keeps you turning the pages...a diverse cast of characters... In a succinct summation - another triumph for yet another captivating series. Pulse racing action in the burning lands of the Nile.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warrior and combat medic, Titus Cervianus, must lead a legion and quell the
uprisings in Egypt in a new Roman adventure from Simon Turney.
Titus Cervianus is no ordinary soldier. And the Twenty Second is no
ordinary legion…
Egypt. 25 BC. A former surgeon from the city of Ancyra, Titus Cervianus is now a
capsarius – a combat medic. He is a pragmatist, a scientist – and deeply unpopular
with his legion, the Twenty Second Deiotariana.
The Twenty Second have been sent to deal with uprisings in Egypt. Founded as the
private army of one of Rome's most devoted allies, their ways are not the same as the
other legions', which sets them apart and causes friction with their fellow soldiers.
Marching into the unknown, Cervianus will find unexpected allies: a local cavalryman
and a troublesome lunatic. Both will be of critical importance as the young medic
marches through the searing sands of the south, finding forbidden temples, hidden
assassins, and worst of all, the warrior queen of Kush…
Reviews for Simon Turney:
'A blistering epic brimming with tension, mystery & adventure!' Gordon Doherty
'A page turner from beginning to end… A damn fine read' Ben Kane
'First-rate Roman fiction' Matthew Harffy
REVIEW
I've been a long time admirer of this author. The only thing he does that causes any consternation on my part is that he writes too many good books too damn fast. On top of that, he keeps veering off into new regions for yet another series. I mean, how am I supposed to deal with all of this? I'll tell you how...by reading his stuff and being blown away time and time again. The Capsarius is no exception to all of the things that make this author stand out. Impeccable research combined with a vivid imagination...story telling that keeps you turning the pages...a diverse cast of characters... In a succinct summation - another triumph for yet another captivating series. Pulse racing action in the burning lands of the Nile.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 30, 2022
I really enjoyed The Capsarius. I've read some of Simon Turney's Roman fiction in the past, but this book, without its focus on Roman Rome, is a little different, and very enjoyable.
I didn't read this book quickly - rather I enjoyed it slowly, taking delight in reading a small amount each day over an extended period. It's a story rich with detail, as our main character, The Capsarius, travels through a land he is clearly excited to visit, being so very strange to his birth lands, and yet one he understands is filled with danger. The heat, the lack of water, and the need to stay close to the great river Nile bring into play some very dangerous enemies, the crocodiles of the delta.
The Capsarius is not your usual Roman warrior. He's a skilled and widely read individual, keen to hold on to the ideals he has as a medic in the Roman army, even though he's pitted against just about everyone in the legion, and his superior's really don't seem to like him a great deal - not that it worries him. He's a man of reason, and yet one who's thrust into a strange land, with even stranger gods, and gods who seem to speak to him. The interplay between the reasoned man forced to question his beliefs because of the pervading Egyptian religion is skillfully drawn.
This is a slow burn, which rewards the reader with two really quite different battle scenes in the second half of the book when our Roman hero finally encounters their elusive enemy, and I'm already looking forward to book 2.
A wonderful read - with just the right amount of humour and peril - set in a wonderfully drawn land of intrigue and danger.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
I didn't read this book quickly - rather I enjoyed it slowly, taking delight in reading a small amount each day over an extended period. It's a story rich with detail, as our main character, The Capsarius, travels through a land he is clearly excited to visit, being so very strange to his birth lands, and yet one he understands is filled with danger. The heat, the lack of water, and the need to stay close to the great river Nile bring into play some very dangerous enemies, the crocodiles of the delta.
The Capsarius is not your usual Roman warrior. He's a skilled and widely read individual, keen to hold on to the ideals he has as a medic in the Roman army, even though he's pitted against just about everyone in the legion, and his superior's really don't seem to like him a great deal - not that it worries him. He's a man of reason, and yet one who's thrust into a strange land, with even stranger gods, and gods who seem to speak to him. The interplay between the reasoned man forced to question his beliefs because of the pervading Egyptian religion is skillfully drawn.
This is a slow burn, which rewards the reader with two really quite different battle scenes in the second half of the book when our Roman hero finally encounters their elusive enemy, and I'm already looking forward to book 2.
A wonderful read - with just the right amount of humour and peril - set in a wonderfully drawn land of intrigue and danger.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
April 9, 2022
This is not a fast paced, action-packed book about some Roman legionary but a very clever, well researched and compelling story about a clever man in a new world facing superstition and nastiness who will find strange allies, discover the unknown, and face very strong enemies.
It’s epic and it prepares the scene for the action and exciting things that will come.
Simon Turney can surely write historical fiction, and this was an excellent story that kept me hooked an turning pages. It wasn’t love at first pages, but the story grew on me as I got to know the different characters and travel with them
Titus Cervanius is a fascinating character, a man of his time and very modern at the same time. He’s well developed and interesting, I look forward to reading more about him.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, I learned something new and travelled with the characters in the ancient Egypt.
I can’t wait to read the next story as I want to know what will happen.
This one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Aries and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It’s epic and it prepares the scene for the action and exciting things that will come.
Simon Turney can surely write historical fiction, and this was an excellent story that kept me hooked an turning pages. It wasn’t love at first pages, but the story grew on me as I got to know the different characters and travel with them
Titus Cervanius is a fascinating character, a man of his time and very modern at the same time. He’s well developed and interesting, I look forward to reading more about him.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, I learned something new and travelled with the characters in the ancient Egypt.
I can’t wait to read the next story as I want to know what will happen.
This one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Aries and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 15, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"All hail, the legion of fools."
Servianus is a Capsarius, a trained healer, part medicus, part legionary with special privileges, serving with the XXIi legion which has just arrived at Alexandria. An educated man, he is unpopular with the others in the 22nd and is constantly afraid of the physical injury their cruel 'pranks' can cause. A loner, trusting more in science than prayer, he finds a most unlikely friend in another soldier, short where he is tall and foolhardy with fists where Servianus would prefer not to be noticed. Together they go into war...
A different Roman military story, well narrated by Colin Mace. However, one star has been deducted overall.because the story is not complete: book two continues where this one stops - frustrating and irritating if not known before hand.
Apart from that, a good read. I've just purchased the next episode, Bellatrix
"All hail, the legion of fools."
Servianus is a Capsarius, a trained healer, part medicus, part legionary with special privileges, serving with the XXIi legion which has just arrived at Alexandria. An educated man, he is unpopular with the others in the 22nd and is constantly afraid of the physical injury their cruel 'pranks' can cause. A loner, trusting more in science than prayer, he finds a most unlikely friend in another soldier, short where he is tall and foolhardy with fists where Servianus would prefer not to be noticed. Together they go into war...
A different Roman military story, well narrated by Colin Mace. However, one star has been deducted overall.because the story is not complete: book two continues where this one stops - frustrating and irritating if not known before hand.
Apart from that, a good read. I've just purchased the next episode, Bellatrix
April 13, 2025
This is y first book by Simon Turney. I enjoy both historical fiction and action/adventure stories and so I added this to my reading list. I found that the story began slowly with a meandering story line, as if the author was taking his time in setting the stage for a longer series. I took a liking to the protagonist Cervianus but I kept waiting for something to happen. Sure, we learned that he was bullied by his contubernium, and that he met some friends but it wasn’t captivating my interest, then the legion began to march to battle and things became fast paced and interesting. The battle scenes were exciting and things became interesting as we learn that the legionary tribune is a bit nuts. Cervianus develops into a solid soldier and a smart one whose tactical counsel is welcomed. The book ends very obviously with an attempt to draw you into the next book in the series. I definitely plan to continue.
September 13, 2022
Action Galore…
…along with leading characters showing their personal failings, such as ingratitude, kavitching, arrogance, a failure of seeing the Big Picture, intolerance (even if not a marionette), Prima Donnas, ego inflation and a general inability to get along with others.
That makes it difficult to care for most of the top three or five characters who are followed by the author. Truly juvenile traits Write Large.
It does show some of the worst traits the 70’s society inflicted on our military and law enforcement by the future leaders of our nation. Leaders the Greatest Generation would’ve never accepted nor stood for. For the truth to that I grudgingly gave it as many as three stars.
I didn’t like the use of modern British dialogue and idioms used in an ancient Roman setting.
…along with leading characters showing their personal failings, such as ingratitude, kavitching, arrogance, a failure of seeing the Big Picture, intolerance (even if not a marionette), Prima Donnas, ego inflation and a general inability to get along with others.
That makes it difficult to care for most of the top three or five characters who are followed by the author. Truly juvenile traits Write Large.
It does show some of the worst traits the 70’s society inflicted on our military and law enforcement by the future leaders of our nation. Leaders the Greatest Generation would’ve never accepted nor stood for. For the truth to that I grudgingly gave it as many as three stars.
I didn’t like the use of modern British dialogue and idioms used in an ancient Roman setting.
February 28, 2022
Titus Cervianus, legionnaire and combat medic, has a huge problem. He is unpopular in his unit because of his belief in science over the gods. The Twenty Second Deiotariana has been sent from Galatia to Egypt where it is sent south with units of the two other legions under a commander obsessed with winning and glory. Cervianus has to navigate the ire of officers, his unit, and troubling events to survive and help his legion succeed. This title (the first in a series) ends in a bit of a cliffhanger as the legion is getting ready to plunge further into the interior of Egypt. An interesting historical tale in a time and place not often covered..
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this title.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this title.
January 26, 2022
The Capsarius is an easy to like character who brings a ‘human being’ approach to being in the Roman army. The story has an undertone of an underdog becoming more and more influential the deeper in to the campaign the army marches. The difference of opinions and personalities in amongst the army means that there is a battle on two fronts, that of the real local enemy and that of comrades and officers of all levels who should be working together.
I really enjoyed this book and will certainly read the next instalment.
I really enjoyed this book and will certainly read the next instalment.
October 29, 2024
There were interesting elements in this story. Firstly the character of Cervianus who is a legionary but also an educated man in history, science and medicine. Then there is Legion XXII made up of men from the former Galicia Army. The legion is different from other Roman legions. Cerviannus is different from other soldiers. They are both outsiders and treated harshly.
The bits about the medicine of the times, life as a legionary and fighting in Egypt were all good.
But the story lost me when Cervianus suddenly becomes a tactician and then survives a suicidal mission.
The bits about the medicine of the times, life as a legionary and fighting in Egypt were all good.
But the story lost me when Cervianus suddenly becomes a tactician and then survives a suicidal mission.
October 23, 2023
I am assuming this is part of a series though the book did not indicate so. Our hero is thoroughly unpopular with his comrades but there's no detailed account as to his background and why he should be so unpopular. I felt the start was rather slow but the story soon changed gear. I have been to Egypt several times and am familiar with many of the areas covered in the book, which I loved. The ending would indicate another book to follow.
Overall, a good ripping yarn.
Overall, a good ripping yarn.
May 9, 2022
A fantastic roller coaster of a story.
I have read lots of historical fiction but this was an eye opening story. I loved the description and the narrative was gripping. After the first few pages it grabbed my attention and I could not put it down. The detail of a Roman military medic was fascinating. I look forward to its sequel.
I have read lots of historical fiction but this was an eye opening story. I loved the description and the narrative was gripping. After the first few pages it grabbed my attention and I could not put it down. The detail of a Roman military medic was fascinating. I look forward to its sequel.
July 11, 2022
Fantastic...much too long to wait for the sequel.
If you like Roman tales this is a good example. What I enjoyed was the touches of humour that punctuate the story. Simon Turney's knowledge of his subject is amazing particularly contemporary surgical procedures. The sequel is eagerly awaited.
If you like Roman tales this is a good example. What I enjoyed was the touches of humour that punctuate the story. Simon Turney's knowledge of his subject is amazing particularly contemporary surgical procedures. The sequel is eagerly awaited.
December 29, 2022
My first experience of this author and maybe I haven’t quite got into it yet. Enjoyable enough tale of a Roman invasion of the Sudan, but a little slow in kicking off and an unsatisfactory ending, leaving a very obvious entry to the next in the series. But I will try another and maybe revise my view.
January 24, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It’s a great blend of modern and ancient, real time and place vice author’s license. I don’t have The luxury of reading a book straight through. The timing, flow of thi story, was good enough to keep me coming back to the story. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
November 10, 2023
Tried this one as it seemed both a series beginning and set in a less usual place/time during the Empire, and it moved fast but it didn't bring anything new and left me kind of unmoved, turning pages more to finish than to enjoy. Sadly I do not think I will continue the series and wouldn't really recommend this as there is so much better out there
October 1, 2024
Previously, I`d thought a capsarius was an army`s medical doctor - now I know this position is more of a medical assistant, possibly of a similar status as a nurse or apprentice. Also, I did not know they fought in the army as well as tending to the wounded. This was an interesting take on Roman martial endeavors about which little is commonly written.
June 30, 2025
good quick read adventure 3.51 stars (round to 4)
Interesting book; the hero Titus seems imbued with modern thought and ideals improbable to a man of his time. Worth the time to read it if you are into ancient Roman culture and Aegyptus/Kush. A piece of deadly trivia not included are scorpions and poisonous snakes,
Interesting book; the hero Titus seems imbued with modern thought and ideals improbable to a man of his time. Worth the time to read it if you are into ancient Roman culture and Aegyptus/Kush. A piece of deadly trivia not included are scorpions and poisonous snakes,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews