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Agricola #1
Invader
The first volume in a thrilling new historical adventure series by Simon Turney, critically acclaimed author of Legion XXII and Sons of Rome.
58 AD, Rome. Agricola, teenage son of an impoverished yet distinguished noble family, has staked all his resources and reputation on a military career. His reward? A posting as tribune in the far-off northern province of Britannia.
Serving under renowned general Suetonius Paulinus, Agricola soon learns the brutality of life on the very edges of the empire, for the Celtic tribes of Britannia are far from vanquished.
To take control of the province, the Romans must defeat the ancient might of the druids - and the fury of the Iceni, warriors in their thousands led by a redoubtable queen named Boudicca...
58 AD, Rome. Agricola, teenage son of an impoverished yet distinguished noble family, has staked all his resources and reputation on a military career. His reward? A posting as tribune in the far-off northern province of Britannia.
Serving under renowned general Suetonius Paulinus, Agricola soon learns the brutality of life on the very edges of the empire, for the Celtic tribes of Britannia are far from vanquished.
To take control of the province, the Romans must defeat the ancient might of the druids - and the fury of the Iceni, warriors in their thousands led by a redoubtable queen named Boudicca...
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 31, 2024
Wow! Just Wow!
Simon Turney is my go to author where stories of Rome are concerned and this one was no exception. The tale was a well researched delight. A young Roman patrician from a well connected but, somewhat impoverished family, is appointed to the position of Senior Tribune with the Roman legions in Britannia. Once there, he surpasses his family's expectations and proves himself an excellent and highly respected leader of men. He finds himself in the thick of battles with the Druids and Boudica, queen of the rebellious Iceni tribe. This was a first class story and the start of what appears to be a must read series. Highly recommended!
Simon Turney is my go to author where stories of Rome are concerned and this one was no exception. The tale was a well researched delight. A young Roman patrician from a well connected but, somewhat impoverished family, is appointed to the position of Senior Tribune with the Roman legions in Britannia. Once there, he surpasses his family's expectations and proves himself an excellent and highly respected leader of men. He finds himself in the thick of battles with the Druids and Boudica, queen of the rebellious Iceni tribe. This was a first class story and the start of what appears to be a must read series. Highly recommended!
February 29, 2024
I've read short stories by this author before, mostly in anthology style books but I've been meaning to read a full length book by him for so long. When I saw this newest book of his about Agricola up on NetGalley I didn't hesitate and requested a copy for review. I ended up really liking the story and I'm already excited for the next part in the series. It was a pretty quick book, a real pageturner full of action and memorable characters.
With Invader, Simon Turney gave us a historical fiction about Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a roman general and politician who ends up being one of the Roman conqueror's of Britain. Starting in 58 AD, we meet a teenage Agricola from a noble family but despite that they have become quite destitute. His family used their most of their resources to get Agricola a posting as a tribune in Britannia to start his career and hopefully turn things around for the family.
The setting of this book is really interesting to me. I've always been fascinated by the early decades to the first century of the Roman Empire, whether in nonfiction or as it's the case with this book in historical fiction. Caligula and Claudius have just been emperor, and their reigns were chaotic to say the least, especially Caligula. Now Nero is the emperor, which we know will also be a pretty eventful reign. We aren't in Rome, though, this book takes place in a partially conquered Brittannia and Agricola got his very first posting. There are tribes that work along with Rome, not wanting to fight against them but there are also tribes that are full on defiant. Agricola is one of the officers who is supposed to help with that and he sure takes this opportunity to rise in the ranks.
Agricola himself was very well-written. I really liked how the author has portrayed him, at least in these early years of his career. There were also many secondary characters that I ended up loving. Luci, a slave originally from Brittannia that Agricola purchased to get to know the lay of the land better, was probably my favorite character. I liked that they didn't have a typical master/slave relationship and that Luci was pretty defiant despite being a slave. They did understand each other and I can't wait to see where it all will go next.
I'm definitely not an expert with the conquering of Brittannia which took place over many many many decades so I can't say how historically accurate this book was. But I am sure that Simon Turney did the best as he could. He clearly is very well versed in the Roman world as he has written fiction as well as nonfiction about it. There are events in this book that did happen that I have read about before like the slaying of the druids on Mona. And of course the uprising of the Iceni tribe led by the incredible queen Boudicca. I kinda wished the author had spend more time on the uprising but I do get that this book isn't a story on Boudicca, it's about Agricola.
As I already said at the start of my review, I already can't wait to read more about Agricola because we are only at the start with Invader. I'm sure there's so much more to come and I can't wait. Invader was a solid read that was well-written, with a lot of battles but also some humor here and there sprinkled about, which made me chuckle more than once. Bring on the next book!
With Invader, Simon Turney gave us a historical fiction about Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a roman general and politician who ends up being one of the Roman conqueror's of Britain. Starting in 58 AD, we meet a teenage Agricola from a noble family but despite that they have become quite destitute. His family used their most of their resources to get Agricola a posting as a tribune in Britannia to start his career and hopefully turn things around for the family.
The setting of this book is really interesting to me. I've always been fascinated by the early decades to the first century of the Roman Empire, whether in nonfiction or as it's the case with this book in historical fiction. Caligula and Claudius have just been emperor, and their reigns were chaotic to say the least, especially Caligula. Now Nero is the emperor, which we know will also be a pretty eventful reign. We aren't in Rome, though, this book takes place in a partially conquered Brittannia and Agricola got his very first posting. There are tribes that work along with Rome, not wanting to fight against them but there are also tribes that are full on defiant. Agricola is one of the officers who is supposed to help with that and he sure takes this opportunity to rise in the ranks.
Agricola himself was very well-written. I really liked how the author has portrayed him, at least in these early years of his career. There were also many secondary characters that I ended up loving. Luci, a slave originally from Brittannia that Agricola purchased to get to know the lay of the land better, was probably my favorite character. I liked that they didn't have a typical master/slave relationship and that Luci was pretty defiant despite being a slave. They did understand each other and I can't wait to see where it all will go next.
I'm definitely not an expert with the conquering of Brittannia which took place over many many many decades so I can't say how historically accurate this book was. But I am sure that Simon Turney did the best as he could. He clearly is very well versed in the Roman world as he has written fiction as well as nonfiction about it. There are events in this book that did happen that I have read about before like the slaying of the druids on Mona. And of course the uprising of the Iceni tribe led by the incredible queen Boudicca. I kinda wished the author had spend more time on the uprising but I do get that this book isn't a story on Boudicca, it's about Agricola.
As I already said at the start of my review, I already can't wait to read more about Agricola because we are only at the start with Invader. I'm sure there's so much more to come and I can't wait. Invader was a solid read that was well-written, with a lot of battles but also some humor here and there sprinkled about, which made me chuckle more than once. Bring on the next book!
March 12, 2024
It’s the young Agricola we meet in Invader. Although he comes from a noble family, Agricola is conscious that he hasn’t the resources to buy his way to an influential position. He’s going to have to do it by his intellect, courage and determination to succeed, and perhaps a little help from the Gods. Ambitious for himself, he’s also conscious of the need to uphold the honour and reputation of his family. Posted as a military tribune to Roman Britain, he makes the shrewd move of purchasing as a slave a captured Briton, Luci. Agricola hopes he will provide valuable information about the different tribes still threatening, or yet to be subsumed into, the Roman province of Britannia. But can he trust Luci? More importantly, can he catch the eye of those in positions of power?
Alongside the wealth of detail about Roman weaponry, army structure and military tactics you’d expect from an author who has immersed himself in the period, there are thrilling action scenes. These include a daring assault on a fortress on the island of Mona (Anglesey) defended by tribal warriors and druids, and the besieging of a heavily defended and seemingly impregnable hilltop fort in which goats play a crucial part. The battle between the might of the Roman army under the command of Roman General Suetonius Paulinus and the Iceni tribes led by Queen Boudicca (who makes only a fleeting appearance) forms the climax to the book. The author gives Agricola a pivotal role in this bloody, brutal affair with its soundtrack of ‘the roar of a thousand furious and desperate throats, the clang and crash and thud of iron, bronze, wood and flesh�.
As this first book in the series comes to an end, Agricola has gained experience in battle and, through his tactical nous, has proved himself a young man to watch. The next book promises us a return to Rome where his battle will be for preferment and political influence.
Invader is the start to what promises to be a fascinating and exciting new series. One for readers who like their historical fiction history-packed as well as action-packed.
Alongside the wealth of detail about Roman weaponry, army structure and military tactics you’d expect from an author who has immersed himself in the period, there are thrilling action scenes. These include a daring assault on a fortress on the island of Mona (Anglesey) defended by tribal warriors and druids, and the besieging of a heavily defended and seemingly impregnable hilltop fort in which goats play a crucial part. The battle between the might of the Roman army under the command of Roman General Suetonius Paulinus and the Iceni tribes led by Queen Boudicca (who makes only a fleeting appearance) forms the climax to the book. The author gives Agricola a pivotal role in this bloody, brutal affair with its soundtrack of ‘the roar of a thousand furious and desperate throats, the clang and crash and thud of iron, bronze, wood and flesh�.
As this first book in the series comes to an end, Agricola has gained experience in battle and, through his tactical nous, has proved himself a young man to watch. The next book promises us a return to Rome where his battle will be for preferment and political influence.
Invader is the start to what promises to be a fascinating and exciting new series. One for readers who like their historical fiction history-packed as well as action-packed.
March 16, 2024
Agricola: Invader is the first in a new series detailing Agricola's career. This first book takes us to Britain in the early days of Roman occupation to place our main character at the heart of attempts to subdue the rebellious tribes to the west, ending with the revolt of the Iceni, led by Boudica.
Agricola is a young man, desperate to advance his career following his father's death, but he needn't fear because his mother has a means of finding him a military position. And Agricola is a man who thinks. He buys a Briton slave before leaving for Britain. Luci is a real highlight of the book - great character who develops as the story does.
This is a wonderful recreation of Britain in the first century AD. I am fascinated by the period, and Turney has done his homework, plotting the course the advance might have taken and ensuring that the clash between the tribes and the might of Rome is well documented. Agricola might well be a Roman and think in the way of a man with Roman schooling, but he is also a member of a long-settled tribe. He gives us an insight into the advances that being a part of Rome can bring.
But it's not all politics. There are many battles throughout the story as Agricola grows into his command and position, and I just adored it. Turney is my 'go-to' author for tales of Rome - all aspects of it - from the BC to the AD - from Britain to Egypt - from politics to war. I will be awaiting book 2 eagerly.
Agricola is a young man, desperate to advance his career following his father's death, but he needn't fear because his mother has a means of finding him a military position. And Agricola is a man who thinks. He buys a Briton slave before leaving for Britain. Luci is a real highlight of the book - great character who develops as the story does.
This is a wonderful recreation of Britain in the first century AD. I am fascinated by the period, and Turney has done his homework, plotting the course the advance might have taken and ensuring that the clash between the tribes and the might of Rome is well documented. Agricola might well be a Roman and think in the way of a man with Roman schooling, but he is also a member of a long-settled tribe. He gives us an insight into the advances that being a part of Rome can bring.
But it's not all politics. There are many battles throughout the story as Agricola grows into his command and position, and I just adored it. Turney is my 'go-to' author for tales of Rome - all aspects of it - from the BC to the AD - from Britain to Egypt - from politics to war. I will be awaiting book 2 eagerly.
March 31, 2025
Writing good historical fiction is like walking on a ridgeway with the constant danger of falling into inaccuracy on one side and rehash on the other. The main problem we have with books about Ancient Rome is this: most writers are lazy copycats. They too often indulge in variations on a very few repeated themes, mainly Spartacus, Julius Cesar and Nero, all of whom described in ways fraught with clichés and gross misconceptions.
Simon Turney is not one of these sorry hacks. The reader can confidently pick up this novel.
The story begins in 58 AD. Long gone are the days when slaves were mere "speaking cattle", as Cato the Elder had put it. (Emperor Claudius, Nero's predecessor, had a law passed, making it murder if a master killed his slave). In this regard, Turney gives us the opportunity to ponder on the relationship between master and servant, as we follow young Agricola and Luci, his newly purchased slave, grappling with how to get used to one another. In these early pages, I have only one resevation when it comes to historical accuracy: there is no evidence whatsoever of a cult to Neptune on the Atalntic coast of romanised Gaul, even in Osismis (today's Brest, my own city, for the gods'sake!) so the scene painted by Turney in chapter 4 must be a stretch of fancy, understandably probable, but not vindicated by archeology. Neptune's realm was the Mediterranean, and the ocean was out of bounds. Practical believers as they were, the Romans certainly trusted local deities whenever they found it necessary to placate the mysterious ocean.
What I really like in this book is how it helps the reader understand what a military campaign was at the time. You'd say clash of swords and shields and spears and blood and guts spilling. It was, yes. But that was the tip of the iceberg. The brunt of it was in fact lengthy marching on, at the edge of the world, through uncharted and unwelcoming territory, with the nagging questions of where the foe could be lying in wait for you, and if and when they will fight on your own terms, on the battlefield you have in mind for them. Drawing mainly from Tacitus, Simon Turney delivers a very good sense of true ancient warfare, always remaining on a human scale. More broadly, he weaves a convincing, fast-paced and thriller-like narrative on Agricola's deeds. Painting Agricola's portrait against the backcloth of bigger dramatic events is in addition a clever way to shed light from an unusual angle on the corner Rome is turning at the time.
Now for the stickler's eyes only (wink!):
1. In spite of Turney's tenacious claim, legionaries were not paid monthly, but in three installments per year ("stipendia"). Remember for example, Tacitus's vivid account on how in 14 AD, when the great Augustus died, the legions stationed on the Rhine mutinied, mainly because of long-overdue pay. It took all Germanicus's negotiation skills and Tiberius's political acumen to settle the matter. Later, Emperor Domitian introduced quarterly payments.
2. Flags as we know them were yet to be invented at the time!
3. The Senate in Rome could only hold sessions during daylight, with no brazier or lighting allowed inside the Curia. My educated guess is thus that it was certainly the same in local curias, so I think Turney is a little off on page 274, when Londinium's councillors are meeting up.
4. Caligula was but a nickname. The actual emperor's name was Cesar Germanicus.
Simon Turney is not one of these sorry hacks. The reader can confidently pick up this novel.
The story begins in 58 AD. Long gone are the days when slaves were mere "speaking cattle", as Cato the Elder had put it. (Emperor Claudius, Nero's predecessor, had a law passed, making it murder if a master killed his slave). In this regard, Turney gives us the opportunity to ponder on the relationship between master and servant, as we follow young Agricola and Luci, his newly purchased slave, grappling with how to get used to one another. In these early pages, I have only one resevation when it comes to historical accuracy: there is no evidence whatsoever of a cult to Neptune on the Atalntic coast of romanised Gaul, even in Osismis (today's Brest, my own city, for the gods'sake!) so the scene painted by Turney in chapter 4 must be a stretch of fancy, understandably probable, but not vindicated by archeology. Neptune's realm was the Mediterranean, and the ocean was out of bounds. Practical believers as they were, the Romans certainly trusted local deities whenever they found it necessary to placate the mysterious ocean.
What I really like in this book is how it helps the reader understand what a military campaign was at the time. You'd say clash of swords and shields and spears and blood and guts spilling. It was, yes. But that was the tip of the iceberg. The brunt of it was in fact lengthy marching on, at the edge of the world, through uncharted and unwelcoming territory, with the nagging questions of where the foe could be lying in wait for you, and if and when they will fight on your own terms, on the battlefield you have in mind for them. Drawing mainly from Tacitus, Simon Turney delivers a very good sense of true ancient warfare, always remaining on a human scale. More broadly, he weaves a convincing, fast-paced and thriller-like narrative on Agricola's deeds. Painting Agricola's portrait against the backcloth of bigger dramatic events is in addition a clever way to shed light from an unusual angle on the corner Rome is turning at the time.
Now for the stickler's eyes only (wink!):
1. In spite of Turney's tenacious claim, legionaries were not paid monthly, but in three installments per year ("stipendia"). Remember for example, Tacitus's vivid account on how in 14 AD, when the great Augustus died, the legions stationed on the Rhine mutinied, mainly because of long-overdue pay. It took all Germanicus's negotiation skills and Tiberius's political acumen to settle the matter. Later, Emperor Domitian introduced quarterly payments.
2. Flags as we know them were yet to be invented at the time!
3. The Senate in Rome could only hold sessions during daylight, with no brazier or lighting allowed inside the Curia. My educated guess is thus that it was certainly the same in local curias, so I think Turney is a little off on page 274, when Londinium's councillors are meeting up.
4. Caligula was but a nickname. The actual emperor's name was Cesar Germanicus.
April 22, 2024
This is the first in a new series by one of the most prolific and respected writers of Roman historical fiction. The story follows Agricola as he is setting out on his career in the roman army
When reading historical fiction for me it is important to have that feeling of being transported back in time. Simon Turneys writing is so vivid and descriptive that you immediately get a sense of place and time.
This was a read which immediately drew me, straight your intrigued wondering where the story is going to lead. Not going to spoil anything by giving away plot details, but you get a strong picture not only for the Romans but northern Britain and the different tribes, Simon paints a picture of the barren landscape
Simon Turney has a way of making you engage with his characters, you take them to heart and have real empathy with them
Agricola is a young man full of impetuous youth, with a confidence to match, however, he realises he knows nothing about Britain, so arranges to buy a british slave who will guide and teach him the ways of those they will face
One area which I did find interesting was the relationship between Agricola and his slave Luci, you get a growing sense of respect, it is clear that Agricola needs Luci’s knowledge, at the same time it is clear that Luci knows his place. Definetly look forward to reading more about Luci
The battles scenes are written in a way that takes you straight to the heart of the action, you get a terrific sense of the planning involved and the sheer scale of the those fighting. There are no punches held back these were turbulent times the book portrays this with clarity
The narrative throughout is wonderfully written, moving the story along in a way that flows on the page
As you read on, you can see the meticulous research that must be carried to give an air of authenticity and realism to the book
Invader is an immersive read, I always like the way that Simon takes the reader and his characters on a journey, epic Roman fiction, you can feel a Roman campaign in action as it sweeps across Britain and the politics that are always in play
You may think that historical fiction is not for you or that you know nothing of the period, well if you like a story well told with characters that stand out, then this is a read for you.
Can’t recommend Simons work enough, he is one of the finest historical writers writing today for a reason, you can see his passion for the period come to life on the page
When reading historical fiction for me it is important to have that feeling of being transported back in time. Simon Turneys writing is so vivid and descriptive that you immediately get a sense of place and time.
This was a read which immediately drew me, straight your intrigued wondering where the story is going to lead. Not going to spoil anything by giving away plot details, but you get a strong picture not only for the Romans but northern Britain and the different tribes, Simon paints a picture of the barren landscape
Simon Turney has a way of making you engage with his characters, you take them to heart and have real empathy with them
Agricola is a young man full of impetuous youth, with a confidence to match, however, he realises he knows nothing about Britain, so arranges to buy a british slave who will guide and teach him the ways of those they will face
One area which I did find interesting was the relationship between Agricola and his slave Luci, you get a growing sense of respect, it is clear that Agricola needs Luci’s knowledge, at the same time it is clear that Luci knows his place. Definetly look forward to reading more about Luci
The battles scenes are written in a way that takes you straight to the heart of the action, you get a terrific sense of the planning involved and the sheer scale of the those fighting. There are no punches held back these were turbulent times the book portrays this with clarity
The narrative throughout is wonderfully written, moving the story along in a way that flows on the page
As you read on, you can see the meticulous research that must be carried to give an air of authenticity and realism to the book
Invader is an immersive read, I always like the way that Simon takes the reader and his characters on a journey, epic Roman fiction, you can feel a Roman campaign in action as it sweeps across Britain and the politics that are always in play
You may think that historical fiction is not for you or that you know nothing of the period, well if you like a story well told with characters that stand out, then this is a read for you.
Can’t recommend Simons work enough, he is one of the finest historical writers writing today for a reason, you can see his passion for the period come to life on the page
February 20, 2024
A great opening instalment of the series. We follow a young Agricola across Europe to the shores of Britain where he hopes to make a name for himself and regain status for his family. It’s obvious from the off just how great the writing style is, in the sense that once you start reading you can’t stop! Really easy to like characters and a story that takes you in to the very heart of tribal Britain. Can’t wait for the next book. 5/5
January 21, 2025
Rome 58 AD, & young Gnaeus Julius Agricola's widowed mother arranges for a banquet where she can call on all outstanding favours to obtain her son a commission in the Roman army. Things look bleak but he is finally offered the posting of senior tribune in far-off Britannia, serving under Suetonius Paulinus. Agricola needs information about Britannia & buys a slave-guide, a native Briton named Luci, who is taciturn & stubborn, & Agricola is not sure who is more dangerous - the enemy he faces on the battlefield or the one in his household.
Loosely based on the life of the real Agricola - Roman soldier, & later consul & governor. I read this one as I have an ARC of the second book & wanted to get the background of the character. He's fairly likeable in most respects but a bit of an unlikely prodigy who, without much experience compared to those around him, has sharp instincts & insights on how to proceed. I'm more interested in the machinations back in Rome than the cut-&-thrust of battle, but it was an interesting read. Book 2 looks more promising in that respect. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
TWs: (graphic) violence, torture, death (moderate) death of a child (minor) animal death.
Read via Kindle Unlimited.
Loosely based on the life of the real Agricola - Roman soldier, & later consul & governor. I read this one as I have an ARC of the second book & wanted to get the background of the character. He's fairly likeable in most respects but a bit of an unlikely prodigy who, without much experience compared to those around him, has sharp instincts & insights on how to proceed. I'm more interested in the machinations back in Rome than the cut-&-thrust of battle, but it was an interesting read. Book 2 looks more promising in that respect. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
TWs: (graphic) violence, torture, death (moderate) death of a child (minor) animal death.
Read via Kindle Unlimited.
July 12, 2024
Simon Turney sustains his reputation and Holds my attention
I have had the pleasure of reading several of Simon Turneys� fine books. � Agricola Invader� is the best of the lot. The background details provided as this story ring true( I have had the privilege of visiting Bath ( Aque Sulis) and the London Museums. The evidence of Romes� time in Britain tracks very convincingly in Agricola Invader.
As a retired military man I also appreciate the fine details of interpersonal and military command issues as they are depicted.
I now have much interest in learning more about the man Agricola. Well done to the author for crafting a believable, nuanced main character! The treatment of the operation against Mona was also gripping. Hail to the formidable Batavians! Tough fighting men indeed! I will look for more of Mr. Turnys� work. Vespasian and his son Titus will enable Vespasian more scope for making history. Going along mentally for the ride should be a great experience!
I can’t recommend this book too highly.
I have had the pleasure of reading several of Simon Turneys� fine books. � Agricola Invader� is the best of the lot. The background details provided as this story ring true( I have had the privilege of visiting Bath ( Aque Sulis) and the London Museums. The evidence of Romes� time in Britain tracks very convincingly in Agricola Invader.
As a retired military man I also appreciate the fine details of interpersonal and military command issues as they are depicted.
I now have much interest in learning more about the man Agricola. Well done to the author for crafting a believable, nuanced main character! The treatment of the operation against Mona was also gripping. Hail to the formidable Batavians! Tough fighting men indeed! I will look for more of Mr. Turnys� work. Vespasian and his son Titus will enable Vespasian more scope for making history. Going along mentally for the ride should be a great experience!
I can’t recommend this book too highly.
July 18, 2024
I wanted to like this more than I did since I'm interested in the period. The historical detail was well done and the interpretation of what happened in the early part of Agricola's relationship with Britain is convincing enough, given the paucity of details provided by Tacitus. But the main character is such a Mary Sue! A young man with no apparent flaws, self-doubt or personal struggles, who is good at everything he attempts and always seems to see things more clearly than his more experienced colleagues. The other aspect of the book which didn't gel with me was the dialogue. Too often it's used to info-dump. In addition, people say what they think, which robs it of nuance and interest. I will however read the next volume and hope Agricola becomes more convincing as a character as he grows up.
June 5, 2024
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Beautifully written and researched with superb characterisation throughout. The Author makes you feel a part of this totally gripping story. Atmospheric descriptive and with more than enough action sequences for this reader. I look forward to our heroes return. Right up there with Simon Scarrow's Cato and Macro series, and I can think of no higher praise.
Totally recommended.
Beautifully written and researched with superb characterisation throughout. The Author makes you feel a part of this totally gripping story. Atmospheric descriptive and with more than enough action sequences for this reader. I look forward to our heroes return. Right up there with Simon Scarrow's Cato and Macro series, and I can think of no higher praise.
Totally recommended.
April 12, 2024
Another great yarn
Looks like the start of another of Mr Turney,s brilliant adventures 😁 love the inclusion of the Batavi in the story (personal favorite's) as for our Tribune and his sidekick lol well lets say they work well together. The story flows very well and full of action with the prospect of a great rivalry to come, as we know what the not too distant future holds for the Roman Empire. I think this is going to be a very good series to follow 👍
Looks like the start of another of Mr Turney,s brilliant adventures 😁 love the inclusion of the Batavi in the story (personal favorite's) as for our Tribune and his sidekick lol well lets say they work well together. The story flows very well and full of action with the prospect of a great rivalry to come, as we know what the not too distant future holds for the Roman Empire. I think this is going to be a very good series to follow 👍
July 4, 2024
its an ok read but I didnt get any sense of the time.. For Agricola and his so called slave everything always goes well and he (and he) are the best at everything he (and they) do. Its all so smooth and lacking in any real tension. Even the battle scenes seem to be so carefully scripted so that not a hair is out of place. How about a bit of chaos, some emotion and a non linear pathway to the top. You know, as in real life? I wont be continuing with the series
December 5, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"This is not an army but a rabble."
The first in a new series - and it is superb. Simon Turkey writes with a feeling of immediacy taking the reader straight into the place and time, both being there as an observer and simultaneously participating. Then the whole thing is further brought to life by the performance of Mark Elstob.
For anyone who enjoys action set in times of Ancient Rome, this is a must read..
"This is not an army but a rabble."
The first in a new series - and it is superb. Simon Turkey writes with a feeling of immediacy taking the reader straight into the place and time, both being there as an observer and simultaneously participating. Then the whole thing is further brought to life by the performance of Mark Elstob.
For anyone who enjoys action set in times of Ancient Rome, this is a must read..
March 19, 2024
The beginning of a new series and can't wait for the next one. This is the author at his best weaving history and fiction to cover one of the key leaders of the early imperial Roman Empire. Really hard to put down as it moves at pace but without losing some wonderful observations of the end of an ancient culture as Rome rolls forward to eliminate the druids to history.
April 28, 2024
Simon Turney's historical fiction novels are an entertaining way to learn about history and how people lived in the Roman Empire.
Gripping and gritty, entertaining and well researched.
A novel that I strongly recommend and hope it will be the first in a long series
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Gripping and gritty, entertaining and well researched.
A novel that I strongly recommend and hope it will be the first in a long series
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 2, 2024
Having just finished the marvelous Vespasian series, this made the perfect follow-up, as Agricola was a supporter of the future Emperor when he made his bid for power. Different in style to Robert Fabbri, Simon Turney still writes an absorbing tale, and I'm looking forward to book number two as Agricola returns to Rome to continue his career.
May 8, 2024
A new series from the prolific mind of Simon Turney, and virtually predictable, it is a triumph. He has said to me in the past, about another author we admire, that she could write a phone book and make it compelling. To make that more relevant, I submit that Simon could write a compelling caupona menu. Well, my peeps and fellow travelers, Invader has me joyously awaiting the next episode.
June 2, 2024
Excellent Fare!
Well written with an eye to history and service with a smidgen of rivalry and a dash of an incompetent commander. Throw in a Druid witch or two
Battles to be fought and reputations, what’s not to like? I await the next instalment with interest.
Well done Mr Turney
Well written with an eye to history and service with a smidgen of rivalry and a dash of an incompetent commander. Throw in a Druid witch or two
Battles to be fought and reputations, what’s not to like? I await the next instalment with interest.
Well done Mr Turney
September 12, 2024
Great story, having read several accounts of the final battle for Britannia, it is good to see a similar but different account. Good mixture of heroic deaths, and villains.
I had it on audible and only criticism was some of the voices of the characters chosen by the narrator. One reminded me of Michael Palin, saying stwike him centuwion, wery woughly!
Cant wait for the next book.
I had it on audible and only criticism was some of the voices of the characters chosen by the narrator. One reminded me of Michael Palin, saying stwike him centuwion, wery woughly!
Cant wait for the next book.
October 17, 2024
entertaining account of Agricola’s campaigns in Britain.
Well-written and fast-moving, this is the story of the time period shortly after the initial Roman invasion of Britain, when several tribes revolted. I may fan of stories like this, and the author is a favorite of mine, so I’m biased, but I do like his writing aid, and his subjects are very interesting to me.
Well-written and fast-moving, this is the story of the time period shortly after the initial Roman invasion of Britain, when several tribes revolted. I may fan of stories like this, and the author is a favorite of mine, so I’m biased, but I do like his writing aid, and his subjects are very interesting to me.
October 23, 2024
I wasn't aware of Agricola before this book. He is certainly an interesting guy who lead one full life.
This book covers the start of his career leading Romans to fight the various tribes of Wales then dealing with Boudica.
The author does a pretty good describing the man and how his ambitions drove him to tick the boxes needed to move up the chain of command.
This book covers the start of his career leading Romans to fight the various tribes of Wales then dealing with Boudica.
The author does a pretty good describing the man and how his ambitions drove him to tick the boxes needed to move up the chain of command.
January 15, 2025
wonderful read.
A well written adventure book set in Britain during the time of emperor Nero. Agricola the young Roman officer, comes alive as described by ancient authors. The characters are well developed, the history is true to life. Another good series for the author Simon Turney. I highly recommend this novel.
A well written adventure book set in Britain during the time of emperor Nero. Agricola the young Roman officer, comes alive as described by ancient authors. The characters are well developed, the history is true to life. Another good series for the author Simon Turney. I highly recommend this novel.
January 17, 2025
Good story
As a fan of historical novels I found this one a little slow at the beginning but it developed into a very good story with good attention to Roman protocols and military standards. The story of the Bouddica uprising has been well documented, but usually from the British viewpoint. This was a refreshing change.
As a fan of historical novels I found this one a little slow at the beginning but it developed into a very good story with good attention to Roman protocols and military standards. The story of the Bouddica uprising has been well documented, but usually from the British viewpoint. This was a refreshing change.
May 2, 2024
Cracking
I read lots of books in this genre this is one of the best.the detail of military life is riveting. Little details always learned and bring the story to life in a more believable way. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I read lots of books in this genre this is one of the best.the detail of military life is riveting. Little details always learned and bring the story to life in a more believable way. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 29, 2024
historical fiction perfected
Great read ticks all the boxes of what a great historical fiction novel should be; well written, accurate, great characters, incredible action and fascinating plots.
Great read ticks all the boxes of what a great historical fiction novel should be; well written, accurate, great characters, incredible action and fascinating plots.
June 2, 2024
Agricola perfect for Simon scrape devotees
Excellent for Roman enthusiast. Agricola starts his rise in the Roman empire during the Boudacien revolt
period. Good characters and good tactics.
Excellent for Roman enthusiast. Agricola starts his rise in the Roman empire during the Boudacien revolt
period. Good characters and good tactics.
August 29, 2024
cymru adventure
What a great tale and so well researched and written an epic tale and full of Welsh historical places The romans gave us a lot of things but also brought civilisation the these lands
What a great tale and so well researched and written an epic tale and full of Welsh historical places The romans gave us a lot of things but also brought civilisation the these lands
October 15, 2024
Exciting history
This book is both an exciting novel and a way to learn about the Romans in Britain and the way the Roman army works.
Has an unflinching view of the violence but doesn't linger on it or glorify it.
Looking forward to book 2
This book is both an exciting novel and a way to learn about the Romans in Britain and the way the Roman army works.
Has an unflinching view of the violence but doesn't linger on it or glorify it.
Looking forward to book 2
November 2, 2024
Even if Agricola’s staring role in the events of this book is historically unlikely, the story is well written and we have so little evidence for the details of the events that they are at least possible.
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