Having already made my feeling clear on covers….im happy to say… Me Likey…very much!
Great use of colours on the cover, and also it shows you are makling a name, because its the same size as the title, that usually only happens because they think that its recognised by buyers, and as attractive to buyers as the title.
really want a copy…..(mine is on order from Toppings again)
Gladiatorsays
Wow that looks quite awesome, when is it released?
benkanesays
@Parmenion: glad to have the Parm seal of approval! 🙂
@Gladiator: yours too! It’s out in June 9th. 52 days to go…
John Saltersays
Wahoo! Excellent cover Ben, it looks really good. I know people say, “You shouldn’t judge……” but a lot of people do if they’re honest. If the cover looks good the book will attract some who wouldn’t normally pick the book up in the first place so it’s invaluable.
It’s great you get some input on the detail. After all the research and hard work authors put in, they’re more than entitled to their opinion, after all the story is theirs, especially as a bad cover can put some off buying a book.
Did you see the series with the three Australian brothers recently cycling Hannibal’s route? I think it was on C4 but kept getting the showing times moved so I missed the last one! 🙁 Very interesting and informative. I didn’t realise that only one elephant made it through the mountains until I saw it.
I’m sure the book will be a great success, fifty odd days to go that’s the bad news, the good news is that Anthony Riches book Fortress of Spears is out soon, 28th April and Vespasian: Tribune of Rome on 1st May by Robert Fabbri, hope you don’t mind the mention?
benkanesays
@John: On Hannibal’s Trail is the name of the series. Yes, I saw it all – and really enjoyed it. Somewhere back in the blog archive is a mention of it – one of the brothers contacted me at the time it was coming out, so I posted about it. In fact, I found the episode about crossing the Alps really great for visualising the scenery, which I was having a hard time doing. I emailed them about it to thank them and ended up with a set of DVD of the series. Result! I mentioned them at the back of the book too.
RE Tony Riches new book – bring it on! Ditto Robert Fabbri’s!
John Saltersays
Ben: Yes that was it thanks, no wonder I couldn’t find it anywhere, couldn’t remember the name of the series, tried all sorts of variants as well. It’s a good series with fantastic scenery, bet Hannibal didn’t take it in though! I’m off to order it, smashing!
benkanesays
@John: it’s not available to buy – at least it wasn’t. Not enough demand, apparently 🙁 I got a set by being extra nice and offering the brothers Wood a signed copy of the book each. Perhaps if you email them and ask nicely…
John Saltersays
Typical eh? Something interesting is done on the tv and they don’t sell it. I looked on the website and you can actually down load it for free, what a waste, ho hum!
benkanesays
@John: aye, I know. At the time, Ben Wood gave me an email address at the BBC to email and request that the series be made available to buy. Apparently, if enough people do that, the Beeb will do it. Clearly, it didn’t work in this case, which is a real shame. At least you can now watch it at your leisure, though.
I remember some German channel showed it some time ago, but I don’t remember which one.
Very nice cover you got there. I’ll need so set up an extra shelf for all the Roman goodness. 🙂
BTW, did you meanwhile get my email re. the forum question? I sent it as reply to your mail to me. After I left Bergen, I was without internet for 10 days because the cruise ship had a very crappy connection, so I sorta lost trace of that. But now I’m back home and can use my – mostly – trusty computer instead of hotel ones.
benkanesays
@Gabriele: glad you like it! Nope, I never got the email. Try sending it again, please!
Cruise shop – Bergen – the Hurtigruten line? Very cool. Took it for 2 days to see the coastline from the sea rather than road as I drove to Nord Kapp. Did you have a good time?
Hi Ben,
the comments on your blog work fine for me, but I won’t mind participating in a forum if it turns out to be a somewhat active place. What I don’t like are forums with one new post every other week. 😉
Hope that helps to make a decision.
I certainly had a good time in Norway. I took pretty much the complete route, with additional stays in Bergen, Trondheim, Oslo and Copenhagen (because I took the ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo). Check my blog (linked in my username) for a bunch of photos. 🙂
benkanesays
@Gabriele: great, thanks for your opinion. I’m now not going for the forum. Am going for major website overhaul, however. Watch this space.
