Look within: do not allow the special quality or worth of anything to pass you by.
I love this quote and I love the wisdom that runs througLook within: do not allow the special quality or worth of anything to pass you by.
I love this quote and I love the wisdom that runs through this book. It’s such a simple idea and it is also a very true one. Make the most of everything and everyone, of every situation and chance that life throws your way because when they have passed, we may not get them again.
Marcus Aurelius is full of logic and revealing comments about life, death and the universe. His meditations are very open and very honest. And I found them quite touching. The history of his reign as Roman Emperor is impressive, but behind all his success was a very human person struggling and suffering with the same problems that plague all of us. He comes to terms with his mortality and his insignificance in the face of history and time. We are all of us only here a brief time, and we need to make the most of it.
All is ephemeral, both memory and the object of memory
The book moves into discussions over the temporary nature of things, of relationships and friendships and feelings. Everything changes given enough time, even memories and their ramifications. Aurelius soul searches. He writes these words during times of peace and war, during times of duty and heart ache, though his tone rarely changes. He remains detached and accepting of destiny and where it may take him. From this he ponders how to give life meaning and purpose.
Aurelius suggests that one of the ways we can do this is through work, real work and toil as we strive to meet our goals. He suggests that it is an edifying pursuit, to serve the development of humanity. It gives life meaning and purpose as we work and improve. He also argues for the creation of art and that in attaining it, it's one of the greatest pursuits we can follow because of how it benefits mankind. I agree with so many of the sentiments in here, and those that challenged my own beliefs got me thinking about the nature of life....more
I was visiting a city for the day with a friend of mine; it was cold outside and we’d taken refuge in thDear Ovid,
You made me look like a sex pest.
I was visiting a city for the day with a friend of mine; it was cold outside and we’d taken refuge in this really quaint bookstore. It wasn’t one of the chain ones, but a really quirky independent bookstore that had shelves packed with tomes and all sorts of literary marvels.
I spent a large amount of money in there Ovid. I bought things at random without really paying attention to what they were: I just wanted them all, you know how it is. I saw this nice big slip cased edition of your poetry so, naturally, I thought I’d have that. When I took it to the cash register the woman behind the till was smirking at me. I had no idea why at the time. I thought she was laughing at the amount of books I bought not the book I bought.
This is where it gets really awkward Ovid. During the train journey back home my friend asked me what books I bought. So I innocently showed her. I got all my books out of my bag and we sat there looking at them. She opened my new explicitly illustrated copy of The Art of Love that showcased instructional images and poetry about the pleasures of oral sex. Our friendship has never been quite the same since. You could have warned me Ovid. I honestly thought we were pals.
I can’t put pictures in this letter, but you know the type they are: they are essentially pornography albeit that of a colourful and artistic variety. Just the sort of thing you like. They’re not the type you show your friends on a public train (if at all).
So thanks Ovid for making me look like a weird sex pest that day with my big book of poetry porn. Speaking of which, I found it quite bland. I’m sure it would be fun for those who have little imagination.
All the best from your extremely embarrassed former friend, Sean...more
Yes, I am still going- just barely though. I have nine left after this one. It’s been over two years. I will have a party when I finally finish, a booYes, I am still going- just barely though. I have nine left after this one. It’s been over two years. I will have a party when I finally finish, a bookish party involving me and a few books that don’t bore me.
So here I am about to complain about another edition. The point of this collection is to try and tease the reader, to give him/her a taster of a work before trying the whole piece. It may come in the form of a few poems or short story or novella. In truth, there’s not much material in them, but enough for a reader to decide whether they want to read more of this writer or not. I bought this collection to increase my literary knowledge, to get a feel for different genres and literary eras and perhaps find some great texts.
I have found a few, but not many. As time has gone on my enthusiasm for reading this collection has waned, mainly because I mistakenly cherry picked the ones I knew I would like first. What are left are the dull ones I simply don’t want to read. This is one is no exception. The poetry is fairly pleasant to read, but there is absolutely no context. Without any form of introduction, even a paragraph or two would suffice, I have no idea where this sits in relation to the rest of the work. It's like opening a five hundred page book on random page (let’s say 234) and expecting to understand what’s happening. It doesn’t work. This edition doesn’t work, yet another bad egg in the collection.
Penguin Little Black Classic- 76
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The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection....more
I do enjoy a good military style book about ancient Rome, though this one didn’t quite carry the intensity of the first one in the series. It lacked tI do enjoy a good military style book about ancient Rome, though this one didn’t quite carry the intensity of the first one in the series. It lacked the energy and bloodbath its predecessor drove to.
The best part of the writing is how the ignorance, and supposed superiority, of the Romans was channelled. Centurion Tulus considers his enemies, the German tribesman, savages because they slaughtered an army of Rome, but the actions of the mighty Romans- the slaughtering of women and children- is just an acceptable means of war. There’s something terribly dangerous about that mind-set, and although it was uncomfortable to read, it is one many Romans possessed. It’s the brutal reality of colonial rule, and the author portrayed it here very honestly.
Tullus stole the show this time round. His characterisation has been built upon; he is a typical legionary and has the mind of a solider, but unlike most Romans, he is aware of the flaws of his empire. He still follows his orders, and excuses them, but he sees the weaknesses: he sees the cracks. The main problem with the Roman army was its command structure. The lower level officers are all promoted on merit, but some of the higher officers are only there for one reason: their right of birth. Thus, juveniles and all sorts of incompetent people are in charge of thousands of men. Only bad things could happen.
Experienced centurions like Tullus see the blunders coming a mile away, but they are powerless to prevent them. No one listens to him, and when he tries to prevent disaster his station prevents his voice carrying any weight. Thus a mass mutiny takes hold of the camp, one very dramatic and entertaining to read about. But this is only the start of the action. The real threat is Arminus, one of the so called savage German tribesmen, and he is out to crush Rome once more. Tullus wants revenge for his men, as the rivalry between the two men is extended upon further.
So this was a good book but it is very much the middle of the series, a set up job for the final instalment. I do look forward to reading it, and I think it will be much stronger than this book here (hopefully.) History dictates the ending, of course, but I look forward to reading about it nevertheless....more
“Without him we would have failed on every occasion”
It’s nice to see some real loyalty. Cassius has grown a great deal across this series. He still “Without him we would have failed on every occasion”
It’s nice to see some real loyalty. Cassius has grown a great deal across this series. He still bears the arrogance of a Roman officer, but his superiority complex is slowly fading. He has come to appreciate his bodyguard’s skills and, more importantly, his friendship. So when Indavara is mysteriously abducted, no easy feat considering his experience as a Gladiator, Cassius has the reaction I wanted to see.
He is pinned down by orders from his superior and a promising promotion, but such things are useless if you don’t have your best friend at your back. For all their disagreements, Cassius knows how lucky he has been to have such a loyal protector over the years. It’s now his chance to demonstrate his own loyalty, and his own abilities: it’s his chance to stand on his own two feet and go and save his friend. But where can he start? The trail is completely cold, and he knows next to nothing about who the abductors could be. In reality, it’s an almost hopeless task.
"I know. I wonder what he must think of his precious Fortuna now. I wonder if he believes she has forsaken him "
So, as ever, Cassius drowns his woes in drink. But the plot doesn’t stay in one place for long. An old friend, an ally from the first book, comes begging his help. He has a similar problem: his daughters have gone missing, someone has abducted them too. The cases sound very similar, and a mutual agreement of help is made. Rather than sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Cassius starts a new mission; this time outside the bounds of his professional capacity: he has gone rogue in order to save his friends.
What follows is a much darker chapter for Cassius. I think he is beginning to learn new things about himself and what the service actually stands for. Sometimes killing a man is necessary to keep the peace, sometimes brutal underhand tactics are needed to keep stability in the region. And whilst technically working for himself this time round, I think Cassius has come to truly appreciate the need for such work. What he discovers at the root of the problem is nothing short of vile corruption and excess. He knows how to respond, and it isn’t with words and diplomacy.
"They have this nickname- because they do what they want and take what they want. They call themselves the Earthly Gods."
I always enjoy Nick Brown’s Agent of Rome books. The last one ended on a strong cliff-hanger, and I must say I wasn’t disappointed with the answers this time round. They allow the series to move even further forward. And, I must say, I’m rather curious to see if Simo will be reunited with Patch the donkey. Patch is slowly becoming a fourth member of the group, at least from Simo and Indavara’s point of view. This one also ended on a strong note, one that has left me eager again to read the next book. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Patch.
- The publisher/author sent me this copy in exchange for an honest review
This was terrifying, terrifying because a man such as this actually had control of an entire Empire. H“Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.”
