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Sons of Rome (Rise of Emperors Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 1,937 ratings

'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

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A page turner from beginning to end... A damn fine read'” ―Ben Kane

“An intriguing and highly polished piece of Historical Fiction that is well worth the asking price” ―James Tivendale from Grimdark Magazine

“The Rise of Emperors series is first-rate Roman fiction” ―Matthew Harffy

“Riveting... A superbly crafted and fully engaging story that showcases the cooperative literary talents of its two co-authors, Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney... Original, entertaining, and leaving the reader looking eagerly toward any further novels set in the antiquity of that ancient empire'” ―
MidWest Book Review

About the Author

Gordon Doherty is a Scottish author, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction. Inspired by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece, Gordon has written tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and the Bronze Age. His works include the Legionary, Strategos and Empires of Bronze series, and the Assassin's Creed tie-in novel Odyssey. www.gordondoherty.co.uk @GordonDoherty

Simon Turney is from Yorkshire and, having spent much of his childhood visiting historic sites, fell in love with the Roman heritage of the region. His fascination with the ancient world snowballed from there with great interest in Rome, Egypt, Greece and Byzantium. His works include the Marius' Mules and Praetorian series, the Tales of the Empire and The Damned Emperor series, and the Rise of Emperors books with Gordon Doherty. He lives in North Yorkshire with his family.

Follow Simon at www.simonturney.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086XK3P37
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2020
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 497 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800242098
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Rise of Emperors
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,937 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,937 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storytelling engaging, with one review highlighting its superb narrative of the Roman Tetrarchy. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability and writing quality.

7 customers mention "Story telling"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling of this historical fiction series, finding it engaging and well-paced, with one customer highlighting its superb narrative of the Roman Tetrarchy.

"Well written and full of intrigue. A very gripping story with lots of side stories. The various personalities just shine." Read more

"...The two POV's alternate as the well paced story moves along and so you get to see how each individuals decisions affect the other and how those..." Read more

"Excellent story telling of the gathering of storm for the end of Tetrarchy...." Read more

"The story is told in an interesting way...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an excellent read, with one customer noting it is full of intrigue and another mentioning the author spent time researching the topic.

"Well written and full of intrigue. A very gripping story with lots of side stories. The various personalities just shine." Read more

"...what would have been a very boring history lesson into an interesting set of books. Look forward to the next volume." Read more

"...It all does make for a very interesting read." Read more

"...Congratulations on such an entertaining collaboration!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"Well written and full of intrigue. A very gripping story with lots of side stories. The various personalities just shine." Read more

"...Though nicely told, I do not quite agree with the way the end of Severus has been depicted...." Read more

"...The combination of these two phenomenal authors and the tale told through the two protagonists viewpoints was masterfully executed...." Read more

"well written ! with good detail..." Read more

Stunning Historical Fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Stunning Historical Fiction
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 author 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. Rome used to be a superpower back in the days of the early 2nd century. With border wars it’s been on a steady decline. Diocletian, was a forceful Roman general who sized power, and declared himself emperor. In a bold step he knew that the Empire was to large, and took actions to make a spit of it. Keeping the eastern part and giving the western half to his colleague, Maximian. Told through the eyes of the two POV’s, Constantine and Maxentius. A coming of age, epic fiction that centers on two very different and men and their part in history. This book will ignite you to investigate and learn more about this era and these iconic historical legends. Along with political and religious drama that takes center stage in this turbulent time in history.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Well written and full of intrigue. A very gripping story with lots of side stories. The various personalities just shine.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "Well let me be the one to tell you of my deeds, both light and dark. What happened that afternoon on the road to Rome was neither an omen from the divine, nor a shrewd yarn to disguise mortal ambition: it was a moment of great realisation, and the culmination of a journey."

    Sons is a fantastic beginning to this historical fiction series!! Set in 277AD, the story follows Maxentius and Constantine, two historical figures that I knew nothing about before beginning this series. The Roman Empire has been falling apart with succession issues, supply issues and Emperor Diocletian decides that the way to solve the succession problems is to create a Tetrarchy-instead of one Emperor, there will be four. Maxentius and Constantine are pulled into this world of Emperors and Caesars through their fathers, and as young men they become fast friends. This world of political backstabbing will not leave these friends untouched however, and this story of how their friendship develops and then strains apart is wonderful. The two POV's alternate as the well paced story moves along and so you get to see how each individuals decisions affect the other and how those decisions are viewed as the political landscape just keeps getting more and more complicated. You really do get a marvelous feel for how the world of the Roman Empire worked, and all of the descriptions of the cities, battles, relationships just make this quite a page turner!! The authors clearly know their subject and have made this time in history so accessible through the story of these two men. The second book Masters of Rome is also excellent and I am so looking forward to the final book of the series, Gods of Rome!!!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Excellent story telling of the gathering of storm for the end of Tetrarchy. Though nicely told, I do not quite agree with the way the end of Severus has been depicted. Similarly, the flight of Constantine to escape the clutches of Galerius is also a bit fuzzy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The book shows that it’s the work of two authors that spent time researching the topic. They managed to take what would have been a very boring history lesson into an interesting set of books. Look forward to the next volume.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The story is told in an interesting way. One chapter will be depicted through the mind of Constantine, and the next chapter will be depicted through the mind of Maximius. They are two men who start out as the best of friends but soon each becomes the Emperor of a part of the Roman empire and they then become enemies. From my point of view, most of the antagonism seems to be generated on the part of Maximius. It seems as if they should join forces but that is not the way of history. It all does make for a very interesting read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Wow!! I almost stopped a third of the way into the book in order to write a glowing review, it is that good! The combination of these two phenomenal authors and the tale told through the two protagonists viewpoints was masterfully executed. Covering a period in the late empire that rarely gets noticed, it is a fascinating exploration of the dynamics involved in imperial power. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series!!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Unlike previous books, this story lacked the excitement, sense of urgency that compels the reader to read the end of the page and onto the next. Really was expecting the story to pick up the pace at one point, never really happened. Not sure if moving into the sequel, looking to see what others have to say
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Once I became used to the back and forth between the protagonists this was a very difficult book to put down. I felt conflicted rooting for both Constantine and Maximius. I am deliberately not researching what happened to both as I want it to play out in your next book. Congratulations on such an entertaining collaboration!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • John V
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This has to be one of my favourite historical fiction novels. I read this for the first time close to its release date in hard back format and decided to re-read the Rise of Emperors series back to back. Gordon’s portrayal of Constantine is interesting as he portrays him as a grey character which makes the character more realistic and identifiable. Whilst Simon’s portrayal of Maxentius isn’t as a purely vilified character, as with other novels Simon makes these historical figures which are condemned by some, into more relatable, realistic and emotionally complex characters. This period of Roman history is fascinating with a power plays from various parties and this novel depicts both Constantine and Maxentius from their early childhood through to adulthood and their taking up the mantels of power. I look forward to re-reading book 2 in the series which I will start today. This is my favourite book in the series however as it introduced me to both authors and I’ve enjoyed all of their series I have read to date.
  • Allison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Australia on July 1, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Good book, bought it for the library at my work.
  • Peter Wark
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sons of Rome.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 18, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this is a good historical fiction. It accurately portrays the rise to power of Constantine and MaxentiusWith some historical embellishment here and there. Nonetheless it’s an interesting story the characters are believable and the second night historical context. Their motivations are largely fictional but that’s up to the author. Certainly a good description of a period of Roman history it is not so well known.
  • James Tivendale
    4.0 out of 5 stars an intriguing and highly polished piece of Historical Fiction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve been getting into more historical fiction this year, so when Head of Zeus approached me with their new Aries catalogue – an imprint of theirs that is focused on action and adventure books – I was pretty excited to see what they had on offer. I opted to pick up Doherty and Turney’s Sons of Rome as my first choice, and although it wasn’t the reading experience I was expecting, I had a great time with it.

    “Now every journey has a story, but this one is a truly dark and tangled tale – one that would end, the very next day, in battle against my oldest friend…”

    Sons of RomeSons of Rome is set in the Roman Empire from the 3rd-4th century AD. It follows two main characters, Constantine and Maxentius, both in the first-person perspective. The two voices of the protagonists were unique and distinctive so there was never a risk of confusion over whose chapter I was reading. The main distinction between the two players is that Constantine’s journey is martial whereas Maxentius’ is more political. We follow both of them concurrently as they age from youth to adulthood. They meet fleetingly throughout their lives when their paths crossover and they consider each other firm friends. They are many well-crafted and memorable moments throughout Sons of Rome, and the violent circumstances with which the young protagonists first meet and then discuss wooden blocks is one of these occasions that has a lasting effect throughout the novel.

    “Rome is about honour and respect. You cannot fight corruption by corrupt means. Find another.”

    The period depicted in this book is one that I know very little about, so went into it excitable and wide-eyed ready to get enveloped by the whole experience. It comes across that the authors really know this era and therefore could confidently and comfortably tell Constantine and Maxentius’ stories. There are battles and warfare, sometimes brutal, but this doesn’t take up as much page time as I was expecting. A lot of what takes place is political manoeuvring, moving the metaphorical pieces on the great game board. Marriages, family ties, betrayal, operating under a certain emperor, overcoming uprisings, etc… There is also a fair bit of persecution delivered to the Christians as some important figures see them as a risk to the old gods.

    “Of course, I was wrong. In the end, it always comes down to blood and steel, doesn’t it?”

    Sons of Rome is an impressive, addictive and fast-paced read, without being as action-focused as I’d initially hoped. The book doesn’t really work as a standalone, it’s more of a groundwork piece, building up the tension and intrigue; so I am expecting heaps of action and drama in the upcoming Masters of Rome. Later on in Sons of Rome, I really enjoyed seeing how Constantine and Maxentius would analyse and act on each other’s decisions and actions, and how their relationship as friends slowly changes. The sides and the pieces are well and truly in place on the board for the great game and I will definitely be reading the follow up as soon as I can to see how Maxentius’ and Constantine’s journies play out and what impact their lives have on each other and for the future of the Roman Empire.

    Sons of Rome gets a solid four-star rating for the reading experience and, at the time I am writing this, a five-star rating for value for money, with the Kindle version of the novel only costing £0.99. Sons of Rome is an intriguing and highly polished piece of Historical Fiction that is well worth the asking price.
  • Christopher
    1.0 out of 5 stars Only managed the first ten pages
    Reviewed in Germany on November 13, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Sadly the book is written in the "my" perspective. I don't like reading those kind of books but of course that's a matter of taste.

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