dieweltinbuechern's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
studyingwlilyevans's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
stormster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
charisegrace's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very short but interesting novella. The setting is of a grandfather telling his grandchildren how while as a Roman standard-bearer he came to marry their grandmother. Since it is just a glimpse into the grandfather's life there isn't much history or background set up but if you are familiar with Rosemary Sutcliff's books or the history of Roman Britian it will be easy to follow.
It interesting that I felt like I was reading from the "baddie's" perspective. In the lead up to the Battle of Mons Graupius my loyalties lay completely with the Caledonians not the Romans.
- "The Roman victories came not by their strength but by our weakness... Now we stand together as one People, and we are strong!"
Like all Rosemary Sutcliff books this novella is packed full of trivia titbits and even a cameo from the Ninth Legion!
It interesting that I felt like I was reading from the "baddie's" perspective. In the lead up to the Battle of Mons Graupius my loyalties lay completely with the Caledonians not the Romans.
- "The Roman victories came not by their strength but by our weakness... Now we stand together as one People, and we are strong!"
Like all Rosemary Sutcliff books this novella is packed full of trivia titbits and even a cameo from the Ninth Legion!
brookepalmer796's review
2.0
I really enjoyed the history of Roman Britain. The story starts out a little slow but then gets better. The writing is different from what I'm used to; the POV never leaves the main character and the storyline is very linear and uncomplicated.
noizyhanner's review
It's interesting that the 2011 movie is based on a comparatively Disney-like book. It’s not so brutal or tense as the movie; fewer misunderstandings, less bloodshed, an understanding Marcus, and a far more obliging Esca (both whom admittedly feel a little distant in comparison to their hotheaded movie counterparts). I think the adaptation is more "masculine" and "gritty", but the novel is more enjoyably sentimental; allowing for a satisfying quest, likeable periphery characters, and (best of all) a queer-coded, doting Marcus&Esca. I mean just look at this little bit on page 76;
And ah, little Cottia. May she live happily with her wolf pup, her hot, retired warrior brother Marcus, and his hot, retired warrior partner, Esca. Happily Ever After if I've ever heard one.
Esca dropped to one knee beside the cot, and Marcus found that he was lying with his head on Esca's shoulder, the rim of the cup cool against his mouth as he drank. Then, as the cup was withdrawn, he turned his head contentedly on Esca's arm.
And ah, little Cottia. May she live happily with her wolf pup, her hot, retired warrior brother Marcus, and his hot, retired warrior partner, Esca. Happily Ever After if I've ever heard one.
angelarwatts's review
5.0
Amazing book! I loved Esca best but Marcus was amazing and realistic, also. Their relationship is definitely a fictional favorite for me. Also: CUB. What a great addition! I did see Cottia and Marcus coming and while it felt a smidge rushed to the end, it was nice.
nkmeyers's review
4.0
It's really a three point seven five, but who's counting?
The main characters and encountered characters are fun to meet and follow.
gracecharise's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very short but interesting novella. The setting is of a grandfather telling his grandchildren how while as a Roman standard-bearer he came to marry their grandmother. Since it is just a glimpse into the grandfather's life there isn't much history or background set up but if you are familiar with Rosemary Sutcliff's books or the history of Roman Britian it will be easy to follow.
It interesting that I felt like I was reading from the "baddie's" perspective. In the lead up to the Battle of Mons Graupius my loyalties lay completely with the Caledonians not the Romans.
- "The Roman victories came not by their strength but by our weakness... Now we stand together as one People, and we are strong!"
Like all Rosemary Sutcliff books this novella is packed full of trivia titbits and even a cameo from the Ninth Legion!
It interesting that I felt like I was reading from the "baddie's" perspective. In the lead up to the Battle of Mons Graupius my loyalties lay completely with the Caledonians not the Romans.
- "The Roman victories came not by their strength but by our weakness... Now we stand together as one People, and we are strong!"
Like all Rosemary Sutcliff books this novella is packed full of trivia titbits and even a cameo from the Ninth Legion!
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