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Linnea Tanner
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Two Faces of Janus: A Short Story of Ancient Rome Kindle Edition

by Linnea Tanner (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
A young nobleman confronts a specter from the past that could threaten his family’s legacy.

A brash young aristocrat, Lucius Antonius anticipates Emperor Augustus Caesar will support his lofty ambitions to serve as a praetor in the Roman justice system in 2 BC Rome. As the son of the distinguished politician and poet, Iullus Antonius, Lucius prays to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings, to open the door for him to rise politically. But he is unaware of the political firestorm ready to erupt in the imperial family.

Augustus must confront evidence that his daughter, Julia, has behaved scandalously in public and that Iullus is her lover. The prospect that Julia might want to marry Iullus—the only surviving son of Marcus Antonius—threatens to redirect the glory from Augustus to his most hated rival beyond the grave. Caught in the political crossfire, Lucius must demonstrate his loyalty to Augustus by meeting all of his demands or face the destruction of his family’s legacy and possibly his own life. Will Lucius ultimately choose to betray and abandon his disgraced father?
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  1. Print length
    39 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 29, 2021
  4. File size
    892 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A young nobleman confronts a specter from the past that could threaten his family's legacy.

A brash young aristocrat, Lucius Antonius anticipates Emperor Augustus Caesar will support his lofty ambitions to serve as a praetor in the Roman justice system in 2 BC Rome. As the son of the distinguished politician and poet, Iullus Antonius, Lucius prays to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings, to open the door for him to rise politically. But he is unaware of the political firestorm ready to erupt in the imperial family.

Augustus must confront evidence that his daughter, Julia, has behaved scandalously in public and that Iullus is her lover. The prospect that Julia might want to marry Iullus--the only surviving son of Marcus Antonius--threatens to redirect the glory from Augustus to his most hated rival beyond the grave. Caught in the political crossfire, Lucius must demonstrate his loyalty to Augustus by meeting all of his demands or face the destruction of his family's legacy and possibly his own life. Will Lucius ultimately choose to betray and abandon his disgraced father?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098BH11V3
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC (June 29, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 29, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 892 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 39 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

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Linnea Tanner

Linnea Tanner

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Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.

Linnea has extensively researched ancient and medieval history, mythology, and archaeology and has traveled to sites described within each of her books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. Books released in her series include "Apollo’s Raven" (Book 1), "Dagger’s Destiny" (Book 2), "Amulet’s Rapture" (Book 3), and "Skull’s Vengeance" (Book 4). She has also released the historical fiction short story, "Two Faces of Janus."

A Colorado native, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.

You can follow her on her website: https://www.linneatanner.com/

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
28 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They appreciate the historical accuracy and how the author weaves political tension and social mores into the tale. Readers enjoy the glimpse into Roman history and events that the book is based on.

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Story qualityHistorical accuracy
9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They say it's an excellent novel with exceptional editing. The political tension and social mores are expertly woven into the tale, keeping their interest throughout. Readers appreciate the perfect grammar and formatting.

"...I find this makes the past more fun to learn. I was intent on finishing this story as Lucius and his friend, Gaius, interact together. “..." Read more

"...follows in the footsteps of Linnea Tanner's careful, precise, thoughtful writing where she brings her characters to life and gives the reader a..." Read more

"...The story is captivating and kept my interest throughout. It is also perfect in both grammar and formatting and flowed effortlessly...." Read more

"...This is a compelling short read which will leave you wanting to learn more about these characters." Read more

5 customers mention "Historical accuracy"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. They find it a realistic and well-written account of life in Ancient Rome, mixing fact with fiction and providing a glimpse into history. Readers enjoy the mix of fact and fiction that gives them a snapshot of the life and times of the early Roman Empire under Caesar's rule.

"...I highly recommend this story to readers who like historical fiction. Young adults will enjoy the tale from start to finish (okay any adult)." Read more

"This short story demonstrates Linnea Tanner's extraordinary ability to research history and use the influence of historical facts as the foundation..." Read more

"This short story is a realistic and well written account of life in Ancient Rome...." Read more

"...There are parts of Roman history, Augustus Caesar, Octavia, and other noble figures that do not have many details...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • RoxB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read Historical Fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Author Linnea Tanner’s short story of ancient Rome focuses on Augustus Caesar and his manipulative family dynamics. The character of Lucius, a young man of eighteen, dealt with his father’s disgrace from the point of duty and his mother’s anguish from the point of love. The historical detail Linnea provides of this event immediately brings the reader into the story. She provides a glimpse into the rules of the times fraught with political jockeying.

    Men, women, slaves, gladiators, and aristocrats lived by different sets of rules. In this case, Augustus was decidedly harsher with his daughter Julia’s adulterous affairs. Linnea expertly weaves the fictional story with actual history. I find this makes the past more fun to learn. I was intent on finishing this story as Lucius and his friend, Gaius, interact together.

    “I’ve petitioned Augustus for his patronage,” I proudly proclaimed. I was anticipating that the princeps would announce his sponsorship any day. “My mother has spoken to him about supporting my appointment. Perhaps today, he’ll summon me to discuss my position. As you say, Fortuna smiles on me today.”
    “Will you be going to the public baths today?” Gaius asked, unsheathing his gladius. He brashly swung it to and fro, almost nicking me with its tip.
    I jumped back to avoid the blade. “Careful with that!” I snapped angrily. Inexplicably, Gaius steadied the sword’s tip near my throat. “Scared?”
    Unsettled by the seriousness in my friend’s voice, I gently pushed the blunt end of the blade away with my hand. “Should I be?”

    I liked the focus on Lucius in the story. I felt his anguish when Augustus provided the options for his young life. This snapshot of the life and times of the early Roman Empire with Caesars’ rules as well as the belief in the Gods.

    The excellent writing of Author Linnea Tanner is highlighted in this short story while having readers want more. I highly recommend this story to readers who like historical fiction. Young adults will enjoy the tale from start to finish (okay any adult).
    One person found this helpful
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  • Zander1948
    5.0 out of 5 stars A glimpse at history
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This short story demonstrates Linnea Tanner's extraordinary ability to research history and use the influence of historical facts as the foundation of her incredible stories. I have read several of her full-length books, and she pays close attention to the lifestyles of the people who once inhabited the earth, especially the hierarchy by which they lived.

    When it comes to Two Faces of Janus, this author takes the story of Marcus Aurelius and his loyalty to his father and how that impacts on his own life. In Ancient Rome, as this story demonstrates, members of the aristocracy have certain rules which they must abide by, and yet they can also get away with things that slaves and the lower classes cannot. Marcus's sister is involved in what might be considered an illicit affair. Marcus prays to the "two faces of Janus"--the good and the bad--for guidance to make the right decisions. Does he? Read the story and decide for yourself.

    This story follows in the footsteps of Linnea Tanner's careful, precise, thoughtful writing where she brings her characters to life and gives the reader a glimpse into history. Once again, she makes this reader glad she didn't live during those times. I recommend this story highly and without reservation to adults and maybe teens above the age of 16.
    One person found this helpful
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  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars Two faces of Janus
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. I felt like I was standing there in the middle of ancient Rome wearing a toga and observing the conversations and other scenes develop. The dialog was appropriate for the times as were the scenes as they unfolded.

    Lucius Antonius was expecting Emperor Agustus Ceasar to soon announce that he'd been selected as a new member of the Imperial Court. When he was summoned to the home of Ceasar instead of the court, Lucius felt that something was off. Janus was two-faced - one face of a God who grants new beginnings and the other, a bearer of bad news. Lucius prayed to Janus to help him gain this new position. Janus showed both faces to young Lucius on this day...so did Agustus Ceasar.

    The laws and rules of the time are primarily for the commoners to follow. Nobility has its perks, except in this case. Ceasar places young Lucius in a precarious position in order for him to be selected into the Imperial Court. Failure to comply would cause Lucius and his family to be banished from the kingdom or possibly killed. He must pass a death sentence upon a noble citizen charged with adultery for violating Ceasar's young daughter - his own father.

    The story is captivating and kept my interest throughout. It is also perfect in both grammar and formatting and flowed effortlessly. I highly recommend this short story to anyone interested in ancient Roman history. Excellent job in your research and application of your findings, Linnea!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Robbie Cheadle
    5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling short story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This short story is a realistic and well written account of life in Ancient Rome.

    Lucius’ is ambitious to get into politics and hopes to be sponsored by Augustus Caesar, until the day when Janus shows his fickleness and Lucius’ father is found guilty by the Caesar on a trumped up charge of treason. Even more upsetting is the fact that other men have received a far lessor sentence for the same crime. Lucius quickly realises that the political path is strew with corruption, favouritism, and even lies.

    The story delves into the complex lives of the wealthy and privileged among Roman society and the political knife-edge they live on. These nobles own slaves and seem to have everything, but they live at the whim of the Caesar who, in Augustus' case, is an unstable and egomaniacal despot.

    This is a compelling short read which will leave you wanting to learn more about these characters.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Pat Garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Two Faces of Janus
    Reviewed in Germany on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Mythology is filled with the gods that ruled the lives of the Romans, and the god, Janus, was one of the most significant. He had two faces and was known as the god of new beginnings. He was the god who chose the door you would walk through when you were supposed to move in another direction at the crossroads that life presented you.

    Therefore, Janus played a significant role in the life of Lucius Antonius, the main protagonist in the story, Two Faces of Janus. Lucius Antonius hoped that Janus would open the door for him to ascend in the Imperial Court.

    The story about Lucius's life is well written. It has a slow build-up, giving the reader information that they need to follow and grasp Lucius's excitement. His life is good, and besides that, he enjoys the friendship of Gaius, a possible successor to become the next Caesar when Emperor Augustus Caesar dies.

    That Janus would show both sides of its face in one day to the young man had never crossed Lucius's mind until it began happening, and that is how the drama built.

    This book is historical fiction writing at its best, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story fascinated me and kept me reading until it ended.
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