Spartacus: Talons of an Empire is a fine adventure tale full of derring-do and hand-to-hand combat. Southworth's Spartacus is the man as we would like him to have been: goodhearted, charismatic, tough, loyal to his friends, and deadly to his enemies. He is a man who deserved a better fate than to die by crucifixion. Perhaps, just perhaps, he did survive...

Ancient Warfare

Spartacus: Talons of an Empire is a fine adventure tale full of derring-do and hand-to-hand combat. Southworth's Spartacus is the man as we would like him to have been: goodhearted, charismatic, tough, loyal to his friends, and deadly to his enemies. He is a man who deserved a better fate than to die by crucifixion. Perhaps, just perhaps, he did survive...

Ancient Warfare Magazine

This slim novel is a new addition to the already crowded Roman history genre, and Robert Southworth’s is a new voice. Its premise is that Spartacus survived the slave rebellion of 73 BC and went on to have further thrilling adventures in the Roman Empire.

The novel includes a handful of real historical characters such as Marcus Lucinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (better known as Pompey), but the majority of the other characters are fictional. This tale involves Spartacus going into partnership with Cassian Antonius, an aristocrat and fixer whom we gradually learn more about as the action progresses. There are plenty of scenes of violence and gore, as you would expect, but these are never done gratuitously but rather with a measure of restraint and functionality that render them more effective. Other colourful characters make their entrances and sometimes swift exits in high gladiatorial drama.

Ray Taylor, historicalnovelsociety.org

The book is a historical fiction story based on the life that Spartacus could have lead after the crushing of the slave army.
Crammed with action and adventure it is the author’s own interpretation of how the gladiator would have been if he had survived the slave rebellion.
He first started jotting plot ideas down around ten years ago but it wasn’t until he was made redundant two years ago that he decided to make his dream a reality.

Nuneaton News, 05/03/13

The author said “ There is not much known about the tale of Spartacus, he is a famous figure of Roman history but there are few facts about him, but I am passionate about history, every era. It’s very interesting, so I decided to piece together a story which is my interpritation about how he would have lived if he did survive the slave rebellion. It is about how he protected those around him by doing dishonourable things.”

Nuneaton News

Beautifully detailed locations and characters brought the story to life, the author clearly has a love for his subject. I had no choice but had to read to the final page and the historical notes were useful too, they put put the book in context. Overall superb.

Steve Calter

Not my usual type of historical fiction but i have to say that i thoroughly enjoyed the journey that the author takes you on. His characters have a real depth, his locations are vivid and despite the book being about a famous gladiator, the novel is not just about swordplay. Although i have to say his battle scenes are fascinating, loved the book and eagarly await further writings from Robert Southworth.

Linda Pentony