History set in the ancient world is very popular, and there are a huge number of authors for enthusiasts to choose from. In my experience the quality is, shall we say, mixed. There is a lot of swords, sandals and togas ‘by numbers’, where it’s difficult to tell one character, one plot or one author from another. However, there are exceptions.
Amongst a handful of authors writing about the period whose works I invariably read, is SJA Turney. I first encountered him through his ‘Marius Mules’ series, which is still going strong. (I’ve also loved his Ottoman Cycle, set much later). Over the last few years, he has also published a number of books under the ‘Tales of Empire’ umbrella, of which this is the latest, and these are a little different.
Although set in an ancient world that is seemingly recognisable, it is an imagined one. Elements of real cultures and peoples are there, but all the places and individuals are invented. I assume this allows the author to let his imagination run further than he can in the novels he sets in the real world.
Each of the books take place in and around an imaginary empire, and each one is largely independent of the others. Although there are a few links, and some characters appear in more than one book, they are not a continuous story, and are often separated by a generation or more. In fact, this volume is probably closer to the previous one than any others in the series have been.
It takes place ten years after ‘Insurgency’, and the opening segment takes us back to events at the end of that story, to introduce us to three men – Bellacon, Convocus and Cantex. They are noticed by an imperial marshal and marked for greater things. By the beginning of this story, they are experienced and promising young officers.
Twenty years earlier, the empire had sent a huge army to conquer the island of Alba; it met disaster and defeat. It’s leaders returned in disgrace, and although still active, they have never recovered their reputation.
Now, pirates from Alba are ravaging the northern coast of the empire, and the Emperor is persuaded that the only way to deal with the problem is to launch another invasion. He is far from keen, so only allocates three legions for the job. Their Generals – Volentius, Crito and Quietus – are the very men who failed during the last invasion, and are itching for revenge.
To their consternation, the Emperor decides they should command as a group rather than appointing an overall leader, and, worse still, allocates each a new tribune as their second-in-command; Bellacon, Convocus and Cantex. Their orders are to prevent the Generals doing anything stupid.
After the invasion force has landed, events move quickly, and it soon becomes apparent that things are not quite as they seem. I won’t spoil your enjoyment by giving away any more of the plot! You probably won’t be surprised though, if I do say that the overall inspiration for the story is the Roman invasion of Britain.
As always with the author, the story is complex and constantly shifting, and the characters beautifully drawn. Although there is almost constant action, the personalities of the three older Generals and of the three younger tribunes gradually emerge and give us a real understanding of their motives. We also encounter Lissa, a seer, who becomes an integral part of the story, and whose intentions and loyalties are uncertain to many, and Verctissa (surely inspired by Boudicca?).
If you are familiar with Simon Turney’s work, you will know what an excellent storyteller he is. His people are complex, rarely black and white; the unexpected often happens, and he’s not afraid to allow characters to die! This book is no exception.
Can you read this as a standalone novel? Yes. But I think you would be better off reading the ‘Tales of Empire’ series in order. You will then have a better understanding of the world the characters inhabit.
This is a review of the Canelo 2017 Kindle edition.
