Marius' Mules XV: The Ides of March

Awesome because it's all action even though it's in Rome. Sad because it's the last in a brilliant series. Marcus Falerius Fronto is one of my all time favourite characters in Roman historical fiction. He is the perfect foil for the story of Julius Caesar. Even though there are no traditional battles to be fought in Rome, there are nonetheless, more huge fights as well as the infighting between Caesars supporters and the Pompeians. Essentially, Rome is a melting pot of intrigue and plots.We all know what happened to Caesar, but there was a lot more going on that I didn't know about.The best part of reading the final book of a series is, I can read them all again. This series is top notch. Highly recommended. Once you start this series, you won't be able to put any of the books down. S.J.A. Turney is one of the best out there.Enjoy.

I have read this complete series of 15 novels and there isn't a bad one but this final book is just fabulous. I read all sorts of Roman based novels but Fronto remains my favourite character and I realise this series is the best of all - full stories each time and not just a brief "episode" as I feel the Cato and Macro books of Mr Scarrow have become. This final book gave me a different insight into the assassination of Caesar and generated a fresh perspective of the "villains" . Thank you for the years of enjoyment and excitement these novels have brought. Time to start at the beginning again.

Turney's version of the Ides of March (least imaginative title available!) is about as dramatic and tense as is possible when the events of this period are so well-known. The end is handled ingeniously and should be very satisfying for those who've been following Fronto for years. For what it's worth, Mr T, I think your theory about a certain character isn't at all flummoxing - I'm sure you're right.I could nitpick a few things - Caesar lived in the house of the pontifex max just off the forum with Calpurnia rather than on the estate across the Tiber with both her and Cleopatra - but I don't have the heart to do that too much for once, since this final Fronto book is exactly what I hoped it would be and I read it this morning in a single sitting.

I have marched or travelled many miles with Fronto and his Familia. Fought enemies across many battle fields, sieges and in very tight spots! Loved the humour, together with the camaraderie of the characters and it has been such a pleasure to read these brilliantly crafted stories.To say I am sad that Fronto's journey with Caesar has come to an end is an understatement! I may have to just read all fifteen over again.I will miss him ....If you haven't read any of the Marius Mules series, why not?! I sincerely hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.Thank you Simon for the superb writing, historical background and wonderful characters!

Farewell, Fronto. And Caesar of course. I feel slightly emotional and a little bereft at the ending of the Fronto books, knowing I won’t read about him again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one and would highly recommend them to anyone.This final one wasn’t my favourite and I get the sense it may have been difficult to write as well. But it’s still top notch and writing is superb.Looking forward to seeing where the author goes next! I’m hoping to see Valens again at some point, please.

I've loved this series from the beginning, well written and evocative of the Roman age.Of course, knowing what has to happen should cheapen the plot but the author has been able to keep the tension on, with action always tap!Some well known characters go and some stay. Read the book to find out who stays and who goes.So we reach the end of Fronto, or do we?

I have resisted reviewing the series until now.I have followed Fronto and his battles and his progress throughout caesars campaigns and have learnt a great deal.. I have enjoyed the experience and must congratulate Simon and his team for bringing the roman legions, the wars ,and the intimate backgrounds to life, well done and thank you.Gloria Exercitus. SPQL .Legio X Equestris.

Well that was an epic saga from start to finish,full of action and intrigue,great characters, and insight to the times. What would the world have looked like if Caesar had survived?Thanks for the 15 books . Looking forward to new series.