Our writer, Clive Ashman, taking a breather on the kerbstones of a recently-discovered Roman road at Beaconside, Penrith, in Cumbria. Its original carriageway right behind him….
His most recent title, LAWYERS of LUGVALIO, marks a major departure in period – both in subject & settings – leaving Lydia & Justinus as fated fellow-travellers for a whole sequence of adventures. Clive’s third enabling their first appearance as characters, and by March 2023 he was hard at work on whatever happens to them next.
Although we’re back in Roman Britain, the events of his third book hail from a different period to MOSAIC, even TWO-EIGHT-SIX. Absent also their modern elements run in tandem – so no contemporary parallels to be had here. No, not this time – only a few, faint re-echoes to imagine for yourself. And none the worse for that.
Unrelated plot-wise to his others too, but readers confirm – it’s stunning straightaway. Starting-off in Scotland on the Antonine Wall, the action soon moves southwards to York (Roman Eboracvm as-was). Marks only the beginning of their journey…
Clive stresses how much he enjoyed researching & writing LAWYERS of LUGVALIO – successfully negotiating other processes involved, too. So it’s a sincere “Thank You!” to his wonderful set of Beta readers – “You know who you are – you lovely people..” and our excellent printers over at Biddles. With his art work for the cover complemented by a unique set of maps which include the most detailed re-imagining of Roman Carlisle ever attempted. Clive is unusual among authors in always drawing his own. Why LAWYERS of LUGVALIO is destined to become more than just a book but also a collector’s item – a ‘Beautiful Object’…
So what does this picture show? A ceramic tile among rubble – but stamped ‘IMP’. Well, you’ll just have to buy the book, if you’d like to find out more for yourself. And see the link below to our dedicated book page for how to go about that…
After a successful, post-lockdown UK launch-event for LAWYERS of LUGVALIO in July 2021 – right on top of the actual site of Petuaria, that lost Roman town which Clive described so effectively in MOSAIC – here’s a photo from the day to prove it:
And whilst LAWYERS of LUGVALIO has been well received – proving that even in uncertain times, micro-publishers like ourselves can bring quality reading to market – we confirm Clive’s busy with its sequel. Back in another time of turmoil – Severus’s expedition to Britannia of the early third century….
So look out for VOREDA BOOKS during 2023 – at lively events for which we’re now taking bookings: like London Book Fair; the Filey Literature festival; Malton Roman Festival; and Essex Historical Association (&c).
Here’s a link for more detail below, including how to obtain your own copy EXCLUSIVELY from us: