Book Review – Terra Incognita by Simon Turney @HoZ_Books

About the Book

An empire on the edge. A scheme for glory. A plan to control the greatest river in the world.

61 AD. Under Emperor Nero, Rome is rich and powerful, but dissatisfaction is rife. The emperor himself schemes avidly to increase his wealth and indulge his pleasures – and slaughter his many enemies – but also seeks glory.

The great River Nile, life-giver to the Egyptians, the Kushites, and many other kingdoms through the African continent. Nobody from the Roman Empire has ever tracked the Nile to its source… but if it can be done, mastery of the greatest waterway in the known world – and with it, the control of friend and foe alike – may be possible.

But the price of obtaining such knowledge will be terrible. Those soldiers selected to command and serve on the mission will be at risk the moment they pass beyond the Roman borders of Egypt. Kingdoms and tribes hostile to Rome, vast swathes of desert, fierce beasts… and the price of failure hanging over their heads, for Nero is not an easy man to please.

Format: Hardcover (464 pages) Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication date: 12th September 2024 Genre: Historical Fiction

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My Review

Terra Incognita is the thrilling story of an epic journey made into unknown lands at the whim of the Roman Emperor Nero. What makes it even more remarkable is that it actually happened, recorded in accounts by both Pliny and Seneca. Of course, the author has had to use his imagination to fill in the many gaps in the historical records.

Chosen because they are members of the Praetorian Guard who protect the Emperor rather than for their battlefield experience, it’s safe to save there’s never a dull moment on their journey along the River Nile in the search for its source. If they’re not being attacked by crocodiles or hippotamuses, they’re becoming embroiled in tribal civil wars or being picked off one-by-one by warriors who appear out of the shadows and disappear just as quickly. There are poisonous snakes and swamp fever to contend with. And, of course, miles and miles of territory that is unmapped and unknown, peopled by tribes who speak no language they recognise. Roman soldiers being superstitious fellows, every mishap is interpreted as an ill omen, a sign that the expedition is doomed to fail and that none of them will survive.

The two Centurions chosen for the mission, Sempronius Densus and Claudius Faventinus, have their work cut out trying to maintain morale and, as the journey progresses, discipline. Their men become increasingly convinced Curtius Lupus, the Tribune in charge, is mad. It doesn’t help that, from the start, he deliberately set himself apart from the men, travelling in more luxury and with his own staff. A harsh disciplinarian whose political ambitions rest on the mission’s successful outcome, he resents any suggestion that he is wrong – even when he clearly is. Many times it’s Densus and Faventinus who save him. An oath of loyalty is a sacred thing for a Roman soldier, even more for a Roman Centurion, but every man reaches his breaking point. The question is, when?

As you’d expect from an author who has immersed himself in Roman history, there’s authentic detail about all aspects of the Roman army, everything from weaponry to latrine digging. And there are exciting action scenes – remember I mentioned crocodiles and hippotamuses? – and some quite gory moments.

The author describes Terra Incognita as ‘a Roman Heart of Darkness‘ in the way it explores how the terrors of the unknown can push even the bravest men over the edge especially when they lose faith in those leading them.

Terra Incognita is an exciting historical adventure that takes you on an epic journey into the unknown. It’s a standalone novel so an ideal introduction to Simon’s books. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

I received a review copy courtesy of Head of Zeus via NetGalley.

In three words: Action-packed, authentic, enthralling
Try something similar: The Capsarius by Simon Turney

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About the Author

Simon Turney is from Yorkshire and, having spent much of his childhood visiting historic sites, fell in love with the Roman heritage of the region. His fascination with the ancient world snowballed from there with great interest in Rome, Egypt, Greece and Byzantium. His works include the Marius’ Mules and Praetorian series, the Tales of the Empire and The Damned Emperor series, and the Rise of Emperors books with Gordon Doherty. He lives in North Yorkshire with his family.

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