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In the Shadow of the Furies: A Novel of the Second Punic War
In the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome, a man is only as great as his daring.
Scipio lives the charmed life of a Roman playboy, but his indolence masks the pain of a past he refuses to face, and the bitter rejection of his estranged father, the consul Cornelius. Women and wine quench Scipio’s thirst for life, until the day he hungers for something more. Driven by staunch principles and fiery debate, Aemelia is unlike any woman Scipio’s desired and he longs to make her his wife. But Aemelia and her father know that he is a lover, not a husband.
Beyond the grand halls and opulent gardens of Rome, war with Carthage is brewing. When Scipio is invited to join his father on the battlefields of Hispania, it is his chance to find glory and finally silence the shame and guilt that haunts him. Waiting for them is the brilliant and deadly general Hannibal, and the hard realities of war. At home, Aemelia watches as the city she loves threatens to slip backwards into prejudice, misogyny, and corruption.
In an age of glorious victory, molten desires, and brutal consequences, Scipio and Aemelia walk the fine edge of disaster, while caught in the grip of a conflict that will shape the world forever.
Scipio lives the charmed life of a Roman playboy, but his indolence masks the pain of a past he refuses to face, and the bitter rejection of his estranged father, the consul Cornelius. Women and wine quench Scipio’s thirst for life, until the day he hungers for something more. Driven by staunch principles and fiery debate, Aemelia is unlike any woman Scipio’s desired and he longs to make her his wife. But Aemelia and her father know that he is a lover, not a husband.
Beyond the grand halls and opulent gardens of Rome, war with Carthage is brewing. When Scipio is invited to join his father on the battlefields of Hispania, it is his chance to find glory and finally silence the shame and guilt that haunts him. Waiting for them is the brilliant and deadly general Hannibal, and the hard realities of war. At home, Aemelia watches as the city she loves threatens to slip backwards into prejudice, misogyny, and corruption.
In an age of glorious victory, molten desires, and brutal consequences, Scipio and Aemelia walk the fine edge of disaster, while caught in the grip of a conflict that will shape the world forever.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2023
26 people are currently reading
2252 people want to read
About the author
Cary Reed
7 books22 followersCary Reed is an author of historical fiction novels and espionage thrillers that authentically portray of the world soldiers, spies, and intelligence agencies. Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, Reed's interest in international relations led him to pursue a degree in the subject from American University, followed by a master's degree from Georgetown University.
Reed served in the Army as an infantry officer, serving as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and graduating Army Ranger School. He later transitioned to military intelligence and served in various capacities in this field. Following his time in the military, Reed worked for a decade as an analyst in the U.S. intelligence community, honing his skills in analysis and strategic thinking.
Reed's extensive experience in the world of intelligence and national security has been instrumental in his writing career. His novels are known for their gripping plots, complex characters, and attention to detail.
Today, Reed resides in New York City, where he works in the field of cybersecurity. When he's not working or writing, he enjoys exploring the city's many cultural offerings, spending time with his family, and staying up to date on the latest developments in the world of national security.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 24, 2024
At a time that I was beginning to think that no one actually won the Goodreads giveaways, I won this book and, after reading it, I'm delighted to have done so!
"In the Shadow of the Furies" is well-written, historically rich and accurate. Cary Reed provides a wonderful feel for interesting character development in all the historical characters that come to life in the book. Moreover, the book is not only a look back at the history of Ancient Rome, but it is a thoughtful projection of all the trepidations and dangers that lie ahead for America and all the other current democracies of our time.
Roman politics is the center and driving force of the war against Hannibal and the Carthaginians (such is also true, in part, of Hannibal's motives in his quest to destroy Rome). We read that Rome was, at the time, facing similar issues that we see in today's politics -- the rising tide of populism, demagogues who lie in pursuit of their political agendas, and unholy political alliances. A reader is free to either draw parallels, or dismiss the similarities that I found in my reading.
What helped me enjoy the book and its history much more, was spending time before commencing to read the book reading and learning more details of the Punic Wars (some very good, short historical synopses on U-Tube) with more background information online as well. The reader will get more enjoyment in reading with added knowledge of: the characters, the politics of the day, the maneuvers taken by Hannibal to outsmart both the Romans, and his own government in Carthage; and the nature of the specific battles.
I will certainly read the next book in the series. A great read on all accounts! I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, Mr. Reed!
"In the Shadow of the Furies" is well-written, historically rich and accurate. Cary Reed provides a wonderful feel for interesting character development in all the historical characters that come to life in the book. Moreover, the book is not only a look back at the history of Ancient Rome, but it is a thoughtful projection of all the trepidations and dangers that lie ahead for America and all the other current democracies of our time.
Roman politics is the center and driving force of the war against Hannibal and the Carthaginians (such is also true, in part, of Hannibal's motives in his quest to destroy Rome). We read that Rome was, at the time, facing similar issues that we see in today's politics -- the rising tide of populism, demagogues who lie in pursuit of their political agendas, and unholy political alliances. A reader is free to either draw parallels, or dismiss the similarities that I found in my reading.
What helped me enjoy the book and its history much more, was spending time before commencing to read the book reading and learning more details of the Punic Wars (some very good, short historical synopses on U-Tube) with more background information online as well. The reader will get more enjoyment in reading with added knowledge of: the characters, the politics of the day, the maneuvers taken by Hannibal to outsmart both the Romans, and his own government in Carthage; and the nature of the specific battles.
I will certainly read the next book in the series. A great read on all accounts! I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, Mr. Reed!
March 17, 2024
Well written book until the end. Very abrupt ending… almost like the author decided he reach his page limit … and just stopped.
While there is another book to follow, this just has such an odd ending!
While there is another book to follow, this just has such an odd ending!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews