What should I read first/next / FAQ

Are you curious about diving into my novels but unsure where to start? This guide is here to help.

TOC

Discovery

1. ❓ What series should I start with?
2. 🤪 What is “Wait, what?” about?

Series Details

3. 🏛️ Which ancient civilizations do the Whispers of Atlantis books cover?
4. 🔄 Is there character continuity in Whispers of Atlantis?
5. ⚔️ How are the Cleopatra and Spartacus series different?

Reader Essentials

6. ✍️ What’s your writing style like?
7. 📏 How long are your books?
8. 📜 How historically accurate are your books?
9. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Are the books appropriate for young readers?
10. ✅ Are your books available on Kindle Unlimited?
11. 📖 What other authors are like you?

Discovery

What series should I start with?

The most straightforward approach is to begin with the inaugural book of a series. Use this quick guide to match your interests:

• Diverse Historical Adventures: Start with the Whispers of Atlantis series. Book 1 is The Atlantis Papyrus. This anthology covers various periods and civilizations from the ancient world. You can read more about the series here.
• Royal Biography & Intrigue: Start with The Last Pharaoh series. Book 1 is Regent.
• Gritty War & Rebellion: Start with the Spartacus series. Book 1 is Soldier.
• Hannibal’s Invasion: Read The Mist of Trasimene to see the war through a cavalryman’s eyes.
• Modern Thrillers: Start with The Weave. This is the Dark Shadows series, set in a modern world of technology, politics, and conspiracy.

What is “Wait, what?” about?

Wait, What? is a lighthearted, informative exploration of 14 popular historical myths. It uses archaeological evidence to separate fact from fiction regarding questions like “Did Atlantis exist?” or “Was Cleopatra Egyptian?“. It is perfect for trivia lovers.

Series Details

Which ancient civilizations do the Whispers of Atlantis books cover?

While the anthology covers a range of eras, you can pick the world you love the most:

Any book with a * is a standalone. That means you can read it on its own if the blurb interests you.

Is there character continuity in Whispers of Atlantis?

Yes, but there are no cliffhangers. Each book is a complete story.

However, if you enjoy consistent character arcs, the duo Deon and Eurydice appear in the following books:

1. The Atlantis Papyrus
2. The Curse of Ammon (Prequel to #4, features their first meeting)
3. Sinister Sands
4. Maurya

To see how these books interconnect, visit this page.

How are the biographical series different?

• Cleopatra: Focuses on political intrigue and the lives of royals and mostly told through the eyes of Cleopatra. The series covers both a part of her early life, and then from her ascension to power to her eventual downfall.
• Spartacus: A grittier look at Roman rule, slavery, gladiator sport, and rebellion. Told through the eyes of Spartacus, the series focuses more on the lives of the slaves and common rather than the Romans themselves.
• Hannibal: Unlike the other two, the Greatest Enemy series is told from the point of view of an Insubrian (Gaul) cavalryman fighting for Hannibal. The series covers three pivotal moments in Hannibal’s invasion of Italy and the aftermath.

Each series is fast paced with intrigue and grit. I have strived to stay very close to known history from primary sources while creating a fictional narrative that I hope is engaging and entertaining. The series are not academic treatises.

Reader Essentials

What’s your writing style like?

I blend history with exciting storylines full of twists and turns. My goal is to maintain a brisk pace while ensuring characters and plots are fully developed. My prose is mostly direct and relatively simple compared to some other authors.

How long are your books?

• Standard Novels: 300–450 pages (avg 350).
• Novellas: A Dangerous Daughter is 144 pages.
• Box Sets: Over 1,000 pages of continuous storytelling.

How historically accurate are your books?

I strive to stay close to known historical events while weaving fictional narratives through the gaps in our knowledge.

I usually rely on the earliest primary sources for my research (e.g., Plutarch, Dio, Herodotus, Polybius, Livy, Mesopotamian and Egyptian royal correspondence, Vedic references etc.). Every book includes a notes section detailing the “known history” behind the book, and I strive for realism in timelines, customs, politics, and military tactics.

Creative liberties are taken only to enhance the story while remaining plausible. My intent is that you enjoy the reading while learning about the historical context,while knowing that these are primarily novels and not academic treatises.

Are the books appropriate for young readers?

These books are primarily intended for adult readers. They contain complex political themes, military violence, strong language, and occasional sexual themes.

Are your books available on Kindle Unlimited?

Yes, almost all books are on KU. The exception is A Dangerous Daughter, which is free via newsletter subscription.

What other authors are like you?

Well, check this out.

I look forward to having you as a reader! Jay (https://jaypenner.com)