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Warriors of Rome #3
The City War
A Warriors of Rome Story Senator Marcus Brutus has spent his life serving Rome, but it’s difficult to be a patriot when the Republic, barely recovered from a civil war, is under threat by its own leader. Brutus’s one retreat is his country home, where he steals a few precious days now and then with Cassius, his brother-in-law and fellow soldier — and the one he loves above all others. But the sickness at the heart of Rome is spreading, and even Brutus’s nights with Cassius can’t erase the knowledge that Gaius Julius Caesar is slowly becoming a tyrant. Cassius fears both Caesar’s intentions and Brutus’s interest in Tiresias, the villa’s newest servant. Tiresias claims to be the orphaned son of a minor noble, but his secrets run deeper, and only Brutus knows them all. Cassius, intent on protecting the Republic and his claim to Brutus, proposes a dangerous conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. After all, if Brutus — loved and respected by all — supports it, it’s not murder, just politics. Now Brutus must return to Rome and not only between Cassius and Tiresias, but between preserving the fragile status quo of Rome and killing a man who would be emperor. * * * * * * * Word 32,100; page 123
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2012
3 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Sam Starbuck
25 books118 followersSam is a nonprofit researcher, blogger, and former theatre punk who lives and works in Chicago, Illinois.
Secretly, he is a Time Lord.
He writes romance and light SFF, literary fiction, and sometimes even fanfic.
Secretly, he is a Time Lord.
He writes romance and light SFF, literary fiction, and sometimes even fanfic.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 15, 2025
A very interesting take on the death of Julius Caesar.
In this novella, Senators Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, two men who consummate their sexual inclinations with each other even though Rome doesn't permit sexual relations between men of equal status, conspire to murder the senate's Princeps, Julius Caesar, before he can declare himself emperor and rule Rome as a tyrant.
However, Caesar is a gifted speaker who excites the masses, distracting them from his intentions of turning the republic into an empire. It’s unclear whether Brutus and Cassius' plan will actually be welcomed by the people of Rome.
Still, Brutus and Cassius gather a group of like-minded senators and plot Caesar's death.
What sounds like an excerpt from a Latin textbook is actually an intriguing m/m romance set in ancient Rome.
I enjoyed exploring Brutus's sexual relationships as a gay man in this historical context:
His Greek teacher, who raised and taught him while also engaging in sexual practices reminiscent of those in ancient Greek upper-class traditions.
Cassius, whom Brutus fell in love with as a soldier and with whom he maintains a fragile, secret relationship, even as a senator in Rome.
And eventually, Tiresias, the horse boy with a delicate secret, who provides warmth and confidence to Brutus when Cassius's mindset begins diverging from Brutus's in the wake of the political conspiracy.
It’s definitely an interesting story that led me to read more about Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius. Beyond the m/m aspect, I found this book to be a compelling retelling of the historical event.
“You too, my child?”
4.5 stars!
In this novella, Senators Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius, two men who consummate their sexual inclinations with each other even though Rome doesn't permit sexual relations between men of equal status, conspire to murder the senate's Princeps, Julius Caesar, before he can declare himself emperor and rule Rome as a tyrant.
However, Caesar is a gifted speaker who excites the masses, distracting them from his intentions of turning the republic into an empire. It’s unclear whether Brutus and Cassius' plan will actually be welcomed by the people of Rome.
Still, Brutus and Cassius gather a group of like-minded senators and plot Caesar's death.
What sounds like an excerpt from a Latin textbook is actually an intriguing m/m romance set in ancient Rome.
I enjoyed exploring Brutus's sexual relationships as a gay man in this historical context:
His Greek teacher, who raised and taught him while also engaging in sexual practices reminiscent of those in ancient Greek upper-class traditions.
Cassius, whom Brutus fell in love with as a soldier and with whom he maintains a fragile, secret relationship, even as a senator in Rome.
And eventually, Tiresias, the horse boy with a delicate secret, who provides warmth and confidence to Brutus when Cassius's mindset begins diverging from Brutus's in the wake of the political conspiracy.
It’s definitely an interesting story that led me to read more about Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius. Beyond the m/m aspect, I found this book to be a compelling retelling of the historical event.
“You too, my child?”
4.5 stars!
November 20, 2012
My one complaint about this book was that it was too short. I would have liked to see the next piece of story after the book's ultimate (ahem) climax. But then, if you're having readers clamour for more of your story, you're doing something right.
I don't have very much knowledge of this period of Roman history (my classics studies, aborted, focused on culture and mythology rather than historical dates), but Starbuck's take on events has a ring of authenticity to them. I really enjoyed Brutus as a viewpoint character, and appreciated that he wasn't a secret atheist (I hit a string of "secret atheist" characters in fiction set in the Classical period, so now it's one of my pet bugbears guaranteed to cause me to want to throw the book against the wall).
I also appreciated Starbuck's deft hand in characterising Tiresias. Well done, Sam. You can have a cookie.
So, overall: well done, enjoyable, quick read. Historical fiction isn't my favouritest thing to read (at least, straight historical fiction with no "genre" overtones), but I also don't hate it. That being said, I would read the heck out of another historical book by Starbuck in the Ancient Rome he brings so vividly to life.
I don't have very much knowledge of this period of Roman history (my classics studies, aborted, focused on culture and mythology rather than historical dates), but Starbuck's take on events has a ring of authenticity to them. I really enjoyed Brutus as a viewpoint character, and appreciated that he wasn't a secret atheist (I hit a string of "secret atheist" characters in fiction set in the Classical period, so now it's one of my pet bugbears guaranteed to cause me to want to throw the book against the wall).
I also appreciated Starbuck's deft hand in characterising Tiresias. Well done, Sam. You can have a cookie.
So, overall: well done, enjoyable, quick read. Historical fiction isn't my favouritest thing to read (at least, straight historical fiction with no "genre" overtones), but I also don't hate it. That being said, I would read the heck out of another historical book by Starbuck in the Ancient Rome he brings so vividly to life.
November 21, 2012
Sam Starbuck has made history fun in this steamy interpretation of the downfall of Julius Caesar. With its insightful look into characters we only know by name he succeeds in drawing us into this world and feeling compassion for those put into an untenable position.
Where before we found Brutus a bloodthirsty traitor, we now see a conflicted soul. Conflicted as to his ongoing relationship with Cassius as well as being drawn into the assassination plot. We end up feeling sympathetic towards him and relish any moments of happiness he can find. He tries to be an honorable man but gets drawn into a plan that he finds lacks honor.
His relationship with Cassius is one that remains hidden from the public but gets the tacit okay from their wives. The encounters are playful yet sexy and you can sense all the weight of the world being lifted off him at these moments. Considering how happy he makes Brutus I wish Cassius came off as more likable. He gave the impression of being a jealous child constantly prodding at Brutus to do the bloody deed he's too weak to do. That's why it was nice that Brutus was able to draw comfort from the "transgender" Tiresias. Tiresias gives unwavering support to Brutus at a time when he's doubting everything and everyone. Considering the important part she/he plays in Brutus' life I wish we'd had more insight into the character.
The City War perfectly blends historical and emotional facets into an entertaining and satisfying history lesson. The many names dispersed throughout the story does become a bit overwhelming at times but the vivid and realistic imagery fully immerses the reader into this brief glimpse into Roman life. Sam Starbuck has created an emotional and thought provoking story and I'm greatly intrigued by what he'll create for us readers next.
Where before we found Brutus a bloodthirsty traitor, we now see a conflicted soul. Conflicted as to his ongoing relationship with Cassius as well as being drawn into the assassination plot. We end up feeling sympathetic towards him and relish any moments of happiness he can find. He tries to be an honorable man but gets drawn into a plan that he finds lacks honor.
His relationship with Cassius is one that remains hidden from the public but gets the tacit okay from their wives. The encounters are playful yet sexy and you can sense all the weight of the world being lifted off him at these moments. Considering how happy he makes Brutus I wish Cassius came off as more likable. He gave the impression of being a jealous child constantly prodding at Brutus to do the bloody deed he's too weak to do. That's why it was nice that Brutus was able to draw comfort from the "transgender" Tiresias. Tiresias gives unwavering support to Brutus at a time when he's doubting everything and everyone. Considering the important part she/he plays in Brutus' life I wish we'd had more insight into the character.
The City War perfectly blends historical and emotional facets into an entertaining and satisfying history lesson. The many names dispersed throughout the story does become a bit overwhelming at times but the vivid and realistic imagery fully immerses the reader into this brief glimpse into Roman life. Sam Starbuck has created an emotional and thought provoking story and I'm greatly intrigued by what he'll create for us readers next.