That ferry trip is great, isn’t it? Norway is such a stunning country. The summer I drove to Nord Kapp (2002), I had 11 days sunshine – it only went cloudy the day I got the top. I thought it was normal, but the locals told me I was so lucky! I’ll be sure to check out your photos.
David Ferriersays
Had never read any of Ben Kane’s books until this week.Have always loved the TV drama’s,ROME,SPARTACUS but did not think I could enjoy this type of book as a read, as i tend to enjoy crime fiction.I have not been disappointed.Cannot put The Forgotten Legion down.I can’t wait to get to each phase in the various lives of the characters.So glad I chose it and will read more.
benkanesays
@David: welcome to my website and thanks for posting! I’m delighted that you’ve been enjoying The Forgotten Legion, and even more so that you can’t put it down. Spread the word, please!
John Saltersays
The cover is on Amazon now Ben, looks great! I got my copy of Vespasian: Tribune of Rome today and Fortress of Spears comes out tomorrow. I’ve got about 75 pages of Jack Hights ‘Eagle’ to finish before them though! I don’t think I’ll have time to do much of anything else over the next couple of days! 😉
benkanesays
@John: Fortress of Spears is doing well in the Amazon chart – it’s in the top 50 books right now. Good luck to Tony for the charts. My copy should be arriving tomorrow…I need to get on and order the Vespasian book too…
John Saltersays
My copy of Fortress of Spears didn’t arrive today from Amazon 🙁 I just rang Waterstones and they reserved one for me. Good job because they’ve only got ‘three’ there! Do they do a supply on demand Ben do you know? The Amazon copy won’t arrive until next week now because I ordered it to be delivered to work. It can be a Birthday present for someone now.
benkanesays
@John: Shame. Neither did mine 🙁 How do you mean supply on demand? Each Waterstone’s will order in so many dependent on the sales of the last book, I think. Then when they sell, they’ll order more…does that answer your question?
John Saltersays
Ben – The good news is Fortress…got delivered by another courier this afternoon! Bad news is I started Vespasian late last night after finishing Eagle and the little fella nearly kept me awake all night. Really good so far!
Re question, yes. I was just a bit surprised that Waterstones only had three copies in stock on the first day of release. That one will be earmarked for a friends Birthday now. I hope yours arrives today!
PS. 108,604 words done! 😉 trouble is with all these books to read, where will I find the time? What an excellent problem to have!
benkanesays
@John: always good to have two copies of a book you like – a spare one to give as you’re doing for someone’s birthday, or Xmas.
That’s a dang good word count – well done!! (Friday 29th, 12.35 p.m. – just hit 90,000 words in Spartacus…)
Fabitaromunasssays
I really liked ‘wounds of honour’, and even though ‘arrows of fury’ was good it was a chore getting through it because i had already forgotten 80% of the characters from book 1! all sequels should have a list of character names in the front in my opinion! *hint hint!*
Front cover looks great by the way
benkanesays
@Fabitaromunass: do you think? Hmmm. Personally, I don’t like lists like that at the starts of books – that’s why I’ve never put one in. Maybe I’d better do another poll of readers for Spartacus!
Glad you like the cover!
Fabitaromunasssays
Well I don’t think it takes anything away from the book if you don’t need one. And if you do it’s much easier flipping to the front of the book than re-reading previous entries. Not many books have them but I think they’re good. Especially if there’s a year or so between reading a series
benkanesays
@Fabitaromunass: I know what you mean, I suppose about the second book in a series. It sounds silly, but as the author, I can’t forget the characters, but you as a reader would have every reason to in a year…
Another one not watching the wedding?!
Fabitaromunasssays
Well the girlfriend and her nana are a little unbearable with it all at the moment so I’m just hiding away for now throwing in the odd ‘that’s nice’!
benkanesays
@Fabitaromunass: hear, hear! (I wish them well, but…I’m working as normal today.)
montynerohawksays
Ive never been a book reader until six weeks ago, when I walked into Smiths and your book, The Road to Rome was smack in the doorway.I have always liked Roman History so picked it up and read a few pages.I was hooked.I immediately went to the shelf and bought The Forgotten Legion and Silver Eagle as well.I have read all three in the six weeks.I just could not put them down.It may be sad to say that I felt I was drawn into the story,transfixed and involved.I cannot believe it.You have an exceptional talent.Hannibal here I come.Thankyou
benkanesays
@montynerohawk: Welcome to my site, and thanks for posting! Please feel free to pop by and comment whenever you choose. We often have quite good conversations going on here. Thanks also for your comments – I’m so pleased that you liked my books – even more so because you devoured them so fast. Check out the new website http://www.thehwa.co.uk, the site for the newly formed Historical Writers’ Association. I’m lucky enough to be the treasurer, and you’ll find a really good forum there, as well as more Roman authors you can shake a stick at!
irishwit77says
Hi Ben,
My name is Cody and I’m a 17 year old boy. To be completely honest I came across your book by mere chance in a Barnes and Nobles. All I really have to say is wow. I have always enjoyed Roman history and played the games and what not that put you in charge of the empire etc. nothing has ever compared to your books. I read the Forgotten Legion in a week! I couldn’t put it down actually. In school I would get yelled at by my teachers to put the book away, however when they weren’t looking i simply picked it back up and started reading again. Currently im reading The Silver Eagle. im about 350 pages in and loving every second of it. Honestly this could be the next big thing like Lord Of the Rings, Twilight, or even Harry Potter. None of which I have read but the fact remains that you are an extremely talented writer. I only dream of being at the same level as you with my writing skills. I write poetry from time to time and short stories but you are a true role model. So on a final note thank you. Your books give me entertainment and relaxation, something that is not easy to come by. Ah! yes! by the way before i finally say goodbye i have always have an interest in my heritage and i’m Irish. I have always wondered if my ancestors were anything like Brennus. if they were then that would make me extremely proud. finally i say goodbye haha. i only wish i can meet you someday.
Thank you for your time,
Cody B.
benkanesays
Hi Cody – welcome to my website, and thanks for posting. Thanks very much too for your compliments. It’s great that chance had you pick up my book in B&N! Although your teachers might not agree, I think it’s very funny that you were enjoying The Forgotten Legion so much that you read it in class. I used to do that with books when I was in school too!
Oh, for it to be made into a film. One day. Regarding Brennus – he’s the man, isn’t he? I’m very fond of him as a character.
Do you know where in Ireland your family came from?
irishwit77says
I don’t actually…my grandfather hasn’t really shed any light on it. Originally his parents came to America I believe in the 30’s. I’ll try to find out more but yes haha Brennus is the man. The fact that he brought Romulus in when all the other gladiators were trying to kill him basically was awesome. I mean when I was reading the silver eagle and Tarquinius, Romulus and Brennus were all leaving the battle against the Indians I thought that was awesome. I was getting so excited because i was thinking OH! Maybe Brennus won’t die! Maybe the prophecy was misleading! Unfortunately I was wrong…don’t get me wrong that’s awesome that he stayed behind to take on the one eyed elephant by himself, not to mention the fact that Vahram ( I believe that’s how you spell his name) shot him in the left arm. Which by the way I was pumped that Romulus cut off his left hand I believe, and then the elephant finished him off. It would have been awesome if Romulus was in fact the one who killed him after all they went through, but hey I’m not the one who wrote the book haha. Also in the book I absolutely loved how you took Brennus and twisted the stereotypical Gaul. As you know they were suppose to be basically one step above ape compared to the Romans. Yet in the book half the time it was Brennus, the what was suppose to be barbaric Gaul, stopping Romulus from making rash decisions. Perfect spin on what the Romans wanted people to believe. Other then his death I guess what really got me upset was the fact that Brennus never got to meet Fabiola. Brennus was basically like Romulus’ father. The twins had been through so much, with Romulus constantly fighting just to stay alive, or Fabiola being raped constantly due to her beauty and struggling to survive herself; it would have been awesome if the twins had someone in their life like Brennus. Not to mention how that would give Brennus a second chance at having a family. All i can really say is im obsessed with these books haha. I’ve nearly finished The Silver Eagle. Both books have taken me less then a week to read which really says something since each is essentially 500 pages.
benkanesays
@Cody – jeepers, that’s good going! You might like to know that my next book, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, is being released in only 4 weeks. It’s not coming out in the USA until 2013, because Spartacus is coming out there next year instead. So if you can’t wait, and you don’t want to pay shipping charges, go to http://www.bookdepository.co.uk and order it there! They don’t charge shipping to anywhere in the world, and their prices are close to Amazon’s. And I don’t get any money from them either!
irishwit77says
oh really? wow thats quite a bit of time before i can get it haha. yea i might do that. thanks. right now im more focused on finishing the trilogy though haha. thanks im looking forward to it. also just as a tidbit of information i tried doing a project on you and your books. by books i mean forgotten legion haha but unfortunately i could not because it was in american studies. which as you know you were not born here…
benkanesays
@Cody: not the last time I checked, no! 😉
Later – remembered about your dad’s folks coming over in the 30s – that’s not long ago, given that many Irish-Americans ancestors went over in the 1800s. I have an ocean of relations in the States, from Louisiana to Texas to Oregon, Florida and Illinois! Where are you at?
irishwit77says
I actually live in Massachusetts. Pretty up north. How is Ireland anyways? when im in college i plan on doing study abroad over there for a year. Maybe find out a little bit more about my family. That’s pretty impressive though. You must have a pretty big family though haha. What i would really like to do though is do some research on the celts. Perhaps on their battle techniques, their way of life, the way to ultimately lived.
irishwit77says
Oh im sorry in the last sentence i meant they not to haha
benkanesays
@Cody/Irishwit77: I don’t live in Ireland any longer 🙁 Been living in the UK on/off since 1996, and full time since 2001. A year in Ireland sounds like a great idea – seeing the world is definitely a thing to do. Plus you’d love it, and meeting your family would be great too.
irishwit77says
yea i talked to my grandfather by the way, he told me that his father was from ireland. somewhere like mayo? thats what it sounded like. but at the time it was still part of england so im assuming somewhere near northern ireland.
benkanesays
@Cody/Irishwit77: County Mayo!! That’s a big (for Ireland!) county right on the west coast. Next stop, USA! Two of my best friends live there, and practice as veterinarians (which is what I did before this). If it was still part of the United Kingdom, then it means that it was pre 1922, the date when Ireland gained its independence. That’s also the time that Northern Ireland came into existence as what it is today.
irishwit77says
yea my grandfather told me that he left Ireland in 1919. so that makes sense. but wow you were a vet before writing? kind of a big jump to go from helping animals to writing about Rome haha.
benkanesays
@Cody/Irishwit77: there’s a story there!! If he left in 1919, it was at the start of the War of Independence. Did your great-grandfather have something to do with that?
From veterinarian to writer – hmmm, yes, it was a big jump. Born of desperation too…
irishwit77says
haha thats alright. by the way i just finished the silver eagle. YOU ARE EVIL hahaha. yea nice twist to it. the twins both see each other in Alexandria but Romulus is forced into the army again and Fabiola is forced to leave. i was so pumped that they saw each other. but now i have to wait until i can afford the next book. ugh…i cant wait haha.
benkanesays
@irishwit77: 😉
irishwit77says
Unfortunately I still have not gotten Road to Rome…I want it sooo badly haha. Honestly though, I have become obsessed with your book. Don’t worry though, only in a healthy way haha. I have a question though, does Brennus actually die? or do we see him at the end. If he is dead why is it that you chose to kill him. He was an awesome character. Frankly I’m a little peeved with Tarquinius. I understand that he couldn’t tell Romulus everything he wanted to know even the killing of Caelis, but still Romulus after going to hell and back deserves to know what happened to him that directly effected his life.
benkanesays
@Irishwit77: is Brennus alive or dead? No one knows…but you will find out more in The Road to Rome… 😉
irishwit77says
yea which i still have yet to get haha. i cant wait for it!!!!
benkanesays
@irishwit77: you’ll be waiting a while in the States, sadly. It won’t come out there until 2013, I don’t think 🙁 That’s because Spartacus is coming out next year 🙂
irishwit77says
Actually i checked and Barnes and Nobles has Road to Rome. The only thing is it cost 30 dollars…i cant afford it right now which really bums me out…
benkanesays
@irishwit77: fear not. Check out the Book Depository, where you can buy it in UK paperback format for £4.17. That’s no more than $7, and they don’t charge mailing costs to anywhere in the world! Don’t say this author doesn’t try to help out 😉
Parmenion says
Having already made my feeling clear on covers….im happy to say… Me Likey…very much!
Great use of colours on the cover, and also it shows you are makling a name, because its the same size as the title, that usually only happens because they think that its recognised by buyers, and as attractive to buyers as the title.
really want a copy…..(mine is on order from Toppings again)
Gladiator says
Wow that looks quite awesome, when is it released?
benkane says
@Parmenion: glad to have the Parm seal of approval! 🙂
@Gladiator: yours too! It’s out in June 9th. 52 days to go…
John Salter says
Wahoo! Excellent cover Ben, it looks really good. I know people say, “You shouldn’t judge……” but a lot of people do if they’re honest. If the cover looks good the book will attract some who wouldn’t normally pick the book up in the first place so it’s invaluable.
It’s great you get some input on the detail. After all the research and hard work authors put in, they’re more than entitled to their opinion, after all the story is theirs, especially as a bad cover can put some off buying a book.
Did you see the series with the three Australian brothers recently cycling Hannibal’s route? I think it was on C4 but kept getting the showing times moved so I missed the last one! 🙁 Very interesting and informative. I didn’t realise that only one elephant made it through the mountains until I saw it.
I’m sure the book will be a great success, fifty odd days to go that’s the bad news, the good news is that Anthony Riches book Fortress of Spears is out soon, 28th April and Vespasian: Tribune of Rome on 1st May by Robert Fabbri, hope you don’t mind the mention?
benkane says
@John: On Hannibal’s Trail is the name of the series. Yes, I saw it all – and really enjoyed it. Somewhere back in the blog archive is a mention of it – one of the brothers contacted me at the time it was coming out, so I posted about it. In fact, I found the episode about crossing the Alps really great for visualising the scenery, which I was having a hard time doing. I emailed them about it to thank them and ended up with a set of DVD of the series. Result! I mentioned them at the back of the book too.
RE Tony Riches new book – bring it on! Ditto Robert Fabbri’s!
John Salter says
Ben: Yes that was it thanks, no wonder I couldn’t find it anywhere, couldn’t remember the name of the series, tried all sorts of variants as well. It’s a good series with fantastic scenery, bet Hannibal didn’t take it in though! I’m off to order it, smashing!
benkane says
@John: it’s not available to buy – at least it wasn’t. Not enough demand, apparently 🙁 I got a set by being extra nice and offering the brothers Wood a signed copy of the book each. Perhaps if you email them and ask nicely…
John Salter says
Typical eh? Something interesting is done on the tv and they don’t sell it. I looked on the website and you can actually down load it for free, what a waste, ho hum!
benkane says
@John: aye, I know. At the time, Ben Wood gave me an email address at the BBC to email and request that the series be made available to buy. Apparently, if enough people do that, the Beeb will do it. Clearly, it didn’t work in this case, which is a real shame. At least you can now watch it at your leisure, though.
Gabriele says
I remember some German channel showed it some time ago, but I don’t remember which one.
Very nice cover you got there. I’ll need so set up an extra shelf for all the Roman goodness. 🙂
BTW, did you meanwhile get my email re. the forum question? I sent it as reply to your mail to me. After I left Bergen, I was without internet for 10 days because the cruise ship had a very crappy connection, so I sorta lost trace of that. But now I’m back home and can use my – mostly – trusty computer instead of hotel ones.
benkane says
@Gabriele: glad you like it! Nope, I never got the email. Try sending it again, please!
Cruise shop – Bergen – the Hurtigruten line? Very cool. Took it for 2 days to see the coastline from the sea rather than road as I drove to Nord Kapp. Did you have a good time?
Gabriele says
OK, here’s what I wrote:
Hi Ben,
the comments on your blog work fine for me, but I won’t mind participating in a forum if it turns out to be a somewhat active place. What I don’t like are forums with one new post every other week. 😉
Hope that helps to make a decision.
I certainly had a good time in Norway. I took pretty much the complete route, with additional stays in Bergen, Trondheim, Oslo and Copenhagen (because I took the ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo). Check my blog (linked in my username) for a bunch of photos. 🙂
benkane says
@Gabriele: great, thanks for your opinion. I’m now not going for the forum. Am going for major website overhaul, however. Watch this space.
That ferry trip is great, isn’t it? Norway is such a stunning country. The summer I drove to Nord Kapp (2002), I had 11 days sunshine – it only went cloudy the day I got the top. I thought it was normal, but the locals told me I was so lucky! I’ll be sure to check out your photos.
David Ferrier says
Had never read any of Ben Kane’s books until this week.Have always loved the TV drama’s,ROME,SPARTACUS but did not think I could enjoy this type of book as a read, as i tend to enjoy crime fiction.I have not been disappointed.Cannot put The Forgotten Legion down.I can’t wait to get to each phase in the various lives of the characters.So glad I chose it and will read more.
benkane says
@David: welcome to my website and thanks for posting! I’m delighted that you’ve been enjoying The Forgotten Legion, and even more so that you can’t put it down. Spread the word, please!
John Salter says
The cover is on Amazon now Ben, looks great! I got my copy of Vespasian: Tribune of Rome today and Fortress of Spears comes out tomorrow. I’ve got about 75 pages of Jack Hights ‘Eagle’ to finish before them though! I don’t think I’ll have time to do much of anything else over the next couple of days! 😉
benkane says
@John: Fortress of Spears is doing well in the Amazon chart – it’s in the top 50 books right now. Good luck to Tony for the charts. My copy should be arriving tomorrow…I need to get on and order the Vespasian book too…
John Salter says
My copy of Fortress of Spears didn’t arrive today from Amazon 🙁 I just rang Waterstones and they reserved one for me. Good job because they’ve only got ‘three’ there! Do they do a supply on demand Ben do you know? The Amazon copy won’t arrive until next week now because I ordered it to be delivered to work. It can be a Birthday present for someone now.
benkane says
@John: Shame. Neither did mine 🙁 How do you mean supply on demand? Each Waterstone’s will order in so many dependent on the sales of the last book, I think. Then when they sell, they’ll order more…does that answer your question?
John Salter says
Ben – The good news is Fortress…got delivered by another courier this afternoon! Bad news is I started Vespasian late last night after finishing Eagle and the little fella nearly kept me awake all night. Really good so far!
Re question, yes. I was just a bit surprised that Waterstones only had three copies in stock on the first day of release. That one will be earmarked for a friends Birthday now. I hope yours arrives today!
PS. 108,604 words done! 😉 trouble is with all these books to read, where will I find the time? What an excellent problem to have!
benkane says
@John: always good to have two copies of a book you like – a spare one to give as you’re doing for someone’s birthday, or Xmas.
That’s a dang good word count – well done!! (Friday 29th, 12.35 p.m. – just hit 90,000 words in Spartacus…)
Fabitaromunass says
I really liked ‘wounds of honour’, and even though ‘arrows of fury’ was good it was a chore getting through it because i had already forgotten 80% of the characters from book 1! all sequels should have a list of character names in the front in my opinion! *hint hint!*
Front cover looks great by the way
benkane says
@Fabitaromunass: do you think? Hmmm. Personally, I don’t like lists like that at the starts of books – that’s why I’ve never put one in. Maybe I’d better do another poll of readers for Spartacus!
Glad you like the cover!
Fabitaromunass says
Well I don’t think it takes anything away from the book if you don’t need one. And if you do it’s much easier flipping to the front of the book than re-reading previous entries. Not many books have them but I think they’re good. Especially if there’s a year or so between reading a series
benkane says
@Fabitaromunass: I know what you mean, I suppose about the second book in a series. It sounds silly, but as the author, I can’t forget the characters, but you as a reader would have every reason to in a year…
Another one not watching the wedding?!
Fabitaromunass says
Well the girlfriend and her nana are a little unbearable with it all at the moment so I’m just hiding away for now throwing in the odd ‘that’s nice’!
benkane says
@Fabitaromunass: hear, hear! (I wish them well, but…I’m working as normal today.)
montynerohawk says
Ive never been a book reader until six weeks ago, when I walked into Smiths and your book, The Road to Rome was smack in the doorway.I have always liked Roman History so picked it up and read a few pages.I was hooked.I immediately went to the shelf and bought The Forgotten Legion and Silver Eagle as well.I have read all three in the six weeks.I just could not put them down.It may be sad to say that I felt I was drawn into the story,transfixed and involved.I cannot believe it.You have an exceptional talent.Hannibal here I come.Thankyou
benkane says
@montynerohawk: Welcome to my site, and thanks for posting! Please feel free to pop by and comment whenever you choose. We often have quite good conversations going on here. Thanks also for your comments – I’m so pleased that you liked my books – even more so because you devoured them so fast. Check out the new website http://www.thehwa.co.uk, the site for the newly formed Historical Writers’ Association. I’m lucky enough to be the treasurer, and you’ll find a really good forum there, as well as more Roman authors you can shake a stick at!
irishwit77 says
Hi Ben,
My name is Cody and I’m a 17 year old boy. To be completely honest I came across your book by mere chance in a Barnes and Nobles. All I really have to say is wow. I have always enjoyed Roman history and played the games and what not that put you in charge of the empire etc. nothing has ever compared to your books. I read the Forgotten Legion in a week! I couldn’t put it down actually. In school I would get yelled at by my teachers to put the book away, however when they weren’t looking i simply picked it back up and started reading again. Currently im reading The Silver Eagle. im about 350 pages in and loving every second of it. Honestly this could be the next big thing like Lord Of the Rings, Twilight, or even Harry Potter. None of which I have read but the fact remains that you are an extremely talented writer. I only dream of being at the same level as you with my writing skills. I write poetry from time to time and short stories but you are a true role model. So on a final note thank you. Your books give me entertainment and relaxation, something that is not easy to come by. Ah! yes! by the way before i finally say goodbye i have always have an interest in my heritage and i’m Irish. I have always wondered if my ancestors were anything like Brennus. if they were then that would make me extremely proud. finally i say goodbye haha. i only wish i can meet you someday.
Thank you for your time,
Cody B.
benkane says
Hi Cody – welcome to my website, and thanks for posting. Thanks very much too for your compliments. It’s great that chance had you pick up my book in B&N! Although your teachers might not agree, I think it’s very funny that you were enjoying The Forgotten Legion so much that you read it in class. I used to do that with books when I was in school too!
Oh, for it to be made into a film. One day. Regarding Brennus – he’s the man, isn’t he? I’m very fond of him as a character.
Do you know where in Ireland your family came from?
irishwit77 says
I don’t actually…my grandfather hasn’t really shed any light on it. Originally his parents came to America I believe in the 30’s. I’ll try to find out more but yes haha Brennus is the man. The fact that he brought Romulus in when all the other gladiators were trying to kill him basically was awesome. I mean when I was reading the silver eagle and Tarquinius, Romulus and Brennus were all leaving the battle against the Indians I thought that was awesome. I was getting so excited because i was thinking OH! Maybe Brennus won’t die! Maybe the prophecy was misleading! Unfortunately I was wrong…don’t get me wrong that’s awesome that he stayed behind to take on the one eyed elephant by himself, not to mention the fact that Vahram ( I believe that’s how you spell his name) shot him in the left arm. Which by the way I was pumped that Romulus cut off his left hand I believe, and then the elephant finished him off. It would have been awesome if Romulus was in fact the one who killed him after all they went through, but hey I’m not the one who wrote the book haha. Also in the book I absolutely loved how you took Brennus and twisted the stereotypical Gaul. As you know they were suppose to be basically one step above ape compared to the Romans. Yet in the book half the time it was Brennus, the what was suppose to be barbaric Gaul, stopping Romulus from making rash decisions. Perfect spin on what the Romans wanted people to believe. Other then his death I guess what really got me upset was the fact that Brennus never got to meet Fabiola. Brennus was basically like Romulus’ father. The twins had been through so much, with Romulus constantly fighting just to stay alive, or Fabiola being raped constantly due to her beauty and struggling to survive herself; it would have been awesome if the twins had someone in their life like Brennus. Not to mention how that would give Brennus a second chance at having a family. All i can really say is im obsessed with these books haha. I’ve nearly finished The Silver Eagle. Both books have taken me less then a week to read which really says something since each is essentially 500 pages.
benkane says
@Cody – jeepers, that’s good going! You might like to know that my next book, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, is being released in only 4 weeks. It’s not coming out in the USA until 2013, because Spartacus is coming out there next year instead. So if you can’t wait, and you don’t want to pay shipping charges, go to http://www.bookdepository.co.uk and order it there! They don’t charge shipping to anywhere in the world, and their prices are close to Amazon’s. And I don’t get any money from them either!
irishwit77 says
oh really? wow thats quite a bit of time before i can get it haha. yea i might do that. thanks. right now im more focused on finishing the trilogy though haha. thanks im looking forward to it. also just as a tidbit of information i tried doing a project on you and your books. by books i mean forgotten legion haha but unfortunately i could not because it was in american studies. which as you know you were not born here…
benkane says
@Cody: not the last time I checked, no! 😉
Later – remembered about your dad’s folks coming over in the 30s – that’s not long ago, given that many Irish-Americans ancestors went over in the 1800s. I have an ocean of relations in the States, from Louisiana to Texas to Oregon, Florida and Illinois! Where are you at?
irishwit77 says
I actually live in Massachusetts. Pretty up north. How is Ireland anyways? when im in college i plan on doing study abroad over there for a year. Maybe find out a little bit more about my family. That’s pretty impressive though. You must have a pretty big family though haha. What i would really like to do though is do some research on the celts. Perhaps on their battle techniques, their way of life, the way to ultimately lived.
irishwit77 says
Oh im sorry in the last sentence i meant they not to haha
benkane says
@Cody/Irishwit77: I don’t live in Ireland any longer 🙁 Been living in the UK on/off since 1996, and full time since 2001. A year in Ireland sounds like a great idea – seeing the world is definitely a thing to do. Plus you’d love it, and meeting your family would be great too.
irishwit77 says
yea i talked to my grandfather by the way, he told me that his father was from ireland. somewhere like mayo? thats what it sounded like. but at the time it was still part of england so im assuming somewhere near northern ireland.
benkane says
@Cody/Irishwit77: County Mayo!! That’s a big (for Ireland!) county right on the west coast. Next stop, USA! Two of my best friends live there, and practice as veterinarians (which is what I did before this). If it was still part of the United Kingdom, then it means that it was pre 1922, the date when Ireland gained its independence. That’s also the time that Northern Ireland came into existence as what it is today.
irishwit77 says
yea my grandfather told me that he left Ireland in 1919. so that makes sense. but wow you were a vet before writing? kind of a big jump to go from helping animals to writing about Rome haha.
benkane says
@Cody/Irishwit77: there’s a story there!! If he left in 1919, it was at the start of the War of Independence. Did your great-grandfather have something to do with that?
From veterinarian to writer – hmmm, yes, it was a big jump. Born of desperation too…
irishwit77 says
haha thats alright. by the way i just finished the silver eagle. YOU ARE EVIL hahaha. yea nice twist to it. the twins both see each other in Alexandria but Romulus is forced into the army again and Fabiola is forced to leave. i was so pumped that they saw each other. but now i have to wait until i can afford the next book. ugh…i cant wait haha.
benkane says
@irishwit77: 😉
irishwit77 says
Unfortunately I still have not gotten Road to Rome…I want it sooo badly haha. Honestly though, I have become obsessed with your book. Don’t worry though, only in a healthy way haha. I have a question though, does Brennus actually die? or do we see him at the end. If he is dead why is it that you chose to kill him. He was an awesome character. Frankly I’m a little peeved with Tarquinius. I understand that he couldn’t tell Romulus everything he wanted to know even the killing of Caelis, but still Romulus after going to hell and back deserves to know what happened to him that directly effected his life.
benkane says
@Irishwit77: is Brennus alive or dead? No one knows…but you will find out more in The Road to Rome… 😉
irishwit77 says
yea which i still have yet to get haha. i cant wait for it!!!!
benkane says
@irishwit77: you’ll be waiting a while in the States, sadly. It won’t come out there until 2013, I don’t think 🙁 That’s because Spartacus is coming out next year 🙂
irishwit77 says
Actually i checked and Barnes and Nobles has Road to Rome. The only thing is it cost 30 dollars…i cant afford it right now which really bums me out…
benkane says
@irishwit77: fear not. Check out the Book Depository, where you can buy it in UK paperback format for £4.17. That’s no more than $7, and they don’t charge mailing costs to anywhere in the world! Don’t say this author doesn’t try to help out 😉