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Aelric #4
The Sword of Damascus
The triumphant Muslim capital is the setting for the fourth in the brilliant series set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, featuring the most compelling anti-hero since Flashman
Murderous intrigue brings Aelric—Blake's engaging, murderous antihero—to Damascus as the triumphant Muslim caliphate sweeps up from Arabia to threaten Constantinople itself. Aelric knows the secrets behind Greek Fire—the flame-throwers that have kept what is left of the once-mighty Roman empire safe until now. And he has very little choice about sharing them with the new rulers. Or so they think—for Aelric has not lost any of the cunning and courage that have kept him alive.
Murderous intrigue brings Aelric—Blake's engaging, murderous antihero—to Damascus as the triumphant Muslim caliphate sweeps up from Arabia to threaten Constantinople itself. Aelric knows the secrets behind Greek Fire—the flame-throwers that have kept what is left of the once-mighty Roman empire safe until now. And he has very little choice about sharing them with the new rulers. Or so they think—for Aelric has not lost any of the cunning and courage that have kept him alive.
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2011
14 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Richard Blake
79 books68 followersA pseudonym of Dr Sean Gabb.
Richard Blake is a writer, broadcaster and teacher. He lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.
For Hodder & Stoughton, he has written the following six historical novels: "Conspiracies of Rome" (2008), "Terror of Constantinople" (2009), "Blood of Alexandria" (2010), "Sword of Damascus" (2011), "Ghosts of Athens" (2012), "Curse of Babylon" (2013). These have been translated into Spanish, Italian, Greek, Slovak, Hungarian, Indonesian, and Chinese.
In 2015, Hodder & Stoughton republished all six novels in two omnibus volumes: "Death of Rome Saga 1" and "Death of Rome Saga 2."
As Sean Gabb, he has written these novels: "The Column of Phocas" (2006 - historical), "The Churchill Memorandum" (2011 - alternate history thriller), and "The Break" (post-apocalyptic science fiction). This novel was published in 2014, and nominated for the Prometheus Award, but has now been acquired by Caffeine Nights and withdrawn for republication in 2016 under the name Richard Blake. A further novel, "The York Deviation" (alternate history fantasy), is awaiting publication.
He also writes for Endeavour Press. His first historical novel for Endeavour, "Game of Empires," was published in May 2015. His next in this series, "Death in Ravenna," was published in August 2016. Hist next, "Crown of Empire," will be published in April 2016.
You can follow him on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/richard.blak...
You can also follow him on Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlakeTheWriter
His personal website is - http://www.richardblake.me.uk/
Richard Blake is a writer, broadcaster and teacher. He lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.
For Hodder & Stoughton, he has written the following six historical novels: "Conspiracies of Rome" (2008), "Terror of Constantinople" (2009), "Blood of Alexandria" (2010), "Sword of Damascus" (2011), "Ghosts of Athens" (2012), "Curse of Babylon" (2013). These have been translated into Spanish, Italian, Greek, Slovak, Hungarian, Indonesian, and Chinese.
In 2015, Hodder & Stoughton republished all six novels in two omnibus volumes: "Death of Rome Saga 1" and "Death of Rome Saga 2."
As Sean Gabb, he has written these novels: "The Column of Phocas" (2006 - historical), "The Churchill Memorandum" (2011 - alternate history thriller), and "The Break" (post-apocalyptic science fiction). This novel was published in 2014, and nominated for the Prometheus Award, but has now been acquired by Caffeine Nights and withdrawn for republication in 2016 under the name Richard Blake. A further novel, "The York Deviation" (alternate history fantasy), is awaiting publication.
He also writes for Endeavour Press. His first historical novel for Endeavour, "Game of Empires," was published in May 2015. His next in this series, "Death in Ravenna," was published in August 2016. Hist next, "Crown of Empire," will be published in April 2016.
You can follow him on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/richard.blak...
You can also follow him on Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlakeTheWriter
His personal website is - http://www.richardblake.me.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 23, 2021
Unlike its three predecessors, the Sword of Damascus (Damascus) takes place shortly before the narrative of the 96-year-old Aelric from the monastery at Jarrow (and not 70 some-odd years prior). This definitely puts a different spin on the story, with Aelric suffering from the physical shortcomings wrought with age – with death soon looming -- instead of from the view of a handsome and energetic 20-something.
Readers are advised to read the prior books in order (Rome, Constantinople, and Alexandria) before delving into Damascus. Without the knowledge of what happened previously, the tale and the relationships between the characters in this tale would be very hard, if not impossible, to follow. That said, I really enjoyed the story and the vivid descriptions of late 7th century life and the transcendently dark but driving aspects of human nature (greed, avarice, decadence and mayhem) that was alive then as it still is now.
Main character Aleric/Alaric has really grown on me in his old age. Hence my highest rating.
Now some report having a big problem with Blake’s vivid depiction of some obscene and gruesome scenes. After Damascus, they swear they will never read another Aleric tale. Good riddance to them. Unlike other writers of historical fiction, Blake does not shy from writing about well-documented, let's face it common, historical depravities such as rape, torture, and, yes, lustful necromancy. Such travesties and horrors undoubtedly occurred in the past, in these times, by these peoples. True fans of historical fiction should not be afraid to read about them and contemplate what their occurrence may mean about humanity's shared history.
Perceptive readers will recognize Blake's esoteric warnings of unchecked political power, religious zealousness, and cultural relativism I believe he could not help but impart throughout the story. The powerful and rich have treated (and continue today to treat) the powerless and poor inconceivably cruelly and in ways of utter disdain.
Maybe it is just that some societies, especially my beloved Western ones, have a strong capacity to hide such mistreatments from our day-to-day view?
Similar to previous Alaric adventures, Damascus is sprinkled with some excellently endearing quotes, including:
· “When I was younger, I believed the conventional wisdom that lust is abolished by age. Then I found out that, if lust may be dulled, all that really goes is the ready means of satisfying it.”
· “…there’s no reasoning with the barbarian mind. You’ll get more sense out of women or idiot children.”
· “Rather as young women look at each other to see who might be fairest, so the very old look at each other to see who is more broken down and ready for the grave.”
Readers are advised to read the prior books in order (Rome, Constantinople, and Alexandria) before delving into Damascus. Without the knowledge of what happened previously, the tale and the relationships between the characters in this tale would be very hard, if not impossible, to follow. That said, I really enjoyed the story and the vivid descriptions of late 7th century life and the transcendently dark but driving aspects of human nature (greed, avarice, decadence and mayhem) that was alive then as it still is now.
Main character Aleric/Alaric has really grown on me in his old age. Hence my highest rating.
Now some report having a big problem with Blake’s vivid depiction of some obscene and gruesome scenes. After Damascus, they swear they will never read another Aleric tale. Good riddance to them. Unlike other writers of historical fiction, Blake does not shy from writing about well-documented, let's face it common, historical depravities such as rape, torture, and, yes, lustful necromancy. Such travesties and horrors undoubtedly occurred in the past, in these times, by these peoples. True fans of historical fiction should not be afraid to read about them and contemplate what their occurrence may mean about humanity's shared history.
Perceptive readers will recognize Blake's esoteric warnings of unchecked political power, religious zealousness, and cultural relativism I believe he could not help but impart throughout the story. The powerful and rich have treated (and continue today to treat) the powerless and poor inconceivably cruelly and in ways of utter disdain.
Maybe it is just that some societies, especially my beloved Western ones, have a strong capacity to hide such mistreatments from our day-to-day view?
Similar to previous Alaric adventures, Damascus is sprinkled with some excellently endearing quotes, including:
· “When I was younger, I believed the conventional wisdom that lust is abolished by age. Then I found out that, if lust may be dulled, all that really goes is the ready means of satisfying it.”
· “…there’s no reasoning with the barbarian mind. You’ll get more sense out of women or idiot children.”
· “Rather as young women look at each other to see who might be fairest, so the very old look at each other to see who is more broken down and ready for the grave.”
May 7, 2012
The Sword of Damascus (Aelric) [Hardcover]
Richard Blake (Author)
Having read Richard Blakes previous books I knew that it was a book that I had to be in the right frame of mind to read, different authors have different styles.
Your Simon Scarrows, Conn Igguldens and Anthonys Riches type novels whilst containing plenty of history are written in that fast paced action style that many class as Swords and Sandals, or Blood and action. I would put Richard Blake more in the Harry Sidebottom category, Both authors who provide a fantastic rich deep historical read, but at a slower pace. The action is still there its just tempered with a bit more informative history. This is by no means a text book though, as usual for Blake there is plenty of intrigue, the characters are excellently written and the authors passion for his subject period is blatantly obvious.
