scarlett_r_90's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The time travel bit wasn't explained too well, and wasn't really believable, but that didn't really matter because the focus is on Russ during the Roman period rather than him flitting through time. The relationship between Quentus and Russ/Rastus was nice because there is a realistic issue about social status and how Quentus acts towards Russ. This is something that is quite often ignored in historical books - that people behaved differently, and we have no right to judge that because it was a whole different world then/there. The journey whereupon Quentus treats Russ more and more as an equal is lovely to read, and didn't seem forced. I'd have preferred the story to be longer but not because it felt rushed - I just would've liked to read more! The end isn't my favourite because, despite the epilogue, it seems to just stop without addressing threads and issues that still existed. Having said that though, life doesn't have an ending or epilogue, so it's probably more realistic this way. I will definitely read more by this author!
teenykins's review
4.0
I loved the story but I found the ending a bit vague and unsatisfactory (about Russ and Quentus) thus dropping to 3.5 stars from 4.5.
scarlett__r90's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The time travel bit wasn't explained too well, and wasn't really believable, but that didn't really matter because the focus is on Russ during the Roman period rather than him flitting through time. The relationship between Quentus and Russ/Rastus was nice because there is a realistic issue about social status and how Quentus acts towards Russ. This is something that is quite often ignored in historical books - that people behaved differently, and we have no right to judge that because it was a whole different world then/there. The journey whereupon Quentus treats Russ more and more as an equal is lovely to read, and didn't seem forced. I'd have preferred the story to be longer but not because it felt rushed - I just would've liked to read more! The end isn't my favourite because, despite the epilogue, it seems to just stop without addressing threads and issues that still existed. Having said that though, life doesn't have an ending or epilogue, so it's probably more realistic this way. I will definitely read more by this author!
mrella's review
4.0
I liked it, not matter what it might resemble or not. 4 stars rounded up from 3.5.
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