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Marius' Mules #6
Caesar's Vow
It is the eve of destruction.
Gaul seethes and bucks more than ever in revolt against the Roman invader, with even Caesar's allies beginning to question their loyalty. A conspiracy of Druids and Kings move the pieces into position in their great game of independence, all led by the powerful Arverni exile Vercingetorix. The lands of the Belgae burn in the vengeful aftermath of a winter that saw countless Romans butchered by the rebel Eburone King: Ambiorix.
As Rome similarly begins to show its cracks and the triumvirate of powerful men that have held together the crumbling Republic move ever further apart, so Fronto returns to the army, once more seeking his command under the great general.
But Caesar has made a vow to men and Gods alike to end the life of Ambiorix, and naught will stand in the way of that vow's completion - not Gaul, nor Roman, nor reason itself. As the world climbs towards the impending cataclysm, Fronto finds himself thrust with a small group of companions into the gloomy and dangerous sacred forest of his enemy in a hunt for the one man who can halt the general's wrath and fulfill Caesar's vow.
Gaul seethes and bucks more than ever in revolt against the Roman invader, with even Caesar's allies beginning to question their loyalty. A conspiracy of Druids and Kings move the pieces into position in their great game of independence, all led by the powerful Arverni exile Vercingetorix. The lands of the Belgae burn in the vengeful aftermath of a winter that saw countless Romans butchered by the rebel Eburone King: Ambiorix.
As Rome similarly begins to show its cracks and the triumvirate of powerful men that have held together the crumbling Republic move ever further apart, so Fronto returns to the army, once more seeking his command under the great general.
But Caesar has made a vow to men and Gods alike to end the life of Ambiorix, and naught will stand in the way of that vow's completion - not Gaul, nor Roman, nor reason itself. As the world climbs towards the impending cataclysm, Fronto finds himself thrust with a small group of companions into the gloomy and dangerous sacred forest of his enemy in a hunt for the one man who can halt the general's wrath and fulfill Caesar's vow.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
130 people are currently reading
206 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 4, 2020
A vow or an obsession? Or both?
Caesar's vow is to kill Ambiorix, the Eburone King who destroyed the 14th Legion in the previous volume, and to punish the Gauls. It is a vow to the gods which Caesar believes he must fulfill even if it is making the situation in Gaul worse. Fronto takes a small group ahead of the army in an attempt to find Ambiorix for Caesar before he razes the country, exacerbates the political situation and sets all of Gaul ablaze. Fronto also meets the able but flawed commander Marcus Antonius.
Caesar's vow is to kill Ambiorix, the Eburone King who destroyed the 14th Legion in the previous volume, and to punish the Gauls. It is a vow to the gods which Caesar believes he must fulfill even if it is making the situation in Gaul worse. Fronto takes a small group ahead of the army in an attempt to find Ambiorix for Caesar before he razes the country, exacerbates the political situation and sets all of Gaul ablaze. Fronto also meets the able but flawed commander Marcus Antonius.
August 22, 2014
Although I enjoyed this book, it was terribly unsettling; I finished it yesterday [May 21, 2014] but am still trembling and angry at Caesar for how he sought to fulfill his so-called vow. Perhaps the novel should be entitled "Caesar's Mad Obsession" instead. Very seldom has a book affected me so strongly; once or twice before I've closely identified with certain sympathetic characters in other novels, but none by Mr. Turney. This Caesar and several other characters both old and new are absolutely odious, even the protagonist's patronizing wife, treating him like a five year old. He's in his 40s and she's a 'sweet [!] young thing.'
For Caesar's genocidal policy and unmitigated razing of settlements and firing of crops and animals, I could have very easily taken a pilum or gladius to him and others who with no opposition buy into his brutality. Several times I felt like throwing the book across the room!! I'm glad the protagonist is decent; he and his commando-like group are willing to put themselves into danger and to seek the villain by themselves in the dreadful forest of the goddess Arduenna [the Ardennes?]; he hopes to end the unnecessary and sadistic violence against whole peoples, especially innocent civilians. Fronto and his small band face treachery by one of their own. I feel the author has thrown us some red herrings to keep us guessing the assassin's identity.
The author must be doing something right to get such an extreme reaction from me. His books are improving with each one. His filling in the gaps in the history seemed absolutely plausible to me. I will be eager to see how he treats the final confrontation in Book 7.
For Caesar's genocidal policy and unmitigated razing of settlements and firing of crops and animals, I could have very easily taken a pilum or gladius to him and others who with no opposition buy into his brutality. Several times I felt like throwing the book across the room!! I'm glad the protagonist is decent; he and his commando-like group are willing to put themselves into danger and to seek the villain by themselves in the dreadful forest of the goddess Arduenna [the Ardennes?]; he hopes to end the unnecessary and sadistic violence against whole peoples, especially innocent civilians. Fronto and his small band face treachery by one of their own. I feel the author has thrown us some red herrings to keep us guessing the assassin's identity.
The author must be doing something right to get such an extreme reaction from me. His books are improving with each one. His filling in the gaps in the history seemed absolutely plausible to me. I will be eager to see how he treats the final confrontation in Book 7.
February 8, 2014
I’m a lifelong reader of historical military adventure – you know, books by the likes of C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brien, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Hight and Robyn Young – but until about a year ago I hadn’t really read much of the Roman sub-genre. And then I stumbled across Si Turney’s wonderful book Marius’ Mules: The Belgae. To make a long story short, I’ve been hooked ever since. I now count myself an enthusiast of the works not only of Turney, but of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Anthony Riches, Simon Scarrow, Harry Sidebottom and Robert Fabbri as well. I’ve read just about everything by these wonderful writers and now consider myself something of a connoisseur (if that’s not too strong a word) of the sub-genre.
It’s against this background that I read Turney’s most recent installment of the Marius’ Mules series, Ceasar’s Vow. I was not disappointed. This novel has everything I’ve come to expect from Turney and the other authors mentioned above: attention to detail, historical accuracy, engaging characters, a compelling plot, edge-of-your-seat suspense, authentic dialogue, and truly great battle scenes. This is without doubt Turney’s best work to date (though I still have a soft spot for The Belgae) and should be counted among the best of the sub-genre. For those of you who like military historical adventure, and especially those of you who like your historical fiction set in Roman times, and definitely those of you who like the works of Si Turney, this is unquestionably a novel for you. Buy it and read it – like me, you won’t be disappointed!
by
It’s against this background that I read Turney’s most recent installment of the Marius’ Mules series, Ceasar’s Vow. I was not disappointed. This novel has everything I’ve come to expect from Turney and the other authors mentioned above: attention to detail, historical accuracy, engaging characters, a compelling plot, edge-of-your-seat suspense, authentic dialogue, and truly great battle scenes. This is without doubt Turney’s best work to date (though I still have a soft spot for The Belgae) and should be counted among the best of the sub-genre. For those of you who like military historical adventure, and especially those of you who like your historical fiction set in Roman times, and definitely those of you who like the works of Si Turney, this is unquestionably a novel for you. Buy it and read it – like me, you won’t be disappointed!
by
January 15, 2014
Those of you who have read the previous volumes in this series may not find it hard to believe but I will say it anyway...they just keep getting better. The author left himself a considerable task at the end of book 4...to refresh your memory it is there that the main fictional character, Marcus Falerius Fronto, has a major falling out with his friend and commanding general, Gaius Julius Caesar. A rift so vast that Fronto leaves the army and spends the whole of book 5 dealing with personal issues while Caesar continues his quest without one of his most trusted advisers and tacticians. Getting them back together did not seem possible but Simon is nothing if he isn't a resourceful writer.
Their reunion, put forward by none other than Marcus Antonious, is not an easy one and that is one reason why this book is such a great read. Nothing is easy...Simon could have had them patch up, shake hands and gone forward right from the beginning of the reunion but that would be too easy and a bit of a boring letdown. I will say no more lest I give away too much. The main plots are, for Caesar, the death of Ambiorix, the Eburone King who was responsible for the destruction of two legions and for Fronto, the return to the fold and command of a legion. Of course, those two aspects of the story are intertwined, converging like two tributaries to the Rhenus and becoming one in the end.
The continued development of the main characters is an ever constant need and has become a strength of the author. I especially enjoyed the progress of some of the main characters such as:
Caesar - much more human/not the above the fray-confident specimen he is often portrayed as...his conversations with Fronto especially are very telling and interesting
Labienus - another example of a differing representation - not a madman bent on outdoing Caesar
Antonius - now, he is larger than life...imagine Richard Burton meets James Purefoy
Fronto - he has been many things in this series and has grown with it...seeing him as commander of a Navy Seal like operation was well done...
On the fringe and just waiting to burst on the scene is that ever popular Gaulish rebel, Vercingetorix...his brief appearances here leaves one with the impression that he could be the most formidable foe yet to take on Caesar and Fronto.
I throw 5 stars at Simon Turney for yet again turning it up a notch. Now get to work on Alesia. :-)
About the author:
I live with my wife, my slightly barmy son and very vocal daughter, and two (close approximations of) dogs in rural North Yorkshire, where my wife and I both grew up, surrounded by friends and family. A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, I cannot envisage spending my life anywhere else, though my anchor is sometimes tested as the wanderlust hits and we travel wherever I can find the breathtaking remains of the classical world. I have a love of travel and history, architecture and writing and those four interact well enough to keep me almost permanently busy.
Since leaving school and University, I have tried a great number of careers, including car sales, insurance, software engineering, computer network management, civil service and even paint ing and decorating sales. I have lived in four counties and travelled as widely as time and budget allowed and find myself, on the cusp of my fortieth year, back where I began and finally doing something I love.
Having written a number of unpublished short stories in my early days, I decided back in 2003 to try and write a full length novel. That was the start of Marius' Mules. Being a lover of Roman history, I decided to combine my love of writing and my love of classical history. Marius' Mules was followed two years later by Interregnum, my attempt to create a new fantasy story still with a heavy flavour of Rome. Since then, the success and popularity of both have inflated my head so that I can no longer comfortably fit through doors, and has spawned sequels to each work, with a third in the fantasy series and the sixth Marius' Mules now complete, as well as a series set in the 15th century Mediterranean.
I maintain another website detailing the Roman sites I visit and photograph, and write a blog about books. Find me on twitter as @sjaturney. I am an almost terminally chatty person. That's just a due warning if you feel like contacting me (see above.) I am always happy to speak to people and have put together an FAQ gathered together from things I have been asked previously. http://sjaturney.co.uk/ http://wordpress.com/read/blog/id/764...
December 28, 2018
Brilliant
This the sixth in the series sees fronto once more back with the legions in gaul after his brief sojourn in rome in the last book. This series ticks all the boxes for me, and i think mr turney is writing one of the best series of roman fiction available alongside conn inggulden and Douglas Jackson and far superior to mr scarrow's offerings, which in my humble opinion is way past its sell by date. Highly Recommended.
This the sixth in the series sees fronto once more back with the legions in gaul after his brief sojourn in rome in the last book. This series ticks all the boxes for me, and i think mr turney is writing one of the best series of roman fiction available alongside conn inggulden and Douglas Jackson and far superior to mr scarrow's offerings, which in my humble opinion is way past its sell by date. Highly Recommended.
January 16, 2014
Don't see how this series can get any better, simply the best Roman series out there at the moment, roll on book 7
August 2, 2020
Turney's series had become more and more refined
This is my go-to Roman historical fiction. It's follows the history of the Gallic war s pretty well. Has a nice amount of solid accurate detail. Adequate humour, enough familial reality and lots of action. Pretty darn good stuff.
The Gallic Wars have been described by Dan Carlin on his excellent podcast, as a Celtic Holocaust. It was. Caesar was ruthless and merciless. If you don't want to read how entire tribes of people were killed or enslaved, every man woman and child, read a softer, gentler version.
Turney doesn't pull his punches beyond the reasonable.
This is my go-to Roman historical fiction. It's follows the history of the Gallic war s pretty well. Has a nice amount of solid accurate detail. Adequate humour, enough familial reality and lots of action. Pretty darn good stuff.
The Gallic Wars have been described by Dan Carlin on his excellent podcast, as a Celtic Holocaust. It was. Caesar was ruthless and merciless. If you don't want to read how entire tribes of people were killed or enslaved, every man woman and child, read a softer, gentler version.
Turney doesn't pull his punches beyond the reasonable.
May 29, 2020
Great read
Listened to the first four books in audible, and have enjoyed the last two books, I now have my own picture of the characters and their part in the various campaigns. I am straight on to the next book. Thanks to the author
Listened to the first four books in audible, and have enjoyed the last two books, I now have my own picture of the characters and their part in the various campaigns. I am straight on to the next book. Thanks to the author
May 20, 2021
Scintillating
More new characters added to the mix, an ingredient that keeps the reader's interest at a good level. Also an arch baddie who really deserves what's coming to him all add up to Mr Turney delivering another cracking read.
More new characters added to the mix, an ingredient that keeps the reader's interest at a good level. Also an arch baddie who really deserves what's coming to him all add up to Mr Turney delivering another cracking read.
June 1, 2021
Tough Read
This book was hard to follow and at times I was lost and had to go back and reread sections. All those names made it hard to remember who was who and what they did.
Amber Rose
This book was hard to follow and at times I was lost and had to go back and reread sections. All those names made it hard to remember who was who and what they did.
Amber Rose
April 16, 2025
Special Forces Fronto
Another fun story from S.J.A. Turney. History purists may be put off but I was thoroughly entertained by Mr. Turney’s writing once again.
Another fun story from S.J.A. Turney. History purists may be put off but I was thoroughly entertained by Mr. Turney’s writing once again.
August 12, 2021
Tension rises in Gaul with the revolt of Amborix in modern Belgium and Vercingetorix starting to rally tribes to his cause. The Triumvirate is on the verge of collapse due to a series of personal tragedies. This book is high on adventure, camaraderie, action and intrigues. One of my favourites in the series!
March 30, 2015
I can't help it!
This series is so fabulous (and I should know as this is my fifth reading!) that it deserves five stars. Caesar's books of the Gallic Wars are one of the more important Republican Roman sources and these books by SJA Turney are a great way ((for those of you who weren't required to read them in Latin) to find out why. This series also has good maps,which are often neglected. Fronto may be a fictional character,but he should have been there. :)
This series is so fabulous (and I should know as this is my fifth reading!) that it deserves five stars. Caesar's books of the Gallic Wars are one of the more important Republican Roman sources and these books by SJA Turney are a great way ((for those of you who weren't required to read them in Latin) to find out why. This series also has good maps,which are often neglected. Fronto may be a fictional character,but he should have been there. :)
October 2, 2015
I just love this series. I feel I know some of the characters personally as they journey through Gaul with Julius Caesar. Yes it is Boy's own stuff to some extent, but it has a great feel and it all hangs together well. The plot works well in a historical context because in reality we do not know what happened to Ambiorix so no facts are being bent. I have just purchased the next novel in the series.
March 7, 2014
I love this series and Caesar's Vow didn't dissapoint. Simon Turney writes characters that I love being around and writing that draws you in from the first page. This is a must read for any Roman fiction fan. Thumbs up.
September 12, 2014
Meat & Potatoes
This is a continuation of the Marius' Mules saga. I love how the liberties Turney has taken with the historical fact seem very plausible. This is one of those series that you do not wish to end.
This is a continuation of the Marius' Mules saga. I love how the liberties Turney has taken with the historical fact seem very plausible. This is one of those series that you do not wish to end.
October 10, 2014
Good pace and intrigue
I felt like I was living in the era. Tourney inserts mundane daily details that far from distracting the reader actually grounds you in the characters. lots of enjoyable pieces woven into a fine novel
I felt like I was living in the era. Tourney inserts mundane daily details that far from distracting the reader actually grounds you in the characters. lots of enjoyable pieces woven into a fine novel
July 13, 2014
Great read!
I am going through Fronto withdrawal...
I am going through Fronto withdrawal...
October 10, 2015
enjoyed. waiting for next story
April 8, 2015
Good book, from a great series
July 18, 2015
love this series getting
December 14, 2016
As with the rest of the series this is immensely entertaining & recommended for anyone who wants to learn of the rise of Caesar
January 22, 2025
Historical Perspective
This series brings the usual staid history books to life with a passion. It was a tough time to live in!
This series brings the usual staid history books to life with a passion. It was a tough time to live in!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews