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The Last Witch of Rome #1
Apprentice
Betrayed by an empire she was sworn to defend, enslaved by an emperor she was meant to protect.
During the last days of the Roman Republic, the witch women of the Ose tribe looked to the future, and what they saw terrified them. To protect the world, they made a pact with Gaius Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome. In return for destroying his enemies and securing his empire, he would allow a single djambe to serve at his side, to use her magic to guard against the encroaching chaos they knew would one day come.
Vesper’s destiny was to serve at the emperor’s side, but when the mad Emperor Commodus comes to power, he doesn’t believe in magic and old fairy tales. In a fit of rage, he destroys her people and orders her execution, just as a dark tide takes hold of Rome.
Now with the world in peril, Vesper must do the impossible, survive her execution and save an empire that has betrayed her.
During the last days of the Roman Republic, the witch women of the Ose tribe looked to the future, and what they saw terrified them. To protect the world, they made a pact with Gaius Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome. In return for destroying his enemies and securing his empire, he would allow a single djambe to serve at his side, to use her magic to guard against the encroaching chaos they knew would one day come.
Vesper’s destiny was to serve at the emperor’s side, but when the mad Emperor Commodus comes to power, he doesn’t believe in magic and old fairy tales. In a fit of rage, he destroys her people and orders her execution, just as a dark tide takes hold of Rome.
Now with the world in peril, Vesper must do the impossible, survive her execution and save an empire that has betrayed her.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
261 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Rhett Gervais
18 books18 followersRhett's love for all things science fiction grew out of a Sunday morning family tradition of watching Star Trek re-runs on the cbc. His love of storytelling is the result of to many hours as a dungeon master trying to murder his players!
He lives in Pincourt Canada with his wife, daughter, and a crazy calico named Maggie.
If you like gritty, dark science fiction with deep characters you've found your author.
He lives in Pincourt Canada with his wife, daughter, and a crazy calico named Maggie.
If you like gritty, dark science fiction with deep characters you've found your author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 19, 2020
Rhett Gervais blends a well researched ancient Rome and a well constructed fantasy world into the perfect vehicle for escape. Leaving us with the feeling that Vesper, The Last Witch of Rome, isn’t the only one who can work magic.
Apprentice, the first in this series, fulfilled all the promises Chosen, it’s prequel, offered readers. Allowing us to follow Vesper, as she discovers her powers and destiny, gives us easy insight and understanding into her Ose heritage. Although, I don’t believe Chosen is a necessary part of this process, I definitely believe it is an informative accessory. With our questions answered, we are left to enjoy the story.
You won’t even notice “that man behind the curtain,” as you are caught up in a tornado of political intrigue, ancient clashes, mysticism, burgeoning romance and alliances, all circling the sands of the gladiator stadium. Allegiance demanded through fear rather than earned, leaves those who are different vulnerable. Do they need a hero, or will they become one?
Fantasy asks that we leave our familiar world, and journey to something different. Sometimes that journey can be abrupt, and we’re left wondering what we’ve gotten ourselves into. We become driven by our need to understand the surroundings rather than immerse ourselves in them. Mr. Gervais takes the time to give us cause and effect, reason, and a solid background, without drawing attention to such practical construction. I’m looking forward to my next visit with Vesper.
Warrior Princess fans, this is for you!
Apprentice, the first in this series, fulfilled all the promises Chosen, it’s prequel, offered readers. Allowing us to follow Vesper, as she discovers her powers and destiny, gives us easy insight and understanding into her Ose heritage. Although, I don’t believe Chosen is a necessary part of this process, I definitely believe it is an informative accessory. With our questions answered, we are left to enjoy the story.
You won’t even notice “that man behind the curtain,” as you are caught up in a tornado of political intrigue, ancient clashes, mysticism, burgeoning romance and alliances, all circling the sands of the gladiator stadium. Allegiance demanded through fear rather than earned, leaves those who are different vulnerable. Do they need a hero, or will they become one?
Fantasy asks that we leave our familiar world, and journey to something different. Sometimes that journey can be abrupt, and we’re left wondering what we’ve gotten ourselves into. We become driven by our need to understand the surroundings rather than immerse ourselves in them. Mr. Gervais takes the time to give us cause and effect, reason, and a solid background, without drawing attention to such practical construction. I’m looking forward to my next visit with Vesper.
Warrior Princess fans, this is for you!
February 23, 2021
What a fantastic alternative historical adventure. If you're a fan of swords and sorcery, Black Panther, Xena and Spartacus, this series entry is definitely for you.
Gervais gives the reader an ancient world far closer in reality than most of the whitewashed narratives that have been treated as gospel for ages. It was great to have an ancient African culture that isn't Egypt, given its due with characters from that region.
Vesper is an awesome heroine without being made into some superhuman caricature. She's young and reckless, but loving and loyal. She's powerful yet doesn't know the extent of her ancestral knowledge. She isn't invulnerable and she makes mistakes. A horrific tragedy and miscarriage of justice finds Vesper right in the middle of the Roman gladiatorial arena where her powers save her from certain death at the hands of Emperor Commodus. But there's something rotten in Rome, and it's killing its citizens. Vesper seems to be the only person who can fight it.
I have to admit, I bought this mostly for the cover. As someone who owns more books than clothes, publishers really need to be catering to me personally by not just supporting #ownvoices, but putting Black and PoC front and center on the covers. And it's great to read heroic action/adventure stories with BIPoC leads.
Gervais gives the reader an ancient world far closer in reality than most of the whitewashed narratives that have been treated as gospel for ages. It was great to have an ancient African culture that isn't Egypt, given its due with characters from that region.
Vesper is an awesome heroine without being made into some superhuman caricature. She's young and reckless, but loving and loyal. She's powerful yet doesn't know the extent of her ancestral knowledge. She isn't invulnerable and she makes mistakes. A horrific tragedy and miscarriage of justice finds Vesper right in the middle of the Roman gladiatorial arena where her powers save her from certain death at the hands of Emperor Commodus. But there's something rotten in Rome, and it's killing its citizens. Vesper seems to be the only person who can fight it.
I have to admit, I bought this mostly for the cover. As someone who owns more books than clothes, publishers really need to be catering to me personally by not just supporting #ownvoices, but putting Black and PoC front and center on the covers. And it's great to read heroic action/adventure stories with BIPoC leads.
February 27, 2021
The Gladiator Witch We Need
Her people branded as traitors to the Roman Empire, Vesper fights desperately to stay alive in the Colosseum arena. Using her Ose lineage and magical heritage, Vesper teams up with the current Caesar's sister, and the arena trainer, A Celt slave named Narcissus, to figure out how to stop the blight that threatens to consume the world.
Her people branded as traitors to the Roman Empire, Vesper fights desperately to stay alive in the Colosseum arena. Using her Ose lineage and magical heritage, Vesper teams up with the current Caesar's sister, and the arena trainer, A Celt slave named Narcissus, to figure out how to stop the blight that threatens to consume the world.
November 29, 2020
The story opens in the middle of strong scene with the FMC being thrown into the deep end. No time for angsty teen heroines here. The appearance of real historical figures piqued my interest and had me rereading some history as I enjoyed the book. I really enjoyed the portrayal of a strong black woman reaching into her home culture for answers and support amidst the rot and depravity of Imperial Rome. I finished this in one sitting and went to find book 2. I am looking forward to reading more of Vesper and her world(s).
April 1, 2021
I may need a mini vacation after the action packed adventure that was this book!
Loved it from the first page and had to take a nap after the last.
It is literally wall to wall action, so many twists and turns, with layers of history and storytelling packed in.
The way the internal structure of Rome is revealed, mixed in with North African fantasy is a fresh new insight into a time and place that you may think is familiar, until you are allowed into the depths Mr. Gervais takes his readers into.
Tribal feuds, Caesar, Gladiator life, all wrapped up in magic, held me captive from beginning to end.
Currently reading the prequel and cannot wait for the rest of this series to drop!
Loved it from the first page and had to take a nap after the last.
It is literally wall to wall action, so many twists and turns, with layers of history and storytelling packed in.
The way the internal structure of Rome is revealed, mixed in with North African fantasy is a fresh new insight into a time and place that you may think is familiar, until you are allowed into the depths Mr. Gervais takes his readers into.
Tribal feuds, Caesar, Gladiator life, all wrapped up in magic, held me captive from beginning to end.
Currently reading the prequel and cannot wait for the rest of this series to drop!
January 2, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed and ready for more!!!
I wouldn’t normal grab a book from this setting, but I’m a fantasy nut that loves a great black female protagonist. Vesper checked all of my boxes. Darling, intelligent, and ready for an adventure. Her naivety but pure heart keeps you sucked in because you are not sure of the outcome, but are pulling for her success. I just wish there was more to the book since I wasn’t ready for it to end. Looking forward to the next edition!
I wouldn’t normal grab a book from this setting, but I’m a fantasy nut that loves a great black female protagonist. Vesper checked all of my boxes. Darling, intelligent, and ready for an adventure. Her naivety but pure heart keeps you sucked in because you are not sure of the outcome, but are pulling for her success. I just wish there was more to the book since I wasn’t ready for it to end. Looking forward to the next edition!
January 19, 2021
Can't Wait To Read the series...
I love the book! I had to read some pages twice!!
I can't wait to read the series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat!! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Vesper.
I love the book! I had to read some pages twice!!
I can't wait to read the series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat!! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Vesper.
August 29, 2021
A mixture of history and magic led by a strong female.
After her people are betrayed by Rome, Vesper has lost everything, and she must make a dark deal in order to survive certain death in the gladiator ring.
Narcissus is a hardened gladiator and doctore. He’s never met anyone like Vesper.
More than a corrupt emperor rules Rome. Something terrible is slaughtering innocent people. Vesper is at the center of this evil. Only she can stop it, but she needs to understand her inherited powers as a djambe.
I love that Vesper is a strong female. There is a blossoming romance between her and the bearlike Celt Narcissus, which I enjoyed, but I wouldn’t label this story a romance. The fight scenes are intense and stunning. African magic used against the backdrop of Rome weaves a special kind of concoction. This is an exciting and mystical action-packed story led by a badass female. There are some threads that weren’t fully tied up, but I’m sure this is because this is an ongoing series, and those threads will be dealt with later on. This is a series that should be read in order. Highly recommended if you like historical fantasy set in ancient Rome. I look forward to reading the next book.
After her people are betrayed by Rome, Vesper has lost everything, and she must make a dark deal in order to survive certain death in the gladiator ring.
Narcissus is a hardened gladiator and doctore. He’s never met anyone like Vesper.
More than a corrupt emperor rules Rome. Something terrible is slaughtering innocent people. Vesper is at the center of this evil. Only she can stop it, but she needs to understand her inherited powers as a djambe.
I love that Vesper is a strong female. There is a blossoming romance between her and the bearlike Celt Narcissus, which I enjoyed, but I wouldn’t label this story a romance. The fight scenes are intense and stunning. African magic used against the backdrop of Rome weaves a special kind of concoction. This is an exciting and mystical action-packed story led by a badass female. There are some threads that weren’t fully tied up, but I’m sure this is because this is an ongoing series, and those threads will be dealt with later on. This is a series that should be read in order. Highly recommended if you like historical fantasy set in ancient Rome. I look forward to reading the next book.
October 2, 2023
This is the first book by this author I've ever read. I liked it and am looking forward to reading more of this series and by this author. Vespa is sent to the gladiator school to fight in the arena after she watches her father die in the same arena. I am hoping to find the back story of this series. The Last Witch of Rome. A new and exciting series. Vespa gets trained by a big Celt, who she begins to have feelings for....
April 8, 2024
Excellent fantasy/adventure tale! Well-written, vividly entertaining plot with descriptive world-building and developed characters who pull the reader into the story. I loved the cultural components of the story that interweaved Ancient Rome and West African history, culture, traditions and mythology. And it’s long past time that we’ve had strong, entertaining BIPOC protagonists. Kudos to the author! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 2, 2020
Could Not Have Been Long Enough
This book was so great. Only books this great could make time pass so quickly. Thank you for the wo6you have created here. I have been so ill lately but time truly stood still for me. If I could change one thing it would only be that this Book One be 5 times longer and then still not be long enough. Thank you so much for this. 😷
This book was so great. Only books this great could make time pass so quickly. Thank you for the wo6you have created here. I have been so ill lately but time truly stood still for me. If I could change one thing it would only be that this Book One be 5 times longer and then still not be long enough. Thank you so much for this. 😷
07-issa-no-for-me
June 20, 202348% through and this is going to have to be a DNF for me. I've been trying, but I'm just not into it. And I made a promise to myself YEARS ago that I would only read what I enjoy. That I wouldn't spend my time trying to FORCE things. It kills me because I'm DYING to find a Black Fantasy to fall in love with...but I need to FALL in love, not be dragged...so on to the next!
August 30, 2023
Page Turner
Action,action and more action
Vesper is the last witch of Rome but it comes at a high price
This is a real page turner, once you start you will not want to stop reading
Another great one Rhett
You really know how yo weave a story and bring it to life
Can’t wait to read book 2
Action,action and more action
Vesper is the last witch of Rome but it comes at a high price
This is a real page turner, once you start you will not want to stop reading
Another great one Rhett
You really know how yo weave a story and bring it to life
Can’t wait to read book 2
December 8, 2020
I loved it!
From the cover to the end it was amazing! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read what happens next. It was refreshing and new. I love historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy it was a perfect blend of them all.
From the cover to the end it was amazing! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read what happens next. It was refreshing and new. I love historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy it was a perfect blend of them all.
January 4, 2021
Great read
Good vs evil and all the blurred lines! It was awesome seeing Vesper come into her own and dabbling in the darkness prematurely eagerly but with honorable zest. Sisters fighting on the method but having to work together in the end - awesome read
Good vs evil and all the blurred lines! It was awesome seeing Vesper come into her own and dabbling in the darkness prematurely eagerly but with honorable zest. Sisters fighting on the method but having to work together in the end - awesome read
January 11, 2021
Apprentice: The last witch of Rome.
If you have not read the prequel to this book you need to go back and read it. It will help you understand a little more about the magic she uses. But all in all this is a great read and I can not wait for book 2 drops.
If you have not read the prequel to this book you need to go back and read it. It will help you understand a little more about the magic she uses. But all in all this is a great read and I can not wait for book 2 drops.
January 22, 2021
I enjoyed this story, particularly the undeniable diversity of the Roman Empire and its true depiction of slavery. Character development of the protagonist was quite interesting. Looking forward to reading the sequel to find out what direction the budding love affair goes to.
February 12, 2021
Onward to Book 2!
Talk about a wild ride! The book started off slow for me, but I am glad that I hung in there. Once it got going, I was holding on for dear life. I am very excited to read Book 2.
Talk about a wild ride! The book started off slow for me, but I am glad that I hung in there. Once it got going, I was holding on for dear life. I am very excited to read Book 2.
March 21, 2021
What a great story
OK this is a new twist on Commodus and what a twist it is 😀😀 couldn't put it down once I started it lol If you like gladiators and the supernatural then this is a book for you.
OK this is a new twist on Commodus and what a twist it is 😀😀 couldn't put it down once I started it lol If you like gladiators and the supernatural then this is a book for you.
April 9, 2021
So engaging…
I’m so glad all the books in the series are finally out I read the initial short story and was so frustrated, as I usually don’t read series until all the books in the series are published!! This one is so good!
I’m so glad all the books in the series are finally out I read the initial short story and was so frustrated, as I usually don’t read series until all the books in the series are published!! This one is so good!
July 4, 2021
I wanted so badly to give this great book a 5
but a “them them” made that impossible. The story has a strong plot with development of characters as we meet them. It is an interesting view of Rome during the age of the death of Rome.
but a “them them” made that impossible. The story has a strong plot with development of characters as we meet them. It is an interesting view of Rome during the age of the death of Rome.
August 25, 2021
How wondrous
Mr. Gervais is a new author for me. This is the first book of the series. The plot is well developed, challenging, and dynamic as well as the characters. From the first page to the last, I was caught up in the action. Looking forward to the second book.
Mr. Gervais is a new author for me. This is the first book of the series. The plot is well developed, challenging, and dynamic as well as the characters. From the first page to the last, I was caught up in the action. Looking forward to the second book.
November 28, 2021
Nice story, but it would benefit from an editor
I quite liked the story, but the writing grew worse and worse, which is a pity.
I hope the writer does another edition without the typos and missing words.
I quite liked the story, but the writing grew worse and worse, which is a pity.
I hope the writer does another edition without the typos and missing words.
December 25, 2021
This book gave me chills. The ceaser and his weird power grab, the Sandawei and their anterior moves and the relationship between Lilith and Vesper. Lucilla is all too strange with her faux help of Vesper but also using her.
It's so well written but that mess is just getting better.
It's so well written but that mess is just getting better.
June 4, 2022
Rome with a twist of Machiavelli
Wow, just wow! Talk about a strong female protagonist... How does a gladiator work for you? Action from the very beginning, bit of romance, and spiritual time traveling. Loved the sprinkles of The Prince too.
Wow, just wow! Talk about a strong female protagonist... How does a gladiator work for you? Action from the very beginning, bit of romance, and spiritual time traveling. Loved the sprinkles of The Prince too.
November 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next installment
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next installment
December 3, 2020
Awesome book
This was a great book! I loved it! I'm off to read number 2 in this series! Its definitely a page turner.
This was a great book! I loved it! I'm off to read number 2 in this series! Its definitely a page turner.
December 4, 2020
Great read!
This was a really enjoyable book. The world is rich and the plot keeps moving quickly. I highly recommend it!
This was a really enjoyable book. The world is rich and the plot keeps moving quickly. I highly recommend it!
December 14, 2020
Wow!
A mixture of myth, mystery and intrigue. Vesper is a strong heroine trying to find out what are purpose is. She has a good back up team. The secondary char are well written.
A mixture of myth, mystery and intrigue. Vesper is a strong heroine trying to find out what are purpose is. She has a good back up team. The secondary char are well written.
December 17, 2020
Ready for the Next one!
This was a good read. The action and detail keep you moving through the pages.... No slow/boring spots. I'm ready for the next one.
This was a good read. The action and detail keep you moving through the pages.... No slow/boring spots. I'm ready for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews