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Marius' Mules #3
Gallia Invicta
Book by Turney, S.J.A.
446 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2011
128 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
78 books492 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
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 19, 2020
The Roman Republic comes closer to extinction
The Gallic wars continue but in this volume the main action with Caesar and Fronto moves to Rome itself. The reader learns more about the political situation, the Triumvirate and Caesar's enemies. Some of those enemies become Fronto's enemies as well and threaten the safety of his family and friends. In other aspects Fronto's personal life is improving.
The Gallic wars continue but in this volume the main action with Caesar and Fronto moves to Rome itself. The reader learns more about the political situation, the Triumvirate and Caesar's enemies. Some of those enemies become Fronto's enemies as well and threaten the safety of his family and friends. In other aspects Fronto's personal life is improving.
April 2, 2014
Further adventures of Fronto, all within the space of one winter to the next autumn, in both Rome and in Gaul. This novel was enjoyable and exciting, but partway in, I felt as though the author was becoming repetitious. However, the difference of each battle scene in Gaul finally disabused me of that notion. Each was fought in a different location under a different legate under different circumstances, so there was room for variety. Even a thrilling sea battle was included. Some fights subdued tribes for the first time; others put down insurrections among tribes already subdued. There were fewer in number than in the previous book it seemed to me, so my eyes didn't glaze over this time. Having the officers discuss why they come to agreement on certain strategies was fascinating. I'm settling in with these characters and am becoming comfortable with them.
In the early Rome scenes, we see some personality development in Fronto: not always pleasant--he loses his temper easily and sulks. We've seen he can be childish at times, although he's 40! But he's still the unorthodox, humorous officer. Even his primus pilus worries about his going into the thick of battle and chides him. Fronto's unusual; not every commander does so. Fronto's out of his depth just living a normal peaceful life it seems. He thrives on excitement, which the early Rome scenes lack; so he's unhappy. I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the author included the quasi-military Clodius/Clodia plot further along. The heroine, Lucilia, [at least she seems like she might be the heroine and love interest in further books] is introduced logically and has a strong, not disagreeable, personality of her own, which could match Fronto's.
I don't think someone has to read these books absolutely in order; the author included enough of the backstory of previous novels, that I could figure out what happened previously from the context, although I did read the first three in order. I thought the title was inspired: meaning [if I get it right] Unconquered Gaul. I recommend this series.
In the early Rome scenes, we see some personality development in Fronto: not always pleasant--he loses his temper easily and sulks. We've seen he can be childish at times, although he's 40! But he's still the unorthodox, humorous officer. Even his primus pilus worries about his going into the thick of battle and chides him. Fronto's unusual; not every commander does so. Fronto's out of his depth just living a normal peaceful life it seems. He thrives on excitement, which the early Rome scenes lack; so he's unhappy. I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the author included the quasi-military Clodius/Clodia plot further along. The heroine, Lucilia, [at least she seems like she might be the heroine and love interest in further books] is introduced logically and has a strong, not disagreeable, personality of her own, which could match Fronto's.
I don't think someone has to read these books absolutely in order; the author included enough of the backstory of previous novels, that I could figure out what happened previously from the context, although I did read the first three in order. I thought the title was inspired: meaning [if I get it right] Unconquered Gaul. I recommend this series.
January 17, 2014
This book is again written with a great precision, characters are well developed, only I had to deduct one star because some parts of the story were not the best fit for me. Here I refer mainly to chapters involving gangs and plots within the walls of Rome. It was interesting and I did enjoy it a lot, but I still prefer setting at the frontier or generally in less urban areas.
May 5, 2012
So I got a tweet (that still sounds odd) from Simon saying that this book was out on kindle, and so within seconds i was downloading it, i was in the fortunate position of having just finished my last book and so could launch straight into this.
I put the little one to bed and sat with my kindle and started the latest adventures of Fronto, the next thing i knew it was 2.20 am and i had lost 5 hours, i was utterly absorbed in the book.
This is Simons best book so far, each title showing an improvement in style and ability. The plots becoming more ingenious and involved and the characters more rounded and lifelike, the politics more deadly and the camaraderie more real.
Yes there are still some clunks with a self published title but they are very few and far between, and to be honest , you find plenty in books from the big publishing houses, so i think he does an amazing job on his own.
So i have many miles yet to travel with this book... but i felt that those lost five hours deserved an early reward on here...i will be back to complete the review soon.....
Many miles more traveled and this book did not disapoint, Its plot grew and twisted as the book progressed and i enjoyed every page, and given some of the big names in my TBR pile i was not tempted once to put it down and pick one of the big names in the genre up, Simon has a massive future, and this books like the rest of the series has quite some time in the top of the Kindle charts ahead of it.
Really enjoyed it Simon...keep it up and lets see more please.
Recommended (Parm)
Product Description (from back of book)
It is 56bc. As Fronto and his friends winter in Rome and Caesar in Illyricum, trouble is brewing in the north. The tribes of Armorica, driven to desperate action by the harsh rule of Crassus, raise their standards in defiance of the Roman eagle, causing a chain reaction that threatens everything the legions of Caesar have achieved. Can the general's commanders stamp out the fires of rebellion before the whole of Gaul is ablaze?
Meanwhile, in Rome, the conspiracies against Caesar take an unexpected turn, plunging Fronto and his friends into a world of crime, violence and intrigue that threaten everything the legate cares about. The city is in turmoil and the republic is teetering on the brink of disaster.
In a year that takes the legions and their commanders to the heaving Atlantic Ocean, the treacherous valleys of the Pyrenees, and the seething underbelly of the greatest city in the world, everything is about to change for Marcus Falerius Fronto.
I put the little one to bed and sat with my kindle and started the latest adventures of Fronto, the next thing i knew it was 2.20 am and i had lost 5 hours, i was utterly absorbed in the book.
This is Simons best book so far, each title showing an improvement in style and ability. The plots becoming more ingenious and involved and the characters more rounded and lifelike, the politics more deadly and the camaraderie more real.
Yes there are still some clunks with a self published title but they are very few and far between, and to be honest , you find plenty in books from the big publishing houses, so i think he does an amazing job on his own.
So i have many miles yet to travel with this book... but i felt that those lost five hours deserved an early reward on here...i will be back to complete the review soon.....
Many miles more traveled and this book did not disapoint, Its plot grew and twisted as the book progressed and i enjoyed every page, and given some of the big names in my TBR pile i was not tempted once to put it down and pick one of the big names in the genre up, Simon has a massive future, and this books like the rest of the series has quite some time in the top of the Kindle charts ahead of it.
Really enjoyed it Simon...keep it up and lets see more please.
Recommended (Parm)
Product Description (from back of book)
It is 56bc. As Fronto and his friends winter in Rome and Caesar in Illyricum, trouble is brewing in the north. The tribes of Armorica, driven to desperate action by the harsh rule of Crassus, raise their standards in defiance of the Roman eagle, causing a chain reaction that threatens everything the legions of Caesar have achieved. Can the general's commanders stamp out the fires of rebellion before the whole of Gaul is ablaze?
Meanwhile, in Rome, the conspiracies against Caesar take an unexpected turn, plunging Fronto and his friends into a world of crime, violence and intrigue that threaten everything the legate cares about. The city is in turmoil and the republic is teetering on the brink of disaster.
In a year that takes the legions and their commanders to the heaving Atlantic Ocean, the treacherous valleys of the Pyrenees, and the seething underbelly of the greatest city in the world, everything is about to change for Marcus Falerius Fronto.
July 8, 2019
It is now 56 BC, and intrigues at home in Rome are causing no end of trouble for Caesar. To make matters worse, things are getting out of hand in Armorica. This book seems to me to be somewhat better put together than the first two. I felt that characters were more fully developed, and there seemed to be more structure to the plot, although I have to say that on this third book, the plot seems to be getting all too familiar. In spite of that, I think this book is somewhat better than the first two.
August 7, 2020
Good escapist historical fiction.
3rd volume of the series listened to in the last week or so.
Addictive Tales of the martial exploits of Julius Caesar using one of his generals as the main protagonist point of view.
Nothing earth-shattering, just a pleasure to listen to.
My only real gripe is the use of anachronistic description and turns of phrase that , for me, lacks a certain amount of verisimilitude.
3rd volume of the series listened to in the last week or so.
Addictive Tales of the martial exploits of Julius Caesar using one of his generals as the main protagonist point of view.
Nothing earth-shattering, just a pleasure to listen to.
My only real gripe is the use of anachronistic description and turns of phrase that , for me, lacks a certain amount of verisimilitude.
March 10, 2021
Another cracker of a story
Yet more outstanding story telling of the legion's triumphs and tribulations. Also in this episode the characters of the main protagonists are explored in more detail. This in itself makes the story more believable.
Anyone with a passing interest in history which in turn is woven into very believable and well researched tales will thoroughly enjoy this series.
Yet more outstanding story telling of the legion's triumphs and tribulations. Also in this episode the characters of the main protagonists are explored in more detail. This in itself makes the story more believable.
Anyone with a passing interest in history which in turn is woven into very believable and well researched tales will thoroughly enjoy this series.
April 8, 2025
2nd Edition is Great!
I’m so enjoying re-reading this series. Either my memory is bad or the 2nd edition is a wonderful improvement on an already outstanding tale. Cheers to Mr. Turney!
I’m so enjoying re-reading this series. Either my memory is bad or the 2nd edition is a wonderful improvement on an already outstanding tale. Cheers to Mr. Turney!
May 13, 2020
Continuing the Saga
This is book three of the series and like the previous books was well worth the read. Starting book four now.
This is book three of the series and like the previous books was well worth the read. Starting book four now.
October 30, 2020
The series has me hooked, but I am easily enamored by unconventional heroes, willing to stand on principles and stand up against self-absorbed, pompous, and arrogant jerks.
April 3, 2021
I Just Loved this Book...
Thanks for a fun read and complex stories that drive you to want to read on... Looking forward to the next book!
Amber Rose
Thanks for a fun read and complex stories that drive you to want to read on... Looking forward to the next book!
Amber Rose
January 4, 2022
Marius Mules
A great read and one book leads to he next. Entertaining to read and to lose oneself in the chapters as they flow into each other. Great series.
A great read and one book leads to he next. Entertaining to read and to lose oneself in the chapters as they flow into each other. Great series.
February 16, 2022
Easy read - hard to put down
Mr Turney tells a story that is so three dimentional you feel like you are there on every page. I'm commited to reading the whole series
Mr Turney tells a story that is so three dimentional you feel like you are there on every page. I'm commited to reading the whole series
February 26, 2022
Great story
Each book has great twists . action adventure! The plot keeps everything moving alone swiftly much humor. Romans abound and barbarians on the run
Each book has great twists . action adventure! The plot keeps everything moving alone swiftly much humor. Romans abound and barbarians on the run
December 30, 2011
Creo que me gustó por la coherencia de las tres novelas. Un personaje bien definido, creo que el autor se vierte en esa personalidad y la mantiene coherente a lo largo de las historias. Este en particular se vio enriquecido por nuevos personajes, algunos quizás muy estereotipados y un par muy planos, pero creo que compensa con una línea argumentativa que se apega a una realidad histórica, desde un punto de vista bastante heterodoxo. Si hubiera una cuarta, sin duda la leería.
Aqui a Fronto le alcanza la edad, empieza a buscar otros ambientes y la hija de Balbus entra en escena, hasta aqui, muy cliché. Luego, se pone divertido con la pugna de bandas en Roma, donde personajes de la talla de César, Craso y Pompeyo entran a escena de manera muy articulada, cada uno añadiendo un toque de intriga. El tal Clodius se vuelvela esencia del mal y su brazo armado, Filópater, tiene carisma, pero un papel reducido y bastante finito. Esta la escena del intento de asesinato en los baños, que se me hace memorable, Cástor y Pólux, los asesinos pintorescos contra los soldados profesionales pero desarmados. Yo creo que ese debió ser el temple de los centuriones, legados y tribunos, la médula de un ejército que conquistó al mundo.
He de decirlo, ese final de Fronto y Lucilia, con un ven-que-te-beso...se me hizo cursi, pero supongo nada es perfecto.
Aqui a Fronto le alcanza la edad, empieza a buscar otros ambientes y la hija de Balbus entra en escena, hasta aqui, muy cliché. Luego, se pone divertido con la pugna de bandas en Roma, donde personajes de la talla de César, Craso y Pompeyo entran a escena de manera muy articulada, cada uno añadiendo un toque de intriga. El tal Clodius se vuelvela esencia del mal y su brazo armado, Filópater, tiene carisma, pero un papel reducido y bastante finito. Esta la escena del intento de asesinato en los baños, que se me hace memorable, Cástor y Pólux, los asesinos pintorescos contra los soldados profesionales pero desarmados. Yo creo que ese debió ser el temple de los centuriones, legados y tribunos, la médula de un ejército que conquistó al mundo.
He de decirlo, ese final de Fronto y Lucilia, con un ven-que-te-beso...se me hizo cursi, pero supongo nada es perfecto.
August 13, 2021
Once you have reached the third volume of the Marius' Mules series there is a good chance that you will be hooked until the end. That was the case for me. I usually read non-fiction books, with a particular leaning toward ancient Greco-Roman history. Simon Turney managed to write some very realistic historical fiction that makes the reader feel like they are in the middle of the action with Caesar's legions. This series is worthy of being adapted into a blockbuster TV series. It's that good.
February 10, 2012
I have read his first two books and I really enjoyed them. I'm almost finished with his third book and it's just as good as the first two. I hope he writes another trilogy with the same characters informing us of further battles the 10th legion led by Caesar fought in.
July 13, 2012
Just ok
April 6, 2012
Turney continues to provide great reads set amongst the harsh reality of life in ancient times, depicting warfare and survival in real terms.
April 14, 2012
Another great book from SJA Turney.I wasn't sure when I picked up the first book of the series of three ,but I'm glad I did because I thoughly enjoyed them.
Try them you'll enjoy them.
Try them you'll enjoy them.
June 13, 2014
Turney continually adds depth to his characters and story; I just wish I had more time to devote to reading lately as I would have gladly torn through the rest of the series by now.
May 17, 2012
Best yet from this author wider story development added to the book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews