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In 60 B.C., ten-year-old Guiamo Durmius Stolo, an exceptionally gifted Roman orphan, is abandoned in Gaul . Left to fend for himself, Guiamo is set onto a path of legend. Recognized by the gods as having world-changing talents, he is given a weapon that changes his destiny and the world’s forever. Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Marshall Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been, a world which the ancient historians recorded as fact; a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land. It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands. Scant recordings left to us today only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands of the west. Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2012
3 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Best
14 books145 followersMarshall Best is an avid reader, father of six and business owner. In the past several years he has found his love of writing as well. What began as a desire to write a story for his children has evolved into a nine book series.
Marshall has done extensive research into the history behind the legends, people and places of England, Scotland and Ireland involved in his books. He loves being able to weave real people and legends into his stories making them come alive. He is definitely a writer that tends to the details often mapping out timetables, calendars, geneologies, etc. that pertain to his book to ensure that it is as realistic as possible.
Marshall also enjoys putting real life issues into his books, delving into a bit of philosophy while entertaining with orcs, dragons, magic and battles. He is someone who loves a grand adventure but makes sure it's not a shallow one.
Marshall has done extensive research into the history behind the legends, people and places of England, Scotland and Ireland involved in his books. He loves being able to weave real people and legends into his stories making them come alive. He is definitely a writer that tends to the details often mapping out timetables, calendars, geneologies, etc. that pertain to his book to ensure that it is as realistic as possible.
Marshall also enjoys putting real life issues into his books, delving into a bit of philosophy while entertaining with orcs, dragons, magic and battles. He is someone who loves a grand adventure but makes sure it's not a shallow one.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 10, 2013
Let me start by saying I enjoyed the book! The only thing that make me think twice about reading it was that the book is during the time of Julius Cesar and he is one of my least favorite characters in History....But this story was so well done! Guiamo is such an amazing kid! He makes the best out of a horrible situation and becomes a great boy! He takes the teachings he is given and excels in every thing he is taught! I loved this character because through out the book he is trained and traded, and always makes the best of whatever situation he is in! It has some intense scenes in it, and I found that towards the end of the book I knew I was going to have to start book 2 right away! I definitely recommend this book!
(I was given this book in exchange for my honest review)
(I was given this book in exchange for my honest review)
April 27, 2019
In the time of Rome, Guiamo Durmius Stolo - just another ordinary Roman boy - is abandoned by his uncle in Gaul. Now alone, Guiamo begins to wander aimlessly on the road, heading to a destination he does not know. After wandering for a while, he meets a fisherman who takes him in, teaching him the ways of fishing, and eventually recognizes the talent the boy possessed. After some time has passed, he sends Guiamo once more on the road, but this time to a friend who will teach Guimo even more than the fisherman could. After visiting a few more teachers, Guiamo is spotted by the god of war, who gives Guimao a weapon that changes his destiny and Rome.
Opinion:
I personally thought this book deserved 4 stars because it had a good plot but was difficult to read. My favorite part of the book was the plot due to the fact I had no idea where the book was turning. I also thought it odd how the author did a lot of skipping in the story, without explaining what had happened in much detail. The book progresses many years, but I was only aware of that at the end when Guimao was in his teens. When the book started, he was ten. Needless to say, I found the book very enticing, from the opening hook all the way to the end, and it's a great read for those interested in historical fiction, mythology, and adventure. I give this book four out of five stars.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer, Age 14
Opinion:
I personally thought this book deserved 4 stars because it had a good plot but was difficult to read. My favorite part of the book was the plot due to the fact I had no idea where the book was turning. I also thought it odd how the author did a lot of skipping in the story, without explaining what had happened in much detail. The book progresses many years, but I was only aware of that at the end when Guimao was in his teens. When the book started, he was ten. Needless to say, I found the book very enticing, from the opening hook all the way to the end, and it's a great read for those interested in historical fiction, mythology, and adventure. I give this book four out of five stars.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer, Age 14
January 28, 2014
(This was 2.5 on my blog, but translates to 2 here.)
There is a very delicate line when writing historical fiction to balance between the historical and the fiction; too much of the latter and it can feel unrealistic to the time and events it’s portraying, yet too much of the former and it feels like a thin veil of a story to cover a history text book.
In the case of this book, it felt like the author was trying to write in the styles of both ancient saga–where things are Told, in depth characterization is not required, and achievements are what’s shown–and modern storytelling, yet in trying to be both, it failed to convincingly be either.
I felt like the beginning was primarily Tell, which I don’t enjoy in modern fiction unless it’s very engaging. This wasn’t. What we saw had small glimmers of good character–like Guiamo is honest and hardworking–but is mostly focused on skills he’s learning, like a systemic skill-up for what he’ll need later in this book and series. But without emotional attachment, I don’t really care what happens to the character.
