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My first published novel, The Forgotten Legion, which has done very well since its release in hardback in May 2008. Sales reached nearly 10,000 copies, making it the 8th best selling debut hardback fiction in the UK in 2008.
World rights to The Forgotten Legion trilogy were sold to Rosie de Courcy at Preface/Random House. US rights sold to St. Martin’s Press (3 book deal); Italian rights to Edizioni Piemme (3 book deal); Russian rights to Exmo (3 book deal); Spanish rights to Ediciones B (all 3 sold individually); Greek rights to Anubis (3 book deal); Turkish rights to Artemis (3 book deal); Dutch rights to Athenaeum (Book One only). Dramatic rights with Intellectual Property Group.
The paperback of The Forgotten Legion came out on the 16th of April 2009, and with the gods’ help, it’s also doing well – with nearly 50,000 copies sold so far. It did so well in Waterstone’s that they made it one of their ‘Books of the Year’ for 2009 and it stayed on the ’3 for 2′ stands until Christmas.
20 Comments
I love this book and think its readership should be much greater.
For some reason I think I will make an effort to spread the word.
Having read most of the first book, I imgine this trilogy is perfect for a wide screen rendition and well suited to international video as well.
@Richard: Thanks. * blushes* I really appreciate any efforts that you make on my behalf!
I too think that the books would make a great movie. I just need someone like Ridley Scott to come on board!
Nearly finished this book can’t put it down so amazing can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy and after that I think I will give Hannibal a go.
@richie_rich: so glad you like it! Enjoy the rest. After Xmas, Spartacus is coming out – in fact you could win a copy if you look at my latest blod post…
I was given this book in October for my birthday. I loved it. Just found that the trilogy was also done in audio book by my most favorite of actors Michael Praed. So I guess I have a double win here. I am on the hunter for the other two books for the series now to add to my collection. Cannot wait to start the next one.
@LadyFrostFire: thanks for popping by, and welcome to my site! Delighted that you liked The Forgotten Legion so much. I was asked which of two actors I’d like to read the book, and I had to pick Michael Praed. In the 80s, I was a huge fan of Robin: The Hooded Man. Never could have imagined that that actor would one day read my books!
Finished the Forgotten Legion last night absolutely fantastic will be starting the silver eagle tonight cant wait
@richie_rich: Cheers! Thanks also for your very cool tweet. If you feel so inclined, an Amazon review never goes astray either
Best wishes for 2012!
Firstly… Happy 2012 to everyone. =)
Secondly, I finished the book a few weeks ago now and loved it. Can’t wait to read the second and third part, but sadly that’s where I can’t decide wether to read the books in English (and probably go out and buy them today ;P) or wait months and months for the Dutch translation. I think I’ve already made up my mind and I’ll end up buying them in English and maybe take a few days longer to finish them but at least I’ll have read them sooner and in time to start Spartacus perhaps.
(Unless of course you could rush the translators to finish it next week or so =D)
@Sbx: Good for you planning on buying the second two books in English. I’m afraid that there will be a long wait – at least 6 months, I’d say – before the next one comes out in Dutch. Frustrating, but that’s the way it goes. Happy New Year!
Ben
I have read the superb Roman Trilogy and Hannibal and am now looking forward to reading Spartacus.
I don’t really know how you manage to keep up such a high standard – you must spend ages in research.
Keep up the good work.
All the BEST for the New Year.
Ian.
@The White Knight/Ian: thanks very much for your compliments – I do my best.
Very best wishes to you and yours for 2012 as well.
I have just read The Forgotten legion and found it a fantastic read. I was so disappointed when it ended. But having logged into the website and seen there are a further 2 books in the series, I am on my way to buy the Silver Eagle asap. The way you have developed the characters and intertwined their journeys is brilliant.
@GraemeB1: glad that your disappointment was replaced by pleasure at discovering The Silver Eagle and The Road to Rome! I hope you enjoy them! Best wishes.
Hi Ben
Half way through the Forgotten Legion on Audiobook – simply marvellous. Your writing is well structured and intense and added to in the best possible way by the narration by Michael Pread. EXCELLENT!
@Mightywhite: Thanks for joining my website and posting. Welcome! It’s great that you’re relishing Michael Praed’s voice so much – it was a no-brainer for me to ask for him when I was offered a choice. Enjoy!
excelente libro , me encanto , me mantuvo leyendo durante horas , voy en el tercer libro y espero con ancias el final de esta gran historia , mi personaje favorito fue tarquinius, lo unico que me hubiera gustado mucho que la version latinoamerica tuviera las mismas portadas que la version en ingles, te felicito por esta gran obra
@Jose_c: Muchisimas gracias!
Ben,
I am a very busy person and usually choose to watch films instead of read as it takes much more effort and time. However I was given The forgotten legion by a friend to read while on holiday. I thought I would give it a chance, see how it went.. And I did not put it down! As soon as I got back tithe UK I went straight out and bought the next two and finished the silver eagle this morning. These are absolutely fantastic books and I cannot wait to read the next one ( making it the 5th book I’ve ever took time to read in my life!) I have recommended it to everyone, and am now just praying that it is made into a series of moves like LOTR etc.
Once again thank you so much for these amazing books, I can’t wait to read more, an hope you keep writing for a very long time!
Luke
@LucasT/Luke: Thanks for taking the time to post, and welcome to my site. I’m honoured that you were so struck by The Forgotten Legion that you devoured it and then bought the next two when you got home. I love it when someone is so caught up with my books that they’re burning to read the next one. I hope that your wishes about them being made into a film comes true! As for writing more books – don’t worry, I’ll keep writing them as fast as I can for as long as I can!
Cheers.
Ben