Empire Betrayed: The Fall of Sejanus

by James Mace

In 29 A.D., Emperor Tiberius Caesar, living in self-imposed exile on the Isle of Capri, entrusts his Praetorian Prefect, Lucius Aelius Sejanus, with the administration of the vast Roman Empire. Under Sejanus’ iron fist, and unbeknownst to Tiberius, the ranks of the Senate and equites are subsequently purged of the Praetorian’s enemies. Treason trials, once prohibited in Rome, have become commonplace as Sejanus relentlessly punishes any who would defy him in his quest for power.

After many years of commanding the cavalry of the Army of the Rhine, Tribune Aulus Nautius Cursor at last returns to Rome, amidst the turmoil. Two years later is elected as a Tribune of the Plebs; the representatives of the people who hold the power of veto over the Senate. It is Cursor who discovers Sejanus’ sinister plans; that he seeks to overthrow Tiberius and name himself Emperor.

Duty bound to save the Empire from falling further under a tyrannical usurper, Cursor resolves to unravel the conspiracy and bring the perpetrators to justice. Aiding him is an old friend; a retired Master Centurion named Gaius Calvinus. Regrettably, they know that if successful, Tiberius’ retribution will be swift and brutal, sparing neither the innocent nor the guilty. This leaves only two dark paths for Cursor and Calvinus; either allow the pending reign of terror under a ruthless usurper, or unleash the unholy vengeance of an Emperor betrayed.

136 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2013

About the author

James Mace is an author, historian, and life-long storyteller. He began writing as a hobby in the early 2000s, penning physical fitness articles for a bodybuilding website and a magazine called Hardcore Muscle.

James wrote the initial draft of his first novel, Soldier of Rome: The Legionary, as a cathartic means of escapism while serving in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He has since released thirty-five books, including fifteen Ancient History best-sellers, and five South African History best-sellers. His works currently span his two favourite eras: Ancient Rome and the British Empire.

Outside of writing historical novels, James is a Research Historian and Script Writer for the channel, Redcoat History. He maintains a blog called The Buffed Historian, sharing random fitness articles and other tales from across history. His hobbies include weightlifting, road cycling, foothills hikes, travelling across the globe, live theatre, video games, and sitting down for a game of Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

James can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Instagram: @legionarybooks
Threads: @legionarybooks
BlueSky: @legionarybooks.bsky.social
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/james...

Reviews

[Sheila]

“[C]haracters are a refraction of the people we base them on, rather than a direct reflection,” writes author James Mace in the introduction to his well-researched and well-charactered historical novella, Empire Betrayed. Historical fiction might also be viewed as a refraction of the past, but the image created in this novella is thoroughly convincing both in research and execution.

As Prefect Sejanus plots to overthrow Tiberius Caesar, Tribune Aulus Nautius Cursor returns from war and finds himself thrust into the grimier battles of politics. Character descriptions are filled with detail and background, giving a strong visual feel to the writing. Obscure aspects of Roman culture—for example “wheeled traffic was only permitted on the streets of Rome at night”—combine with accurate history, and amply complete geography, to make this a compelling read. Meanwhile interesting quotes remind readers that the dark world of the past is not so far away. “Rome is no longer a state of free speech and thought,” says one character. And deeds done for good reason have dark consequences when law trumps morality.

Complex details may make this a fairly slow read, but they add a depth and conviction that offers a truly compelling and haunting insight into the politics of Caesar’s Rome. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone curious to learn more of the Caesars and their world.

Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novella during the author’s tour and I apologize for being late posting my honest review.

[Sherry]

This novella is a fast-paced story of the years from 29 to 31 AD, when Rome’s Praetorian Prefect Sejanus had nearly achieved his ambition of murdering his way to the top. When the main character, Aulus Cursor, returns to Rome after commanding cavalry on the Rhine, he and his friend Calvinus, a former centurion, become aware of shady doings aimed at increasing Emperor Tiberius’s unpopularity and isolation. Realizing that the ambitious Sejanus is behind these machinations, the two comrades work to topple him before he can assassinate Tiberius and take control of Rome.

Author James Mace clearly knows his Roman historians and follows their accounts closely in his story. Much of the story is told in dialogue between the good guys Cursor and Calvinus and between Sejanus and his henchman Silvanus. I was pleased to find the future emperor Claudius playing a positive role.

Interestingly, Tribune Cursor, who is based on a real-life military colleague of James Mace’s, also appears in a couple of the author’s other “Artorian Novellas.”

[Heather]

This novella is full of sly political intrigue, a swiftly moving plot, and brightly described characters (even some based on the author's life). Set in the background of a chaotic Rome, the story unrolls like a modern day HBO soap drama. It made my head swim to keep up with all the characters, their plots, and the other character's plots against them... but that's ancient Rome for you.

I was given a copy of this novella from I.O.U. tours in return for my honest opinion. This in no way affected my review.

[Susan]

James Mace pens "Empire Betrayed" in a plot that takes you to the ancient era of the Roman Empire. Filled with historical facts and fiction, I found his characters to be interesting but they needed just a bit more development in my opinion. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all historical fiction fans.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis]

While the writing was good, I found the constant and expansive descriptions to be distracting. In addition, I find that if you have to have a cast of characters at the beginning of a book, then you probably have too many characters in your book. In the end, I couldn't get into the story. It wasn't really my type of book.

[Don A. Whitehead, Sr.]

Good take on Roman history

I've been a student of Roman history for many years (particularly England) and have enjoyed Mace's series. He takes what is known historically and weaves a plausible story. His characters are believable.This "side story" about Sejanus is a good one.