Sons of Rome is one of the most immersive pieces of historical fiction I’ve read. Every page drips with authenticity, from the sounds and smells of the streets of Rome to the rolling thunder of a marching legion.

Simon and Gordon don’t just tell you about the ancient world, they transport you there.
Constantine is one of the most revered emperors from the days of empire, and I found Gordon’s take on his rise to power to be extraordinary. In this first book we begin to see the transformation in his character from a young, proud, ambitious man who loves fiercely and has a strong sense for what is right, into the ruler he will one day become.

Maxentius’ story is less known – barely known at all really, and I found Simon’s depiction of him brilliant. A man stuck in the shadow of his father, learning to be a father himself. One thing that will stay with me long after reading this is Maxentius’ love for his son, Romulus, his desperation to build a better world for him.

Those familiar with this period in history will know how this series will end, though books aren’t all about the destination. It’s the journey that stays with the reader, the strengths and flaws of the characters that travel it. I can’t wait for the next leg of this one.

I received a free copy of Sons of Rome from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

I love reading historical fiction but still haven't read much about the Romans. Somehow I always seem to gravitate towards the Egyptians and the Greeks. Because of that, I was excited to finally read a historical fiction book about the Romans!

Sons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows the lives of two men, Maxentius and Constantine and their unlikely friendship. Both come from very different backgrounds and end up in different career paths. However, they always stay connected due to their mutual friendship. Until political tension intensifies and friends suddenly become rivals.

The chapters alternate between Maxentius' and Constantine's point of view, both written in the first person. Their voices are very different and distinct from each other. I could feel, that I was reading about to very different men. It was interesting to find out what happened to them next and how it was all connected.

The authors are very talented and clearly know a lot about Roman history. Their vivid descriptions of events and Roman society in general brought this time period to live. They managed to keep me glued to the pages till the very end. In fact, this book leads me to read more about the Romans, which might be the highest praise I can give.

I can't wait to start the second book of the series!

Sons of Rome by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty

When boys Maxentius and Constantine meet in 286 AD in Diocletian’s glorious city of Treverorum, they instantly strike up a friendship that will last through the years and what momentous years these will be for Rome’s empire and for the men that Maxentius and Constantine will become. They meet during the celebrations to mark Diocletian’s division of the empire into two, with Diocletian retaining the East while Maxentius’s father Maximian becomes Empire of the West. Some years later two emperors become four, with Constantine’s father among them, becoming Augustus of the West. But such powerful men can’t stay content with their share. While some want it all, others must fight to retain what they have. Maxentius and Constantine are caught in the middle, used as pawns, as are their sisters, until the time comes when they, too, play their part as they rise to the very heights of power and friends become rivals.

I was thrilled to hear the news that Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty were joining forces to write a new series called Rise of Emperors. These two writers know their stuff (what Simon Turney doesn’t know about the Roman military isn’t worth knowing) and Constantine (not yet The Great) and Maxentius are in very safe hands. It’s difficult to imagine a more complicated period of Roman history than the years between 286 and 312 AD and these years were dominated by some larger than life personalities. It could be overwhelming. But the authors begin their series in fine style with Sons of Rome, bringing history and people to life and revealing what an absolutely fascinating and dramatic period of Roman history this was. It’s even more incredible when you think that all of this actually happened!

The novel is divided between our two main protagonists, Maxentius in Rome and Constantine on military campaign across the empire. The authors take a character each but you really wouldn’t know that, the joins are seamless. I was particularly drawn to the sections set in Rome – this Rome feels both familiar and strange with well-known monuments now in need of repair and whole sections of Rome cleared to make way for defences. The Colosseum is a busy place with Romans as cruel as ever, especially against the Christians.

Constantine’s early years are brutal, with his father’s callous dismissal of his wife and Constantine’s mother setting the tone for his relationship with his father. Constantine is a soldier, not yet a Christian, and his life is spent on the move, pursuing enemies to the empire but also enemies and challengers from much closer to home. Maxentius’ enemies, by contrast, come to him. I enjoyed the relationship between Maxentius and his monstrous ogre of a father, Maximian. Maximian has his rivals for most detestable Augustus, mind you – looking at Galerius here. Maxentius’ wife is quite a character in her own right. The women bear the brunt of much of the power struggles. Having been married off to secure alliances they then find themselves torn between loyalty to their fathers and strained loyalty to their husbands.

Sons of Rome sets the scene so well for the future novels as Constantine’s power and ambition grows. It’s fascinating to see what forces made Constantine the man and Emperor he was. This was all a bit of a mystery to me and now I can’t wait to discover more. It’s such a good story! I love Roman historical fiction so much and it’s wonderful to have a new series to follow.

Other reviews

Writing as Simon Turney
Caligula
Commodus

Writing as S.J.A. Turney
Marius’ Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul
Marius’ Mules II: The Belgae
Writing historical locations – a guest post

The period of time covered in this novel (late 200s-early 300s) is a very important time in Western Civilization that has not been covered by many novelists. I tend to learn history best from historical fiction so I was very glad to see this book from authors I already knew. As expected, they brought the characters and time period to life excellently! I felt attached to both main characters in a way few novels have managed to do. I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!

This was an amazing book! What we have is the early story of Constantine, when he was still trying to make his way in the world, interspersed with the story of Maxentius, who faces him on the battlefield at the very beginning of the book; the rest is a flash-back. The novel is written in first person by each of them, back and forth one chapter at a time; their memories are so different that I never got confused as to whose story I was reading. Both are sympathetic, and Constantine’s story didn’t really overshadow Maxentius. One is strong, the other is weak, but both prove to be integral to the crisis of their generation. I watched helplessly as they slowly found themselves on opposite sides, inexorably torn apart by their own destinies. In the late 3rd century, Diocletian has just divided the empire into its Tetrarchy, where the east and the west has its own Augustus and Caesar—four rulers in all, where Caesar was to be the heir of Augustus. In theory this may have toned down all the assassinations, but in practice it was a disaster and our protagonists find themselves in the middle; both are cheated from their intended position. Not only do we, the reader, find ourselves involved in the fortunes of these two characters, we are plunged into the everyday life of the empire’s ruling elite. And it’s not a pretty sight! The emperors range from nasty to despicable. These were the days when Christians were burned at the stake; Diocletian even condemned his own wife!

"Another Joviani legionary stomped out of the tunnel and onto the arena floor, carrying a crackling torch. The crowd fell utterly silent as the soldier held the torch near the firewood then looked up to Diocletian. Maxentius and I looked on, the breath held captive in our lungs. We, like the rest of the crowd, were sure that the emperor would intervene, give his wife a reprieve. This was statement enough, surely?
At that moment, I noticed how Diocletian jolted in his seat, lurching forward as if shaken by some great moment of understanding. His fingers clasped the arms of his seat and his eyes grew wide. His lips opened as if to speak.
Free her, I mouthed, willing him to speak those words. I noticed Maxentius’ lips move likewise by my side.
Silence… then the emperor nodded to the torch-bearer and slumped back in his seat."

Nice guy! And he wasn’t the worst. The Emperor of the East, Galerius, was ruthless, greedy, and sadistic; he proved to be the nemesis of both Constantine and Maxentius and seemed to get away with the worst atrocities. I couldn’t wait until Constantine took over and gave him his just desserts, but I’m destined to wait a little longer. Let’s hope that happens in book two!

Brilliant, immersive historical fiction. Almost everyone with an interest in Roman history has heard of Emperor Constantine even if its just in conjunction with Christianity and the counsel of Nicea. This take on his rise to power was fascinating and I enjoyed learning more about Maxentius. An epic piece of fiction.

A wonderful story that takes you through the old Roman Empire. You are taken through backstabbing and political fallouts and how Constantine's family goes from being well respected to all of a sounded outcast, especially his mother especially because of his father wanting to have title and power.
You follow his life and the decisions he makes along the way. You also see his times when happy and then sad when losing his love during childbirth.
Then you have the other side Maxentius, who is under the thumb and shadow of his father and with a wife who is only in name. wants to live in a better world at least a better Rome. Also wants better for his son. As you read this story you are living through the words of the authors as history is being told to you through this story. What a story it is.
I liked everything about this story going from the childhood of both men to adulthood. Their families and the battles whether on the battlefield or in the political sense. Each character was unique and added to the story and this book will keep you glued to the pages from the beginning to the end. A very good book. My words do not give it justice.

𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙨. 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮.

"𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙨: 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙞𝙣, 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 – 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 – 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙢. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚.’’ -- 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚

"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙩? 𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨." -- 𝙈𝙖𝙭𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙪𝙨

⚔️As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, decades of savage invasions, forceful usurpation, and internal dissension makes it impossible for one emperor to rule the Roman empire individually. To solve this problem Emperor Diocletian brings the Tetrarchy system, allowing not one but four emperors to rule the empire: A senior emperor, Augustus in the East and the West, and each aided by a Caesar – junior emperors who were to succeed their Augusti.

On that day two boys, Constantine and Maxentius share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum and becomes friends. But this new arrangement separates them from each other. Constantine, abandoned by his father traveled to the court of the Caesar of the East to make his name. While Maxentius, living in the shadow of his father, struggles to keep up his father's expectation to be his worthy successor.

Over the years that follow, the Tetrarchy system gets corrupted and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread at the height of the mass religious persecutions, but the friendship of Constantine and Maxentius remains intact. However, when both the senior Augustus's place became vacant, both friends find themselves against each other vying for the same throne of Augustus of the West.

⚔️The book is based on the famous emperor Constantine and his rival emperor Maxentius. Narrated from their interchangeable first-person POVs it follows their lives as they embark on their rise to power from being mere boys to be grown-up men wearing the purple robe of Emperor.

⚔️Both the characters - Constantine, the ambitious military general, and Maxentius, the idealistic dreamer - are so meticulously crafted that it became hard to chose one of them as my favorite. Besides their friendship, there is also a sub-plot of the father-son relationship run simultaneously that Constantine and Maxentius shared with their respective father and son - which I find quite interesting to read.

⚔️The writing of Simon and Gordon is smooth and flawless. I've read Gordon's books in the past, but Simon is new to me and I'm already looking forward to reading his other books. Their riveting storytelling; vivid descriptions; fast pacing narratives and historical authenticity makes the book so gripping that it's hard to realize that it was written by two different authors and leave me wanting to read more.

⚔️The book is riched with historical information and subtle detailing that gives a cinematic view of that era, landscape, empire's administration, and its prevailing religious intolerance. I was so fascinated with these that at the end of each chapter I googled it myself to check the historicity. The maps, historical notes, and glossary of Latin terms provided in the book proved quite helpful in this regard.

⚔️The book ends with the failed council meeting at Carnuntum to resolve the succession matter of the western empire. I find it satisfactory as the face-off of Constantine and Maxentius is now inevitable and it raises my expectation level tenfold to read the next book, which is going to be published next year.

Overall, Sons of Rome was an epic masterpiece and I enjoyed every bit of it. It's 1st the installment of the Rise of Emperor trilogy. I'm already hooked for Book 2. If you like Roman historical fiction then this book is for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.


Sons of Rome, the first volume of the joint work between two authors Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty is set for release through Head of Zeus on December 10th 2020.
Sons of Rome Is a historical fiction of the incredible rise of Constantine and Maxentius. The authors have created a propulsive storyline, offering both drama and historical authenticity to appeal to anyone interested in Roman fiction.

The character development and complex relationships, and the setting and time period are brought to life with unique details. The seamless narration flows perfectly, that you would never know that two separate authors contributed to such a compelling book. The switching back and forward is impeccable, you are thrust into this violent and political time period. Rich atmospheric imagery along with fleshed out characters will have on the edge of your seat.

I have read multiple books, that are somewhat centered on this particular time period, but I have to say this book, by far this one is impeccable. With meticulous research the authors brings both of their own voices to give the reader an incredible experience.
A compelling book that will have catapulted into the time of 3rd century AD.

Sometimes you feel like you’re the last to discover some authors and their works. This is what happened with Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney as it’s their first book I read and found it fascinating.
Growing up in a Latin country I study Ancient Rome history but you don’t learn a lot about Diocletianus and his era. We learn that Constantine was the one who issued the Edictum Mediolanense (Edict of Milan) that gave Christianity a legal status and we learned that he defeated Maxentius at Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The legend says that Constatine had a vision of a cross and a voice that said "In hoc signo vinces"  (With this sign you will win).
I learned something more reading Julian by Gore Vidal (one of my top ten favourite books) as Constantine family was a bit complex.
I never heard anything about Maxentius (I saw his Basilica in Rome) and it seemed that he was lost in history.
All this long blah blah to say that I started this book with some notions of the historical timeframe and was happy to read it because it helped to learn more about these two important characters of Roman History.
The books is a fascinating, fast paced and gripping read told by the POVs of the two different main characters.
It’s full of action, battles, court intrigue and I loved how well researched and vivid the historical background is.
The story has a dual POV, one for Constatine and one for Maxentius. They are both fleshed out and well thought characters: Constatine the ambitious military type, Maxentius more intellectual and a dreamer.
On the background the history and the decadence of the Empire.
I appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book because they helped to distinguish between historical fact and fiction.
I think this is an excellent historical fiction and I can’t wait to read the next book .
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

REVIEW

For years I’ve been hearing and reading from these two authors about this combining of their talents. That they would be producing a spectacular, earth shaking, literary masterpiece.(Editor’s note – a bit of hyperbole in that last sentence,) For years I waited, curiously excited, anticipation running rampant…for years I hungered for news of this tome of the ages, and with every passing week, my expectations grew…the bar has been raised. When the long awaited tale finally made its way to my Kindle, I expected to be overwhelmed by it….and I was. A riveting tale from start to finish, the sheer scope and drama that arises from the forming of a Tetrarchy to rule the vast Roman Empire, sets the scene for tragic decisions and betrayals. (Editor’s note – finish? This tale ain’t finished yet.😊 ) Seamlessly put together, the chapters lure the reader to keep turning the pages from the view of Maxentius to the view of Constantine. It was a complicated time in Rome’s history, and the goal of assuring a peaceful succession of emperors, was a rousing failure. The characters are an interesting display of differences, though there are similarities especially the cruelties of Diocletian and Galerius, but in the end they all crave power – some coming to that reality sooner than others. This tale not only relies on the historical records, but the scarcity of those records, oftentimes conflicting to boot, offers the creative mind a chance to mine the possibilities, creating credible results. Simon and Gordon are masters at that and the blending of their talents is an obvious success. (Editor’s note – Simon and Gordon – sounds like a 60’s Pop Duo.😊) My only issue with Sons of Rome is that it took so long to come out…I mean it’s not as if the authors have other projects they are pursuing. So, on with book 2, please. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Editor’s note – I have it on good authority that the two authors are as busy as beavers in a virgin birch forest working on many projects.)

Rome is in an uncertain place and Emperor Diocletian is about to throw it into more chaos with his steps to reform the succession. His plan is to have four emperors to rule the vast empire instead of one.
In this time of upheaval, two boys meet by chance in the city of Treverorum. From then on they are fated to be linked throughout their lives with glory and heartbreak in this most epic of stories.
Constantine and Maxentius are portrayed perfectly throughout by two of the finest historical writers in the business. They captivate the reader from the very start until the dramatic end.
A glorious book that is so brilliantly written you will be desperate for the next instalment. One of the best books I’ve ever read about the Roman Empire.
This is a damn fine novel, which I highly recommend.

The book does not deal with this yet, in much detail. It will sooner or later begin to show you the result of this system that Diocletian devised to prevent civil war from occuring in the Roman Empire. The story of Rome’s downfall began with Diocletian himself in my opinion. That’s is my opinion. But the real story began with Constantine and Maxentius. Two lads, that one day will begin to determine the fate of Rome’s destiny to its very ends. This is by far, the most tragic story I have ever encountered. In a world without gold and the ruthless need for power, Constantine and Maxentius may have been the very best of friends. For those of you that should know, I feel Constantine doesn’t get that much attention as these names will: Nero, Trajan, Hadrian. The most famous Emperors of Rome, including Marcus Aurelius and Commodus.

Constantine was the man that changed Europe’s destiny forever. He’s the man that converted the Roman Empire to Christianity that would set the foundations for European history as we know today. Of course, this novel follows the events of how that came to be. And in a sense, you sense that this world is Rome collapsing. The events that Constantine and Maxentius find themselves can be roughly summarised to this: It is the crisis of the Third Century. Rome’s borders have begun to become attacked, left unprotected due to in-numerous civil wars. The man that was capable of achieving this Olympian task was Emperor Aurelian, who single-handily defeated the Empire’s enemies, conquered the Queen of Palmyra’s lands, and began a process that would have secured the Empire’s borders, had he not been assassinated. He was one of the last Romans in my opinion. With Aurelian gone, there was another series of successive Emperors, the Praetorian Guards swapping one Emperor for the other. That’s as far as I can recall my Roman Knowledge.

Fast forward to Diocletian, this man decides to split the Empire into four parts. In case he forgets his history, back in the good old days of the Roman Republic, the Triumivate between Mark Antony, Julius Ceasar, and Lepidus led to the Roman Civil War which was affecting the Republic in many ways that it could handle. The same process was going to happen here when Diocletian ‘tetrarchic’ system collapsed like a house of cards. In essence, the fathers of Mextentius and Constantine were ruthless bastards. Not to mention the most horrible figure in this system, Galerius. A tooth-spitting stinking man with no sense of morale or honor. Diocletian’s last grand persecution of the Christians is shown and it is a reminder of the days of Nero. It’s shown in brutal, graphic detail. But I’d also have like to see how the Christians during this time, persecuted Roman Temples, heck even denounce the religion of Rome as false. Bear in mind we may begin to see this in the later books of this series.

This is a world where you feel sadness for the fact that old Rome is dying. A new power is rising in the East which will later become the Byzantine Empire. The Persians have not forgotten their old rival and are consistently trying to destroy’s Rome grip on the East. You will see Constantine battling the Persians, which foreshadows the conflict that when the Eastern Roman Empire is formed, they will have immense battles with the Sassanids as they become to be known by the Romans.

You will get this fact by observing that Christianity is becoming more popular. And the Roman Pagan Emperors dislike the fact that they refuse to bow to them. It is Maxentius however, that proves to be a tolerant Emperor, a man that truly cares for the people and that he would bring back the old glorious days of Rome. Bear in mind also, that by the time of Diocletian, the city of Rome was losing its grandeur, it was falling into deep poverty, temples and buildings ransacked, crime rife. The Praetorian Guard were the least trusted out of all, and Rome’s religious grasp was buckling under the new Christian religion which may very well have been spreading like wildfire as a result of the people losing confidence in their Emperors, and matters did not help when the Praetorian Guard were swapping Emperor from Emperor.

Rome was also the cesspit of numerous murders, failed assassination plots, and perhaps from a Christian’s point of view, a city of sin drenched in blood. But when you compare it from a pagan’s point of view, it is the Christians that sought to seek power and take important positions. There is a lot of juxtaposing here between the religious conflict that will become central to the core of this book. Had Maxentius won against Constantine, there would have been no stop to the rise of Christianity. However, we would have seen a co-existence between Christianity and Roman Paganism which would have been true and alive today.

I’ve gone on a lot about the historical detail, but I feel it’s important to know this as the politics of the Third Century are an ever-mangling, ever confusing vertigo of madness and chaos. I do not like the Third Century either as it resembles the downfall of Rome and what happens to the Empire when men of ambition grab it. In this essence, the writing of this book is superb. The research is clear, excellent, and immersive. The world-building is beautifully crafted to make me feel that Christianity will replace this new world. Constantine is a great character including Maxentius. I didn’t like Maxentius’s wife at all.

You will soon know why. SJA Turney and Gordon Doherty wrote this book like two writers that have entered their prime and all their experience boils down to a book that is superbly written. You’ll feel loss, love, and tragedy. And a knowing doom that you as the reader, will know what’s going to happen. I love books that can evoke much passion like this, and I barely know anything about Roman history! They also make it clear that much of what you read is from a Christian point of view. And that makes sense because when we look at Carthage, we know nothing about its history, its perspective, its religion. And why is that? The Romans burnt the city of Carthage to the ground and subjected it to the fate of Troy. In the same way, the Christians burnt down temples, ransacked religious places of the Romans and Greeks. History is a funny irony is it not? We don’t get to see things from a pagan perspective, as the authors will point out. But imagine if we could. It would certainly add some balance.

It’s a fantastic debut, a fantastic triumph of Rome’s majestic scale, and a representation of the eventual downfall of one of history’s most triumphal empires to date.

Ever wondered what happens when two of your favourite authors get together and write a book?

Well, when its Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty, the result is a real page turner of an adventure that is impossible to put down!

Sons of Rome is the first in a new series by these two stalwarts in the field of Roman fiction. I only finished it yesterday and I am already desperate to read part two. The book fulfills the promise offered by combining two incredible authors. It is beautifully written, fast-paced and completely addictive.

Telling the story in alternating chapters, from the viewpoints of Constantine and Maxentius, it highlights the power struggles of the latter part of the Roman Empire. The Empire has got so big that a tetrarchy of two emperors and two caesars shared control of the eastern and western empires, with one emperor claiming seniority – Augustus – over the three other rulers.

Constantine and Maxentius – friends since childhood – are set to challenge the existing order of the tetrarchy, testing their friendship to its limits and beyond. Distrust and misunderstandings abound when destiny and the quest for ultimate power forces the two into opposition to each other.

The two leading characters, Constantine and Maxentius, are skillfully recreated by Turney and Doherty, each with their own personality and quirks; and each with their own pain and ambition. Constantine is the more martial of the two – you get the impression that he could march across the whole empire and subdue any who stand in his way. Whereas Maxentius has a first-rate political mind; what he lacks in military experience, he makes up for in his own battle arena, the corridors of power.

The contrasting qualities and abilities displayed by Constantine and Maxentius serve to create a unique story that has the reader gripped from the very first pages. You can’t help but have a favourite when you read of Constantine’s exploits and how he won the loyalty of the legions once sworn to his father. And then, of course, he was proclaimed emperor in York and I’m a Yorkshire lass…. But you may feel your allegiance changing when reading of Maxentius’ own abilities in winning favour with the people of the city of Rome itself, with the way he wins the loyalty of the African legions.

This is a totally absorbing book which combines action, political intrigue and divided loyalties to recreate a story that is fascinating to read and unputdownable – there’s that word again, it needs to be a real word. Honest!

Oh, and you get to spend the whole book, trying to work out which author is Constantine and which is Maxentius. Or, indeed, wondering if they even wrote it that way. The transition from one author to the other is seamless; the styles of each certainly complement the other. The benefit of two authors is obvious; each of the two leading characters – Maxentius and Constantine – narrating the story have clearly defined, individual voices. It gives Sons of Rome a strength and individuality that you rarely come across in a book.

I can heartily recommend it!

Regular readers of my blog will no doubt recognise the names Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty, both have featured more than a few times and I must say they always know what I’m after as a reader. I’ve never read a jointly written book before but with these guys behind it I knew it would be a cracking read.

Sons of Rome follows the footsteps of Constantine and Maxentius as the grow from little boys into men fighting for the purple robe of the empire!

The prologue sets the scene for the series as we meet Constantine on the eve of battle against someone he once knew as friend.. how did they get here.. what happened to change those boys.

Power.. that’s what.. and paranoia.

As boys Maxentius and Constantine see Emperor Diocletian share his vision for the future, the empire is too big for one man to rule.. Diocletian wishes to create a new system to share power, A Tetrarchy, which will also inturn decide rightly who will rule when an Augustus dies.

The issue is both boys have fathers who are flawed and neither are really shown the love and affection a young boy needs.

As men both are overlooked and we see them navigate what can only be described as a nightmare of events for both of them..each always thinking of the other but never truly understanding the others motives..jealously and paranoia strike at every turn and while you hope for things to turn out ok nothing is going to stop the black events that are going to follow.

War and death stalk them…greed and the urge to show strength lead both men to do things they likely regret but can never admit.. to proud.. and scared to admit the truth…as they grow you see their hearts turn black, ever changed by the events that mould them into the men they are.

Knowing both authors styles I had no worries at all that the joint effort would be anything but a masterpiece, but they have surpassed all expectations and have given me a true highlight in what has been a pretty shitty year.. we’ve waited for this team up for sooooo long but it was worth the wait!

If you are a fan of the writers’ or just love the genre then I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s got the historic detail you won’t but mixed with a well woven and written plot that flowed almost effortlessly.

Sons of Rome is the sort of historical fiction book that really appeals to me - people that really lived, having their story told, often against a backdrop of profound change.

The story is told from the point of view of Constantine and Maxentius. They meet as youths, and while their chance meetings are rare throughout the rest of the book, they have far-reaching consequences, as they both grow to adulthood and are forced into situations they probably never thought possible.

I loved the alternate chapters assigned to Constantine and Maxentius. It means that the reader never feels far away from the characters, and lends an 'immediacy' to their 'friendship', which wouldn't be possible to achieve because they are so often apart.

The book is mired in politics - again a bit of a favourite of mine - and even though I had no prior knowledge of the time period, I could easily understand what was happening, and I think this is a particular strength of the story. The characters never feel distant or difficult to understand.

I would highly recommend Sons of Rome and look forward to reading Book 2.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

This book was interesting. I felt like it had a slow start, but it didn't take long for things to pick up and become interesting. I am looking forward to the next book in the Rise of Emporers series. I love historical fiction, and works from this time are hard to find that aren't all just a knock off of 300. This book sets itself apart with superb characters, fantastic plot, and amazing storytelling. The book is complex but unpretentious, and a fantastic read for historical fiction and fantasy fans alike.

Great fan of both these authors so was fascinating to read this joint effort in which two boys, Constantine and Maxentius, grow up as friends but the paths they have to take turns banter and sparring into something so much more. As you followed each character to adulthood and destiny you could feel the tension building and the sparring got just a little harder as they dealt with the machinations and competition that power and greed inevitably create on the road to the ultimate prize - Emperor. With each author assuming the role of one of the main characters it makes the division between the two so much more personal generating an intimacy that left me rooting for them both. Roll on the next book in the series....

Wow. What a challenge - two authors - two characters - one book. Did they pull it off - sure did.

This is the story of Emperor Constantine and his rival Emperor Maxentius, Set in the 3rd and 4th Centuries AD, we follow our two main characters as they embark on their rise to power within the cesspit that was the Roman Empire at the height of the religious persecutions.

Each author provides the first person narrative for their character, as the stories run smoothly, contemporaneous, enhancing and contributing to the narrative of the other. This could quite easily have been a fail but in this instance, it isn't. This is very well researched by authors who have a passion for this period and their characters and it flows seamlessly.

This is the first in a series, for though whilst we begin at the end, we are far from it this outing.

The last dozen pages are taken up with notes and Latin terms.

This is my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed this book.

It was a very interesting and fascinating story about Rome past its glory days. It is the story of two young boys growing into men and power. Power that changes everything, even their friendship.