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Hannibal #3
Hannibal: Clouds of War
As Rome's war with Carthage continues, two friends - now on opposing sides - confront each other in one of the most brutal sieges of all time. A new Hannibal novel by the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Legion series.213 BC. Syracuse. Under the merciless Sicilian sun, a city is at war.Outside the walls, a vast Roman army waits. Yet the city’s incredible defences, designed by Archimedes, mean that Syracuse will not be taken easily. A veteran of the bitter war since its beginning, Quintus is ready to give his life in the service of the Republic. But dangers face him from within his own ranks as well as from the enemy - who include his former friend, the Carthaginian, Hanno. Hanno has been sent by his general Hannibal to aid Syracuse in its fight against Rome. Pledged to bring death to all Romans, he is diverted from his mission by the discovery of Quintus’ sister Aurelia, a captive within the city.Two friends on opposing sides. A woman caught between them. They are about to meet in one of the most brutal sieges of all time.Who will survive?
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2014
132 people are currently reading
1286 people want to read
About the author
Ben Kane
49 books1,106 followersBen Kane is a bestselling Roman author and former veterinarian. He was born in Kenya and grew up in Ireland (where his parents are from). He has traveled widely and is a lifelong student of military history in general, and Roman history in particular. He lives in North Somerset, England, with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 18, 2014
Forget the book for a second, lets have a look at that cover! What a beauty. One of the most eye catching covers I have seen in the genre of historical fiction. Of course, covers are as much about personal taste as stories are, so I don't expect everyone to feel the same way.
I am so sick of seeing men or women in period dress on historical fiction covers. Some of them are very well designed, inspirational to the imagination and eyecatching, but it is the sheer volume of man or woman in period costume covers that has me bored with them.
While the cover of this Hannibal: Clouds of War edition does have a man in period costume on it, the combination of colours, the font choices and the pose make it something fresh and it is likely this will be my favourite cover of 2014.
But we are not here to read what I think about the book cover are we? We are here to talk about the words beneath it. As we get beyond the book cover to imbibe of a battle royale between two mighty military forces of ancient history. The Romans and the Carthaginians.
This is the third instalment in Ben Kane's Hannibal series. I skipped over the first one, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, because it was taken up by the childhoods of our main characters. Since I prefer adult characters, I came in on book two, Hannibal: Fields of Blood.
I liked the book and reviewed it last year. I believe the reader doesn't need to read book one to understand the one following it, but it may serve a reader best if they do start with book one and not jump in elsewhere like I did.
I liked Hannibal: Clouds of War more than I liked the book that came before it. I have spent many moments trying to work out why I prefer it, but I come up empty handed. I simply did and that is that.
Ben Kane is a consummate professional when it comes to his researching. He goes to great lengths to research for each book. Going to historic sites in Italy, Sicily and beyond. Visiting ancient battlegrounds to get a feel for how his story and his characters might fit into the landscape.
I have watched the author's videos on events such as the Battle of Cannae, and seen him talk/write passionately about his historical context. I think if an author has the opportunity to travel for research, then do it, because it shows, I can tell you.
As an avid reader of historical fiction, I notice the structure this kind of hands on researching can inject into a story. It had an unmistakable footprint in Clouds of War and if you like that sort of thing like I do, then you will notice it too.
While I do struggle with how I feel about the dialogue in this series, it is the fantastic sense of place that keeps me reading. I love to feel immersed in an era when I read. In fact, as with many of us, it is why I read historical fiction in the first place. To time travel.
Everything you would expect from Ben Kane is in this novel. History and dense, lengthy battle scenes. Your major characters - who you will have come to like or love or hate via the two books that precede it - will be there to meet you also. They are all in there and if you read this author for any of those - the battles, the history, the colourful characters - then you will be well pleased with what you find.
On a final note. Great glossary. (If only all authors would include such a detailed glossary in their historical fiction books). Brilliant historical note. (When will this author realise that he has the knack with the simple matter of talking history? Which graduates well to writing non fiction. I'll buy that non fiction if it comes, for sure.)
3.5 Stars
I am so sick of seeing men or women in period dress on historical fiction covers. Some of them are very well designed, inspirational to the imagination and eyecatching, but it is the sheer volume of man or woman in period costume covers that has me bored with them.
While the cover of this Hannibal: Clouds of War edition does have a man in period costume on it, the combination of colours, the font choices and the pose make it something fresh and it is likely this will be my favourite cover of 2014.
But we are not here to read what I think about the book cover are we? We are here to talk about the words beneath it. As we get beyond the book cover to imbibe of a battle royale between two mighty military forces of ancient history. The Romans and the Carthaginians.
This is the third instalment in Ben Kane's Hannibal series. I skipped over the first one, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, because it was taken up by the childhoods of our main characters. Since I prefer adult characters, I came in on book two, Hannibal: Fields of Blood.
I liked the book and reviewed it last year. I believe the reader doesn't need to read book one to understand the one following it, but it may serve a reader best if they do start with book one and not jump in elsewhere like I did.
I liked Hannibal: Clouds of War more than I liked the book that came before it. I have spent many moments trying to work out why I prefer it, but I come up empty handed. I simply did and that is that.
Ben Kane is a consummate professional when it comes to his researching. He goes to great lengths to research for each book. Going to historic sites in Italy, Sicily and beyond. Visiting ancient battlegrounds to get a feel for how his story and his characters might fit into the landscape.
I have watched the author's videos on events such as the Battle of Cannae, and seen him talk/write passionately about his historical context. I think if an author has the opportunity to travel for research, then do it, because it shows, I can tell you.
As an avid reader of historical fiction, I notice the structure this kind of hands on researching can inject into a story. It had an unmistakable footprint in Clouds of War and if you like that sort of thing like I do, then you will notice it too.
While I do struggle with how I feel about the dialogue in this series, it is the fantastic sense of place that keeps me reading. I love to feel immersed in an era when I read. In fact, as with many of us, it is why I read historical fiction in the first place. To time travel.
Everything you would expect from Ben Kane is in this novel. History and dense, lengthy battle scenes. Your major characters - who you will have come to like or love or hate via the two books that precede it - will be there to meet you also. They are all in there and if you read this author for any of those - the battles, the history, the colourful characters - then you will be well pleased with what you find.
On a final note. Great glossary. (If only all authors would include such a detailed glossary in their historical fiction books). Brilliant historical note. (When will this author realise that he has the knack with the simple matter of talking history? Which graduates well to writing non fiction. I'll buy that non fiction if it comes, for sure.)
3.5 Stars
November 24, 2021
Read this book in 2014, and its the 3rd volume of the "Hannibal" series, from the author, Ben Kane.
This story is situated in 213 BC, with the Siege of Syracuse by the Romans at its centrepiece, and this place desperately defended by the Greek Archimedes with the assistance of Carthage.
Within the Romans besieging Syracuse, Sicily, and now a veteran in this 2nd Punic War is Quintus, and he's ready to give his life for the Republic.
But dangers will lurk for Quintus, not only from his former friend and now Carthaginian enemy, Hanno, but also within his own Roman ranks, so he must be alert for any kind of treachery against him.
Hanno on the other hand, after having been sent to Syracuse by his General Hannibal, is to aid Syracuse in a bid to repel the Roman assaults.
Pledged to bring death to all Romans, he's diverted in his actions to find that Quintus's sister, Aurelia, is held captive in Syracuse.
What will follow is a gripping and excellent historical adventure, in which the Siege of Syracuse is beautifully crafted by the author, and where all characters, historical and fictional, are brought to us in a most lifelike and believable way, and all these superb ingredients make this tale as a whole so incredibly complete, including all its horrors, death, but also the love between people.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous addition to this amazing series, and I hope sincerely that more adventures will hopefully follow in the future, and what this book is concerned I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Syracuse Adventure"!
This story is situated in 213 BC, with the Siege of Syracuse by the Romans at its centrepiece, and this place desperately defended by the Greek Archimedes with the assistance of Carthage.
Within the Romans besieging Syracuse, Sicily, and now a veteran in this 2nd Punic War is Quintus, and he's ready to give his life for the Republic.
But dangers will lurk for Quintus, not only from his former friend and now Carthaginian enemy, Hanno, but also within his own Roman ranks, so he must be alert for any kind of treachery against him.
Hanno on the other hand, after having been sent to Syracuse by his General Hannibal, is to aid Syracuse in a bid to repel the Roman assaults.
Pledged to bring death to all Romans, he's diverted in his actions to find that Quintus's sister, Aurelia, is held captive in Syracuse.
What will follow is a gripping and excellent historical adventure, in which the Siege of Syracuse is beautifully crafted by the author, and where all characters, historical and fictional, are brought to us in a most lifelike and believable way, and all these superb ingredients make this tale as a whole so incredibly complete, including all its horrors, death, but also the love between people.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous addition to this amazing series, and I hope sincerely that more adventures will hopefully follow in the future, and what this book is concerned I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Syracuse Adventure"!
September 11, 2015
Una de las mejores sagas de novela histórica que he leído nunca.
March 7, 2019
Me ha gustado más que el segundo, aunque no tanto como el primero, la batalla en la que los romanos intentan tomar siracusa por mar esa escena me ha flipado ha sido de lo mejor de toda la saga.
May 9, 2017
Sadly, Clouds Of War has turned out to be the last of the series on Hannibal and we're left hanging at the end. That's the disappointment. OK - there is a definitive ending for this installment, but there needs to be a 4th (minimum) which is apparently never going to come which is a shame.
One of the top writers in the field of historical fiction - particularly the Roman Empire - like all of Kane's books, the research is meticulous, for the most part, it is historically accurate and it's a fantastic read and revolves around the siege of Syracuse (no, not the one in New York!) and is one of those books you can't put down. Sadly, when you finish you're left wondering what's going to happen next, but will never know since, according to the author, the series wasn't that popular and didn't sell well, so it was abandoned. Here's hoping Kane will someday pick up the tale again and bring it to its logical conclusion whether the publisher likes it or not!
If you like a good, rip-roaring adventure built around actual history - this is for you!
One of the top writers in the field of historical fiction - particularly the Roman Empire - like all of Kane's books, the research is meticulous, for the most part, it is historically accurate and it's a fantastic read and revolves around the siege of Syracuse (no, not the one in New York!) and is one of those books you can't put down. Sadly, when you finish you're left wondering what's going to happen next, but will never know since, according to the author, the series wasn't that popular and didn't sell well, so it was abandoned. Here's hoping Kane will someday pick up the tale again and bring it to its logical conclusion whether the publisher likes it or not!
If you like a good, rip-roaring adventure built around actual history - this is for you!
November 27, 2021
4.5⭐️. Great series. Would have given it 5⭐️ if the conclusion didn’t feel rushed/anti-climatic. (If you fancy the egregious savagery of warfare this is definitely a series to check out.)
July 30, 2021
A great insight in the conflict on Sicily. Hope we get to see the last book in this series and the conclusion to hannibal's story!
February 9, 2017
I don't know if you're (like me) thinking that Clouds of War is a strange title for a final part in a trilogy? And then, as you're reading, you begin to think 'maybe he should hurry up and get to the end of Hannibal's story or he ain't got enough space to write it properly!' I went through all that and more, then realised, later backed up by Ben's 'afterword' this isn't the end. It's the start of the end, maybe. But, don't worry little brother - there are more. Relief all round.
So what then, is Clouds of War doing, if it's not a conclusion? Well, it's taking a slight detour from the Punic War, to concentrate, in many places I think you could say 'hone in on' the various sub-plots there have been up until now. Aurelia's marriage, her love for Hanno, Hanno's love for her and Quintus' undercover struggles in the Roman foot-soldier's world. Once I was settled and not panicking because this wasn't a final part of a trilogy, I relaxed and enjoyed what the good Mr. Kane is up to here. If it was to showcase his writing of other things than huge, fuck-off great battle scenes, that is. If it was, he passes with flying colours. I will admit to investing some personal experience into the scenes, but the final third and Hanno and Aurelia's attempts at taking their love further, away from Syracuse, as it were, as the Romans close in, had me misty-eyed on the edge of tears. It is really that good.
Strangely then, for the man with his name above the door, Hannibal isn't really in it, much. He sends Hanno away from Italy to go see how Syracuse is getting on, but that's about it. So, I'm putting my hat and coat on the next one being more on Hannibal and the Carthaginians' attempts to put the Romans in their place. As we know what happened, anyone who has been awake in their life so far that is, Ben's job won't be easy. He needs to get us on the edge of our seats hoping, hoping, hoping that just once, maybe this time, Hannibal will win. That's because, Quintus apart, I'm guessing the readers sympathies are indeed with the plucky underdogs here. If anyone can do it, that isn't called Frederick Forsyth, can do it, Ben Kane can. It's going to be unmissable!
All my reviews in one handy place, you say? Speesh Reads
Why not try Speesh Reads' exciting new Facebook Page
So what then, is Clouds of War doing, if it's not a conclusion? Well, it's taking a slight detour from the Punic War, to concentrate, in many places I think you could say 'hone in on' the various sub-plots there have been up until now. Aurelia's marriage, her love for Hanno, Hanno's love for her and Quintus' undercover struggles in the Roman foot-soldier's world. Once I was settled and not panicking because this wasn't a final part of a trilogy, I relaxed and enjoyed what the good Mr. Kane is up to here. If it was to showcase his writing of other things than huge, fuck-off great battle scenes, that is. If it was, he passes with flying colours. I will admit to investing some personal experience into the scenes, but the final third and Hanno and Aurelia's attempts at taking their love further, away from Syracuse, as it were, as the Romans close in, had me misty-eyed on the edge of tears. It is really that good.
Strangely then, for the man with his name above the door, Hannibal isn't really in it, much. He sends Hanno away from Italy to go see how Syracuse is getting on, but that's about it. So, I'm putting my hat and coat on the next one being more on Hannibal and the Carthaginians' attempts to put the Romans in their place. As we know what happened, anyone who has been awake in their life so far that is, Ben's job won't be easy. He needs to get us on the edge of our seats hoping, hoping, hoping that just once, maybe this time, Hannibal will win. That's because, Quintus apart, I'm guessing the readers sympathies are indeed with the plucky underdogs here. If anyone can do it, that isn't called Frederick Forsyth, can do it, Ben Kane can. It's going to be unmissable!
All my reviews in one handy place, you say? Speesh Reads
Why not try Speesh Reads' exciting new Facebook Page
October 5, 2024
The third book in this highly enjoyable trilogy (a fourth is planned) is set in the Punic war, where childhood friends on opposing sides draw inexorably closer as the siege of Syracuse progresses. Violence, both planned and casual, is rife, with grim things perpetrated by both Roman and Greek (Cartheginian) alike, with both convinced that God is rooting for them. Exciting and informative (many of the events described actually happened), the reader ends up alternately wanting the two protagonists to succeed and prevail, cheering each on and switching perception of the 'bad guys'.
Looking forward to book four when it's published.
Looking forward to book four when it's published.
April 9, 2023
Wątek miłosny już mnie nie drażni, fajnie poprowadzona akcja i postacie, ale brakuje mi Hannibala🙈🙈🙈 i braci Hanno, wątku Rzymu i Iberii
October 21, 2016
In 213, Rome is at war with Carthage and the town of Syracuse in Sicily is under siege. Outside the walls is Quintus, a brave servant of Rome and equestrian masquerading as infantry. Sent by Hannibal to help the rebels is Hanno, old friend of Quintus but on a mission to bring death to all Romans. As if loyalties could not be divided enough, Aurelia, Quintus’ sister and Hanno’s love from the past, becomes a captive in the besieged city.
Kane is already well-known as a writer who delivers on immersing the reader in his world and this book did not disappoint. His fight and battle scenes, whether on land or sea, are visceral and compelling. While I expected to (and was) engrossed in Quintus’ and Hanno’s struggle, Aurelia’s story was even more compelling for me. Much historical fiction of this type consigns women to the background at most. But Aurelia’s challenges are just as terrifying and heart breaking (I will not risk spoilers by detailing what they are). As one would expect from Kane, they reflect the experiences of what many women from this period in history would have gone through and are all the more powerful for that.
Enough questions remain to draw the reader into the next chapter in their lives and it’s one I’ll be reading. Existing Kane fans won’t be disappointed and this book deserves to increase that following.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book via the Historical Novel Society. This review (or an edited version) has appeared in the Historical Novels Review. My review is my independent opinion.
Kane is already well-known as a writer who delivers on immersing the reader in his world and this book did not disappoint. His fight and battle scenes, whether on land or sea, are visceral and compelling. While I expected to (and was) engrossed in Quintus’ and Hanno’s struggle, Aurelia’s story was even more compelling for me. Much historical fiction of this type consigns women to the background at most. But Aurelia’s challenges are just as terrifying and heart breaking (I will not risk spoilers by detailing what they are). As one would expect from Kane, they reflect the experiences of what many women from this period in history would have gone through and are all the more powerful for that.
Enough questions remain to draw the reader into the next chapter in their lives and it’s one I’ll be reading. Existing Kane fans won’t be disappointed and this book deserves to increase that following.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book via the Historical Novel Society. This review (or an edited version) has appeared in the Historical Novels Review. My review is my independent opinion.
September 2, 2014
Ben Kane’s Hannibal series has been impressive and this is the third (and I sense there will be more).
Set during Rome’s war with Carthage, our central characters are friends who sit on either side of the conflict. In the middle is Aurelia, sister to the Roman Quintus and in love with Hanno who is from Carthage.
Much of this is set on Sicily and the Roman siege of Syracuse and the conflicts and adventures of our three main characters to bring into context the backdrop of the war and the siege. These were not nice times and Ben Kane does well to give us a good perspective from both sides and allows us to have a balanced view. It’s authentic, bloody and brutal.
My favourite is the first in the series, I thought it was brilliantly delivered by the author. I enjoyed this one, but if I had an annoyance with it, it would be that Aurelia seems to have become reckless beyond belief and I found her level of stupidity a little frustrating. Having said that, Hanno and Quintus are as engaging as ever and the story is as vivid and exciting as we have come to expect.
Set during Rome’s war with Carthage, our central characters are friends who sit on either side of the conflict. In the middle is Aurelia, sister to the Roman Quintus and in love with Hanno who is from Carthage.
Much of this is set on Sicily and the Roman siege of Syracuse and the conflicts and adventures of our three main characters to bring into context the backdrop of the war and the siege. These were not nice times and Ben Kane does well to give us a good perspective from both sides and allows us to have a balanced view. It’s authentic, bloody and brutal.
My favourite is the first in the series, I thought it was brilliantly delivered by the author. I enjoyed this one, but if I had an annoyance with it, it would be that Aurelia seems to have become reckless beyond belief and I found her level of stupidity a little frustrating. Having said that, Hanno and Quintus are as engaging as ever and the story is as vivid and exciting as we have come to expect.
April 13, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. Using the plot device of having two 'main' characters on opposing sides helps tremendously to place immerse yourself into the story. I care about what happens to Quintus as much as I care about what happens to Hanno. I love that Ben Kane is capable of evoking a desire for both to succeed even though they are on opposite sides of the conflict.
The book dragged a bit in the final frame even amongst the action in that aside from trying to escape the chaos surrounding them the main characters seemed aimless and ultimately the climax of what at least two of them were searching for will have to be picked up in the following installation. Without ruining one of the last frames the 'reunion' felt rushed. Perhaps this was as a result of circumstance so it can be easily forgiven especially with such a great piece of storytelling.
The book dragged a bit in the final frame even amongst the action in that aside from trying to escape the chaos surrounding them the main characters seemed aimless and ultimately the climax of what at least two of them were searching for will have to be picked up in the following installation. Without ruining one of the last frames the 'reunion' felt rushed. Perhaps this was as a result of circumstance so it can be easily forgiven especially with such a great piece of storytelling.
July 5, 2016
I don't like to give any spoilers in my reviews, so I won't. Suffice it to say that Ben Kane has written another excellent book that is well worth reading. He manages to give you a history lesson, with a well thought out story revolving around it. If you like historical fiction, buy it.
January 3, 2018
Without doubt my favourite of the series.
March 29, 2022
Decepcionante. Si bien disfruté mucho de las anteriores entregas, tengo que decir que este libro y su final en general me han dejado un gusto muy amargo.
No solo el final es sumamente precipitado, sino que las conveniencias se amontonan demasiado a lo largo de la historia al punto en que la credibilidad que uno puede llegar a sentir por la historia estalla en mil pedazos. Es una verdadera lastima dado que el autor ha dado más que sobradas muestras de que es capaz de hilar a buenos personajes con grandilocuentes historias, pero en esta ocasión pareció completamente perdido.
Incluso me resulta extrañísimo ese final que promete continuar las aventuras de Hanno, Quintus y Aurelia en Iberia cuando se trata de una trilogía y este es el último libro de ella... o sea...
Estuve buscando y no encontré mayor mención a esa novela. Sé que la nueva trilogía es sobre Arminio (ya me leí el primero de esos libros y tengo el segundo a la espera), y por lo que pude ver la nueva saga ya apunta a la época de las cruzadas, alejada de las guerras púnicas...
En fin, no me quiero extender de forma innecesaria. Lamentablemente los personajes quedan desdibujados por tanto manoseo del escritor, creo que solo Quintus se salva de ello. Incluso el magnífico de Corax sufre este manoseo y termina siendo un esbozo del personaje que nos enseñaron. Lo de Aurelia es paupérrimo llegando a extremos ridículos y el personaje de Hanno perdió el rumbo de una forma que es imposible retomar.
La historia es entretenida, pero la pérdida de credibilidad que va sufriendo una y otra vez la daña irreversiblemente. Es probable que este sea el libro más flojo del autor.
No solo el final es sumamente precipitado, sino que las conveniencias se amontonan demasiado a lo largo de la historia al punto en que la credibilidad que uno puede llegar a sentir por la historia estalla en mil pedazos. Es una verdadera lastima dado que el autor ha dado más que sobradas muestras de que es capaz de hilar a buenos personajes con grandilocuentes historias, pero en esta ocasión pareció completamente perdido.
Incluso me resulta extrañísimo ese final que promete continuar las aventuras de Hanno, Quintus y Aurelia en Iberia cuando se trata de una trilogía y este es el último libro de ella... o sea...
Estuve buscando y no encontré mayor mención a esa novela. Sé que la nueva trilogía es sobre Arminio (ya me leí el primero de esos libros y tengo el segundo a la espera), y por lo que pude ver la nueva saga ya apunta a la época de las cruzadas, alejada de las guerras púnicas...
En fin, no me quiero extender de forma innecesaria. Lamentablemente los personajes quedan desdibujados por tanto manoseo del escritor, creo que solo Quintus se salva de ello. Incluso el magnífico de Corax sufre este manoseo y termina siendo un esbozo del personaje que nos enseñaron. Lo de Aurelia es paupérrimo llegando a extremos ridículos y el personaje de Hanno perdió el rumbo de una forma que es imposible retomar.
La historia es entretenida, pero la pérdida de credibilidad que va sufriendo una y otra vez la daña irreversiblemente. Es probable que este sea el libro más flojo del autor.
December 4, 2024
Well, I just wasn’t a fan. I did not find the story interesting. It was like watching an episode of Star-crossed. When it came to that aspect of the story I really didn’t see the relevance, find it interesting, or find it believable. A couple of other plot points were just too much for me. The thing with Corax meeting up with Pera in the end was just bad. There was no way possible to make that make sense. The everyone being so loyal, patriotic, and an upright honorable solider to their side but continuously bended the rules when it suited them became old and tired. I feel as though the author tried so hard to make a hero outta both characters on opposing sides when he should have just let them be and let things run its own course. Things just became jumbled and really started to contradict itself. Killing fellow soldiers for doing their jobs or doing what every other solider is doing being one of them… idk. Aurelia and her slave being slaves to the guy (can’t remember his name) needs to be explored/unpacked or something. They’re both slaves at that point…. Why is she still deferring to Aurelia. I know some patterns are hard to break but given their situation… I just found it hard to believe. Also Hanno so flippantly mentioning buying slaves was so bizarre to me, I would imagine he’d have a revulsion to such a thing, Aurelia too at that point… but I guess not??? There’s more but I’ll just leave it at that. The ending was very bad… but I’m guessing it was left that way so more books could arise and complete the story.
My biggest complaint I guess would be is…. Where on earth was Hannibal!!!??? That’s why I started the series in the first place lol.
My biggest complaint I guess would be is…. Where on earth was Hannibal!!!??? That’s why I started the series in the first place lol.
April 23, 2025
(No recuerdo la fecha exacta en que lo leí, fue un regalo navideño de parte de mi hermano)
Ordenando la biblioteca me encontré con esta joya. La portada es realmente preciosa ❤️🔥
Lo reseño por cariño. Han pasado ya varios años y todavía recuerdo muchos detalles históricos sorprendentemente bien contados. La manera en que el autor te obliga a formar parte de hasta los más mínimos detalles de la antigua Roma es increíble y, a su vez, termina siendo el arma de doble filo que me hizo bajarle una estrella ya que, al ser tan minucioso, saltar constantemente entre personajes y lo difícil que me resulto enlazar al inicio con la trama (en esto culpo a mi hermano, seguro compró el libro por la portada y ni él ni yo nos tomamos la molestia de averiguar que era EL FINAL de una trilogía) no termina de cerrar con broche de oro.
Ordenando la biblioteca me encontré con esta joya. La portada es realmente preciosa ❤️🔥
Lo reseño por cariño. Han pasado ya varios años y todavía recuerdo muchos detalles históricos sorprendentemente bien contados. La manera en que el autor te obliga a formar parte de hasta los más mínimos detalles de la antigua Roma es increíble y, a su vez, termina siendo el arma de doble filo que me hizo bajarle una estrella ya que, al ser tan minucioso, saltar constantemente entre personajes y lo difícil que me resulto enlazar al inicio con la trama (en esto culpo a mi hermano, seguro compró el libro por la portada y ni él ni yo nos tomamos la molestia de averiguar que era EL FINAL de una trilogía) no termina de cerrar con broche de oro.
March 3, 2021
There's no trace of Hannibal whatsoever and the action was spun out a little too long. We basically spent 400 pages with only minor occurrences and ultimately the fall of Syracuse. I expected a bit more about Hannibal vs Rome, which we didn't get at all. In the afterword, a 4th book is intimated but we're 7 years later and he has not yet written it, so I don't think it's coming anymore.
The fact that all characters from previous books come together in Sicily and keep running into each other all the time is also a bit farfetched and stretches credulity at times.
A good read regardless, very exciting to follow the action. That being said, could/should have included more of Hannibal's actions in Italy in my opinion.
The fact that all characters from previous books come together in Sicily and keep running into each other all the time is also a bit farfetched and stretches credulity at times.
A good read regardless, very exciting to follow the action. That being said, could/should have included more of Hannibal's actions in Italy in my opinion.
August 17, 2019
I've just finished reading this story as the third book in Ben Kane's trilogy on Hannibal. Its a roller coaster of a story. His style of writing is so engrossing, so intimate you really don't want it to end. There is a 'however'. While I have happily given it 5 stars, I'd really like him to tie it up with a fourth book, a Grand Finale, centred around Zama. He needs to tie up the lives of his main characters in a Finale, otherwise it becomes a deeply frustrating experience. Please read the entire trilogy, it is so worthwhile! Then if you feel the same way, pls write to him to maybe suggest a Finale. IMHO he is the best historical fiction writer out there. Well done Ben Kane!
May 29, 2020
Well, I completed this Trilogy and like most others, am wanting to know what happens next.
Ben Kane has an amazing way with words.
His descriptions are so vivid, that you can actually visualise things that he’s written about.
Characters have been built and killed, and there are twists at unexpected places.
His glossary and notes show much much work has been put into researching stuff.
All in all, this series is a must read for all history fiction lovers.
Also, hoping against hope that Ben will give this series a defining finale to bring in a closure, so all fans can finally stop worrying about the characters they love, and sleep easy.
Ben Kane has an amazing way with words.
His descriptions are so vivid, that you can actually visualise things that he’s written about.
Characters have been built and killed, and there are twists at unexpected places.
His glossary and notes show much much work has been put into researching stuff.
All in all, this series is a must read for all history fiction lovers.
Also, hoping against hope that Ben will give this series a defining finale to bring in a closure, so all fans can finally stop worrying about the characters they love, and sleep easy.
June 29, 2021
El libro sigue donde termina Campos de sangre, y fiel a la costumbre de los libros anteriores Aníbal aparece muy poco solo al inicio del libro. En este libro se vuelven a reencontrar Hano, Quintus y Aurelia, y el lugares Siracusa, donde se narra el sitio que tenían los romanos. Me ha gustado bastante, se fija en cosas que previos libros de la 2a guerra púnica no habían tomado. Hubiera sido un poco mejor si discutiera menos a los personajes principales y un poco más el contexto de cómo la gente vivía el asedio, pero por otro lado sabemos muy bien cómo los soldados lo están viviendo. Recomendable.
October 1, 2025
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy.
Easy to read and mostly easy to follow- for this I wish I’d had a hard copy to reference the map on the first few pages during certain parts.
Massive fan of how it never quite portrays the Romans or the Carthaginians as the bad guys- having protagonists on both sides of the war has been interesting.
The descriptions of the sacking of Enna and Syracuse are suitably horrific, it’s not all glorious charges of heroic troops.
I had thought it ended a little abruptly, the epilogue chapter tidies up the narrative- if it weren’t for the authors notes saying there will be more on the second Punic war I would have been quite disappointed!
Easy to read and mostly easy to follow- for this I wish I’d had a hard copy to reference the map on the first few pages during certain parts.
Massive fan of how it never quite portrays the Romans or the Carthaginians as the bad guys- having protagonists on both sides of the war has been interesting.
The descriptions of the sacking of Enna and Syracuse are suitably horrific, it’s not all glorious charges of heroic troops.
I had thought it ended a little abruptly, the epilogue chapter tidies up the narrative- if it weren’t for the authors notes saying there will be more on the second Punic war I would have been quite disappointed!
July 11, 2020
This is the third book of the Hannibal series I'm reading. For some reason the book does not gell. The problem with the entire Hannibal series is that the Author has tried to combine the 2nd Punic War with an impossible love story between a Roman girl and Carthaginian. He has to create numerous coincidences as he tries to tie the threads of the various battles. As he may be the first to admit, to create a balance between romance and war amidst turmoil is very difficult. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite pull it off. There is plenty of ruthless action and the Siege of Syracuse is well depicted.
September 1, 2025
A good third book in the series and I'm excited to know the author is planning to release a 4th in the near future (see his Facebook page for details). My one issue with this one was the death of Aurelia's son seemingly serving no purpose other than to remove any remaining baggage from her marriage so that she could resume her romance with Hanno. I get the child death rate was high but I still felt like that poor little guy deserved better. I had trouble taking their romance seriously after she went through something so traumatic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
An amazing series with each book being a page-turner. The story in this book mainly took place in Sicily during the Second Punic Wars. What a horrendous sight it must have been for both soldiers and civilians. I cannot recommend this series enough.
P.S. Hopefully, we will get another volume for this series. (?)
P.S. Hopefully, we will get another volume for this series. (?)
May 25, 2021
This was by far the best book and the worst at the same time. There are too many loose ends. Did Quintus avenge Corax? What happened to Hanno and Aurelia? What happened to Elira and Hanno's companion. Although very well written, I feel like it was rushed. Still a great book and will continue reading Kane's books
October 22, 2021
Me gustó bastante como todos los libros de Ben Kane, aunque en esta ocasión se me hizo un poco más lento y claro, se enfocó más en los desenlaces de los personajes principales de la Trilogia, más que en mantener al lector picado sobre qué va a pasar enseguida. De todas formas lo recomiendo junto con los dos previos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
A decent finish to the trilogy, although the ending felt a little rushed - the epilogue summarised things in such a way that I thought it was part of the author's historical notes. But it was satisfying enough - and certainly brings home the horrors of war as well as the individual bravery.
Now I can get on and try and find Clash of Empires, which follows on from this series.
Now I can get on and try and find Clash of Empires, which follows on from this series.
November 13, 2022
I do enjoy these books and was sorry to get to the end! I just wish that Book No. 4 in this series could be just written and completed. The ending of the siege all seemed a bit quick but that might have been history as it was. There has to be more to be written about the 3 main characters so here's hoping!
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