I’ve raved in the past about Ruth Downie’s excellent Medicus series. I’ve interviewed her protagonist Ruso, and at the end of the month we’ll be publishing a highly-entertaining interview with his wife Tilla on The Protagonist Speaks (I suggest you subscribe to that blog so you don’t miss it – the interview is delicious!). It […]
It’s a well kept secret that the end of February marks a time of reflection for yours truly. In (very) ancient Rome this was a time of purification (februum), following which the new year began in Martial vigor. Now it’s just time for cake (because cake). While my cake might have, err, other Roman numerals […]
This piece of flash fiction was written specifically for the Dreamtime Dragons anthology. I’ve announced it previously here, but thought I’d make this flash fiction available on the site to increase the anthology’s visibility and as encouragement to go and get a copy (plenty of good authors in there, and all proceeds go to charity). It’s also […]
I’ve recently finished reading the latest (to be translated) Erast Fandorin mystery – All The World’s A Stage. I’ve talked about this series before, so it’s a good opportunity to review both the series and the latest volume. Overall, this is one of the best historical-detective mystery series out there. It is intelligent, engaging, and […]
Following Matyszak’s 24 Hours in Ancient Rome (because, y’know, he has a great style balancing information and readability), I sought out his other books. Gladiator touches on a subject core to the third Felix Novel – In Victrix – so I started with it. What to Expect A witty, lighthearted non-fiction description of the lives of gladiators […]
As most of you know, I have my own publishing house – Purple Toga Publications. While it isn’t quite ready open its doors for general submissions, there are opportunities that one just cannot pass by. These past few weeks I have had the pleasure of playing publisher for another author. As with everything to do […]
Some exciting reviews of underwater Roman ruins. First, a discovery almost 50 acres of ruins off the coast of Tunisia. The North African city of Neapolis is believed to have been submerged after a tsunami in the 4th century AD destroyed most of it, as recorded by Roman soldier and historian Ammianus Marcellinus. The natural […]
I was honoured to be invited to the Fantasy Fiends Podcast for their 31st episode on the subject of ‘No Shortcuts!’. (The dancing gladiators have no bearing on the podcast – except that they accurately describe the spirit of the event). The podcast is hosted by Andy Peloquin And Stevie Collier, two talented fantasy authors. Every week […]
I strikes me that while I have mentioned Ruth Downie‘s writing before, have interviewed her protagonist Gaius Petreius Ruso, and have even used him for a guest appearance – with permission! – in In Numina, I have never actually wrote a full review of her books. I’ve read the first two books a couple of years […]
To open 2018 on a grand note, I’m honoured to be a part of the world-wide cover reveal for The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown! The Wendy is an historical-fantasy novel, set in late 18th century London and mixing up some well-loved children stories for a truly fantastical twist. Before I tell you […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 