Captain of Rome

Masters of the Sea #2

by John Stack

Two mighty empires battle each other for control of the high seas in the second installment of the thrilling maritime adventure
Atticus is the young captain of the Aquila, the flagship of the attack fleet of the Roman navy, but his commander is a young upstart whose position has been purchased rather than earned. Bound to obey his inexperienced commander's rash orders, Atticus sails straight into a carefully laid trap. In the battle that follows, it is only by defying his commander that he can pull his men back from the brink of defeat. Atticus will pay a high price for his defiance though, and is summoned to Rome. Despite his friendship with Septimus, a Roman centurion, Atticus is dangerously unversed in the politics of the Roman senate and finds himself facing battles both at sea against an ever-more ferocious enemy and on his own ship by those close to home who want their revenge. Culminating in one of the greatest sea battles of classical times, this is a stirring and powerful novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Ebooks, Roman, War, Audiobook, Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

John Stack was born and lives in County Cork in Ireland. He has always wanted to write but has done a variety of jobs ending up in IT. He is married with three children. He is presently writing the second book of the Masters of the Sea series.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2010, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Masters of the Sea" trilogy.

In this tale Atticus, young Captain of the Aquila, flagship of the attack fleet of the Roman navy.

On board this ship as a commander is a young upstart, who will be responsible for the disaster that he will cause by his decision to enter a trap, but due to Atticus's resourcefulness and finally win that battle is he able to pull back and save his ship and men from a possible defeat.

Because of his disobedience, he's summoned to Rome to explain his actions before the Senate, and soon realises he's made a powerful enemy, even though his Centurion friend, Septimus, is there to give his assistance, Atticus can't stand up to the politics of Rome.

Facing enemies in Rome and at sea, Atticus must find a way to redeem himself in the eyes of his shipmates but most importantly to those men in the Roman Senate and their powerful families.

What is to follow is a captivating Roman adventure, in which Atticus will soon learn the ways of Roman politics and its power, and in this environment he must succeed in his mission to win his sea-battles for Rome if he wants to stand a chance to be full appreciated by the mighty and haughty Roman Senators.

Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition to this superb trilogy, and that's why I like to call this wonderful episode: "A Marvellous Masters Of The Sea Sequel"!

[Rosa Chacón García · Rating 4 out of 5]

Más batallas navales, más personajes conocidos. Más ganas de más

[Burt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am reading this on the strength of the first volume, Ship of War. It's got Romans, the Roman Navy, Carthage, and an adequate story. But that's where it stops. Captain of Rome was published by Harper Collins Publishers in London. But I will swear it was never touched by an editor. Spelling, orthographic, grammatical and syntactical errors abound. I teach my students that it is not enough to spell check your writing; sometimes you will spell the wrong word correctly. Like "than" when you wanted "then", or "loss" when you wanted "lost". then there are the errors of fact. With very few exceptions in the ancient world there were no galley slaves. The men who rowed the Roman and Carthaginian navies into combat were free. But you wouldn't know that from this series of books. Every ship that sinks sinks to the shrieks of its galley slaves ripping at their chains to avoid drowning. The Roman Senate concluded its business around 11AM, so they could get home, get lunch, and go to the baths where the real wheeling and dealing took place. In Captain of Rome the Senate meets until sunset and it is dismissed by the senior Consul. Except that Rome never had "senior" and "junior" Consuls in the sense conveyed in this work. Stack clearly doesn't know the naming practices for Roman males and females either.

Reading this series is like watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn't stare, but you just can't stop. But there is good news and bad news. There will be a third novel.

[Dan Bourne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since watching Gladiator, I’ve loved learning about the Roman era. I saw this book and instantly knew it was going to be a great adventure!

Captain of Rome is the second book in a series, however stands up really well on its own. I’ve not yet ready the first book, but was still able to follow and enjoy this one.

From the first page, you’re transported onto the deck of the Aquila - the flag ship of the attack fleet in the Roman Navy. Captained by a young but experienced Greek named Atticus. When facing a number of difficult battle decisions, Atticus chooses what’s best for Rome rather than trying to protect his own back. As a result he creates some powerful enemies out to get him as his bravery and honour has made them look bad.

John Stack does an incredible job describing the scene and battles. You really get a good sense of what it would have been like! I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to people who like this era!

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well researched account of the Roman navy, a change from the many army stories. Set about 250 BC at the time of the republic's wars with Carthage. The only thing missing ( a regular complaint of mine ) is a map of the area around Rome, Sicily and Carthage.

[Somnath Sengupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Stack has certainly improved as a writer in book two of Masters of the Sea series.

His first book was pacy, breathless which often robbed its historical essence. The buildup is definitely slower in Captain of Rome, allowing the readers to go into more depth with characters. The author again excels in characterization, Longus gets more spotlight in book 2 while Regulus' evolution from Scipio's puppet to his own man is done nicely. Atticus' romance with Hadria is still unnecessary and flaky. The only thing it achieves is adding more shades to the friendship between Atticus and Septimus. Stack goes into Sharpe territory with the antagonist in this novel. Just like Sharpe who keeps running into these rich, incompetent brats who bought commission with their father's money, Atticus runs into Varro.

I am happy to give this book four stars just on the dint of the epic climax in Battle of Cape Enomous. It was the greatest naval battle in antiquity and Carthagian tactics in start was a piece of genius, which failed due to individual mistakes. Stack has tremendously improved in his description of battle scenes and the climax was superb.

The author needs to do more about his historical settings. A little less on characters and a little more on surroundings won't hurt. Harper is a big publishing house, why are their editing work this shoddy? Lastly, these books definitely need maps.

[David Stringer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get quite a few historical fiction books passed (sometimes recommended) to me by a family member that I see every few months. The first book in this series by John Stack I read and really enjoyed, some moons ago. More so then by the 'book passer' who didn't really enjoy it. As I did, hence it's good rating from me, I looked forward to this instalment which has sat on my shelf to be read for a while. Why a while?

Well I will quickly add that I use to read a lot of historical fiction, Conn Igguldon and Valerio Manfredi some favourites that got me back into reading fiction after my studies, again many moons ago. But over the last few years have found this genre a little saturated. Find it all 'samey' and haven't really enjoyed all that many. Majority I have trudged through like an old roman army soldier looking forward to getting out the muddy field and back home. And sadly this is how I felt with this one.

Although this is set on sea rather then land, this again is like all others I have read. All characters are samey, stereotypical, nothing new. All plots etc. predictable. No surprises. Actions scenes all seem a little long. So I sadly didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped, and definitely not as much as the first one. Torn as to whether to complete the series now. :(

[Brentman99 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another author whom I have never read. I have my father-in-law to thank for exposing my to some new authors lately.

The Captain of Rome was a classic revenge with a smattering of a love interest thrown in for good measure.

Atticus is a Greek ship captain in the service of Roman's early fleet that is about to grow by leaps and bound. A close friend, Septimus, is a commander of the troops on Atticus' ship. Between the two, they have a strong friendship. However, it is later revealed that beneath the surface, there is some tension because Atticus is in love with Septimus's sister who has already lost one husband to war.

The main plot involves the young, inexperienced Roman tribune, Varro, who makes a horrible decision and causes a great defeat. Atticus has to make a drastic decision to save troops and his ship, in the process of which he embarrasses the tribune.

The plot holds together fairly well, even if it is a bit predictable. The main characters are not bad, but a minor character with great influence, Scipio, was a bit disappointing as I thought he would be more involved than what he was. I think that may have been the difference between three and four stars for me.

Overall, the book was an easy read and entertaining. If you are a student of Roman history, you will likely enjoy it. Worth the time spent reading.

[George Barbu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm left with mixed feelings towards this novel.

On the one hand, pretty good character development, with more insights into carthaginian politics (even though slightly innacurate).

But, I was growing in expectations toward the epic Battle of Cape Ecnomus, even being able to forget the author subtracted 4 years of the real course of events (hey! it's only historical fiction), and instead of the epic clash, "The biggest naval battle of all times", mr. Stack decides it being way better for the reader to assist at some revenge/retribution for some petty reasons in the pitch of the Battle. I felt betrayed mr. Stack!. I'm only going for the last novel in the series due to inertia.
This one gets 3 stars from me

[Phil Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I was half expecting it to be a run of the mill Conn Iggulden sort of thing, reasonable story, badly written, but it was really good. Great story, believable characters and very well written. I was quite sorry when I got to the end. Highly recommended.

[daniel trevor caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As exciting as ever

Fan's of Simon sparrow and Bernard Cornwall will enjoy!
Full of action and intrigue, highly recommended!
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 can't wait for the next instalment

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story,i like the author style of writing.

[MR GEOFFREY W FABRON · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in the Punic Wars this is definitely for you. Not many historical novels set during the 1st Punic War.

[Mr P L Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent volume 2

Believable characters and a story based on actual events plus the authors skill in creative narrative makes this believable most definitely enjoyable

[Ian Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain of Rome follows the adventures of Atticus, a Greek captain of a trireme in the Roman navy during the first Punic war. The plot commences with Varro, a Tribune on his first command, ordering a small fleet into a port at Thermae to attack Carthaginian ships, against the advice of Atticus only to find that these ships are laden with Carthaginian men. A trap appears to have been sent, but some legionaries need saving. Varro orders an immediate retreat, but Atticus refuses to follow orders, and works to save some of the troops, and eventually breaks a poorly set trap and escapes. Varro is accused of cowardice, but later is saved by Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio. Varro is determined to have revenge on Atticus. The story ends at the Battle of Ecnomus, where Rome beats an equivalent Carthaginian fleet in one of the world's largest naval battles, and where Atticus finally . . . well, you have to read it to find out.

As a historical novel, the book gives an accurate (as far as I can tell) account of how the Roman navy operated at the time, and leaving aside Atticus and Varro, gives what seems to be a reasonable account of the Battle of Ecnomus. It gives a very good picture of what was really wrong with Rome, and more or less of Carthage. Carthage is more of a problem because the history tends to be written by the victor, and eventually Carthage was totally obliterated and its library totally destroyed. The book is a little weaker on Carthaginian strategy and tactics, and in particular avoids noting that the Carthaginian tactic was to try to sink an enemy ship by ramming, and NOT engage in hand to hand fighting. Accordingly, one of the tactics employed by Atticus was, in fact, rather stupid. I also suspect that the role of Scipio was overdone. I doubt a Roman ex-Consul would be particularly concerned about a Greek captain who he had never seen, and since he had the additional cognomen Asina, thanks to his previous incompetence, it is unlikely he had the influence Stack gives him. Rather interestingly, from a purely military point of view, the order that Varro gave, and which Atticus refused to follow, was the correct order, and if the Senate had any real military experience within it, Varro should have been vindicated. It is not cowardice to run from an oncoming disaster, and you cannot base your strategy on the assumption that the enemy will be even more incompetent than yourself! But these are small points. The history may not be quite right, but this is an exciting well-written book, and if you are interested in time of the Punic wars, this is well worth reading.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrator - Eamonm Riley
Runtime - 11 hours and 41 min.
Historical Fiction
Unabridged

Book 2 of Masters of the Sea

Blurb - The second instalment of the thrilling maritime adventure; two mighty empires battle each other for control of the high seas. Atticus and his companion legionary, Septimus, are confirmed in their roles in the expanded Roman Navy. Their opposition, the Carthaginians are on the warpath, determined not only to reconquer Sicily, but also to take the attack to Rome itself. Hampered by the presence of a well-connected but treacherous young senator, and by the machinations of Scipio in Rome, the two and their vessel are both involved in a series of horrific running battles and dangerous political infighting. The book culminates in the battle of Agrigentum, the largest sea battle of the ancient world.



Roman trireme on the mosaic in Tunisia

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good follow on from Ship of Rome. It's an interesting period of history with Rome trying to compete against Carthage's superior navy. There's some great sea battles and it doesn't always go Rome's way. The author has mixed in intrigue with Varro, a tribune, taking a dislike to Atticus, mainly because he is Greek in the Roman navy so doesn't quite fit in even though he is a very skilled Captain.

The writing is good and you feel that you are on the ships, watching the battle rage and soldiers in full armour falling into the sea to a horrible death as they are dragged beneath the waves. There's typical Roman inventiveness and the tactics seem realistic and well thought through. Quite a page-turner and I certainly wanted to finish chapters at a time.

[JoTownhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Battles for dominance between Romans and Carthaginians form the backbone of this gripping novel, with the activities of sea captain Atticus and Centurion Septimus centremost. Intrigue and political manouvering within the respective ruling bodies shape the events with which Atticus and Septimus grapple. Graphically violent which felt gratuitous in parts - although doubtless with some historical basis. The friendship between Atticus and Septimus endures, characterised by a mutual protectiveness.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok story but more of the same from the first book. Good naval battle scenes with excellent fighting descriptions. Makes you feel as if you we're directly involved. My main problem with the book is the amount of words wasted on thoughts of the characters that had little to do with the story. Also the tendency of the author to end each paragraph and chapter with unnecessary cliffhangers. Still I will complete the series

[Bill P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easily digested action page turner with enough historical basis to give it credence and to send me to my Polybius to check up on him. Stack takes a particular battle in the 25 year first punic war, gives historical figures of the time personalities, sprinkles in the right balance of fictional fighters and keeps the whole thing moving forward nicely. Got exactly what I expected and paid for.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second novel in John Stacks "Masters of the Sea" series, I have to say I found this one heavier going than the first ("A Ship of Rome").

A possible reason for that, however, might be simply that I was coming to this one straight off the back of one of Simon Scarrows Roman novels, with a somewhat similar setting ("The Eagle's Prophecy" - although that was set in a later part of the Roman Era),

[Louise Brummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a few pages to get into this book with all the "uses" in the names?? but enjoyed the story and history of that time. Someone with knowledge of ships and boats will enjoy it as the wars of the time were either on land or sea and the detail is good about the sea and ships war. Very graphic and this was hand to hand war.

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

why can't we give here half stars? It's not that perfect to give four, but three is not enough.. Anyways, a lot of descriptions of a fights on the sea, that make you feel like you are there, like you feel the drops of water on your face, well-developed characters, good to see Attic back!

[Patrick SG · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting series for those who enjoy historical fiction. Different than other ancient Rome series involving the military as this is largely set at sea, but it has imperial intrigue, battle and conflict galore.

[Éowyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of action and somewhat bloodthirsty. Probably won't lend this one to my mum.....

[Fan Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and This is the 1st I have read of John Stack, entertaining anf gripping story of a Roman sea captain...

[Margareth8537 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this as much as the first of the series. Enjoy books of the Imperial period and like naval histories

[Lon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Really gripping page turner, with a solid storyline throughout. Highly recommend a read.

[Arif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was nice read. always good to read the war strategies and politics from history.