Welcome to EskieMama Sunday Spotlight!
Today we are spotlighting J.M. Garlock's
The Centurion Chronicles
Book One: Invasion
"Panoramic, savage battles & individual feats of heroism are commonplace as Centurion Sextius Baculus recalls his adventures serving in Julius Caesar's Legions when the tactically superior but outnumbered Roman army invades & conquers the vast expanses of ancient, tribe-ruled Gaul."
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Q & A with J.M. Garlock about
The Centurion Chronicles
Book One: Invasion
Tell us about "The Centurion Chronicles"
"The Centurion Chronicles" is a chronological series that depicts the interactions & relationship between Julius Caesar & CenturionSextius Baculus when Caesar invades Gaul in 58BC. Each book covers 1 year. There are 6 in the series to date with at least 3 more to follow.
What initially inspired you to write "The Centurion Chronicles"?
I'm a big fan of the late John Keegan who is regarded by many as being the best military historian ever. From him I learned that there are 2 types of history: history from above (memoirs of Presidents, Generals, Prime Ministers etc.) & history from below (lower rank commissioned officers & enlisted people). I wanted to combine the two.
Tell us little about the characters in"The Centurion Chronicles".
The main characters (Caesar & Baculus) have a complex father/son relationship. Added to the mix are secondary characters all of whom have distinct personalities & who interact with the main characters.
What was the hardest part of writing "The Centurion Chronicles"?
The hardest part is keeping track of all the moving parts. Aside from the main & secondary characters there are at least 40 other characters who make many appearances.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I don't have a favorite chapter. What I like most is when I sometimes talk directly to the reader as evidenced in the teaser.
What are your future project(s)?
My future plans are to begin a new, as yet undecided, series
What initially inspired you to write "The Centurion Chronicles"?
I'm a big fan of the late John Keegan who is regarded by many as being the best military historian ever. From him I learned that there are 2 types of history: history from above (memoirs of Presidents, Generals, Prime Ministers etc.) & history from below (lower rank commissioned officers & enlisted people). I wanted to combine the two.
Tell us little about the characters in"The Centurion Chronicles".
The main characters (Caesar & Baculus) have a complex father/son relationship. Added to the mix are secondary characters all of whom have distinct personalities & who interact with the main characters.
What was the hardest part of writing "The Centurion Chronicles"?
The hardest part is keeping track of all the moving parts. Aside from the main & secondary characters there are at least 40 other characters who make many appearances.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I don't have a favorite chapter. What I like most is when I sometimes talk directly to the reader as evidenced in the teaser.
What are your future project(s)?
My future plans are to begin a new, as yet undecided, series
Now an exciting excerpt from The Centurion Chronicles!
This is my story. The time has finally come for me to tell it, for my sixtieth year has long passed. Soon I shall be crossing the River Styx and entering the vast beyond that lies on the other side. I always carry two pennies on my person to ensure that the boatman will be paid.
Of my youth I shall say little save that I was born into the patricius. I am fluent in Greek and Latin and know a smattering of Persian. I am also conversant in Helvetian, Allogobrigian, Aeduian, Lingonian, and Sequanian. These are dialects spoken in Gaul. I was taught by private tutors. I am educated.
My parents are dead and I revere their memory.
My hair is now thin and white although it was once thick and dark. My muscles have atrophied although they were once firm and full. My flesh sags upon my bones although it was once as taut as the cow hide that covered my shield. My eyesight has grown dull but my memory remains sharp.
Although my physical surroundings are of little consequence to me now, you may wish to know that I live in Lavertina, a small town that lies an easy day's ride north of Rome. I am comfortable and well-taken care of. Concerning my present circumstances, you will get no more than that from me.
During the many years I soldiered my needs were simple and they remain so. My slaves attend me well for they know who and what I was and they fear me for that and also for what I still am.
But I must make haste for I have much to tell and little time.
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