Semper Fidelis

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Downie injects a modern who-done-it twist into the imperial action." ( Kirkus)

Good Series that Continues to Develop

This is a fun series about a crime fighting doctor in Ancient Rome. The history is well-researched, and it shows in the writing. The story is just fun...Ms. Downie continues to develop the characters and make you more engaged. It's a very enjoyable, if somewhat light, read.

Hooray! Gaius Ruso is back and still exasperated.

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

Absolutely, and I've already recommended the rest of the series, which has become one of my favorites. The practice of ancient Roman medicine is really fascinating, and Ruso is a reluctant hero who is often grumpy, usually justifiably so, and bewildered by Britons in general and his wife in particular. He has money problems, is misunderstood by his family back home, and has to endure work politics that can turn deadly.The characters are showing a lot of growth as the series progresses, but Ruso and Tilla still continue to work through their mutual culture-shock, and that can lead to some amusing and often tense situations. The emperor Hadrian & his wife are interesting additions to the story this time. I'm always sad when I finish a Medicus book because I know I won't get to be with these characters again for what always seems like a very long time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Semper Fidelis?

Tilla interacting with the Queen.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He IS the voice of Ruso; I hope he keeps reading the all the upcoming books. He does a good job differentiating the characters with tone, accents, etc. and can do a nice job with women's voices without sounding silly or exaggerated.(except for Ruso's step-mother, who is imperious and sometimes quite silly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I giggled often & laughed a few times, which is always good in an otherwise serious story. It isn't the sort of book to engender extreme emotion, unless you count being overjoyed at the chance to meet up with these characters again.

Any additional comments?

I LOVE this series.

Well done!!

Highly recommend! Witty author great historical research. Tightly woven plot, great character development. Everything you could want in a work of non-fiction! Kudos!

How not to build an army

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

Yes especially anyone interested in the Roman era. This book was very good targeting the other areas of the Roman empire.

What did you like best about this story?

How sophisticated the Roman empire was behind the scenes, although making sure it was a tough exterior.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

It would have to be the doctor.

If you could rename Semper Fidelis, what would you call it?

Earning your Gladius

Any additional comments?

I would like to see this book turned into a movie or a mini series.

best book in the series so far

this was the best in the series so far really look forward to reading book 5 right away.