Commodus

The Damned Emperors #2

by Simon Turney

'Astonishing . . . A fascinating, detailed and dramatic story of one of Rome's most notorious emperors' SUNDAY EXPRESS

Commodus is a brilliant, thrilling novel about one of Rome's most intriguing - and notorious - emperors, for fans of Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, Christian Cameron, Ben Kane and Harry Sidebottom.

Rome is enjoying a period of stability and prosperity. The Empire's borders are growing, and there are two sons in the imperial succession for the first time in Rome's history.

But all is not as it appears. Cracks are beginning to show. Two decades of war have taken their toll, and there are whispers of a sickness in the East. The Empire stands on the brink of true disaster, an age of gold giving way to one of iron and rust, a time of reason and strength sliding into hunger and pain.

The decline may yet be halted, though. One man tries to hold the fracturing empire together. To Rome, he is their emperor, their Hercules, their Commodus.

But Commodus is breaking up himself, and when the darkness grips, only one woman can hold him together. To Rome she was nothing. The plaything of the emperor. To Commodus, she was everything. She was Marcia.

From the author of the critically acclaimed Caligula ('an engrossing new spin on a well-known tale' - The Times) comes the new novel in The Damned Emperors series: Commodus.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DAMNED EMPEROR SERIES:

'Commodus by Simon Turney is my sort of historical fiction - people who actually lived - with their lives told in an intriguing and interesting way' - Amazon review

'Truly a magnificent read, insightful, powerful, emotional and gripping from the start' - Amazon review

'Simon Turner is a first class writer, and he certainly did his research well' Amazon review

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ancient History, Historical

471 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2019

About the author

Alternate publishing name for author S.J.A. Turney

Reviews

[Morana Mazor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volim povijesne romane, volim romansirane biografije u kojima se isprepliću činjenice i fikcija. Sve sam to pronašla u Komodu.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

My knowledge of Commodus is largely limited to the Gladiator movie so I found this particularly interesting. The perspective on this infamously megalomaniac emperor is provided by the freedwoman Marcia, who shared Commodus' childhood and his later life. She knew him better than anyone. Marcia's story is intriguing in its own right - and on more than one occasion turned my blood cold - but the larger than life, charismatic Commodus, Hercules reborn, dominates this tale of an emperor who was loved by his people and yet feared with good reason by those who knew him, even by those who loved him. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Beard approved. very nostalgic stepping back into the world of ancient history.

[Diane Chilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as Caligula by the same author. I started to loose interest about 2/3rds of the way through . I think it's because I found Marcia, the narrator very unpleasant. I would have liked a lot less information about Marcia and a lot more about Commodus. For a book titled Commodus he plays a remarkably small part.

[Lashanti Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so the novel wasn’t bad. Just boring with a number of conflicting points. I agree with and really liked the idea that Commodus was probably bipolar and battled with depression but I feel as though it could’ve been depicted better. I felt Marcia’s position was over inflated. She wasn’t skillfully woven in. She was just there with no real explanation on why she was able to listen in on certain conversations. I also didn’t like how she always “had a feeling”. There was never an explanation. She just “knew” someone couldn’t be trusted, or just “knew” when something bad was about to happen or had happened. She just “knew” when someone was a good person. So you mean to tell me out of all the people in the story she’s the only one with GOOD judgement?? She was always in the right place at the right time. She could never explain it but she was alway sure. Two words, plot armor.

Marcia was extremely unlikable to me (then again so was everyone) and the obsession with Commodus was distracting/annoying. The authors said from childhood Commodus love and cared for her but his actions and dialogue never indicated that to me lol. He borderline tolerated her for whatever reason. A last link to his childhood maybe. She had no self preservation skills and was pretty pathetic pinning after him the entire novel. Like grow a back bone and have some pride. The constant back and forth between her faith was annoying. It was also contradicting. One minute she was exalting Commodus “her golden Hercules” or whatever and then the next she was cringing at the “pagan” gods. I think the author tried to show how people wrestle with their faith but it was poorly done. To me it seemed she would pick and choose when it was convenient for her. Most people aren’t steadfast in their faith on Monday, ignoring it Tuesday, liking it Wednesday, taking up a new god Thursday and once again faithful Friday. People’s beliefs/religion aren’t that fickle/capricious. I didn’t like her back and forth guilt. Like girl how are you not desensitized yet?? You’re always thinking and doing something and then feeling conflicted and guilty later. If you’re going to do it then stand on it.

The ending was better. It was amusing and poetic, but once again Marcia messed it up. Like girl let him die, he had no qualms about marking you for death. I can’t stand a woman weak in the knees over a man who doesn’t even think about you during his day to day. Someone’s mental health issues is not an excuse and nor does it exempt them. There was no romance. Not that I was wanting a romance, I don’t care for it. But I’ve seen the words “romantic” and “lovers” used to describe this novel and that was not my interpretation. Marcia’s feelings were very one sided. I found it conflicting/strange that Commodus did all he did and made all the changes he changed but drew the line at making her empress?? Now I’m aware that that would greatly conflict with the history but one of the two has to give and I think it’s the notion that he loved her. Another thing, Marcia had an issue with being a “whore” and a “mistress” but was okay being that to Commodus after his wife was out of the way?? Too many things just weren’t aligning. Commodus hated war because it was mass pointless killing but being a gladiator and slaughtering animals wasn’t??

On top of Commodus more than likely being bipolar and having depression I would also say it’s safe to say he was incompetent and selfish. I feel like the author kept pushing the “he’s intelligent” narrative and the “people did love him” narrative . Like yeah the people may have liked him but everything he did he did for himself. The people need food, not games, the people need medicines and doctors not games. The list is endless. The man was hardly ever in Rome and spent all his time seeking entertainment. Sure he may have been highly educated but education does not equate to intelligence/intellect. He wasn’t charismatic, charming or appealing to the senate and the people only seemed to like him for his boldness and glamour. He didn’t have any real people skills.

This will be the last thing though there is more, there was a disconnect from Commodus. The novel is about him but we were with Marcia and in her head. Because of this Commodus did come off as “mad” and “sporadic” rather than having mental health issues. I wasn’t a fan of that.

[Keith Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, Gladiator

The second of Turney’s series, The Damned Emperors, focuses on Commodus, the errant son of Marcus Aurelius, best known for his appearance as villain in the film, Gladiator. The ancient sources depict Commodus as essentially feckless, more interested in fighting in the arena than in ruling an empire. His reign is seen as a turning point in Roman history with the age of the ‘Good emperors’ over and the decline about to begin.

This novel follows the patchy historical record quite closely: Commodus is fixated with the arena; he does neglect his duties as ruler; he does entrust the empire to an unworthy subordinate; he does subsequently introduce a reign of terror, culminating in his death and removal from the historical record.

But we are invited to consider Turney’s Commodus with some sympathy. He is a damaged young man, having suffered loss in childhood, subject to depression and lacking a sense of self-worth. This is despite his physical beauty, his precocious intelligence and his desire to achieve world peace. I was not convinced. I am afraid this Commodus seemed to be just as the ancients portrayed him, selfish and spoilt, undeserving of power, too ready to submit his rule to unworthy and corrupt men. A good story though.

[Xanthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t really know to say about this novel. I appreciated that it was from the female perspective instead of the emperor’s himself. It was really interesting to see the interpretation of mental illness. And the ancient lack of conception of childhood really shines through in this novel. The writing of the abuse of Marcia, and the sheer amount of bloodshed and low-scale gore was uncomfortable, let’s just say that this style of ancient Roman historical fiction isn’t my thing. No one was a likeable character and not in a sexy Shakespeare way but they all suck way. Being jealous of woman that doesn’t want to be married to the man that you wanted doesn’t mean you should make her have several abortions, Marcia really sucked for that. Even tho the Hellenistic and Rome entwined, they weren’t in entwined to the extent that they would be Greek Hellenistic religious temples. I thought that the author tried to do a lot of references and illusions to Greek and Roman myths and other people and it was just out of place it didn’t really make any sense and it just sounded like they were trying to sound legit.Ok well yeah.

[Ivana Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joint favourite book of the year. Another brilliant book from the pen of SImon Turney. Commodus was another emperor I knew very little of, other than having seen Gladiator. As usual with The Damned Emperor series this is reall well researched and is incredibly educational as well as highly entertaining. I only have one small quibble - I wish he'd said what became of Marcia in the historical notes. Highl;y recommended.

[Joe Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well told story from an original perspective, blending together fact and fiction in an enjoyable read. Palace intrigue, political games and a bit of a love story, the book was nicely paced. This is not the sort of genre that typically produces masterpieces, but an entertaining and enjoyable read is still plenty to deliver and I would say this hits that mark.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review soon

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both immersive and engaging.
5⭐️

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commodus by Simon Turney is my sort of historical fiction - people who actually lived - with their lives told in an intriguing and interesting way, bolted around known 'facts' and not a little imagination to bring the character alive!
This is the first book I've read by Simon Turney but it won't be the last.
The story is a well-told tale of a Roman Emperor who, I must assume, has a bit of a bad reputation. This is a sympathetic account of his rule, and I doubt I'll be the only person who finishes the novel and considers just what it is about him that's quite so bad (apart from his delight in killing exotic animals that would garner a great of bad press in our day and age) - in that respect the author does an excellent job of rehabilitating a bit of a dodgy character.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended. I read it in a day!

[Fatima Sarder · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A mob it was. And mobs are a very specific thing. They are always seeking something, and no one ever heard of a happy mob.”
― Simon Turney

This book is well written; a slow, descriptive descent into the fall of Rome and Commodus' somewhat historically accurate assassination.

I did not enjoy it. I found the book a slog to read. The events were a passive recollection of the titular character and it didn't feel exciting enough. None of the characters were relatable or likeable in any sense.

[Jennifer Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This authors writing reminds me of when I, and every other person, had to write an essay in college and it was short the necessary number of pages so you just start adding in additional fluff that isn’t needed and doesn’t really add to what you are writing about. After the first hundred pages I started reading the first couple sentences of each paragraph before moving onto the next paragraph and I still knew what was going on in the story.

[Fran · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some elements in this were intriguing and pleasantly surprising: Maria not really getting along well with the Christianity she grew up with, the author’s inclusion of a graphic abortion scene (and subsequent refusal to classify this as a “loss of life” or something that the person who gets it feels guilty for, despite her faith), Commodus’s prejudice as a pagan against Maria despite his public allyship with Christians. Unfortunately, the enjoyability of these elements, along with the unique concept for this book (which is what made me pick it up), was hindered by the overall unfocused nature of this novel.

I confess I disagree with the approach the author states he took in his notes on the novel, which was to begin characterizing Commodus by giving him a diagnosis from the DSM. It seems to me that this resulted in incredibly flat characterization, and for a book that is entirely marketed around getting to know Commodus the person—demons and all—better, the actual almost 500 pages don’t really make me feel any closer to understanding him than Gladiator did (which the author states in his notes that he hopes to supplant). This was not helped by the slightly confusing choice to write a book about Commodus from the perspective of his mistress, Maria, who also is weirdly sterile in her characterization. I kept asking myself what the hell it was that he actually liked about her. Was it her looks? Was it that they shared some kind of trauma bond? Was it her smarts (I kept forgetting Maria was supposed to be ~a reader~ because it would go unmentioned for really long periods of time and didn't actually feel integrated with her character at all)? I have no idea, and similarly I have no idea what Maria actually liked about Commodus. The author diagnoses Commodus with bipolar disorder, but if he was going to go the psychological diagnosis route, I feel that narcissism would have undoubtedly been a better choice, because narcissists can be utterly magnetic and almost impossible to detach from. All of the characters feel completely and utterly sterile. There really is a lot of telling, not showing. Maybe I only say this because I’m starving for imagery or something, but I felt I’d bitten into a piece of red velvet cake only to realize it was a phone book. That’s what this felt like.

The author’s characterization of Commodus is made even less believable by his compulsion to write extremely convoluted and unbelievable explanations to absolve Commodus of any wrongdoing ever, including abuse and murder. Maria blames herself for literally everything wrong that he does and the narrative never contradicts this. But this too is inconsistent characterization, because Maria never blames herself for literally anyone else’s bad treatment of her.

A particularly offensive example of this has to do with a story many probably know about Commodus throwing a slave into a furnace because his bath water wasn’t hot enough. In the novel, this is explained away by Commodus encountering the cold bath and having a ~trauma flashback~ to when someone he cared about died by falling through an icy lake. Commodus is so spaced out and dissociated that he does not hear when the politician he’s hanging out with, for no reason at all, orders the slave be thrown into the furnace. I anticipated that the author was going to set this up to reappear later when the emperor’s reputation goes south, as a rumor or misunderstanding, but it literally doesn’t??? It’s ONLY there to try to absolve the emperor. What’s especially frustrating about this is that it really isn’t all that unheard of for men of considerably less power to throw victims into fires, specifically women. If you read Frances Power Cobbe’s “Wife Torture in England,” she recounts multiple instances of ordinary Victorian men throwing their wives into lit fireplaces, often killing them, for similarly petty reasons (ex: not bringing a beer fast enough). When you know a decent amount about the scale of men’s abuse against women, it actually isn’t that hard to believe that the real Commodus abused his power by burning someone alive for such a small thing. People who aren’t Roman emperors do this kind of stuff more often than you’d think.

Kind of inappropriate to mention this next, but I’m tired of thinking about this book. The author is so dead-set on Commodus being a perfect angel no matter what he does that even the sex scenes were boring. When I was reading this book waiting for my doctor to see me, she asked if it was “the smutty one” (if there’s a smutty Commodus book, please tell meeee). God I wish that were true. The author’s few paragraphs about how Commodus is a literal Greek God, how he cures Maria’s SA trauma with one reassuring sentence (and then his cock, presumably, which is never mentioned), how he just awkwardly starts stripping in front of her and then fucks her with no foreplay at all worthy of a Roman emperor, how he is ~oh so tender~ and gentle and generous and flowers and sparkles…bro can he like, do SOMETHING interesting idc what it is but there is literally no point to a sex scene with absolutely no characterization in it. It could have been between IKEA lamps or Pixar characters.

I don’t pick up a book on one of Rome’s worst emperors to hear how he’s a perfectly innocent puppy who can do no wrong. I pick one up to see just how dark it can get. HMU if you know of one!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, first things first: this paperback edition has 482 pages. Not the 300-odd that Goodreads thinks it has.

Secondly, it's a really good book. I'm going to guess that a lot of us first heard of Commodus through the film 'Gladiator', where he's portrayed as a creepy, whiny brat who wants to marry his own sister. And reading this book, I did find it a little weird seeing him described as having golden hair because I automatically have the mental picture of (dark-haired) Joaquin Phoenix in my mind. But you get used to it.

In his historical notes at the end of the book, the author talks about the surviving ancient sources that he used - and how he took a modern, analytical approach to understanding Commodus. The popular view of him is that he was "mad", but that term really doesn't help anything, since Roman writers (and later historians) often threw that word at anyone whose actions they didn't understand or didn't like. Turney, having done his research, puts forward the theory that Commodus may have had bipolar disorder - thus accounting for the fact that he varied between periods of severe depression and periods of manic enthusiasm and ego.

I thought these changes were depicted sensitively in the novel. We learn that, particularly in his early life, he went through a number of traumatic events, which understandably trigger the episodes of depression. Equally, as he becomes more powerful, this leads him to have phases where he's full of grand schemes and ideas - and no, none of those include trying to marry Lucilla (In this version, they really don't get on with each other). His behaviour is rendered more plausible and believable, which ultimately means you're able to sympathise with him. And, as Turney notes, archaeological evidence shows that some of the changes condemned by the Senate as evidence of Commodus's megalomania were actually accepted by at least some sections of society at the time. The senate may not have liked him, but the ordinary people did.

The novel is told from the viewpoint of a character called Marcia, a freedwoman who becomes part of the imperial household from an early age and is a key part of Commodus's life despite the vast difference in social status. The depiction of her Christianity is also interesting as this is a time before it became the state religion, meaning she's often viewed with suspicion in an imperial court where plots are perfectly normal and everyone is under suspicion at some point. In the middle of that, she's trying to reconcile her faith in one God with living among people who think their emperor is one of many gods.

This novel really paints a vivid picture of it's era and of the main characters - and you do come away from it feeling like Commodus has probably been misunderstood over the centuries. It also makes me want to search out some of those original sources to read the ancient accounts for myself. I'm interested to see how many more "damned" emperors the author will investigate and write about, as I'm really enjoying this series so far.

[L A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s not very often that a Classics themed book appears on NetGalley but when they do, I hit that Request button with the power of a thousand fiery suns. I wasn’t familiar with Turney as a writer before reading this novel, but I've added Caligula to my Audible wish list on the strength of this novel.

This book is a historical fiction novel about the Emperor Commodus. If you’re like me, you’ll be thinking “the one from Gladiator?” and yes, it’s the same person from Gladiator. Having Joaquin Phoenix in my mind whilst reading wasn’t entirely unpleasant, but it turns out that the makers of that film basically didn’t do any research whatsoever so if you thought he was an utter prat in the film, don’t let that put you off reading this book. He is a much more sympathetic character here.

The story is told from the point of view of Marcia, the Christian daughter of a freedwoman seamstress in the employ of one of the current Emperors of Rome. Marcia goes to live at the palace and spends her childhood with the young Commodus and his family. The story follows Marcia and Commodus as they grow into adulthood and their experiences through this tumultuous period of Rome’s history.

Commodus suffers from his fair share of tragedy and it’s impossible not to feel for him despite some of his behaviour. I imagine everyone you know and love dying horribly will test even the most resilient of people. Marcia serves as his confidante and rock alongside Cleander, a slave, who swiftly becomes Marcia’s nemesis.

I really liked Marcia, I tend to like morally grey female characters and she definitely fits the bill. She understands what parts of her fate she can control, and which she needs to plot her way out of. I didn’t feel her character quite had the nuances of a female perspective that perhaps a female author could offer, but I was willing to let it slide because I enjoyed her characterisation overall.

For being quite a long book, I thought the pacing was good. There were some slower parts but overall, the action moved along quickly. There’s lots of backstabbing, intrigue, betrayal, drama and action sequences but best of all, it is not a military snoozefest. I always hesitate to read historical fiction set in Ancient Rome because military fiction is REALLY not my thing, but this was really more a story about the private wars between individuals which was just peachy.

I really rather enjoyed this one and if you have an interest in the Roman Empire you probably will too. It’s a real page turner and surprisingly juicy and fun without descending into hamminess and parody. I hope Turney will be writing further novels in this series.

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Commodus from Hachette Australia to review.

Acclaimed historical fiction author Simon Turney catalogues another infamous ruler of Rome in the second book of his The Damned Emperors series, Commodus.

Rome, 162 AD. The Roman Empire is in a rare period of peace and stability, with two brothers, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, both ruling as Emperor. The future also looks bright, as for the first time in Rome’s history, two male heirs have been born to a ruling Emperor. However, only one of these children is destined to become Emperor and make his own mark on history. His name is Commodus.

Raised as Rome’s golden child, Commodus eventually succeeds his father as Emperor following a period of war, rebellion and disease. Beloved by the people and loathed by the Senate, Commodus styles himself as Hercules reborn, becoming a great patron and competitor of gladiatorial fights, chariot races and other feats of martial strength. However, behind the scenes, Commodus’s life has been filled with tragedy and despair, and he hides a darker side beneath his golden exterior.

As Commodus succumbs more and more to his inner demons, Rome is rocked by power struggles and plots, as his family and servants attempt to control or usurp the unpredictable Emperor. Only one woman, Marcia, truly understands Commodus and can keep his mind together. Born a simple palace servant, Marcia was the love of Commodus’s life and a skilled player of Roman politics. However, not even Marcia can contain Commodus’s self-destructive urges forever, and eventually she must decide whether she will die at the hands of her great love or make the ultimate betrayal.

View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/07/09/...

An abridged version of this review ran in The Canberra Weekly on 11 June 2019:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/07/11/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Rose Gan · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a tedious read. Quite an achievement to make the reign of Commodus boring, but Turney succeeds. It’s also very poorly written. Turney has a very poor grasp of grammar and syntax. I lost count of the times he confused I and me, he and him, who and whom, amongst other errors, strange for someone who purports to be steeped in the Classical world. I doubt he knows any Latin.

As with his slightly more engaging Caligula, the narrator of the story was a bland woman who miraculously found herself privy to every occasion and every person of note. Quite a stretch to imagine she would have had such a central role in Commodus’ life and behaviour. Not only that but the story eventually becomes her story - a very uninteresting and unappealing one at that- with Commodus as a foil to her. We never get an insight into the real emperor. Just Marcia’s Mills and Boon love story...with a very unbelievable ending. What a waste of reading time.

[Jarrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

SJA Turney is the author of my favorite series, Marius Mules, so I've read nearly every book he has written. The style of this one was a bit different and although I really enjoyed Caligula I just couldn't get into this book. It's hard to explain why, but there were times I just felt like things were glossed over that I would have wanted to hear about, while the things I was reading I didn't have interest in. Especially the parts with Cleander since he happens to be a main star in the Praetorian series and the stories overlap. I did like how Commodus was portrayed and felt like I got to know him well. On the flip side I also got to know Marcia a little too well and ended up feeling like I got dragged through a love story. Kind of like when I watch a chick flick with my girlfriend just to make her happy - something I can sit through with her but would never watch on my own.

[Dilys Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, an amazing read! Commodus from a personal point of view. Someone who grew up with him, lived through the pivotal times in his life and helped us understand what made him the emperor he was. Was he a megalomaniac, or just a man who wanted to be loved? Simon does a fantastic job of taking you right inside the life and mind of the man and the people closest to him. For those of you who know his other books you will have recognised the "nod" towards Rufinus. For those of you who don't, please look for the Praetorian series and see the other side of what happened during these events in Commodus' life.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commodus - megalomaniac or misunderstood? Giving one take on the question, this historical fiction book shows the reader a view of Commodus through the eyes of Marcia, his childhood friend and eventual mistress. No stranger to manipulation and acting in cold blood herself, even Marcia is chilled by some of Commodus' actions. Can she save him from himself?

After reading Caligula by the same author, I knew I had to read his book about Commodus and I was not disappointed. This word 'epic' can sometimes be overused when it comes to books, but this one truly is an epic. It takes a character who is of almost pantomime villain level and turns him into a tragically flawed human being. The world of the Roman Empire was conjured from the descriptions and the level of research which has gone into the book. I absolutely loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Orion Publishing Group, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Elaine Hargrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history lesson with a interesting narrative. The daughter of a freewoman (who was a professional seamstress) in the palace and her daughter Marcia was brought up running around the palace with the royal children. Her love grew for the remaining living son Commodus who became Emperor. His traumatic losses of family especially his twin brother at a very young age affected his mental health and therefore his behaviour. If you like a strong story line steeped in history give this one a go. I loved it.

[Steph Gutmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having loved Caligula, I was looking forward to reading this. But I was disappointed. I didn’t find the narrator a believable character, who would have been privy to as much as Simon has portrayed. I disliked the narrator immensely!

At times it was unnecessarily repetitive, and overly long-winded. Something was said in one paragraph, only to be regurgitated a few paragraphs later - often on the same page. Such a shame.

[john mcewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable

Not as swashbuckling as Marius Mules series. But none the worse for that. Once again the author gives us his version on Commodus' life through one who was there at the emperors' side. This makes for a more believable account of things. Also reading the author's notes gives you a great insight into the amount of research and due diligence which goes into building a realistic image of Commodus' character. Excellent.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I not entertained? You bet I am -- I went to bed with this book early just to finish it (I mean devour it) as quickly as possible. This is the kind of sweeping, emotionally exhausting historical epic that I long for, and Simon Turney delivers the goods in spades. It will certainly discombobulate anyone who has an image of Commodus based solely on the film "Gladiator".

[Zoë Routh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Research shows Commodus might have been bi-polar, which adds a new layer of intrigue to this infamous Emperor. The story, told through his lover’s eyes, is a tale of love, power, and intrigue. The audiobook version was well-narrated, the detail terrific, and the whole thing truly enjoyable.

A must read for Ancient Rome historical fiction fans.

[Sandra Rugina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, too. Very well done, kept me up ridiculously late a few nights. The characters are very well written.
I will definitely want to read more by Mr. Turney.
I wonder if you can one day write about Constantine and Byzantium.

[Katharine Potter · Rating 1 out of 5]

A major disappointment

I have read or listened to almost all of the author's books, looking forward to the next in the series. The historical information in this pulp fiction teen aged star crossed production would have been better placed in contest in the Praetorian series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at a complex figure and time. At first I was annoyed a bit by the choice of narrator, who seemed like a total cliche (Commodus's friend and lover who just so happens to be a Christian!), but it's all true.