November 28, 2012
I wanted to like this one, really, I did. I thought it was going to be my favorite of these Warriors of Rome books, but so far it is possibly my least favorite. Sigh.
Basically, it's the conspiracy against Caesar, from the POV of Brutus (Marcus, not Decimus). Brutus, by the way, has in this story been secretly sleeping with Cassius for approximately ever (apparently their wives are cool with it, so it's okay), and he's struggling to balance all his personal relationships while wondering if he really, really wants to kill Caesar.
I just... couldn't really like Brutus enough to enjoy reading about him. And while I don't have to like a character to read about him, Brutus is done in this sort of I Am Roman, I Penetrate The Entire World style that I just... hate. Sorry. All the emotions felt really flat. He also ends up involved with Tiresias, one of his stableboys. So a lot of it is Brutus Sleeps With People, and it's only tangentially the conspiracy -- it's mentioned in a letter, there are some whisperings, Caesar refuses the crown, and that's pretty much it before the assassination.
And then at the end you have the fun of trying not to think about how all the characters are going to die soon anyway, because history.
I really wish I'd liked this more. Sorry.
Basically, it's the conspiracy against Caesar, from the POV of Brutus (Marcus, not Decimus). Brutus, by the way, has in this story been secretly sleeping with Cassius for approximately ever (apparently their wives are cool with it, so it's okay), and he's struggling to balance all his personal relationships while wondering if he really, really wants to kill Caesar.
I just... couldn't really like Brutus enough to enjoy reading about him. And while I don't have to like a character to read about him, Brutus is done in this sort of I Am Roman, I Penetrate The Entire World style that I just... hate. Sorry. All the emotions felt really flat. He also ends up involved with Tiresias, one of his stableboys. So a lot of it is Brutus Sleeps With People, and it's only tangentially the conspiracy -- it's mentioned in a letter, there are some whisperings, Caesar refuses the crown, and that's pretty much it before the assassination.
And then at the end you have the fun of trying not to think about how all the characters are going to die soon anyway, because history.
I really wish I'd liked this more. Sorry.
November 17, 2012
I think mostly I wanted more of all of this. More of Brutus's prickly struggle to do right, more of Tiresias and his devotion to the Dominus who understood him, more aftermath, given the hugeness of the event that formed this story's climax.
...Ok, I wasn't as much a fan of Cassius. But The story drew me in and wouldn't let go, and I devoured the whole thing at a sitting.
More Tiresias, especially. He had my heart, so .
...Ok, I wasn't as much a fan of Cassius. But The story drew me in and wouldn't let go, and I devoured the whole thing at a sitting.
More Tiresias, especially. He had my heart, so .
November 18, 2012
The third book in The Warriors of Rome Series, and for me a very strong read. I liked Sam Starbuck's writing style. It was an interesting, fictional view into the life of Marcus Brutus leading into and surrounding the historical events of the Ides of March.
Full review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews -
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
Full review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews -
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
December 29, 2012
Like many Americans, my exposure to the character of Brutus came by way of Shakespeare, but there had always been something hinky about the over-simplicity story to me; about a man like Brutus, uniformly regarded as honorable, making the choice to murder.
Likewise, I had never really bought into Shakespeare's portrayal of Cassius as the hiss-boo villain of the matter either, and on the basis of those two niggling dissatisfactions, I find that Sam Starbuck's The City War is the perfect remedy.
For here we have a Brutus who is every bit as honorable as we expect him to be, and who is devoted, above all, to the Dream of Republic. Not just as an ideal, but as a reality -- a way of life worth defending to the end. Here is a man who makes a choice, clear eyed and cautious, but in full understanding of his responsibilities. We all know how the story ends; we know where it's all going, so this is really a bittersweet tour of the many tiny steps it took to get there.
The character of Cassius, particularly, I enjoyed, for here, he is a man whose motives are, perhaps, less high and pure than are Brutus', but no less sympathetic. After all, who among us has not made a fool and a feral villain of himself for love? Here we see a proud man, an insecure man, a fearful man, who loves and envies Brutus' self-possession and strength even as he adores and covets the man himself. But he is a politician at heart, and that means manipulation, even under the best of circumstances. Cassius, flawed and ferocious, is really no better than he ought to be, but beautifully tragic for all of that, in my mind.
And lastly, we have Terisias, an unexpected wild card against the nation-changing game we come to the story expecting. Terisias is, perhaps, the key to Brutus considering that things not being as they seem, things stepping outside the 'natural order' might sometimes be a necessary thing, and better for the health of the whole than rigid adherence to the rules. Terisias is the spirit of change here, expressed in an inconveniently attractive and outspoken servant boy whose ambitions, while simpler than Brutus', are no less perilous to live out.
This is an erotic novel, and readers should be aware that they will encounter explicit sex as part of the story, but I found that the erotic scenes were more of a vehicle for Sam's wonderful characterizations than the usual sort of titillation. For me, that made it more rewarding -- I care more about the characters, really, than what they're doing under their togas.
And finally, in the interest of full disclosure, I was given a copy of The City War to review. That said? My recommendation is just as heartfelt as it would have been had I paid full price. This book is worth the cost, and the time to read it too -- and quite frankly, books like that are getting rarer and rarer these days.
Tl:dr? It's good. You should go buy it.
Likewise, I had never really bought into Shakespeare's portrayal of Cassius as the hiss-boo villain of the matter either, and on the basis of those two niggling dissatisfactions, I find that Sam Starbuck's The City War is the perfect remedy.
For here we have a Brutus who is every bit as honorable as we expect him to be, and who is devoted, above all, to the Dream of Republic. Not just as an ideal, but as a reality -- a way of life worth defending to the end. Here is a man who makes a choice, clear eyed and cautious, but in full understanding of his responsibilities. We all know how the story ends; we know where it's all going, so this is really a bittersweet tour of the many tiny steps it took to get there.
The character of Cassius, particularly, I enjoyed, for here, he is a man whose motives are, perhaps, less high and pure than are Brutus', but no less sympathetic. After all, who among us has not made a fool and a feral villain of himself for love? Here we see a proud man, an insecure man, a fearful man, who loves and envies Brutus' self-possession and strength even as he adores and covets the man himself. But he is a politician at heart, and that means manipulation, even under the best of circumstances. Cassius, flawed and ferocious, is really no better than he ought to be, but beautifully tragic for all of that, in my mind.
And lastly, we have Terisias, an unexpected wild card against the nation-changing game we come to the story expecting. Terisias is, perhaps, the key to Brutus considering that things not being as they seem, things stepping outside the 'natural order' might sometimes be a necessary thing, and better for the health of the whole than rigid adherence to the rules. Terisias is the spirit of change here, expressed in an inconveniently attractive and outspoken servant boy whose ambitions, while simpler than Brutus', are no less perilous to live out.
This is an erotic novel, and readers should be aware that they will encounter explicit sex as part of the story, but I found that the erotic scenes were more of a vehicle for Sam's wonderful characterizations than the usual sort of titillation. For me, that made it more rewarding -- I care more about the characters, really, than what they're doing under their togas.
And finally, in the interest of full disclosure, I was given a copy of The City War to review. That said? My recommendation is just as heartfelt as it would have been had I paid full price. This book is worth the cost, and the time to read it too -- and quite frankly, books like that are getting rarer and rarer these days.
Tl:dr? It's good. You should go buy it.
November 24, 2012
I really enjoyed the way Starbuck wrote Brutus in this book. Brutus as often as not in stories or movies about the assassination of Caesar is shown as the antagonist. He is often shown unsympathetically.
Here we see Brutus struggle with the morality of the plan to kill Caesar and its aftermath. I think the tragedy of Brutus' story has long been that he made a choice to engage in murder because he wanted to save something that at that point in history was already beyond saving-he just didn't see it at the time.
Cassius was written as manipulative and seemed to know how best to bring Brutus to his way of thinking. I think the friendship and more intimate relationship with Cassius was well written, and I liked the fact that he wasn't written as totally evil or totally good. He is a complex character, who both interested me and annoyed me. I did at times wonder how Brutus was blind to some of the manipulation-but then sometimes in good friendships it is easy for one miss the manipulation.
In many ways though I atruggled with the relationship between Tiresias and Brutus. I felt somewhat like the book was perhaps too short, because I felt like Tiresias was to some degree short shifted as a character, and I didn't completely buy things that happened in his relationship with Brutus later in the story. Maybe this was due to the length or maybe I would have liked to see some of what happened through Tiresias' POV. But at times Tiresias just seemed to be a fifth wheel secondary character and I think what is the strength of the story would have remained so had this character been left completely out of the story.
I think this story explores some interesting aspects of human nature-the keeping of secrets and the struggle to find the right path when there isn't a clear "good" one.
Here we see Brutus struggle with the morality of the plan to kill Caesar and its aftermath. I think the tragedy of Brutus' story has long been that he made a choice to engage in murder because he wanted to save something that at that point in history was already beyond saving-he just didn't see it at the time.
Cassius was written as manipulative and seemed to know how best to bring Brutus to his way of thinking. I think the friendship and more intimate relationship with Cassius was well written, and I liked the fact that he wasn't written as totally evil or totally good. He is a complex character, who both interested me and annoyed me. I did at times wonder how Brutus was blind to some of the manipulation-but then sometimes in good friendships it is easy for one miss the manipulation.
In many ways though I atruggled with the relationship between Tiresias and Brutus. I felt somewhat like the book was perhaps too short, because I felt like Tiresias was to some degree short shifted as a character, and I didn't completely buy things that happened in his relationship with Brutus later in the story. Maybe this was due to the length or maybe I would have liked to see some of what happened through Tiresias' POV. But at times Tiresias just seemed to be a fifth wheel secondary character and I think what is the strength of the story would have remained so had this character been left completely out of the story.
I think this story explores some interesting aspects of human nature-the keeping of secrets and the struggle to find the right path when there isn't a clear "good" one.
December 8, 2012
The City War by Sam Starbuck depicts the tale of the assasination of Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman tyrant. Brutus, Republican Senator and friend of Caesar is drawn into a deadly web of deceit by fellow patriot and lover, Cassius. Cassius, on the subterfuge of protecting the Republic, approaches his lover with the plans of the assassination.
The depiction of Brutus was enthralling and genius. History has told us that Brutus was a violent man, bloodthirsty, but Mr. Starbuck’s characterization portrayed Brutus as the tortured soul, seeking life and love in the arms of his lover. Cassius’s character, although amiable, was manipulative in his treatment of Brutus. Brutus displayed a conscience that was tested amid the love of the Republic and the love of Cassius. Although both men are married, their affair is glossed over by their wives as they meet for friendship and sexual gratification.
Additionally, the character of Teresias was well done, yet I would have liked to learn more about him. I was intrigued as to his complexity and the nature of his existence. His devotion to Brutus was apparent as he strived to assist him in his time of need.
The City War crosses lines of love, lust and friendship. The blurred lines are further complicated by a sense of nationalism, lies and deceit. Patriotism is tested when the patriots truly believe in the cause but others do not. An emotionally charged story that will have you cheering for the murderer as opposes to the one being murdered.
reviewed by Zafira
The depiction of Brutus was enthralling and genius. History has told us that Brutus was a violent man, bloodthirsty, but Mr. Starbuck’s characterization portrayed Brutus as the tortured soul, seeking life and love in the arms of his lover. Cassius’s character, although amiable, was manipulative in his treatment of Brutus. Brutus displayed a conscience that was tested amid the love of the Republic and the love of Cassius. Although both men are married, their affair is glossed over by their wives as they meet for friendship and sexual gratification.
Additionally, the character of Teresias was well done, yet I would have liked to learn more about him. I was intrigued as to his complexity and the nature of his existence. His devotion to Brutus was apparent as he strived to assist him in his time of need.
The City War crosses lines of love, lust and friendship. The blurred lines are further complicated by a sense of nationalism, lies and deceit. Patriotism is tested when the patriots truly believe in the cause but others do not. An emotionally charged story that will have you cheering for the murderer as opposes to the one being murdered.
reviewed by Zafira
December 29, 2012
A wonderfully written re-telling of Julius Caesars assassination, as seen through the eyes of Brutus, a hardened soldier, senator, and possibly Caesars son. Historically accurate, yet well written and engaging. I'm looking for more by this author!
March 17, 2025
I’ll give the writer another shot but I didn’t really like this. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and while I understand that the author is trying to write something that more closely conforms to the morality of Rome, I had a hard time getting past all the married men sleeping with all and sundry. I’ve read Roman set MM romances before loved them but not this one.
February 20, 2013
Sam Starbuck has been one of my favorite authors for many, many years, and I knew well enough that I would adore this story that I saved it for myself as a special treat.
It didn't disappoint. Mr. Starbuck here, as always, has an incredibly deft hand with dialogue, and writes sex scenes that grow organically from and with the story and the characters, and the end result is brilliantly engrossing and alive.
I always think it's really remarkable when an author takes a story that most people know, in one form or another, and gives it a new and rich life that is denied to it in its best-known form, which is exactly what Mr. Starbuck has done here. I'm not at all a Classicist, either by education or inclination—I've read a lot of Mary Renault and I have the kind of vague familiarity with the 44 B.C. election cycle that one acquires over the course of being raised by feral Shakespeareans, but that's about it—but the level of daily-life detail and three-dimensional character interaction present in this story completely transcends the idea of a story set against the backdrop of Caesar's downfall. Caesar's downfall is no backdrop: it's woven intimately into all of Cassius, Brutus, and Tiresias's interactions, even when it is not their subject; it weighs upon them and drives them, no matter how they may try to stand at a remove. And Tiresias, this total wildcard of a character with a portentous name, is beautifully crafted, and a wonderful surprise.
One of the things that's often the trickiest to handle in fiction set in a different cultural or historical context is that the things the characters take for granted are very much not going to be the same things the reader takes for granted; but the characters don't have any reason to make the differences explicit, since the differences are, within the characters' points-of-view, transparent. I'm always interested to see how authors handle this as a narrative problem, and Mr. Starbuck has done an absolutely beautiful job. Rome's sexual mores are very cleverly handled—of course; I'd expect nothing less—but in a lot of ways I think the strongest example of Mr. Starbuck's skill with this issue is the early scene in which Brutus finds Tiresias in the stable. This scene is deeply painful to read, but utterly believable from both Tiresias and Brutus as characters, even in the parts where Brutus, the point-of-view character, is really in the wrong; and it does a tremendously good job of wrestling with an issue that we are as readers accustomed to wrestling with in a modern vocabulary without using that vocabulary as a crutch.
Mr. Starbuck also beautifully sketches his secondary characters: Porcia—Brutus's wife—though she only appears in person briefly, is particularly delightful, and her relationship with Brutus is quite moving.
Overall, really powerful and gripping, the bitter along with the sweet. Highly recommended.
(Review cross-posted to my blog.)
It didn't disappoint. Mr. Starbuck here, as always, has an incredibly deft hand with dialogue, and writes sex scenes that grow organically from and with the story and the characters, and the end result is brilliantly engrossing and alive.
I always think it's really remarkable when an author takes a story that most people know, in one form or another, and gives it a new and rich life that is denied to it in its best-known form, which is exactly what Mr. Starbuck has done here. I'm not at all a Classicist, either by education or inclination—I've read a lot of Mary Renault and I have the kind of vague familiarity with the 44 B.C. election cycle that one acquires over the course of being raised by feral Shakespeareans, but that's about it—but the level of daily-life detail and three-dimensional character interaction present in this story completely transcends the idea of a story set against the backdrop of Caesar's downfall. Caesar's downfall is no backdrop: it's woven intimately into all of Cassius, Brutus, and Tiresias's interactions, even when it is not their subject; it weighs upon them and drives them, no matter how they may try to stand at a remove. And Tiresias, this total wildcard of a character with a portentous name, is beautifully crafted, and a wonderful surprise.
One of the things that's often the trickiest to handle in fiction set in a different cultural or historical context is that the things the characters take for granted are very much not going to be the same things the reader takes for granted; but the characters don't have any reason to make the differences explicit, since the differences are, within the characters' points-of-view, transparent. I'm always interested to see how authors handle this as a narrative problem, and Mr. Starbuck has done an absolutely beautiful job. Rome's sexual mores are very cleverly handled—of course; I'd expect nothing less—but in a lot of ways I think the strongest example of Mr. Starbuck's skill with this issue is the early scene in which Brutus finds Tiresias in the stable. This scene is deeply painful to read, but utterly believable from both Tiresias and Brutus as characters, even in the parts where Brutus, the point-of-view character, is really in the wrong; and it does a tremendously good job of wrestling with an issue that we are as readers accustomed to wrestling with in a modern vocabulary without using that vocabulary as a crutch.
Mr. Starbuck also beautifully sketches his secondary characters: Porcia—Brutus's wife—though she only appears in person briefly, is particularly delightful, and her relationship with Brutus is quite moving.
Overall, really powerful and gripping, the bitter along with the sweet. Highly recommended.
(Review cross-posted to my blog.)
February 21, 2014
Roman Senator Marcus Brutus is a patriot, devoted to the Republic. Many of his days are spent actively working for the Republic, protecting the system he believes in. His main respite is the occasional trip to his country villa in the company of his dearest friend, and lover, Cassius. But his tireless work may not be enough, not when the consul Julius Caesar is taking more and more power to himself. When Cassius first proposes a drastic solution, Brutus rejects the idea, but as the months go by, it becomes ever more obvious that given enough time, Caesar will overthrow the Republic and make himself emperor.
I bought this because I love Sam's fanfic, and expected him to do a good job of original fiction drawing on historical fact. I wasn't disappointed. This is one of those novels where I think it can be enjoyed both by readers who know nothing about the historical characters, and by readers familiar with the historical story, or with Shakespeare's play. There's a solid story here that fleshes out the basic facts and brings Brutus to life as a real person, a decent, honorable man faced with a choice between evils. His decision is not a simple one, and is made over the course of months, as more and more evidence accumulates of what Rome's future could be if Caesar is not reined in.
And it's not just Brutus who's brought to life here. There's a good exploration of Cassius and his motives. In addition, there's a brief but lovely portrait of Brutus's wife Porcia, and a marriage that is a loving partnership and friendship, not just a useful front for a gay man. Along with the historical characters, there's original character Tiresius, a teenage runaway taken on by Brutus as a horseboy. Tiresius has secrets to hide, but as Brutus discovers more about the boy's troubled relationship with his father, it provides him with insight into his own troubled relationship with Caesar, a man who may or may not be his biological father. The interactions between the characters create a rich portrait of a situation where there is no easy right and wrong.
One of the problems with writing historical fiction is that historical people could have very different moral values and beliefs, often ones that don't sit well with a modern reader. In trying to make a lead character synpathetic, it's easy to slip into the trap of turning him or her into a twenty-first century person in fancy dress. This book does a superb job of presenting the characters in their proper context, with believable explanations for their attitudes and beliefs about various issues.
It's not a romance, because it follows Marcus Brutus and his relationships with Cassius and others in the months leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar, and anyone who's familiar with either the history or Shakespeare's play will know that Things Do Not End Well for the conspirators. But well researched as far as I can tell, beautifully written, and I'd recommend it to someone looking for historical fiction with an LGBT theme.
I bought this because I love Sam's fanfic, and expected him to do a good job of original fiction drawing on historical fact. I wasn't disappointed. This is one of those novels where I think it can be enjoyed both by readers who know nothing about the historical characters, and by readers familiar with the historical story, or with Shakespeare's play. There's a solid story here that fleshes out the basic facts and brings Brutus to life as a real person, a decent, honorable man faced with a choice between evils. His decision is not a simple one, and is made over the course of months, as more and more evidence accumulates of what Rome's future could be if Caesar is not reined in.
And it's not just Brutus who's brought to life here. There's a good exploration of Cassius and his motives. In addition, there's a brief but lovely portrait of Brutus's wife Porcia, and a marriage that is a loving partnership and friendship, not just a useful front for a gay man. Along with the historical characters, there's original character Tiresius, a teenage runaway taken on by Brutus as a horseboy. Tiresius has secrets to hide, but as Brutus discovers more about the boy's troubled relationship with his father, it provides him with insight into his own troubled relationship with Caesar, a man who may or may not be his biological father. The interactions between the characters create a rich portrait of a situation where there is no easy right and wrong.
One of the problems with writing historical fiction is that historical people could have very different moral values and beliefs, often ones that don't sit well with a modern reader. In trying to make a lead character synpathetic, it's easy to slip into the trap of turning him or her into a twenty-first century person in fancy dress. This book does a superb job of presenting the characters in their proper context, with believable explanations for their attitudes and beliefs about various issues.
It's not a romance, because it follows Marcus Brutus and his relationships with Cassius and others in the months leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar, and anyone who's familiar with either the history or Shakespeare's play will know that Things Do Not End Well for the conspirators. But well researched as far as I can tell, beautifully written, and I'd recommend it to someone looking for historical fiction with an LGBT theme.
March 24, 2014
Senator Marcus Brutus has spent his life serving Rome, but it’s difficult to be a patriot when the Republic, barely recovered from a civil war, is under threat by its own leader. Brutus’s one retreat is his country home, where he steals a few precious days now and then with Cassius, his brother-in-law and fellow soldier—and the one he loves above all others. But the sickness at the heart of Rome is spreading, and even Brutus’s nights with Cassius can’t erase the knowledge that Gaius Julius Caesar is slowly becoming a tyrant.
I adored this book. It was extremely clever in its interpretation of the events leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar and gave a conscience to Brutus instead of making him the villain of the story. I loved how Brutus was reluctant when he heard Cassius's plan to kill Caesar and needed some convincing, eventually carrying out the deed with some reluctance. The story ended in an utterly believable fashion that didn't glorify murder in the slightest and left me feeling sorry for everyone involved.
It was young servant Tiresias that really stole my heart, though. Rejected by his family, he comes to serve Brutus first as a horse-boy and then later at his home. He bears witness to the plot unfolding and offers Brutus support without judgment. I loved that they were both able to accept one another for who they were.
If you know anything about the assassination of Caesar and are looking for a a story set in Ancient Rome, you'll love this. It fleshes out the facts with a human story that gives life to history and that's exactly what I want from my historical romance. I'll be looking for more of this author's work in the future.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
I adored this book. It was extremely clever in its interpretation of the events leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar and gave a conscience to Brutus instead of making him the villain of the story. I loved how Brutus was reluctant when he heard Cassius's plan to kill Caesar and needed some convincing, eventually carrying out the deed with some reluctance. The story ended in an utterly believable fashion that didn't glorify murder in the slightest and left me feeling sorry for everyone involved.
It was young servant Tiresias that really stole my heart, though. Rejected by his family, he comes to serve Brutus first as a horse-boy and then later at his home. He bears witness to the plot unfolding and offers Brutus support without judgment. I loved that they were both able to accept one another for who they were.
If you know anything about the assassination of Caesar and are looking for a a story set in Ancient Rome, you'll love this. It fleshes out the facts with a human story that gives life to history and that's exactly what I want from my historical romance. I'll be looking for more of this author's work in the future.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
March 8, 2015
Oooh my this was an excellent use of 5 USD! Sam's writing is solid, as usual; characterisation and historical detail are remarkably good (but in the latter case, unobtrusive) for a cheap gay e-book. I LOVED the original character, and the context-appropriate identity formation for a transman. And I loved the detail and respect put into characterising Brutus' wife - not the sort of thing you can be guaranteed from either history OR cheap gay e-books.
My only quibble was the terrible coding of the .mobi, which made reading difficult at times.
My only quibble was the terrible coding of the .mobi, which made reading difficult at times.
August 8, 2014
A solid, engaging offering from Riptide! I'm a fan of Sam Starbuck's already, so I'm certainly predisposed to enjoy this title. And enjoy it I did! A solid historical grounding, relationships with delicious emotional resonance, and sex both well-written and hot. I've pimped it to Sam Starbuck fans AND Roman history nuts (who'll appreciate the steaminess), and I'll keep doing so as long as the title is accessible. A pleasure to read!
February 6, 2016
4-1/2 Stars
Those who know anything about Ancient Rome, know that Brutus will not find longtime happiness but this story is not about the longterm so maybe he will be able to find some peace within the pages of The City War, but you will have to discover that for yourself because as most of you know I don't do spoilers. I've never read this author before but I'll be sure to keep the name Sam Starbuck on my watchlist. A wonderful installment in the Warriors of Rome series.
Those who know anything about Ancient Rome, know that Brutus will not find longtime happiness but this story is not about the longterm so maybe he will be able to find some peace within the pages of The City War, but you will have to discover that for yourself because as most of you know I don't do spoilers. I've never read this author before but I'll be sure to keep the name Sam Starbuck on my watchlist. A wonderful installment in the Warriors of Rome series.
August 9, 2016
2.5 Stars. The book was well written, I just couldn't get into it. I get that their relationships were more fluid but I detest cheating I felt for Brutus but didn't feel the connection between him and the other characters.
April 6, 2014
Great read. Loved the setting, development and the characters. Oh yeah and the sex scenes were seriously hot! Read my full review at Spacial Anomaly.
November 20, 2012
Review to be posted at my website on Wednesday, November 21st, 2012.
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February 16, 2015I'VE LIKED THE BOOKS I'VE READ, BUT COPPERBADGE IS JUST COMFORT READING FOR ME, SO I'M NOT OBJECTIVE.
May 3, 2016
Too much intrigue, not enough romance.
August 13, 2016
Interesting historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews