Semper Fidelis

A Novel of the Roman Empire

By: Ruth Downie

Narrated by: Simon Vance

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

Critic reviews

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

This series is great

whats odd is I never like the new one when it comes out. Its never as good as the last one, which I always come to love. And I love this one now. These stories are a lovely weave of historical fiction, muder mystery, fantasy heroism, and postcolonial politics. For some listeners it may just be a murder mystery with an exotic backdrop, and is certainly enjoyable on that level, but there is a lot more to the narrative if you are open to it. Thats the difference between good and great. These are great. Can't wait for the next one. Do we get to go to Rome ? is Justinus still alive? Will they ever have children? Oh I cannot wait

Better than the prior book

I really enjoyed this book better than the earlier. This keeps moving. More action and twists. If liked earlier stories then you’ll enjoy it.

I love these stories

Russo and Tilla are a fun duo. They are very committed to each other and fun

Wonderful series. More Ruso and Tilla please!

Any additional comments?

I started with Medicus and felt compelled to listen to the whole series back to back. Wonderful characters and a fascinating period in history, when two completely opposite cultures combined, collided and coexisted in waves of order and disorder. I actually wrote to the author to find out if there would be another installment. She was kind enough to email me back with the good news/bad news: good news - the next book is being edited right now. Bad news - it won't be out til next summer :-(

Medical Mystery, History, Love Story!

This SERIES by Ruth Downie has it ALL. Simon Vance does a terrific job narrating the voices. I always reserve judgement for deeper men’s voices when they do women’s voices. He does excellent! 4/5 only because he sounds a bit tired at times.

Her stories are compelling, I found myself listening at every opportunity, relistening to bits to catch details I might have missed or because I enjoyed exchanges so much. I have re-enjoyed these books over again as well! (Something I rarely ever do! They are that good of tales)

If you love history, ancient civilizations, medicine, and a good story well told- this is the series! I do hope there are allot more to come.