Spartacus: Talons of an Empire

The Spartacus Chronicles #1

by Robert Southworth

This enthralling piece of work by first-time novelist Robert Southworth explores the avenue history could have run down if Spartacus had survived the slave rebellion in 73BC, an uprising whose aftermath didn't deliver the remains of the famous slave leader. The brute force of this famous figure of Roman history is relayed, and the events of the period re-imagined to great effect. The work is sure to appeal to fans of Roman history, as well as those enamored by stories of action and adventure. Whilst the figure of Spartacus continues to hold massive appeal for contemporary audiences, this work offers a fresh vision of the Roman era; a dark and brutal reenactment of high gladiatorial drama.

Genres: Historical Fiction

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

I was born and raised in a small village in the midlands of England. I have enjoyed a varied working life, from my first job as a box boy at a hosiery firm to senior team for a retail company. In between, I have been a soldier, engineer and sole trader. I started writing professionally late in life but was lucky enough to have my first novel accepted by a traditional publisher. After, looking at the publishing trade in general, I decided that I prefer to have control over all aspects of the creative process. However, if the right offer came along, then I am of course open to discussions. Seven further novels completed and I am delighted with that decision.

Reviews

[Robert Bayliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge: A dish best served cold

Most of us are aware of Spartacus, from the Kirk Douglas film to the Starz TV series. It is a tale of a gladiator slave thrust into the position of commanding an army of rebellious slaves, fighting for their freedom from the hated Roman Empire. The eventual defeat of Spartacus, as the military might of Rome concentrates on his downfall, is where his tale usually ends, but not in Spartacus – Talons of an Empire; this is where the story begins.
His army slain or back in chains, Spartacus expects nothing but a slow death by crucifixion, but instead he finds himself before a haughty young Roman called Cassian. Cassian has a proposition for Spartacus, one that he can’t ignore if he wants his family to live. To enforce his point Cassian has a legionary slay Spartacus’ youngest son before his eyes.
With no choice but to comply Spartacus accepts Cassian’s offer; he is to use his particular skills as a gladiatorial killer in the service of Cassian’s ruthless employer. It was this same mysterious figure who ordered Cassian to kill Spartacus’ son. Cassian promises the gladiator that his family will be safe on his own estates and then, with a handpicked team, and with promises of gold if successful, Spartacus, Cassian and their comrades embark on their mission.
From fighting the Roman Empire Spartacus now finds himself a tool of one of political power brokers, striving to curtail the power of their rivals. To do this Spartacus, Cassian, et al, must fight through corruption and lawlessness only to risk all in a near suicidal gladiatorial contest.
Spartacus – Talons of an Empire is certainly action packed, with fights aplenty. The reader experiences victorious triumph and grieving loss. The villains are fantastically corrupt and evil and treachery is an ever present threat. As well as Spartacus, the reader will root for the young warrior Plinius and, surprisingly, Cassian. It soon becomes clear that Cassian is as much a puppet as Spartacus to his employer, a man Spartacus swears revenge upon for the death of his son.
Although this book is able to stand alone the reader will want more and fortunately the author Robert Southworth has been good enough to write two sequels. Spartacus will have more missions from his shadowy employer and there’s still that none too small matter of vengeance….

[Marina Neary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing about Spartacus, Robert Southworth had a daunting task. There are several Spartacus novels out there on the market. Many of them resemble each other. It's not enough to put "Spartacus" in the title. You have to modify the title. In this particular instance, it's "Talons of the Empire". Southworth's retelling of the story stands out from the rest. The hero's human side is explored. He is more than just a martyr/rebel/avenger. He is a father and lover trapped in a situation you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy. The pacing of the novel lends itself to a screen adaptation. The novel reads like a miniseries. Even after you put your book aside and turn off the light, you can still see the images passing before your eyes, with sound effects.

[John Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been passionate about the Roman Republic and Empire ever since I was first taken to a museum in Chester nearly half a century ago as a child, I will always give any book on the subject(s) some time. I have to admit however, I don't usually read alternate history, the reason for this is simple, history speaks for itself and is rich enough not to be tampered with, but and there is a big but here, if the tale is well researched, mixes fact with fantasy/fiction, and brings the story to life, that's good enough for me.

This story does just that, it comes to life as easily as the characters themselves, it's gritty, realistic, well paced and importantly for me, not full of fluffy overdone explanations and grammatical content that tends to make my stomach churn, when reading some novels. Robert Southworth has produced an excellent first novel and one that I'd highly recommend, especially if you too are interested in this topic/genre. Don't let the alternate slant put you off and you'll be in for a wonderful ride.

As a keen reader of books by writers such as Ben Kane, Douglas Jackson, Anthony Riches, Simon Scarrow and many more, I can say hand on heart, this story is easily comparable. Well done Robert, more please ;-)

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to thank the Stars tv company for getting me in to Spartacus, it was an absolute fantastic series to watch, which left me wanting more, but sadly the tv series end with the death of spartacus' and I had to fill the void left behind' I had tried several other authors, but none seem to capture the spirit of the tv show' either they changed key characters names or the flow didnt feel right'
luckily for me reading the local newspaper at work I came across an article about a local author Robert Southworth who had written a "what if" Spartacus tale' obviously this peaked my interest, I had to get this book, even if only to support a local author,
im so glad I did because Spartacus Talons of an Empire is an amazing read the story is everything I wanted and then some' it was like having the tv show back' the characters, the action, the humour, the sorrow, it was perfect,
for a first time author this is a fantastic book to start a wonderful writing career, and im definitely in when the inevitable sequals start coming,

[Stuart Laing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with a brief retelling of the start of the slave rebellion so familiar to the tale of Spartacus and moves swiftly on to the climatic battle as the legions of Rome finally crush the slaves and crucify the few not slaughtered in battle.
So far, so familiar.
This is where the story really starts. Spartacus is captured along with his family and faced with an impossible choice: serve the hated Romans or watch his beloved family be slaughtered before his eyes!
Robert Southworth tells a wonderfully engrossing tale from the slopes of Vesuvius, to the villas of the rich and across the Inner Sea to the sun bleached shores of Carthage introducing a host of memorable characters along the way as Spartacus is forced to train a team of warriors for the ultimate contest between gladiators.
There are several great scenes here as the story builds towards the final showdown on the bloodsoaked sands of the arena where Spartacus and his men face victory of death.
The story is well paced, well written and builds the story nicely with several strands as Spartacus and his men are used as pawns in a bloody political power struggle between rich senators.
I look forward to reading the second instalment in this series.

I received a copy of this book as a prize in a competition.

[Laurentiu Lazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof of life or death… what do we really know about Spartacus’ fate after defeat? According to historians, Spartacus was one of the many casualties dying on the battlefield as a John Doe, body never found. In truth he had three outcomes: crucifixion, death in battle or escape; so there is room for speculation. Spartacus: Talons of an Empire brings forth a riveting tale of survival, an unthinkable escape and subsequent enslavement. Family ties, wife and son, shackle Spartacus to do the biddings of the Romans – you obey or we kill your family threat. Acting as a mercenary he embarks on a dangerous mission for the Empire, one which will test his skills, loyalties and bring forth an unthinkable friendship.

I have particularly enjoyed this novel because I have always liked to believe that the Fates shone upon the great slave general Spartacus and he might have survived the final defeat; therefore this alternate history made my day even if for just a couple of hours. The storyline itself is not bad, but the writing might need a bit of polishing here and there – proofreading. However, all in all a good debut novel and I will, no doubt, continue reading the series.

[Steve Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Spartacus survived? That is the premise of this novel, the first in a series of books by Robert Southworth, and it provides fertile ground for this very good storyteller. The author has done a terrific job of bringing this resourceful character to life in an exciting and violent story, which is almost an ancient Dirty Dozen, as Spartacus and his companions embark on what is almost certainly a suicide mission. Almost! I can't wait to read the sequels.

[Linda Pentony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fits easily into the historical genre but can just as easily be classed as a fully entertaining adventure story. Well defined characters are taken like their reader on a ride which see's them experience the full range of emotions. An engrossing book which stands out amongst the many Spartacus tales at the present. A must if you enjoy imaginative and witty writing.

[Jay Cothrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read.

[Bradford Kho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story that suffers greatly from a complete lack of grammatical editing. See my highlights for just a few examples. If you can make it through this, then you will enjoy the book. Personally and unfortunately, I am too distracted by poor writing, and I will not be reading the sequels because of this.

[Marios Eracleous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I love stories of ancient Rome and when I read this i was surprised as it was fast paced and every page a turner.

[Michael Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spartacus: Talons of an Empire

Having finished both Stanley Kubrick’s Film “Spartacus” and the Starz Television Series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” I was looking for a new tale within the Spartacus universe when I stumbled across Robert Southworth’s “Spartacus: Talons of an Empire”. However, unlike the previous iterations of Spartacus, this tale takes place after Marcus Licinius Crassus defeats Spartacus and his forces during their attempt to overthrow the Roman Empire. Spartacus survives his confrontation with Crassus, and is ultimately imprisoned once again under his new master, Cassian Antonius. As the plot progresses, Spartacus is forced to serve the Romans or see his family be extinguished before his eyes. In this thrilling historical adventure, Spartacus and friends embark on an arduous mission in which the group must once again return to their roots - the arena. While focusing on themes of political deception, betrayal, loss, romance, and redemption, Spartacus: Talons of an Empire delivers a highly satisfying conclusion while still leaving you wanting for more.

I was thoroughly impressed by Robert Southworth’s debut novel. The story is extremely creative and takes liberties where there are gaps in Ancient history, while still maintaining historical context. In addition, the pacing is excellent and adds to the thrilling nature of the story. Characters are well developed and the relationships between characters are believable. If you are looking for a book that has the “feel” of the Starz “Spartacus” television series than this is the book for you. Overall, I highly recommend Spartacus: Talons of an Empire.

PROS: Original and creative story, intense and exciting, short chapters, strong character development
CONS: Minor typos within some of the writing

[Richard Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spartacus, by Robert Southworth, is built on a what-if premise - what if Spartacus was not killed at the end of the slaves' rebellion in 73-71 BC? What if instead he was captured, and turned by one of the Roman factions into an agent to carry out hazardous missions - a sort of Jason Bourne of the Roman world? As a premise it makes sense, as he was highly skilled as a fighter both by natural talent and on-the-job training. Too good to waste by execution, really, so long as there was a reliable way to keep him under control.

That accomplished, Spartacus comes under the direct leadership of a man he learns to respect, and gathers around him a diverse band of other fighters. The scene is set for a challenging tour of operations involving hazardous journeys by land and sea, trickery and betrayal, and a final showdown as the climax of the book.

A multi-layered vision is painted of Roman society. The life a man can build for himself is defined partly by innate or learned skills, but overwhelmingly by the power of the patronage he can find. We are introduced to hierarchies of power in the Roman world, most of which are ruthless in the pursuit of their own interests and brutal towards their enemies. The picture is effective, and it didn't take long for me to decide that I would not have enjoyed living in that culture - and most likely would not have had a very long life within it.

Difficult for men, then, and many times more so for women. For them, powerful protection in the form of husband or master was a necessity, and there was basically no legal recourse against brutality. In Robert's book, women provide a background element of stability and passionate release, a desirable goal to yearn for when the fighting is done. For the good guys, this means a faithful wife: for the bad guys, a collection of dispensable slave girls. But there are no central female characters in this book, and it is difficult to see how there could be in this vision of Rome.

The book is very fast paced, as we rush with Spartacus and his gang from threat to threat, and combat to combat. Occasionally we get glimpses of other aspects of Roman life, but all too quickly the men are pulled away to the next fight, learning how to work together as a team as they go.

On a technical level the book could have benefited from another editing session or two. More commas would have helped read through the longer sentences, and changes of viewpoint from one character to another could have been signalled more smoothly in the text. There was nothing of this nature that could not be solved with a minor correction of the text.

Spartacus succeeds as a visceral, fight-focused journey into small team combat in ancient Rome. It also supplies the lurking sense that there are much bigger games afoot, and that at some stage the central characters will be caught up in them. There are follow-on books, which one suspects will increase the stakes, but Spartacus is complete as a novel in itself.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure that for anyone who grew up when I did, Kirk Douglas was Spartacus, a brilliant but historically incorrect movie. In Spartacus: Talons of an Empire, Mr. Southworth presents to us a character and a scenario vastly different than the one Jean Simmons fell in love with. In this version, Spartacus does not die after his defeat by Crassus but rather, he is forcefully employed by a Roman aristocrat to take part in an assignment designed to lessen the power of Crassus in Rome. I won't say more about the plot except to say that it is a good one, full of action, deceit, friendships forged and bloody combat. It is the characters who inhabit this tale that I found to be very well done...from the gladiator/warrior/leader, Spartacus...Cassian, the servant of the Roman aristocrat...Plinius, the young, inexperienced warrior...and of course a couple thoroughly evil specimens in Apelios and Dido. Emotions run high as the contingent under the command of Cassian and Spartacus deal with loss, fear, regrets, love and pure hatred. All in all this is a very entertaining book and I will be taking on the rest of the trilogy. After all who can resist stories about Spartacus, the gladiator slave who almost brought Rome to it's knees. 4 stars.

About the Author:

I'm Robert Southworth an author from Warwickshire in England. I suppose the best way describe myself is a lover of all books. Although my first three novels are based in ancient Rome, i wouldnt tie myself down to the era or genre. I love history through the ages, but i am also just as happy picking up a sci-fi or fantasy novel. My favourite authors are Scarrow, Cornwell, McGee which i know are all masters at historical fiction, but i also love Pratchett(absolute genius) and Robert Rankin (absolute bonkers). I am a traditionally published author but have decided to self publish my next couple of novels, which means hopefully i will be able to place my work before my readers a little more quickly.
Me as a writer: I have no wish to make my readers think deeply on the social issues of the world. There are plenty of authors and other types of media which do that. I consider myself a story teller and i attempt to entertain, i would much rather draw a contented smile than a political debate.
I hope that you all enjoy my books.

[Kevin Cowdall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Spartacus, legendary leader of the slave rebellion against the might of the Roman Empire, had not perished as we have been taught, but was spared, to become a lethal mercenary for his former masters? This is the premise of Robert Southworth's debut novel, ‘Talons of an Empire’ (Book One of The Spartacus Chronicles).

‘Talons of an Empire’ is an extremely engaging and action-packed page turner; full of colourful, well-developed characters, realistic historic locations, gripping set pieces and a neat little twist at the end.

An engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable novel - looking forward to reading Books Two and Three now!