(Top Hat Books,2020) This is the second book in a trilogy that I eagerly awaited, and it did not disappoint. The protagonist, Senator Vivius Marcianus, has a personality and life that draws the reader into his world and the lives of those who surround him. The pace of the novel holds you as you follow the twists and turns of the characters. Both books are set in Rome and Jerusalem 30-40Ad and have been meticulously researched. If you want to read a series that will take you out of yourself, I highly recommend this one ~ Noreen Herdman, Woman Alive Magazine

When, in April 2019, I reviewed Joan Histon's first book in the “Senator’s” series I said I hoped to read more of the exploits of Senator Vivius Marcianus. This second volume, The Senator’s Darkest Days (Top Hat Publications, £11.99), satisfies that hope and does so in a highly effective manner. The story begins a decade later than the earlier volume. Caligula is now the Emperor and at his insistence the Jews in Palestine are to be supplied with a statue of himself in the temple to assist them in acknowledging his deity. Vivius Marcianus is sent to Palestine by the Emperor to oversee the project. History records that Caligula was assassinated in AD41 and Joan Histon has her fictitious characters engage with the real events of the period. Senator Marcianus finds himself in a troublesome situation, experiencing the darkest days of the book’s title. His brother-in-law, Dorio, becomes the surprising hero who saves the day and makes good of a bad situation. This is a well-written story which contains irony and humour alongside the high drama and political intrigue. It gives a good account of the machinations of the Senate in Rome and the lives of the various religious factions in Palestine. We meet again the early followers of Jesus. We feel again the tensions as a difficult Emperor seeks to assert his will. We recognise the power games being played out in Rome. This is an excellent second volume of the story concerning Senator Vivius Marcianus and, dare I say it, I hope the stories keep coming. The Rev Dr Adrian Burdon is superintendent minister of the Shaw and Royton circuit. A companion for quiet moments. ~ Rev. Dr Adrian Burdon., Methodist Recorder

Mould 5.0 out of 5 stars Please write another book in this series Mrs Histon! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 June 2020 Mrs Histon is a very accomplished writer and storyteller. Her characters are likeable and believable. I was captivated by the adventures of Senator Vivius Marcianus and his family, the novel transports the reader back in time to a different and quite dangerous world. The Senator's Darkest Days is an engrossing and well researched book, I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend. ~ Mould, Amazon customer

A fantastic combination of fictional characters and real historic figures brings Ancient Rome to life! Whilst this is a sequel to The Senator’s Assignment by the same author, it can easily be read as a stand alone novel. The same key characters are further developed, but this is a brand new story line which keeps you gripped throughout. I actually enjoyed this more than the first book, as the story takes place mostly in Rome - and for anyone who has visited the City, you will be able to visualise the geography and various locations where the plot unfolds. The Senators Darkest Days paints an excellent picture of Roman life, in which you can almost hear and smell the City as it was experienced by Senator Vivius Marcianus. This book cleverly intertwines fictional characters and real historic figures, to bring alive the highly political and dangerous world of Ancient Rome. I can strongly recommend this book. (less) ~ Julia A, Amazon customer

This book takes the reader onto a journey with a senator through the ancient Roman Empire from Rome to Jerusalem on an impossible mission for the deranged Emperor to inflict his own religion onto the Jewish people. The author creates a vivid impression of Rome and the hazardous sea journey to the east and brings the private lives of the Roman elite to life. You can imagine yourself navigating the narrow streets of Rome, escaping to the safety of your country estate, and protecting your family fr ...more ~ Stephen Croft, Amazon customer

Annarella rated it really liked it4 stars I think it's an engrossing and entertaining read even if a bit confused at times. The historical background is well researched and the characters are interesting. Recommended to lovers of historical fiction. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine. (less) ~ Annarella, NewGalley

Keith Roper 5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, exciting fast moving narrative! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2020 Verified Purchase Absoloutely diverting read could not put it down (as in the other book in this series!) Felt a real affinity with all the characters the depth of their personalities were written so vividly & the way the story unfolded was gripping, exciting & believable! Cant wait for the next book in the series! Wendy Roper ~ Keith Roper, Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful insight into Roman History Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2020 "The Senator's Darkest Days" is the second book in a trilogy written by Joan Histon. Having read her first book I eagerly awaited the second. It did not disappoint! The author's main character Vivius Marcianus has a personality and life which draws the reader into his world and into the lives of those who surround him. The pace of the novel holds you as you follow the twists and turns of the characters. The research for these books set in Rome in 30/40 AD is exemplary and if you want to read a book which will take you out of yourself, I highly recommend this one. Noreen Herdman ~ Noreen Herdman, Amazon customer

Ruth Watts 5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2020 Verified Purchase Another excellent book . I could not put it down . Joan Histon has managed to make the whole place and the people in it alive . I have lived in Israel and feel I know a lot about the area from the bible . But reading this book and THE SENATORS DARKEST DAYS gave me a whole new way of looking at the friction between the people at that time . Well done . ~ Ruth Watts, Amazon

marion cooke 5.0 out of 5 stars A historical novel to appeal to readers of all ages. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2020 Verified Purchase A very good read with an exciting plot which is cleverly written and well researched to keep the reader intrigued to the very end. I thoroughly recommend this book. ~ Marion Cook, Amazon

Amazon Customer 5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating read Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2020 The Senator’s Darkest Days sees the return of Senator Vivius Marcianus, who we first met in Joan Histon’s The Senator’s Assignment, struggling to keep his balance in the dangerous political cities of Rome and Jerusalem. While managing the arrogant aspirations of the Emperor Caligula, the wishes of the authorities in the temple in Jerusalem and the behaviour of his impetuous brother in law Dorio, who is caught up in an affair with a beautiful Christian Jewess, Vivius finds himself in prison. His escape masterminded by Dorio and subsequent return to the family estate keep the reader enthralled in this tense historical thriller skillfully woven together by the vividly evocative writing of a gifted author. I was gently drawn into the sights, sounds and smells of the times, couldn’t put it down and eagerly await the final book of this beautifully written trilogy ~ Amazon customer

Joan Histon has created another engaging page-turner as she revisits the ruthless and often brutal political world of ancient Rome in her sequel to The Senator's Assignment. Once more her attention to detail and ability to craft a tale of conspiracy and intrigue against this seditious period in world history are perfectly aligned in this gripping thriller. ~ Mark Seaman, broadcaster, playwright and author

Joan is an innovative writer and moving story-teller. Over 250 writers and published authors have been part of the Lakes Writers' Retreat and Joan's writing always enamours the other writers' as she draws in readers to carefully crafted scenes with believable characters and intriguing plots. ~ Mark Finnie, Director at Biblica

The Senator's Darkest Days is a captivating and compelling thriller. The author weaves her story with well imagined descriptions of the people and places of the time immersing us in the politics and intrigues of Caligula's Roman Empire. ~ Andrew J Chamberlain, writer and Presenter of The Creative Writer's Toolbelt Podcast