This was terrifying, terrifying because a man such as this actually had control of an entire Empire. How could such a thing happen? His peers clearly noticed he wasn’t exactly normal. I wonder if power sent him mad or madness sent him to power. People were clearly afraid of this guy. Who in their right mind would sit down to dinner, and watch a round of torture for entertainment?
"Everything that Gaius said and did was marked with equal cruelty, even during his hours of rest and amusement and banquetry. He frequently had trials of torture held in his presence while he was eating or otherwise enjoying himself, and kept an expert headsman in readiness to decapitate the prisoners brought in from jail."
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But that’s the point. Caligula wasn’t in his right mind. From incest to praying for disaster, so his reign would have something memorable to mark it with, Caligula did it all. Murder, death threats and torture were his hobbies. Criticising his most recent sexual partner’s performance at dinner parties in which their entire family was invited was just an easy laugh for him. Stealing the wealth of the aristocracy, by forcing them to name him as their heir, was just a way of staying in power. He even punished his subordinates for carrying out his exact orders, and killed others for failing to do so. How could anybody win with this guy?
All in all, it wasn't a very good time to be alive in Rome. Caligula must have been a truly impossible man to serve under. Nobody was safe during his reign. He even proclaimed himself a God. The last paragraph of this biography says it all for me:
“On the night before his assassination he dreamed that he was standing beside Jupiter’s heavenly throne, when the god kicked him with the great toe of his right foot and sent him tumbling down to earth.”
This is a really interesting account. It’s not really impartial, but judging by the material, it would be hard to be. Caligula was just too absurd. Men like him are why Rome fell. It almost felt, at times, that Suetonius was attempting dry humour. I certainly laughed, even if it was in a benign way, at the ridiculousness and evilness of Caligula. He’s a man that should never have been in power.
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The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection. ...more
In my reading life I’ve come across a number of moronic protagonists; it’s only natural. But, sometimes one is just SO stupid that the entire novel isIn my reading life I’ve come across a number of moronic protagonists; it’s only natural. But, sometimes one is just SO stupid that the entire novel is sacrificed in the process. You know the type I mean, a character that is written so badly that his actions just don’t correspond with his rank or personality. He’s one that just doesn’t quite work.
Cato is a Prefect in the Roman army, so that means he is second in command of an entire legion. Therefore, he is supposed to be experienced and possess some degree of tactical intelligence. He is characterised as being so, but here are three instances in which his behaviour suggests otherwise:
1. He charges blindly into a gorge situated between two overshadowing cliff faces. The enemy are waiting inside; they taunt him to enter. His orders are clear; he is to attack. He doesn’t suspect anything odd about the situation; he does his duty. So, when the enemy appear on the cliff face sand start slaughtering his men with a bombardment of rocks he is utterly shaken. It was clearly a trap. Why couldn’t an experienced Prefect see this when I could? Why didn’t he refute his superior more and protect his men? Why didn’t he prepare more? Why is he so stupid?
2. He tries to save some men stranded in the middle of a sea storm. He forgets all protocol and charges into the fray. There are heroics and then there is plain stupidity. It takes more than bravery to be a Prefect; it takes intelligence and forbearance. This situation was one nobody could have realistically survived. Why not just send a grunt?
3.He does another death charge across the battlefield to get back his standard. So, this is important, but it felt ridiculous. He, and two other guys, ran through enemy ranks, skirmishes and the entire chaos of the battlefield. They somehow survive and are opposed by very few men. This just defied reality and any common sense. Why didn’t he take more men with him? Why was he barely opposed? How did he survive?
This just ruined it for me. The protagonist felt superhuman and not at all tactfully aware. The plot had potential, but I like characters to be consistent, and in a book like this I need to at least be under the illusion that the characters could die. In this they felt invincible and overpowered. There was very little behaviour that corresponded with his rank to boot. This was a bad book, but I am willing to give the author another shot in the future. I will be trying one of the earlier books and hoping for more than this because this whole thing felt cheap.
This was massively underwhelming. The plot was terrible; it had no real development or drive. In reality, it barely existed at all. The story just folThis was massively underwhelming. The plot was terrible; it had no real development or drive. In reality, it barely existed at all. The story just followed the lives of some rather mundane characters. There was little to keep me reading. They weren’t really striving for anything, beyond survival; thus, I found myself getting quite bored with their stories. They just weren’t very remarkable. The historical detail was minimal, and the random magic elements that were worked in the plot were just so pointless that they might as well have been taken out.
I was rather annoyed.
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I would even go as far to say that this wasn’t really historical fiction. Well, at least not in the traditional sense. The author has evoked the era well in terms of the social aspects she portrayed. The Roman Empire’s brutality can be seen in the stories; they are ignorant to ways that are not their own. They are quick to supress and control. But, in terms of the huge political events, the ones that change governments and shape nations, this was hugely underdeveloped. It was barely portrayed at all; it wasn’t the focus of the story, the characters were. So, it remained forever in the background. This was more a chronicling of their lives rather than a portrayal of real historical detail. As a huge fan of historical fiction, I was incomparably disappointed because there was so little history involved. The cover was very missleading.
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The prose was heavily descriptive. It was massively convoluted in this. The desert scenes were painstakingly arduous in their perpetuity. They just didn’t seem to end. The dessert was clearly suggestive of the character’s situation; they were hopeless and despairing like the far reaching dry dunes. This is great, though I don’t need to be bombarded with the constant comparison. Then, at one point, she gives a ridiculously long section over to describing the wind. I mean the…wind. Great…. I get it. It’s the fucking wind. This needed some elements of subtlety in the writing, and a stripping back of its overworked imagery.
I’d just had enough of hearing about the desert, and it’s amazingly exciting wind, come the tenth time it was described.
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Then there are the characters themselves. I hated them. I hated them all, every last one of them. Well, except for the goat in the first part. I quite liked the goat. That says it all. When the goat is your favourite character in the novel, then you know that you hate it. Not that I’m against goats, but when I read a book I hope for something more than a goat that I can sympathise with. She did have it tough though, I mean, I wouldn’t have wanted to be dragged along with Hoffman’s characters. Well, that kind of happened when I read this excruciating novel, but not in the literal sense. Pity that goat my friends, pity her.
Some rewards just aren’t worth getting. Castus is once again rewarded for his heroism on the battlefield, and whilst this may have the appearance of aSome rewards just aren’t worth getting. Castus is once again rewarded for his heroism on the battlefield, and whilst this may have the appearance of a hero getting what he deserves the reality is somewhat different. He saved the Emperor Constantine’s life in an enemy charge and is granted the esteemed rank of Protector. But, it is a side of army life he hates; it is a side of human nature and the Empire he hates. All in all, it’s a crap promotion.
For duty, for honour and for Rome!
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Castus was made to be a Centurion; he trains and commands men with a natural ease: he is like Mars on the battlefield. It’s where he thrives and where he is comfortable. He wasn’t meant to be a glorified bodyguard who is privy to the court intrigue he despises. It’s a wasted opportunity on him. But, again, his duty to mother Rome demands that he takes the unwanted promotion even if he finds the very idea repulsive. Castus in an excellent Centurion, but when he is asked to be anything beyond that he, naturally, struggles; thus, throughout the novel he is way out of his depth.
Initially, he takes to his position with reluctance ease. It seems quite an easy and unglorified role to play. Slowly, the schemers begin to sniff around, and Castus finds himself in one big mess that he is unequipped to deal with. He finds himself in a situation where Constantine’s fate once again rests in the strength of his sword arm, and his feeble wits. Castus had no idea how to play people like he is being played; he cannot perceive much beyond the surface level of peoples intentions. It’s unfortunate because it almost leads to his demise, but, again, his brute strength carries him through.
An uncomfortable place for a man like this
I think Castus is a poor protagonist. He just cannot adapt and comes across as almost awkward. He doesn’t have the tools needed to deal with schemers, liars and usurpers. He does try to do his best, and he has learnt a little about Roman politics in the process, but it’s not enough. He needs to develop more. Indeed, he may not have developed the cunning he so desperately needs to survive, but after this experience he is more aware of his own faults. I’d like to see the character act upon them and become stronger in the process in the rest of the series. If he is the same again I will, no doubt, find the next novel a challenge.
Admittedly, he has come a long way in this book. Most Centurions wouldn’t have made it this far. He suggests he has been misjudged, and that he isn’t as bull headed as he appears. But, I’ve seen little to demonstrate his own justification. He just isn’t a well-rounded character. Any success he has feels like luck and happenchance. I don’t think he could realistically pull off another situation like this. He needs to return to the battlefield or become a different man. Overall, though, I did enjoy this. In terms of the plot, structure and writing this is very good. My only criticism resides with Castus and his limitations. I can only hope that he improves as a character in the next book.
Twilight of Empire 1. War at the Edge of the World-A fair 3 stars. 2. Swords Around the Throne - A limited three stars ...more
This is some very love sick poetry. Catullus is completely infatuated with his woman; he longs for her and truly, if somewhat naively, believes he canThis is some very love sick poetry. Catullus is completely infatuated with his woman; he longs for her and truly, if somewhat naively, believes he can make her happy. The poems tell the story of how they came to eventually hold each other in the same reverence, but the majority of the collection is him pinning for her. The result is a despairing set of verses by a man who is completely enthralled, and driven, by his love for a woman.
No woman loved, in truth, Lesbia As you by me; No love-faith found so true As mine in you.
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The poems have varying styles, but all go back to the thing said in the title. Catullus loves her and he also hates the fact that he does; he hates the fact that he has become overcome by emotion. Overall, I did enjoy reading these, however, many of them felt very similar. I noticed that the publishers had taken many of the poems out in the full sequence, and this does not affect the overall understandably of it. I think this speaks volumes for the repetitive nature of these poems.
Indeed, having read this I have no intention of reading the full work. This is not because I didn’t like these poems, but because I feel like this edition provides enough of the full picture that one needs. I really don’t think I could read through anymore poems that, on the basic level, say the same thing again and again. This edition gave me enough Catullus that I’ll ever need.
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The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection. ...more
I saw this at Shakespeare’s Globe in London last summer, and was absolutely amazed at the brutal brilliance of the production. The actor who played TiI saw this at Shakespeare’s Globe in London last summer, and was absolutely amazed at the brutal brilliance of the production. The actor who played Titus was superb; he captured Titus’s decent into madness perfectly by evoking a character that started out as strong and fearless to one who ended up unhinged and brutal. It is no wonder though that Titus fell into depravity because his house, and name, has been torn apart by revenge. Consequently, he embraces revenge, causing his madness, because his daughter was brutalised upon to inflict wounds upon him.
Lots of bloody violence
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Now this is a play that would have appealed to both the masses and the gentry of the Renaissance era. The play is violent, and I mean violent. There is something like fifteen deaths, a whole bunch of decapitations and one incredibly cruel rape. For theatre this is a very high toll. Thus, the Renaissance common folk would have been entertained because they had a taste for bloody spectacle. Moreover, the play retains the popular revenge theme through the sophistication of its plot, which would have appealed to more educated audience. In addition, it was delivered in the most eloquent of styles: Shakespearean Iambic Pentameter. Thus, the gentry too would have been entertained.
This is quite a feat in itself to write a play to appeal to audiences both high and low. However, in spite of this, this is commonly regarded as Shakespeare’s worse play. Some people even go as far to argue that because it is so poor, in their opinion, that he couldn’t of wrote it. I disagree with this assessment. I really enjoyed the play, but I must say it is a play that is performed better than it is read. This was written for the stage not the page.
Brutal revenge plot
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The plot begins with Titus returning to Rome as a victor of a successful campaign over the barbarous Goths. He has brought back their royalty, in chains, as his prize. He executes the eldest prince to appease the citizens of Rome. The Queen of the Goths, Tamora, swears revenge; she later seduces the new Emperor and embarks upon a quest that seeks the ruination of the house of Andronicus, which breeds more revenge. This time it is the hearts of the remaining members of the house of Andronicus.
Whilst Renaissance Tragedy was not meant to be didactical (used as a learning tool) like Greek Tragedy, I think a lot can be taken from revenge Tragedy. This may have been only staged to entertain, but it demonstrates the detrimental effects of revenge. If you revenge the death of a love one, whether justly or unjustly, it creates more revenge in the hearts of those you have revenged upon. This creates a vicious cycle that will only end with everyone dead. Indeed, revenge is something to be considered most carefully.
Overall, this is a great play. I don’t care what the critics say because this play is both entertaining and intellectual. The revenge theme keeps the reader/audience entertained whilst the creation of Titus’s fall from grace keeps the play sophisticated enough to merit the study of it. I do think if you’re a reader that hates Shakespeare, god forbid, then this is a play that may peak your interest. ...more
The fall of Icarus has long been an allegory for what happens if man overextends his reach; it has been a message that tells us that we all have our lThe fall of Icarus has long been an allegory for what happens if man overextends his reach; it has been a message that tells us that we all have our limits. It is a motif that resonates across the ages and has influenced other works of literature (Doctor Faustus) and even modern day television (Breaking Bad). The fall of Icarus is a message that everybody knows, and for good reason.
"The wax melted. Icarus moved his bare arms up and down, but without their feathers they had no purchase in the air."
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In spite of this, only three pages of this edition actually concern Icarus’s demise. I’m not entirely sure if that is the same as the full work but, I have my doubts. This would more aptly be named something like: “Tales from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.” This is because it reads like a series of Tales that only just seem to fit together.
However, I did really enjoy reading the rest of the Greek myths. Even enough to order a full copy of Metamorphoses, a lovely penguin clothbound I may add, which I look forward to reading in its full form.
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[image]
The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection. ...more
Who would have thought that Cassius would willingly accept a new mission? Well, if three men raided my house in the middle of the night and wounded myWho would have thought that Cassius would willingly accept a new mission? Well, if three men raided my house in the middle of the night and wounded my bodyguard, in a very sensitive area, I’d want to escape too. Indeed, someone is out to get Cassius, so he accepts what he believes to be a nice easy mission to get away from his pursuers. However, his new mission isn’t easy; it is quite the opposite and he becomes distracted from his investigation as his mysterious assailants gradually catch up with him. The result is a minor case of paranoia and an investigation that he would normally be able to solve with reluctant enthusiasm and ease.
A mission to escape
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Indeed, he is sent to investigate the production of counterfeit coins, which he does not take seriously at all. He is just too distracted. He treats the mission, in the beginning, as if it is unimportant and inconsequential; thus, he makes a massive mistake on the basis of some very flimsy evidence. The result is a minor humiliation that could become a major one if his mission isn’t brought to a speedy resolution. His reputation could become seriously tarnished if he doesn’t get himself together. But, the threat of his assailants lingers at the back of his mind, so his mission takes a backseat as his priority becomes his own safety.
The result is a character that does not have the same drive he once had. He lacks the enthusiasm he bore in the The Far Shore and the resilience he harboured in the The Siege. But, who can blame him? He is in fear for his life. He has made many potential enemies in his previous investigation and they may have finally caught up with him. It’s no wonder that he cannot focus on the current investigation that he is only utilizing as a means of escape.
Fantastic character dynamics
The plot did not start as fast in this book as it did in others, but it would be quite unrealistic if it did. This really lends itself to the brilliant characterisation in this series. Cassius had such a traumatic experience in the last book trying to recover The Black Stone that he is left in a state of unrest. He just wants to drink wine and chase girls not silver whilst trying to protect himself from a mysterious hunter. He no longer wants to risk his life for an ungracious Empire, but is duty bound to do so. Consequently, his enthusiasm is at an all-time low and his reluctance at an all-time high. Cassius needs the help of his two friends more than ever in this novel.
Cassius’s bodyguard, Indavara, has become somewhat of a laughing point for this novel, and it is for the right reasons. The bodyguard has gets himself into some rather tight scrapes, which makes for a more amusing dynamic between the trio than the previous intelligence insults directed at Indavara. Despite the personal crisis he has in this novel, Cassius would have been died long ago without him so he owes him his life several times over. In addition, Simo’s kindness and personal faith leads to some problematic encounters which almost danger the investigation itself. However, without his brilliant organisation skills Cassius would have struggled to unravel the tight web that leads to the coin counterfeiters. The two characters create many problems, but without their help Cassius would have completely failed this mission.
Overall, this is another brilliant edition in the series. The plot was not quite as fast in this one, but that was a necessary facet for the characters to overcome their personal obstacles and develop further. Indeed, the dynamic between the three characters is why I enjoy this series so much, and why I will continue to read it. Moreover, the ending page of this book really twisted everything around and will leave me in sustained suspense for the next year. This definitely was the strongest ending in the series so far....more
From a very young age Ermin has sworn vengeance against the Romans that have murdered his family, and brutalised his people. He attended the ritualistFrom a very young age Ermin has sworn vengeance against the Romans that have murdered his family, and brutalised his people. He attended the ritualistic execution of a group of legionaries when he was aged eight. The priest cut out their eyes so they could not see Ermin’s people; he cut out their tongues so they can no longer speak lies, and he removed their hearts so they were devoid of Roman courage. After watching the deeply symbolic sacrifice Ermin has one goal: to insure the Romans never slaughter his people again, and the revenge he later exacts is very suggestive of the ritual he once witnessed.
A cold plan for vengeance
Indeed, twenty one years later when the Romans have almost conquered Germania there is a surprise waiting for them. Ermin’s people have been subjugated and he now serves in a Roman cavalry unit; he has even adopted a new Roman name: Arminius. The Romans hold him in esteem and would never question his loyalty. But, he still secretly remembers the sacrifice. His vengeance is ready to surface. The Romans have no idea what is about to boil over, and to make things worse for them Arminius knows the Roman way of war; he respects it; he knows their tactics, and he knows how to defeat them. He is ready to strike.
The result is one massive ambush that I couldn’t wait to read. The suspense building up to it was huge. From the second chapter it was clear how this novel would end, and I couldn’t wait to get there. The alternating points of view helped to create this effect. Arminius has a point of view along with a Roman Centurion named Tullus, an annoying Roman legionary called Piso and the Roman governor of Germany: Varus. The switching of the point of views led to a very fulfilling action sequence, which also led us into the next book.
Brutally clever
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I really liked the deception in this novel; it made the novel more exciting than just reading about a standard tribal uprising that would try and defeat Rome is a straight forward way. The approach Arminius took was less direct and far more cunning. I realise that this was based upon truth, but I think the way the author delivered it was very clever. I actually began to feel sorry for the Romans because of the cold brutality of Arminius’s plan. It was quite ironic how the brutal oppressor became the victim of a cold, calculated plan that led to the slaughter of three whole legions in a display of brutal violence.
Overall this was very exciting book. It was obvious how it would end, history dictates it after all, but the author managed to create heaps of suspense to urge us into an ending we already know of. I like books like this, when you know how it will end but the plot is so engaging, and the characters so compelling, that reading about it is just as exciting as if you didn’t know how it would end. This is an author whose books I’ll be looking out for in the future.
Cassius is more suited to his new mission. Instead of being forced to act as a centurion, as he was in the first novel, he has been tasked with trackiCassius is more suited to his new mission. Instead of being forced to act as a centurion, as he was in the first novel, he has been tasked with tracking down the imperial banner. This is no ordinary banner; it is a war standard that holds the key to peace between Persia and Rome. Cassius has come a long way since the Siege and has a lot further to go if he wants to find the banner. The author creates a series of clues that keeps the reader engrossed in the story and at the same time has the characters guessing where they could lead.
A new central character has been added to this series, one that opens the book in a superbly barbaric manor. Indavara has gained his freedom from slavery by achieving twenty wins in the arena. His final win is a massively glorious feat that showers him in renown. This stubborn ex gladiator is everything Cassius is not: he is physically imposing; a warrior with few equals and is, essentially, innocent to the wider world.
“Those eyes of yours. Cold fury. Mars himself made flesh”
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The two characters complement each other rather well in their mission. Cassius has the brains and Indavara the muscle; however, none would be able to function without Cassius’s loyal manservant Simo. Simo’s compassion gifts him with the moral reasoning, thus he tries to sway the group to take the right action and holds them together at the same time. In this we have the making of an awkward, yet touching, three-way friendship that is sure to span the series.
The quest for the banner see’s the trio trek half way across the Syrian dessert, following a wayward wagon that leads them on a trail of bloodshed ending in Antioch. The city is like all other Roman cities: ripe with intrigue and those that wish to rise above their station. The author has captured the political intrigue of this city remarkable well. Cassius must differentiate between what is mere politics and what could be a possible lead to the banner.
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This book is completely different to the first one. I think it shows to things: Cassius’s potential as a character and the possibilities of where the series could go. He is an Imperial Service Agent and can be dispatched on a mission anywhere. The plot in later books could go to any corner of Rome’s Empire and give Cassius chance to develop further. One other important thing to note is that this series can be picked up anywhere in the sequence of novels. I started with the fourth book and have worked my way back from the first one. I’ve enjoyed reading how the relationships in book four have been formed in these early instalments.
Furthermore, I highly recommend this series to all lovers of mystery-style historical fiction. Though the first book doesn’t quite hit that genre, this one definitely does.
Below are links to my reviews of the rest of the series:
What would you do if your Centurion died in the middle of combat? Your Century is left leaderless, and the men’s morale hangs in the balance, do you fWhat would you do if your Centurion died in the middle of combat? Your Century is left leaderless, and the men’s morale hangs in the balance, do you flee or fight. Aurelius Castus, who was just a common legionary, stepped over his Centurion’s body and struck down the horseman that trampled him. Thus, in the brief prologue of the book the protagonist’s heroism is defined.
It’s no wonder then that after the campaign Castus was made a Centurion for his valour. He inspired his men and prevented them from crumbling. Indeed, he is the perfect person for the job: he fits the role of Centurion perfectly. Castus loves the Roman army above all else, and he loves being a Centurion. But, what he doesn’t love is the posting that came with the role. He has been sent to dreary Britain and given an assignment that he doesn’t fully understand.
A complex mission
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His mission appears to be simple and straightforward. He, with his century, is assigned as a guard escort for a diplomat who is to attend a Pictish peace conference. However, several members of the conference are poisoned and die. The Picts, quite naturally, blame the Romans who have just arrived at their settlement. The Picts attack the Romans with brutal savagery, and in the midst Castus realises that his mission may be not as clear cut as he supposed. Someone has deemed that he and his men are to die; they are to be sacrificed like pawns to stir the Picts into an uprising, so the Romans have an excuse to put them down.
The result is a big mess Castus doesn’t know how to solve. So he keeps his head down and continues to obey his orders to ensure his survival. He doesn’t voice his objections; he just accepts what has happened. His whole century is attacked, and he barely escaped with his life. Yet, he continues to be the obedient Roman officer. He should be angry with what has happened. He may not be able to voice this anger, but he should be venting it in private or internally. It just felt like he took what happened on the chin, shrugged his shoulders and then walked away. He should have been bitter and frustrated; he should have left what he once thought was an honourable army.
He's a weak protagonist
I think Castus is a very a-typical protagonist. There is nothing beyond the heroic mask of a Centurion. You could argue that this is true for all Centurions, and that it is a characteristic of the rank. This may be true, but it’s also true that it leaves us with a predictable protagonist. He prefers brute force to the complexities of tactics and battle plans; he simply charges in like a bull. Don’t get me wrong, he isn’t badly written, it’s just that his actions and responses can be anticipated too much. I just can’t see how he could grow as a character unless he abandoned the army which, of course, would never happen.
Overall, the intrigue of the plot helped to make this an interesting novel. The protagonist is too flat for my taste: he is simply a brave solider, but with very little beyond that. I do intend to read the next instalment in the series, and I do hope that Castus can bring a little more personality to his next mission.
Forget the harsh trials of the Siege and forget those of the the Imperial Banner because Cassius, Indavara and Simo face their biggest challenge to daForget the harsh trials of the Siege and forget those of the the Imperial Banner because Cassius, Indavara and Simo face their biggest challenge to date and their most brutal of enemies. When arriving on a small island to pick up some documents, they find their contact has been murdered. He was second in charge of Cassius’s order and has been assassinated in a most brutal manor. The culprit has left a trail albeit a very subtle one but, a trail nonetheless. The trio follow it across a stormy ocean, leading them to both a very nasty place and set of characters. One in particular, the agonist of this book, is the kinds of person proven soldiers are afraid of: he's not very nice at all.
“When the storm came, it came quickly.”
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This engaging whodunit is created very early on within the novel. This immediately drew me into the narrative. Cassius had to track down the killer and the reader has to know who the killer is. When it is eventually revealed, it leads to more questions and more problems on a larger scale. The complexity of the plot grows as the murder is revealed not to be a simple as it appeared to be. The victim wasn’t a very popular man and he has created some very dangerous enemies in his role in the Imperial security Service.
Again, the wonderful characterisation remains. The relationship between the three characters has developed further. Without his two friends Cassius would have no chance of success on this mission or the last one. Is arrogant Roman ways are very frustrating at times but, that is who he is. The man does need to learn to appreciate his friends a little more and to show it too. After the Imperial Banner Cassius and Indavara have become friends, though it still remains awkward. Mainly due to Cassius’ self-imposed sense of Roman superiority clashing with the ex-gladiators honesty and innocence. This leads to many entertaining character clashes.
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I enjoyed the first two books in the series immensely. The first book, The Siege, was paced brilliantly and had lots of action. The second book, The Imperial Banner, had a fantastic plot but, the action was sparser. On the other hand though, the author portrayed more of Roman society. This book, however, has achieved a perfect balance of the two. The elements of mystery are still captured as the trio attempt to discover the assassin and at the same time the plot is layered with action. The last quarter of the book is entirely action based and was very engrossing.
Another thing that struck me when reading this book was that it is wrote in a way that introduces new readers to the series without boring the readers that have read the entire series. I think this achieved remarkably well because new readers understand the character relationships and old readers get to see the developments within them.
Furthermore, this is another excellent instalment in the series. It kept me entertained and anxious to reach the ending. What more reason do you need to read a book of this type?
Below are links to my reviews of the rest of the series:
Sean Barrs
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Books:
ancient-rome
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