The primary thing that is supposed to show how “extraordinary” he is, is how hard he works to feed his dog. I guess for some that’s enough, but to me, it wasn’t. It was “of course he fed his dog,” rather than “look how great he is.” And then when the dog is quickly set aside later on, it makes it look less like a real attachment and more like a device. (Although he is brought back later, it still feels like device.)
All authors have to use devices and conveniently convenient things, but you have to hide them, because when they’re obvious, they remove the reader from the experience.
About a third of the way through and we’re seeing more Show and more glimmers of character, but it’s still somewhat bloodless and not enough. The dialog often comes across as clunky and heavy-handed. (Perhaps trying to sound natural to the time period, but it doesn’t come across smoothly.) And our characters, including Guiamo, read somewhat two-dimensional. Like more was spent on historical realism than character realism.
Ultimately, Guiamo proves a somewhat inactive narrator. He’s pulled along by events, and never rebels and rarely questions what he’s doing or being told to do or when he’s told about what his “extraordinary” fate will be. Here in, I think, lies one of it’s biggest battles between ancient saga and modern story.
One of Guiamo’s big character facets is that he’s very bright and is an inventor, but it’s overused. There were literally scenes where I stopped reading and thought, “Did he invite fire and the wheel too?” Or he’d be the only person to come up with an often simple idea that made everyone else figuratively smack their heads and say, “Brilliant!” This is okay in small doses, but not when it happens as often as it did in this book.
Yet, there were some things I liked about the story. I liked what good character traits there were to Guiamo, he just lacked balanced flaws. The anthropomorphizing of the spear was cool, and I did like the dog angle, when it was presented. I liked the druid stuff, too. And there were some sweet moments towards the end.
The prose was technically competent and I do have some minor curiosity about what will come of the saga, but I don’t see myself reading the second book. This book clearly wasn’t for me, but obviously works well for others. Once again, I’m the salmon swimming upstream, but it just didn’t hit the notes I wanted. So, I give this 2.5 Fireballs.
There is a very delicate line when writing historical fiction to balance between the historical and the fiction; too much of the latter and it can feel unrealistic to the time and events it’s portraying, yet too much of the former and it feels like a thin veil of a story to cover a history text book.
In the case of this book, it felt like the author was trying to write in the styles of both ancient saga–where things are Told, in depth characterization is not required, and achievements are what’s shown–and modern storytelling, yet in trying to be both, it failed to convincingly be either.
I felt like the beginning was primarily Tell, which I don’t enjoy in modern fiction unless it’s very engaging. This wasn’t. What we saw had small glimmers of good character–like Guiamo is honest and hardworking–but is mostly focused on skills he’s learning, like a systemic skill-up for what he’ll need later in this book and series. But without emotional attachment, I don’t really care what happens to the character.
The primary thing that is supposed to show how “extraordinary” he is, is how hard he works to feed his dog. I guess for some that’s enough, but to me, it wasn’t. It was “of course he fed his dog,” rather than “look how great he is.” And then when the dog is quickly set aside later on, it makes it look less like a real attachment and more like a device. (Although he is brought back later, it still feels like device.)
All authors have to use devices and conveniently convenient things, but you have to hide them, because when they’re obvious, they remove the reader from the experience.
About a third of the way through and we’re seeing more Show and more glimmers of character, but it’s still somewhat bloodless and not enough. The dialog often comes across as clunky and heavy-handed. (Perhaps trying to sound natural to the time period, but it doesn’t come across smoothly.) And our characters, including Guiamo, read somewhat two-dimensional. Like more was spent on historical realism than character realism.
Ultimately, Guiamo proves a somewhat inactive narrator. He’s pulled along by events, and never rebels and rarely questions what he’s doing or being told to do or when he’s told about what his “extraordinary” fate will be. Here in, I think, lies one of it’s biggest battles between ancient saga and modern story.
One of Guiamo’s big character facets is that he’s very bright and is an inventor, but it’s overused. There were literally scenes where I stopped reading and thought, “Did he invite fire and the wheel too?” Or he’d be the only person to come up with an often simple idea that made everyone else figuratively smack their heads and say, “Brilliant!” This is okay in small doses, but not when it happens as often as it did in this book.
Yet, there were some things I liked about the story. I liked what good character traits there were to Guiamo, he just lacked balanced flaws. The anthropomorphizing of the spear was cool, and I did like the dog angle, when it was presented. I liked the druid stuff, too. And there were some sweet moments towards the end.
The prose was technically competent and I do have some minor curiosity about what will come of the saga, but I don’t see myself reading the second book. This book clearly wasn’t for me, but obviously works well for others. Once again, I’m the salmon swimming upstream, but it just didn’t hit the notes I wanted. So, I give this 2.5 Fireballs.
December 6, 2014
The period of the Roman Empire was found to have many new inventions come to the world. The Romans were master architects and used much of their knowledge to make their empire greater. Their empire only grew through a well-disciplined army that was conscripted when Roman needed them it was an army for peace, and an army for war.
The eventual outcome of all the battles fought is that good men died. Men that were someone’s brother, uncle, best friend and many cases some young boy’s father. This will take us to the main character of authors Marshall Best’s book, Guiamo (The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo).
The book starts with just what can happen to a young man that is orphaned by the death of his father, while at war. The unfortunate death of his mother and other family from a disease sets him to live with his uncle. A man who cares a bit more about his drink, and his wife who has no real love for the young Guiamo. So it should come as no shock he is left at the side of the road after awakening from a short nap on the back of a car. The young boy only questions what has happened to him and in a show of great will walks up to a fisherman and asks for a job. This simple request will start a live for the young boy that will lead him on many new discoveries.
This brief opening should show a potential reader of the type of character you are about to read about. The book is a taste of life of what Guiamo goes through to earn his right to be a man of Rome. A man that by the appropriate age will have created some great inventions and used a love of learning to make a nice amount of money for himself, and others. His inventions may turn up helping the fisherman and those he calls friends. He will also learn some basic life skills as he lives with the fisherman and he grows older and a bit wiser.
The story will continue on and the reader is introduced to many great characters that immediately see the greatness in this young boy. The fisherman who gives him his first job, to the steel smith who teaches him a career and helps him earn this fortune. It’s a story with vast characters that in some way will touch Guiamo, but at the same time he touches their lives. A life that will have him travel part of the empire and meet a long lost family member.
The story not only takes the reader into the boy’s world, but a world that has been lost for centuries. You get an introduction into the lives that were lead during the period and how people lived. There are those who enjoyed the simple life, to those who lived in splendor in a proper villa. There is also a look at the perils of war and what comes of the victors, and the losers. A view of what land ownership could bring those with influence along with how not all slave owners in the period mistreated their slaves.
Guiamo (The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo) is a great entry into what appears to be a great series of books. The one thing that the reader will find throughout the book is how people call the boy special. As you read you get an idea of just “how” special he may be. There will be introductions to the different Gods of the era and a different religion. The most important thing is as you read the book you grow with the young man and those around him. It’s a book that engages the reader on many levels and should leave you asking, “What’s Next”.
The eventual outcome of all the battles fought is that good men died. Men that were someone’s brother, uncle, best friend and many cases some young boy’s father. This will take us to the main character of authors Marshall Best’s book, Guiamo (The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo).
The book starts with just what can happen to a young man that is orphaned by the death of his father, while at war. The unfortunate death of his mother and other family from a disease sets him to live with his uncle. A man who cares a bit more about his drink, and his wife who has no real love for the young Guiamo. So it should come as no shock he is left at the side of the road after awakening from a short nap on the back of a car. The young boy only questions what has happened to him and in a show of great will walks up to a fisherman and asks for a job. This simple request will start a live for the young boy that will lead him on many new discoveries.
This brief opening should show a potential reader of the type of character you are about to read about. The book is a taste of life of what Guiamo goes through to earn his right to be a man of Rome. A man that by the appropriate age will have created some great inventions and used a love of learning to make a nice amount of money for himself, and others. His inventions may turn up helping the fisherman and those he calls friends. He will also learn some basic life skills as he lives with the fisherman and he grows older and a bit wiser.
The story will continue on and the reader is introduced to many great characters that immediately see the greatness in this young boy. The fisherman who gives him his first job, to the steel smith who teaches him a career and helps him earn this fortune. It’s a story with vast characters that in some way will touch Guiamo, but at the same time he touches their lives. A life that will have him travel part of the empire and meet a long lost family member.
The story not only takes the reader into the boy’s world, but a world that has been lost for centuries. You get an introduction into the lives that were lead during the period and how people lived. There are those who enjoyed the simple life, to those who lived in splendor in a proper villa. There is also a look at the perils of war and what comes of the victors, and the losers. A view of what land ownership could bring those with influence along with how not all slave owners in the period mistreated their slaves.
Guiamo (The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo) is a great entry into what appears to be a great series of books. The one thing that the reader will find throughout the book is how people call the boy special. As you read you get an idea of just “how” special he may be. There will be introductions to the different Gods of the era and a different religion. The most important thing is as you read the book you grow with the young man and those around him. It’s a book that engages the reader on many levels and should leave you asking, “What’s Next”.
June 25, 2014
Marshall Best's The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo Series is addressed mainly to the young, but I can assure you that reading it can be enjoyable at any age. Certainly I would not have grabbed Guiamo, the first volume in the series, to read it, given the age that I have, but I had to do a review for the blog tour and my passion for the ancient world made me to give it a chance. And I did well!
Guiamo is a well written book, a pleasant read and with a lot of lessons for those who are just starting out in life: about how to be better, how to help your fellow man, to put other’s happiness above your personal satisfaction. Do not be naive, the humanity has not changed much in 2000 years. People are just as good or bad as ever, they have the same qualities or defects and it seems, sadly noticing it, that nothing can change our way of being.
The central character of the story is Guiamo, a Roman orphan who for now seems to be doomed to a tragic fate, but who will benefit from the compassion and help of some special people. Yes, luck sometimes smiles to you, but also Guiamo is not an ordinary kid. Nobody will pamper him, the dramatic moments will not be missing, but by the way he is, and how he takes life seriously even at such an early age, he manages to gain the adults’ trust and admiration. A young man full of imagination, who the author credited with some of the inventions that allowed Rome to become the terrible force of the ancient world, such as the gladius, the Legionnaire short sword and the ballistae, an oversized crossbow that has devastating effects. Do not smile, you will realize why by reading the story. The development of the first book runs through the character’s childhood events until his coming of age, which, in the ancient Rome occurs earlier than in our society.
An exciting adventure, peppered with descriptions of everyday Roman life, but also with a touch of Celtic magic. It is a story about growing up, about taking responsibility, and a mystical one. It’s a novel that entwines, in an interesting way, the fantasy with real history. The author introduces in the story moments of Caesar's Gallic Wars, and the first volume of the series will end with the preparations for the first Roman invasion of Britain. The book is a great and welcoming way for young readers to take contact with history.
Even if the text is full of Latin words, they are neither unnecessary, nor tiring. The style is pleasant, even funny at times, the action is smooth, it will not tarry, and there are no useless descriptions.
A captivating book, and why not, an instructive one that I recommend to you!
GZM http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
Guiamo is a well written book, a pleasant read and with a lot of lessons for those who are just starting out in life: about how to be better, how to help your fellow man, to put other’s happiness above your personal satisfaction. Do not be naive, the humanity has not changed much in 2000 years. People are just as good or bad as ever, they have the same qualities or defects and it seems, sadly noticing it, that nothing can change our way of being.
The central character of the story is Guiamo, a Roman orphan who for now seems to be doomed to a tragic fate, but who will benefit from the compassion and help of some special people. Yes, luck sometimes smiles to you, but also Guiamo is not an ordinary kid. Nobody will pamper him, the dramatic moments will not be missing, but by the way he is, and how he takes life seriously even at such an early age, he manages to gain the adults’ trust and admiration. A young man full of imagination, who the author credited with some of the inventions that allowed Rome to become the terrible force of the ancient world, such as the gladius, the Legionnaire short sword and the ballistae, an oversized crossbow that has devastating effects. Do not smile, you will realize why by reading the story. The development of the first book runs through the character’s childhood events until his coming of age, which, in the ancient Rome occurs earlier than in our society.
An exciting adventure, peppered with descriptions of everyday Roman life, but also with a touch of Celtic magic. It is a story about growing up, about taking responsibility, and a mystical one. It’s a novel that entwines, in an interesting way, the fantasy with real history. The author introduces in the story moments of Caesar's Gallic Wars, and the first volume of the series will end with the preparations for the first Roman invasion of Britain. The book is a great and welcoming way for young readers to take contact with history.
Even if the text is full of Latin words, they are neither unnecessary, nor tiring. The style is pleasant, even funny at times, the action is smooth, it will not tarry, and there are no useless descriptions.
A captivating book, and why not, an instructive one that I recommend to you!
GZM http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
December 9, 2013
(4.5 stars) We first meet Guiamo as a 10-year-old boy who gets abandoned at the side of the road by his Aunt and Uncle. We later learn that his father died when he was 5 and his mother and older brother died when he was 8. His aunt and uncle reluctantly took him in which is why they have no problem abandoning him. Fortunately, he's near some fishermen and one of them, Calidius, takes him in. After Calidius hears his story, he says, "Work diligently on the nets, and your life will improve. The lot of a fisherman is a life of hard work, but it is honest work, and there is honor in that. We also eat well, and that is one of life's greatest joys." Guiamo learns to fish and begins looking for ways to do it more efficiently.
When he's learned all he can from Calidius and the other fishermen, Calidius sends him to Gabinius, telling him to stay with him for three years and the lessons he learns there will prove valuable to Guiamo. Guiamo is sad to leave what has become his home but quickly adjusts to life with Gabinius and starts making improvements in his new location. He becomes friends with Ursius who trains dogs for the Roman army and their friendship continues throughout the book. He learns more about who he is and develops his gifts and continues to invent new things to make life easier and more efficient for those around him.
This book is the beginning of quite a journey! Guiamo is a character that is easy to love and invest in. I'm fascinated with him and the wisdom he possesses at such a young age. He's quite an inventor, as he's always looking for ways to improve life. He takes life in stride and looks for the good in it, never screaming and shouting that life is unfair or questioning why certain things happen to him. He does seem to have a moment of sadness at what he's left behind but always seems ready for the next adventure.
We also start to get glimpses of even greater things that Guiamo is destined to do in his life. He received a sword which has some amazing history and he learns more about his personal connection to it and how it can help him. There's also a curse that is revealed which gives some foreshadowing into his future. At then end, I was definitely ready to keep reading more!
Mel's Shelves
When he's learned all he can from Calidius and the other fishermen, Calidius sends him to Gabinius, telling him to stay with him for three years and the lessons he learns there will prove valuable to Guiamo. Guiamo is sad to leave what has become his home but quickly adjusts to life with Gabinius and starts making improvements in his new location. He becomes friends with Ursius who trains dogs for the Roman army and their friendship continues throughout the book. He learns more about who he is and develops his gifts and continues to invent new things to make life easier and more efficient for those around him.
This book is the beginning of quite a journey! Guiamo is a character that is easy to love and invest in. I'm fascinated with him and the wisdom he possesses at such a young age. He's quite an inventor, as he's always looking for ways to improve life. He takes life in stride and looks for the good in it, never screaming and shouting that life is unfair or questioning why certain things happen to him. He does seem to have a moment of sadness at what he's left behind but always seems ready for the next adventure.
We also start to get glimpses of even greater things that Guiamo is destined to do in his life. He received a sword which has some amazing history and he learns more about his personal connection to it and how it can help him. There's also a curse that is revealed which gives some foreshadowing into his future. At then end, I was definitely ready to keep reading more!
Mel's Shelves
June 13, 2013
If you are looking for a great book for your child, you have to get this one. It is perfect for kids probably 10 and up. Younger ones may have a harder time with some of the words and names but that has never really stopped my kids from liking a book. Parents don't have to worry about any mature content. The only thing may be one scene in the book with the blessing of the fields, and a phallus. I don't really recall any bad language.
Boys will probably get into this more than girls, but everyone will be able to connect with this book. I was drawn into Guiamo's world from page one. It took all I had to put the book down to get some sleep. I guess I should've started earlier in the day, instead of late in the evening. The author does such a great job that you can imagine you are right there. You can almost smell the fish at the fishing village.
I love that the book mixes history and myth together. You can almost get the sense of what it was like to live in the Roman empire. Life was difficult but you still have the optimism that you can change your life and excel. It teaches kids that hard work pays off and it still gives that sense of adventure. While most people will not agree that a boy of 14-15 would be considered a man, back then he would've been considered a man.
I really can not say enough about this book. I can't wait to pass this on to my son and probably to the library where my husband teaches. If you are try to get your child to read, this is the perfect book. It has a little bit of the supernatural, history, and myth with plenty of lessons and adventures.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Boys will probably get into this more than girls, but everyone will be able to connect with this book. I was drawn into Guiamo's world from page one. It took all I had to put the book down to get some sleep. I guess I should've started earlier in the day, instead of late in the evening. The author does such a great job that you can imagine you are right there. You can almost smell the fish at the fishing village.
I love that the book mixes history and myth together. You can almost get the sense of what it was like to live in the Roman empire. Life was difficult but you still have the optimism that you can change your life and excel. It teaches kids that hard work pays off and it still gives that sense of adventure. While most people will not agree that a boy of 14-15 would be considered a man, back then he would've been considered a man.
I really can not say enough about this book. I can't wait to pass this on to my son and probably to the library where my husband teaches. If you are try to get your child to read, this is the perfect book. It has a little bit of the supernatural, history, and myth with plenty of lessons and adventures.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
December 13, 2015
Books around myths and legends are not normally my cup of tea but this story and the authors style of writing have changed my viewpoint
The story is easy to follow and intriguing and the author makes you want to turn each page in order to keep up and find out what is going to happen to the main character.
We follow Guiamo Durmius Stolo on his quest to find out his true vocation in life, abandoned as an orphan a local fisherman takes him under his wing and quickly realises Guiamo has a special talent and plans out his education to prepare him for the challenges he is going to have to face .
The research and historical facts and language used by the writer is superb and generates the feeling as a reader that you are right there every step of the way.
The writer has the reader intrigued from the first page and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the main characters and their escapades and the excellent way that to develop Guiamo they had to go and seek advice and knowledge from different sources. The different sources lead Guiamo to the Druids, attaining a magical weapon and the ability to understand animals
The author has a way with his words and text which really appealed to me and found that I couldn't put it down and was enjoying it that much I didn't want it to finish.
This was the first book in a series of four and cannot wait to find out what is in store for our hero. An excellent read which could appeal across a wide range of ages and will stand the test of time.
The story is easy to follow and intriguing and the author makes you want to turn each page in order to keep up and find out what is going to happen to the main character.
We follow Guiamo Durmius Stolo on his quest to find out his true vocation in life, abandoned as an orphan a local fisherman takes him under his wing and quickly realises Guiamo has a special talent and plans out his education to prepare him for the challenges he is going to have to face .
The research and historical facts and language used by the writer is superb and generates the feeling as a reader that you are right there every step of the way.
The writer has the reader intrigued from the first page and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the main characters and their escapades and the excellent way that to develop Guiamo they had to go and seek advice and knowledge from different sources. The different sources lead Guiamo to the Druids, attaining a magical weapon and the ability to understand animals
The author has a way with his words and text which really appealed to me and found that I couldn't put it down and was enjoying it that much I didn't want it to finish.
This was the first book in a series of four and cannot wait to find out what is in store for our hero. An excellent read which could appeal across a wide range of ages and will stand the test of time.
May 28, 2015
This book was recently entered and was a GOLD medal winner in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Star Rating: 5 stars
Number of Readers: 27
Readers’ Comments
‘I loved Myths and Legends when I was in primary school so this was perfect for me. Amazing covers and tantalising blurbs. I enjoyed all four of the books very much.’ Boy, aged 14
‘Lots of history in the four novels balanced with page-turning plots. The teenagers in my class enjoyed every second of them. I particularly liked the interesting, fully-formed characters and the wonderful descriptive prose bringing the historical setting to life.’ Teacher, year 10
‘I understand the Roman time much better now. I liked the fact the hero was intelligent.’ Girl, aged 13
‘Full of lessons for young readers,this set of books is a fabulous delight for any teenager. A mix of magic and myths and high adventure. I read them with my three sons over two weeks for The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. We loved every minute of it. We thought tey were, by far, the best books in the award this year.’ Parent
Stats
Of the 27 readers:
27 thought the covers were good or excellent.
27 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the best part of the books was the exciting plot.
10 thought the best part of the books was the accessible style of the writing.
2 thought the best part was the character/setting descriptions.
‘A fantastical blend of myths and history topped with a first class adventure. A GOLD medal winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
Star Rating: 5 stars
Number of Readers: 27
Readers’ Comments
‘I loved Myths and Legends when I was in primary school so this was perfect for me. Amazing covers and tantalising blurbs. I enjoyed all four of the books very much.’ Boy, aged 14
‘Lots of history in the four novels balanced with page-turning plots. The teenagers in my class enjoyed every second of them. I particularly liked the interesting, fully-formed characters and the wonderful descriptive prose bringing the historical setting to life.’ Teacher, year 10
‘I understand the Roman time much better now. I liked the fact the hero was intelligent.’ Girl, aged 13
‘Full of lessons for young readers,this set of books is a fabulous delight for any teenager. A mix of magic and myths and high adventure. I read them with my three sons over two weeks for The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. We loved every minute of it. We thought tey were, by far, the best books in the award this year.’ Parent
Stats
Of the 27 readers:
27 thought the covers were good or excellent.
27 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the best part of the books was the exciting plot.
10 thought the best part of the books was the accessible style of the writing.
2 thought the best part was the character/setting descriptions.
‘A fantastical blend of myths and history topped with a first class adventure. A GOLD medal winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
July 2, 2013
I was engrossed in this book from the first paragraph. There was no way I was going to leave Guiamo like his Aunt and Uncle did all alone in an unknown land. None. I was in for the long haul – even I knew there was something special about this young lad at the age of 10. Marshall Best opens up the Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo with Book 1: Guiamo, by capturing the minds and hearts of his readers with the story of young Guiamo’s beginnings; his history. In telling this story, Best is able to richly lay out the history of the land and the people – and he does so without confusing the reader. That is a gift and a talent.
Best writes with so much skill that before you know it, you are immersed in Guiamo’s life story, watching his talents develop quickly and well advanced for one of his age. If you’re anything like me, you might even become protective of Guiamo and those who take charge over shaping and grooming him. Or maybe you’ll begin to wonder what their motive might be for shaping and molding this young boy who keeps displaying more amazing gifts. If that doesn’t grab you, the craftsmanship and inventiveness of the time will surely lure you deeper into the story line. Is Guiamo special for some supernatural purpose? I guess you’ll have to read the 1st of the Chronicles to find out.
Best writes with so much skill that before you know it, you are immersed in Guiamo’s life story, watching his talents develop quickly and well advanced for one of his age. If you’re anything like me, you might even become protective of Guiamo and those who take charge over shaping and grooming him. Or maybe you’ll begin to wonder what their motive might be for shaping and molding this young boy who keeps displaying more amazing gifts. If that doesn’t grab you, the craftsmanship and inventiveness of the time will surely lure you deeper into the story line. Is Guiamo special for some supernatural purpose? I guess you’ll have to read the 1st of the Chronicles to find out.
July 9, 2013
Guiamo by Marshall Best is an outstanding historical novel of life and times in the ancient Roman era. It is full of action and adventure plus a great story of the life of our hero, Guiamo.
The author did an excellent job of developing the storyline, making it both real and believable. By sticking to known facts of this era he made his story come alive and become all the more believable. There were times I had to remind myself this was fiction. It was easy to follow the story and keep up with each new twist and turn. I really had trouble putting this book down.
Marshall Best’s writing style brought the characters to life. He was able to instill emotion and character into each of them making it easy to identify and follow them. I really like a book where you can feel and sense what the characters are feeling and sensing.
Marshall Best did an excellent job with Guiamo and I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book to all readers and ages.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
The author did an excellent job of developing the storyline, making it both real and believable. By sticking to known facts of this era he made his story come alive and become all the more believable. There were times I had to remind myself this was fiction. It was easy to follow the story and keep up with each new twist and turn. I really had trouble putting this book down.
Marshall Best’s writing style brought the characters to life. He was able to instill emotion and character into each of them making it easy to identify and follow them. I really like a book where you can feel and sense what the characters are feeling and sensing.
Marshall Best did an excellent job with Guiamo and I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book to all readers and ages.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
June 27, 2013
Guiamo is a very gifted boy who was abandoned in Gaul when he was only 10 years old. He was found by a fisherman who took him in and recognized his talents. Even at 10, he was inventing better ways to catch fish. Other men in the village also taught him skills and life lessons. He also is mentored by a merchant. As the years go by, Guiamo shows talents in many other ways and is destined to be much more than a fisherman. This book also shows a little of what it is like to live in the Roman Empire in 60 B.C. I like history and this was very interesting to read about each of the characters and how life was back then.
If you like historical fiction, this is a great read. It was hard to put down and I was up late a few nights reading this. I am definitely going to check out the rest of the books in the series.
I received this book in exchange for a review. All opinions above are 100% my own.
If you like historical fiction, this is a great read. It was hard to put down and I was up late a few nights reading this. I am definitely going to check out the rest of the books in the series.
I received this book in exchange for a review. All opinions above are 100% my own.
June 22, 2013
This is definitely a book for everyone - I think my nephew would really enjoy it. I truly appreciated that there was no adult content (that I can remember), yet the book was a great read. The author is wonderfully descriptive, and you feel like you are a part of Guiamo's world.
I love that the book really gives you the feeling of what it was like to live in that era. Life was difficult for Guiamo, but he put all that he had into everything he did. This book has a great lesson: perseverance and patience pays off in the end.
I really enjoyed this this book and it is perfect for the young adult who likes action and adventure with a bit of history and mythology mixed in. Mom and Dad get the added benefit of life lessons thrown in for good measure ;)
I am really excited to read the other books in this series!
I love that the book really gives you the feeling of what it was like to live in that era. Life was difficult for Guiamo, but he put all that he had into everything he did. This book has a great lesson: perseverance and patience pays off in the end.
I really enjoyed this this book and it is perfect for the young adult who likes action and adventure with a bit of history and mythology mixed in. Mom and Dad get the added benefit of life lessons thrown in for good measure ;)
I am really excited to read the other books in this series!
June 23, 2013
Definitely a book that my older son will love to read in a few years! (He's only 8.) At first I struggled with the beginning few chapters, putting it down and then coming back to it later in the week. I enjoy reading period-specific novels so I pushed myself a bit and am glad that I did, as it was worth it.
The book vividly depicted living alongside Guiamo - I hated his aunt and uncle in the beginning, I appreciated and admired the men that taught him - or allowed him to blossom really - into the person he is. I appreciated the combination of realism, action and adventure. I had yet to read about Roman life in that era, and learned a lot along the way! Intertwined, was also some Greek mythology - a newly favorite topic of mine.
Overall, I think it is a definite worthwhile read for young adults and older. A read depiction of how working hard and motivation pays off!
The book vividly depicted living alongside Guiamo - I hated his aunt and uncle in the beginning, I appreciated and admired the men that taught him - or allowed him to blossom really - into the person he is. I appreciated the combination of realism, action and adventure. I had yet to read about Roman life in that era, and learned a lot along the way! Intertwined, was also some Greek mythology - a newly favorite topic of mine.
Overall, I think it is a definite worthwhile read for young adults and older. A read depiction of how working hard and motivation pays off!
June 24, 2013
Guiamo by Marshall Best is an absolute must-read. All characters are superbly described while the dialogue is easy to follow from the first page to the last, younger readers will be able to connect very well with the story. I found that historical accounts of Julius Ceasar added to the story therefore making it more complete. The Roman-Latin words used were just fabulous making me feel like I was right there in the tablinum while the meeting was going on. It was amazing to read how Guiamo was able to prosper so quickly even during all the historical turmoil going on back then. This story leaves nothing behind as it is well written and so fun to read. Let me add that some readers (like me) will find it entertaining as well as informative because Marshall Best has also included a glossary. Read it and you be the judge!
June 25, 2013
This first book in The Chronicles of Guiamo Durimus Stolo and takes place in the province of Gaul that is part of the Roman empire in 60 BC. The main character, Guiamo, is a ten year old orphan boy who must learn to make his own way in the world. Abandoned by his Aunt and Uncle, he finds unlikely patrons in a group of fishermen. Recognizing his intelligence and creativity, they pave they way for him to change his stars.
I loved how the story follows Guiamo and how he interacts in Roman society. Interwoven into the story are historical characters and facts that are truly fascinating. The story is easy to read and captivating too. It is interesting to learn about life in this time period. I am looking forward to reading additional books in the series.
I loved how the story follows Guiamo and how he interacts in Roman society. Interwoven into the story are historical characters and facts that are truly fascinating. The story is easy to read and captivating too. It is interesting to learn about life in this time period. I am looking forward to reading additional books in the series.
January 2, 2013
A captivating story of a 10 year old boy abandoned in Rome during the era of Julius Ceasar. He is first taken in by a fisherman in a small fishing village and trained how to fish.....realizing that the boy is meant for so much more, he is sent to work under a blacksmith and learn that trade. As Guiamo grows and learns, his life takes many twists and turns including a meeting with the god Mars.
I'm giving it a four star rating only because it's not exactly my kind of book but I know others who have read it and loved it.
This is the first in a series of nine. I've only read book one. Go to www.smashwords.com or www.kobobooks.com to find all four books.
I'm giving it a four star rating only because it's not exactly my kind of book but I know others who have read it and loved it.
This is the first in a series of nine. I've only read book one. Go to www.smashwords.com or www.kobobooks.com to find all four books.
September 17, 2013
Wow. Just wow. I've been looking for a new series to get my teeth into in the fantasy/historical fiction genre for a while now. Low and behold, I have found success! Marshall Best's Guiamo Chronicles are a perfect mix of legend and fiction, interwoven together brilliantly to create a story of real substance. It is no surprise to learn that Marshall plans 9 (NINE) books in the chronicles, the strength of writing and the durability of the main character have me already knowing I'll be picking up each and every novel from here on...
June 28, 2013
Guiamo is a young boy that I can't help rooting for. With the death of his father in the war, then illness taking away his brother and mother, how could you not immediately root for him to succeed?
If you are at all interested in historical fiction, this is a good one to pick up. If you love ancient Rome you should come and take a look at a coming of age story of a young orphan as he struggles to find his gifts from the Gods.
If you are at all interested in historical fiction, this is a good one to pick up. If you love ancient Rome you should come and take a look at a coming of age story of a young orphan as he struggles to find his gifts from the Gods.
June 30, 2013
Are you the type of reader who enjoys fantasy books? If yes, then Guiamo is something that you must read. Allow Marshall Best to introduce you to the great young kid named Guiamo Durmius Stolo.
This book will bring you to a different world. Allow Guiamo to bring you to a different era. Discover how his life changes with one
This book will bring you to a different world. Allow Guiamo to bring you to a different era. Discover how his life changes with one
May 18, 2013
I received this book as a Good reads first read giveaway. The book is well wrote and very captivating with understandable characters that you feel emotional attachments to as the story progresses. I cannot wait to read more!!!
July 18, 2015
A fun character development set in the Roman Empire, circa 60 BC. I'll comment more when I read the next three books of the series. Needless to say, the author caught my attention.
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