gripping

when I started the series I almost gave the book back. I had just come from the adventures of Rufinus and I found the new narrator difficult to adjust to. boy what a mistake I almost made. I am gripped from book to book and now find myself nearing the end of this latest rollercoaster with Fronto and friends. whatever will I do next?! loving the whole roman books and have learnt so much about this period in history. more please.

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Another Great Listen in the Story of Fronto!

Another great story in the saga of Fronto with plenty of twists, turns, action and intrigue. Already got book 6 ready to go.

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If you like legions then you will like this and more...

This is book 5 and without any hesitation these books have been and will be listened too again and again. Firstly, by reading this review you must be aware of 2 essential requirements for audio books. The first is naturally a great story. The second is a great narrator. Each one of these books are truly marvellous. The author is in a league of their own. Please note there are some key authors in the historical fiction genre. Specifically within the era of the Roman Empire. If you read this type of genre then you will undoubtedly know of whom I speak. I have many series by these well known artists. Like with this specific book I have read many stories around Julius Caesar but this book and those that make it a series thus far cover all the intrigue, plotting, battle, betrayals, romance, love, blood guts and gore and so much more. S J A Turney has given us characters and personalities which simply makes you want to gorge in one sitting each book. Sadly, it appears the print of this book was in 2013 and yet the recording of this book is 2020. Hopefully, Mork Williams who has narrated each one of these 5 books commits to reading the remainder of which I do not want to google but wait in delicious anticipation for the next. At the time of writing this book six seemingly is being produced and is already waiting in my wish list.

So, what about the book itself? If you haven’t read book one then, I strongly suggest you start there. Whilst this book will stand alone if you read the previous 4 books then it will be akin to you relaxing after a very long and hard day and slipping into your oldest but most comfortable glad rags with a sigh. I will not talk about any of the key characters but I will say Mr Turney is superb with each of their strengths and weaknesses notwithstanding their fears and hopes. The historical content whilst being far from an expert open one’s eyes to how Rome conquered Gaul and an understanding of the many different tribes that made up that part of the Roman world.

Remember this is about Julius Caesar but how it gives you insight to the possibilities that made up the man. Moreover, let us not forget that he did indeed conquer and essentially put to death tens of thousands men, women and children. So, if mass pillage is not your cup of tea then you have choices. That said, S J A Turney whilst touching upon the darker side of Roman invasion akin to his peers in writing about this period avoids the more grizzly aspects of the Roman legionary. I have yet to find even with those internationally afore mentioned authors of this period that they too touch upon but avoid the greater detail of man and his lack of humanity.

Please don’t think that any of these 5 books don’t touh upon such aspects because they all do but it has been managed tastefully. One final point that author and narrator have both created not a ingle master piece but five. Five master pieces which in its own right is phenomenal. Mr williams has many characters to invoke and in this I celebrate the partnership of author and narrater.

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3 people found this helpful

turney and williams make a grate team

mr turney rights a brill story and mr williams brings it to life best team ever

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Consistently entertaining while staying believable

Highly encouraged series if you are interested in the Gallic Wars and life in the Legions. This is good solid stuff with no overly cookie cutter characters. No annoying unrealistic behaviour and a great story line and historical detail.

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1 person found this helpful

Marius Mules V

Such a great story. Book five took time to release !! Book six out on the 16th can't wait :)

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Another cracking instalment

Based on the writings of Caesar himself, these wonderful novels drop us straight into the world of Ancient Rome. Caesar is still in Gaul, dealing with uprisings snd the slaughter of two legions. Back in Rome, Frontus fights to protect his family. Beautifully crafted, great characters, wonderful gory action snd a plot that rips along.

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Gripping Story Expertly Performed

Another excellent instalment in Fronto’s saga.
Well paced story and growing group of characters I want to care about.
Mall Williams is as ever the consummate performer adding to the engrossing experience

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Another gripping Fronto book

Compares with the Macro and Cato novels. Each book in this series seems to get progressively more “unputdownable”. Great story, loved the narration, mature characters but the author continues to add others with depth and authenticity. Moves at a tremendous pace, based on history but adds multiple layers of dramatic storytelling. Will be starting the next book tomorrow

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tense

Best in series so far, thrilling, suspenseful, had me trembling in anticipation and shock. so many characters you feel empathy with or for. not ceasear or fronto but the supportiing cast who's own history and lives are delivered with detail and care.

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1 person found this helpful