Picture a Yorkshire storyteller who brought the Roman legions and Ottoman intrigues to life—meet Simon S J A Turney! A master of historical fiction and fantasy, Turney has penned over 40 novels, weaving meticulous research with cinematic storytelling. From his North Yorkshire writing nook, surrounded by family and a menagerie of pets, he crafts tales that transport readers to ancient battlefields and medieval courts, earning acclaim for series like Marius’ Mules and The Ottoman Cycle.
Born and bred in Ripon, United Kingdom, Turney’s passion for history sparked early, ignited by childhood visits to Hadrian’s Wall with his grandfather, a local photographer. His love for Rome, Egypt, and Byzantium grew, but the Eternal City became his muse, inspiring a prolific career that blends historical rigor with gripping narratives.
The Making of Simon S J A Turney
Turney’s journey to authorship was anything but linear. Before becoming a full-time writer, he navigated an eclectic career path, from Microsoft networks to car sales. A self-described Yorkshireman with a love for architecture and ancient sites, he returned to academia, earning an honors degree in classical history from the Open University. This rekindled his passion for Rome, leading to his debut novel, The Invasion of Gaul, the first in the Marius’ Mules series, initially self-published in 2003. Its success catapulted him into mainstream publishing with houses like Canelo and Orion, and he now writes under both S J A Turney and Simon Turney, represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon S J A Turney’s Unforgettable Stories
Turney’s bibliography is a treasure trove of historical adventures. The Marius’ Mules series, spanning 15 books, follows Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars through the eyes of commander Marcus Falerius Fronto, blending military drama with political intrigue. Fans praise its vivid battle scenes and accessible take on Caesar’s diaries. Equally compelling is The Ottoman Cycle, a four-book saga set in the late 15th century, where brothers Skiouros and Lykaion navigate treachery from Istanbul to Crete. Its debut, The Thief’s Tale, immerses readers in the Ottoman Empire’s vibrant, perilous world.
Turney’s versatility shines in series like Praetorian, a Roman thriller set under Commodus, and Tales of the Empire, a historical fantasy with Roman flair. His style marries meticulous research—often from visits to ancient sites—with cinematic pacing, making history feel alive. Whether depicting the Gothic Wars in Para Bellum or Viking-era Byzantium in Blood Feud, Turney’s narratives pulse with authenticity and excitement, appealing to fans of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.
Why Simon S J A Turney Matters
Turney’s impact lies in his ability to make history accessible and thrilling. His novels serve as gateways to ancient worlds, blending scholarly precision with storytelling that hooks casual readers and history buffs alike. With over 40 novels, he’s built a global fanbase, his works translated into multiple languages. As a former Roman re-enactor with the Deva Victrix group and a public speaker on classical history, Turney bridges academia and entertainment, inspiring readers to explore Rome’s legacy.
His influence extends to aspiring writers, as he advocates for perseverance and thorough research, drawing from his own journey through rejections to bestseller status. Turney’s upcoming works, like Kings of Stone and Ice (May 2025), promise to further cement his legacy in historical fiction.
- Born: Ripon, United Kingdom
- Key Works: Marius’ Mules, The Ottoman Cycle, Praetorian, Tales of the Empire
- Genres: Historical fiction, historical fantasy
- Notable Fact: Former Roman re-enactor with the Deva Victrix group
Snag The Invasion of Gaul or The Thief’s Tale and dive into Simon S J A Turney’s thrilling historical adventures—your ticket to ancient Rome awaits!