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Scorpius
In the Roman Empire, where chariot racing reigns as the deadliest and most popular sport, an epic tale unfolds. Tethered to four horses, racing at breakneck speeds in fragile chariots, men risk everything for the hope of fame and glory. Orphaned young slave boys in the Empire like Scorpius have few other options to free themselves from bondage, and through a chance encounter the child enters the lucrative and perilous contests to gamble his life on victory. As he hones his skills, the stakes skyrocket as Scorpius’s journey takes him from the obscurity of the provinces to the cobbled streets of Rome – the world’s most powerful city – which is fraught with danger as he competes in the biggest racetrack ever constructed, the Circus Maximus. Will his sheer will and newfound prowess pave his path to freedom, or will the intoxicating taste of success prove more dangerous than the thunderous races themselves? Amidst the backdrop of Emperor Domitian's rule, who are the unseen forces and influential figures shaping or shattering Scorpius's destiny?Inspired by the first-century AD’s real-life charioteers, “Scorpius" is a masterful blend of rigorous historical research and vivid imagination. This novel offers a unique lens into the daily life of the Roman Empire, with its heart-pounding chariot races mirroring the grand spectacles that captivate billions today. Prepare to be transported into an era of breathtaking excitement and drama, where history and fiction collide to create a story that fans of historical fiction and sports enthusiasts alike will find unforgettable.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2024
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 24, 2024
If you are a fan of historical fiction and sports, you might want to check out Scorpius by Monty Ryan. This novel is set in the Roman Empire, where chariot racing is the most popular and dangerous sport. The book tells the story of Scorpius, a young slave boy who becomes a charioteer and rises from obscurity to fame and glory. Along the way, he faces many challenges and enemies, as well as friends and allies. He also gets involved in the political intrigues and conflicts of the Emperor Domitian’s reign.
The book is very well-written and researched, with a lot of historical details and accuracy. The author creates a vivid and realistic picture of the Roman Empire, with its culture, society, and politics. The book also shows the different perspectives and experiences of the Romans and the other peoples they conquered or interacted with. The book is not for the faint of heart, as it depicts the brutality and violence of the chariot races and the Roman world in general. However, it also shows the human side of the characters, their emotions, motivations, and relationships.
For me this book felt like the Hunger Games but less dystopian and more historical. I have really gotten into reading about sports, because just the thrill of it, and the kind of competitiveness, brutality as well as the glory it has to offer just triggers something primal and it is like an adrenaline rush, without physically having to do any sports.
The book is fast-paced and engaging, with a lot of suspense and action. The chariot races are especially thrilling and exciting, as the author describes them in detail and makes the reader feel the adrenaline and the danger. Books about competitive sports are really hit or miss though, depending on the characters.
For me, the protagonist actually felt like someone you could root for, and then there were so many other interesting characters that actually invoked a feeling or support or straight off-the-bat hatred, which is perfect for books like these. Without having the backstories and that humane element of knowing a character’s journey, it would have been hard to like this book. But the author strikes the perfect balance between, telling you enough about the characters to feel like you have a personal stake in it, and then sharing the details of the races.
The book also has some twists and turns, surprises and revelations, and a satisfying ending. You really won’t see it coming! The book is a stand-alone novel, but it is also part of a series, so there might be more books to come.
I really enjoyed reading Scorpius by Monty Ryan, and I think it is a great historical novel that brings the Roman Empire and the chariot races to life. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction and or who wants to learn more about the Roman Empire and its history.
The book is very well-written and researched, with a lot of historical details and accuracy. The author creates a vivid and realistic picture of the Roman Empire, with its culture, society, and politics. The book also shows the different perspectives and experiences of the Romans and the other peoples they conquered or interacted with. The book is not for the faint of heart, as it depicts the brutality and violence of the chariot races and the Roman world in general. However, it also shows the human side of the characters, their emotions, motivations, and relationships.
For me this book felt like the Hunger Games but less dystopian and more historical. I have really gotten into reading about sports, because just the thrill of it, and the kind of competitiveness, brutality as well as the glory it has to offer just triggers something primal and it is like an adrenaline rush, without physically having to do any sports.
The book is fast-paced and engaging, with a lot of suspense and action. The chariot races are especially thrilling and exciting, as the author describes them in detail and makes the reader feel the adrenaline and the danger. Books about competitive sports are really hit or miss though, depending on the characters.
For me, the protagonist actually felt like someone you could root for, and then there were so many other interesting characters that actually invoked a feeling or support or straight off-the-bat hatred, which is perfect for books like these. Without having the backstories and that humane element of knowing a character’s journey, it would have been hard to like this book. But the author strikes the perfect balance between, telling you enough about the characters to feel like you have a personal stake in it, and then sharing the details of the races.
The book also has some twists and turns, surprises and revelations, and a satisfying ending. You really won’t see it coming! The book is a stand-alone novel, but it is also part of a series, so there might be more books to come.
I really enjoyed reading Scorpius by Monty Ryan, and I think it is a great historical novel that brings the Roman Empire and the chariot races to life. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction and or who wants to learn more about the Roman Empire and its history.
August 11, 2024
“Scorpius” by Monty Ryan is an enthralling narrative set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome, a story of resilience, ambition, and the thirst for freedom that propels a young slave from the confines of servitude to the pinnacle of chariot racing glory. Through the life of Scorpus, later rebranded as Scorpius, Ryan weaves a tale rich with historical detail, capturing the essence of Roman society, its complexities, and the brutal yet captivating world of chariot racing that enthralled thousands.
From the outset, the novel grips the reader with Scorpus’s humble beginnings in the stables of a Roman senator, setting the stage for a classic underdog story. His unexpected talent for taming a wild horse marks the beginning of his meteoric rise, a testament to the novel’s exploration of fate and innate skill over the circumstances of one’s birth. The author’s meticulous research and vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled races of the Circus Maximus, making each chariot race come alive with thrilling intensity.
Scorpius’s ascent to fame and his ultimate decision to form his own racing faction, the Golds, reflect not only his indomitable spirit but also the novel’s deeper commentary on the pursuit of autonomy and identity within the oppressive structures of Roman society. His interactions with historical figures, including Emperor Domitian, are masterfully crafted, offering a window into the political intrigues and personal vendettas that characterized the era.
However, “Scorpius” is more than just a story of triumph and tragedy. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and the perilous balance between the love of the masses and the whims of those in power. Scorpius’s eventual downfall, marked by betrayal and sabotage, underscores the harsh realities faced by those who dared to challenge the status quo. The city-wide mourning following his death and the subsequent political repercussions illustrate the impact of individual lives on the broader tapestry of history.
Monty Ryan’s “Scorpius” is a compelling read that combines historical fiction with elements of drama and sports narrative to create a richly layered portrayal of Ancient Rome. The novel’s pacing, character development, and the seamless integration of historical fact with fiction ensure a captivating reading experience. Through the rise and fall of Scorpius, Ryan offers a poignant exploration of human resilience, the hunger for freedom, and the enduring quest for legacy amidst the capricious tides of fortune and fate. This novel will resonate with readers long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression of the luminous and, at times, dark shadows cast by the Eternal City.
From the outset, the novel grips the reader with Scorpus’s humble beginnings in the stables of a Roman senator, setting the stage for a classic underdog story. His unexpected talent for taming a wild horse marks the beginning of his meteoric rise, a testament to the novel’s exploration of fate and innate skill over the circumstances of one’s birth. The author’s meticulous research and vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled races of the Circus Maximus, making each chariot race come alive with thrilling intensity.
Scorpius’s ascent to fame and his ultimate decision to form his own racing faction, the Golds, reflect not only his indomitable spirit but also the novel’s deeper commentary on the pursuit of autonomy and identity within the oppressive structures of Roman society. His interactions with historical figures, including Emperor Domitian, are masterfully crafted, offering a window into the political intrigues and personal vendettas that characterized the era.
However, “Scorpius” is more than just a story of triumph and tragedy. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and the perilous balance between the love of the masses and the whims of those in power. Scorpius’s eventual downfall, marked by betrayal and sabotage, underscores the harsh realities faced by those who dared to challenge the status quo. The city-wide mourning following his death and the subsequent political repercussions illustrate the impact of individual lives on the broader tapestry of history.
Monty Ryan’s “Scorpius” is a compelling read that combines historical fiction with elements of drama and sports narrative to create a richly layered portrayal of Ancient Rome. The novel’s pacing, character development, and the seamless integration of historical fact with fiction ensure a captivating reading experience. Through the rise and fall of Scorpius, Ryan offers a poignant exploration of human resilience, the hunger for freedom, and the enduring quest for legacy amidst the capricious tides of fortune and fate. This novel will resonate with readers long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression of the luminous and, at times, dark shadows cast by the Eternal City.
March 11, 2024
Scorpius by Monty Ryan is an impressive depiction of the Roman Empire's favourite sport – chariot racing. Ryan's storytelling beautifully blends historical accuracy with imaginative flair, creating a vivid and immersive narrative that transports readers to the heart of ancient Rome.
At the heart of the story is Scorpius, a young slave boy whose journey from obscurity to the grand stages of Rome's Circus Maximus is fraught with danger and intrigue. Ryan expertly captures the tension and excitement of chariot racing, painting a thrilling portrait of ambition, rivalry, and the quest for freedom in a world where every race could mean life or death.
What sets Scorpius apart is its ability to bring the ancient world to life with such authenticity and detail. From the bustling streets of Rome to the thunderous roar of the chariot races, Ryan's descriptive prose draws readers into a richly imagined world filled with larger-than-life characters and pulse-pounding action. Scorpius is a captivating blend of history and fiction that will leave readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.
At the heart of the story is Scorpius, a young slave boy whose journey from obscurity to the grand stages of Rome's Circus Maximus is fraught with danger and intrigue. Ryan expertly captures the tension and excitement of chariot racing, painting a thrilling portrait of ambition, rivalry, and the quest for freedom in a world where every race could mean life or death.
What sets Scorpius apart is its ability to bring the ancient world to life with such authenticity and detail. From the bustling streets of Rome to the thunderous roar of the chariot races, Ryan's descriptive prose draws readers into a richly imagined world filled with larger-than-life characters and pulse-pounding action. Scorpius is a captivating blend of history and fiction that will leave readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews