The Venus Throw

A Novel of Ancient Rome, Book 6

By: Steven Saylor

Narrated by: Scott Harrison

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Rome, 56 BC. The great general Pompey has conquered the East; Julius Caesar is defeating the Gauls; only Egypt, with its strategic granaries and vast treasuries of gold, still eludes the grasp of Rome. The city itself is becoming ever more corrupt, as the last generation of the Roman Republic indulges in political backstabbing, endless lawsuits, scandalous love affairs, and the occasional murder.

In recent days several Egyptian envoys have been viciously assassinated. Fearing that he will be next, the Egyptian ambassador, Dio, calls on his old friend Gordianus the Finder and all of his special skills for help - but before the night is out, Dio is murdered.

Now Gordianus begins his most dangerous case. Hired to investigate Dio’s death by a beautiful woman with a scandalous reputation, he will follow a trail of political intrigue into the highest circles of power and the city’s most hidden arenas of debauchery. There Gordianus will learn that nothing is as it seems - not the damning evidence he uncovers, not the suspect he sends to trial, not even the real truth behind Dio’s death.

Poison, betrayals, and long-buried secrets confront Gordianus as one of history’s most famous trials races to a close. But even after the verdict is delivered, there are secrets still to be uncovered.

Steven Saylor is a freelance writer, editor, and the author of novels set in ancient Rome. He studied history at the University of Texas at Austin. His writing has appeared in the Threepenny Review, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

©1995 Steven Saylor (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Imaginative…. Saylor’s style is smooth…. A[n] absorbing look at a time when men tried to rule themselves wisely and failed." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

"Engrossing…. Intensely dramatic…. Erotic, funny, compelling.… A bona fide page-turner." ( Detroit Free Press)

"Steven Saylor transports you to ancient Rome with spellbinding effectiveness." ( Austin Chronicle)

One of the Best

Abysmal reader.

If only Cosham could have narrated the entire series! A redo of the entire ‘Roma Sub Rosa’ series by a single, talented reader would certainly boost listenership, as presently so many give up on the series due to individual books being “unlistenable”.

As to story, it builds on two fronts whilst giving us a glimpse of a strange minor religion as well. The surprise revelation at the end makes it one of Saylor’s best. Also, Bethesda and Diana’s characters are finally allowed a welcome bit of dimensionality! Great story, although pacing varies throughout.

love love

regardless who reads it , it is still one of the best books and author if all time

really bad narrator

Narrator exhibits no emotion in this recording, and mispronounces almost all Greek and Roman names

Solid Gordianus mystery but not his best

This story seemed a. It slow paced and unfocused for the first two-thirds before the story really picked up in the final third. I am a fan of Saylor’s Gordianus series, and although this was a good story, it wasn’t his best. Steven Saylor is always a great story teller and he typically focuses in on some aspect of Roman history in the story. In this book, Saylor focused on the horrendous and exploitative treatment of slaves by men in the Roman era. What I didn’t like so much in this book was that the first part of the book seemed a bit unfocused and meandering. I also thought there was a bit too many double entendres. Still, we got a more in-depth look into Bethesda’s past, which was welcome. Overall, this is a good book, part of a great series, but isn’t the best of that series. I didn’t like Scott Harrison as narrator as he seemed too forced and I don’t like how he overdoes certain characters. But he is easy to understand.

Love This Series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would and have. Off we go with a delightful family, one that grows and grows in numbers", in the height of Roman History. Once a year I go back and listen to this series once again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This plot held me for years

What does Scott Harrison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is my pick for this series. He nailed the energy , humor and spirit of this family.

Who was the most memorable character of The Venus Throw and why?

I loved the new addition to the family. Our hero does collect them, bless his heart, and the way this story unfolds, develops, and the super ending.

Keeps getting better

I continued the Rosa sub Rosa series a little guarded after disappointment in Saylor's first book. This chapter of Gordiamous' life however was by far the best thus far in a series of steady progression in narrative detail, plot development and character building with each book.
I find myself now sneaking a few minutes here and there throughout my day to slip back into Ancient Rome and see how our protagonist and his family are doing.
I actually look forward now to my hourly commutes and all the traffic delays that come with them.

The Clodians at their most entertaining

If you could sum up The Venus Throw in three words, what would they be?

Poison, murder and kinky sex.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the character Clodia. I knew her and her brother Clodius from history. Saylor paints them into real people. They had a "reputation" and Saylor expands and fills in the blanks for them. I also liked Bethesda, we get to know her backstory.

Which character – as performed by Scott Harrison – was your favorite?

Clodia as one of the protagonists and Bethesda in a supporting role

Any additional comments?

When I started listening to the sub rosa series of books I disliked the narrator and thought that his voice grated and tended to over act the dialogues, but I got used to him and think he does a fair job. Don't let the negative reviews dissuade you.
I listen during my commute and look forward to it. If there's heavy traffic, even better.

couldn't endure the narrator

I generally enjoy this series and have read a number of them in somewhat Reckless order which doesn't really make that much difference. I gave up on this one within a couple of chapters because the narrator pontificates. it's simply got on my nerves. will continue with any of the series that doesn't include this person. not even for free and I Endure hours of this narration. it is probably remarkable that so many of these stories are done by excellent interpreters. I can sometimes adjust the speed or the volume to overcome problems but this one is absolutely impossible. don't give up on the stories if you can avoid this narrator. he's worse than a politician Roman or otherwise.

Voice impossible

Again, a voice that in no way fits the material weird jocularity & no rhythm. Unlistenable

glad it didn't cost anything

barely got started. Narration is HORRIBLE! Find something else to read if you want enjoyment.