Severus: The Black Caesar

By: Steve Exeter

Narrated by: Ifeyinwa Unachukwu

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Severus follows the amazing true story of a rebellious boy who grew up in an African province and became the first Black Caesar of the Roman Empire, the head of a dynasty that would lead Rome through bloody civil wars and rapidly changing times. As a young man, Severus hates the Romans and conspires to humiliate them. What begins as a childish prank unfurls into a bloodbath that sends Severus careening into his future. Through a tragic love affair, dangerously close battles and threats both internal and external, Severus accrues power - and enemies - in his unlikely rise to become the most powerful man in the ancient world.

©2019 Steve Exeter (P)2020 Steve Exeter

Interesting, but sound quality put me off

Fascinating historical characters, fictionalized, of course. Voice artist is talented, but the production quality was low. It may have been a bad mic, or sub-par recording studio. Whatever the reason, I could not give it a higher rating.

A blend of fact and fiction

Listened to audio narrated by Ifeyinwa Unachukwu. I was not a big fan of most of this narration. There was very little variation between characters so it was difficult to keep up with who was speaking unless you were paying very close attention. Especially in the beginning chapters, words were drawn out and spoken very slowly and carefully, with very little inflection or energy. Their were some enjoyable parts when it felt like the narrator stopped thinking about what they were saying and just let the words flow, which was very engaging but then they would fall back to the previous style. I actually considered increasing the playback speed because it seemed so slow.

An interesting fictionalized story about Lucius Septimius Severus starting when he was a young African male activist against Rome, following his life and what led him to eventually become Caesar. The story jumps a lot to fast forward to highlight moments in his life. The time jumps made it difficult to follow, especially in an audiobook format. The author does a good job giving the reader a gritty portrayal of those conquered by Rome and it's bloody politics, highlighting the year of five Caesars, but skips over so many other details that I was left feeling like I only skimmed the surface of Severus' life.

This story is loosely based on the actual Lucius Septimus Severus' life. It does deviate from actual historical facts so enjoy it as Roman fiction, with just enough true facts to make it feel real.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Fictional Historical Retelling

Severus is from an African town that is under the control of the Roman empire and he is determined to do what he can to take his country back, even though his mother is a Roman. As he has always had a way with animals he is able to control elephants and is convinced by a rebellion to join forces to rid his country of the oppression. When things go wrong Severus departs for a place he once hated and everything in his life changes. For sometimes things are not what they seem and betrayal is around every corner. Just how far can one man go to protect an idea?
This book was read as an audio-book and I am glad that I did. I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much had I read it myself. This book follows the life of one man: Septimius Severus. While this is a fiction book it also holds truths. Septimius was indeed Caesar of Rome, as was his son Caracalla. Beyond that I don't have a in depth knowledge of the Roman empire. However, what I do know of it this book fits along those lines.
For anyone who enjoys a historical fiction book, look no further than this one. It is a great read and there are plenty of battles to enjoy. It seems that the author really did his homework with this one and it is easily enjoyable.

A different tale

Severus. The Black Caesar
Let me start with the narration. It took me over an hour to get used to the narrators unique style. Once past that I grew to love it.
The story itself is usual fare for empire novels.
War the Legion and political intrigue in Rome.
Well written and engaging.
I received a free copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review. .

Well Versed

The story is very engulfing and told in such a manner that you want to know and hear more. The narrator's voice has great inflections and swoons when needed. I would love a Part 2 and would definitely recommend this for anyone who loves mystery, intrigue, honor, betrayal, love and of course a happy ending.

Poor history

Should be called fantasy fiction not historical fiction because it is hopelessly inaccurate historically and the story is not very exciting