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The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George Book 1 in the Nero Series e-Book, Hardcover, Paperback; 528 pages Berkley Books ISBN: 0451473388 March 7, 2017 Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Blurb:
THE CONFESSIONS OF YOUNG NERO takes readers through the early life of Rome’s infamous Nero. Through the machinations of his mother, Agrippina the Younger, Nero became emperor at the age of sixteen, the last of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. But the road was a frightening one. The young boy, an intelligent, sensitive and watchful child, had a series of psychological shocks from an early age. His cruel uncle Caligula and his scheming cousin Messalina threatened his life, and his domineering and ambitious mother Agrippina married and poisoned two men en route to securing the throne for her son. Agrippina viewed Nero’s power as an extension of her own will. But once on the throne—like the teenage boy he was—Nero did not want to take orders from his mother. Soon the world was not big enough for the two of them. Thereafter he was remembered as a hedonist and tyrant who “fiddled” while his people burned. But the truth behind the caricature, revealed here, shows Nero to be instead a product of his mother’s relentless ambition, and the incest, violence, luxury, and intrigue that have gripped Rome’s seat of power for generations.
“The Confessions of Young Nero is a wonderful novel, one of Margaret George’s finest. Her rich, vivid descriptions and keen insight into human nature bring ancient Rome to life as only the very best historical fiction can. Readers will be enthralled from the riveting first scene to the breathtaking finale.” —Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Fates and Traitors and Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker
“Absolutely spellbinding! The magic Margaret George weaves with her latest novel, The Confessions of Young Nero, leaves the reader feeling as if they’ve been transported more than two thousand years into the past. Margaret George is a masterful storyteller, and every character in The Confessions of Young Nero leaps from the page. A truly wonderful read!”—Michelle Moran
“With her signature style and keen eye for research, Margaret George frees Nero from lurid legend, resurrecting the fearsome, often misunderstood emperor in all his glory, forsaken innocence, and fallible humanity. From a curious boy overshadowed by his mother’s malignant ambitions to a gifted youth enamored of the arts and obliged to take the throne, young Nero leaps to life in this vivid, unforgettable confessional of his early life and first years as emperor. Set against a backdrop of ancient splendor and decadence, The Confessions of Young Nero is the triumphant return of one of our finest living writers of historical fiction—the engrossing tale of Nero’s gradual surrender to absolute power, and his struggle to retain his soul as he becomes Imperial Rome’s most notorious ruler.” – C.W. Gortner, author of The Vatican Princess
About the Author:
Margaret George writes biographical novels about outsized historical characters: Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Cleopatra, Mary Magdalene, Helen of Troy, and Elizabeth I. Her latest, The Confessions of Young Nero, will be published in March. All six of her novels have been New York Times bestsellers, and the Cleopatra novel was made into an Emmy-nominated ABC-TV miniseries.
She especially enjoys the research she has done for the novels, such as racing in an ancient Greek stadium, attending a gladiator training school in Rome, and studying the pharmacology of snake poison.
The body of a Vestal Virgin is found in the Tiber River, and soon after, A senator is found having bled to death in his bath. And as Roman authorities turn a strangely blind eye, Hortensia, the daughter of the capital’s most celebrated orator, begins investigating this trail of murders that leads straight into the dark heart of Rome.
Despite her husband’s and father’s attempts to protect her and rebelling against the societal constraints to her sex, Hortensia plunges deeper into the corrupt underworld of the city. And only one man can save her from becoming the next victim: Lucrio, the ex-gladiator to whom she already owes her life. But Lucrio has secrets as well, and his past threatens to subsume both him and Hortensia.
Rivals of the Republic is the exciting fiction debut from Roman historian and author Annelise Freisenbruch. Using her supreme knowledge of the period, Freisenbruch delivers a meticulously accurate and suspenseful mystery that will have readers gripped by her young heroine’s story from beginning to end.
“This is a stunning novel that immerses us in the brutal world of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C. Annelise Freisenbruch is a gifted storyteller and tells a riveting tale. Highly recommended!”
—Alison Weir, bestelling author of Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen
“Annelise Freisenbruch’s Hortensia is a delight—passionate, articulate, fallible and, better still, inspired by a real woman.”
