stimo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
bobthedog's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoyed this! :) Particularly the level of historic detail. The pace is a bit slow but that makes room for deep, descriptive pieces. I really got behind the main character, Ballista, and the camaraderie he shares with some of the other characters is good fun.
Spoiler
I did feel a little bit let down at the end. The tension builds so slowly. The characters hold on for so long. Against all odds. Then all of a sudden 'oh ****' someone has let them in. Like, really? Still an excellent book, looking forward to starting the next one!speesh's review
3.0
It's good, but you could argue that not an awful lot happens over a lot of pages. But, once I got over that, I really enjoyed the developing character of the main man, and began to care about his, and the other character's fate. It could certainly have done with more action, but I'm going to see the big picture with this one, and get searching for number two in the series.
Where it does score, is in the depth of research and knowlege the author displays. He really does know his (Roman) onions, that's clear, but he shows it in a subtle and convincing way.
Enjoyed it and can recommend it.
Where it does score, is in the depth of research and knowlege the author displays. He really does know his (Roman) onions, that's clear, but he shows it in a subtle and convincing way.
Enjoyed it and can recommend it.
jessschira's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the historical accuracy is amazing, which is one of the reasons I decided to read this book. The problem with historical accuracy is that it can be hard to follow, and doesn't always make sense.
The biggest problem I had with this novel, which is the first in a trilogy, was that it was slow going. Reading this book, particularly the first 150 pages takes time. It's not a book that I would recommend someone take on a vacation or to the beach. Getting through this novel takes some time, it's a very choice for a rainy day or blizzard.
The characters in this book have been well thought out and will capture your attention. An index in the back of the book helps you keep the large cast straight.
I enjoyed the book well enough that I will read the next book in the series, though I won't try until my life has slowed down and I know I'm going to have plenty of time to really read the book and not just read a couple of pages here and there.
The biggest problem I had with this novel, which is the first in a trilogy, was that it was slow going. Reading this book, particularly the first 150 pages takes time. It's not a book that I would recommend someone take on a vacation or to the beach. Getting through this novel takes some time, it's a very choice for a rainy day or blizzard.
The characters in this book have been well thought out and will capture your attention. An index in the back of the book helps you keep the large cast straight.
I enjoyed the book well enough that I will read the next book in the series, though I won't try until my life has slowed down and I know I'm going to have plenty of time to really read the book and not just read a couple of pages here and there.
alexctelander's review against another edition
3.0
Dr. Harry Sidebottom knows what he’s talking about when he writes about ancient Rome: he teaches classical history at the University of Oxford, and is a well-respected scholar on ancient warfare, classical art, and the cultural history of the Roman Empire. It seems perfectly fitting that he should turns his writing abilities and knowledge to writing historical fiction on the world he is so familiar with.
It is the year AD 255 and the Roman Empire encompasses most of the western world, but it is being stretched thin, with issues occurring on the borders, revealing that this empire is finite. In the east there is Persia and the massing forces of the Sassanid Empire. The lone, isolated citadel of Arete is the important stronghold for the Roman Empire. Ballista is the man chosen to lead the Roman forces; a former barbarian with a Nordic background and beliefs, and has seen what life has to offer. Now it is up to him to unite the Roman forces and stop one of the greatest threats the Roman Empire has ever seen.
Sidebottom writes with a skill that works to combine details and information on the period without overloading the reader with facts and jargon, and at the same time making the story compelling, interesting and action-packed. Writers of nonfiction rarely travel into the realm of fiction writing, and the reverse is also true, because it’s hard to do; Sidebottom is one of those special authors with the knowledge and background in the history, as well as the writing ability to carry this out effortlessly.
Originally written on September 16 2010 ©Alex C. Telander.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
It is the year AD 255 and the Roman Empire encompasses most of the western world, but it is being stretched thin, with issues occurring on the borders, revealing that this empire is finite. In the east there is Persia and the massing forces of the Sassanid Empire. The lone, isolated citadel of Arete is the important stronghold for the Roman Empire. Ballista is the man chosen to lead the Roman forces; a former barbarian with a Nordic background and beliefs, and has seen what life has to offer. Now it is up to him to unite the Roman forces and stop one of the greatest threats the Roman Empire has ever seen.
Sidebottom writes with a skill that works to combine details and information on the period without overloading the reader with facts and jargon, and at the same time making the story compelling, interesting and action-packed. Writers of nonfiction rarely travel into the realm of fiction writing, and the reverse is also true, because it’s hard to do; Sidebottom is one of those special authors with the knowledge and background in the history, as well as the writing ability to carry this out effortlessly.
Originally written on September 16 2010 ©Alex C. Telander.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
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