What do you think?
Rate this book
Marius' Mules #4
Conspiracy of Eagles
55BC and Caesar's army gathers in the north of Gaul, preparing to drive invading Germanic peoples from Gaul and to traverse the dangerous northern ocean bringing punishment to the tribes of Britannia for their assistance of Gaulish rebels.
But Fronto's troubles don't stop there. As his burgeoning relationship with Lucilia steps to a new level, so do his responsibilities at home, a situation exacerbated by the disruptive influence of the villainous Clodius in the city, causing trouble and endangering those about whom Fronto cares most.
With two troublesome new centurions, a selection of worthless and argumentative senior officers and the suspicious deaths of a number of notables, Fronto's year is about to take a turn for the unexpected.
But Fronto's troubles don't stop there. As his burgeoning relationship with Lucilia steps to a new level, so do his responsibilities at home, a situation exacerbated by the disruptive influence of the villainous Clodius in the city, causing trouble and endangering those about whom Fronto cares most.
With two troublesome new centurions, a selection of worthless and argumentative senior officers and the suspicious deaths of a number of notables, Fronto's year is about to take a turn for the unexpected.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2012
132 people are currently reading
220 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 27, 2020
Turney's novelization of Caesar's Gallic Wars continues to entertain
Fronto may command a legion and be a great soldier but he cannot handle the domestic triumvirate of his mother, his sister and his intended, Lucilia. Active duty with Caesar in Gaul is his only escape. First however, he has a duty, an obligation he must attend to on his way to Gaul. His side trip to visit his old friend Balbus gets Fronto formally and officially betrothed but Balbus also raises questions about Caesar's motives and goals. It is a troubled Fronto who heads north to join the army. There is plenty of trouble to be found. Murder, Germanic tribes crossing the Rhine into Gaul, brutal fighting to drive the Germans back across the river, Caesar's first expedition to Britain and revolts in Gaul. Back in Rome, Publius Clodius Pulcher is on the move again. But who is he working for now? Balbus, Lucilia and Fronto's mother and sister are at risk. As is the Republic itself and Fronto is beginning to worry that Caesar is not the man to save it.
Fronto may command a legion and be a great soldier but he cannot handle the domestic triumvirate of his mother, his sister and his intended, Lucilia. Active duty with Caesar in Gaul is his only escape. First however, he has a duty, an obligation he must attend to on his way to Gaul. His side trip to visit his old friend Balbus gets Fronto formally and officially betrothed but Balbus also raises questions about Caesar's motives and goals. It is a troubled Fronto who heads north to join the army. There is plenty of trouble to be found. Murder, Germanic tribes crossing the Rhine into Gaul, brutal fighting to drive the Germans back across the river, Caesar's first expedition to Britain and revolts in Gaul. Back in Rome, Publius Clodius Pulcher is on the move again. But who is he working for now? Balbus, Lucilia and Fronto's mother and sister are at risk. As is the Republic itself and Fronto is beginning to worry that Caesar is not the man to save it.
April 27, 2014
This one certainly went quickly! I read this in a matter of hours and recommend it highly. I couldn't put this continuation of the Fronto saga down. It was exhilarating nonstop action. I'd tell myself "Just a few pp. more", but it was difficult to pull myself away; I had to find out what happened! We follow Fronto in Gaul with Caesar, still fighting: aggressive Germans from the other side of the Rhine this time, then Fronto is a part of Caesar's Britain expedition. He rushes to Rome to counteract trouble, involving his sister's kidnapping. Also, he's vowed bloody vengeance on whoever has been killing officers and other military personnel, one of whom is his dear friend, in the fort, ending with a final confrontation in Rome.
This novel was up to the same standard as the previous in the series. I feel the author's writing has improved [except for the overuse of anachronistic expressions and modern clichés, e.g., 'pleased as punch', 'back to square one', 'out of the loop', etc.] I felt they were intrusive and each time destroyed the feeling of being in ancient Gaul, Britannia, or Rome. Those irritated me and took away from the complete enjoyment of the novel. I enjoyed the deeper character development, such as getting to know Fronto better through his childhood memories, and getting to know Fronto's buddy Galronus, the Gaulish cavalry commander better. I felt some of the incidental characters added in this story were cartoonish but they did get their just deserts. except the one poor soul. I'd hope Mr. Turney will develop the women characters more, although I got to know these ladies somewhat better. I do admire their strength and intelligence. The number and extent of battles overwhelmed me and blurred together, but that's just personal taste.
This novel was up to the same standard as the previous in the series. I feel the author's writing has improved [except for the overuse of anachronistic expressions and modern clichés, e.g., 'pleased as punch', 'back to square one', 'out of the loop', etc.] I felt they were intrusive and each time destroyed the feeling of being in ancient Gaul, Britannia, or Rome. Those irritated me and took away from the complete enjoyment of the novel. I enjoyed the deeper character development, such as getting to know Fronto better through his childhood memories, and getting to know Fronto's buddy Galronus, the Gaulish cavalry commander better. I felt some of the incidental characters added in this story were cartoonish but they did get their just deserts. except the one poor soul. I'd hope Mr. Turney will develop the women characters more, although I got to know these ladies somewhat better. I do admire their strength and intelligence. The number and extent of battles overwhelmed me and blurred together, but that's just personal taste.
July 22, 2013
I like to tell people that I discovered S.J.A. Turney, author of the Marius’ Mules series. After all, no one recommended him to me, although that surely would have happened eventually, no one handed me one of his books and insisted I had to read it. No, the plain truth is I did discover him while patrolling Amazon for new reading material a couple of years ago and have since read the first four books of the series. This review, while mostly about the fourth installment from his series on the Gaul campaigns of Gaius Julius Caesar, is also about the first three. My love affair with the historical fiction genre began when I read Mary Renault's The KIng Must DIe for a high school literature class back in 1968 and has only increased throughout the years. I am especially drawn to stories of ancient Rome and the conquests by her legions. In the Marius Mules series, Mr. Turney reconstructs the various campaigns of Caesar in Gaul while he attempts to cement his position of power in Rome. This time period is one that is visited frequently, for example, Colleen McCullough’s series detailing the fall of the Roman Republic but there is enough variation in character development and plot lines in Marius’ Mules to allow for another in depth foray into the subject matter.
The main protagonist, Marcus Falerias Fronto, Caesar’s legate of the vaunted 10th Legion and one of his closest tactical advisors, has followed Caesar from the beginning but now nagging doubts begin to creep into the relationship. This campaigning season finds Caesar first crossing The Rhone and then The English Channel in pursuit of glory in the form of tribal rebellions. Some officers in Caesar’s high command openly question the general’s motives and set the stage for the political intrigue that follows Caesar throughout the rest of his life. The machinations of Caesar are not limited to Gaul as opposition in Rome forces Caesar’s hand to try and bring things under control including the use of that notorious thug, Clodius. The goings on in Rome are indeed a major factor throughout Caesar’s time in Gaul as he competes with Crassus and Pompey for the right to be First Man in Rome and Mr. Turney adds some interesting touches to the political battlefield.
As to be expected in any story involving Roman Legions and barbarian tribes, the battles scenes are accurately described in gore filled detail. The Roman gladius and pilum are as deftly handled by the author’s pen as they are by the battle hardened legionary’s wielding them. Plots and sub-plots complete with twists and turns is the fuel that feeds this entertaining, thought provoking entry into the Marius’ Mules series. I am looking forward to Marius’ Mules V and beyond.
The main protagonist, Marcus Falerias Fronto, Caesar’s legate of the vaunted 10th Legion and one of his closest tactical advisors, has followed Caesar from the beginning but now nagging doubts begin to creep into the relationship. This campaigning season finds Caesar first crossing The Rhone and then The English Channel in pursuit of glory in the form of tribal rebellions. Some officers in Caesar’s high command openly question the general’s motives and set the stage for the political intrigue that follows Caesar throughout the rest of his life. The machinations of Caesar are not limited to Gaul as opposition in Rome forces Caesar’s hand to try and bring things under control including the use of that notorious thug, Clodius. The goings on in Rome are indeed a major factor throughout Caesar’s time in Gaul as he competes with Crassus and Pompey for the right to be First Man in Rome and Mr. Turney adds some interesting touches to the political battlefield.
As to be expected in any story involving Roman Legions and barbarian tribes, the battles scenes are accurately described in gore filled detail. The Roman gladius and pilum are as deftly handled by the author’s pen as they are by the battle hardened legionary’s wielding them. Plots and sub-plots complete with twists and turns is the fuel that feeds this entertaining, thought provoking entry into the Marius’ Mules series. I am looking forward to Marius’ Mules V and beyond.
November 3, 2012
Undoubtedly the best, so far, of a wonderful series.
January 17, 2014
This whole series is a great project and this book is not different. The story here is quite tight, only I had a feeling that the author did not care as much about the accuracy of the content as in the previous books. One of the indicators is the occasional use of anachronistic language. I am usually not very sensitive to it, but a phrase "bury the hatchet" was like a punch in the face. Nevertheless, I still cannot give less than 4 stars.
December 14, 2012
Excellent series I only hope there is more to come
August 3, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version with the same capable and entertaining voice actor (Malk Williams) as his previous books.
9781528893534
Audiobook, W. F. Howes Audio
Released Feb. 13, 2020
(I can never attach the cover when I set up a new book, so am writing the details here).
This book read more like a whodunnit near the end. Fonto`s family was dragged unwillingly into the underbelly of Rome`s less savory political scoundrels, with some unexpected protection offered by Fronto`s retired friends. The Gallic enterprise and foray into Britain were written as I`ve seen in other accounts but from the refreshing perspective of the upper echelon of Caesar`s officer class. There was even a twist in a series of targeted assassinations - Fronto`s first suspicions were found to be mistaken, and the real culprits were a real surprise. Turney does not present as flattering a picture of Caesar as I`ve been accustomed to reading, which is also refreshing, but he leaves Caesar`s reputation as a capable and brilliant general somewhat under-explained.
At any rate, it was hard to stop listening to this book. This series is excellent for any historical fan, particularly those who are interested in the rise to power of some of the major powerbrokers and politicians of this turbulent time.
9781528893534
Audiobook, W. F. Howes Audio
Released Feb. 13, 2020
(I can never attach the cover when I set up a new book, so am writing the details here).
This book read more like a whodunnit near the end. Fonto`s family was dragged unwillingly into the underbelly of Rome`s less savory political scoundrels, with some unexpected protection offered by Fronto`s retired friends. The Gallic enterprise and foray into Britain were written as I`ve seen in other accounts but from the refreshing perspective of the upper echelon of Caesar`s officer class. There was even a twist in a series of targeted assassinations - Fronto`s first suspicions were found to be mistaken, and the real culprits were a real surprise. Turney does not present as flattering a picture of Caesar as I`ve been accustomed to reading, which is also refreshing, but he leaves Caesar`s reputation as a capable and brilliant general somewhat under-explained.
At any rate, it was hard to stop listening to this book. This series is excellent for any historical fan, particularly those who are interested in the rise to power of some of the major powerbrokers and politicians of this turbulent time.
August 10, 2020
Historical escapist fiction at some of its finest. 4th instalment (and so far the best) of this addictive series following the military campaigns of Caesar.
Written in the 3rd person with one of Caesar’s generals, Fronto as the chief protagonist drinking and fighting his way through a story chock full of nonstop action.
Great narrator.
Written in the 3rd person with one of Caesar’s generals, Fronto as the chief protagonist drinking and fighting his way through a story chock full of nonstop action.
Great narrator.
September 26, 2020
An Error-infested Read
I don't know whether the problem lies with the proofing of the original or with the Kindle edition itself, but the word omissions and misuse of semi-colons and spelling errors made the whole read extremely unpleasant. Who is responsible for this inept and sloppy editing?
I don't know whether the problem lies with the proofing of the original or with the Kindle edition itself, but the word omissions and misuse of semi-colons and spelling errors made the whole read extremely unpleasant. Who is responsible for this inept and sloppy editing?
March 24, 2021
Another Cracker
This series of books never get repetitive or boring. Character descriptions let's the reader into the company of a varied and colourful bunch of people. Once again a smashing bit of storytelling from Mr Turney.
This series of books never get repetitive or boring. Character descriptions let's the reader into the company of a varied and colourful bunch of people. Once again a smashing bit of storytelling from Mr Turney.
July 7, 2017
this is another cracking read from Mr turney.
November 1, 2020
Best story of the series, so far.
August 16, 2021
Damn exciting! One of my favorites in this series, to date.
February 10, 2022
more battles
October 27, 2024
Best on the series so far
April 11, 2025
A Fun Mystery
Once again, Turney displays his skills as a master storyteller. Really fun. Fronto lives! Looking forward to the next adventure.
Once again, Turney displays his skills as a master storyteller. Really fun. Fronto lives! Looking forward to the next adventure.
July 28, 2013
Having read the first three books in the Marius' Mules series about a year ago, as well as S.J.A. Turney's Tales of the Empire series, I was really looking forward to reading the fourth book about Fronto - the somewhat angry but likeable legate in Caeasar's army.
Unfortunately, while I still enjoyed the book, it felt like rather disjointed to me, more like a collection of many small stories (neither of which make a book), and I never quite got into it as much as the previous ones.
The book picks up with Fronto travelling to Gaul to join the army in its expedition against the Germanic tribes, following the tumultuous affairs in Rome at the end of third book. Over the next few hundred pages, we go from the defeat of the Germanic tribes, to Britannia and back; while also following Balbus' activities in Rome.
This means that once we have arrived in one conflict, we are already off the next one, not allowing for any twists in the story or characters emerging on the other side. Additionally, SJA Turney constantly flips between the story line in Rome (following Balbus, Falernia and Lucilia) and the army (following Fronto and Galronus), making it even harder to engage with the overall story.
I can't help but feel that the constant infusion of new characters (such as the centurions Fabius and Furius) means Fronto (and to an extent Balbus and Galronus) are the only characters that we get to know properly. While I like the realistic toll the fights are taking on our established characters throughout the series, this also severely limits the character development.
Additionally, there is now a whole host of characters that are underdeveloped but often feature by themselves (such as Falernia and Lucilia) - stories that probably could be better told through the mouth of courier or other character.
Unfortunately, while I still enjoyed the book, it felt like rather disjointed to me, more like a collection of many small stories (neither of which make a book), and I never quite got into it as much as the previous ones.
The book picks up with Fronto travelling to Gaul to join the army in its expedition against the Germanic tribes, following the tumultuous affairs in Rome at the end of third book. Over the next few hundred pages, we go from the defeat of the Germanic tribes, to Britannia and back; while also following Balbus' activities in Rome.
This means that once we have arrived in one conflict, we are already off the next one, not allowing for any twists in the story or characters emerging on the other side. Additionally, SJA Turney constantly flips between the story line in Rome (following Balbus, Falernia and Lucilia) and the army (following Fronto and Galronus), making it even harder to engage with the overall story.
I can't help but feel that the constant infusion of new characters (such as the centurions Fabius and Furius) means Fronto (and to an extent Balbus and Galronus) are the only characters that we get to know properly. While I like the realistic toll the fights are taking on our established characters throughout the series, this also severely limits the character development.
Additionally, there is now a whole host of characters that are underdeveloped but often feature by themselves (such as Falernia and Lucilia) - stories that probably could be better told through the mouth of courier or other character.
November 24, 2012
Sin duda la idea de ver envejecer a los héroes y personajes en las series de libros constituye un atractivo adicional en un libro, siempre que te interese el personaje. El legatus Fronto es sin duda uno de mis favoritos y este libro viene y concluye muchas líneas pendientes que quedaron de la trilogía previa. Algunas sin duda me gustaron, nuevos caracteres y una forma de pensar más cínica y desencantada del mundo, menos blanco y negro. Otras simplemente las odie, muertes de protagonistas que me parecieron en balde y hasta de mal gusto. Digo, lo que menos esperas es que el final sea banal, inútil, carente de gloria y si han de caer, que sea en pie de guerra, morir matando, pero no es así en este libro. No es mi favorito de los cuatro, pero si lo considero necesario para concluir una buena historia.
August 20, 2013
I really like these books. As a Roman-o-phile, anything of the genre catches my attention, but these books hold it. Even though the battle scenes can be protracted, I never lose interest. I also really appreciate that there is no "love story" that is the basic premise of the story. I really hate books that think they have to have that vehicle to draw interest. Anyway, it's fun to read these and I am now sad because I am finished with the series as written so far. I hope the author hurries up and gets a new one out there!
February 20, 2013
I am enjoying Fronto's further adventures, but.... When it comes to military I love it, but when it comes to the politics in Rome there really is no one like Colleen McCullough and the Masters of Rome series.
Ploughing on and things have definately picked up. Fronto's back in the thick of where he performs best! Really enjoying it.
Ploughing on and things have definately picked up. Fronto's back in the thick of where he performs best! Really enjoying it.
March 26, 2013
**2/2.5** Overall series deserves the higher rating. As with the first 3 books I loved the military aspect and the male characters. What put me off were the female characters. A bit coquettish & emasculating.
February 1, 2016
Marcus remains alive!
Intriguing and interesting as our hero is damaged but lives to fight another day. Twists and turns every few pages, mystery is the driving force as cunning and intrigue are more important than actual battle.
Intriguing and interesting as our hero is damaged but lives to fight another day. Twists and turns every few pages, mystery is the driving force as cunning and intrigue are more important than actual battle.
January 6, 2013
The best and most human of this excellent series.
July 27, 2013
While I have enjoyed all of the Mules books, I find Fronto's continued drunkenness and insubordination, as well as his ability to rebound from one wound after another, to be a bit much.
June 16, 2013
Fronto does not really change, other than getting older and stiffer. This book sees him joining Caesar as he moves against Gaul and then Britain.
July 23, 2013
Books 4,5 are less about military campaign in Gaul and more about Fronto in Rome. This is full disclosed by the author upfront though. So does not come as a bad surprise
June 23, 2014
This series gets better and better.
December 29, 2013
Way to many descriptions of battles.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews