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Sons of Rome

Rise of Emperors, Book 1

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Sons of Rome

By: Gordon Doherty, Simon Turney
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Four emperors. Two friends. One destiny.

As twilight descends on the third 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....

©2020 Gordon Doherty (P)2020 W F Howes Ancient Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Thriller & Suspense Heartfelt Fiction Rome Royalty

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Critic reviews

"A page turner from beginning to end.... A damn fine read." (Ben Kane)
All stars
Most relevant
I have to admit that as soon as I heard that Jonathan Keble would be narrating this book, I purchased it.
I am a massive fan of both Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney/SJA Turney’s works.
I knew it would be good, but didn’t count on it been brilliant.
From the very first to the very last chapter, we become part of two ambitious boys, both caught up in the terrors of Rome, both wanting to see change, but who sadly drift apart from each other.
An utterly gripping story, brilliantly narrated by the Grand master of narrators, Jonathan Keble.
I eagerly await the second book in the series, Masters of Rome, though Audible seem to have no idea as to when it will be released.

DOHERTY AND TURNEY ARE FORMIDABLE.

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as an avid reader of roman historical fiction I was totally captivated by this collaboration of authors. I have read books by both authors so I looked forward to reading this. I like the fact it was a period I know little about so each chapter was something new. I look forward to the next book

engaging read

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Fantastic book! Really drags you into the drama, turmoil and chaos of this part of history. The two main characters are each written by the two authors retrospectively and it would incredibly well!
The cherry on top for this book is Jonathan Keeble, who is an outstanding voice actor and narrator. Even if some of the charters sounded like my favourite Space Marines from the black library books. There was a sense of nostalgia there. On the same note the Lactantius character has the same voice as Malcador which fits perfectly and gives a sense of a paradoxical link between the books, which I personally enjoyed.

Great story with fantastic narration!

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Looking forward to the next book in the series starring very soon highly recommend

Brilliant

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Great story, told and performed very well, the pace is excellent and the ‘historical’ gaps filled intelligently and believably. The characters come to life and are easy to visualise throughout.
Very much enjoyed the story.

Very enjoyable

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