—Ruth Downie, author of the bestselling Medicus series
“A brilliant debut novel. Rivals of the Republic is an enthralling and convincing imagining of Ancient Rome, by an author who combines profound scholarship with a fluent and readable literary style.”
–Harry Sidebottom, bestselling author of the Throne of the Caesars series
“Rivals of the Republic takes us on an exciting journey into its heart as a young woman proves herself a worthy adversary in a war of wits with even the great general Crassus and his rival Pompey the Great. The enticing cast of characters includes the famous orators Hortensius Hortalus and Cicero, Vestal virgins, gladiators, expert forgers, and the young Julius Caesar.”
—Margaret George, bestselling author of The Memoirs of Cleopatra
About the Author:
A history of the wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of Rome’s emperors, The First Ladies of Rome received widespread critical acclaim, including excellent reviews in the The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Mail on Sunday, The Independent, The Guardian and The Irish Times, and was named as a Non-Fiction Book of the Year in The Scotsman. It has been translated into eight languages. Annelise was interviewed about the book on the BBC’s Woman’s Hour and has also appeared in an episode of PBS’sSecrets of the Dead series, ‘Lost Ships of Rome’ and in CNN's landmark 'Finding Jesus: Fact, Faith, Forgery'.
She now combines Latin teaching with writing, and has moved into historical fiction. Her first novel Rivals of the Republic - the opening installment of The Blood of Rome series - is a crime adventure set in the world of the late Roman Republic, centring on the real-life character of Hortensia, a young woman who has inherited the gifts of her father Hortensius, Rome’s flamboyant king of the law court. (An earlier version of the novel was previously published as an e-book calledBlood in the Tiber).
Annelise lives with her partner in Dorset and is Head of Classics at Port Regis School. When not writing or teaching, she enjoys cooking, listening to Bruce Springsteen and watching Andy Murray's matches from behind a sofa.
Hey everyone! I have a great giveaway opportunity for you all today - a hardcover copy of Rivals of the Republic is up for grabs! This giveaway is open to the USA and Canada and is open now through September 11th. Entries will be made through the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone!!
Once a month I am planning on sharing with you all 5 of my biggest wish list books broken up by theme. I know that you all need more on your TBR!!! This month I’m featuring those set in ancient lands!
Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry
A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.
First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.
While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?
Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?
As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?
The Queen of Sparta by T.S. Chaudhry
Xerxes, the Great King of Persia invades Greece in 480 B.C. at the head of over a million barbarians. 300 Spartan’s led by King Leonidas die heroically blocking the Persian advance at the pass of Thermopylae. The Persians are poised to conquer all of Greece.
The only one standing in their way is a woman – Gorgo, Queen of Sparta. Though history has relegated her role to an interested bystander, what if she played a central part at the heart of the Greek resistance to the Persian invasion. What if she kept her true role a secret in order to play it more effectively? What if she was hiding other secrets too – dark secrets of murder and vengeance? What if the only person who truly appreciated her genius was an enemy prisoner? What if after their victory, the Greeks start to turn on each other? What if, eventually, Gorgo has to choose between the security of Sparta and safety of her son? And what if the only one who could find a way out is the same prisoner whom she has vowed to kill?
The Wedding Shroud by Elizabeth Storrs
In 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion.
Enchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome, Caecilia performs rites to delay becoming a mother, thereby postponing true entanglement. Yet as she develops an unexpected love for Mastarna, she’s torn between her birthplace and the city in which she now lives. As war looms, Caecilia discovers Fate is not so easy to control, and she must choose where her allegiance lies.
The Wedding Shroud is the first book in the series A Tale of Ancient Rome. Subsequent books in the series include The Golden Dice and Call to Juno.
I Am Livia by Phillis T. Smith
Her life would be marked by scandal and suspicion, worship and adoration…
At the tender age of fourteen, Livia Drusilla overhears her father and fellow aristocrats plotting the assassination of Julius Caesar. Proving herself an astute confidante, she becomes her father’s chief political asset—and reluctantly enters into an advantageous marriage to a prominent military officer. Her mother tells her, “It is possible for a woman to influence public affairs,” reminding Livia that—while she possesses a keen sense for the machinations of the Roman senate—she must also remain patient and practical.
But patience and practicality disappear from Livia’s mind when she meets Caesar’s heir, Octavianus. At only eighteen, he displays both power and modesty. A young wife by that point, Livia finds herself drawn to the golden-haired boy. In time, his fortunes will rise as Livia’s family faces terrible danger. But her sharp intellect—and her heart—will lead Livia to make an unbelievable choice: one that will give her greater sway over Rome than she could have ever foreseen.
So Shines the Night by Tracy L. Higley
Daria's new home in Ephesus with Lucas both beguiles and confounds her, until she meets followers of The Way.
Her past has taught her that evil is real, that it can consume a person. She saw it happen with her husband, before he took his own life. Widowed, with no family, Daria becomes a tutor to Lucas, a rich traveling merchant from Ephesus. There she discovers evil has a strong foothold and that Lucas himself seems drawn to evil and sorcery.
As her relationship with her employer grows, she fears that she will be unable to pull him from demonic influence. Tension in the city is about to erupt, as a new sect called The Way continues to draw followers. A man called Paul leads the movement against the economic and political strength of the city, found in its goddess cult.
When she learns more of the ways of the Christians and their ability to defeat evil, she begins to have hope. But then Lucas is arrested and jailed for a brutal crime, and it seems not even the Christians can help.
Tensions escalate in the city until thousands are pouring into the arena to protest the influence of the Christians, and a plot to kill Paul is underway. When Lucas's execution is scheduled, Daria must find a way to prove his innocence, save his life, and help her new friends before everyone she loves is destroyed.
Have you read any of these? Any other novels set in ancient lands you would add to this list?
Looking for some books set in ancient lands I have read and reviewed? Give these a try!
Good morning everyone! I am excited to welcome Cynthia Ripley Miller, author of On the Edge of Sunrise, the first in a series set in the late Roman period. This is a time period I do not see a lot of books set in, so I'm excited to hear more about it and share this book (and author) with you!
Heather: You write about late Roman history, and I must admit that I am not the most familiar with this time period. Can you give us background information to set the scene?
Cynthia Ripley Miller: I’d be happy to give you a peek into this historical period, which I found fascinating. The year is AD 450. The Western Roman Empire teeters on the brink of collapse (AD 476) and into this gap step the barbarians. The Romans, with their well-organized military, regard the barbarian tribes as primitive. However, many barbarian groups have their own class of nobility, are educated and can read and write in Latin and Greek. The Germanic Franks are one of these tribes.
Also, at this time, the barbarian king, Attila the Hun, invades Gaul (France) over a dispute with the Roman emperor, Valentinian III. Rome and the Franks, who occupy this territory, fight against Attila at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains and win. The Franks, later known as the Merovingians, rise from tribal chiefs to acknowledged masters of Roman Gaul. Most of the Roman Empire is Christianized by the fifth century, including many barbarian groups. Yet, the Franks remain pagan until Clovis, who unites all the Frank tribes, becomes their first official king. He converts to Christianity in 496 and his people follow.
Domestically, the most important role for a Roman woman is as a wife and mother. Historians write that girls and boys attend primary school, sing in choirs, and go to social events. Girls from elite families learn Latin and Greek. Women from the upper classes are well educated, and at times, praised by historians for their learning and cultivation. Freeborn women are citizens, but cannot vote or hold office; nonetheless, women play an active role in trying to persuade the government to adopt certain policies. Barbarian men wear tunics with leggings and the women tunic style dresses. Roman men wear uniforms if in the military and on duty, otherwise tunics without leggings. Togas are more for dress or ceremony. Roman women wear the stola, a draped, belted dress. Barbarians like mead. Romans like watered down or sweetened wine. Although, no one will pass up what is available to them!
H: Thanks for setting the scene - that helps to get me in the right mindset. Speaking of late Roman history, what is it about this time period that draws you to writing about it?
CRM: I became intrigued with late ancient Rome and the barbarian groups while teaching history. I discovered that the Roman Empire in the fifth century was an era of violent change, rich in drama, and ripe for storytelling. What a perfect setting for conflict, classic themes, and an adventurous plot that stemmed from my roots. As a child, I heard stories from older relatives that pointed to our lineage tracing back into Italian history. I felt taken by a sense of purpose and direction. Also, signs along the way propelled me into this era, which I cannot explain but followed, but that’s another story!
