Simon Turney – författare

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!A thrilling Roman historical adventure in a series based around one of the most renowned and intriguing figures of Ancient Rome.In Nero's Rome, ambition is a dangerous thing...Agricola has won renown for his military exploits in Britannia. Now returned to Rome with his new family, he seeks to rise further - but life in the greatest city on earth proves more difficult than he expected. Roman politics are on a knife-edge - often literally. The Emperor Nero is unpredictable, the manner of his rule unstable. Agricola soon finds himself posted to the troublesome province of Asia Minor. The local governor is ambitious and dangerous. Falling foul of such a man could mean certain death... and yet a rebellious young warrior like Agricola cannot stay silent for long.When Agricola experiences personal tragedy, he seeks revenge. Rome, meanwhile, burns in a great fire... but further tumult is to come in the wake of Nero's death. Agricola must tread a careful path to stay alive through the Year of the Four Emperors... a year of blood and ruin throughout the empire.'You should be reading Simon Turney.' Anthony Riches

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!Rome's Twenty Second Legion must battle the armies of the fabled Warrior Queen.Egypt, 25 BC. Formed from the personal guard of a conquered king, the Twenty Second Legion's ways are strange to soldiers of Rome, yet the legion has proved its worth to the Empire in the blistering heat of the Egyptian desert.Now, veteran combat medic Titus Cervianus and his comrades march into the unknown as the Twenty Second Legion heads to war with the Bellatrix: the Warrior Queen of Kush. Kush and Egypt have united against the Roman presence in their lands. Cervianus and his comrades must brace themselves for a furious onslaught as they take on the mighty armies of the Bellatrix.A breathtaking Roman adventure perfect for fans of Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.Reviews for Simon Turney'You should be reading Simon Turney' Anthony Riches'Brings a whole new dimension to the genre' Historical Novel Society'Epic... brimming with tension, mystery and adventure!' Gordon Doherty'First-rate Roman fiction.' Matthew Harffy

From seven bestselling authors, including New York Times bestseller Kate Quinn, comes a gripping and vividly imagined novel following an epic struggle of rebellion against the might of Rome.Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Briton . . . and these are their stories.A calculating queen foresees the fires of rebellion in a king’s death.A neglected slave girl seizes her own courage as Boudica calls for war.An idealistic tribune finds manhood in a brutal baptism of blood and slaughter.A death-haunted Druid challenges the gods themselves to ensure victory for his people.A conflicted young warrior finds himself torn between loyalties to tribe and to Rome.An old champion struggles for everlasting glory in the final battle against the legions.A pair of fiery princesses fight to salvage the pieces of their mother’s dream as the ravens circle.A novel in seven parts, overlapping stories of warriors and peacemakers, queens and slaves, Romans and Britons who cross paths during Boudica’s epic rebellion. But who will survive to see the dawn of a new Britannia, and who will fall to feed the ravens?

From seven masters of historical fiction—including New York Times bestseller Kate Quinn—comes a richly imagined anthology of stories which bring the epic tale of the Trojan War to life.Troy: city of gold, gatekeeper of the East, haven of the god-born and the lucky, a city destined to last a thousand years. But the Fates have other plans—the Fates, and a woman named Helen. In the shadow of Troy’s gates, all must be reborn in the greatest war of the ancient world: slaves and queens, heroes and cowards, seers and kings . . . and these are their stories.A young princess and an embittered prince join forces to prevent a fatal elopement.A tormented seeress challenges the gods themselves to save her city from the impending disaster.A tragedy-haunted king battles private demons and envious rivals as the siege grinds on.A doomed hero launches a desperate plan to bring the war to a close. A grizzled archer and a desperate Amazon risk their lives to avenge their dead.A trickster conceives the greatest trick of all.A goddess’s son battles to save the spirit of Troy even as the walls are breached in fire and blood.Seven authors vividly recreate the Trojan War: its heroes, its villains, its survivors, its dead. Who will lie forgotten in the embers, and who will rise to shape the bloody dawn of a new age?

This is a biography of the last man who can truly be considered a ‘Roman’ emperor. Maxentius was the last pagan emperor to rule in Rome itself, the last emperor to reside on the Palatine, the last emperor with a Praetorian Guard. He was a prolific builder, popular with the people and armies of Rome, and surprisingly successful against impressive odds, fighting off two opposing emperors, until felled by disaster at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.Simon Turney examines his background (he was the son of Emperor Maximian) and describes the context of the imperial situation of the Tetrarchy leading to his rise. He sifts all the evidence, architectural, numismatic and inscriptive, attempting to identify where Christian (and Constantinian) bias has warped the truth. He narrates Maxentius’ six year reign during a tumultuous time of civil wars, culminating in the dramatic battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he fell. He peels back the later vilification by Christian sources and reveals a capable emperor, a great builder (with a legacy of monuments still visible) and, ironically, a tolerant ruler who ended the Great Persecution of Christians in his territories years before Constantine followed suit.

The majority of work on Roman Britain's military focuses on the legions, with much less attention paid to the auxilia, even though the latter formed the vast majority of the manpower. The auxiliary units were drawn from all over the Empire and provided both infantry and cavalry units, many of which provided specialisms that the legions lacked. For example, the Cohors I Hamiorum Sagittariorum were a cohort of archers from Syria stationed at Carvoran fort on Hadrian’s Wall.Simon Turney, following decades of research, presents this work, referencing every one of the fifty-nine auxiliary units identified in Britain. For each there is a unit history, detailing their movements, involvement in campaigns and anything noteworthy. This is followed by a set of lists detailing known, attested members of the unit and any inscriptions that mention them. Each entry is also accompanied by photographs and/or maps, including the sites the unit occupied, tombstones, images, inscriptions and so on. This is the finest, most up-to-date reference available for the auxiliary units of Britain.

'An engrossing new spin on a well-known tale' Antonia Senior, The Times'Caligula as you've never seen him before! A powerfully moving read from one of the best ancient world authors in the business' Kate Quinn, author of The Alice Network Everyone knows his name. Everyone thinks they know his story.Rome 37AD. The emperor is dying. No-one knows how long he has left. The power struggle has begun.When the ailing Tiberius thrusts Caligula's family into the imperial succession in a bid to restore order, he will change the fate of the empire and create one of history's most infamous tyrants, Caligula. But was he really a monster?Forget everything you think you know. Let Livilla, Caligula's youngest sister and confidante, tell you what really happened. How her quiet, caring brother became the most powerful man on earth. And how, with lies, murder and betrayal, Rome was changed for ever . . .'A truly different take on one of history's villains . . . All through this I am seeing Al Pacino in The Godfather, slowly stained darker and darker by power and blood' Robert Low, author of The Oathsworn series'Enthralling and original, brutal and lyrical by turns. With powerful imagery and carefully considered history Simon Turney provides a credible alternative to the Caligula myth that will have the reader questioning everything they believe they know about the period' Anthony Riches, author of the Empire series

Gnaeus Julius Agricola was a man fated for conquest and tied to the island of Britannia. He cut his teeth on military command during the revolt of Boudicca, later commanded a legion against the warlike Brigantes and was finally given the governorship of the province and was able to lead the armies north, incorporating into the empire the wild northern lands that had remained unclaimed for three decades. He broke the back of the Scottish tribes at Mons Graupius and achieved what no other Roman ever managed. Agricola had a settled Britannia in his hands, only to be removed and see it evaporate without him.Agricola’s biography was written by his son-in-law Tacitus, and his life has otherwise never been examined in detail. Here, using the archaeological record and contemporary accounts to compare with Tacitus, we work to uncover the truth about the man who made Roman Britain. Was Tacitus an unreliable narrator?

Worshipped by Rome. Betrayed by love. Stalked by death. Rome is enjoying a period of stability and prosperity. The Empire's borders are growing, and there are two sons in the imperial succession for the first time in Rome's history. But all is not as it appears. Cracks are beginning to show. Two decades of war have taken their toll, and there are whispers of a sickness in the East. The Empire stands on the brink of true disaster, an age of gold giving way to one of iron and rust, a time of reason and strength sliding into hunger and pain.The decline may yet be halted, though. One man tries to hold the fracturing empire together. To Rome, he is their emperor, their Hercules, their Commodus.But Commodus is breaking up himself, and when the darkness grips, only one woman can hold him together. To Rome she was nothing. The plaything of the emperor. To Commodus, she was everything. She was Marcia.

'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

Their rivalry will change the world forever.As competition for the imperial throne intensifies, Constantine and Maxentius realise their childhood friendship cannot last. Each man struggles to control their respective quadrant of empire, battered by currents of politics, religion and personal tragedy, threatened by barbarian forces and enemies within.With their positions becoming at once stronger and more troubled, the strained threads of their friendship begin to unravel. Unfortunate words and misunderstandings finally sever their ties, leaving them as bitter opponents in the greatest game of all, with the throne of Rome the prize.It is a matter that can only be settled by outright war...'A page turner from beginning to end... A damn fine read' Ben Kane, author of Lionheart (on Sons of Rome)'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)'An intriguing and highly polished piece of historical fiction' James Tivendale from Grimdark (on Sons of Rome)

For one to rule, the other must die. AD 312: A year of horrific and brutal warfare.Although outnumbered, Constantine's legions seem unstoppable as they surge through Maxentius' Italian heartlands. Constantine is determined to reach and seize the ancient capital of Rome from his rival, yet his army is exhausted, plagued by religious rivalries and on the verge of revolt. Maxentius meanwhile contends with a restive and dissenting Roman populace. Neither general can risk a prolonged war.When the two forces clash amidst portents and omens in a battle that will shape history, there are factors at work beyond their control. Only one thing is certain: Constantine and Maxentius' rivalry must end. With one on a bloodied sword and the other the sole ruler of an Empire...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)'An intriguing and highly polished piece of historical fiction' James Tivendale from Grimdark (on Sons of Rome)

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW! Titus Cervianus is no ordinary soldier. And the Twenty Second is no ordinary legion.Egypt, 25 BC. Former surgeon Titus Cervianus is now a capsarius – a Roman army combat medic. He is deeply unpopular with his legion, the Twenty Second... who are themselves unpopular with the rest of Rome's legions, due to their strange ways and roots as a private army. The Twenty Second's latest mission to is quell dissent in Egypt. Heading into the unknown, Cervianus will need every ally he can get as he marches through searing sands, finding forbidden temples, hidden assassins, and worst of all, an enemy out of legend... A thrilling Roman combat adventure perfect for fans of Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.Reviews for Simon Turney'Brings a whole new dimension to the genre' Historical Novel Society'A blistering epic' Gordon Doherty'First-rate Roman fiction' Matthew Harffy'You should be reading Simon Turney' Anthony Riches

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!A powerful tale of vengeance and war set in the fourth-century Roman Empire, Para Bellum will delight fans of Scarrow, Kane and Cornwell.AD 381. Five years ago a Roman governor ordered the murder of a Gothic king and his attendants. Now, the slaughtered king's powerful brother seeks revenge. For the eight legionaries who carried out the killings, the bloodshed is only just beginning. Flavius Focalis is one of those legionaries. After surviving an attempt on his life, he seeks to warn his former comrades, for he knows their enemy is implacable. So begins a deadly game of cat-and-mouse across the Empire, with far more than eight lives at stake. For war is coming – and the only question is: do they die now, or die later?'You should be reading Simon Turney' Anthony Riches

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!An empire on the edge. A scheme for glory. A plan to control the greatest river in the world. 61 AD. Emperor Nero schemes avidly to increase his wealth and slaughter his many enemies, but also seeks glory. He looks south from Rome to Africa. The great River Nile gives life to the Egyptians, the Kushites, and many other kingdoms. No Roman has ever tracked the Nile to its source. If it can be done, mastery of the greatest waterway in the known world may be possible. But the mission will be fraught with risks. There are peoples hostile to Rome, vast swathes of desert, fierce beasts... and for the soldiers chosen, the deadly price of failure hanging over their heads. A gripping historical adventure featuring historical figures from Ancient Rome, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 'A wonderful story, rich in absorbing detail' The Times

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!An empire on the edge. A scheme for glory. A plan to control the greatest river in the world. 61 AD. Emperor Nero schemes avidly to increase his wealth and slaughter his many enemies, but also seeks glory. He looks south from Rome to Africa. The great River Nile gives life to the Egyptians, the Kushites, and many other kingdoms. No Roman has ever tracked the Nile to its source. If it can be done, mastery of the greatest waterway in the known world may be possible. But the mission will be fraught with risks. There are peoples hostile to Rome, vast swathes of desert, fierce beasts... and for the soldiers chosen, the deadly price of failure hanging over their heads. A gripping historical adventure featuring historical figures from Ancient Rome, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane. 'A wonderful story, rich in absorbing detail' The Times

SIMON TURNEY'S THRILLING NEW ROMAN EMPIRE NOVEL AGRICOLA: COMMANDER AVAILABLE NOW!The story of Agricola, one of Ancient Rome's most epic figures. 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...Reviews for Simon Turney'If you want gritty and utterly authentic edge of the seat Roman action, you should be reading Simon Turney.' Anthony Riches'A vivid, historically authentic Roman military thriller.' Alex Gough'Brings a whole new dimension to the genre.' Historical Novel Society'Brimming with tension, mystery and adventure!' Gordon Doherty'First-rate Roman fiction.' Matthew Harffy

Renowned warrior Agricola returns to Britannia as the commander of a legion... but with a rebellious Celtic tribe threatening Roman rule, securing the province won't be easy. The brilliant new Ancient Roman historical adventure from Simon Turney.In the aftermath of Rome's civil war, Agricola returns to Britannia in command of his own legion.This is not the honour it seems at first. Agricola's new legion threatens mutiny and the frontier province has suffered under troublesome governors. And the Brigantes, a powerful Celtic tribe in Britannia, are ready to make war against Rome.To stabilise Roman rule and bring peace, Agricola must use all his political and military skills. But when a new commander is posted to Britannia, Agricola's efforts have counted for nothing.For General Petilius Cerialis wants to completely destroy the Brigantes. With the tribe roused to throw off the Roman yoke for good, Agricola must prepare for the greatest war yet in Britannia... one which few will survive.'You should be reading Simon Turney' Anthony Riches