Semper Fidelis cover art

Semper Fidelis

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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Semper Fidelis

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

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 Historical Mystery Fiction

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Critic reviews

"Downie injects a modern who-done-it twist into the imperial action." ( Kirkus)
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I find this series enjoyable. Nothing to stretch the mind, no violence no offence, no need to work anything out. When you want a relaxing listen.

Easy listen

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I love these stories. hard fast historians may find some if the listening difficult but the stories are well written the characters are interesting and the perdormance is great. i like hearing how Gaius and Tilla's relationship develops, and seeing each pitfal that Gaius falls into as the tale progresses. very enjoyable

great performance and story telling

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Another story in the roman world following Gaius the Medicus and his wife. Another curious mystery, another likable characters, and I was excited to have Emperor Hadrian and his wife as characters for our enjoyment. Whenever real historical characters are introduced, especially some as large as Hadrian, their personalities always stand out. One has their own visions of how they would act and behave, and it’s always fun to see others’ own versions.
Another good listen with no lows, a calming narrator and tone. I will continue with the series.

Another fun listen.

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Thoroughly enjoyed this story of Russo and his' difficult 'wife Tilla. Based on real history - it is wonderfully told.

Sharp characters - great story

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The addition of new characters as prestigious as Emperor Adrian and his wife Sabina was fascinating. Cant wait for the next book.

Getting better with every book

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great story, I think it is the best book in the series since the first one, Medicus.

great story

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moves along well, character development good. nicely thought out story. Narrator is very good. Recommended

one of the best in the series

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Interesting plot that makes good use of known history and gives us the authors imagination to fill in the gaps. Great to get an insight into background research at the end.

Another atmospheric story

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Would you listen to Semper Fidelis again? Why?
Yes, I have listened to it twice because I enjoy listening about Ruso struggles again humanity.

What other book might you compare Semper Fidelis to, and why?
The other Ruso books.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?
It's always Ruso but I also enjoyed listening to Valance (spelling?) and his father-in-law.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Ruso's very grim situation.

Good historical detail.

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The unwilling detective - it gets better and better. Great characters, plausible storyline - enjoyed every minute.

So glad I found this series

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