The last book in the trilogy, The Road to Rome, came out on August 12th 2010. It reached no. 4 in the Sunday Times bestseller list in its first week! Since being released in paperback on January 20th 2011, it has sold more than 32,000 copies (March 9th.)Having survived the perils of a journey across half the world, Romulus and Tarquinius are press-ganged into the legions, which are under imminent threat of annihilation by the Egyptians. Meanwhile in Rome, Romulus’ twin sister Fabiola lives in fear for her life, loved by Brutus, but wooed by Marcus Antonius, his deadly enemy. Soon after, Romulus fights at Zela, the vicious battle where Caesar famously said, ‘Veni, vidi, vici’. Tarquinius, separated from Romulus in the chaos of war, hides in Alexandria, searching for guidance. But mortal danger awaits them both.
From the battlefields of Asia Minor and North Africa, to the lawless streets of Rome and the gladiator arena, they face death daily, until on the Ides of March, the twins are reunited and must decide either to back or to betray Caesar on his day of destiny.
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Pigpen says
Just finished the last of the Romulus/Fabiola trilogy. I have enjoyed all three books tremendously and the last one took me all of 3 days (because I was ravenous) to finish it.
I have two questions :
1) The ending seems to be open-ended. Did you do this on purpose in the hopes of one day coming up with a continuation book of what happened to Traquinius and Romulus after they headed back east in search of Brennus’ fate if he was still alive?
2) If you answer NO to the above #1 question, this would really frustrate your readership to think there’s no closure to the open-ended ending. So then the question is: Why?
3) What then would it take for you to reconsider changing your answer to a YES? Am I the only one begging you to say yes? I bet there are others. Please, please say yes.
I’m ready to get your next book, Hannibal. I’m delighted that it’s a trilogy.
benkane says
@Pigpen: welcome to my site and thanks for posting! Curious moniker! It’s brilliant that you enjoyed the trilogy so much, and I’m so pleased that you couldn’t put the last one down. That, along with historical authenticity, is my aim when writing them.
It’s three questions, not two!
No, I didn’t write the ending to leave it open for another book. I’m sorry if it frustrates you and others – it wasn’t meant to. I think it’s a very realistic ending. We often never get to resolve things in real life, so why not have that in a book. Many people tell me that they love this ending. Sorry you didn’t. Sorry to say, I have no plans to write another book about Romulus and Tarquinius, certainly in the next 5-10 years. I have too many other ideas in my head!
I hope that you can keep going without such a book – and you may be pleased to hear that Hannibal will be a quadrilogy, and Spartacus will be two books, maybe three.
Jasd says
Greetings, my name is juan, i’m 14 years old and i’m from Venezuela.
I already finished to read the trilogy and enjoy them a lot, These are the best books i ever read. I would like to read the others books “Hannibal” and “Spartacus” as soon they get to Venezuela.
Ben Kane says
@Jasd/Juan: Gracias por su post, y bienvenido a mi website. Siempre estoy feliz recibir emails desde Latino America! En 1998/1999, viaje por un ano alla, desde la frontera en EEUU hasta Tierra del Fuego. Pero no visite Venezuela o Guyana – insuficiente tiempo. Ahora, mi castellano me falta, so I will go back to English!
I heard just yesterday that my Spanish publishers want to buy Hannibal, which is fantastic. There will be some delay, clearly, but it will be translated sometime soon. I hope that Spartacus will be too! Sorry about the wait until then!
Saludos.
Jasd says
Gracias por responder a mi comentario.
Those are good news, i will wait until then.
toffico says
Hi Ben, I Just finished to read the trilogy, and the books are just impressive! I realy feel living inside the history from the beginning to the end. I only hope get Hannibal and Spartacus soon enough here in Mexico!! Is there a plan for a movie or series based on your books?
Saludos y felicidades por tu espectacular trabajo.
Oscar
airborne says
Ok ive got this around the wrong way, having just come across and read Road to Rome…ah well i will have to go back and read the first two of the trilogy. Anyway i just thought i would pop in and say, as a serving British Soldier, and a bit of an amatuer Roman Historian (well i like to think so) i would just like to say what a well researched and pretty accurate portrayel of the average “Roman Soldier” whilst on operations overseas. Gritty, pulling no punches, tacticaly correct with an accurate historical background, this book has made me now intend to go out and buy the other two. I dont know if i should say this here (i will risk it) but Simon Scarrow and his excellent series on Cato and Macro has a serious contender here to the crown…lol. Thankyou and regards.
Ben Kane says
@airborne: Welcome to my site, and thanks for posting. No worries about reading TRTR first – it’s what lots of other people have done too. The main thing is that you want to go back and read the first two. Thanks for your praise – a contender for the crown? 🙂
terrrryyy says
Hey,
Just finished the trilogy for the second time and still I was glued into reading them.
I enjoy reading roman based books and after reading yours I was completely impressed
With the suspense it gives you ! It’s a shame you didn’t do a fourth where they find brennus
That would of made it a spectacular finale !
Many thanks
Terry
Ben Kane says
@terrrryyy/Terry: Glad that you like ’em so much! Check the threads here on the site – the 4th book question is one I get asked a lot – but it won’t change my mind! Cheers.
terrrryyy says
Hey,
You should change your mind lol , that sort of finale would be superb 🙂
Cheers for replying
Terry
Jose_c says
hace una semana termine el ultimo libro de esta trilogia, me encanto te felicito por estos trees libros, me gustaria que tus otros dos libros llegaran a latinoamerica por que me dan demasiadas ganas de leerlos , sobreto el ultimo el de Spartacus, nuevamente te felicito
peter99377 says
Hi Ben,
I agree with Pigpen, although you claim to mimmic real life with the very unsatisfactory ending (my opinion) in “Road to Rome”, you have the chance to return to Romulus, who presumably did try to find out what happened to Brennus, so in that sense real life would have continued the story, I am sure a sequel would be warmly welcomed and perhaps you can keep it an “open” issue, please.
Brilliantly told I enjoyed the Trilogy immensely and look forward to reading Spartacus next, thank you for taking me back to Rome and to life in the legions a really fascinating and addictive time in history.
Peter.
Ben Kane says
@peter99377: glad you emjoyed the trilogy- and sorry you didn’t like the ending of The Road to Rome…but it’s not an open issue, I’m afraid.
Vespasian says
Hello Ben,
I thought from the moment they left him that Brennus was not dead, the Prophercy both the Druid and Tarqunius gave the Gaul said it was a battle only he could win.
Unlike those above, I think those types of endings are great… Having that question ‘is he alive?’ is a great way to finish… making us all want more and want to know what happened next. I understand and respect you keeping the series a triliogy… but I need that question answered… When writing that ending, or even now, did you plan/decide for Brennus to be found alive, or a fruitless dissappointed search for the pair?
Many Thank,
Tyler
Ben Kane says
@Vespasian: thanks for your post, and welcome to my site!
If I were to answer the theoretical question of what might happen if Romulus and Tarquinius made it all the way back to Margiana/India, I would say that Brennus was still alive. That’s IF they made it all the way. 🙂
Eldar says
I have no plans to write another book about Romulus and Tarquinius, certainly in the next 5-10 years. I have too many other ideas in my head!
does this mean that we will be expecting another book in 5-10 years?!? 🙂
I just finished all three books in about a weeks time and i could not stop reading! great work im looking forward to reading more of your work. just keep an open mind to your master work by far and possiblity of giving us another couple books with Romulus & Tarquinius and maybe Brenus
Again Thank you for these books!
Ben Kane says
@Eldar: No, afraid not!
Thanks for posting, and welcome to my site. It’s great that you enjoyed the Forgotten Legion trilogy so much. Enjoy the others!
Irishbud says
Reading isnt normally my thing due to me having a active work/life schedule,but i will say somehow i found the time to get the first book in this trilogy,and after starting it,i MADE time to read it. I have now finished all three books and i have to say this was an absolutely amazing series of books. From the well researched details,to the vivid images it painted in your head making it seem as if you were actually there seeing that arm being severed,it was a job well done. Now,for the ending, Ive noticed a lot of people saying they wished there was another book coming or that wish it wasnt so open ended. I loved the ending, not just because it left unanswered questions which is a more realistic ending, but because it made me want to pick up another series to continue that feeling of reading a great book from a great author. It also made me want to see how your other books would be put together and ended. So I say from begining to end,a job well done Ben Kane!
Ben Kane says
@Irishbud: Thanks for posting, and welcome to my site! I’m pleased that you liked the trilogy so much and its ending too! Thanks for your good wishes.
DaN1 says
Hello Ben Kane, I really enjoyed the first and the second part of the book, hope I can read this one too.
The best part of your writting is when you explain the battles, a part that I think is difficult to describe well.
It is good to read a book that does not only describe the “glory” of Rome, you also talk about the “dirty” things of Rome. I couldnt stop reading the second part since I started, it is incredible.
Hope I can read the third part and thanks you.
Daniel , Ukrainian living in Spain .
Ben Kane says
@DaN1/Daniel: Many thanks for posting, and welcome to my website. I’m glad that you’re enjoying my books so far, and that you like my portrayal of the low down and dirty things that went on in the name of Rome. For all that it was a great empire, terrible things were done in its name – as is the case with all empires. Best wishes – Ben.
Henoir says
Ben Kane! I had never heard about you until about 3 weeks ago when my mum was trying to use up here audible credits and as i love ancient historical fiction we stumbled across this amazing trilogy which i have been listening to in most of my spare time since! unfortunately i think i got a bit too connected with the characters and i had sort of idolized Brennus so with the uncertainty of him still being alive at the end of the third book had me straight away looking for a fourth book to find none :'( i know you don’t plan on writing another but i think that you are an incredable writer and i think this trilogy needs that extra book 😛 please write it at some point, i would be greatly satisfied to have it!
– Henry 🙂
Ben Kane says
@Henoir/Henry: There you go – you discover some new authors just by accident! Glad you did! Sorry to say, I still have no plans to write any more books about Romulus, Tarquinius or the inestimable Brennus.
jross22 says
Sorry to say that I also had never heard the name Ben Kane which is why I just want to say that I am eternally grateful to my girlfriend for buying me the forgotten legion for my birthday this year. I have in the few months following read all your books. Its been an absolute pleasure and I cant wait for the next book.
Jake
Ben Kane says
@jross22/Jake: Thanks for posting and welcome to my site! Big thanks to your girlfriend too! I’m chuffed that you’ve enjoyed my books so much. Cheers for getting in touch, and please spread the word… 🙂
Stijn says
Hi Ben
I’m Belgian and I’m really excited about your books, I really like ancient Rome.
I think they should make a movie about these books 😉
Ben Kane says
@Stijn: Thanks a lot for your message! I’m glad that you like my books, and I too think a film should be made of them! 🙂
AdamRuk says
I’ve just finished the last part of the trilogy, despite being up early for work all week, I’ve stayed up well into the night reading! I couldn’t put it down! Fantastic author, I actually cried out when Brennus ‘died’ and the fact he might have survived was a great relief! Part of me likes the open ending, put of me wishes the last sentence had Brennus appearing… Very much looking forward to Hannibal, many thanks
Ben Kane says
@AdamRuk: Many apologies for not getting back to you sooner – I’ve been off line since finishing my most recent book. Thanks for getting in touch, and I’m very chuffed that you like the trilogy so much! Best wishes to you, and have a great Xmas.
stick says
Hi Ben
My dad gave me “the forgotten legion” a couple of months ago and i thought it was one of the best books ive read in ages. I bought the other 2 books in the series before id finished reading the first, and went straight through the whole series. What an amazing series of books. I finished the “road to rome” today. i now see you have a few more novels out. Am going to get the Spartacus books asap and then have a bash at Hannibal. I noticed in the back of “the road to rome” it said Hannibal was a new trilogy but can only see book on your site. Are there going to be any more ?
Keep up the good work, and i look forward to reading more of your great books.
Cheers
Stick
pwoninck says
Hi There,
Just finished the last book of the trilogy last night and when I say night I mean deep in the night:-)
Was so excited to read the book out I did it in 3 days because its such a great book! and a great trilogy. But, Before I fall to sleep I was like maybe there is going to be a 4th!!?? but to my dissapointment I just red that there is not gonna be one…:( maybe you can reconsider this or go on with the story from Brennus point of view??? I really hope so and if not please leave it an option for later work I really wont mind waiting 5 years thats how addicted I am to the story. Going to order youre other books soon
Best wishes from the Netherlands
Ben Kane says
@stick: Hello and welcome to my site. Please pass on my thanks to your dad – he’s obviously a man of good taste! I’m pleased you enjoyed the trilogy so much, and I hope that you continue to enjoy the rest. Hannibal will be one of four books about the second Punic war. Fields of Blood, the second, comes out on June 6th, 2013…
Ben Kane says
@pwoninck: Hi, and welcome to my site. Dank u wel for getting in touch. I always love hearing from readers who stayed up late to finish one of my books. As a reader, that’s a great sign of a book for me. Sorry to disappoint you, but there will be no fourth Forgotten Legion book. I felt that the story’s ending was realistic, and as it would have been back then. I know that lots of people find it frustrating, but it’s not meant to be. I hope you understand!
Yodjin says
Hi Ben
I’ve only just started to read your books and they are ace! My first book I read was Spartacus The Gladiator and I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve just finished reading the Forgotten Legion Trilogy and I loved them, I finished them all within a week. I have to say the ending was very open ended and it’s a shame there is no continuation, however to me the ending is what ever you make it n your own imagination, really a clever way to end a book. Looking forward to the next Hannibal book, I’m off to read Spartacus The Rebellion now :). I was wondering what other books or ideas have you got lined up apart from Hannibal?
Thanks
Clare
Ben Kane says
@Yodjin: Thanks for getting in touch – I’m delighted that you liked the first Spartacus and the trilogy so much! Also cool that you liked the ending of The Road to Rome, because so many people don’t. Apart from Hannibal, I am contracted to write a book about Crecy, during the 100 Years War, as well as two books about the Varian/Kalkriese disaster in AD 9. More ideas about other books too, including a Spartacus prequel…
Please keep buying and reading – you help keep me in a job!
martyn says
Having read the 2nd book of the trilogy first i went straight out and bought the other 2 and enjoyed both. I was hoping that we may have found out what happened to Brennus (another book maybe?). My wife will be pleased i have finished now as i couldn’t put them down, don’t know what she will say when i buy another of your books in the next couple of days.
Ben Kane says
@martyn: Thanks for posting, and welcome to my site! I am delighted that you liked the trilogy so much. Sorry to say, there won’t be another Forgotten Legion book – I really felt that the characters’ stories ended well where they did. Often in life, we don’t know what happened to someone. Sorry! And apologies to your wife! 🙂
edwarren0823 says
Incredible ending to the series. You have a real ability to make the reader connect with the characters. I loved every single page. I am ordering the Spartacus books right now and I eagerly await their arrival. Cheers.
Ben Kane says
@edwarren0823: Glad you liked it! I hope you enjoy the Spartacus books – cheers!
jhayden says
Hi Ben
Loved the books not finished the last one yet but they are helping me get through a tough time at present I am in Spain at the moment and paralysed and trying to learn to walk again my core bellow my nipples is effected and right hand I find reading hard as concentration is not the best. But lessening to the audio books during my therapies has been a real help it keeps my mind in the preset. I downloaded other books between but stopped them and went back to yours as they are addictive and I loved the charichters and the realism of it. One man fighting 10 or 5 and wining ? No!
Love joe abercrombie as well but the you have the history there which is just great
Don’t expect you to feel sorry for me, and sorry if it comes across that way just posting to say thanks
Now I have to look for another audio book as good if I can 🙂
PS did you ever think of writing something as gritty as this about the Romans and Jesus something that no one knows or hides not the religiosity side but something controversial ?
Anyway well done! Hope life gives you an umbrella when it rains!
Ben Kane says
@jhayden: thanks for your post, and welcome to my site. It’s awful to hear about your illness – it didn’t come across as you looking for sympathy to tell me about it either. I wish you the very best for a speedy recovery. I’m so glad that my books have helped to fill your mind with another world.
I too love Joe Abercrombie – his books are great! Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers…!
Not interested in writing about the Romans and Jesus, I’m afraid. For a start, I’m an atheist. Second, I wouldn’t want the fundamentalist Christians pillorying my books.
All the best to you – Ben
steveo3011 says
I’ve just finished the forgotten legion trilogy in a month, not bad for a person with a full time job and a busy social life, but that’s how enthralled I was! It all stared with one of those free book exchanges in Boa Vista! I wasn’t happy with the ending at first because I though it was a typical ‘keep the door open for a sequel’, but after a couple of days to let it sink in it is the best way Ben could have finished it. I really appreciate the way that Ben added the author’s notes to clarify his deviations from history because I found myself more and more dipping into Google to clarify what really happened and was grateful for the clarifications. I need to read a couple of Vince Flynn’s now to clear my head and get a little bit less cerebral (especially because of the author’s sad demise) but I think I’ll be back to rrad more of Ben’s books in the autumn.
Ben Kane says
@steveo311: Hi there, and thanks for posting on my site. I’m pleased to hear that you couldn’t put the books down – that’s the aim! The ending of The Road to Rome isn’t leaving the door open for a sequel – I have no intention of writing another Forgotten Legion book – it was because it seemed the most realistic, true to life ending I could think of. I’m glad that you changed your mind about not liking it. I’m also glad that you liked the notes. I tend to write longer and longer ones of those with each book, because I want readers to be able to gain a broader understanding of how things were, or might have been, in the real world that I attempt to portray.
Thanks again, and please continue to buy my books – that keeps me in a job, and the books flowing!
Best wishes to you – Ben.
IDunnoWho says
Hello, Mr. Kane:
Thank-you for taking the time and effort required to augment an obvious talent in the production of the “Forgotten Legion” trilogy. I especially appreciate your clarification and acknowledgement regarding the poetic licenses you used when writing. Most authors would either not be that gracious or not realize their readership would pick up on them.
I have just finished the first book in the “Forgotten Legion” and was unable to put it down!! I got the three books in the trilogy in a bag of books and was surprised the whole series were there and looked brand new. I cannot wait to get further into “The Silver Eagle” and resolve the story in “The Road T
to Rome”.
Again, from one Roman history buff to another, thank-you sincerely for sharing your considerable talents. I sincerely wish you continued success.
Ben Kane says
IDunnoWho: My apologies for the delay in replying. Many thanks for your kind comments, and good wishes. I hope that you continue to enjoy more of my books – Ben
MattyB says
Ever since I started reading Road to Rome, I was dreading page 468, for I didn’t want my favorite trilogy to end. I thank you for giving me the pleasure of reading such an amazing trilogy. And on regards to the ending, I honestly think it was a good way to end. People need to use their imagination. I plan on reading your other series. In your opinion which should I start with first- Spartacus or Hannibal? Thanks, Matt.
Ben Kane says
@MattyB: Many thanks for your kind words! Go for Spartacus first – still my favourite books… Best wishes to you – Ben.
bill_rukundo@hotmail.com says
Just finished Road to Rome, and just wanted to say thanks for a great triolgy.
Just orderd Spartacus and the Hannibal trilogy, keep up the good work.
Greetings from sweden.
Ben Kane says
Hi Bill, and takk for your kind words. I’m delighted that you enjoyed my first three books. Best wishes to you, and I hope that you enjoy the Spartacus and Hannibal novels too! Ben.