krismcd59's review against another edition
3.0
My review of this book appears in the 11/16 issue of the Historical Novels Review: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-gates-of-hell/
There is certainly much to commend in this alternate history/fantasy series where Livingston imagines how the presence of divine artifacts of power, fragments fallen to earth after the Throne of Heaven was shattered eons ago, might affect the empire of Augustan Rome. The first novel, [b:The Shards of Heaven|23848192|The Shards of Heaven (The Shards of Heaven #1)|Michael Livingston|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427162874s/23848192.jpg|43458166], set in 32 B.C.E., introduced the young heirs to the Caesar and Ptolemy dynasties in the last century before the Common Era: Selene, the daughter of Antony and Cleopatra, Juba, a Numidian Prince adopted, alongside Octavian, by Julius Caesar, and Caesarion, Selene’s half-brother, the natural son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. In that volume, which narrated the disastrous war between Octavian and Mark Antony, the multiple points of view belonged to the young people and also to their loyal Centurion guards, Vorenus and Pullo. Yes, that Vorenus and Pullo, the protagonists of HBO’s series Rome, who were based on historical figures briefly mentioned in Julius Caesar’s account of the Gallic Wars. In Livingston’s series, they are considerably softened, but essentially the same duo.
In the second installment, the focus mostly narrows to Vorenus and Selene, both guardians of separate Shards and enemies of Octavian, now Emperor Augustus. They grapple with the moral implications of the apocalyptic power of the shards, but Livingston falls into the habit of having his characters narrate a little too simply (and in American slang, which will annoy some readers) their mixed feelings about fate, vengeance, and loyalty.
The plot moves at a breakneck, even cinematic speed, and relies heavily on coincidence and outlandishly narrow escapes. However, Livingston’s command of the sweeping details of Imperial Roman history and geography is confident enough to support the supernatural additions. And if a character introduced in the epilogue is who she appears to be, then Livingston’s plan for the next novel is ambitious indeed.
There is certainly much to commend in this alternate history/fantasy series where Livingston imagines how the presence of divine artifacts of power, fragments fallen to earth after the Throne of Heaven was shattered eons ago, might affect the empire of Augustan Rome. The first novel, [b:The Shards of Heaven|23848192|The Shards of Heaven (The Shards of Heaven #1)|Michael Livingston|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1427162874s/23848192.jpg|43458166], set in 32 B.C.E., introduced the young heirs to the Caesar and Ptolemy dynasties in the last century before the Common Era: Selene, the daughter of Antony and Cleopatra, Juba, a Numidian Prince adopted, alongside Octavian, by Julius Caesar, and Caesarion, Selene’s half-brother, the natural son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. In that volume, which narrated the disastrous war between Octavian and Mark Antony, the multiple points of view belonged to the young people and also to their loyal Centurion guards, Vorenus and Pullo. Yes, that Vorenus and Pullo, the protagonists of HBO’s series Rome, who were based on historical figures briefly mentioned in Julius Caesar’s account of the Gallic Wars. In Livingston’s series, they are considerably softened, but essentially the same duo.
In the second installment, the focus mostly narrows to Vorenus and Selene, both guardians of separate Shards and enemies of Octavian, now Emperor Augustus. They grapple with the moral implications of the apocalyptic power of the shards, but Livingston falls into the habit of having his characters narrate a little too simply (and in American slang, which will annoy some readers) their mixed feelings about fate, vengeance, and loyalty.
The plot moves at a breakneck, even cinematic speed, and relies heavily on coincidence and outlandishly narrow escapes. However, Livingston’s command of the sweeping details of Imperial Roman history and geography is confident enough to support the supernatural additions. And if a character introduced in the epilogue is who she appears to be, then Livingston’s plan for the next novel is ambitious indeed.
mariahaskins's review
5.0
I loved Livingston's first book in this trilogy-to-be, The Shards of Heaven, and this sequel does not disappoint. It's fast-paced, populated by complex and vividly drawn characters, and the world is alive with historical details and beautifully described locations. There are also some major surprises in store. Not to give away too much, but the final couple of chapters really had my jaw dropping. I kind of thought I knew what direction this second book was taking, but there were some... developments with the shards I had not expected. All I'll say is that a) the story takes a rather dark turn, and b) I can't wait to read the third and final installment!
Favourite characters this time around were Selene and Juba, but also Octavian. There are some complex dynamics at play in their relationship that really added to the action and suspense. Also, the shards themselves are almost like characters in the story: each one seems to have its own personality...something I found fascinating. Definitely an alt-history series well worth reading for fans of the genre, and for those who like historical fiction.
Favourite characters this time around were Selene and Juba, but also Octavian. There are some complex dynamics at play in their relationship that really added to the action and suspense. Also, the shards themselves are almost like characters in the story: each one seems to have its own personality...something I found fascinating. Definitely an alt-history series well worth reading for fans of the genre, and for those who like historical fiction.
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