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Praetorian #6
Blades of Antioch
Rome has a new emperor; a strong emperor. Septimius Severus, a lion of the battlefield, now moves east to face the usurper Pescennius Niger, contesting with a clever opponent with the ultimate prize in the balance: the throne of Rome.
But with civil war raging all across the East, problems abound. One of the frumentarii, the emperor’s military agents, has gone missing in Arabia, and with him has gone a list of the service’s personnel.
With just a slave familiar with the east, Rufinus sets off for an outpost on the edge of the empire, seeking the missing agent in an attempt to save all those on the list before it falls into enemy hands. A war-torn land, treachery and violence await…
But with civil war raging all across the East, problems abound. One of the frumentarii, the emperor’s military agents, has gone missing in Arabia, and with him has gone a list of the service’s personnel.
With just a slave familiar with the east, Rufinus sets off for an outpost on the edge of the empire, seeking the missing agent in an attempt to save all those on the list before it falls into enemy hands. A war-torn land, treachery and violence await…
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2021
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
78 books511 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 3, 2021
BLURB
Rome has a new emperor; a strong emperor. Septimius Severus, a lion of the battlefield, now moves east to face the usurper Pescennius Niger, contesting with a clever opponent with the ultimate prize in the balance: the throne of Rome.
But with civil war raging all across the East, problems abound. One of the frumentarii, the emperor’s military agents, has gone missing in Arabia, and with him has gone a list of the service’s personnel.
With just a slave familiar with the east, Rufinus sets off for an outpost on the edge of the empire, seeking the missing agent in an attempt to save all those on the list before it falls into enemy hands. A war-torn land, treachery and violence await…
REVIEW
Oh what a tangled web we weave when we choose the wrong people to believe. Another stunning performance by our one time clumsy, naïve hero. Though it is a gut-wrenching one on many levels. On a mission in the middle of a warzone (a civil warzone), Rufinus finds out the hard way that things aren't always what they seem. Pulling out all the stops, the author has created a tale with no straight lines...matters of trust and loyalty are muddled...the path to success a tortuous twisted affair... Actually, I don't know why I was so surprised by the surprises. They are undeniable proof of a master at his craft. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a hope that Sheba is in season. 😎🤞
Rome has a new emperor; a strong emperor. Septimius Severus, a lion of the battlefield, now moves east to face the usurper Pescennius Niger, contesting with a clever opponent with the ultimate prize in the balance: the throne of Rome.
But with civil war raging all across the East, problems abound. One of the frumentarii, the emperor’s military agents, has gone missing in Arabia, and with him has gone a list of the service’s personnel.
With just a slave familiar with the east, Rufinus sets off for an outpost on the edge of the empire, seeking the missing agent in an attempt to save all those on the list before it falls into enemy hands. A war-torn land, treachery and violence await…
REVIEW
Oh what a tangled web we weave when we choose the wrong people to believe. Another stunning performance by our one time clumsy, naïve hero. Though it is a gut-wrenching one on many levels. On a mission in the middle of a warzone (a civil warzone), Rufinus finds out the hard way that things aren't always what they seem. Pulling out all the stops, the author has created a tale with no straight lines...matters of trust and loyalty are muddled...the path to success a tortuous twisted affair... Actually, I don't know why I was so surprised by the surprises. They are undeniable proof of a master at his craft. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a hope that Sheba is in season. 😎🤞
August 20, 2021
This was like catching up with an old friend and carrying on from where we left off. How deep in the s**t were we going to end up? I was not disappointed, as always. I enjoyed catching up with old characters and meeting new ones and was certainly not expecting the twists and turns along the way! How on earth Simon thinks of these, I have no idea. I wasn't too keen on part of the final chapter (I won't give anything away), but completely understand why Simon had to write it in. Counting down the days to my next adventure with Rufinus and his new "friend"
October 7, 2021
Blades of Antioch is the sixth in Turney’s well researched Praetorian series this time focusing on the conflict between the two claimants to the Roman Emperor’s throne Severus and Niger. Rufinus is dispatched to Arabia to clear up some frumentarii loose ends and, naturally, ends up doing rather more.
Once again, these books stand out for me as some of the best self-published books I’ve yet read. The writing and character development is sound, the historical situations, atmosphere and politics realistic without (mostly) being too grim. And Rufinus himself has now developed into something rather more believable than the slightly uncomfortable marriage of clumsy and smart that rather characterised him in the earlier books. Turney also provides detailed notes at the end indicating where he is on solid historical grounds and where it is rather more speculative and also freely admits to a couple of spots where he allowed himself a little artistic licence with the actual history. This is something I appreciate greatly when I am reading historical books, I like to know how much of what I’ve read was solid history and how much fictional.
Once the story has got going it never really lets up and the pages fly past with no great effort on the part of the reader. It is, for the most part well written and edited, though there are the inevitable missed typos that always seem to plague self-published writers but far less than in many other self-published, and even nowadays some traditionally published, books I’ve read which was a blessing as I seem to suffer more distraction from such issues than many other readers. So, the production is good, the story very good and the historical detail also very good (as far as my limited knowledge extends). I think there is one more book in this series which I will move onto before long and then I must consider whether to take a look at one of his other historical series.
Once again, these books stand out for me as some of the best self-published books I’ve yet read. The writing and character development is sound, the historical situations, atmosphere and politics realistic without (mostly) being too grim. And Rufinus himself has now developed into something rather more believable than the slightly uncomfortable marriage of clumsy and smart that rather characterised him in the earlier books. Turney also provides detailed notes at the end indicating where he is on solid historical grounds and where it is rather more speculative and also freely admits to a couple of spots where he allowed himself a little artistic licence with the actual history. This is something I appreciate greatly when I am reading historical books, I like to know how much of what I’ve read was solid history and how much fictional.
Once the story has got going it never really lets up and the pages fly past with no great effort on the part of the reader. It is, for the most part well written and edited, though there are the inevitable missed typos that always seem to plague self-published writers but far less than in many other self-published, and even nowadays some traditionally published, books I’ve read which was a blessing as I seem to suffer more distraction from such issues than many other readers. So, the production is good, the story very good and the historical detail also very good (as far as my limited knowledge extends). I think there is one more book in this series which I will move onto before long and then I must consider whether to take a look at one of his other historical series.
November 2, 2021
.
Simply TONS and SCADS of “this way and that….” Extremely irritating phrase!
“Glancing this way and that as they ran, he watched his men with a certain pride.”
Please GOD…can this book be over soon????
I can hardly WAIT.
Please make it stop?
I stopped reading at P169; I just could not take it anymore. I returned the book.
.
Simply TONS and SCADS of “this way and that….” Extremely irritating phrase!
“Glancing this way and that as they ran, he watched his men with a certain pride.”
Please GOD…can this book be over soon????
I can hardly WAIT.
Please make it stop?
I stopped reading at P169; I just could not take it anymore. I returned the book.
.
September 20, 2021
Great with a few comments
I love reading all Turney's books. This one is as good as all the rest of the series. Only a few comments. Rufinus is two men. One is an experienced Roman officer, undercover agent, and champion boxer. He's survived combat, capture, and torture. Yet, somehow, he's as tender and sensitive as a young girl. The contrast is so great it's disturbing. The other bothersome thing is that Turney goes to the amazing and fabulous memory of Iosus way too often to get out of writing dead ends. Otherwise, lived it as usual.
I love reading all Turney's books. This one is as good as all the rest of the series. Only a few comments. Rufinus is two men. One is an experienced Roman officer, undercover agent, and champion boxer. He's survived combat, capture, and torture. Yet, somehow, he's as tender and sensitive as a young girl. The contrast is so great it's disturbing. The other bothersome thing is that Turney goes to the amazing and fabulous memory of Iosus way too often to get out of writing dead ends. Otherwise, lived it as usual.
September 30, 2022
the story of Rufinus
I loved this story. Most of the people in it were real. Most of the action was real with a little twist. It kept me on my toes right to the end. I had to delve into my history books to see how true to life it all was & it wasn’t far off. One or two of the names weren’t real & how some of the action played out wasn’t excact but your play on this story was really good. I look forward to your other books.
I loved this story. Most of the people in it were real. Most of the action was real with a little twist. It kept me on my toes right to the end. I had to delve into my history books to see how true to life it all was & it wasn’t far off. One or two of the names weren’t real & how some of the action played out wasn’t excact but your play on this story was really good. I look forward to your other books.
October 12, 2021
Compelling
Once again the degree of research is evident in this far flung part of Rome's eastern empire. The geographical pictures painted by Mr Turney are always very vivid. Rufinus is not quite the colourful character of a Fronto in the Marius Mules series ..... but none the worse for that. All in all another great read.
Once again the degree of research is evident in this far flung part of Rome's eastern empire. The geographical pictures painted by Mr Turney are always very vivid. Rufinus is not quite the colourful character of a Fronto in the Marius Mules series ..... but none the worse for that. All in all another great read.
November 17, 2021
An excellent read, the old friends of this series of books soon suck you in to the storyline.
A little bit of history I knew little about so quite instructive too.
A solid author who always delivers.
Well worth a read
A little bit of history I knew little about so quite instructive too.
A solid author who always delivers.
Well worth a read
June 10, 2022
One of the better Historical Fictions
Perfect blend of military and mystery. Nice twist on the straight military novel. I have read most of the military historical fictions and this rates with some of the best page turners.
Perfect blend of military and mystery. Nice twist on the straight military novel. I have read most of the military historical fictions and this rates with some of the best page turners.
July 22, 2023
Roman legions in Syria
A fast moving story line with several changes of direction and possibilities. Rufinus is a typical Roman officer accompanied by an erudite Jewish surgeon who reluctantly Follows his search for an assassin .
A fast moving story line with several changes of direction and possibilities. Rufinus is a typical Roman officer accompanied by an erudite Jewish surgeon who reluctantly Follows his search for an assassin .
September 4, 2025
Sharp Blades
This is the sixth book in this story that I have read and like with all great books I Will be sad to see it to the conclusion. My only regret was to see that one of the best heroes of this series ends up being slain.
This is the sixth book in this story that I have read and like with all great books I Will be sad to see it to the conclusion. My only regret was to see that one of the best heroes of this series ends up being slain.
July 19, 2021
Great yarn
Rufinius continues recovery his escapades,who is a friend or ally. There are twists and turns at every stage. I cannot wait for next instalment.
Rufinius continues recovery his escapades,who is a friend or ally. There are twists and turns at every stage. I cannot wait for next instalment.
August 9, 2021
Last of the series. S.J.A Turney does it again!
September 6, 2021
Excellent
Very imaginative, with unexpected twists and turns. The historical places and settings have an authentic ring to them, as do the various characters.
Very imaginative, with unexpected twists and turns. The historical places and settings have an authentic ring to them, as do the various characters.
Read
October 17, 2021Fantastic
In true Turney fashion. A tremendous book, spell binding, twists and turns, enough to keep the reader riveted and wanting more
In true Turney fashion. A tremendous book, spell binding, twists and turns, enough to keep the reader riveted and wanting more
November 29, 2021
Sharp as Sharpe.
Another good read with lots of plot changes and decent plot twist.
You think it but don't know it till you read it.
Another good read with lots of plot changes and decent plot twist.
You think it but don't know it till you read it.
February 20, 2022
Numquam cedemus.
Excellent, as always. Very well researched, and persona and scenes very well drawn. Ave et vale, amicus. Ad aeternitatem. Stan.
Excellent, as always. Very well researched, and persona and scenes very well drawn. Ave et vale, amicus. Ad aeternitatem. Stan.
July 12, 2022
Exciting adventure
Great tale with a long list of memorable characters. Even the main characters dog had a personality that had us all rooting for mans best friend.
Great tale with a long list of memorable characters. Even the main characters dog had a personality that had us all rooting for mans best friend.
June 28, 2024
Simply another great book from Simon Turney.
Writing the way great writers write, Turney has combined action, intrig, history and truth into another book. Wonderfully a masters art.
Writing the way great writers write, Turney has combined action, intrig, history and truth into another book. Wonderfully a masters art.
September 9, 2025
Brilliant intrigue.
Worth the read. Twists and turns. Very entertaining.
This whole series is fascinating and shows the true strength in SJA Turney’s eloquent writing style.
Worth the read. Twists and turns. Very entertaining.
This whole series is fascinating and shows the true strength in SJA Turney’s eloquent writing style.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews