The Road to Rome

Why do all good things have to come to an end?

Who said that?

They need a slap. And they need to read The Forgotten Legion trilogy. If ever there was a book you didn't want to end, it's this one. If ever there was a series you didn't want to end, it is The Forgotten Legion trilogy. Couldn't we convince Ben that 'trilogy' actually means 'four', or 'five', or...well, you get the picture.

Here and now, The Road to Rome is, of course, the culmination of Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy and I don't know if the good Dr. Kane would agree with me, but I'm going to argue that he's saved the best till last.

I raced through this like a scythed chariot charge through massed Roman lines...I tried hard to pace myself, but failed miserably. You see, show more right from the very first few pages, we are thrown headlong into a pulsating, action-packed and thoroughly inspiring tale (it inspired me to get on the net and order the Hannibal series, for example). A delightfully well plotted tale of betrayal, love and loss, high politics and low revenge. And, of course, the Kane speciality; nerve-tingling set-piece battles and desperate, one-on-one, do or die struggles. He really is a master of both. Whether it's marshalling Caesars forces in huge mixed-troop battles across Africa, or focusing in, laser-like, on grim, no way out thuggery in the backstreets of Rome, Ben can surely have few equals. You feel so much like you're there, I very nearly had to wipe the blood off my hands on a couple of occasions.

While it had been a while since I was last on campaign with The Forgotten Legion and have read several other - excellent as well as not so excellent - novels set in the same Roman period Ben's story is set, as soon as I was a couple of pages into The Road to Rome, I was bang! Back in the Legion's ranks again and was never in a moment's doubt who was who and why and where they were doing what they were doing. I think that speaks very highly of the strong, well-defined characters and thoroughly involving story Ben has created. I really did feel like I had just finished #2 - the characters were so immediately fresh and vital again, rather than it being a year or so since I read The Silver Eagle. And, if you've been fortunate enough to have read The Forgotten Legion and The Silver Eagle, you'll be glad to know that (mostly) all the various themes and threads from those previous two books, are gathered together and brought to satisfyingly satisfactory conclusions. Though, did I detect, a door left slightly ajar for a possible return to the story in the future? Or is that just wishful thinking?

The Road to Rome really is packed full of action, adventure, intrigue, action, adventure, Roman politicking, action and - some more adventure!

Wow! What more could you wish for from a novel, apart from more? show less

The Road to Rome by Ben Kane is the 3rd and final(?) book in the Forgotten Legion series. I gave final a question mark because even though it was a good finish, there was enough question of what Romulus was going to do next that another book is possible. As far as this book is concerned I think it held up well. The 2nd book didn’t quite hold up to the first but I think this was a nice strong finish and a great read.

The book starts off exactly where the The Silver Eagle left off, with Romulus and Tarquinius having just been conscripted into the Roman legion in Egypt. Fabiola is in a boat being rowed out to a ship that will take her away from the rebellion and back to Rome, having caught a glimpse of Romulus. After having been separated show more for almost 8 years both are given a moral boost knowing that the other still lives.

Fabiola goes forward with her plans to have her ‘father’ murdered for the rape of her mother. She convinces Brutus to let her buy the Lupanar, the famous brothel she had once been a prostitute in. Fabiola thinks it will be an easy way to find those willing to help her execute her plan. Little does she know another shadow from her past would make her life a lot more difficult.

Romulus was drafted and is on campaign with Julius Caesar as he attempts to quell the rebellion in Egypt. Romulus eventually gets in trouble but through his punishment is led to the greatest prize he ever hoped for. He eventually meets back up with Fabiola only to have disappointment thrown in his path again.

Overall, I found this to be another excellent book transporting the reader back to ancient Rome. It portrays both the grandeur and the filth that went hand in hand in the empire. If you like stories about Rome and the ancient societies give this series a try. show less

The story should've ended mid-way through the book, instead it drags endlessly till Caesar is assassinated...

Sudden, poor ending.

4.5 Stars.

Habiendo sobrevivido a los peligros de un viaje a través de la mitad del mundo, Romulus y Tarquinius se ven obligados a unirse a las legiones, que están bajo la amenaza inminente de aniquilación por parte de los egipcios. Mientras tanto, en Roma, la hermana gemela de Romulus, Fabiola, vive temiendo por su vida, amada por Brutus, pero cortejada por Marcus Antonius, su enemigo mortal.

GAVETA DEL CENTRO, ANAQUEL TERCERO O PENULTIMO.