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Rise of Emperors #1
Sons of Rome
The story of Constantine and Maxentius, two ambitious young men, two brilliant generals, two friends destined to fight to the death as they strive to become Emperor of Rome. The first instalment of the trilogy.
'A page turner from beginning to end ... A damn fine read' Ben Kane.
Four Emperors. Two Friends. One Destiny. As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire is but a shadow of its former self. Decades of usurping emperors, splinter kingdoms and savage wars have left the people beleaguered, the armies weary and the future uncertain. And into this chaos Emperor Diocletian steps, reforming the succession to allow for not one emperor to rule the world, but four.
Meanwhile, two boys share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum as Diocletian's dream is announced to the imperial court. Throughout the years that follow, they share heartbreak and glory as that dream sours and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread. Their lives are inextricably linked, their destinies ever-converging as they rise through Rome's savage stations, to the zenith of empire. For Constantine and Maxentius, the purple robes beckon...
Praise for Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney:
'A page turner from beginning to end ... A damn fine read' Ben Kane, author of Lionheart
'The Rise of Emperors series is first-rate Roman fiction. Doherty and Turney each breathe life into their respective characters with insight and humanity' Matthew Harffy, author of Wolf of Wessex
'A nuanced portrait of an intriguing emperor' The Times (on Turney's Commodus)
'A meticulously researched and vivid reimagining of an almost forgotten civilisation' Douglas Jackson, author of Hero of Rome (on Doherty's Empires of Bronze)
'Sons of Rome is an intriguing and highly polished piece of historical fiction' James Tivendale from Grimdark Magazine
'A page turner from beginning to end ... A damn fine read' Ben Kane.
Four Emperors. Two Friends. One Destiny. As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire is but a shadow of its former self. Decades of usurping emperors, splinter kingdoms and savage wars have left the people beleaguered, the armies weary and the future uncertain. And into this chaos Emperor Diocletian steps, reforming the succession to allow for not one emperor to rule the world, but four.
Meanwhile, two boys share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum as Diocletian's dream is announced to the imperial court. Throughout the years that follow, they share heartbreak and glory as that dream sours and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread. Their lives are inextricably linked, their destinies ever-converging as they rise through Rome's savage stations, to the zenith of empire. For Constantine and Maxentius, the purple robes beckon...
Praise for Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney:
'A page turner from beginning to end ... A damn fine read' Ben Kane, author of Lionheart
'The Rise of Emperors series is first-rate Roman fiction. Doherty and Turney each breathe life into their respective characters with insight and humanity' Matthew Harffy, author of Wolf of Wessex
'A nuanced portrait of an intriguing emperor' The Times (on Turney's Commodus)
'A meticulously researched and vivid reimagining of an almost forgotten civilisation' Douglas Jackson, author of Hero of Rome (on Doherty's Empires of Bronze)
'Sons of Rome is an intriguing and highly polished piece of historical fiction' James Tivendale from Grimdark Magazine
528 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 28, 2020
I received an advanced review copy of Sons of Rome in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Simon Turney, Gordon Doherty and Head of Zeus.
I've been getting into more historical fiction this year, so when Head of Zeus approached me with their new Aries catalogue - an imprint of their's that is focused on action and adventure books - I was pretty excited to see what they had on offer. I opted to pick up Doherty and Turney's Sons of Rome as my first choice, and although it wasn't the reading experience I was expecting, I had a great time with it.
"Now every journey has a story, but this one is a truly dark and tangled tale - one that would end, the very next day, in battle against my oldest friend..."
Sons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows two main characters, Constantine and Maxentius, both in the first-person perspective. The two voices of the protagonists were unique and distinctive so there was never a risk of confusion over whose chapter I was reading. The main distinction between the two players is that Constantine's journey is martial whereas Maxentius' is more political. We follow both of them concurrently as they age from youth to adulthood. They meet fleetingly throughout their lives when their paths crossover and they consider each other firm friends. They are many well-crafted and memorable moments throughout Sons of Rome, and the violent circumstances with which the young protagonists first meet and then discuss wooden blocks is one of these occasions that has a lasting effect throughout the novel.
"Rome is about honour and respect. You cannot fight corruption by corrupt means. Find another."
The period depicted in this book is one that I know very little about, so went into it excitable and wide-eyed ready to get enveloped by the whole experience. It comes across that the authors really know this era and therefore could confidently and comfortably tell Constantine and Maxentius' stories. There are battles and warfare, sometimes brutal, but this doesn't take up as much page time as I was expecting. A lot of what takes place is political manoeuvring, moving the metaphorical pieces on the great game board. Marriages, family ties, betrayal, operating under a certain emperor, overcoming uprisings, etc... There is also a fair bit of persecution delivered to the Christians as some important figures see them as a risk to the old gods.
"Of course, I was wrong. In the end, it always comes down to blood and steel, doesn't it?"
Sons of Rome is an impressive, addictive and fast-paced read, without being as action-focused as I'd initially hoped. The book doesn't really work as a standalone, it's more of a groundwork piece, building up the tension and intrigue; so I am expecting heaps of action and drama in the upcoming Masters of Rome. Later on in Sons of Rome, I really enjoyed seeing how Constantine and Maxentius would analyse and act on each other's decisions and actions, and how their relationship as friends slowly changes. The sides and the pieces are well and truly in place on the board for the great game and I will definitely be reading the follow up as soon as I can to see how Maxentius' and Constantine's journies play out and what impact their lives have on each other and for the future of the Roman Empire.
Sons of Rome gets a solid four-star rating for the reading experience and, at the time I am writing this, a five-star rating for value for money, with the Kindle version of the novel only costing £0.99. Sons of Rome is an intriguing and highly polished piece of Historical Fiction that is well worth the asking price.
I've been getting into more historical fiction this year, so when Head of Zeus approached me with their new Aries catalogue - an imprint of their's that is focused on action and adventure books - I was pretty excited to see what they had on offer. I opted to pick up Doherty and Turney's Sons of Rome as my first choice, and although it wasn't the reading experience I was expecting, I had a great time with it.
"Now every journey has a story, but this one is a truly dark and tangled tale - one that would end, the very next day, in battle against my oldest friend..."
Sons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows two main characters, Constantine and Maxentius, both in the first-person perspective. The two voices of the protagonists were unique and distinctive so there was never a risk of confusion over whose chapter I was reading. The main distinction between the two players is that Constantine's journey is martial whereas Maxentius' is more political. We follow both of them concurrently as they age from youth to adulthood. They meet fleetingly throughout their lives when their paths crossover and they consider each other firm friends. They are many well-crafted and memorable moments throughout Sons of Rome, and the violent circumstances with which the young protagonists first meet and then discuss wooden blocks is one of these occasions that has a lasting effect throughout the novel.
"Rome is about honour and respect. You cannot fight corruption by corrupt means. Find another."
The period depicted in this book is one that I know very little about, so went into it excitable and wide-eyed ready to get enveloped by the whole experience. It comes across that the authors really know this era and therefore could confidently and comfortably tell Constantine and Maxentius' stories. There are battles and warfare, sometimes brutal, but this doesn't take up as much page time as I was expecting. A lot of what takes place is political manoeuvring, moving the metaphorical pieces on the great game board. Marriages, family ties, betrayal, operating under a certain emperor, overcoming uprisings, etc... There is also a fair bit of persecution delivered to the Christians as some important figures see them as a risk to the old gods.
"Of course, I was wrong. In the end, it always comes down to blood and steel, doesn't it?"
Sons of Rome is an impressive, addictive and fast-paced read, without being as action-focused as I'd initially hoped. The book doesn't really work as a standalone, it's more of a groundwork piece, building up the tension and intrigue; so I am expecting heaps of action and drama in the upcoming Masters of Rome. Later on in Sons of Rome, I really enjoyed seeing how Constantine and Maxentius would analyse and act on each other's decisions and actions, and how their relationship as friends slowly changes. The sides and the pieces are well and truly in place on the board for the great game and I will definitely be reading the follow up as soon as I can to see how Maxentius' and Constantine's journies play out and what impact their lives have on each other and for the future of the Roman Empire.
Sons of Rome gets a solid four-star rating for the reading experience and, at the time I am writing this, a five-star rating for value for money, with the Kindle version of the novel only costing £0.99. Sons of Rome is an intriguing and highly polished piece of Historical Fiction that is well worth the asking price.
September 10, 2021
I received a free copy of Sons of Rome from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
I love reading historical fiction but still haven't read much about the Romans. Somehow I always seem to gravitate towards the Egyptians and the Greeks. Because of that, I was excited to finally read a historical fiction book about the Romans!
Sons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows the lives of two men, Maxentius and Constantine and their unlikely friendship. Both come from very different backgrounds and end up in different career paths. However, they always stay connected due to their mutual friendship. Until political tension intensifies and friends suddenly become rivals.
The chapters alternate between Maxentius' and Constantine's point of view, both written in the first person. Their voices are very different and distinct from each other. I could feel, that I was reading about to very different men. It was interesting to find out what happened to them next and how it was all connected.
The authors are very talented and clearly know a lot about Roman history. Their vivid descriptions of events and Roman society in general brought this time period to live. They managed to keep me glued to the pages till the very end. In fact, this book leads me to read more about the Romans, which might be the highest praise I can give.
I can't wait to start the second book of the series!
I love reading historical fiction but still haven't read much about the Romans. Somehow I always seem to gravitate towards the Egyptians and the Greeks. Because of that, I was excited to finally read a historical fiction book about the Romans!
Sons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows the lives of two men, Maxentius and Constantine and their unlikely friendship. Both come from very different backgrounds and end up in different career paths. However, they always stay connected due to their mutual friendship. Until political tension intensifies and friends suddenly become rivals.
The chapters alternate between Maxentius' and Constantine's point of view, both written in the first person. Their voices are very different and distinct from each other. I could feel, that I was reading about to very different men. It was interesting to find out what happened to them next and how it was all connected.
The authors are very talented and clearly know a lot about Roman history. Their vivid descriptions of events and Roman society in general brought this time period to live. They managed to keep me glued to the pages till the very end. In fact, this book leads me to read more about the Romans, which might be the highest praise I can give.
I can't wait to start the second book of the series!
September 2, 2020
I must say that I think both authors must have lived a previous life in this age as their research and level of detail is amazing.
This is a great story but one that you have to immerse yourself in. It is well written but i just did not get drawn in to the story so that I was addictively wanting to turn on to the red the next page. I can understand that this can be difficult of a story of such magnitude and so much detail needing to be explained but I just needed something that would keep bringing me back to the book.
This is the first in a series of books and I am excitedly looking forward to the second book.
I received an advance copy of this book on condition that I gave a review. Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors and publishers for providing a Kindle copy of this book.
This is a great story but one that you have to immerse yourself in. It is well written but i just did not get drawn in to the story so that I was addictively wanting to turn on to the red the next page. I can understand that this can be difficult of a story of such magnitude and so much detail needing to be explained but I just needed something that would keep bringing me back to the book.
This is the first in a series of books and I am excitedly looking forward to the second book.
I received an advance copy of this book on condition that I gave a review. Many thanks to NetGalley, the authors and publishers for providing a Kindle copy of this book.
October 16, 2020
Sons of Rome is one of the most immersive pieces of historical fiction I’ve read. Every page drips with authenticity, from the sounds and smells of the streets of Rome to the rolling thunder of a marching legion.
Simon and Gordon don’t just tell you about the ancient world, they transport you there.
Constantine is one of the most revered emperors from the days of empire, and I found Gordon’s take on his rise to power to be extraordinary. In this first book we begin to see the transformation in his character from a young, proud, ambitious man who loves fiercely and has a strong sense for what is right, into the ruler he will one day become.
Maxentius’ story is less known – barely known at all really, and I found Simon’s depiction of him brilliant. A man stuck in the shadow of his father, learning to be a father himself. One thing that will stay with me long after reading this is Maxentius’ love for his son, Romulus, his desperation to build a better world for him.
Those familiar with this period in history will know how this series will end, though books aren’t all about the destination. It’s the journey that stays with the reader, the strengths and flaws of the characters that travel it. I can’t wait for the next leg of this one.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
Simon and Gordon don’t just tell you about the ancient world, they transport you there.
Constantine is one of the most revered emperors from the days of empire, and I found Gordon’s take on his rise to power to be extraordinary. In this first book we begin to see the transformation in his character from a young, proud, ambitious man who loves fiercely and has a strong sense for what is right, into the ruler he will one day become.
Maxentius’ story is less known – barely known at all really, and I found Simon’s depiction of him brilliant. A man stuck in the shadow of his father, learning to be a father himself. One thing that will stay with me long after reading this is Maxentius’ love for his son, Romulus, his desperation to build a better world for him.
Those familiar with this period in history will know how this series will end, though books aren’t all about the destination. It’s the journey that stays with the reader, the strengths and flaws of the characters that travel it. I can’t wait for the next leg of this one.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
December 14, 2020
If you love Roman historical fiction as I do then you'll know that we're in safe hands with Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty - they really know their stuff and put it to good use. A great start to a new series on a relatively less well-known period of Roman history, the troubled civil wars that led to the rise of Constantine in the early 4th century AD. There are a lot of players involved in the story and it's good to see that their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters also get a look in. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
October 28, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All the opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
"𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙨: 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣, 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 – 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 – 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙢. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚.’’ -- 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚
[image error]
𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙨. 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮.
"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙩? 𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨." -- 𝙈𝙖𝙭𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙪𝙨
⚔️As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, decades of savage invasions, forceful usurpation, and internal dissension makes it impossible for one emperor to rule the Roman empire individually. To solve this problem Emperor Diocletian brings the Tetrarchy system, allowing not one but four emperors to rule the empire: A senior emperor, Augustus in the East and the West, and each aided by a Caesar – junior emperors who were to succeed their Augusti.
On that day two boys, Constantine and Maxentius share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum and becomes friends. But this new arrangement separates them from each other. Constantine, abandoned by his father traveled to the court of the Caesar of the East to make his name. While Maxentius, living in the shadow of his father, struggles to keep up his father's expectation to be his worthy successor.
Over the years that follow, the Tetrarchy system gets corrupted and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread at the height of the mass religious persecutions, but the friendship of Constantine and Maxentius remains intact. However, when both the senior Augustus's place became vacant, both friends find themselves against each other vying for the same throne of Augustus of the West.
⚔️The book is based on the famous emperor Constantine and his rival emperor Maxentius. Narrated from their interchangeable first-person POVs it follows their lives as they embark on their rise to power from being mere boys to be grown-up men wearing the purple robe of Emperor.
⚔️Both the characters - Constantine, the ambitious military general, and Maxentius, the idealistic dreamer - are so meticulously crafted that it became hard to chose one of them as my favorite. Besides their friendship, there is also a sub-plot of the father-son relationship run simultaneously that Constantine and Maxentius shared with their respective father and son - which I find quite interesting to read.
⚔️The writing of Simon and Gordon is smooth and flawless. I've read Gordon's books in the past, but Simon is new to me and I'm already looking forward to reading his other books. Their riveting storytelling; vivid descriptions; fast pacing narratives and historical authenticity makes the book so gripping that it's hard to realize that it was written by two different authors and leave me wanting to read more.
⚔️The book is riched with historical information and subtle detailing that gives a cinematic view of that era, landscape, empire's administration, and its prevailing religious intolerance. I was so fascinated with these that at the end of each chapter I googled it myself to check the historicity. The maps, historical notes, and glossary of Latin terms provided in the book proved quite helpful in this regard.
⚔️The book ends with the failed council meeting at Carnuntum to resolve the succession matter of the western empire. I find it satisfactory as the face-off of Constantine and Maxentius is now inevitable and it raises my expectation level tenfold to read the next book, which is going to be published next year.
Overall, Sons of Rome was an epic masterpiece and I enjoyed every bit of it. It's 1st the installment of the Rise of Emperor trilogy. I'm already hooked for Book 2. If you like Roman historical fiction then this book is for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩����𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙨: 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣, 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 – 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 – 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙢. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚.’’ -- 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚
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𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙨. 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮.
"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙩? 𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨." -- 𝙈𝙖𝙭𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙪𝙨
⚔️As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, decades of savage invasions, forceful usurpation, and internal dissension makes it impossible for one emperor to rule the Roman empire individually. To solve this problem Emperor Diocletian brings the Tetrarchy system, allowing not one but four emperors to rule the empire: A senior emperor, Augustus in the East and the West, and each aided by a Caesar – junior emperors who were to succeed their Augusti.
On that day two boys, Constantine and Maxentius share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum and becomes friends. But this new arrangement separates them from each other. Constantine, abandoned by his father traveled to the court of the Caesar of the East to make his name. While Maxentius, living in the shadow of his father, struggles to keep up his father's expectation to be his worthy successor.
Over the years that follow, the Tetrarchy system gets corrupted and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread at the height of the mass religious persecutions, but the friendship of Constantine and Maxentius remains intact. However, when both the senior Augustus's place became vacant, both friends find themselves against each other vying for the same throne of Augustus of the West.
⚔️The book is based on the famous emperor Constantine and his rival emperor Maxentius. Narrated from their interchangeable first-person POVs it follows their lives as they embark on their rise to power from being mere boys to be grown-up men wearing the purple robe of Emperor.
⚔️Both the characters - Constantine, the ambitious military general, and Maxentius, the idealistic dreamer - are so meticulously crafted that it became hard to chose one of them as my favorite. Besides their friendship, there is also a sub-plot of the father-son relationship run simultaneously that Constantine and Maxentius shared with their respective father and son - which I find quite interesting to read.
⚔️The writing of Simon and Gordon is smooth and flawless. I've read Gordon's books in the past, but Simon is new to me and I'm already looking forward to reading his other books. Their riveting storytelling; vivid descriptions; fast pacing narratives and historical authenticity makes the book so gripping that it's hard to realize that it was written by two different authors and leave me wanting to read more.
⚔️The book is riched with historical information and subtle detailing that gives a cinematic view of that era, landscape, empire's administration, and its prevailing religious intolerance. I was so fascinated with these that at the end of each chapter I googled it myself to check the historicity. The maps, historical notes, and glossary of Latin terms provided in the book proved quite helpful in this regard.
⚔️The book ends with the failed council meeting at Carnuntum to resolve the succession matter of the western empire. I find it satisfactory as the face-off of Constantine and Maxentius is now inevitable and it raises my expectation level tenfold to read the next book, which is going to be published next year.
Overall, Sons of Rome was an epic masterpiece and I enjoyed every bit of it. It's 1st the installment of the Rise of Emperor trilogy. I'm already hooked for Book 2. If you like Roman historical fiction then this book is for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩����𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want to read
July 29, 2020In this latest Waiting on Wednesday article I look at an amazing upcoming historical fiction novel that is going to focus on a fascinating period of Roman history, with Sons of Rome by Timon Turney and Gordon Doherty.
Sons of Rome is an awesome-sounding book that is currently set for release later this year and which will serve as the first book in the new Rise of the Emperors series. I think that this book has the potential to be one hell of an epic and enjoyable piece of ancient Roman historical fiction, mainly because of the fantastic collaborative writing team behind it. This book will be jointly authored by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty, both of whom have significant experience writing Roman historical fiction novels.
Of the two authors, I most familiar with Turney (who also publishes under the pen name S. J. A. Turney), and his The Damned Emperors series. I absolutely loved Turney’s latest novel, Commodus, which expertly chronicled the life of one of Rome’s most controversial Emperors, the titular Commodus, and which ended up being one of my favourite books of 2019. Turney has also written a ton of other novels (most of which I really need to check out) that cover various other parts of Roman history, including his long-running Marius’ Mules series, his Praetorian series and his Tales of the Empire series. Doherty, on the other hand, is someone whose work I have not had the pleasure of reading yet, although he has also authored a significant number of fantastic sounding historical fiction books, including his various entries in the Legionary series, the Empires of Bronze books, the Strategos novels and even the official novelization for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Based on this, it is clear that Sons of Rome has quite a talented and experienced team of writers behind it, and I am hoping that literary magic will occur when these two veteran authors come together. It certainly looks promising, as this upcoming book has a deeply intriguing story behind it that will focus on a rather captivating period of Roman history.
One of the best things about reading Roman historical fiction is the sheer range of different periods and outrageous historical personalities that the books can feature. This is certainly the case with Sons of Rome, which is going to be based around the reign of a unique Roman Emperor, Diocletian. I have to admit that this was an Emperor I'm not particularly familiar with (Roman historical fiction does tend to skew towards Julius Caesar and his successors), but a quick bit of research revealed that Diocletian was a very interesting man, who ended up achieving a lot in his own way. I am looking forward to seeing how his reign is shown in Sons of Rome and I imagine that it will allow for a good combination of Roman politics, intrigue and military campaigns. This book is also going to focus on the early days of some other major Roman historical figures, Constantine and Maxentius, and I am rather intrigued to see how their relationship is portrayed throughout this book.
As a result of this compelling story content and the talented writing team behind it, I have extremely high hopes for Sons of Rome, especially as I know that the authors will really dive deep into the details behind these fascinating historical figures. I am really looking forward to this upcoming book, and I truly believe that Sons of Rome will be an outstanding and impressive piece of historical fiction.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Sons of Rome is an awesome-sounding book that is currently set for release later this year and which will serve as the first book in the new Rise of the Emperors series. I think that this book has the potential to be one hell of an epic and enjoyable piece of ancient Roman historical fiction, mainly because of the fantastic collaborative writing team behind it. This book will be jointly authored by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty, both of whom have significant experience writing Roman historical fiction novels.
Of the two authors, I most familiar with Turney (who also publishes under the pen name S. J. A. Turney), and his The Damned Emperors series. I absolutely loved Turney’s latest novel, Commodus, which expertly chronicled the life of one of Rome’s most controversial Emperors, the titular Commodus, and which ended up being one of my favourite books of 2019. Turney has also written a ton of other novels (most of which I really need to check out) that cover various other parts of Roman history, including his long-running Marius’ Mules series, his Praetorian series and his Tales of the Empire series. Doherty, on the other hand, is someone whose work I have not had the pleasure of reading yet, although he has also authored a significant number of fantastic sounding historical fiction books, including his various entries in the Legionary series, the Empires of Bronze books, the Strategos novels and even the official novelization for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Based on this, it is clear that Sons of Rome has quite a talented and experienced team of writers behind it, and I am hoping that literary magic will occur when these two veteran authors come together. It certainly looks promising, as this upcoming book has a deeply intriguing story behind it that will focus on a rather captivating period of Roman history.
One of the best things about reading Roman historical fiction is the sheer range of different periods and outrageous historical personalities that the books can feature. This is certainly the case with Sons of Rome, which is going to be based around the reign of a unique Roman Emperor, Diocletian. I have to admit that this was an Emperor I'm not particularly familiar with (Roman historical fiction does tend to skew towards Julius Caesar and his successors), but a quick bit of research revealed that Diocletian was a very interesting man, who ended up achieving a lot in his own way. I am looking forward to seeing how his reign is shown in Sons of Rome and I imagine that it will allow for a good combination of Roman politics, intrigue and military campaigns. This book is also going to focus on the early days of some other major Roman historical figures, Constantine and Maxentius, and I am rather intrigued to see how their relationship is portrayed throughout this book.
As a result of this compelling story content and the talented writing team behind it, I have extremely high hopes for Sons of Rome, especially as I know that the authors will really dive deep into the details behind these fascinating historical figures. I am really looking forward to this upcoming book, and I truly believe that Sons of Rome will be an outstanding and impressive piece of historical fiction.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
November 5, 2020
A wonderful story that takes you through the old Roman Empire. You are taken through backstabbing and political fallouts and how Constantine's family goes from being well respected to all of a sounded outcast, especially his mother especially because of his father wanting to have title and power.
You follow his life and the decisions he makes along the way. You also see his times when happy and then sad when losing his love during childbirth.
Then you have the other side Maxentius, who is under the thumb and shadow of his father and with a wife who is only in name. wants to live in a better world at least a better Rome. Also wants better for his son. As you read this story you are living through the words of the authors as history is being told to you through this story. What a story it is.
I liked everything about this story going from the childhood of both men to adulthood. Their families and the battles whether on the battlefield or in the political sense. Each character was unique and added to the story and this book will keep you glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. A very good book. My words do not give it justice. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
You follow his life and the decisions he makes along the way. You also see his times when happy and then sad when losing his love during childbirth.
Then you have the other side Maxentius, who is under the thumb and shadow of his father and with a wife who is only in name. wants to live in a better world at least a better Rome. Also wants better for his son. As you read this story you are living through the words of the authors as history is being told to you through this story. What a story it is.
I liked everything about this story going from the childhood of both men to adulthood. Their families and the battles whether on the battlefield or in the political sense. Each character was unique and added to the story and this book will keep you glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. A very good book. My words do not give it justice. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
December 8, 2020
This was an amazing book! What we have is the early story of Constantine, when he was still trying to make his way in the world, interspersed with the story of Maxentius, who faces him on the battlefield at the very beginning of the book; the rest is a flash-back. The novel is written in first person by each of them, back and forth one chapter at a time; their memories are so different that I never got confused as to whose story I was reading. Both are sympathetic, and Constantine’s story didn’t really overshadow Maxentius. One is strong, the other is weak, but both prove to be integral to the crisis of their generation. I watched helplessly as they slowly found themselves on opposite sides, inexorably torn apart by their own destinies. In the late 3rd century, Diocletian has just divided the empire into its Tetrarchy, where the east and the west has its own Augustus and Caesar—four rulers in all, where Caesar was to be the heir of Augustus. In theory this may have toned down all the assassinations, but in practice it was a disaster and our protagonists find themselves in the middle; both are cheated from their intended position. Not only do we, the reader, find ourselves involved in the fortunes of these two characters, we are plunged into the everyday life of the empire’s ruling elite. And it’s not a pretty sight! The emperors range from nasty to despicable. These were the days when Christians were burned at the stake; Diocletian even condemned his own wife!
Another Joviani legionary stomped out of the tunnel and onto the arena floor, carrying a crackling torch. The crowd fell utterly silent as the soldier held the torch near the firewood then looked up to Diocletian. Maxentius and I looked on, the breath held captive in our lungs. We, like the rest of the crowd, were sure that the emperor would intervene, give his wife a reprieve. This was statement enough, surely?
At that moment, I noticed how Diocletian jolted in his seat, lurching forward as if shaken by some great moment of understanding. His fingers clasped the arms of his seat and his eyes grew wide. His lips opened as if to speak.
Free her, I mouthed, willing him to speak those words. I noticed Maxentius’ lips move likewise by my side.
Silence… then the emperor nodded to the torch-bearer and slumped back in his seat.
Nice guy! And he wasn’t the worst. After Diocletian retired, the Emperor of the East, Galerius, was ruthless, greedy, and sadistic; he proved to be the nemesis of both Constantine and Maxentius and seemed to get away with the worst atrocities. I couldn’t wait until Constantine took over and gave him his just desserts, but I’m destined to wait a little longer. Let’s hope that happens in book two!
Another Joviani legionary stomped out of the tunnel and onto the arena floor, carrying a crackling torch. The crowd fell utterly silent as the soldier held the torch near the firewood then looked up to Diocletian. Maxentius and I looked on, the breath held captive in our lungs. We, like the rest of the crowd, were sure that the emperor would intervene, give his wife a reprieve. This was statement enough, surely?
At that moment, I noticed how Diocletian jolted in his seat, lurching forward as if shaken by some great moment of understanding. His fingers clasped the arms of his seat and his eyes grew wide. His lips opened as if to speak.
Free her, I mouthed, willing him to speak those words. I noticed Maxentius’ lips move likewise by my side.
Silence… then the emperor nodded to the torch-bearer and slumped back in his seat.
Nice guy! And he wasn’t the worst. After Diocletian retired, the Emperor of the East, Galerius, was ruthless, greedy, and sadistic; he proved to be the nemesis of both Constantine and Maxentius and seemed to get away with the worst atrocities. I couldn’t wait until Constantine took over and gave him his just desserts, but I’m destined to wait a little longer. Let’s hope that happens in book two!
October 21, 2020
REVIEW
For years I've been hearing and reading from these two authors about this combining of their talents. That they would be producing a spectacular, earth shaking, literary masterpiece.(Editor's note - a bit of hyperbole in that last sentence,) For years I waited, curiously excited, anticipation running rampant...for years I hungered for news of this tome of the ages, and with every passing week, my expectations grew...the bar has been raised. When the long awaited tale finally made its way to my Kindle, I expected to be overwhelmed by it....and I was. A riveting tale from start to finish, the sheer scope and drama that arises from the forming of a Tetrarchy to rule the vast Roman Empire, sets the scene for tragic decisions and betrayals. (Editor's note - finish? This tale ain't finished yet. ) Seamlessly put together, the chapters lure the reader to keep turning the pages from the view of Maxentius to the view of Constantine. It was a complicated time in Rome's history, and the goal of assuring a peaceful succession of emperors, was a rousing failure. The characters are an interesting display of differences, though there are similarities especially the cruelties of Diocletian and Galerius, but in the end they all crave power - some coming to that reality sooner than others. This tale not only relies on the historical records, but the scarcity of those records, oftentimes conflicting to boot, offers the creative mind a chance to mine the possibilities, creating credible results. Simon and Gordon are masters at that and the blending of their talents is an obvious success. (Editor's note - Simon and Gordon - sounds like a 60's Pop Duo.😊) My only issue with Sons of Rome is that it took so long to come out...I mean it's not as if the authors have other projects they are pursuing. So, on with book 2, please. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Editor's note - I have it on good authority that the two authors are as busy as beavers in a virgin birch forest working on many projects.)
For years I've been hearing and reading from these two authors about this combining of their talents. That they would be producing a spectacular, earth shaking, literary masterpiece.(Editor's note - a bit of hyperbole in that last sentence,) For years I waited, curiously excited, anticipation running rampant...for years I hungered for news of this tome of the ages, and with every passing week, my expectations grew...the bar has been raised. When the long awaited tale finally made its way to my Kindle, I expected to be overwhelmed by it....and I was. A riveting tale from start to finish, the sheer scope and drama that arises from the forming of a Tetrarchy to rule the vast Roman Empire, sets the scene for tragic decisions and betrayals. (Editor's note - finish? This tale ain't finished yet. ) Seamlessly put together, the chapters lure the reader to keep turning the pages from the view of Maxentius to the view of Constantine. It was a complicated time in Rome's history, and the goal of assuring a peaceful succession of emperors, was a rousing failure. The characters are an interesting display of differences, though there are similarities especially the cruelties of Diocletian and Galerius, but in the end they all crave power - some coming to that reality sooner than others. This tale not only relies on the historical records, but the scarcity of those records, oftentimes conflicting to boot, offers the creative mind a chance to mine the possibilities, creating credible results. Simon and Gordon are masters at that and the blending of their talents is an obvious success. (Editor's note - Simon and Gordon - sounds like a 60's Pop Duo.😊) My only issue with Sons of Rome is that it took so long to come out...I mean it's not as if the authors have other projects they are pursuing. So, on with book 2, please. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Editor's note - I have it on good authority that the two authors are as busy as beavers in a virgin birch forest working on many projects.)
February 2, 2021
I feel I've read a lot of books about Rome, but this still had something new to offer and I really enjoyed it. Very interesting story
September 12, 2020
This is my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this book.
It was a very interesting and fascinating story about Rome past its glory days. It is the story of two young boys growing into men and power. Power that changes everything, even their friendship.
It was a very interesting and fascinating story about Rome past its glory days. It is the story of two young boys growing into men and power. Power that changes everything, even their friendship.
November 9, 2021
You can also find a spoiler-free review of the entire series on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/cMb2qd3Ov-4
Talk about a Bromance set in ~300AD. This trilogy is full of fascinating detail about Rome and how life was back then. But even more so, the authors put together one of the best character studies I’ve ever read in my life.
In Sons of Rome, we get to meet two rather unlikely friends with rather different characters - one is more calculated and appreciates the worth of a city and the other is sculptured through war and strategy.
Book one is their “coming of age” story. We learn about how both grew up, the challenges they were facing, and what kept them connected throughout the years and distance. Both were thrown into a world full of political intrigue and both have a very different way of maneuvering it.
What really stood out to me are the father/ son relationships and how beautifully it’s written. Usually, I don’t care about families/ feelings between parents and children, but this one is so heartwarming and for the first time, I got a glimpse into what it means to love a child.
The writing is phenomenal! It truly feels like you’re in a room with our main characters. You get to know them intimately thanks to the detailed description of their motives, fears, and actions. The depth of the characters, their hopes, plans, ideas, how they always think about their friend, is simply breathtaking.
While the story plays in our “world”, the authors do an amazing job describing, i.e., the paths the armies are walking. Sometimes this is based on the wine and food they are consuming and sometimes it’s through descriptions about what they experience. Thankfully, it’s never too detailed and there are no long travels with excruciating descriptions of the surroundings. But it’s rather a clever weave into the general plot.
Talk about a Bromance set in ~300AD. This trilogy is full of fascinating detail about Rome and how life was back then. But even more so, the authors put together one of the best character studies I’ve ever read in my life.
In Sons of Rome, we get to meet two rather unlikely friends with rather different characters - one is more calculated and appreciates the worth of a city and the other is sculptured through war and strategy.
Book one is their “coming of age” story. We learn about how both grew up, the challenges they were facing, and what kept them connected throughout the years and distance. Both were thrown into a world full of political intrigue and both have a very different way of maneuvering it.
What really stood out to me are the father/ son relationships and how beautifully it’s written. Usually, I don’t care about families/ feelings between parents and children, but this one is so heartwarming and for the first time, I got a glimpse into what it means to love a child.
The writing is phenomenal! It truly feels like you’re in a room with our main characters. You get to know them intimately thanks to the detailed description of their motives, fears, and actions. The depth of the characters, their hopes, plans, ideas, how they always think about their friend, is simply breathtaking.
While the story plays in our “world”, the authors do an amazing job describing, i.e., the paths the armies are walking. Sometimes this is based on the wine and food they are consuming and sometimes it’s through descriptions about what they experience. Thankfully, it’s never too detailed and there are no long travels with excruciating descriptions of the surroundings. But it’s rather a clever weave into the general plot.
October 18, 2020
Sometimes you feel like you’re the last to discover some authors and their works. This is what happened with Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney as it’s their first book I read and found it fascinating.
Growing up in a Latin country I study Ancient Rome history but you don’t learn a lot about Diocletianus and his era. We learn that Constantine was the one who issued the Edictum Mediolanense (Edict of Milan) that gave Christianity a legal status and we learned that he defeated Maxentius at Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The legend says that Constatine had a vision of a cross and a voice that said "In hoc signo vinces" (With this sign you will win).
I learned something more reading Julian by Gore Vidal (one of my top ten favourite books) as Constantine family was a bit complex.
I never heard anything about Maxentius (I saw his Basilica in Rome) and it seemed that he was lost in history.
All this long blah blah to say that I started this book with some notions of the historical timeframe and was happy to read it because it helped to learn more about these two important characters of Roman History.
The books is a fascinating, fast paced and gripping read told by the POVs of the two different main characters.
It’s full of action, battles, court intrigue and I loved how well researched and vivid the historical background is.
The story has a dual POV, one for Constatine and one for Maxentius. They are both fleshed out and well thought characters: Constatine the ambitious military type, Maxentius more intellectual and a dreamer.
On the background the history and the decadence of the Empire.
I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book because they helped to distinguish between historical fact and fiction.
I think this is an excellent historical fiction and I can’t wait to read the next book .
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Growing up in a Latin country I study Ancient Rome history but you don’t learn a lot about Diocletianus and his era. We learn that Constantine was the one who issued the Edictum Mediolanense (Edict of Milan) that gave Christianity a legal status and we learned that he defeated Maxentius at Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The legend says that Constatine had a vision of a cross and a voice that said "In hoc signo vinces" (With this sign you will win).
I learned something more reading Julian by Gore Vidal (one of my top ten favourite books) as Constantine family was a bit complex.
I never heard anything about Maxentius (I saw his Basilica in Rome) and it seemed that he was lost in history.
All this long blah blah to say that I started this book with some notions of the historical timeframe and was happy to read it because it helped to learn more about these two important characters of Roman History.
The books is a fascinating, fast paced and gripping read told by the POVs of the two different main characters.
It’s full of action, battles, court intrigue and I loved how well researched and vivid the historical background is.
The story has a dual POV, one for Constatine and one for Maxentius. They are both fleshed out and well thought characters: Constatine the ambitious military type, Maxentius more intellectual and a dreamer.
On the background the history and the decadence of the Empire.
I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book because they helped to distinguish between historical fact and fiction.
I think this is an excellent historical fiction and I can’t wait to read the next book .
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 22, 2020
Sons of Rome follows the footsteps of Constantine and Maxentius as the grow from little boys into men fighting for the purple robe of the empire!
The prologue sets the scene for the series as we meet Constantine on the eve of battle against someone he once knew as friend.. how did they get here.. what happened to change those boys.
Power.. that’s what.. and paranoia.
As boys Maxentius and Constantine see Emperor Diocletian share his vision for the future, the empire is too big for one man to rule.. Diocletian wishes to create a new system to share power, A Tetrarchy, which will also inturn decide rightly who will rule when an Augustus dies.
The issue is both boys have fathers who are flawed and neither are really shown the love and affection a young boy needs.
As men both are overlooked and we see them navigate what can only be described as a nightmare of events for both of them..each always thinking of the other but never truly understanding the others motives..jealously and paranoia strike at every turn and while you hope for things to turn out ok nothing is going to stop the black events that are going to follow.
War and death stalk them…greed and the urge to show strength lead both men to do things they likely regret but can never admit.. to proud.. and scared to admit the truth…as they grow you see their hearts turn black, ever changed by the events that mould them into the men they are.
Knowing both authors styles I had no worries at all that the joint effort would be anything but a masterpiece, but they have surpassed all expectations and have given me a true highlight in what has been a pretty shitty year.. we’ve waited for this team up for sooooo long but it was worth the wait!
If you are a fan of the writers’ or just love the genre then I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s got the historic detail you won’t but mixed with a well woven and written plot that flowed almost effortlessly.
The prologue sets the scene for the series as we meet Constantine on the eve of battle against someone he once knew as friend.. how did they get here.. what happened to change those boys.
Power.. that’s what.. and paranoia.
As boys Maxentius and Constantine see Emperor Diocletian share his vision for the future, the empire is too big for one man to rule.. Diocletian wishes to create a new system to share power, A Tetrarchy, which will also inturn decide rightly who will rule when an Augustus dies.
The issue is both boys have fathers who are flawed and neither are really shown the love and affection a young boy needs.
As men both are overlooked and we see them navigate what can only be described as a nightmare of events for both of them..each always thinking of the other but never truly understanding the others motives..jealously and paranoia strike at every turn and while you hope for things to turn out ok nothing is going to stop the black events that are going to follow.
War and death stalk them…greed and the urge to show strength lead both men to do things they likely regret but can never admit.. to proud.. and scared to admit the truth…as they grow you see their hearts turn black, ever changed by the events that mould them into the men they are.
Knowing both authors styles I had no worries at all that the joint effort would be anything but a masterpiece, but they have surpassed all expectations and have given me a true highlight in what has been a pretty shitty year.. we’ve waited for this team up for sooooo long but it was worth the wait!
If you are a fan of the writers’ or just love the genre then I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s got the historic detail you won’t but mixed with a well woven and written plot that flowed almost effortlessly.
January 29, 2021
An epic tale!
Constantine, the first "Christian" emperor of Rome, is the focus of this book. We see his progress from a naive youth, being effectively exiled to the Eastern Empire, where he acquires the military and political skills that bring him the ultimate prize. The audacious political duplicity, displayed be all the "purple"protagonists, and their casual cruelty are fully explored in this book. Even the sainted Constantine is not averse to throwing his enemies to the lions, literally. The suppression of the Christian religion is explored in all its gory cruelty and while Constantine is sympathetic to their plight he remains strictly neutral on the subject. This story is a must for all lovers of ancient Roman history.
Constantine, the first "Christian" emperor of Rome, is the focus of this book. We see his progress from a naive youth, being effectively exiled to the Eastern Empire, where he acquires the military and political skills that bring him the ultimate prize. The audacious political duplicity, displayed be all the "purple"protagonists, and their casual cruelty are fully explored in this book. Even the sainted Constantine is not averse to throwing his enemies to the lions, literally. The suppression of the Christian religion is explored in all its gory cruelty and while Constantine is sympathetic to their plight he remains strictly neutral on the subject. This story is a must for all lovers of ancient Roman history.
November 1, 2020
Superb!
As an unabashed fan of both authors, I knew that I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed. Great characters grow from the pages, giving a very credible insight into a period of history which hitherto was very much spun by the victor. Can't wait for the second part. Good job guys, loved it
As an unabashed fan of both authors, I knew that I was in for a treat. I was not disappointed. Great characters grow from the pages, giving a very credible insight into a period of history which hitherto was very much spun by the victor. Can't wait for the second part. Good job guys, loved it
November 22, 2023
Sketchy patchy sources, most of which later rewritten to suit the skewed Christian agenda: from such sparse raw material Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney teamed up and went at it hammer and tongs to deliver what I believe promises to be an outstanding trilogy, "Sons, Masters and Gods of Rome".
I am always one for good historical novels, but what exactly do I mean by good?
Well in my opinion, to reach the standard the book has to strike a balance between fiction and history, the scales tipped towards the latter whenever need be. And that is not all! For I do not condone fact-bending if not as a last resort and by a whisker to help in the course of the narrative and on condition that the writer is honest and admits to it somewhere in a footnote of his. In this respect I must say that this book succeeds beyond my expectations and the story is riveting from page one to the end.
Yet the demanding reader that I am could have felt happier, had some passages been different and a few flaws avoided now and then.
Here is my list of the misguided views and oversights I noticed but had no problem to overcome as a matter of fact. It is just that I always want all Is dotted and Ts crossed properly!
1. I know cuts have to be made or else thousands of pages would be required but a sizable chunk of Diocletian's action is left in the shadows as if it all amounted to his late Edict of Persecution.
2. For all we know, Constantine was indeed a jumped-up squirt who very early on was getting too big for his boots. Yet he was not entirely a pipsqueak on the sideline, thanks to his father so I find it hard to believe that at home there was not a whole crowd of slaves at his beck and call. Mind you, the many imperial families all seem in the book to be short of slaves too!
3. Mars is often referred to, not surprisingly, given that he was the god of the battlefield. Yet at the time the legions, mostly in the East, had taken to worshipping a foreign deity, Mithras, whose name pops up only once. His cult bore in practise some likeness with Christian ritual so it would have been worth mentioning.
4. Page 259, when a Roman boy was still underage, he used to wear the toga pretexta and was not limited to a casual tunic.
5. Chapter 19: I had to keep in mind it was a novel I was reading because frankly this chapter is way too much of a stretch of fancy to my liking, bordering on high improbability. If indeed Constantine gave Galerius the slip after a fashion - we shall never know, shall we?- in all likelihood it was not the Hollywood way!
6. Page 274: "Rome had always been immune to imperial taxes." The statement needs putting right. Actually after Aemilius Paullus's three day triumph in 168 BC to celebrate his victory on the Macedonian king Perseus (battle of Pydna), so much wealth had been plundered during the sack of Corinth that from then on Roman citizens in Italy were exempt from direct taxation. In 306 AD, Galerius overturned the old tax relief, an ill-advised move that sparked unrest in the whole of Italy with the following making of another Emperor by the Pretorians (for the very last time in the history of Rome, mark): Maxentius.
Pages 10 & 292: there was still no hearth as we know today; by way of fireplace, an ancient household made do with a brazier.
Page 413: the authors ought to have a good look at the map! Arelate, today's Arles in Southern France, was not a Mediterranean port. The thriving city overlooked the banks of the Rhodanus. It still does, for that matter, despite fast rising sea level!
Page 420: I doubt they used feasting tables for the occasion. Roman guests used to lie on special couches to enjoy dinner. Celebrating a coming wedding was too big an occasion not to have your meal the old traditional Roman way, lying on a comfy cushioned "lictus", barefooted and with loose clothing on (any knot would have been bad luck).
Now as already said these are slight flaws, never to put you in a position where you can't see the wood for the trees. Moreover I don't think I am a carper making a mountain out of any mole hill! Actually I do like this first book for its striking depiction of the Roman world as it was then. It makes you realise that run-down and depleted legions had to rely heavily on allied Barbarians to get rid of other Barbarians always keen at any fresh opportunity to overrunning large swathes of good Roman land. Big pitched battles became fewer and further between as all-out war was getting unaffordable and was fizzling out into scores of bloody skirmishes.
Doherty and Turney hit the nail on the head about the main loophole of the Tetrarchy, when Diocletian's brainchild suddenly went awry as soon as Constantine and Maxentius felt passed over and made it a can of worms.
As for Constantine himself, his seeing Christian creed as a means to an end, namely for him to wield ever more power is well hinted at.
The gripping events are unfolding from two points of view as Constantine and Maxentius take it in turns to tell their own side of the story, which spices it all up.
So no wonder that no sooner have I finished "Sons of Rome" than I am already picking the follow-up, "Masters of Rome"!
I am always one for good historical novels, but what exactly do I mean by good?
Well in my opinion, to reach the standard the book has to strike a balance between fiction and history, the scales tipped towards the latter whenever need be. And that is not all! For I do not condone fact-bending if not as a last resort and by a whisker to help in the course of the narrative and on condition that the writer is honest and admits to it somewhere in a footnote of his. In this respect I must say that this book succeeds beyond my expectations and the story is riveting from page one to the end.
Yet the demanding reader that I am could have felt happier, had some passages been different and a few flaws avoided now and then.
Here is my list of the misguided views and oversights I noticed but had no problem to overcome as a matter of fact. It is just that I always want all Is dotted and Ts crossed properly!
1. I know cuts have to be made or else thousands of pages would be required but a sizable chunk of Diocletian's action is left in the shadows as if it all amounted to his late Edict of Persecution.
2. For all we know, Constantine was indeed a jumped-up squirt who very early on was getting too big for his boots. Yet he was not entirely a pipsqueak on the sideline, thanks to his father so I find it hard to believe that at home there was not a whole crowd of slaves at his beck and call. Mind you, the many imperial families all seem in the book to be short of slaves too!
3. Mars is often referred to, not surprisingly, given that he was the god of the battlefield. Yet at the time the legions, mostly in the East, had taken to worshipping a foreign deity, Mithras, whose name pops up only once. His cult bore in practise some likeness with Christian ritual so it would have been worth mentioning.
4. Page 259, when a Roman boy was still underage, he used to wear the toga pretexta and was not limited to a casual tunic.
5. Chapter 19: I had to keep in mind it was a novel I was reading because frankly this chapter is way too much of a stretch of fancy to my liking, bordering on high improbability. If indeed Constantine gave Galerius the slip after a fashion - we shall never know, shall we?- in all likelihood it was not the Hollywood way!
6. Page 274: "Rome had always been immune to imperial taxes." The statement needs putting right. Actually after Aemilius Paullus's three day triumph in 168 BC to celebrate his victory on the Macedonian king Perseus (battle of Pydna), so much wealth had been plundered during the sack of Corinth that from then on Roman citizens in Italy were exempt from direct taxation. In 306 AD, Galerius overturned the old tax relief, an ill-advised move that sparked unrest in the whole of Italy with the following making of another Emperor by the Pretorians (for the very last time in the history of Rome, mark): Maxentius.
Pages 10 & 292: there was still no hearth as we know today; by way of fireplace, an ancient household made do with a brazier.
Page 413: the authors ought to have a good look at the map! Arelate, today's Arles in Southern France, was not a Mediterranean port. The thriving city overlooked the banks of the Rhodanus. It still does, for that matter, despite fast rising sea level!
Page 420: I doubt they used feasting tables for the occasion. Roman guests used to lie on special couches to enjoy dinner. Celebrating a coming wedding was too big an occasion not to have your meal the old traditional Roman way, lying on a comfy cushioned "lictus", barefooted and with loose clothing on (any knot would have been bad luck).
Now as already said these are slight flaws, never to put you in a position where you can't see the wood for the trees. Moreover I don't think I am a carper making a mountain out of any mole hill! Actually I do like this first book for its striking depiction of the Roman world as it was then. It makes you realise that run-down and depleted legions had to rely heavily on allied Barbarians to get rid of other Barbarians always keen at any fresh opportunity to overrunning large swathes of good Roman land. Big pitched battles became fewer and further between as all-out war was getting unaffordable and was fizzling out into scores of bloody skirmishes.
Doherty and Turney hit the nail on the head about the main loophole of the Tetrarchy, when Diocletian's brainchild suddenly went awry as soon as Constantine and Maxentius felt passed over and made it a can of worms.
As for Constantine himself, his seeing Christian creed as a means to an end, namely for him to wield ever more power is well hinted at.
The gripping events are unfolding from two points of view as Constantine and Maxentius take it in turns to tell their own side of the story, which spices it all up.
So no wonder that no sooner have I finished "Sons of Rome" than I am already picking the follow-up, "Masters of Rome"!
October 15, 2020
The book does not deal with this yet, in much detail. It will sooner or later begin to show you the result of this system that Diocletian devised to prevent civil war from occuring in the Roman Empire. The story of Rome’s downfall began with Diocletian himself in my opinion. That’s is my opinion. But the real story began with Constantine and Maxentius. Two lads, that one day will begin to determine the fate of Rome’s destiny to its very ends. This is by far, the most tragic story I have ever encountered. In a world without gold and the ruthless need for power, Constantine and Maxentius may have been the very best of friends. For those of you that should know, I feel Constantine doesn’t get that much attention as these names will: Nero, Trajan, Hadrian. The most famous Emperors of Rome, including Marcus Aurelius and Commodus.
Constantine was the man that changed Europe’s destiny forever. He’s the man that converted the Roman Empire to Christianity that would set the foundations for European history as we know today. Of course, this novel follows the events of how that came to be. And in a sense, you sense that this world is Rome collapsing. The events that Constantine and Maxentius find themselves can be roughly summarised to this: It is the crisis of the Third Century. Rome’s borders have begun to become attacked, left unprotected due to in-numerous civil wars. The man that was capable of achieving this Olympian task was Emperor Aurelian, who single-handily defeated the Empire’s enemies, conquered the Queen of Palmyra’s lands, and began a process that would have secured the Empire’s borders, had he not been assassinated. He was one of the last Romans in my opinion. With Aurelian gone, there was another series of successive Emperors, the Praetorian Guards swapping one Emperor for the other. That’s as far as I can recall my Roman Knowledge.
Fast forward to Diocletian, this man decides to split the Empire into four parts. In case he forgets his history, back in the good old days of the Roman Republic, the Triumivate between Mark Antony, Julius Ceasar, and Lepidus led to the Roman Civil War which was affecting the Republic in many ways that it could handle. The same process was going to happen here when Diocletian ‘tetrarchic’ system collapsed like a house of cards. In essence, the fathers of Mextentius and Constantine were ruthless bastards. Not to mention the most horrible figure in this system, Galerius. A tooth-spitting stinking man with no sense of morale or honor. Diocletian’s last grand persecution of the Christians is shown and it is a reminder of the days of Nero. It’s shown in brutal, graphic detail. But I’d also have like to see how the Christians during this time, persecuted Roman Temples, heck even denounce the religion of Rome as false. Bear in mind we may begin to see this in the later books of this series.
This is a world where you feel sadness for the fact that old Rome is dying. A new power is rising in the East which will later become the Byzantine Empire. The Persians have not forgotten their old rival and are consistently trying to destroy’s Rome grip on the East. You will see Constantine battling the Persians, which foreshadows the conflict that when the Eastern Roman Empire is formed, they will have immense battles with the Sassanids as they become to be known by the Romans.
You will get this fact by observing that Christianity is becoming more popular. And the Roman Pagan Emperors dislike the fact that they refuse to bow to them. It is Maxentius however, that proves to be a tolerant Emperor, a man that truly cares for the people and that he would bring back the old glorious days of Rome. Bear in mind also, that by the time of Diocletian, the city of Rome was losing its grandeur, it was falling into deep poverty, temples and buildings ransacked, crime rife. The Praetorian Guard were the least trusted out of all, and Rome’s religious grasp was buckling under the new Christian religion which may very well have been spreading like wildfire as a result of the people losing confidence in their Emperors, and matters did not help when the Praetorian Guard were swapping Emperor from Emperor.
Rome was also the cesspit of numerous murders, failed assassination plots, and perhaps from a Christian’s point of view, a city of sin drenched in blood. But when you compare it from a pagan’s point of view, it is the Christians that sought to seek power and take important positions. There is a lot of juxtaposing here between the religious conflict that will become central to the core of this book. Had Maxentius won against Constantine, there would have been no stop to the rise of Christianity. However, we would have seen a co-existence between Christianity and Roman Paganism which would have been true and alive today.
I’ve gone on a lot about the historical detail, but I feel it’s important to know this as the politics of the Third Century are an ever-mangling, ever confusing vertigo of madness and chaos. I do not like the Third Century either as it resembles the downfall of Rome and what happens to the Empire when men of ambition grab it. In this essence, the writing of this book is superb. The research is clear, excellent, and immersive. The world-building is beautifully crafted to make me feel that Christianity will replace this new world. Constantine is a great character including Maxentius. I didn’t like Maxentius’s wife at all.
You will soon know why. SJA Turney and Gordon Doherty wrote this book like two writers that have entered their prime and all their experience boils down to a book that is superbly written. You’ll feel loss, love, and tragedy. And a knowing doom that you as the reader, will know what’s going to happen. I love books that can evoke much passion like this, and I barely know anything about Roman history! They also make it clear that much of what you read is from a Christian point of view. And that makes sense because when we look at Carthage, we know nothing about its history, its perspective, its religion. And why is that? The Romans burnt the city of Carthage to the ground and subjected it to the fate of Troy. In the same way, the Christians burnt down temples, ransacked religious places of the Romans and Greeks. History is a funny irony is it not? We don’t get to see things from a pagan perspective, as the authors will point out. But imagine if we could. It would certainly add some balance.
It’s a fantastic debut, a fantastic triumph of Rome’s majestic scale, and a representation of the eventual downfall of one of history’s most triumphal empires to date.
Constantine was the man that changed Europe’s destiny forever. He’s the man that converted the Roman Empire to Christianity that would set the foundations for European history as we know today. Of course, this novel follows the events of how that came to be. And in a sense, you sense that this world is Rome collapsing. The events that Constantine and Maxentius find themselves can be roughly summarised to this: It is the crisis of the Third Century. Rome’s borders have begun to become attacked, left unprotected due to in-numerous civil wars. The man that was capable of achieving this Olympian task was Emperor Aurelian, who single-handily defeated the Empire’s enemies, conquered the Queen of Palmyra’s lands, and began a process that would have secured the Empire’s borders, had he not been assassinated. He was one of the last Romans in my opinion. With Aurelian gone, there was another series of successive Emperors, the Praetorian Guards swapping one Emperor for the other. That’s as far as I can recall my Roman Knowledge.
Fast forward to Diocletian, this man decides to split the Empire into four parts. In case he forgets his history, back in the good old days of the Roman Republic, the Triumivate between Mark Antony, Julius Ceasar, and Lepidus led to the Roman Civil War which was affecting the Republic in many ways that it could handle. The same process was going to happen here when Diocletian ‘tetrarchic’ system collapsed like a house of cards. In essence, the fathers of Mextentius and Constantine were ruthless bastards. Not to mention the most horrible figure in this system, Galerius. A tooth-spitting stinking man with no sense of morale or honor. Diocletian’s last grand persecution of the Christians is shown and it is a reminder of the days of Nero. It’s shown in brutal, graphic detail. But I’d also have like to see how the Christians during this time, persecuted Roman Temples, heck even denounce the religion of Rome as false. Bear in mind we may begin to see this in the later books of this series.
This is a world where you feel sadness for the fact that old Rome is dying. A new power is rising in the East which will later become the Byzantine Empire. The Persians have not forgotten their old rival and are consistently trying to destroy’s Rome grip on the East. You will see Constantine battling the Persians, which foreshadows the conflict that when the Eastern Roman Empire is formed, they will have immense battles with the Sassanids as they become to be known by the Romans.
You will get this fact by observing that Christianity is becoming more popular. And the Roman Pagan Emperors dislike the fact that they refuse to bow to them. It is Maxentius however, that proves to be a tolerant Emperor, a man that truly cares for the people and that he would bring back the old glorious days of Rome. Bear in mind also, that by the time of Diocletian, the city of Rome was losing its grandeur, it was falling into deep poverty, temples and buildings ransacked, crime rife. The Praetorian Guard were the least trusted out of all, and Rome’s religious grasp was buckling under the new Christian religion which may very well have been spreading like wildfire as a result of the people losing confidence in their Emperors, and matters did not help when the Praetorian Guard were swapping Emperor from Emperor.
Rome was also the cesspit of numerous murders, failed assassination plots, and perhaps from a Christian’s point of view, a city of sin drenched in blood. But when you compare it from a pagan’s point of view, it is the Christians that sought to seek power and take important positions. There is a lot of juxtaposing here between the religious conflict that will become central to the core of this book. Had Maxentius won against Constantine, there would have been no stop to the rise of Christianity. However, we would have seen a co-existence between Christianity and Roman Paganism which would have been true and alive today.
I’ve gone on a lot about the historical detail, but I feel it’s important to know this as the politics of the Third Century are an ever-mangling, ever confusing vertigo of madness and chaos. I do not like the Third Century either as it resembles the downfall of Rome and what happens to the Empire when men of ambition grab it. In this essence, the writing of this book is superb. The research is clear, excellent, and immersive. The world-building is beautifully crafted to make me feel that Christianity will replace this new world. Constantine is a great character including Maxentius. I didn’t like Maxentius’s wife at all.
You will soon know why. SJA Turney and Gordon Doherty wrote this book like two writers that have entered their prime and all their experience boils down to a book that is superbly written. You’ll feel loss, love, and tragedy. And a knowing doom that you as the reader, will know what’s going to happen. I love books that can evoke much passion like this, and I barely know anything about Roman history! They also make it clear that much of what you read is from a Christian point of view. And that makes sense because when we look at Carthage, we know nothing about its history, its perspective, its religion. And why is that? The Romans burnt the city of Carthage to the ground and subjected it to the fate of Troy. In the same way, the Christians burnt down temples, ransacked religious places of the Romans and Greeks. History is a funny irony is it not? We don’t get to see things from a pagan perspective, as the authors will point out. But imagine if we could. It would certainly add some balance.
It’s a fantastic debut, a fantastic triumph of Rome’s majestic scale, and a representation of the eventual downfall of one of history’s most triumphal empires to date.
September 19, 2020
Wow. What a challenge - two authors - two characters - one book. Did they pull it off - sure did.
This is the story of Emperor Constantine and his rival Emperor Maxentius, Set in the 3rd and 4th Centuries AD, we follow our two main characters as they embark on their rise to power within the cesspit that was the Roman Empire at the height of the religious persecutions.
Each author provides the first person narrative for their character, as the stories run smoothly, contemporaneous, enhancing and contributing to the narrative of the other. This could quite easily have been a fail but in this instance, it isn't. This is very well researched by authors who have a passion for this period and their characters and it flows seamlessly.
This is the first in a series, for though whilst we begin at the end, we are far from it this outing.
The last dozen pages are taken up with notes and Latin terms.
This is the story of Emperor Constantine and his rival Emperor Maxentius, Set in the 3rd and 4th Centuries AD, we follow our two main characters as they embark on their rise to power within the cesspit that was the Roman Empire at the height of the religious persecutions.
Each author provides the first person narrative for their character, as the stories run smoothly, contemporaneous, enhancing and contributing to the narrative of the other. This could quite easily have been a fail but in this instance, it isn't. This is very well researched by authors who have a passion for this period and their characters and it flows seamlessly.
This is the first in a series, for though whilst we begin at the end, we are far from it this outing.
The last dozen pages are taken up with notes and Latin terms.
December 23, 2025
Favorite Characters - Constantine, Maxentius, Batius
Favorite scenes - Constantine is called by the two emperors, Constantine says goodbye to Maxentius, Constantine sees his dad, Constantine's death, Constantine and Maxentius reunite, Maxentius gives Severus the sword.
Such a well-written book! The characters are very human and extremely likable. I will say, I do think I have some issues with the overall pace at which our characters' demeanors change, but it is not enough of a problem that it takes away from the book. The balance between action and dialogue is spot on. I love the friendship that has formed between Constantine and Maxentius, an am curious to see how much I will like the next books due to the change in their relationship.
Favorite scenes - Constantine is called by the two emperors, Constantine says goodbye to Maxentius, Constantine sees his dad, Constantine's death, Constantine and Maxentius reunite, Maxentius gives Severus the sword.
Such a well-written book! The characters are very human and extremely likable. I will say, I do think I have some issues with the overall pace at which our characters' demeanors change, but it is not enough of a problem that it takes away from the book. The balance between action and dialogue is spot on. I love the friendship that has formed between Constantine and Maxentius, an am curious to see how much I will like the next books due to the change in their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
Sons of Rome is the sort of historical fiction book that really appeals to me - people that really lived, having their story told, often against a backdrop of profound change.
The story is told from the point of view of Constantine and Maxentius. They meet as youths, and while their chance meetings are rare throughout the rest of the book, they have far-reaching consequences, as they both grow to adulthood and are forced into situations they probably never thought possible.
I loved the alternate chapters assigned to Constantine and Maxentius. It means that the reader never feels far away from the characters, and lends an 'immediacy' to their 'friendship', which wouldn't be possible to achieve because they are so often apart.
The book is mired in politics - again a bit of a favourite of mine - and even though I had no prior knowledge of the time period, I could easily understand what was happening, and I think this is a particular strength of the story. The characters never feel distant or difficult to understand.
I would highly recommend Sons of Rome and look forward to reading Book 2.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
The story is told from the point of view of Constantine and Maxentius. They meet as youths, and while their chance meetings are rare throughout the rest of the book, they have far-reaching consequences, as they both grow to adulthood and are forced into situations they probably never thought possible.
I loved the alternate chapters assigned to Constantine and Maxentius. It means that the reader never feels far away from the characters, and lends an 'immediacy' to their 'friendship', which wouldn't be possible to achieve because they are so often apart.
The book is mired in politics - again a bit of a favourite of mine - and even though I had no prior knowledge of the time period, I could easily understand what was happening, and I think this is a particular strength of the story. The characters never feel distant or difficult to understand.
I would highly recommend Sons of Rome and look forward to reading Book 2.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
March 8, 2022
Wonderful to have such accomplished writers working together! The prose was beautiful and academic, the story fascinating. I love Roman history but this period was little known to me.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
I look forward to the next book in the series!
October 23, 2020
Sons of Rome by Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sons of Rome, the first volume of the joint work between two authors Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty is set for release through Head of Zeus on December 10th 2020.
Sons of Rome Is a historical fiction of the incredible rise of Constantine and Maxentius. The author have created a propulsive storyline, offering both drama and historical authenticity to appeal to anyone interested in Roman fiction.
The character development and complex relationships, and the setting and time period are brought to life with unique details. The seamless narration flows perfectly, that you would never know that two separate authors contributed to such a compelling book. The switching back and forward is impeccable, you are thrust into this violent and political time period. Rich atmospheric imagery along with fleshed out characters will have on the edge of your seat.
I have read multiple books, that are somewhat centered on this particular time period, but I have to say this book, by far this one is impeccable. With meticulous research the authors brings both of their own voices to give the reader an incredible experience.
A compelling book that will have catapulted into the time of 3rd century AD.
Rome used to be a superpower back in the days of the early 2nd century. With border wars it’s been on a steady decline. Diocletian, was a forceful Roman general who sized power, and declared himself emperor. In a bold step he knew that the Empire was to large, and took actions to make a spit of it. Keeping the eastern part and giving the western half to his colleague, Maximian.
Told through the eyes of the two POV’s, Constantine and Maxentius. A coming of age, epic fiction that centers on two very different and men and their part in history.
This book will ignite you to investigate and learn more about this era and these iconic historical legends. Along with political and religious drama that takes center stage in this turbulent time in history.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sons of Rome, the first volume of the joint work between two authors Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty is set for release through Head of Zeus on December 10th 2020.
Sons of Rome Is a historical fiction of the incredible rise of Constantine and Maxentius. The author have created a propulsive storyline, offering both drama and historical authenticity to appeal to anyone interested in Roman fiction.
The character development and complex relationships, and the setting and time period are brought to life with unique details. The seamless narration flows perfectly, that you would never know that two separate authors contributed to such a compelling book. The switching back and forward is impeccable, you are thrust into this violent and political time period. Rich atmospheric imagery along with fleshed out characters will have on the edge of your seat.
I have read multiple books, that are somewhat centered on this particular time period, but I have to say this book, by far this one is impeccable. With meticulous research the authors brings both of their own voices to give the reader an incredible experience.
A compelling book that will have catapulted into the time of 3rd century AD.
Rome used to be a superpower back in the days of the early 2nd century. With border wars it’s been on a steady decline. Diocletian, was a forceful Roman general who sized power, and declared himself emperor. In a bold step he knew that the Empire was to large, and took actions to make a spit of it. Keeping the eastern part and giving the western half to his colleague, Maximian.
Told through the eyes of the two POV’s, Constantine and Maxentius. A coming of age, epic fiction that centers on two very different and men and their part in history.
This book will ignite you to investigate and learn more about this era and these iconic historical legends. Along with political and religious drama that takes center stage in this turbulent time in history.
November 1, 2020
2 for the price of 1
There isn’t much more to say beyond that the two authors have created a tome here better than any of their singularly wrought stories which I’ve read. I wonder what other readers of the genre reckon
There isn’t much more to say beyond that the two authors have created a tome here better than any of their singularly wrought stories which I’ve read. I wonder what other readers of the genre reckon
October 18, 2020
Fantastic!
Once I became used to the back and forth between the protagonists this was a very difficult book to put down. I felt conflicted rooting for both Constantine and Maximius. I am deliberately not researching what happened to both as I want it to play out in your next book. Congratulations on such an entertaining collaboration!
Once I became used to the back and forth between the protagonists this was a very difficult book to put down. I felt conflicted rooting for both Constantine and Maximius. I am deliberately not researching what happened to both as I want it to play out in your next book. Congratulations on such an entertaining collaboration!
January 3, 2021
Turney and Doherty, scored a winner with this series
A five star rating, (Oh yes) this is the start of something superb, The tale of what is considered the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire by Constantine and his co-rulers has started an excellent new series with a collaboration of two brilliant authors, Messer 'a Turney and Doherty definitely an excellent read.
A five star rating, (Oh yes) this is the start of something superb, The tale of what is considered the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire by Constantine and his co-rulers has started an excellent new series with a collaboration of two brilliant authors, Messer 'a Turney and Doherty definitely an excellent read.
February 28, 2021
Having a son who is a big fan of anything Ancient Greek and Roman definitely whets the appetite when it comes to reading stories set in these worlds, especially when they are written by two such respected authors who know how to handle an epic series... and epic this first instalment of the new Rise of Emperors series certainly is.
Welcome to the Roman Empire of the end of the third century AD, when political manoeuvring and often quite literal backstabbing has brought the once great empire to its knees. In an attempt to see Rome rise again, Emperor Diocletian ushers in a new era whereby four Emperors will rule instead of one. At the dawn of this new era, we meet two boys who are destined to do great things - Constantine and Maxentius.
In the years that follow, Constantine and Maxentius become close friends, sharing everything that life throws at them, until ambition and political infighting find them at odds with each other - and on wrong sides in a war for power over the whole empire.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Doherty and Turney, although necessarily taking a little liberty here and there with history to fill in the gaps and keep the story flowing, manage to bring the world of the Roman Empire alive in a way that keeps you absolutely enthralled. This is a world of friends and enemies, loyalties and treachery, and it's not always easy to tell who is who in this game of thrones where you have to watch your back at all times.
This is historical fiction at its very best, and quite how Doherty and Turney have produced such a seamless piece of writing between them is admirable. This is a sizeable tome and yet the story flows beautifully, even with some considerable jumps in time, and the characters are all so well drawn and convincing that you find yourself really caught up in their lives, loves and losses - and divided loyalties. The pacing is just right and leads you all the way to a delicious ending that leaves you on the brink of more legendary events to come.
I am so looking forward to picking up with the story again in the next book, Masters of Rome, which is next on my reading pile... so watch this space for more!
Welcome to the Roman Empire of the end of the third century AD, when political manoeuvring and often quite literal backstabbing has brought the once great empire to its knees. In an attempt to see Rome rise again, Emperor Diocletian ushers in a new era whereby four Emperors will rule instead of one. At the dawn of this new era, we meet two boys who are destined to do great things - Constantine and Maxentius.
In the years that follow, Constantine and Maxentius become close friends, sharing everything that life throws at them, until ambition and political infighting find them at odds with each other - and on wrong sides in a war for power over the whole empire.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Doherty and Turney, although necessarily taking a little liberty here and there with history to fill in the gaps and keep the story flowing, manage to bring the world of the Roman Empire alive in a way that keeps you absolutely enthralled. This is a world of friends and enemies, loyalties and treachery, and it's not always easy to tell who is who in this game of thrones where you have to watch your back at all times.
This is historical fiction at its very best, and quite how Doherty and Turney have produced such a seamless piece of writing between them is admirable. This is a sizeable tome and yet the story flows beautifully, even with some considerable jumps in time, and the characters are all so well drawn and convincing that you find yourself really caught up in their lives, loves and losses - and divided loyalties. The pacing is just right and leads you all the way to a delicious ending that leaves you on the brink of more legendary events to come.
I am so looking forward to picking up with the story again in the next book, Masters of Rome, which is next on my reading pile... so watch this space for more!
July 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - I do have my own preconceptions of Constantine - he's the man who began the institutionalizing of Christianity, the wholesale demolishing of the so-called slave religion into a structured, hierarchical system of obligatory 'faith' regardless of whether the populace wish to be Christian or not...
However, I'm sure he couldn't foresee the blood and war that this religion was to bring - the burnings, the countries fighting for their way of worship, the suppression of all other religion and all sects not agreeing with the central figures... can we blame the man for all that? I doubt it. No man or woman is so far-seeing and knowing...
So the book. Excellent writing, with plenty of proof of research, so the story flows as life does - a little disjointed in places, as it should be, with oscillating views and changing norms and values within the empire making real life all the more clear and fiction not quite so dominant. Yes, this is a story: however, it's more of a history with a fictionalized aspect, written as fiction yet showing the reality as the authors understand it. The past being a different country, and all that. How can we see into the minds of those long gone without understanding their actions first.
So, loved this. I know any other reading this will too, whether the reader is knowledgeable about the beginnings of organized Christianity or not, whether they have knowledge of the times and the shifting sands of power and the influence of that power upon normal people.
A great read, with plenty of action and a display of the result of power on those not made to wield it.
Enjoy x
However, I'm sure he couldn't foresee the blood and war that this religion was to bring - the burnings, the countries fighting for their way of worship, the suppression of all other religion and all sects not agreeing with the central figures... can we blame the man for all that? I doubt it. No man or woman is so far-seeing and knowing...
So the book. Excellent writing, with plenty of proof of research, so the story flows as life does - a little disjointed in places, as it should be, with oscillating views and changing norms and values within the empire making real life all the more clear and fiction not quite so dominant. Yes, this is a story: however, it's more of a history with a fictionalized aspect, written as fiction yet showing the reality as the authors understand it. The past being a different country, and all that. How can we see into the minds of those long gone without understanding their actions first.
So, loved this. I know any other reading this will too, whether the reader is knowledgeable about the beginnings of organized Christianity or not, whether they have knowledge of the times and the shifting sands of power and the influence of that power upon normal people.
A great read, with plenty of action and a display of the result of power on those not made to wield it.
Enjoy x
August 12, 2021
"Well let me be the one to tell you of my deeds, both light and dark. What happened that afternoon on the road to Rome was neither an omen from the divine, nor a shrewd yarn to disguise mortal ambition: it was a moment of great realisation, and the culmination of a journey."
Sons is a fantastic beginning to this historical fiction series!! Set in 277AD, the story follows Maxentius and Constantine, two historical figures that I knew nothing about before beginning this series. The Roman Empire has been falling apart with succession issues, supply issues and Emperor Diocletian decides that the way to solve the succession problems is to create a Tetrarchy-instead of one Emperor, there will be four. Maxentius and Constantine are pulled into this world of Emperors and Caesars through their fathers, and as young men they become fast friends. This world of political backstabbing will not leave these friends untouched however, and this story of how their friendship develops and then strains apart is wonderful. The two POV's alternate as the well paced story moves along and so you get to see how each individuals decisions affect the other and how those decisions are viewed as the political landscape just keeps getting more and more complicated. You really do get a marvelous feel for how the world of the Roman Empire worked, and all of the descriptions of the cities, battles, relationships just make this quite a page turner!! The authors clearly know their subject and have made this time in history so accessible through the story of these two men. The second book Masters of Rome is also excellent and I am so looking forward to the final book of the series, Gods of Rome!!!
Sons is a fantastic beginning to this historical fiction series!! Set in 277AD, the story follows Maxentius and Constantine, two historical figures that I knew nothing about before beginning this series. The Roman Empire has been falling apart with succession issues, supply issues and Emperor Diocletian decides that the way to solve the succession problems is to create a Tetrarchy-instead of one Emperor, there will be four. Maxentius and Constantine are pulled into this world of Emperors and Caesars through their fathers, and as young men they become fast friends. This world of political backstabbing will not leave these friends untouched however, and this story of how their friendship develops and then strains apart is wonderful. The two POV's alternate as the well paced story moves along and so you get to see how each individuals decisions affect the other and how those decisions are viewed as the political landscape just keeps getting more and more complicated. You really do get a marvelous feel for how the world of the Roman Empire worked, and all of the descriptions of the cities, battles, relationships just make this quite a page turner!! The authors clearly know their subject and have made this time in history so accessible through the story of these two men. The second book Masters of Rome is also excellent and I am so looking forward to the final book of the series, Gods of Rome!!!
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