⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10
The test of any long running series is how eager the readers are for the next book; whether they are still as excited by the anticipation of the next volume as they were for the second or third. It is inevitable that the occasional entry will disappoint. Perhaps because events don’t follow the path the reader wants; after all, we come to know the main characters and have our own expectations of them. Perhaps the author just had a poor spell. Sometimes financial considerations – particularly from publishers – seem to persuade an author to draw out a story to the point of repetitive tedium (can you hear me, Mr Cornwell, with poor old Uhtred?)
Where a series is planned as fifteen books, the author has taken on quite a challenge. But that is what Simon Turney set out to do with his ‘Marius Mules’ series. It was these books which first brought him to my attention, and although he has branched out, and written in other periods and settings, the series is still going strong. Ostensibly, the story of Marcus Aurelius Fronto, it follows his life and career as a legionary commander through the wars in Gaul and beyond. But he is just a device; the books are really about Julius Caesar, for Fronto is one of his legates and senior officers. His life and career are tied up with Caeser’s, and allow the author to tell his story from a different viewpoint.
Fronto is never an uncritical follower, though. He is fully aware of Caeser’s character, motives and weaknesses, and on more than one occasion in the past has walked away into civilian life. But by the time of this book, he has returned to the fold, compelled by events in previous books to throw in his lot with Caeser as civil war looms, and everyone has to choose sides.
This book follows the early events of that civil war; crossing the Rubicon, armies chasing each other up and down Italy, Pompey’s escape to the East, the siege of Massilia, and events in Hispania. Although not in any real official capacity at the beginning, Fronto plays a role in many of these events, along with Galronus, one of his oldest friends, who also happens to be nearly family!
Fronto is still conflicted; he has to work with Caeser, as his family’s future depends on it. But he has no love for the man; seeing him as the lesser of two evils. When required, he will always do the best he can, but he is also aware of the dangers of civil war. Much is made of Romans killing Romans here, and how soldiers and officers react and deal with that. A new tribune who has something of a bloodlust is a constant thorn in Fronto’s side, but their interaction works well to make us think about what were very real issues.
As usual, the author writes a compelling story. these characters have developed over many books now, and we feel we know them. We almost know their feelings and motivations before we read them. We can also feel their anguish when they have to do things against their better judgement.
With the civil war now under way, everyone knows there is no going back. They are fighting for their lives, and the safety of their families and friends. There will be setbacks and betrayals; Roman will kill Roman. For now, Fronto and his family are safe. The remaining books will be intriguing; we know what eventually happens to the historical figures. The author cannot change that. But what does he have in store for Fronto? I, along with many others, am keen to find out.
This is a review of the Victrix Books 2017 Kindle edition.
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