What do you think?
Rate this book
Arturo Sandus #7
Foreign Travels
Arturo Sandus, starship Captain and inadvertent time traveler, is now working on improving the tech level of the Roman Empire, stepping away from civil and military activities. His aim now is to build up the tech level to a point where he can build a spaceship that will hopefully take him home. A development that is still decades away, at least.
Others are taking advantage of the advances he has introduced to further Roman knowledge and power. Cymlac Rolfson has purchased the old warship Caesar to sail around Africa while the beginnings of a petroleum industry has begun growing in the Caribbean.
But others have their eyes on the Empire too. A civil war amongst the Sassanians has brought Ardashur to the throne with an agenda of regaining the territories so recently lost to Arturo and his Romans. Meanwhile, further to the east, the kingdom of Liu Sung has no desire to be left behind and sends a commando team to kidnap the most important man in the world.
Others are taking advantage of the advances he has introduced to further Roman knowledge and power. Cymlac Rolfson has purchased the old warship Caesar to sail around Africa while the beginnings of a petroleum industry has begun growing in the Caribbean.
But others have their eyes on the Empire too. A civil war amongst the Sassanians has brought Ardashur to the throne with an agenda of regaining the territories so recently lost to Arturo and his Romans. Meanwhile, further to the east, the kingdom of Liu Sung has no desire to be left behind and sends a commando team to kidnap the most important man in the world.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2021
130 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Peter Rhodan
35 books66 followersI grew up in Sydney Australia but have lived on the Gold Coast, Australia for over thirty years. I have been many things over my life, courier driver, retail sales assistant, casino croupier, small business owner, a bankrupt former small business owner, a graphic designer, poker tournament operator and most recently an Uber driver.
I have a marvellous wife and two great kids (both adults now) plus a border collie cross dog who thinks she's a human.
I have always liked science fiction books, especially gung-ho space opera, time travel and alternate history genres. The first fiction book I read that I liked was Eagle of the Ninth and fist Science Fiction book I read and liked was Foundation by Asimov.
My favourite authors, at the moment, are David Weber, Lois McMaster Bujold, Christopher Nuttall and Pam Uphoff. Weber writes the best space opera while Bujold is simply the best writer and Miles Vorkisgan an amazing character. Chris Nuttall rarely writes anything that is only so-so and his Schooled in Magic books are the best magic school series I have read so far. Pam Uphoff writes primarily a cross dimensional series called the Wine of the Gods with the Directorate stories offshoot. These are delightful, entertaining and often thought provoking books that I love.
Chris Nuttall and Pam Uphoff inspired me to "have a go mate" and so I have.
My first novel is On the Rocks, the first story of Arturo Sandus (Sanders) and his adventures as a Space Ship captain marooned on a primitive swords and sandals era planet. Sort of...
I have a marvellous wife and two great kids (both adults now) plus a border collie cross dog who thinks she's a human.
I have always liked science fiction books, especially gung-ho space opera, time travel and alternate history genres. The first fiction book I read that I liked was Eagle of the Ninth and fist Science Fiction book I read and liked was Foundation by Asimov.
My favourite authors, at the moment, are David Weber, Lois McMaster Bujold, Christopher Nuttall and Pam Uphoff. Weber writes the best space opera while Bujold is simply the best writer and Miles Vorkisgan an amazing character. Chris Nuttall rarely writes anything that is only so-so and his Schooled in Magic books are the best magic school series I have read so far. Pam Uphoff writes primarily a cross dimensional series called the Wine of the Gods with the Directorate stories offshoot. These are delightful, entertaining and often thought provoking books that I love.
Chris Nuttall and Pam Uphoff inspired me to "have a go mate" and so I have.
My first novel is On the Rocks, the first story of Arturo Sandus (Sanders) and his adventures as a Space Ship captain marooned on a primitive swords and sandals era planet. Sort of...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 23, 2022
DNF at 28% It just never caught my interest.
January 11, 2022
Great series
Alternative history is all about what if? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series and look forward to future installments. I am intrigued as to where it will end.
Alternative history is all about what if? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series and look forward to future installments. I am intrigued as to where it will end.
January 15, 2023
Interesting AND Educational
As usual, Peter Rhodan writes a very interesting story, interspersed with long tedious (to me) sections describing in detail daily explorations or military exploits.
And, as usual, the writing is very raw, as if he never took the time to proofread or do any re-writing. But don't let that put you off from checking out this series.
I read this as a Kindle Unlimited ebook, making it very easy to highlight a word and get a definition. Mr Rhodan uses the ancient world terms for the different countries, regions, bodies of water, and titles, etc.. So for instance, highlighting "Seres" I was told it was the ancient Greek term for what is now Southern China.
I also looked up some basic classic Latin pronunciation rules, so I could somewhat get a feel for how the many Classic Latin terms would maybe sound. I just did this for my own benefit, it isn't necessary for reading the book.
It is interesting to wonder how our world would look today if the Roman Empire and the Christian Church had not decayed into greed and profligacy. I'm afraid that human nature being what it is, there will always be individuals wanting more power, influence, or wealth, and will do what it takes to get it.
I would rate this PG-13; there is occasional mild language, and war-related violence.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
As usual, Peter Rhodan writes a very interesting story, interspersed with long tedious (to me) sections describing in detail daily explorations or military exploits.
And, as usual, the writing is very raw, as if he never took the time to proofread or do any re-writing. But don't let that put you off from checking out this series.
I read this as a Kindle Unlimited ebook, making it very easy to highlight a word and get a definition. Mr Rhodan uses the ancient world terms for the different countries, regions, bodies of water, and titles, etc.. So for instance, highlighting "Seres" I was told it was the ancient Greek term for what is now Southern China.
I also looked up some basic classic Latin pronunciation rules, so I could somewhat get a feel for how the many Classic Latin terms would maybe sound. I just did this for my own benefit, it isn't necessary for reading the book.
It is interesting to wonder how our world would look today if the Roman Empire and the Christian Church had not decayed into greed and profligacy. I'm afraid that human nature being what it is, there will always be individuals wanting more power, influence, or wealth, and will do what it takes to get it.
I would rate this PG-13; there is occasional mild language, and war-related violence.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
January 12, 2022
One Of My Favorite Series
Around the horn of Africa they go, as a Roman Commander/businessman looks for routes, trade, and bases for Roman expansion. Meanwhile, across the world, a plot is made to kidnap Arturo to gain his knowledge. Other enemies make plans to attack the empire. Will their enemies' plans come to pass? I love it when a plan comes together as ships meet, cannons roar, and airships intimidate. I like the action, humor, bit of romance, alternate history, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Around the horn of Africa they go, as a Roman Commander/businessman looks for routes, trade, and bases for Roman expansion. Meanwhile, across the world, a plot is made to kidnap Arturo to gain his knowledge. Other enemies make plans to attack the empire. Will their enemies' plans come to pass? I love it when a plan comes together as ships meet, cannons roar, and airships intimidate. I like the action, humor, bit of romance, alternate history, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
January 6, 2024
It's an Adventure
Fun light vacation military adventure story. The idea that the technical change could advance so fast is a wee bit beyond what I can believe but it is okay as a kind of techno fantasy story. Mark Twain does the same thing in his Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court and The Boss was a single man with only his own wits to work with. Sandus as least had some gold to buy influence and his blood nanites to protect and heal him, which makes this slightly more believable.
Fun light vacation military adventure story. The idea that the technical change could advance so fast is a wee bit beyond what I can believe but it is okay as a kind of techno fantasy story. Mark Twain does the same thing in his Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court and The Boss was a single man with only his own wits to work with. Sandus as least had some gold to buy influence and his blood nanites to protect and heal him, which makes this slightly more believable.
January 18, 2022
Time just stops while reading
The latest book has arrived and I just finished it. Time just stops while reading this book. The story of Arturo Santus has been an engaging and exciting read. I love the character development and the plotline. I wonder if he can or even if he wants to go back to his timeline and leave his family here behind.
Such dilemmas to consider. I eagerly await the next book and will check out his other books in the meantime.
The latest book has arrived and I just finished it. Time just stops while reading this book. The story of Arturo Santus has been an engaging and exciting read. I love the character development and the plotline. I wonder if he can or even if he wants to go back to his timeline and leave his family here behind.
Such dilemmas to consider. I eagerly await the next book and will check out his other books in the meantime.
January 20, 2022
I gave 4 starts to this book because I really want to know how does it continue. However most of the book are the explanation of several trips by ship or by train. Since the names of the locations are from the Roman era or are simply invented is really difficult to follow them, After severals descriptions of bays, sand bars, beaches and so on, it becomes a bit boring.
At least the last part of the book packs some real action
At least the last part of the book packs some real action
January 20, 2022
As always a ggod read but, this one needed a good map showing the routes traveled by the CAESAR around Africa and the Indian Ocean. Few ports had recognizable names and the tacking tracts followed by the sailing rig were quite hard to follow - too many sandbars in unknown and unrecognizable modern sites `
February 12, 2022
Great Read!
I have really enjoyed this series, my only complaint is that there are no maps to help follow the storyline, I got lost numerous times in the story as the author provides lots of places and directions but no maps to put them in context, like I said well written, lots of adventure!
I have really enjoyed this series, my only complaint is that there are no maps to help follow the storyline, I got lost numerous times in the story as the author provides lots of places and directions but no maps to put them in context, like I said well written, lots of adventure!
March 29, 2022
Ok story with several issues
In general, i liked the story, but there were several issues:
- Cymlac - his trip was way too repetitive and boring. I dont see why we had to read about every bay and sandbar he saw on the way.
- final resolution with the sassanians was too much of a coincidence
In general, i liked the story, but there were several issues:
- Cymlac - his trip was way too repetitive and boring. I dont see why we had to read about every bay and sandbar he saw on the way.
- final resolution with the sassanians was too much of a coincidence
January 4, 2024
Thought I would have another try at this series, but gave up halfway through this book, even after skipping over the voyage detailing every sandbank they passed en route, it was both boring and Arturo appeared to bear no resemblance to the earlier books, to the extent that I went back to the previous book to check that I hadn’t missed something. Not for me!
January 30, 2022
Mr. Rhodes needs a good editor…
This series is a great concept, but 50+ pages of repetitive coastal navigation should have been cut from this story. If I remember correctly, I think the last book had 20 pages of crawling through rocks.
This series is a great concept, but 50+ pages of repetitive coastal navigation should have been cut from this story. If I remember correctly, I think the last book had 20 pages of crawling through rocks.
February 1, 2022
Enjoyed the book.
As with the previous installments I have enjoyed the story. I just ask that you please get an editor and proof read your work, the number of incorrect words is a bit distracting.
As with the previous installments I have enjoyed the story. I just ask that you please get an editor and proof read your work, the number of incorrect words is a bit distracting.
June 13, 2022
Still a very good story.
A very different plot twist. The adventure continues, but we have some Interesting variations. Looking forward to #8. It gets a little repetitive but in all honesty, with superior technology and knowledge it could happen.
A very different plot twist. The adventure continues, but we have some Interesting variations. Looking forward to #8. It gets a little repetitive but in all honesty, with superior technology and knowledge it could happen.
June 18, 2023
Learning to speak Chinese.
Quite an adventure of daring do . Great idea of flying\airship. A workable gravity plate is sure something to think about. I have enjoy this thread of stories. Kodos !
Quite an adventure of daring do . Great idea of flying\airship. A workable gravity plate is sure something to think about. I have enjoy this thread of stories. Kodos !
November 30, 2023
Foreign travels: book 7
I am getting a little disinterested in this series. I find that some of the battle scenes are very repetitive. The author still tries to keep the interest up with twists in the plot.
I am getting a little disinterested in this series. I find that some of the battle scenes are very repetitive. The author still tries to keep the interest up with twists in the plot.
January 3, 2022
The best time travel & create an alternate universe series continues. Keep up the great work Peter
January 8, 2022
Great series
I very much enjoy reading alternate history stories and really enjoy the approach the author used to make a passable account. Well done!
I very much enjoy reading alternate history stories and really enjoy the approach the author used to make a passable account. Well done!
January 10, 2022
Accurate title -
Story / episode? Didn't advance Arturo's history much at all. 😑.
Still interesting storytelling with reasonable dialog - except for a few Btitishisms . 🙊
Story / episode? Didn't advance Arturo's history much at all. 😑.
Still interesting storytelling with reasonable dialog - except for a few Btitishisms . 🙊
January 16, 2022
I like the series in general, but this book is definitely running on empty. As I understand the afterword the author kind of agrees.
January 17, 2022
Excellent!!
It's a smart writer that knows when to quit a series. I've enjoyed all of these so far, and just might go back and re-read them again.
It's a smart writer that knows when to quit a series. I've enjoyed all of these so far, and just might go back and re-read them again.
January 18, 2022
I need maps
This edition of the series was too long in the ship sailing that had no reference for me, create a link matching the text to the location, please
This edition of the series was too long in the ship sailing that had no reference for me, create a link matching the text to the location, please
January 23, 2022
well ok then
So it seems we are nearing the end of this journey. It has been a very nice ride so far. The world building is very easy to imagine, and does not advance too rapidly
So it seems we are nearing the end of this journey. It has been a very nice ride so far. The world building is very easy to imagine, and does not advance too rapidly
January 28, 2022
So good!
Loved the whole thing, fantastic through and through! This series is such an education and joy to read. Very well done!
Loved the whole thing, fantastic through and through! This series is such an education and joy to read. Very well done!
January 31, 2022
Great Story
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
February 6, 2022
Great read ! Fast paced and enthralling.
February 13, 2022
imaginative work
This was a great work, glad to see that Arturo isn’t the hero this time but the people he inspired and now taking step.
This was a great work, glad to see that Arturo isn’t the hero this time but the people he inspired and now taking step.
May 22, 2022
I'll just have to wait for book 8!
I am not sure when that will be hopefully before Christmas this year? I recommen this series for a summer reading list. A fan!
I am not sure when that will be hopefully before Christmas this year? I recommen this series for a summer reading list. A fan!
July 18, 2022
A great twist to history,
And a excited story. I enjoyed every book and look forward to see if he gets but to his time or conquest the galaxy
And a excited story. I enjoyed every book and look forward to see if he gets but to his time or conquest the galaxy
January 9, 2022
Repeatative
The long description of sailing around Africa is repeatative: bypass reefs, encounter hostile natives, find uninhabitable islands, no water, poor landing spots, etc.
The long description of sailing around Africa is repeatative: bypass reefs, encounter hostile natives, find uninhabitable islands, no water, poor landing spots, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews