Praetorian: The Great Game by SJA Turney

SJA Turney, writer of the well-loved and extensive Marius’ Mules series, has brought us the first in a new series, with a brand new hero and a new time period. Turney tells us in his author notes that he wanted to write a re-appraisal of an emperor that history has treated unkindly, and he settled on  Commodus, the nemesis of Russell Crowe’s Gladiator. In Turney’s hands, Commodus is a much more sympathetic character, trying hard to follow the class act that was his father, Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s greatest ever emperors.

The hero of the tale however is Rufinus, a tough, brave and most importantly loyal young legionary who is promoted to the Praetorian Guard as a reward for an act of bravery. He is quickly earmarked for more clandestine work than simply being the Emperor’s bodyguard, and has to infiltrate a plot against the unsuspecting Commodus. Various dangerous encounters complicate his task, and soon he is in a race against time to save the Emperor’s life.

Praetorian has all the hallmarks of a great Simon Turney novel, excellent research, great story-telling bringing the period to life, a fast pace and an interesting new hero to root for. Great read.

@Romanfiction RT @SJATurney: Let the dice fall as they may. Sons of Rome is out in hardback today and available from all the usual stockists. #Roman #His…
@Romanfiction RT @canelo_co: An intense novel of war at the Roman frontier, EMPEROR'S SPEAR by bestseller Alex Gough is the fourth thrilling instalment i…
@Romanfiction RT @Feud_writer: #HistoricalFiction #Friday with: @empowellauthor @Chadwickauthor @Romanfiction @sarahdunant @manofmercia @EbsworthDavid @w…
@Romanfiction RT @samtawauthor: Can wise woman, Meliora steer her head-strong nephews to victory, or will enemy tribes slaughter them all? Brutal skirmi…