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Terra Incognita

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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Terra Incognita

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 It is spring in the year 118, and Hadrian has been emperor of Rome for less than a year. After his long and reluctant investigation of the murders of a handful of local prostitutes, Gaius Petreius Ruso needs to get out of town. With that in mind, he has volunteered for a posting with the army in the far reaches of Britannia - a calmer place for a tired man.

But the edge of the Roman Empire is a volatile place; the independent tribes of the North dwell near its borders. These hinterlands are the homeland of Ruso's slave, Tilla, who has scores of her own to settle there: Her tribespeople, under the leadership of the mysterious Stag Man, are fomenting a rebellion against Roman control, and her former lover is implicated in the grisly murder of a soldier. Ruso, once again unwillingly pulled into a murder investigation, is appalled to find that Tilla is still spending time with the prime suspect. Worse, he is honor-bound to try to prove the man innocent - and the army wrong - by finding another culprit. Soon both Ruso's and Tilla's lives are in jeopardy, as is the future of their burgeoning romance.

Terra Incognita shines light on a remote corner of the ancient world, where Ruso's luck is running short - again.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to the first book, Medicus.©2008 Ruth Downie (P)2008 Tantor Historical Mystery Crime Fiction Murder

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Critic reviews

"A lively sequel to English author Downie's historical mystery Medicus....Immensely satisfying." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Who would guess that life and death in the far reaches of the Roman Empire could be so darn funny?" ( Library Journal)
All stars
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And in a good way! Very enjoyable. I read comments on the accents, and as a Belfast man I’m always wary of “Norn Irn” accents, but I feel the fit the awkward, uncooperative Britons very well! Most depictions of Romans have them speaking in English accents, and these didn’t exist in Roman times. Given that that the accents of people from the north of Ireland are mostly Celts from Southern Ireland & Scots, it’s likely close enough. Great story, plot pace & narration. I’ll be looking for more of these!

Very Like Falco

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Amusing, witty and well written. Fans of Tilla and her Medicus will enjoy this second instalment.

Great Follow Up

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Another brilliant chapter in Russo and Tilla’s story. Loving this series. So glad I found it!

Excellent!

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Excellent story which maintains interest for whole read . Full of historical detail . I would recommend

Marvellous narration

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My only problem is, what seems to be the choice of the vaugely Northern Irish accent for the northern Britons. Seems a very odd choice. other than that, I loved it.

Accent?

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I felt that this carries too much baggage in the sense of background for every scene. It is pleasant in style and concept but maybe snappier

Could have been shorter

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Lovely tongue-in-cheek delivery of witty and perceptive turns of phrase throughout this book make it a refreshing listen. Engaging story with good characters, too. Not great literature, but perfect for times when you want to be entertained. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Breath of fresh air!

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I really enjoyed the Falco series and this has a similar and familiar feel. I enjoy the narration, the gentle humour and observations and look forward to the next one.

A good story, well told with likeable characters

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Good story. Great characters. Interesting well researched historical background. Witty, well written and highly entertaining.

Very enjoyable

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I have enjoyed these series of books about Roman Britain and found them very entertaining. I would recommend them.

interesting historical tale

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