I have read a fair few books about the history of the Roman Empire but this book provides a fair few new perspectives.

The book is set after the crucification of Jesus Christ. A Roman senator, Vivius Marcianus is the main character. He is sent on a secret mission to Jerusalem by Emperor Tiberius. He needs to investigate Pontus Pilate's actions which sets up some nice action for the remainder of the book.

While it took a little effort to navigate the characterisations the tale was interesting without being electrifying.
Thanks to NetGalley and John Hunt for this ARC

This book is set in the time frame right after the crucifixion. The job of Senator Vivius Marcianus is to investigate the corrupt Pontius Pilate, plunging him right into the middle of a world of political rivalries, intrigue, and vindictive use of violence and punishment to quell one’s perceived enemies. Vivius encounters it all, but managers to find allies, who help him to bring out the truth and ultimately lead to justice, despite stonewalling and attempts to undermine his job. Back in Rome, Vivius’s bride-to-be, Aurelia, finds herself in a similar world of corruption and deceit, but also manages to work through it all, proving her usefulness as a partner for Vivius. What they, in particular Vivius, find will have definite repercussions throughout the Roman Empire.

This was a well written, interesting book. I found the many names, as unfamiliar as they are to today, to be a bit confusing at times, but that did not distract from the story. The story is a definite winner, as it sheds light on a time and characters most of us never really give much thought to, with a to-die-for plot. The plot was well thought-out and researched, filled with intrigue and excitement throughout. The settings were also spot-on, as I felt I was right there in the middle of the Roman Empire of the time. This book brings out another side of the life and times we often do not understand well or think much about, except in history classes or when a historian, or if one is a “student of history”. I think anyone who is interested in history, especially of that era, or who enjoys historical novels/romances will find this and interesting read. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Thankyou to NetGalley, John Hunt Publishing, Top Hat Books and the author, Joan E Histon, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Senator's Assignment in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought the storyline was well thought out and written. I loved how descriptive the settings were. It makes you feel as if you have been transported back in time.
Well worth a read for fans of the genre.

Senator Vivius Marcianus is a man who believes in the omnipotent power of the Caesares. He believes in the Roman Republic and patrician regime of the Senate, and yet he sometimes doubts one man should hold all the power – a conflict which drives his decisions and political support.

Tiberius trusts him implicitly, which is how Vivius ends up pretending to be a Senator interested in the market potential of olives, whilst secretly investigating the fraudulent and violent actions of his fellow Romans. At the same time he is trying to keep his loved ones safe, as he plays a dangerous game of political chess.

Histon comes at the period of the beginning of the sect of the Nazarenes, the death of their charismatic leader Jesus and the years following his alleged rising from the dead, in a more factual and suitably historical fashion. A more realistic version of events, despite it being a mixture of fact and fiction.

A story relayed over many centuries via hearsay and written accounts is told from a new perspective, one more in keeping with the time and the political and historical era. Vivius is asked to look into some concerns regarding the actions of Pontius Pilate, the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, serving under Emperor Tiberius. Pilate is known as the person ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus of Nazareth.

Pilate’s strings are being pulled by someone close to Tiberius, a person with plenty of power and an ulterior motive. Both of them are willing to threaten and kill to keep their secrets, which means Vivius and his friends have to watch their backs.

I hope this is just the beginning of intrigue, betrayal and politics with Senator Vivius Marcianus. It’s not like the Roman Empire doesn’t offer up plenty of room for future plots. Hopefully Histon will give readers further opportunities to engage with Vivius. It’s an interesting combination of historical fiction with elements of politics, mystery and crime.

BLURB: Being trusted by a Caesar makes him an enemy of the Roman who crucified Jesus Christ, and puts him under threat from Rome itself Rome 30 AD. A Senator is plunged into the dark heart of the Roman Empire, sent to investigate the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem by Caesar Tiberius. In this tense historical thriller can Senator Vivius Marcianus outmanoeuvre charges of treason, devastating secrets resurfaced from his own troubled past, and the political snake pit of Rome to save himself and the woman he loves?

REVIEW: 

It's one thing to be given a mission from Tiberius himself, it's quite another when that mission is to find proof of treason on none other than Aelius Sejanus. The protagonist in this lively tale, Senator Vivius Marcianus, intelligent, thoughtful, resourceful - all qualities he needs to survive the shrewd, calculating Pilate and his equally conniving wife while in Palestine, and the ensnaring tentacles of Sejanus while in Rome. This particular rendition of Sejanus, his unfettered lust for power, is worthy of Sir Patrick Stewart's portrayal in I, Claudius.  The environs of Rome and various Palestine locations, ripe with the smells, discordant with the noise, pulsing with intrigue, provide a perfect backdrop to the events, and activities Vivius endures in an ever deepening, and dangerous mission. A splendid, entertaining tale - another glimpse into the Tiberius/Sejanus relationship.

4 stars

This book is set In A.D. 31 when the main character Senator Vivius Marcianus is sent to investigate the the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate in the Near East. The plot switches between his activities and his future wife’s situation back in Rome. This was well researched and detailed, you could almost smell the food cooking. The characters were intriguing and varied in role and style.
I enjoyed this very much and would recommend to any historical fiction fan.
I was given a ARC by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

In A.D. 31 Senator Vivius Marcianus is sent by Caesar Tiberius to Palentine to investigate the Jewish situation and the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate there. But he must keep his mission secret not just from the other Senators of Rome but also from Pontius Pilate.
A thoroughly enjoyable historical thriller, well-written with a good selection of characters. Certainly kept my interest throughout.

The book is set in the year after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Set in the Roman Empire, senator Vivius Marcianus has been sent by Caesar Tiberius to Palentine to investigate the Jewish situation and the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate. Has he been following the Imoerial policy. There are rumours that there might be a coup about to occur in Rome. The senator soon finds himself acoiding assassins while trying to unravel the truth.

I love the names the Romans had. They somehow bring a smile to my face. In this historical thriller there is a good character list. Although I did get confused by them at times. It's well written, true to the era with a good plot.

I would like to thank NetGalley, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and the author Joan E Histon for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you know anything about this turbulent period of Roman history then the names Pontius Pilate, Sejanus and Emperor Tiberius will give you a clue that anyone getting involved with them is probably entering dangerous waters (and I don’t mean the ones across to the Isle of Capri). So it turns out for Senator Vivius Marcianus – and those close to him – when he’s tasked with an assignment notable for the vagueness of its instructions and the fact it will take him to a hotbed of civil and political unrest – Roman occupied Jerusalem.

The author does a great job of conjuring up the sights, sounds and smells of Jerusalem’s teeming streets and market places. Our hero, Vivius, is plunged into a world awash with personal and political rivalries, intrigue, corruption, the casual use of violence and cruel punishments. Furthermore, the sectarian infighting is not confined to the upper reaches of the Roman Empire but is evident in Jerusalem as well with religious sects such as the Zealots and the Nazarenes pursuing competing strategies. (Those familiar with the film ‘The Life of Brian’ may find their thoughts straying to the scenes featuring the People’s Front of Judea and the Judean People’s Front.)

Meanwhile back in Rome, Vivius’s bride-to-be, Aurelia, finds herself drawn into similarly dangerous political intrigues and shows herself to be a suitably courageous and intrepid partner.

As Vivius attempts to carry out his assignment, he encounters threats, stonewalling and distraction techniques of a more subtle nature designed to undermine his investigation. However, on the principle that ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’, Vivius finds unlikely allies as he seeks to reveal the truth and bring the guilty parties to justice. I was definitely rooting for him and his companions by this point. What Vivius uncovers will have repercussions at the highest level of the Roman Empire.

The Senator’s Assignment is a really enjoyable historical mystery set in a period of Roman history rife with political intrigue that makes the perfect backdrop for its clever, well-constructed plot.

I received an advance review copy courtesy of publishers, Top Hat Books, and Random Things Tours.

Take a plot filled with political intrigue and scheming and set it in the Roman Empire , not long after the time of Jesus , and you will find yourself in the world of Senator Vivius Marcianus. Sent to Judea by the Emperor himself on a mission to see if Pontius Pilate has not been following Imperial policy, and to investigate the rumors that a coup may be in the offing in Rome, the senator soon finds himself unravelling financial improprieties and avoiding would be assassins in his quest to uncover the truth.
A competent and entertaining historical thriller, with some pacing issues but a well crafted plot. I read an reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

After finding this book a little slow to start it turned into a very interesting and different read. Well researched it is an excellent read for lovers of historical fiction.

This book is fascinating and a bit weird at the same time. It's well researched, well written, full of interesting facts.
The plot is sometimes a bit confused but it keep you hooked till the end.
Recommended to people who love historical fiction.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

I think this is one of those books that you really have to be in the mood to read. I'm not always a fan of historical fiction but the premise of this sounded so interesting: a senator sent to investigate after Christ's death. And there were a lot of fascinating facts that I was not aware of so that part kept me reading. Yet, I got bogged down by some of the characters and that made it slow reading. So while it didn't quite resonate with me, I think there is an audience out there who may appreciate it more than I did!

Rather than an enlightening, interesting read I found this a very difficult to read book. There is obvious literary style to the writing but it just did not work for me. Set the year after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and with a currently corrupt Roman Ruler in Pontius Pilate this book follows the journey of a Senator sent to investigate the situation. To be honest it didn't grab my attention the characterisation was confusing - the same characters appeared to take on many names although i cannot be certain this wasn't just my interpretation. The narrative felt unnecessarily complex and It failed to really keep my attention. It would not make me want to read more by this author