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Dai and Julia #1
Dying to be Roman
In the run up to The Games, elite athletes are being murdered. But when a Roman dies the authorities take notice and it falls to our heroes to discover why and by whom, before the killer strikes again...
Imagine a Britain where Rome never left and a reformed Empire has ruled for two millennia. Technology is a bit more advanced in the present day - and a bit different - but people are the much the same.
Meet Dai, a Briton and a hard-working Investigator trying to solve a brutal string of murders and Julia, a Roman Inquisitor, sent to pour oil on troublesome provincial waters when a Roman citizen joins the body count.
Imagine a Britain where Rome never left and a reformed Empire has ruled for two millennia. Technology is a bit more advanced in the present day - and a bit different - but people are the much the same.
Meet Dai, a Briton and a hard-working Investigator trying to solve a brutal string of murders and Julia, a Roman Inquisitor, sent to pour oil on troublesome provincial waters when a Roman citizen joins the body count.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2017
7 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Swift-Hook
49Ìýbooks204ÌýfollowersE.M. Swift-Hook is the author of the Fortune's Fools dark space opera series and co-author of the alternate history whodunits the Dai and Julia Mysteries.
In the words that Robert Heinlein put into the mouth of Lazarus Long: 'Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.'
Having tried a number of different careers, before settling in the North-East of England with family, three dogs, cats and a small flock of rescued chickens, she now spends a lot of time in private and has very clean hands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 7, 2017
My rating 4.5
Book “Dying to be Roman� by E.M. Swift-Hook leads us into a parallel world where the Roman Empire did not fail. The whole of Europe is conquered, including Britain. Romans are the main word in all things, and who the Romans themselves are considered of a higher but ordinary man. When one of the Romans is killed, the perpetrator must be discovered promptly and sent by a Roman inquisitor. The book begins with the murder of The Games elite athletes on the Augusta Arena in Londonium. Roman inquisitor Julia Lucia Maxilla takes over the investigation and is assisted by Briton, Dai Llewellyn. Although they have no indication of the brutal murder of a prominent Roman athlete, they are trying to link all the details together. Because of that investigation will be found in the whirlwind of lies and intrigue. And their lives will be endangered as the investigation progresses. The writers bring us into the world of the Roman Empire, where everything is not so perfect. I hope that this will in the future become a series because the writers were just scratching the surface and could be a great hybrid sci-fi and a historical novel. Although the book is short in it, there are good signs of a great story.
Book “Dying to be Roman� by E.M. Swift-Hook leads us into a parallel world where the Roman Empire did not fail. The whole of Europe is conquered, including Britain. Romans are the main word in all things, and who the Romans themselves are considered of a higher but ordinary man. When one of the Romans is killed, the perpetrator must be discovered promptly and sent by a Roman inquisitor. The book begins with the murder of The Games elite athletes on the Augusta Arena in Londonium. Roman inquisitor Julia Lucia Maxilla takes over the investigation and is assisted by Briton, Dai Llewellyn. Although they have no indication of the brutal murder of a prominent Roman athlete, they are trying to link all the details together. Because of that investigation will be found in the whirlwind of lies and intrigue. And their lives will be endangered as the investigation progresses. The writers bring us into the world of the Roman Empire, where everything is not so perfect. I hope that this will in the future become a series because the writers were just scratching the surface and could be a great hybrid sci-fi and a historical novel. Although the book is short in it, there are good signs of a great story.
August 10, 2017
Kindle Unlimited. They certainly got up to some hanky-panky in the good old days of the Roman Empire. Or should that be in the good new days of the Roman Empire? What if it the Ancient world hadn’t collapsed in the fifth century? What if Attila the Hun and his minions had failed to drive the Romans out of western Europe, allowing them to rule uninterrupted for two thousand years, their patrician sandal-clad foot placed firmly on the neck of the inferior Britons?
‘Dying to be Roman� opens with someone, er, dying, and the body being discovered by our Celtic hero sleuth, named, er, Dai. ‘He looks pretty deceased to me,� he mutters, observing the faceless corpse at the Augusta Arena, Londinium, Britannia Maxima. A quick DNA check with his wrist-worn identipad reveals the victim is Treno Bellicus, aka ‘Big Belly�, a star athlete in the upcoming Games. The tone is set for this multi-layered, tongue-in-cheek, fast-paced detective romp through the cobbled alleyways and towering insulae of Londinium. In this city where togas meet hi-tech, and patrician matrons recline on couches or nip off in hovercabs to buy their designer stolas, an assassin is on the loose, despatching victims at the speed of light. What’s more, most of them have at least three names–Quintillas Publius Luca, Anna Belonia Flavia, Urbanus Hostilius Rufus� which makes the body count seem even higher. Clearly what is needed to thwart this bloodthirsty villain is a clever detective, or, better still, two of them. Our sexy British Sherlock, he of the moody looks and bulging biceps, meets his match in the form of a miniature Roman Watson-ette in leather trousers with a nerve whip tucked into her belt.
The hunt is on, and the dynamic duo race from crime scene to crime scene, assisted by two giant wolf hounds and a handy contubernium of praetorians, trying to figure out who is murdering not just the lowly natives (who cares?) but also daring to knock off the crème de la crème of society, proper Romans from proper Rome.
The relationship between the two protagonists gradually develops from the instinctive mistrust between natives and colonisers to a mutual respect and growing attraction. Dai learns that Julia is not all she seems, and that her passion for justice applies to everyone, not just the ruling class. Julia learns that beneath his brooding exterior, Dai is intelligent and able to see beyond prejudices and stereotypes, a thinking woman’s Ross Poldark. But do they have a future together, this Romeo who has never seen Rome, and his Juliet, foster-sister to the mighty Tribune Decimus himself? Will Julia be able to put up with Dai’s passion for chip buttys with garam sauce, most of which ends up on his tunic? Will Dai be able to sit across the kitchen table without flinching as his beloved crunches on baby mice bones or nibbles a salad ‘with wafer thin curls of delicate roast peacock flesh served on a bed of rocket and watercress�? But before they can sort out their romantic destiny, they have a killer to catch, and a lot of merda to shovel�
Readers looking for a cleverly-written, mash-up whodunnit with plenty to think about, laughs a minute, gore galore, two engaging lovers and a permanent sense of déjà vu all over again will adore this book. Bring on Dai and Julia Book 2!
‘Dying to be Roman� opens with someone, er, dying, and the body being discovered by our Celtic hero sleuth, named, er, Dai. ‘He looks pretty deceased to me,� he mutters, observing the faceless corpse at the Augusta Arena, Londinium, Britannia Maxima. A quick DNA check with his wrist-worn identipad reveals the victim is Treno Bellicus, aka ‘Big Belly�, a star athlete in the upcoming Games. The tone is set for this multi-layered, tongue-in-cheek, fast-paced detective romp through the cobbled alleyways and towering insulae of Londinium. In this city where togas meet hi-tech, and patrician matrons recline on couches or nip off in hovercabs to buy their designer stolas, an assassin is on the loose, despatching victims at the speed of light. What’s more, most of them have at least three names–Quintillas Publius Luca, Anna Belonia Flavia, Urbanus Hostilius Rufus� which makes the body count seem even higher. Clearly what is needed to thwart this bloodthirsty villain is a clever detective, or, better still, two of them. Our sexy British Sherlock, he of the moody looks and bulging biceps, meets his match in the form of a miniature Roman Watson-ette in leather trousers with a nerve whip tucked into her belt.
The hunt is on, and the dynamic duo race from crime scene to crime scene, assisted by two giant wolf hounds and a handy contubernium of praetorians, trying to figure out who is murdering not just the lowly natives (who cares?) but also daring to knock off the crème de la crème of society, proper Romans from proper Rome.
The relationship between the two protagonists gradually develops from the instinctive mistrust between natives and colonisers to a mutual respect and growing attraction. Dai learns that Julia is not all she seems, and that her passion for justice applies to everyone, not just the ruling class. Julia learns that beneath his brooding exterior, Dai is intelligent and able to see beyond prejudices and stereotypes, a thinking woman’s Ross Poldark. But do they have a future together, this Romeo who has never seen Rome, and his Juliet, foster-sister to the mighty Tribune Decimus himself? Will Julia be able to put up with Dai’s passion for chip buttys with garam sauce, most of which ends up on his tunic? Will Dai be able to sit across the kitchen table without flinching as his beloved crunches on baby mice bones or nibbles a salad ‘with wafer thin curls of delicate roast peacock flesh served on a bed of rocket and watercress�? But before they can sort out their romantic destiny, they have a killer to catch, and a lot of merda to shovel�
Readers looking for a cleverly-written, mash-up whodunnit with plenty to think about, laughs a minute, gore galore, two engaging lovers and a permanent sense of déjà vu all over again will adore this book. Bring on Dai and Julia Book 2!
August 7, 2017
While I have an interest in mythology, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a good, quick mystery regardless of their interests. This was a fast, diverting read that kept me very interested in the procedural details as well as the characters. Very clever execution of a unique alternate history concept.
November 7, 2017
A quick and entertaining mystery, exploring What If Rome has never left Britain.
I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to ancient Rome and alternate histories. Yeah, who would have thunk it.
So I was really excited to get my hands on this new addition to the field. I was not disappointed.
What to Expect
Imagine that Rome remains the centre of power over the millennia. Diocletian established the tetrarchy but kept Rome as the center of power. Constantinus never embraced Christianity. The legions never left Britannia.
So now we have a Roman-centric world, with slightly futuristic technology, ruling over Europe.
But this is all in the background, the world building. The story itself is the story of a murder mystery, where Dai, a British officer of the vigiles (non-citizen police), is thrown together with Julia, a Roman inquisitor.
What I liked
The characters are well developed, and the world - only glimpsed in the novella - offers a rich "what-if" style background to the story. This will appeal to all lovers of speculative fiction concerning ancient Rome, and murder mysteries with a touch of romance.
What to be aware of
This is a novella, a quick read. Some of the events around the mystery are a bit rushed, and the world is presented "as is", without going into the mechanics of Roman culture and rule, and the divergence of history from our own time-line.
Summary
A quick and entertaining read. I am looking forward to seeing how Swift-Hook and Jago develop the world further, delving into the richness of Roman culture and exploring how it evolved over the course of history. I'm curious to see how Dai and Julia build up their relationship, and what are they going to encounter in t heir next case.
If you love ancient Rome, murder mysteries with a touch of romance, and some "what if" questions to ponder - you should pick up your copy and start reading now.
---
, author of : a story of Togas, Dagger, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Urban Fantasy, and Detective mysteries.
I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to ancient Rome and alternate histories. Yeah, who would have thunk it.
So I was really excited to get my hands on this new addition to the field. I was not disappointed.
What to Expect
Imagine that Rome remains the centre of power over the millennia. Diocletian established the tetrarchy but kept Rome as the center of power. Constantinus never embraced Christianity. The legions never left Britannia.
So now we have a Roman-centric world, with slightly futuristic technology, ruling over Europe.
But this is all in the background, the world building. The story itself is the story of a murder mystery, where Dai, a British officer of the vigiles (non-citizen police), is thrown together with Julia, a Roman inquisitor.
What I liked
The characters are well developed, and the world - only glimpsed in the novella - offers a rich "what-if" style background to the story. This will appeal to all lovers of speculative fiction concerning ancient Rome, and murder mysteries with a touch of romance.
What to be aware of
This is a novella, a quick read. Some of the events around the mystery are a bit rushed, and the world is presented "as is", without going into the mechanics of Roman culture and rule, and the divergence of history from our own time-line.
Summary
A quick and entertaining read. I am looking forward to seeing how Swift-Hook and Jago develop the world further, delving into the richness of Roman culture and exploring how it evolved over the course of history. I'm curious to see how Dai and Julia build up their relationship, and what are they going to encounter in t heir next case.
If you love ancient Rome, murder mysteries with a touch of romance, and some "what if" questions to ponder - you should pick up your copy and start reading now.
---
, author of : a story of Togas, Dagger, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Urban Fantasy, and Detective mysteries.
November 29, 2017
I love books that cross genre, so it's no surprise that this I enjoyed this alternate history murder mystery despite the fact that neither alt history or mystery are my usual go-to genres. But I was familiar with Jago's work and I can definitely say I'm a fan of that. I hadn't previous read anything from Swift-Hook, but the two authors did a fantastic job of blending their contributions seamlessly. I never would have guessed there were two authors working together here. This is great introduction to some great characters.
March 1, 2018
I was assigned this book in the Review Group 168. An interesting idea exploring what may have happened if the Romans hadn't left.
A number of elite athletes have been murdered. The investigation is just beginning, but the body count is increasing. Julia and Dai are investigating but will she be able to shake off her shady past?
I read a lot of crime/murder mysteries but not so many with an historical element so this genre was new for me. I really felt that this book needed to be longer as there just wasn't enough time for the story to really get going. The romance that began to develop between the two main characters seemed to come out of nowhere because there wasn't enough backstory for readers to connect with either of the characters.
The book highlights the difficulties an investigation of this nature would have faced at the time due to the Roman dominance. It also depicts the attitudes and treatment of different classes. The historical detail was well researched and interesting. The book itself is well written with just a few typos (repeated words.)
I appreciate that this is a series. I think it would be worth reading another in the series to allow the story to develop.
Please note that for sensitive readers this book has a torture scene with a sexual element. There are also obviously murders which are quite graphic but not extremely so. There is some bad language.
A number of elite athletes have been murdered. The investigation is just beginning, but the body count is increasing. Julia and Dai are investigating but will she be able to shake off her shady past?
I read a lot of crime/murder mysteries but not so many with an historical element so this genre was new for me. I really felt that this book needed to be longer as there just wasn't enough time for the story to really get going. The romance that began to develop between the two main characters seemed to come out of nowhere because there wasn't enough backstory for readers to connect with either of the characters.
The book highlights the difficulties an investigation of this nature would have faced at the time due to the Roman dominance. It also depicts the attitudes and treatment of different classes. The historical detail was well researched and interesting. The book itself is well written with just a few typos (repeated words.)
I appreciate that this is a series. I think it would be worth reading another in the series to allow the story to develop.
Please note that for sensitive readers this book has a torture scene with a sexual element. There are also obviously murders which are quite graphic but not extremely so. There is some bad language.
November 8, 2017
Recap: Dai and Julia must work together to solve a series of murders. The twist, the book is set in modern day Roman times. Julia is a Citizen, Dai is not.
Review: This is a co-authored book and I was curious to see whether I could tell who wrote what bit. I can't. It's a fantastic blend of two very talented ladies who have written an excellent alternative history detective novella. And it's so very readable, always a sign of good writing when you never stumble over phrasing or get jerked out of the narrative due to confusing plot points. I really enjoyed this intro into a whole new world and I'm excited that there are two further instalments in the Dai and Julia series to read (at time of this review that is). You don't have to be an expert on Roman history to enjoy the setting, you are comfortably shoe-horned in and given enough to get on with. Whilst not really a classic whodunnit, there's enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages, a love story to satisfy the emotional aspect plus an enjoyable bit of gore at the end.
Review: This is a co-authored book and I was curious to see whether I could tell who wrote what bit. I can't. It's a fantastic blend of two very talented ladies who have written an excellent alternative history detective novella. And it's so very readable, always a sign of good writing when you never stumble over phrasing or get jerked out of the narrative due to confusing plot points. I really enjoyed this intro into a whole new world and I'm excited that there are two further instalments in the Dai and Julia series to read (at time of this review that is). You don't have to be an expert on Roman history to enjoy the setting, you are comfortably shoe-horned in and given enough to get on with. Whilst not really a classic whodunnit, there's enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages, a love story to satisfy the emotional aspect plus an enjoyable bit of gore at the end.
August 27, 2018
This novella presents a very cool alternate timeline in which the Roman Empire still exists. London as we know it doesn’t exist, instead it’s Londinium... a city in which only Roman citizens are viewed as ‘worthwhile� and non-citizens (Saxons, Caledonians and other non-Romans) must scrape by. Amidst this topsy-turvy blend of history & fantastic future, Saxon vigiles (police officer) Dai has a doozy of a murder mystery to solve.
Participants in the Londinium Games are being murdered. But alongside these non-Roman deaths are a few noble Roman citizens who up the ante significantly. Dai’s superiors assign a Roman Inquisitor to oversee his investigation. That alone would be enough to annoy Dai, but when he meets the person assigned to take charge he gets more (or less?) than he bargained for. Julia is small but mighty, a spitfire Roman who, contrary to her class and citizenship, treats Dai (and most non-citizens she encounters) with a respect rarely afforded.
This was truly a delightful introduction to the world of Dai & Julia. It’s a quick read with an intriguing mystery and plenty of hope to fill out future installments.
Participants in the Londinium Games are being murdered. But alongside these non-Roman deaths are a few noble Roman citizens who up the ante significantly. Dai’s superiors assign a Roman Inquisitor to oversee his investigation. That alone would be enough to annoy Dai, but when he meets the person assigned to take charge he gets more (or less?) than he bargained for. Julia is small but mighty, a spitfire Roman who, contrary to her class and citizenship, treats Dai (and most non-citizens she encounters) with a respect rarely afforded.
This was truly a delightful introduction to the world of Dai & Julia. It’s a quick read with an intriguing mystery and plenty of hope to fill out future installments.
August 9, 2017
A thoroughly entertaining Roman murder mystery
Roman citizen Julia is tasked with solving a string of grizzly murders along with her humble low-born assistant, Dai. They walk the streets of modern Londinium, for in this cleverly conceived tale, the Roman Empire never collapsed and still controls contemporary Europe. Computer technology mixes with Roman culture, as our intrepid detectives' trail lead them to a finale of regional murder-ball (who needs cricket!) at the arena. A splendid, humorous jaunt, with a great attention to Roman mixed with imagined detail...recommended.
Roman citizen Julia is tasked with solving a string of grizzly murders along with her humble low-born assistant, Dai. They walk the streets of modern Londinium, for in this cleverly conceived tale, the Roman Empire never collapsed and still controls contemporary Europe. Computer technology mixes with Roman culture, as our intrepid detectives' trail lead them to a finale of regional murder-ball (who needs cricket!) at the arena. A splendid, humorous jaunt, with a great attention to Roman mixed with imagined detail...recommended.
November 19, 2017
Dying to be Roman by E M Swift-Hook and Jane Jago - is a fast-paced mystery novella set in an alternative history - one where the Roman Empire extends into modern times.
The world building is brilliant - with a great blend of Roman customs and culture, blended with a slightly advanced technological society than present day earth. From garum (a strong-smelling fish based sauce) on chips, public baths, the arena (think Colosseum) to a world strictly divided into Citizens and non-Citizens, the details are believable and well-researched.
Dai Llewellyn, a non-roman Celt in Londinium, is sent to investigate a brutal murder in the arena. When two more bodies turn up, one a Roman citizen, Rome sends a high-ranking inquisitor & citizen, Julia Lucia Maxilla, to oversee the case - much to Dai's chagrin. As the body count mounts with alarming speed and Dai and Julia move closer to finding the killer, they find their own lives in imminent danger.
I enjoyed the interplay between Dai and Julia, the feeling of deep back-story and the budding romance between the two main characters. I found the fast pace almost dizzying at times, especially while trying to remember all the three-barrelled names introduced in fast succession (a glossary of names could help). I think the story was less about discovering clues and solving the crime (that was all tied up before the climax) and more about the world and the characters. It also included some brutal scenes - tying in with the brutality of Roman justice and the cold disdain of some Roman citizens for life (human or canine) - and is perhaps a trend in modern crime novels (e.g. the Robert Galbraith novels).
Dying to be Roman is the first in a series and I'm keen to read more of Dai and Julia's adventures.
The world building is brilliant - with a great blend of Roman customs and culture, blended with a slightly advanced technological society than present day earth. From garum (a strong-smelling fish based sauce) on chips, public baths, the arena (think Colosseum) to a world strictly divided into Citizens and non-Citizens, the details are believable and well-researched.
Dai Llewellyn, a non-roman Celt in Londinium, is sent to investigate a brutal murder in the arena. When two more bodies turn up, one a Roman citizen, Rome sends a high-ranking inquisitor & citizen, Julia Lucia Maxilla, to oversee the case - much to Dai's chagrin. As the body count mounts with alarming speed and Dai and Julia move closer to finding the killer, they find their own lives in imminent danger.
I enjoyed the interplay between Dai and Julia, the feeling of deep back-story and the budding romance between the two main characters. I found the fast pace almost dizzying at times, especially while trying to remember all the three-barrelled names introduced in fast succession (a glossary of names could help). I think the story was less about discovering clues and solving the crime (that was all tied up before the climax) and more about the world and the characters. It also included some brutal scenes - tying in with the brutality of Roman justice and the cold disdain of some Roman citizens for life (human or canine) - and is perhaps a trend in modern crime novels (e.g. the Robert Galbraith novels).
Dying to be Roman is the first in a series and I'm keen to read more of Dai and Julia's adventures.
July 27, 2017
Imagine if the Roman Empire had never fallen. Here you will find a comprehensive peek into what might have been. England is still Britannia, and the Roman games, though not as lethal as they once were, are still a huge part of culture. When a few athletes turn up dead, Dai—a Britannia native—is tasked with solving the crimes. But the caliber of the case takes a turn when one of the Roman elite is murdered; a senator’s son no less.
No longer rated to handle the case alone, Dai must work under the command of Julia—a Roman investigator. Accustom to being treated like second-class scum by Romans, who don’t even classify Britannia natives as citizens, Dai braces himself for a miserable partnership. But with more ghosts in her past than Dai could have fathomed, Julia is unlike his assumed stereotype of how all Romans behave.
While Dai and Julia dig deep into their investigation, authors Swift-Hook and Jago are busy examining fundamental issues of class and segregation relevant to our own reality, proving that “human� is our only true title, and none are eligible to abuse it.
As a longtime fan of murder mystery, this novella was right up my alley. The alternative history aspect added layers of interest to the plot and gave the book a truly unique distinction. I highly recommend this to all fans of mystery and alternate history.
No longer rated to handle the case alone, Dai must work under the command of Julia—a Roman investigator. Accustom to being treated like second-class scum by Romans, who don’t even classify Britannia natives as citizens, Dai braces himself for a miserable partnership. But with more ghosts in her past than Dai could have fathomed, Julia is unlike his assumed stereotype of how all Romans behave.
While Dai and Julia dig deep into their investigation, authors Swift-Hook and Jago are busy examining fundamental issues of class and segregation relevant to our own reality, proving that “human� is our only true title, and none are eligible to abuse it.
As a longtime fan of murder mystery, this novella was right up my alley. The alternative history aspect added layers of interest to the plot and gave the book a truly unique distinction. I highly recommend this to all fans of mystery and alternate history.
December 27, 2017
High suspense in a fascinating world
Intriguing concept, witty dialogue, and deliciously quirky characters make Swift-Hook & Jago’s novella a delight.
In this high-tech future, Rome never fell. Roman culture continues to dominate the backwater province of Britannia. Dai Llewellyn is a local cop who carries no weapons. (It’s Britain, after all.) When he runs into murders linked directly to Rome, he’s assigned a well-armed Roman patrician woman as co-investigator. This is Julia Lucia Maxilla, all four foot eleven inches of her, who explains her entourage this way:
“‘Canis and Lupo are wolfhounds.� She turned and indicated the huge Saxon who stood at her shoulder. “The dogs and Edbert guard me. In case you missed it, I’m not very big, so if I need to intimidate somebody, they help with that, too.’�
To solve the mysteries, the duo face perils of high suspense and moments of cruelty, which, I confess, I didn’t enjoy. Still, they served as a reminder that historic ancient Rome was never a cruelty-free zone.
Safe to say, Dai and Julia survive because this is only the first of their four, in-print adventures. I’m eager to read the rest, and looking forward to more.
Intriguing concept, witty dialogue, and deliciously quirky characters make Swift-Hook & Jago’s novella a delight.
In this high-tech future, Rome never fell. Roman culture continues to dominate the backwater province of Britannia. Dai Llewellyn is a local cop who carries no weapons. (It’s Britain, after all.) When he runs into murders linked directly to Rome, he’s assigned a well-armed Roman patrician woman as co-investigator. This is Julia Lucia Maxilla, all four foot eleven inches of her, who explains her entourage this way:
“‘Canis and Lupo are wolfhounds.� She turned and indicated the huge Saxon who stood at her shoulder. “The dogs and Edbert guard me. In case you missed it, I’m not very big, so if I need to intimidate somebody, they help with that, too.’�
To solve the mysteries, the duo face perils of high suspense and moments of cruelty, which, I confess, I didn’t enjoy. Still, they served as a reminder that historic ancient Rome was never a cruelty-free zone.
Safe to say, Dai and Julia survive because this is only the first of their four, in-print adventures. I’m eager to read the rest, and looking forward to more.
August 21, 2017
What do you get when two great author's cross paths and ultimately join forces? You get 'Dying to be Roman', that's what! This short read has everything you could ever want in a book: intrigue, murder, graphic violence and of course, a bit of comic relief.
The story is set in Londinium, where several brutal murders have taken place in light of the forthcoming games. Briton, Dai Llewellyn is called upon to help a Roman inquisitor, Julia Lucia Maxilla investigate said murders. There are several little twist and turns to get you going, and the violence is very descriptive, which I love. The murders themselves are described really well, right down to the last bloody detail.
I found this story so easy to read. It just seemed to flow at a good rate, and it helps that it was well written. The characters were well developed and the story just grabbed me from the first page.
I highly recommend this alternate history novella, you'll be silly if you didn't give it a read...brilliant!
The story is set in Londinium, where several brutal murders have taken place in light of the forthcoming games. Briton, Dai Llewellyn is called upon to help a Roman inquisitor, Julia Lucia Maxilla investigate said murders. There are several little twist and turns to get you going, and the violence is very descriptive, which I love. The murders themselves are described really well, right down to the last bloody detail.
I found this story so easy to read. It just seemed to flow at a good rate, and it helps that it was well written. The characters were well developed and the story just grabbed me from the first page.
I highly recommend this alternate history novella, you'll be silly if you didn't give it a read...brilliant!
October 14, 2017
a different breed of thriller.
captured my attention from the start and kept going, the alternate earth angle and a complex murder mystery was an awesome treat. :)
captured my attention from the start and kept going, the alternate earth angle and a complex murder mystery was an awesome treat. :)
July 26, 2017
Dying to be Roman is an alternate history novella that is both fun to read and a poignant reflection of our own world. Swifthook and Jago deliver on what alternate history does best in a fun and flirty murder mystery set in a Rome that never collapsed.
Dai and Julia are investigators. Dai is a Briton and a second-class citizen of a Roman-controlled Europe. When the murders involve the son of a Senator, Julia is brought in to oversee the case.
Now, I confess that Roman history is not my strength, so I’m unsure if the Point of Departure that enables Rome to endure for 2,000 years works. It’s unlikely the Roman Empire would have survived that long, so one must suspend disbelief, but not too much. The setting and characters are believable, interesting, and the story is fast-paced. So it's easy to lose yourself in the narrative.
While on the surface, Dai and Julia must solve the mystery of the murders, Dying to be Roman is really about the inequalities of the elite vs everyone else, which can be mirrored onto our world. But what’s great about the story is that this theme carries on silent under the surface of the story, so that while the social commentary is there (important that it is), it still delivers on an entertaining and believable read. It’s a great alternate history and murder mystery mash-up!
Dai and Julia are investigators. Dai is a Briton and a second-class citizen of a Roman-controlled Europe. When the murders involve the son of a Senator, Julia is brought in to oversee the case.
Now, I confess that Roman history is not my strength, so I’m unsure if the Point of Departure that enables Rome to endure for 2,000 years works. It’s unlikely the Roman Empire would have survived that long, so one must suspend disbelief, but not too much. The setting and characters are believable, interesting, and the story is fast-paced. So it's easy to lose yourself in the narrative.
While on the surface, Dai and Julia must solve the mystery of the murders, Dying to be Roman is really about the inequalities of the elite vs everyone else, which can be mirrored onto our world. But what’s great about the story is that this theme carries on silent under the surface of the story, so that while the social commentary is there (important that it is), it still delivers on an entertaining and believable read. It’s a great alternate history and murder mystery mash-up!
April 3, 2018
This was such a fun read. The idea that Rome didn't fall and still controls all of Europe and the British Isles worked well. This modern detective story often felt like it was happening in ancient times with the skillful blending of styles from authors E.M. Swift-Hook and Jane Jago. The only drawback was, it was too short. I would love to see this made into a full length novel.
May 9, 2018
What if the sun never set on the Roman Empire? Jago and Swift-Hook have breathed life into the possibility that Rome never fell and all of the modern day world has spent the last two thousand years under the same regime. Dai is a detective in the UK, descended from Druids. Julia is a Roman citizen with a tough childhood before she received a royal education. In their world, you can get away with murder, but suspicion of treason will get you executed within a week.
Did you like Sparticus and Sherlock? Yes the British tv show, not the movies with Iron Man. Well if you liked both of those programs, you are going to love Dying to be Roman, the first of the Day and Julia stories. It’s such an interesting and gritty world, packed into a fast past read that in the days of the paperback, would have slid easily into your back pocket.
I knew that I’d like this book because of what a Swift-Hook fan I am. Now I’m keen to read something from Jago alone! I feel like I should be able to do some sort of style mathematics and isolate what is different from the Fortune’s Fools series, and then determine what Jago’s style and delivery are. No, that’s crazy talk, right? I scored a copy of this for free. Then I buried it under my tbr because I’d recently read two other lovely Roman stories. Then time passed. Reviewers aren’t obligated to review, after all. I only write reviews about books I dig. If I can’t finish them, I don’t review them. Conversely, if I do finish them and procrastinate writing a review it torments me to know I’m missing the opportunity to talk about books!
Did you like Sparticus and Sherlock? Yes the British tv show, not the movies with Iron Man. Well if you liked both of those programs, you are going to love Dying to be Roman, the first of the Day and Julia stories. It’s such an interesting and gritty world, packed into a fast past read that in the days of the paperback, would have slid easily into your back pocket.
I knew that I’d like this book because of what a Swift-Hook fan I am. Now I’m keen to read something from Jago alone! I feel like I should be able to do some sort of style mathematics and isolate what is different from the Fortune’s Fools series, and then determine what Jago’s style and delivery are. No, that’s crazy talk, right? I scored a copy of this for free. Then I buried it under my tbr because I’d recently read two other lovely Roman stories. Then time passed. Reviewers aren’t obligated to review, after all. I only write reviews about books I dig. If I can’t finish them, I don’t review them. Conversely, if I do finish them and procrastinate writing a review it torments me to know I’m missing the opportunity to talk about books!
September 12, 2017
This book took me by surprise - and pleasantly so.
While the Roman elements were expected - Roman is, after all, right there in the title, the setting in a modern world where the Empire never faded was not. So it was with some glee that I explored this alternate world and its ancient rules.
A series of murders pitches together Dai, a Briton, who faces prejudice and discrimination as daily occurrences, and yet still has a role as an investigator picking up after the crimes of others - and Julia, a Roman citizen with a determination to be fair to all.
In the middle of the investigation, these two find duty to be a common trait - Dai with his duty to his job and the tasks he faces, and Julia with a duty to all those within the Empire, citizen or not.
Together, they start to piece together the pieces of the puzzle that connect a series of deaths - only for the danger to become very personal indeed.
I really liked this story - the setting and characters would lend themselves very well to a TV adaptation, if any producers out there are looking for a new twist to the genre.
There were a couple of moments in the story where information was relayed to our erstwhile investigators when I wished they might be more involved in uncovering it for themselves, but that aside, this was a great introduction to a detective duo whose adventures I sincerely look forward to following.
While the Roman elements were expected - Roman is, after all, right there in the title, the setting in a modern world where the Empire never faded was not. So it was with some glee that I explored this alternate world and its ancient rules.
A series of murders pitches together Dai, a Briton, who faces prejudice and discrimination as daily occurrences, and yet still has a role as an investigator picking up after the crimes of others - and Julia, a Roman citizen with a determination to be fair to all.
In the middle of the investigation, these two find duty to be a common trait - Dai with his duty to his job and the tasks he faces, and Julia with a duty to all those within the Empire, citizen or not.
Together, they start to piece together the pieces of the puzzle that connect a series of deaths - only for the danger to become very personal indeed.
I really liked this story - the setting and characters would lend themselves very well to a TV adaptation, if any producers out there are looking for a new twist to the genre.
There were a couple of moments in the story where information was relayed to our erstwhile investigators when I wished they might be more involved in uncovering it for themselves, but that aside, this was a great introduction to a detective duo whose adventures I sincerely look forward to following.
July 26, 2017
Pass the Fish Sauce, Please
An alternate history story set in England but the Romans are still in control of all of Europe. England is still Britannia and London is still Londinium. It involves a murder mystery which Dai is investigating but the body count keeps rising and when a senator's son falls victim the Romans send in their inquisitors to take charge of the investigation. Dai must follow after the Roman, Julia and though he's accustomed to being looked down upon, Julia treats him with dignity and respect. Most Romans feel all non-citizens are second-class. Slavery has been abolished for decades but it's stigma remains.
The bodies continue to stack up while Dai and Julia dig for clues. They even find their own lives in danger as they get closer to the truth. This is an extremely creative collaboration of two dangerous minds working together. Jago and Swift-Hook, a pair of authors to follow. When I read some of the long Roman names I couldn't help but imagine one or both giggling at its creation. Great world and awesome characters throughout, highly recommended.
An alternate history story set in England but the Romans are still in control of all of Europe. England is still Britannia and London is still Londinium. It involves a murder mystery which Dai is investigating but the body count keeps rising and when a senator's son falls victim the Romans send in their inquisitors to take charge of the investigation. Dai must follow after the Roman, Julia and though he's accustomed to being looked down upon, Julia treats him with dignity and respect. Most Romans feel all non-citizens are second-class. Slavery has been abolished for decades but it's stigma remains.
The bodies continue to stack up while Dai and Julia dig for clues. They even find their own lives in danger as they get closer to the truth. This is an extremely creative collaboration of two dangerous minds working together. Jago and Swift-Hook, a pair of authors to follow. When I read some of the long Roman names I couldn't help but imagine one or both giggling at its creation. Great world and awesome characters throughout, highly recommended.
July 19, 2018
Reading “Dying to be Roman� gives you a few exercises of imagination. It’s an alternative history novel, so the first thing to imagine is a modern world where the Roman civilization is still alive, with the Coliseum intact and used for Juvenal’s Panem et Circensus. Curiously, my first thought was not about history, but how Asterix and Obelix would fare in this new world. As this version of history split before all the subjects of the Roman Empire received roman citizenship, for the sake of a bet, I would say they are still alive and well, keeping their small village outside Roman control.
This is a policier novel, but as the French failed to materialize I have to call it a detective story. Some elite athletes are being murdered, a minor nuisance until a Roman competitor is killed too. It’s when our heroine, Inquisitor Julia Lucia Maxilla, is sent to solve the mystery, together with the “Celt� Dai Llewellyn.
What I enjoyed the most was the introspective sense of history, a good sense of humor, and the blend of Roman customs and culture and modern earth technology.
This is a policier novel, but as the French failed to materialize I have to call it a detective story. Some elite athletes are being murdered, a minor nuisance until a Roman competitor is killed too. It’s when our heroine, Inquisitor Julia Lucia Maxilla, is sent to solve the mystery, together with the “Celt� Dai Llewellyn.
What I enjoyed the most was the introspective sense of history, a good sense of humor, and the blend of Roman customs and culture and modern earth technology.
December 22, 2017
In “Dying to be Roman� by E.M. Swift-Hook and Jane Jago, Ancient Rome and modern technology intertwine in a futurist world where Rome and Romans reign supreme over Europe, including Londonium, the setting for the novella. What follows is a murder mystery. Dai, a Briton, and Julia, a Roman Inquisitor, set forth to uncover who or what is behind the deaths of athletes of The Games.
The writing is crisp, and the dialogue stays in within the period and context of the world the authors have masterfully created. Characters evolve quickly and the interplay between Dai and Julia feels real. If you aren’t familiar with the roles and customs of the Roman Empire, your familiarity will increase while reading.
Roman historians and murder mystery readers alike will find “Dying to be Roman� a captivating read. The story will leave you wanting more. I suspected the authors have more in mind.
The writing is crisp, and the dialogue stays in within the period and context of the world the authors have masterfully created. Characters evolve quickly and the interplay between Dai and Julia feels real. If you aren’t familiar with the roles and customs of the Roman Empire, your familiarity will increase while reading.
Roman historians and murder mystery readers alike will find “Dying to be Roman� a captivating read. The story will leave you wanting more. I suspected the authors have more in mind.
August 3, 2017
Dying to Be Roman has restored my faith in the impossibility of a genre fic/literary fic hybrid! I am a fan of Greek and Roman history and so went into this with great anticipation and the author wildly exceeded my expectations. I was invested from the beginning and marveled at how well drawn each character was relative to what I happen to know about the time period. Most importantly, contemporary elements were woven in so seamlessly that I never experienced any jarring discomfort as if I were being jerked through impossible plot devices by the author. The murders and the subsequent procedural techniques used to solve them are well imagined and will hold your interest but the real magic of this novella lies in the fact that something so riveting can leave you feeling intellectually stimulating at the same time!
September 12, 2017
I like murder mysteries, but it was the setting that really did it for me. It was cleverly put-together and well-researched enough to really feel like a modern Roman world.
The little bits of technology are hinted at but not overly-done. Just enough to give it a sci-fi feel.
The characters are interesting and likeable, and the mystery comes together quite well.
It's brutal in parts but not overdone.
The little bits of technology are hinted at but not overly-done. Just enough to give it a sci-fi feel.
The characters are interesting and likeable, and the mystery comes together quite well.
It's brutal in parts but not overdone.
March 14, 2018
Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect when I downloaded this. Yet I also did not expect what I came to read. Quite a story. The ending did surprise the livin' bejesus out of me. But I suppose thinking back on what I know of Roman culture it really shouldn't have.
Having said that, I shan't say more so as to not spoil said surprise.
Certainly worth a look...
Having said that, I shan't say more so as to not spoil said surprise.
Certainly worth a look...
December 17, 2017
An alternative history story filled with action and romance
What a great start to an alternative history series! Dai, a Briton, and Julia, a Roman form a wonderful detective team. Their first investigation is filled with action.
What a great start to an alternative history series! Dai, a Briton, and Julia, a Roman form a wonderful detective team. Their first investigation is filled with action.
July 15, 2019
The plot, characters, and development of this tale were all worth the read. It is the depth of this alternate world that truly sets it apart. From authentic words and historical elements, these authors have extrapolated an alternate earth that is rich, believable, marvelous and sometimes uncomfortably brutal to read. Enjoy the humor and character relationships because you will need that to lessen the pain and horror in Rome's visceral glorious potential. The only complaint was that it felt over much too soon.
December 31, 2019
If you were ever intrigued by the Star Trek (TOS) episode where they visit a planet based on a modern version of the Roman Empire, or love mysteries, then this is the book (series) for you.
This story seems to be a modern day version of a restored Roman Empire that is vaster than the original. They have Dick Tracy wrist communicators, hover cars, and DNA analysis to help Dai and Julia in their efforts to solve a series of related murders.
Can't wait to start book 2.
This story seems to be a modern day version of a restored Roman Empire that is vaster than the original. They have Dick Tracy wrist communicators, hover cars, and DNA analysis to help Dai and Julia in their efforts to solve a series of related murders.
Can't wait to start book 2.
January 8, 2018
After reading some excellent reviews about author E.M. Swift-Hook on Facebook, I decided to jump on the chariot and see what the excitement was about concerning “Dying to be Roman�, a murder/mystery that takes place in a alternative version of the Roman Empire, had it not collapsed.
What I found was a refreshing, fast paced story where an unlikely pair of investigators is forced to work together due to the high-profile nature of the crimes. They end up tangled in a sticky web of Roman political manipulation that turns dangerous for them both. It’s a futuristic romp with Romans as the world’s ruling upper-class (just as they intended thousands of years ago), complete with high tech vehicles and sci-fi weapons!
E.M.’s and co-author, Jane Jago’s vision about how living in that Roman future, to me anyway, is plausible and very well thought out. IMHO, had the Authors desired to write a full length murder mystery out of this book alone, there’s plenty of meat available to accommodate such an endeavor. I can’t believe so few have reviewed it! The title alone is clever as hell... read the book and you’ll see why.
WARNING: If you’re not educated in Roman history, and have a limited vernacular, you will catch yourself either clicking on big and Latin words and letting wiki re-educate you. Try not to do it, because the authors do a good job of explaining most of those Latin words in sentences that follow. After a couple of chapters, I got the hang of reading just a little more before highlighting the word and clicking “look-up� in wiki-pedia (which I still did a lot). At first, i was thinking the writers were showing off a little. Then I realized like a slap in the face that my own educational deficiencies were the cause of my inability to keep up.
As an American reader who likes murder mysteries, I found the writing a wake up call that I need to improve my vernacular and read more history!!!
The story was written well enough, the characters are great and I’ve already downloaded their OMNIBUS. As a Roman aristocrat would probable do, I give the story a 4.5. Punishment for highlighting my own lacking knowledge base! LOL. Yep, Hail Domina! (Is it still “Domina� when it’s plural? Or is it...Domino’s?... Oh hell!) :)
What I found was a refreshing, fast paced story where an unlikely pair of investigators is forced to work together due to the high-profile nature of the crimes. They end up tangled in a sticky web of Roman political manipulation that turns dangerous for them both. It’s a futuristic romp with Romans as the world’s ruling upper-class (just as they intended thousands of years ago), complete with high tech vehicles and sci-fi weapons!
E.M.’s and co-author, Jane Jago’s vision about how living in that Roman future, to me anyway, is plausible and very well thought out. IMHO, had the Authors desired to write a full length murder mystery out of this book alone, there’s plenty of meat available to accommodate such an endeavor. I can’t believe so few have reviewed it! The title alone is clever as hell... read the book and you’ll see why.
WARNING: If you’re not educated in Roman history, and have a limited vernacular, you will catch yourself either clicking on big and Latin words and letting wiki re-educate you. Try not to do it, because the authors do a good job of explaining most of those Latin words in sentences that follow. After a couple of chapters, I got the hang of reading just a little more before highlighting the word and clicking “look-up� in wiki-pedia (which I still did a lot). At first, i was thinking the writers were showing off a little. Then I realized like a slap in the face that my own educational deficiencies were the cause of my inability to keep up.
As an American reader who likes murder mysteries, I found the writing a wake up call that I need to improve my vernacular and read more history!!!
The story was written well enough, the characters are great and I’ve already downloaded their OMNIBUS. As a Roman aristocrat would probable do, I give the story a 4.5. Punishment for highlighting my own lacking knowledge base! LOL. Yep, Hail Domina! (Is it still “Domina� when it’s plural? Or is it...Domino’s?... Oh hell!) :)
December 30, 2017
This book deals with alternate history and those who are in favor of crime and mysteries or a different world order will like it. If you’re a connoisseur of Roman literature and history, you’ll enjoy the book as well. The book has a clean writing style and the writer obviously knows her stuff and shows great talent. The book is fast paced from the murder victim that’s on the first page and keeps going with the two protagonists Dai and Julia. The conversation is engaging and the events keep you guessing which is good for the mystery. It was difficult to follow some of the terminology especially at the first part. It gets easier to digest the more I read. For those who Kindle starts the page at chapter 1 when you open the book, there is a glossary of terms at the end of the book. This would have been nice to know before I struggled with the terms.(not the writer's fault.)
April 10, 2019
E.M. Swift-Hook and Jane Jago have written a fast-paced mystery novella set in the Roman Empire--in modern times. This branch of alternate history has the Roman Empire spread worldwide with computers and cell phones.
The story opens up with a grisly double murder of two athletes in the games. The local policeman, Dai, a Celt, is forced to team with a Roman patrician, Julia. Since the Romans strictly limit citizenship, they've created a two-caste society, maintained by brute force. Naturally, Dai feels resentment for the gulf between him and Julia.
Julia proves herself sensitive to his feelings, despite her higher status, and adept at easing the strain between them. That's good, because at every turn they find murders and the two must combine their knowledge of both societies to stay alive, let alone find the murderer.
Or is it murderers? The tension is maintained until the end, with lots of surprises along the way.
Mystery fans and lovers of the Roman history and alternate history will love this one!
The story opens up with a grisly double murder of two athletes in the games. The local policeman, Dai, a Celt, is forced to team with a Roman patrician, Julia. Since the Romans strictly limit citizenship, they've created a two-caste society, maintained by brute force. Naturally, Dai feels resentment for the gulf between him and Julia.
Julia proves herself sensitive to his feelings, despite her higher status, and adept at easing the strain between them. That's good, because at every turn they find murders and the two must combine their knowledge of both societies to stay alive, let alone find the murderer.
Or is it murderers? The tension is maintained until the end, with lots of surprises along the way.
Mystery fans and lovers of the Roman history and alternate history will love this one!
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