H: I love to hear how authors find their muse, especially when its not one of the frequently cited subjects. On the Edge of Sunrise is the first book in your series, The Long-Hair Saga. What can you tell us about your plan for this series?
CRM: The primary name of the series ‘Long-Hair’ derives from the term applied to Frank barbarian nobles. These nobles wore their hair long to distinguish their status. My hero, Garic, is a Frank noble and First Counsel to his chieftain. Arria is a Roman envoy and a senator’s daughter.
When barbarian raiders abduct Arria, Garic rescues her—and their adventure begins. With Attila bearing down on Gaul and amidst political intrigue and a mysterious riddle, their attraction is undeniable, but forbidden. Torn between duty and desire, Arria and Garic are faced with an even bigger challenge, helping to save the empire. On the Edge of Sunrise is the debut novel that leads into a series where Arria and Garic find themselves in a variety of suspenseful adventures. My second book in the Long-Hair Saga, The Quest for The Crown of Thorns is a historical romantic mystery/suspense novel. It has an August 2016 publication date. Book three is currently simmering in my head.
H: That's exciting! There is nothing worse as a reader to wait forever for the next installment to come out! Did you do a lot of research before writing the book? What type of research?
CRM: I did quite a bit of research before I even wrote the first chapter, but I also research things along the way as well. I have several bookshelves filled with books about the Franks, the Huns, Attila, the fall of the Roman Empire, women in ancient Rome, paganism, magic, Germanic mythology, Christians in late antiquity, ancient medicine, books on Latin, the Roman world and more. I also belong to online forums where I’m able to interact with scholars and experts about this era and the ancient world. I love the library and librarians! I find the atmosphere relaxing, and I usually can find whatever it is I’m looking for. Librarians are great research assistants. If the information exists, they will help you find it. A librarian helped me to find the flora, trees, and shrubs in northern ancient Gaul. I was amazed and thrilled.
H: I agree, librarians are your best friend with research! I have learned that through various school projects. Regarding your Long Hair series, why have you chosen to write a historical romance novel as opposed to any other genre or subgenre?
CRM: As a young girl, I would often shut myself in my bedroom and devour a book, usually one set in the past. Reading classic novels was an early passion of mine. At fourteen, I chose War and Peace by Tolstoy to read for a book report. I eagerly consumed the classics, English, American, European and Asian fiction, poetry, biographies, political works and religious philosophies. As my work life became more intense, I found that I wanted to read a historical novel with an adventurous plot. I guess one might say I turned to the dark side—genre fiction! Anne Rice’s vampires brought historical settings to life and demonstrated a diversity of human traits despite their undead status. Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series captured my attention with her vibrant characters, Scottish history, romance, and a splash of fantasy. I felt compelled to move in the direction of a well-researched romantic historical. From a writer’s perspective, fifth century Rome and the barbarian Franks filled the niche for drama, intrigue and a fresh era.
H: Wow! War and Peace! I haven't yet attempted that one yet. When you are not reading for research, what type of books or what authors do you enjoy reading?
CRM: These days, I read mostly historical novels. I’m just finishing Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart. It’s a romantic suspense novel. I read a lot of Steven Saylor. I love his mysteries set in ancient Rome and his prose is fabulous. I’m a Penman fan and I like Helen Hollick. I’m the kind of reader who will go wherever you want to take me; just hook me with a great plot (subplots always welcome) and solid prose.
H: I'm the same way, willing to check out any time or place! For those who have not read your work, how would you describe your writing style?
CRM: I like page-turners, so I’ve tried to keep my story fast-paced. I lean more towards dialogue. I also like a crisp narrative, but there’s a place, in my opinion, for a lyrical tone in narrative as well. I think my characters’ inner dialogue is at times philosophical, but that is somewhat an aspect of my personality. Introspection adds dimension to characters. I also feel that the sensuality in my romantic historical adds a pinch of spice that makes the reading even more pleasurable.
H: Awesome! Have you had any struggles in the writing/publishing process? How have you worked through these? Anywords of wisdom for aspiring authors?
CRM: From the very first word on paper and until I signed a contract took about nine years. One of the ‘signs’ that kept me motivated was that people who knew me never seemed to forget I was writing a novel. They would always ask me how it was going. I felt encouraged by this and determined. I made some goals for myself. I joined several writing groups and formed my own novelist group. I surrounded myself with other writers with the same goals—to become better writers and to work towards publication. There were more than a few times, when I felt like quitting, but I couldn’t. Something wouldn’t let me. Then, one day, as I sat in my car in a library parking lot, I checked my email, and the offer was there. A London and New York based publisher, Knox Robinson Publishing wanted to publish my book. I cried happy tears.
The best advice I can offer anyone is the model for determination I used. In the movie, The Shawshank Redemption, the character Andy, played by Tim Robbins, goes to prison for killing his wife and her lover, a crime he did not commit. For two decades, he picks away at the wall in his cell with a stolen rock hammer to create a hole large enough for him to escape from prison and finally find freedom. I loved the message in this story. If there is anything you really want—keep at it, pick away at it—and you may accomplish your goal. If you don’t reach your goal, your effort isn’t totally lost. It may lead you to a new goal and maybe, an even better one. Think positively!
H: Those are some great words to live by! Thanks for sharing your inspirational story.
Cynthia Ripley Miller is the author of On the Edge of Sunrise, the first novel in the Long-Hair Sagas, a series set in Late Ancient Rome and France. She has lived and travelled in Europe, Africa, North America and the Caribbean, taught history and currently teaches English. Her short stories have appeared in the anthology Summer Tapestry, The Scriptor, and at Orchard Press Mysteries.com. She lives with her husband, twin cats, and German Shepherd in a suburb of Chicago.
When love commands, destiny must obey. Against an epic background and torn between duty and passion, Arria Felix, a Roman senator’s daughter, must choose between Rome’s decadent world and her forbidden love—Garic, a Frank barbarian noble.
The year is AD 450. The Roman Empire wanes as the Medieval Age awakens. Attila the Hun and his horde conquer their way across Europe into Gaul. Caught between Rome’s tottering empire and Attila’s threat are the Frankish tribes and their ‘Long-Hair’ chiefs, northern pagans in a Roman Christian world, and a people history will call the Merovingians.
A young widow, Arria longs for a purpose and a challenge. She is as well versed in politics and diplomacy as any man … but with special skills of her own. The Emperor Valentinian, determined to gain allies to help stop the Huns, sends a remarkable envoy, a woman, to the Assembly of Warriors in Gaul. Arria will persuade the Franks to stand with Rome against Attila.
When barbarian raiders abduct Arria, the Frank blue-eyed warrior, Garic, rescues her. Alarmed by the instant and passionate attraction she feels, Arria is torn between duty and desire. Her arranged betrothal to the ambitious tribune, Drusus, her secret enlistment by Valentinian as a courier to Attila the Hun, and a mysterious riddle—threaten their love and propel them into adventure, intrigue, and Attila’s camp. Rebels in a falling empire, Arria and Garic must find the strength to defy tradition and possess the love prophesied as their destiny.
Giveaway!!! The giveaway is for 1 copy of On the Edge of Sunrise by Cynthia Ripley Miller (paperback or ebook, winner's choice). Print books to US residents only, ebooks are open internationally. Here are the rules:
Must be 18 or older to enter.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
Entries are made through the Rafflecopter below; good luck all!
A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica’s Rebellion by Ruth Downie, Stephanie Dray, E. Knight, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, S.J.A. Turney, and Russell Whitfield ARC, e-book, 440 pages Knight Media, LLC November 13, 2015 ★★★★ ½☆
Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Stories
Source: Received for review as part of HFVBT tour
Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Celt . . . and these are their stories.
A calculating queen sees the sparks of revolt in a king’s death.
A neglected slave girl seizes her own courage as Boudica calls for war.
An idealistic tribune finds manhood in a brutal baptism of blood and slaughter.
A conflicted warrior hovers between loyalty to tribe and loyalty to Rome.
A death-haunted Druid challenges the gods themselves to ensure victory for his people.
An old champion struggles for everlasting glory in the final battle against the legions.
A fiery princess fights to salvage the pieces of her mother’s dream as the ravens circle.
A novel in seven parts, overlapping stories of warriors and peacemakers, queens and slaves, Romans and Celts who cross paths during Boudica’s epic rebellion. But who will survive to see the dawn of a new Britannia, and who will fall to feed the ravens?
Last year I read the two historical fiction collections that were released in this new style of anthology where each story interconnects with each other: Grand Central and A Day of Fire. I loved both of these collections for how each short story stood on its own and then how they tied together to comprise a greater novel as a whole. So when I heard that some of the authors from A Day of Fire were getting together to write a novel of Boudica’s rebellion, I knew I was definitely reading this one – and I am so glad that I did.
So I want to take a few minutes to say a couple things about each story before I cover the collection as a whole.
The Queen by Stephanie Dray
This first chapter starts off with some backstory provided by Queen Cartimandua. She is the queen of a rival tribe in Briton and she supports that Romans in their quest to bring Briton under control. Hers is also the first perspective that we see Boudica from and that is from a sort of inside/sort of outside view. Her style of rule serves as a foil for Boudica and serves to set up the perspective of the Romans toward the Britons and vice versa. I found myself really liking Cartimandua and wanting to know more about her life.
The Slave by Ruth Downie
Ria is a slave within Boudica’s tribe and she again stands to serve as a sort of inside/sort of outside perspective. Unlike Cartimandua she is a part of the Iceni tribe, but is just a slave.
The Tribune by Russell Whitfield
The first thing I can say of this chapter is, oh the language! It is quite foul language, however it serves to set you right within the mindset of a soldier’s life quickly. This is a chapter that serves to establish a view of idealism vs. reality within the Roman ranks. There were some well written battle scenes here that ease the reader into the battles to come.
The Druid by Vicky Alvear Shecter
This was a powerful chapter – very powerful. The chapter features as druid, Yorath, and a Roman soldier and the interplay between them is some of the more powerful of the book. I was sad throughout most of this chapter, for both parties involved.
The Son by S.J.A Turney
I think that Andecarus was my favorite character from the entire novel. He is similar to Cartimandua because he straddles the line between Roman and Briton, but his conscience is more torn. Cartimandua is doing what she believes is right for her people; but Andecarus is an Iceni who spent a significant portion of his life among the Romans and his loyalties will certainly come into question here.
The Warrior by Kate Quinn
Kate had the climactic scene in A Day of Fire and she has it again here too, and handles is magnificently might I add. Duro, right hand man to Queen Boudica leads the warriors into the battle against the Romans. But the best part of this chapter is that of the interplay between Duro and his newly acquired Roman slave. I found the reaction of his Roman slave toward her captor to be interesting because they are very human. The sides don’t exactly matter; it was refreshing to see the humanity here despite the circumstances.
The Daughters by E. Knight
This chapter serves to bring the story full circle and we see the results and aftermath of the rebellion. It is a gut-wrencher for sure. However as much as I felt for them, I didn’t love the chapter. While it was an appropriate choice of closing narrators – the daughters of Boudica, I think I would have liked their perspective a little bit earlier in the novel.
I think that the choices of narration characters were spot on. There were those that represented the Roman legions, supporters of Queen Boudica, Britons who are outside the rebellion, and then those who straddle the line of humanity. The chapters alternated almost every chapter between a Roman and Briton perspective which served to keep a balanced view of the rebellion. It was both a frustration and an excellent writing choice to not have Boudica narrate a chapter herself. It would have been easy to have her narrate the great battle scene – the pinnacle of her rebellion, but at the same time, it is more powerful to see the information from the outside because no matter how close to the queen they are, they will always be an outsider in some form. I loved the structure of this novel and the tale told of the little guy going up against the behemoth of Rome.
The H Team is a loose collection of historical fiction authors that unite to write short story collections. Some of the authors previously collaborated for the following book:
A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii By Stephanie Dray, Ben Kane, E. Knight, Sophie Perinot, Kate Quinn, and Vicky Alvear Shecter [My Review]
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a Celtic inspired set of silver tone metal and red Swarovski crystal beads, including a necklace, bracelet, and earrings inspired by the setting of A Year of Ravens! Please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form that can be reached here. Please note that this is a tour-wide giveaway and as such I have no control over the giveaway in and of itself.
Rules
Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Giveaway is open to residents in the US and UK.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn Book 4 in The Empress of Rome series Kindle e-book, 528 pages Berkley March 3, 2015 ★★★½☆☆
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Received from the publisher for review (also purchased my own copy because I didn’t like the formatting of the ARC)
National bestselling author Kate Quinn returns with the long-awaited fourth volume in the Empress of Rome series, an unforgettable new tale of the politics, power, and passion that defined ancient Rome.
Elegant, secretive Sabina may be Empress of Rome, but she still stands poised on a knife’s edge. She must keep the peace between two deadly enemies: her husband Hadrian, Rome’s brilliant and sinister Emperor; and battered warrior Vix, who is her first love. But Sabina is guardian of a deadly secret: Vix’s beautiful son Antinous has become the Emperor’s latest obsession.
Empress and Emperor, father and son will spin in a deadly dance of passion, betrayal, conspiracy, and war. As tragedy sends Hadrian spiraling into madness, Vix and Sabina form a last desperate pact to save the Empire. But ultimately, the fate of Rome lies with an untried girl, a spirited redhead who may just be the next Lady of the Eternal City…
I posted an “in progress” review of this book back in March just after it was published as part of a tour with HFVBT, however at that time (due to the date the book arrived and the date I was scheduled on the tour) I had only had a chance to read about 20% of the book. And it took some time to finally finish it, but I now have a final full review.
First, I want to talk about the series itself. I had only read books 1, 2, and a fraction of book 3 in the series before starting into Lady of the Eternal City - so I essentially jumped right in to the middle of Vix and Sabina’s story. This is one of those series where I highly advocate reading the volumes in order for best character development and to get a full feel of the series. If pressed, at least read books 1 and 3 (book 2 is slightly along a different, earlier, story line – comprised of an entirely different cast of characters, so it helps set the period, but doesn’t much contribute to the need to understand the characters). That being said, I still found that I was able to follow along with their stories as there is enough background information to fill in some of the gaps and a could infer character development events (although I get the feeling that reading book 3 now will be a little less exciting as I now know the resolutions to things that would have only been introduced in the prior book). There even is enough reference to remind me of what happened in the first book, Mistress of Rome, which I read quite a while ago.
One thing that I found interesting in comparing my early perceptions of this book with my final thoughts was how my perspective of the characters changed. Early on I noted that I preferred the chapters from the perspectives of the adults as I didn’t find the importance of the children’s chapters…however…overall I found that I enjoyed the chapters of the children better. The adults were always either sad, angry, or brooding, while the children were having all kinds of adventures, emotional development, and things happening to them.
One reason it took me so long to get through this novel is that I put it down due to some stuff going on in my life at the time and just couldn’t find the excitement to go back and pick it up. I found the first third and last third of the novel to be riveting, but the middle (where I happened to put it down) was somewhat dragging to me – which felt a little unlike the experience I have had with other books by this author where I have been riveted the whole time. The war in Judea and the sulking/anger/issues of Vix, Sabina, and Hadrian just dragged for me. Once they got back to Rome I found the pace picked back up and I was sucked back in. That being said, Kate Quinn’s signature writing style is here in full force here – the wit and charisma of the characters just shines through the pages and that is something I always enjoy and look forward to in her books. I was a little afraid of how the book would end the series, but found the ending to be rewarding and appropriate and not at all how I feared!
This is the fourth novel that I have read by the author and it probably is my least favorite of them. However, please note that I hold Quinn’s works in high esteem and she is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, so even though this one was a little off of the mark for me in terms of her works as a whole, I still hold it highly compared to many I have read in the genre as a whole. I will definitely be going back to read Empress of the Seven Hills to get the backstory I missed out on as well as reading any other works by this author.
If you would like a preview of the story, check out this sample.
The Roman Mask by Thomas M.D. Brooke Paperback & Kindle, 388 pages Published June 29, 2015 by CreateSpace ISBN: 1514343266 Genre: Historical Fiction/Adventure/Action
Book Blurb:
What is it we normally expect of the leading character in our books? Self-sacrifice? Bravery? Strength of character? Possibly with a hint of self-deprecation? Well, Cassius doesn’t have any of those. Cynicism – yes. Cowardice – possibly. Prepared to live a lie in order to further his own ends – absolutely!
It is Rome AD 9 and Augustus Caesar rules Imperial Rome at the height of its power, as the Roman Empire stretches across the known world. Cassius, son of one of her most powerful families, is the personification of Rome’s imperial strength: wealthy, popular, a war hero with a decorated military career. None of Rome’s fashionable parties are complete without him.
But he hides a secret.
After his nerve is broken in Germany, even the thought of genuine armed combat is enough to send him into a cold sweat. But this doesn’t dissuade him from living off a false reputation so he can continue a life of womanising, wine and wild parties, as he is seduced by the many vices of Rome. However, his scandalous life is interrupted by a summons from the emperor’s wife. It ends his happy decadent life and returns him to Germany to assist the Roman legions in their greatest ever trial. The events will resound through history, in the dark forests of the Teutoburg …
I have researched the calamitous history of the doomed legions that marched into the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, using a wide range of historical sources including the classical works of Tacitus and the more recent archaeological findings of the early 1990s in Kalkriese. I have put my complicated hero, who clearly suffers from the post-traumatic stress of his last encounter with the German tribes, at the centre of the events that rocked Rome to its foundations. How can a man, so flawed in so many respects, possibly impact on these terrible events? By his humanity, by coming to terms with his flaws, and learning to stop hating himself for them. It is a tale of betrayal and hardship, but also personal redemption.
Thomas Brooke lives in London where he works in the exciting, and sometimes crazy, fashion world. He is also a committed writer and he spends as much time as he can in his beloved Northumbrian hills, where up until recently could be seen walking with his black Labrador Fergus, who sadly passed in January 2015. Fergus was a constant companion to the writing of the novel and prevented many writers’ tantrums.
Roman Mask is Thomas Brooke’s second novel, although this will be the first available for sale.
As well as writing novels, he also writes a blog on both historical and fantasy genre novels.
Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn Book 4 in The Empress of Rome series ARC, e-book, 528 pages Berkley March 3, 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Received from the publisher for review with HFVBT
National bestselling author Kate Quinn returns with the long-awaited fourth volume in the Empress of Rome series, an unforgettable new tale of the politics, power, and passion that defined ancient Rome.
Elegant, secretive Sabina may be Empress of Rome, but she still stands poised on a knife’s edge. She must keep the peace between two deadly enemies: her husband Hadrian, Rome’s brilliant and sinister Emperor; and battered warrior Vix, who is her first love. But Sabina is guardian of a deadly secret: Vix’s beautiful son Antinous has become the Emperor’s latest obsession.
Empress and Emperor, father and son will spin in a deadly dance of passion, betrayal, conspiracy, and war. As tragedy sends Hadrian spiraling into madness, Vix and Sabina form a last desperate pact to save the Empire. But ultimately, the fate of Rome lies with an untried girl, a spirited redhead who may just be the next Lady of the Eternal City…
Please note, this review is an “in-progress” review as I only had 2 days between receiving the book and the date of my tour stop. I crammed in as much reading as I could over those two days, but at 528 pages, I have only made it 20% of the way through it (which I think is actually pretty darn good). A full and complete review will be forthcoming.
Additionally, I have only read a fraction of book 3 in the series, Empress of the Seven Hills, so I’m essentially jumping in to the middle of Vix and Sabina’s story. This is one of those series where I highly advocate reading the volumes in order – or at least books 1, 3, and 4 (as book 2 is slightly along a different story line – comprised of an entirely different cast of characters). That being said, I still find that I am able to follow along with their story as there is enough background information to fill in some of the gaps (although I get the feeling that reading book 3 now will be a little less exciting). There even is enough reference to remind me of what happened in the first book, Mistress of Rome, which I read quite a while ago.
So far I think there have been four characters who point of view we see the story from: Vix, Sabina, Antinous, and Annia. So far, I’m enjoying the Vix and Sabina perspectives most, by I feel that Antinous and Annia will grow into more important characters as the book progresses. Kate Quinn’s signature style is here in full force – the wit and charisma of the characters just shines through the pages. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to read more!
