What do you think?
Rate this book
Marius' Mules #2
The Belgae
57 BC. The fearsome Belgae have gathered a great army to oppose Rome, and Fronto and the legions assemble once more to take Caesar's war against the most dangerous tribes in the northern world. While the legions battle the Celts in the fiercest war of Caesar's career, the plots and conspiracies against him, both at Rome and among his own army, become ever deeper and more dangerous.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2010
139 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
95 books503 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 28, 2020
The Gallic Wars in a novel
Another great historical novel of Caesar's Gallic Wars. As I read it seemed to me that, in the first two volumes of this series, Marcus Falerius Fronto, legate of the 10th legion, actually won the Gallic Wars as much as did Caesar. Then, of course, I realized anew that one of the attributes of a great commander is choosing great subordinates and considering their advice. Lee and Jackson at Chancellorsville come to mind. One of the failures of a commander is choosing poor subordinates and/or failing to control them. Think Napoleon at Waterloo and Lee at Gettysburg.
Master politician, manipulator, master of intrigue, leader of men - the Caesar of this novel is not so much likeable as he is a man of destiny who makes his own destiny.
A great novel of Caesar, the Gallic Wars and the last gasps of the Roman Republic.
Another great historical novel of Caesar's Gallic Wars. As I read it seemed to me that, in the first two volumes of this series, Marcus Falerius Fronto, legate of the 10th legion, actually won the Gallic Wars as much as did Caesar. Then, of course, I realized anew that one of the attributes of a great commander is choosing great subordinates and considering their advice. Lee and Jackson at Chancellorsville come to mind. One of the failures of a commander is choosing poor subordinates and/or failing to control them. Think Napoleon at Waterloo and Lee at Gettysburg.
Master politician, manipulator, master of intrigue, leader of men - the Caesar of this novel is not so much likeable as he is a man of destiny who makes his own destiny.
A great novel of Caesar, the Gallic Wars and the last gasps of the Roman Republic.
March 23, 2014
I'm enjoying the continuing story of Legate Fronto and his fellow officer friends during Caesar's Gaul campaign. The novel recounts how each individual tribe of the Belgae is subdued, either through diplomacy [I wish there had been more] or through the Roman Army's winning skirmishes and battles. I am disliking Caesar more and more for his unnecessary cruelty, just plain underhandedness, and his using of others for self-aggrandizement. His senior officers and particularly the engineering prodigy Tetricus, devise the clever ideas for victory. I'm glad the killing of prisoners scene was not graphic; we can certainly use our imaginations. Ex-Prefect Paetus works with the barbarians to bring down Caesar, in revenge for wrongs done him by Caesar, and finally faces an uncertain fate at the end of the novel. I enjoyed the discussions of tactics and strategy and the badinage between Fronto and his retinue.
Fighting was described well, and I liked the whole layout of the novel. Each section was fairly extensive so I saw what was happening with a certain group of people. Then spacing of several lines between each section would take you to another group. It's as if you got a 'birds eye view' of the entire action. The novel had an almost cinematic feel. The battles became wearying to me after about half-way through.
I am enjoying most Fronto's character development through the series. His friends are developing too, as well as some of the less important characters, such as the capsarius, Florus. I thought the maps and diagrams were helpful, as well as the Dramatis Personae. I question such an important man as a Legate leaping into danger as often as Fronto seems to do, but he IS the hero. The most prominent example is the infiltration of the last oppidum. He does seem to recover quickly from serious wounds. The dialogue was well written with a minimum of profanity and crudeness.
I shall certainly continue with this series, but I personally can't read one installment right after the other with so much fighting crammed into each story. There will have to be a few different books in between each.
Fighting was described well, and I liked the whole layout of the novel. Each section was fairly extensive so I saw what was happening with a certain group of people. Then spacing of several lines between each section would take you to another group. It's as if you got a 'birds eye view' of the entire action. The novel had an almost cinematic feel. The battles became wearying to me after about half-way through.
I am enjoying most Fronto's character development through the series. His friends are developing too, as well as some of the less important characters, such as the capsarius, Florus. I thought the maps and diagrams were helpful, as well as the Dramatis Personae. I question such an important man as a Legate leaping into danger as often as Fronto seems to do, but he IS the hero. The most prominent example is the infiltration of the last oppidum. He does seem to recover quickly from serious wounds. The dialogue was well written with a minimum of profanity and crudeness.
I shall certainly continue with this series, but I personally can't read one installment right after the other with so much fighting crammed into each story. There will have to be a few different books in between each.
November 11, 2016
Excellent book. It picket up right where the one before ended and with the same levels of wit, writing skill, and expertise. I am sure the author always has to spent lots of time over maps and perhaps models when he is planning the book. I've read quite a bit of Roman military historical fiction, but this series is quickly becoming one of my favourites!
December 14, 2016
As with all of the author's works this is excellent!
November 10, 2019
I enjoy reading almost any historical fiction story set inside the Roman Empire. In most cases, I "roll with the flow" when the authors make what I believe to be small mistakes.
In this case, however, I can't let the author's mistake slide by. I would have given the book a 4-star rating except for the following major mistake: At the end, and at least one other place in the book, the author claims Caesar is returning to Rome for the winter. There is no historical basis for Caesar having returned to Rome. In truth, I believe that it would have been considered illegal for him to have done so; he was required to stay in his province, as long as he held imperium there. Historical references have Caesar wintering in various locations in Cisalpine Gaul and, essentially, having Rome come to him. Senators and other notable Romans made the trips to Caesar's winter quarters in order to plan/plot their actions for the next year.
In this case, however, I can't let the author's mistake slide by. I would have given the book a 4-star rating except for the following major mistake: At the end, and at least one other place in the book, the author claims Caesar is returning to Rome for the winter. There is no historical basis for Caesar having returned to Rome. In truth, I believe that it would have been considered illegal for him to have done so; he was required to stay in his province, as long as he held imperium there. Historical references have Caesar wintering in various locations in Cisalpine Gaul and, essentially, having Rome come to him. Senators and other notable Romans made the trips to Caesar's winter quarters in order to plan/plot their actions for the next year.
August 3, 2020
Good, solid escapist historical military fiction without sex, but with enough bloodcurdling violence to almost make up for it.
3.5 * rather than 3*, but am unable to give 4*, in spite of the fact that this is the 2nd book of the series that I have read back to back and thoroughly enjoyed.
Perhaps, I being a little OCD, but I find the author guilty of throwing in annoying anachronisms. Centurians accusing each other of being ''in denial'' or describing one soldier as being ''psychotic'' makes me uneasy. It would have been better literary strategy to have perhaps used other descriptive solutions and allowed the ready a more nuanced comprehension of a particular character.
Otherwise, the author is a very competent and engaging storyteller who keeps the plot moving along from one battle to the next.
3.5 * rather than 3*, but am unable to give 4*, in spite of the fact that this is the 2nd book of the series that I have read back to back and thoroughly enjoyed.
Perhaps, I being a little OCD, but I find the author guilty of throwing in annoying anachronisms. Centurians accusing each other of being ''in denial'' or describing one soldier as being ''psychotic'' makes me uneasy. It would have been better literary strategy to have perhaps used other descriptive solutions and allowed the ready a more nuanced comprehension of a particular character.
Otherwise, the author is a very competent and engaging storyteller who keeps the plot moving along from one battle to the next.
March 27, 2022
Slightly more complex than the first book which was, as the author admits little more than a fictionalised version of Caesar's Gallic wars. In this more of the background politics is starting to emerge, together with its inevitable effects on "innocent" bystanders. Also it takes the focus on Marcus Falerius Fronto to a new level, concentrating, not always on the main battles, but a range of smaller skirmishes involving our key protagonist. Like many effectively self-published books it could do with the services of a ruthless and experienced editor to reshape the narrative and a proof reader to eliminate typos, but none of this detracted from my enjoyment and I will be joining the 10th Legion for the next season's campaigning.
November 13, 2017
extremely interesting
The author's sense of humor had me literally doubled over with laughter when one of the tribes marched out to meet Caesar and his legions playing what I assume were very early bagpipes'. Romans apparently never heard the sound before, and when Caesar exclaimed 'what the hell is that sound?' one of his staff replied, 'sounds like a hundred men farting in a cave.' I laughed for a good ten minutes, tears rolling down my cheeks. Even now, as I write this, two days later, I still can't stop chuckling whenever I think about it. Nevertheless, the book is outstanding, worthy of several re-reads in the future.
The author's sense of humor had me literally doubled over with laughter when one of the tribes marched out to meet Caesar and his legions playing what I assume were very early bagpipes'. Romans apparently never heard the sound before, and when Caesar exclaimed 'what the hell is that sound?' one of his staff replied, 'sounds like a hundred men farting in a cave.' I laughed for a good ten minutes, tears rolling down my cheeks. Even now, as I write this, two days later, I still can't stop chuckling whenever I think about it. Nevertheless, the book is outstanding, worthy of several re-reads in the future.
July 8, 2019
The first book, Marius' Mules, took place in 58 BC. This book takes place the following year, in 57 BC, and as they say, 'the plot thickens'. In addition to being faced by a fierce tribe, the Belgae, Caesar is beset by intrigue both within his army and at home. I slugged through this book because of my interest in European history, but it was a long struggle. I found the dialogue a bit contrived, but some of the characters were fun and/or interesting as they were developed within the plot. The biggest thing that kept me going was the historical context that Turney presented.
May 11, 2023
The first book in this series was really good, the second one is even better !!! The characters ( some real, some not ) are becoming more familiar now that we are getting to know them a little more. Sadly not all of them are going to make it to book three but thats what happens in war. The action once again is so realistic and plentiful on the grand scale but also on one to one scraps. Again the author has penned a superb book and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a really good read. An easy 5 stars.
July 13, 2020
Usually, the novels that I have read about roman history and battles, have a couple of characters that I really like. Sadly, with this series. I have been unable to do so. No idea why as all the groundwork is there. Perhaps I can’t quite place the stories into an actual year or that I can’t visualise where in Europe they actually are. Also, the way the characters interact just didn’t ring true for me. Accordingly, unable to recommend to the normal crew.
March 25, 2021
Another amazing novel of ancient Rome
This is the second in the Marius' Mules series. It continues the adventures of Fronto and his friends as they follow Julius Caesar in his second year of campaigning in Gaul. There is plenty of excitement and an occasional tear as a sad sequence takes place. Some of the scenes make for some hard reading but the main points of the campaign are accurate. All in all a great read.
This is the second in the Marius' Mules series. It continues the adventures of Fronto and his friends as they follow Julius Caesar in his second year of campaigning in Gaul. There is plenty of excitement and an occasional tear as a sad sequence takes place. Some of the scenes make for some hard reading but the main points of the campaign are accurate. All in all a great read.
June 24, 2022
Way too unbelievable. A spear that went through bone in my arm out the otherside, nah I will fight in the front line and don't stop me
Impossible odds, watch my ninja skills to sneak in and grab a hostage.
A sword that went in between my ribs will not stop me, broken arm too, ill just strap my shield onto it and flap it about
I was enjoying the first book and wanted to like this but too many eye rolling moments for me
Impossible odds, watch my ninja skills to sneak in and grab a hostage.
A sword that went in between my ribs will not stop me, broken arm too, ill just strap my shield onto it and flap it about
I was enjoying the first book and wanted to like this but too many eye rolling moments for me
February 10, 2021
Great story telling
It's probably likely that every episode the main protagonists get involved in could be a bit repetitive. Not the case. Each and every story carries the reader away from what they were expecting. And has them living and breathing every emotion of Fronto and the rest of the ensemble. Great stuff once again Mr Turney.
It's probably likely that every episode the main protagonists get involved in could be a bit repetitive. Not the case. Each and every story carries the reader away from what they were expecting. And has them living and breathing every emotion of Fronto and the rest of the ensemble. Great stuff once again Mr Turney.
November 22, 2022
This is no 2 in the series and is very good, we have fronto as the main character in ceasars army in northern europe. This time the foe is the belgae , we have legions, comradery and war with some intrigues in rome. Also some batttles , skirmishes and always drinking, so sit back and enjoy, also go out and BUY this book.
September 28, 2025
Political Views
OKAY so Ceaser's wars in Gaul and Belgium are just about over and he has a destroyed Centurate and army that is need of rebuilding. It's winter and the armies are either returning to Rome with Ceaser or being stationed in Gaul to rebuild or to keep the.Peace!
OKAY so Ceaser's wars in Gaul and Belgium are just about over and he has a destroyed Centurate and army that is need of rebuilding. It's winter and the armies are either returning to Rome with Ceaser or being stationed in Gaul to rebuild or to keep the.Peace!
September 2, 2019
Loved the Near Historical Aspect
I’ve always been intrigued by Rome, Greece and ancient times. While this book is not really historical, in my mind it comes pretty close. This book kept me “participating in the action”.
Well written
I’ve always been intrigued by Rome, Greece and ancient times. While this book is not really historical, in my mind it comes pretty close. This book kept me “participating in the action”.
Well written
July 16, 2022
3.5 stars more Roman Legionaries doing Roman Legionary things. By no means bad, but I felt that it did little to distinguish itself from the first book. The characters are likable and well written but their perspective is no different than before. Good, but should've been better
April 4, 2025
A Great Pleasure
It’s been several years since I first read this terrific series. The 2nd Edition is a serious upgrade on what was already a masterpiece. I’m so delighted that there are so many more volumes left to read again!
It’s been several years since I first read this terrific series. The 2nd Edition is a serious upgrade on what was already a masterpiece. I’m so delighted that there are so many more volumes left to read again!
July 6, 2018
Best series about Caesar and Romes conquest of Gaul.
November 1, 2019
A tough life
The life of legionnaire is tough and subject to the whim of individuals who sometimes don’t look out for their best interests.
The life of legionnaire is tough and subject to the whim of individuals who sometimes don’t look out for their best interests.
September 1, 2020
Oh, My Word!
The number of words omitted in this book could fill a chapter of their own. Off with the proofreader's head!
The number of words omitted in this book could fill a chapter of their own. Off with the proofreader's head!
February 8, 2022
Been a latecomer to Marius Mules it is quickly turning into one of my favourite series. Turney has pace throughout with well written characters. Can not wait to read more in the series
September 7, 2018
Great book, some parts are slow but the battle scenes are well written, as well as the characters, and dialogue.
May 7, 2012
This review is from: Marius' Mules II: The Belgae (Kindle Edition)
Product Description
57BC. The fearsome Belgae have gathered a great army to oppose Rome, and Fronto and the legions assemble once more to take Caesar's war against the most dangerous tribes in the northern world.
While the legions battle the Celts in the fiercest war of Caesar's career, the plots and conspiracies against him, both at Rome and among his own army, become ever deeper and more dangerous.
Review
This author keeps improving with every book, you would no longer know that this is a self published title, its well edited, well written, the characters have grown since the last book which is a must for any author.
The action flows across the page and across the country, My fav part being the light in which Caesar is portrayed, not the golden haired hero but a power hungry political animal, we have no idea what he really was as he wrote his own history and destroyed everyone else.
Its about time the big publishing houses sat up and took not of this author, but if they don't im sure he will happily keep rewarding the loyal Kindle audience with many more books of this quality and better.
(Parm)
Product Description
57BC. The fearsome Belgae have gathered a great army to oppose Rome, and Fronto and the legions assemble once more to take Caesar's war against the most dangerous tribes in the northern world.
While the legions battle the Celts in the fiercest war of Caesar's career, the plots and conspiracies against him, both at Rome and among his own army, become ever deeper and more dangerous.
Review
This author keeps improving with every book, you would no longer know that this is a self published title, its well edited, well written, the characters have grown since the last book which is a must for any author.
The action flows across the page and across the country, My fav part being the light in which Caesar is portrayed, not the golden haired hero but a power hungry political animal, we have no idea what he really was as he wrote his own history and destroyed everyone else.
Its about time the big publishing houses sat up and took not of this author, but if they don't im sure he will happily keep rewarding the loyal Kindle audience with many more books of this quality and better.
(Parm)
September 27, 2015
I know the 2nd part of Caesar's De Bello Gallico, on which this novel is based, very well so this was interesting to compare. The author takes Caesar's writings as gospel, even though historians mostly don't. Even the troop numbers of the Gauls and Belgae, which are almost certainly grossly exagerated to impress Caesar's audience back home, are taken at face value. The Gauls and Belgae are portrayed as uncivilised, dumb barbarians, and Roman soldiers are shown as slaughtering ten times their number of these dumb opponents while cracking jokes. Caesar is portrayed as a stubborn dimwit who only gets anything done when he follows the advise of legate Fronto, the novel's main character who knows everything best. I like my historic novels to be more... historic. This novel is 100% about the military conquest, so it gets pretty monotonous. Still 3 stars because the subject matter just interests me that much.
August 13, 2021
I love this book series. I am writing this review after reading the first 9 books. If you are a fan of games like Total War Rome II or TV series like Rome (or Vikings or Last Kingdom or anything historical with bloody combats and adventure), Marius' Mules is for you. At one point I was reading the book between turns of playing Rome II. The voice of the Roman commander or champion in the game is the one I chose in my head for the centurions or the main narrative in Marius' Mules. I imagine Fronto, the main character, as looking like actor Ray Stevenson who played Titus Pullo in the Rome TV series, but donning a legate's armour, of course.
February 10, 2012
I love Marius Mules books on Rome. I read two books in his trilogy of ancient Rome and I'm reading the third book of the trilogy and I'm feeling a little sad that it's coming to an end. I've grown to love the main character Leget Fronto one of Caesar's generals. It's through his eyes that the stories unfold.These books aren't for everyone. But if you like history and plenty of action then you'll enjoy these very well written books.
March 31, 2012
What can I say? As good as book 1 in the series,No2 is better because if you've read the 1st book, you already knows the characters.So you go straight into the story, which kept me there till the end,not wanting to put it down.unfortunately I had to sleep.
I'm a newcomer to reading books (last couple of years...now 50 yo)and I like the fictional history and if I keep finding books like to read it's gonna keep me going.
if Roman fiction is your thing ,this for you.
I'm a newcomer to reading books (last couple of years...now 50 yo)and I like the fictional history and if I keep finding books like to read it's gonna keep me going.
if Roman fiction is your thing ,this for you.
November 22, 2012
I finished this book a while back but just now getting around to reviewing it. It's better than a good read; it's informative and insightful about this fascinating time. I went to Belgium three years ago just to find out what and why the place is all about. The beer was really good and the politics were curious; after reading about it in Turney's book I think I can see why. Good job Mr. Turney. I'm chasing you and will be current soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews