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A Layer of Supernatural Dread
The Tribune follows a struggling American PhD candidate who receives a mysterious phone call, sending him off to Romania on a journey into the Carpathian wilderness in search of a long-lost Roman eagle standard—an artifact tied to one of history’s forgotten battles. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for The Tribune came years ago when I discovered that a series of Roman Army battles had taken place in the southern Carpathian Mountains of Romania, and that historians are divided on exactly what happened. Roman history is fairly exhaustively documented, so learning that an entire legion may have been lost in what is still considered the last great wilderness of Europe seemed like the perfect opportunity. I could capitalize on what we know happened and take artistic license on the rest. The Carpathians also seem to resonate an aura of mystery, at least in American pop culture, and that can probably be attributed mostly to Bram Stoker. But that aura of mystery was the perfect backdrop to take a familiar, historical institution like the Roman Army and weave in a layer of supernatural dread.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The most interesting thing about the human condition is our fallibility and our inherent, daily struggle against it. Great fiction is relatable because it tells the story of how we all miss the mark, something we all recognize. This isn’t necessarily a negative view because the heart of great fiction is articulating the struggle.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Roman historical fiction, particularly Roman Army fiction, is a fairly popular subgenre, so I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of stories I could find combining the topic with supernatural horror. For certain, I’m not the only author in this very specific subset, but it did give me a boost of confidence to take the subject and run with it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on the sequel to The Tribune, and hope to have it available in early 2026.
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The Tribune
The Tribune by Paul E. Roberts is an ambitious and vividly detailed historical adventure that straddles the line between modern mystery and ancient warfare. The novel begins in the present day, following David Thompson, a struggling American PhD candidate in Roman history, who is whisked away to Romania by a mysterious phone call from an old friend. This call triggers a journey into the Carpathian wilderness in search of a long-lost Roman eagle standard—an artifact tied to one of history’s forgotten battles. The narrative then plunges into the past, weaving in the gripping tale of Septimus Flavius Patrionus, a young Roman tribune caught in the chaos of a doomed military campaign. What unfolds is a tense and haunting exploration of war, identity, ambition, and historical truth.
I admired the realism and the research, and how Roberts doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the grit and grime of soldiering, ancient or modern. The Roman scenes are brutal, rich, and immersive. I found myself far more emotionally invested than I expected, especially in Septimus’s transformation from uncertain young officer to man grappling with the brutal reality of leadership. The writing walks a fine line between clarity and rawness—straightforward and punchy one moment, introspective the next. The pacing isn’t perfect, it meanders at times, but I didn’t mind. It gave me space to breathe and soak in the mood.
Where the book really gripped me was in the blend of timelines and the emotional weight that ties the characters together across centuries. David’s desperation, his doubts, and his academic hunger mirror Septimus’s fears and hopes in a surprisingly touching way. The discovery of the eagle becomes more than just a plot device, it’s a symbol of lost causes, pride, and the weight of legacy. I love that the book isn’t afraid to be dark, mysterious, or even a little weird. The dialogue is modern and clean, and the humor feels lived-in, not forced, but rising naturally from the characters’ bond and exhaustion.
The Tribune hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just about history, it’s about how history lives in us, haunts us, and sometimes gives us purpose. This is a book for anyone who loves historical fiction with grit, academic thrillers with heart, or stories that make you question where fact ends and myth begins. If you’re drawn to the dark corners of the past or have ever stood in front of an ancient ruin and felt the weight of time press on your chest, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F5GM6QQJ
LITERARY TITAN 