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Imperium #2
The Trumpets of Mars
Marching to War
The Carthaginians are marching to destroy Rome and it is up to Ky, a test pilot from the future thrown into an alternate past, to keep the once mighty Roman Empire from being destroyed. As Ky gathers Roman forces to defend against the Carthaginian host, he must also struggle to contend with a malfunctioning AI implanted in his brain that is slowly gaining sentience. Thankfully, he is not alone. With the help of the Emperors daughter Lucilla, he fights both his own mind and the Carthaginian hordes for a chance to build a new world.
The Carthaginians are marching to destroy Rome and it is up to Ky, a test pilot from the future thrown into an alternate past, to keep the once mighty Roman Empire from being destroyed. As Ky gathers Roman forces to defend against the Carthaginian host, he must also struggle to contend with a malfunctioning AI implanted in his brain that is slowly gaining sentience. Thankfully, he is not alone. With the help of the Emperors daughter Lucilla, he fights both his own mind and the Carthaginian hordes for a chance to build a new world.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2022
261 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Travis Starnes
42 books89 followersTravis writes science fiction, fantasy, and thriller novels (and the occasional coming-of-age story), with the hope of transporting and enthralling readers. Publishing novels since 2015, Travis’s passion is creating worlds and characters that live and breathe, and experiencing the joy of those stories with his readers.
When not writing, Travis enjoys connecting with readers and other writers, managing the popular Complete Marvel Reading Order website, where he works on his other passion for comics and graphic novels, and spending time with his family.
When not writing, Travis enjoys connecting with readers and other writers, managing the popular Complete Marvel Reading Order website, where he works on his other passion for comics and graphic novels, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 4, 2022
Could use more battles and more doing things instead of saying about doing things
September 4, 2025
Another extremely enjoyable listen. Love the continuation of this story. The first book was the better than the second one, but I still think it moved the story along in a way that makes me want to jump right into the third. Excited to see where we go!
April 29, 2022
Definitely could have used a good copy edit and a little more background research on Roman naming conventions. That said, the character development is this book's strength and Starnes definitely makes you care about them and their fates. Looking forward to book 3.
February 10, 2024
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/wolfmantula
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
Here we are back in Ancient Rome with Ky, Lucilla and Sophus once again! This had a different feel to it than The Sword of Jupiter had, while book 1 was a lot more to do with Ky and his new situation, I was surprised that Starnes took a different approach and made this one be more about Lucilla and her new situation and her growth as a strong female protagonist while Ky was out of action. I liked that he dedicated more time to Lucilla who needed to grow a lot more on her own, but not having Ky’s personality and dialogue with a lot of the characters for most of the story was severely missed despite Lucilla having such a great arc.
The Trumpets of Mars is a good sequel and I’m really enjoying this story of turning Rome into a more industrialized place and setting up the Britannic Empire by adding allies. With new allies comes new issues and more scheming, more battles from within, but also learning to be more open minded and that comes with a lot of difficulties with a people that do not like change. It’s interesting to see the way Starnes uses this to help develop not only characters, but the relationship with other characters between the Romans and Caledonians.
“Judging one culture by the social mores of another is counterproductive, as the standards for things like violence, beauty, and actions can vary widely, and objections can be met with negative reactions.”
One of the things I really enjoyed about this was the switching back and forth POV of the final battle between Roman and Carthaginian armies in the book. It was cool to see the battle tactics of both armies and the results that happened because of those decisions, but while that was cool to see, it never really drew me in the way I would’ve liked because it was lacking in actual fight scenes during this battle. It was mainly just descriptions of moves being made and people dying, I would’ve liked to have been in the battle itself hearing the swords sing when they clash, the men yelling, just a little more of that would’ve really sold that battle.
As I stated in my review of book 1, the narration by Kevin Kemp is just absolutely superb. I can’t get enough of what he can do with his voices and emotions, it’s just one of those that you can’t wait to hear. I do think that Starnes writing is very good and that this was a very good sequel, but for the lack of some depth it did hurt the experience a bit, but not enough to deter me from finding out what happens next with the newly formed Britannic Empire and the coming war with the Carthaginians.
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
Here we are back in Ancient Rome with Ky, Lucilla and Sophus once again! This had a different feel to it than The Sword of Jupiter had, while book 1 was a lot more to do with Ky and his new situation, I was surprised that Starnes took a different approach and made this one be more about Lucilla and her new situation and her growth as a strong female protagonist while Ky was out of action. I liked that he dedicated more time to Lucilla who needed to grow a lot more on her own, but not having Ky’s personality and dialogue with a lot of the characters for most of the story was severely missed despite Lucilla having such a great arc.
The Trumpets of Mars is a good sequel and I’m really enjoying this story of turning Rome into a more industrialized place and setting up the Britannic Empire by adding allies. With new allies comes new issues and more scheming, more battles from within, but also learning to be more open minded and that comes with a lot of difficulties with a people that do not like change. It’s interesting to see the way Starnes uses this to help develop not only characters, but the relationship with other characters between the Romans and Caledonians.
“Judging one culture by the social mores of another is counterproductive, as the standards for things like violence, beauty, and actions can vary widely, and objections can be met with negative reactions.”
One of the things I really enjoyed about this was the switching back and forth POV of the final battle between Roman and Carthaginian armies in the book. It was cool to see the battle tactics of both armies and the results that happened because of those decisions, but while that was cool to see, it never really drew me in the way I would’ve liked because it was lacking in actual fight scenes during this battle. It was mainly just descriptions of moves being made and people dying, I would’ve liked to have been in the battle itself hearing the swords sing when they clash, the men yelling, just a little more of that would’ve really sold that battle.
As I stated in my review of book 1, the narration by Kevin Kemp is just absolutely superb. I can’t get enough of what he can do with his voices and emotions, it’s just one of those that you can’t wait to hear. I do think that Starnes writing is very good and that this was a very good sequel, but for the lack of some depth it did hurt the experience a bit, but not enough to deter me from finding out what happens next with the newly formed Britannic Empire and the coming war with the Carthaginians.
April 9, 2023
Totally worth it. It was really the end of the first book but as an author myself I know that writing long books these days is the worst thing an author can do. 300 pages or less or you will make next to nothing on each copy. I was disappointed to find out that the third book has not yet been made into an audiobook, but I will definitely pick up where I left off when it is.
April 24, 2022
First one was better
This was really slow, the first one was much better had a lot more going on, this is still interesting, but the first ninety percent could be skipped entirely and you wouldn't miss much. Basically the whole thing is build up to the final final battle so not a lot actually happens, we do finally get the big battle at the end and the story ends at the conclusion of the battle without any of the aftermath. Still decent, but very little of substance in this installment, looking forward to the next one.
This was really slow, the first one was much better had a lot more going on, this is still interesting, but the first ninety percent could be skipped entirely and you wouldn't miss much. Basically the whole thing is build up to the final final battle so not a lot actually happens, we do finally get the big battle at the end and the story ends at the conclusion of the battle without any of the aftermath. Still decent, but very little of substance in this installment, looking forward to the next one.
April 23, 2022
Roman Brittanica vs. CARTHAGE!
Technology God to the rescue!
Another semi.alternate history reversed!
A five star read...Ideas from a possible
Future given to the Romans Ad Brittanica!
Technology God to the rescue!
Another semi.alternate history reversed!
A five star read...Ideas from a possible
Future given to the Romans Ad Brittanica!
April 27, 2022
Fantastic Story
This story of a soldier from the future being sent back to a alternate ancient Rome was a very interesting entertaining action packed with a little romance book that I really enjoyed reading.
This story of a soldier from the future being sent back to a alternate ancient Rome was a very interesting entertaining action packed with a little romance book that I really enjoyed reading.
May 25, 2022
Great series
Very well put together and flows. Surprises galore and good back story. I see this as a great series put out over several more books. More please!
Bob Slater on the wife's account
Very well put together and flows. Surprises galore and good back story. I see this as a great series put out over several more books. More please!
Bob Slater on the wife's account
January 6, 2023
a good follow-up
While book 1 was good, it suffered from slow pacing in the middle. This sequel had no such problem and so I consider it an improvement. The characters are still interesting and I care about the outcome. Looking forward to picking up book 3.
While book 1 was good, it suffered from slow pacing in the middle. This sequel had no such problem and so I consider it an improvement. The characters are still interesting and I care about the outcome. Looking forward to picking up book 3.
January 19, 2023
Good second Book
Keep up the story. Wish he hadn't lost that shield, but trade offs Happen! Like the pace of the story. Excited to hear more destruction of the Carthaginian Empire! Let's get a Gracchus in there!
Keep up the story. Wish he hadn't lost that shield, but trade offs Happen! Like the pace of the story. Excited to hear more destruction of the Carthaginian Empire! Let's get a Gracchus in there!
July 20, 2023
This was a substantial letdown. The battle with the Carthaginias lasted about 2 pages, was written poorly, and had little strategic originality. Also, Ky was absent for about half the book due to a plot twist. I won’t be moving on from this one to the next book.
July 20, 2022
Will there be a book 3by Christmas?
I hope so as that would be great for my winter reading list. I enjoyed reading this book and hope you will, too. A fan!
I hope so as that would be great for my winter reading list. I enjoyed reading this book and hope you will, too. A fan!
December 9, 2022
Love this alternative history
Engaging characters, imaginative plotlines, believable villains and heroes, enjoying this trilogy as much as any I have read, try it
Engaging characters, imaginative plotlines, believable villains and heroes, enjoying this trilogy as much as any I have read, try it
September 17, 2025
Trumpets of Mars addresses my biggest problem with its predecessor by pretty much not talking about it, which is probably for the best. In the prior book, our protagonist has a weird dichotomy going on in which he repeatedly espouses cultural beliefs and values while at the same time the society from which he sprang seems completely at odds with those values in pretty much every way. Part of the reason for that is that Ky has largely become adjusted to his new home in Roman Britain and gone native in ways his culture would definitely not understand or approve of, so there's little point bothering with where he came from as it's much more interesting thinking about where things are going. Much like the first book, this book moves at a fairly sedate pace, with the first 9/10ths of the book focusing on alliance-building and getting the Roman/Allied forces ready for the coming battle with the long-awaited battle for control of the Britain finally breaking out in the last tenth of the book. That said, there's several subplots with intrigue and action sufficient to keep things from getting too dry and I thought the overall effect was a more balanced and enjoyable book. In terms of pure fun, I'd definitely rank it below my favorites in the "Oh no, we're lost in time and space... LET'S START THE REVOLUTION NOW!" sub-genre, but I feel Starnes's story feels more realistic than most of those I've read.
September 9, 2024
What got to me during the first few chapters of this book was I really didn’t understand what the rebel Romans were trying to accomplish. They have had centuries of being pursued by the Carthaginians, who have beaten, enslaved and killed all they conquer. The Romans are currently cowering in a northern corner of Europe with no hope of surviving more than a year at best, but they keep planning, trying to make their situation even worse. These people are beyond delusional.
The author explains everything else in endless excruciating detail, why doesn’t he explain this? I found this really frustrating.
As the story progresses what’s left of the rebels decide that what is going to save Roman and put it back to its past glory is to sneak around killing people they don’t like.
Unfortunately the other main storyline is Ky’s AI frequently shutting down, because as it becomes sentient, it is about to kill Ky or send him insane. I think this annoyed me even more than the Rebel Romans.
Overall the main story was still interesting and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
The author explains everything else in endless excruciating detail, why doesn’t he explain this? I found this really frustrating.
As the story progresses what’s left of the rebels decide that what is going to save Roman and put it back to its past glory is to sneak around killing people they don’t like.
Unfortunately the other main storyline is Ky’s AI frequently shutting down, because as it becomes sentient, it is about to kill Ky or send him insane. I think this annoyed me even more than the Rebel Romans.
Overall the main story was still interesting and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
August 9, 2024
Just not at all believable
I’m sorry, I really tried. I sped read through the second half of book one, and I was mildly interested in the main characters to see where it was going, but I just couldn’t get started with this one as the main character was convincing all the leaders of alternate reality Rome to abandon everything they believed in a period of less than six months.
There’s just no way to believe this story. It is an interesting concept, but you have to suspend disbelief too hard and too long and then on top of that it is largely a history lesson more than a sci-fi novel.
The final nails in the coffin are the stupid decisions made by the main character that just frustrate you the whole time.
I give this one-half star, but I always round up because I am a nice guy.
I’m sorry, I really tried. I sped read through the second half of book one, and I was mildly interested in the main characters to see where it was going, but I just couldn’t get started with this one as the main character was convincing all the leaders of alternate reality Rome to abandon everything they believed in a period of less than six months.
There’s just no way to believe this story. It is an interesting concept, but you have to suspend disbelief too hard and too long and then on top of that it is largely a history lesson more than a sci-fi novel.
The final nails in the coffin are the stupid decisions made by the main character that just frustrate you the whole time.
I give this one-half star, but I always round up because I am a nice guy.
May 21, 2024
A great example of sci-fi historical fiction
It's book 2 in the series and so far it's been a fun ride.
There are plenty of misspellings, homonym errors, incomplete sentences and other grammatical errors, but still fewer of them than in many of the other books I've read recently. Occasionally I need to stop, back up, and re-read a passage a couple times to figure out what the author meant, but it hasn't been enough to meaningfully detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys either sci-fi or historical fiction, but you do definitely need to read them in order.
It's book 2 in the series and so far it's been a fun ride.
There are plenty of misspellings, homonym errors, incomplete sentences and other grammatical errors, but still fewer of them than in many of the other books I've read recently. Occasionally I need to stop, back up, and re-read a passage a couple times to figure out what the author meant, but it hasn't been enough to meaningfully detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys either sci-fi or historical fiction, but you do definitely need to read them in order.
November 23, 2024
I don’t write many reviews, typically only on truly great books. This book was very good, so the reason I’m writing a review is due to the fantastic buildup to the climax of this entry in the series. Multiple characters have excellent development, there are several setbacks that the MC has to deal with. But mainly, the final battle is one of the best, most well depicted epic battle scenes I have ever read. I could see the battlefield, see the multitude of forces gathered, and it was all just exhilarating. I look forward to the rest of the series.
April 25, 2022
Its impossible to read this series and not think of the remarkable parallels with the Arturo Sandus series. Fortunately there are significant differences to differentiate them. This universe is an alternate reality not a pure time travel event. The antagonist force of the dominate Carthaginians are motivated by a religion that is more Aztec than Mediterranean. It is well written with excellent attention to detail. So enjoy.
August 14, 2023
Excellent Read
Ky and Lucilla are drawing closer together. He is depending on her more and more to help implement his plans for the defense and industrialization of the Empire. Even with the expansion of the Empire, the enemy far out numbers them. Will the new weapons and careful plans overcome the numbers deficit? I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Ky and Lucilla are drawing closer together. He is depending on her more and more to help implement his plans for the defense and industrialization of the Empire. Even with the expansion of the Empire, the enemy far out numbers them. Will the new weapons and careful plans overcome the numbers deficit? I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
August 7, 2025
A lot of this book focuses on Lucilla. Unfortunately, it turns out that Lucilla isn't that interesting.
What particularly doesn't work is that after Ky makes an alliance with the Picts, Lucilla sets out of to impress them with stupid feats of machismo like wrestling and drinking. That part of the book really, really doesn't work.
Overall, very little happens in this installment besides an alliance with the Picts and, eventually, another battle with the Carthaginians.
What particularly doesn't work is that after Ky makes an alliance with the Picts, Lucilla sets out of to impress them with stupid feats of machismo like wrestling and drinking. That part of the book really, really doesn't work.
Overall, very little happens in this installment besides an alliance with the Picts and, eventually, another battle with the Carthaginians.
October 16, 2023
The waiting is the hardest part.
I thought he would never get to the action! Still, it was important to show the effort that went into new innovations and the stubborn resistance to new ways, even when proven superior. In contrast, the battle itself went relatively quickly, but did show the importance of careful planning and strategy.
I thought he would never get to the action! Still, it was important to show the effort that went into new innovations and the stubborn resistance to new ways, even when proven superior. In contrast, the battle itself went relatively quickly, but did show the importance of careful planning and strategy.
May 1, 2022
Great book! Great Series!
I am presently reading several series similar to the Imperium series. The Imperium Series, however, is by far my favorite. I anxious await subsequent books in the series.!
I am presently reading several series similar to the Imperium series. The Imperium Series, however, is by far my favorite. I anxious await subsequent books in the series.!
July 7, 2022
I feel like there's unnecessary complications in the plot.
A decent idea but too many plot twists. Again the main character, Ky, has to do pretty much of everything. Still a fun read.
A decent idea but too many plot twists. Again the main character, Ky, has to do pretty much of everything. Still a fun read.
February 2, 2024
More out of time goodness
I've always been a sucker for "man out of time" alternative Science Fiction books like "Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen", and this series is one of that trope. I've enjoyed both books in the series. I finished the first book in one day. Highly recommended
I've always been a sucker for "man out of time" alternative Science Fiction books like "Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen", and this series is one of that trope. I've enjoyed both books in the series. I finished the first book in one day. Highly recommended
May 20, 2024
4 stars. Good sequel. The technology the MC brings to the "Romans" in Britain to fight the Carthaginians is reasonable as are the advanced tactics used by the Romans. Overall, the book kept me interested. I'll read the next in the series.
January 21, 2025
I love the idea of this series but its slow and the characters are not very engaging. I wish I could like the MC or any of the top characters but none of them grab your attention. I want to finish the series but ill have to listen on 2x speed.
February 8, 2025
whew close but triumphant
Trumpets takes up after the sword has won its first victory against Carthage. The author is able to create realistic challenges to the plan that make reading about the actual battle interesting and exciting instead of a foregone conclusion
Trumpets takes up after the sword has won its first victory against Carthage. The author is able to create realistic challenges to the plan that make reading about the actual battle interesting and exciting instead of a foregone conclusion
July 4, 2025
The Trumpets of Mars
Great read..while battle scenes are quite riveting it’s the manufacturing processes, political pitfalls, and banking challenges that pull you into the story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Great read..while battle scenes are quite riveting it’s the manufacturing processes, political pitfalls, and banking challenges that pull you into the story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews