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Semper Fidelis

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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Semper Fidelis

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Back at his post as a doctor in the 20th legion in Roman-occupied Britain, Ruso uncovers a new danger even closer to home than the neighboring barbarians.

As mysterious injuries, and even deaths, begin to appear in the medical ledgers, it's clear that all is not well amongst the native recruits to Britannia's imperial army. Is the much-decorated centurion Geminus preying on his weaker soldiers? And could this be related to the appearance of Emperor Hadrian?

Bound by his sense of duty and ill-advised curiosity, Ruso begins to ask questions nobody wants to hear. Meanwhile his barbarian wife Tilla is finding out some of the answers -and is marked as a security risk by the very officers Ruso is interrogating.

With Hadrian's visit looming large, the fates of the legion, Tilla, and Ruso himself hang in the balance.

©2013 Ruth Downie (P)2013 Tantor Historical Mystery Fiction
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Critic reviews

"Downie injects a modern who-done-it twist into the imperial action." ( Kirkus)
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Ruso doesn't know that "no good deed ever goes unpunished"! His family in Gaul blame him for lack of cash, debts he didn't run up, failure to acquire high status and big earnings just to spite them.
He's a good doctor but never going to be a "society" favourite and worst of all he has a British wife - a "native" a "barbarian", who has her own ethical standards and a strong idea of women as independent agents. (This is of course Britannia before the English immigration, tough women who don't sit at home worrying about wrinkles.)
It is enjoyable to have a story which considers the Roman Empire from both sides. Ruso although a citizen is a "not-quite-Roman", being from what is now Southern France, and his wife Darlughdacha - I may not have spelled this as in the written version, but it is a name with many variants in writing, and I don't suppose she could spell it either - (aka Tilla) - is of a less male-dominated civilisation.
It's unusual to have the viewpoint of the occupied presented in any literature about the period of Roman domination of what is now the UK. (Possibly even rarer, given that the Romans left before the English came.) Once in a while Tacitus makes positive comments but generally there are collaborators or savages...

Ruso, scapegoat and hero

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moves along well, character development good. nicely thought out story. Narrator is very good. Recommended

one of the best in the series

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This instalment of the well-regarded Ruso series locates Ruso and Tilla in the north of England. This novel is now my favourite in the series so far (listened to in the chronological order). The essential relationship winds through the novel with expectations, best intentions, mistakes, fears and outside threats taking extended focus. The threats to both, and attendant indignities makes the pair more outsiders than usual. A significant set piece that jeopardises so many is well managed, and the introduction of a host of host of 'senior' characters gives interests including an unusual gift which may displease someone important. The writing of this novel suits the audio-book format and it is easy to follow. The use of short chapters ensures a sense of swift tempo. The audio-book is excellently performed by Simon Vance, who has the author's endorsement. Vance's voices characterisations are consistent and suited to the novels. I listened to this audio-book intensely over a day and it never tired; testimony to its worth. This is a series that more listeners deserve to enjoy. Again, Audible should be thanked for making part of this series available in their Plus Catalogue for Audible members.

Action as Well as Intrigue

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Thoroughly enjoyed this story of Russo and his' difficult 'wife Tilla. Based on real history - it is wonderfully told.

Sharp characters - great story

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Would you listen to Semper Fidelis again? Why?
Yes, I have listened to it twice because I enjoy listening about Ruso struggles again humanity.

What other book might you compare Semper Fidelis to, and why?
The other Ruso books.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?
It's always Ruso but I also enjoyed listening to Valance (spelling?) and his father-in-law.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Ruso's very grim situation.

Good historical detail.

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