The Tribune

By: Paul E. Roberts

Narrated by: Matt Jamie

The year is AD 86, over a hundred years since Caesar's blood stained the white marble of Pompey's Curia and fifty-three years since an obscure Jew's crucifixion in Judaea. The Roman Empire is a machine that devours everything in its path. War is imminent, war is permanent, and conquest is divine.

When young Roman officer Septimus and his legion are surprised and annihilated by the Dacians at the Battle of the Iron Gates, the young man and a small group of legionaries survive but now find themselves in a desperate race for survival. Across the Danube lies Roman territory and safety, but Septimus soon discovers other dangers north of the river. Something else hunts for Roman blood, something ancient and hungry in the dark, determined to make the young man its own.

To save his men and fulfill his duty, Septimus must face this threat and the rapidly growing realization that fate waits for no man. No-one outruns his destiny.

©2025 Paul E. Roberts (P)2026 Paul E. Roberts

horror

Great book, mysterious in parts. Very enjoyable and definitely I would recommend this book. Overall 5 stars from me.

Absolutely awesome

I like Roman history and this was a refreshing change of pace from the usual documentary style writing. Engaging and supernatural while also feeling real, and historically accurate. Definitely waiting for the sequel

Killer historical fiction

I love this novel. I think the narrator had a great voice and fit the story very well. Roberts’s telling of The Tribune makes you feel like you’re part of the action. The characters were both lovable but also bad asses. I really enjoyed the description of the Roman soldiers and the weapons. Grizzled veterans, honorable humble soldiers, and wiley slingers abound. The book gives a suspenseful feeling and Lycana is such a seductive evil. Great read/listen. Highly recommend.