If you have not read any of this series then I strongly suggest that you go back to the beginning and start there (but that's a personal preference, I hate starting a story part way through)
Mr Blake will remain on my to buy list for future titles, I recommend this for the history lovers and the swords and sandals types...Just be aware its not as pacey as some you read
Richard Blake (Author)
Having read Richard Blakes previous books I knew that it was a book that I had to be in the right frame of mind to read, different authors have different styles.
Your Simon Scarrows, Conn Igguldens and Anthonys Riches type novels whilst containing plenty of history are written in that fast paced action style that many class as Swords and Sandals, or Blood and action. I would put Richard Blake more in the Harry Sidebottom category, Both authors who provide a fantastic rich deep historical read, but at a slower pace. The action is still there its just tempered with a bit more informative history. This is by no means a text book though, as usual for Blake there is plenty of intrigue, the characters are excellently written and the authors passion for his subject period is blatantly obvious.
If you have not read any of this series then I strongly suggest that you go back to the beginning and start there (but that's a personal preference, I hate starting a story part way through)
Mr Blake will remain on my to buy list for future titles, I recommend this for the history lovers and the swords and sandals types...Just be aware its not as pacey as some you read
January 22, 2013
This for me was not a book I could pick up at any time. I felt I needed to dedicate an allotted period per reading,It certainly didn't flow for me as other novels of the same genre have done.
I also felt that I'd missed something by starting on the fourth book in the series, (Definitely recommend starting with the first one.)as there are many references to previous adventures.
It is superbly written and I am very glad to have discovered such a talented writer. There were, however, a few niggles for me, but the main reason for not giving a five was purely that at times I felt it needed a sharp kick up the backside to move the pace along. Accurate and descriptive composition is all well and good, but two pages to describe a setting is an unnecessary luxury.
A great read though and I will definitely be seeking out the others in the series. ( starting with number one ;D)
I also felt that I'd missed something by starting on the fourth book in the series, (Definitely recommend starting with the first one.)as there are many references to previous adventures.
It is superbly written and I am very glad to have discovered such a talented writer. There were, however, a few niggles for me, but the main reason for not giving a five was purely that at times I felt it needed a sharp kick up the backside to move the pace along. Accurate and descriptive composition is all well and good, but two pages to describe a setting is an unnecessary luxury.
A great read though and I will definitely be seeking out the others in the series. ( starting with number one ;D)
January 18, 2016
The Sword of Damascus is a switch for the Aelric series. In this story it starts when Aelric is an old man (90+years old) and he continues throughout the book as an old man. In the previous books, Aelric the old tells of us his life as a young man.
Again excellent characterization and wonderful descriptions of the locations. Richard Blake, the author, really transports his readers to a different time and a different place. I love it.
Aelric seems to find himself in one jam after another and what I liked best – all of the escapes were plausible. To me that is so important. None of this Deus ex Machina stuff.
On to the next book in the series!
Again excellent characterization and wonderful descriptions of the locations. Richard Blake, the author, really transports his readers to a different time and a different place. I love it.
Aelric seems to find himself in one jam after another and what I liked best – all of the escapes were plausible. To me that is so important. None of this Deus ex Machina stuff.
On to the next book in the series!
November 27, 2015
Another great story with the good, old, Alaric. The more I read about him, the more I think he's going to live forever, as a highlander. If only Blake would cut down on the sex and gruesome violence in his books, they would be excellent. I would like to read more of Alaric's adventures through the Middle East though - and maybe on the way to, or on the way back from Constantinople to Jarrow.
December 6, 2019
One storytelling device used by my favorite authors is having old men on their deathbeds recounting the adventures of their youth to their chroniclers. I suppose we might call them flashbacks. Bernard Cornwell has old Uhtred Uhtredson doing it in The Saxon Stories. Seamus O'Griffin has the aged Ronan MacAlasdair revealing the gory details of his life as a young warrior in the Outremer and First Scottish War of Independence in the Galloglass Series.
Richard Blake has been doing much the same with Aleric in this Death of Rome Saga (although Aleric's accounts of youthful adventure are written by his own hand), but in The Sword of Damascus the 98 year old Alaric skips over the years long past to write of a more recent adventure that he enjoyed as a 96 year old man. How often do you see that?
Elderly Alaric does pretty well too. When some big, strapping Northmen take this spindly-legged little Mahatma Gandhi look-alike out in a dinghy to murder for suspected sorcery, he surprises one with a pen knife in the eye and rocks the boat enough to knock the other into the Mediterranean - poor guy didn't know how to swim.
Telling his story from the Old Man's Point of View also makes it possible for him to give a broader historic vista than he did in previous volumes. Instead of relating his feats as a 20-something special operator in the shadow war before the major military clashes, Alaric looks back on the big picture. We learn that Heraclius defeats the Persians in a lengthy and desperate war only to be overcome by the Saracens soon afterwards. Alaric also tells us how his 83-year old self saved what remained of the empire (and Constantinople itself) from complete subjugation with Greek Fire - in fact he comments on the Arab histories of his exploits during that battle..
With THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS Blake gives us an excellent mystery and espionage novel with many an intricate subplot. At the end of every chapter the readier is often asking whodunit or why did he do that or how is he going to deal with that. And the reader will be satisfied at the end.
As always Blake brings the period to life through immersive and atmospheric description. He paints a vivid picture of Friday morning executions in 7th Century Damascus as a major source of entertainment to those lucky enough not to be one of the major attractions. When his young protege from Britain got sick watching the spectacle Alaric admonished him,
Of course if the public executions were not to Edward's liking, there were the erotic dancers in the plazas as well:
She even had a snake in her show. I bet you're wondering what role it played. Well read the book and find out.
I really enjoyed this go around with elderly Alaric. THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS is a great combination of history, politics and conspiracy. I recommend it not just to fans of historical fiction but also to action-adventure, mystery and suspense readers as well.
Richard Blake has been doing much the same with Aleric in this Death of Rome Saga (although Aleric's accounts of youthful adventure are written by his own hand), but in The Sword of Damascus the 98 year old Alaric skips over the years long past to write of a more recent adventure that he enjoyed as a 96 year old man. How often do you see that?
Elderly Alaric does pretty well too. When some big, strapping Northmen take this spindly-legged little Mahatma Gandhi look-alike out in a dinghy to murder for suspected sorcery, he surprises one with a pen knife in the eye and rocks the boat enough to knock the other into the Mediterranean - poor guy didn't know how to swim.
Telling his story from the Old Man's Point of View also makes it possible for him to give a broader historic vista than he did in previous volumes. Instead of relating his feats as a 20-something special operator in the shadow war before the major military clashes, Alaric looks back on the big picture. We learn that Heraclius defeats the Persians in a lengthy and desperate war only to be overcome by the Saracens soon afterwards. Alaric also tells us how his 83-year old self saved what remained of the empire (and Constantinople itself) from complete subjugation with Greek Fire - in fact he comments on the Arab histories of his exploits during that battle..
With THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS Blake gives us an excellent mystery and espionage novel with many an intricate subplot. At the end of every chapter the readier is often asking whodunit or why did he do that or how is he going to deal with that. And the reader will be satisfied at the end.
As always Blake brings the period to life through immersive and atmospheric description. He paints a vivid picture of Friday morning executions in 7th Century Damascus as a major source of entertainment to those lucky enough not to be one of the major attractions. When his young protege from Britain got sick watching the spectacle Alaric admonished him,
‘You might wish to bear in mind,’ I said, ‘that to see a man flayed, after he’s been made to watch all his children roasted alive, can sometimes be too much even for the hardened spectator at these events.’
Of course if the public executions were not to Edward's liking, there were the erotic dancers in the plazas as well:
A blonde girl stood naked on a raised platform. Arms and legs wide outstretched, face upturned with eyes closed, she jerked and twitched in time to the music of drums and wailing flutes that came from below.
She even had a snake in her show. I bet you're wondering what role it played. Well read the book and find out.
I really enjoyed this go around with elderly Alaric. THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS is a great combination of history, politics and conspiracy. I recommend it not just to fans of historical fiction but also to action-adventure, mystery and suspense readers as well.
March 20, 2020
Just when you think Richard Blake has explored all facets of Alaric's character, adventures and travels, he surprises you yet again. Another exciting journey from the cold northern wastes to the harsh deserts and exotic delights of seventh century Mediterranean civilisations. And Alaric rises to every challenge, for all he is physically old and frail. A really good read.
May 20, 2018
A 96 yr old hero !! Dull...very dull.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews