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The Nero Prediction
Humphry Knipe serves up the Nero saga in novel format with the period’s obsession with astrology as its theme. Nero and his contemporaries used horoscopes not as entertainment but as serious guides to the future. When the exact date and time of Nero’s death was leaked to his enemies it demoralized his friends -- even his own bodyguards were convinced he was doomed. All this told to us by the ex-slave who helped his singing emperor face the final curtain. “Fans of astrology will delight in this compelling narrative, as will the lover of historical novels” – James Herschel Holden A History of Horoscopic Astrology.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2005
132 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Humphry Knipe
10 books10 followersHumphry Knipe is a graduate of Rhodes University, South Africa. His first novel The Nero Prediction, a revolutionary re-evaluation of Rome’s most notorious emperor, won the 2006 Independent Publishers “Best Historical Novel” award.
His most recent publication is Napoleon's Rosebud http://www.amazon.com/Napoleons-Roseb... an affectionate, fictionalized account of his great-great-grandaunt's affair with Napoleon during his exile on a remote South Atlantic island after Waterloo.
Humphry lives on a ranch in Malibu, California with his wife glamour photographer Suze Randall. They have three children.
His most recent publication is Napoleon's Rosebud http://www.amazon.com/Napoleons-Roseb... an affectionate, fictionalized account of his great-great-grandaunt's affair with Napoleon during his exile on a remote South Atlantic island after Waterloo.
Humphry lives on a ranch in Malibu, California with his wife glamour photographer Suze Randall. They have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 31, 2018
This book isn't going to appeal to everybody, but for me it is a deep dive into Roman culture that immerses the reader completely in how the Romans thought and operated. Even as a novel, I learned quite a bit about actual Roman history during the time of Nero. This story of a slave who rises to be close to Nero is engaging, filled with peril, and has all the political intrigue and torture that one could ask for. I found Nero to be actually likable until his need to deal with his enemies makes him more like those in his culture. (For historical accuracy, fiddles were not actually invented then, but he did love to compose and play music.) It's a time of Roman power and excesses and the beginnings of Christianity. The main character comes into contact with both. The book is heavy with astrology but this sets up an overarching question of free will versus destiny. The Romans believed that everything was determined by the stars and interpreted using astrology. The Christians, according to the'old' Peter and Mark the lion, have a different belief system and definitely believe Jesus would be back in their lifetime. (Still waiting, right?) I found this book so interesting that I did a little research while reading it. The author's interpretation about who is the Antichrist, the beast, and what 666 represents is in line with modern interpretations although it cannot be confirmed. This leaves me wanting to learn even more about the Romans and this time period. I think the world needs to know a lot more about Nero.
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October 21, 2007http://nhw.livejournal.com/929385.html[return][return]Knipe has done the technical research well; by use of the astrological techniques of the day he has worked out what precisely Nero and his contemporaries would have been concerned about, while making it clear (through Epaphroditus, the narrator) that he doesn't believe a word of it himself. I'm particularly interested, because of my own long-ago researches around Eleanor of Aquitaine, that Knipe believes two horoscopes provided by the second-century astrologer Vettius Valens are in fact those cast for the times of Nero's birth and death.[return][return]My knowledge of classical times, other than astrology, is sufficiently sketchy that I did not notice any errors of detail, and the scene-setting (starting in Alexandria, then mostly in and around Rome) is convincing. The characterisation of Nero and his mother Agrippina is pretty vivid. Though I was left a bit unsure about the role in events played by early Christians (Saints Peter and Mark make several personal appearances).[return][return]Anyway, if you want a bit more ancient science with your Roman fiction than you get from Lindsey Davis, Robert Graves or Suetonius, you'll find it here.
January 2, 2019
Youthful slave Epaphroditus, unwilling forger, is co-opted from the Alexandria Museum by Agrippina, mother of Nero, and used to further her plans to rule the Roman Empire. After the horrible things Epaphroditus was forced to do for Agrippina, belonging to Nero is a great relief. He becomes Nero's greatest admirer and supporter.
Knipe's Nero is an idealist who intends to conquer the world by music instead of war - an unstable idealist, with major depressions and manic phases, but kindly by nature. THE NERO PREDICTION won the IPPY for Best Historical Novel, and to my mind it deserved it. Even in Nero's worst periods, when he is most influenced by power-seekers and toadies, Knipe's prose drags the reader onward, and the world-building makes it live in the reader's mind.
A major theme of Epaphroditus's account is the conflict between fate and free will.
My Favorite Historical Novel of 2018
Knipe's Nero is an idealist who intends to conquer the world by music instead of war - an unstable idealist, with major depressions and manic phases, but kindly by nature. THE NERO PREDICTION won the IPPY for Best Historical Novel, and to my mind it deserved it. Even in Nero's worst periods, when he is most influenced by power-seekers and toadies, Knipe's prose drags the reader onward, and the world-building makes it live in the reader's mind.
A major theme of Epaphroditus's account is the conflict between fate and free will.
My Favorite Historical Novel of 2018
August 20, 2014
A well done historical fiction set in the lifetime of Nero. Epaphroditus is a slave in Alexandria, but he is purchased by a schemer and sent to work for Agrippina the Younger, who is soon to become the wife of Claudius. She is the mother of Nero, and she believes that Epaphroditus will help Nero to achieve greatness, based on his zodiac. The book follows from Agrippina's marriage to Claudius, through her "suicide" at the order of Nero and on to Nero's death - Epaphroditus assisted Nero's suicide.
The book explores the early Catholic Church, and Nero's battles against the church. I found the book to be very interesting, even though I have no understanding of astrology and was essentially lost when ever someone's star chart was explained. You certainly get a different view of Rome compared to what you're taught in school.
The book explores the early Catholic Church, and Nero's battles against the church. I found the book to be very interesting, even though I have no understanding of astrology and was essentially lost when ever someone's star chart was explained. You certainly get a different view of Rome compared to what you're taught in school.
January 6, 2017
The Nero Prediction by Humphry Knipe... A great read to start the year with. Very detailed account of Nero and his belief in astrology till the end of his life though fictional, Epaphroditus the slave turned as noble man the shield of Nero becomes the murderer. The belief in stars brings the most relished emperor of his times to a cruel death. Great Read.
July 7, 2017
The complications of the various subplots and the multitude of characters kept the pace moving along quickly. You can tell that there has been a lot of research done for this book. Nero was an unknown to me - besides the fiddling while Rome burned - so I did like jumping into his really messed up family.
December 29, 2014
The Real Nero?
I found this to be a well- written piece about Nero and his history. The offspring of Julius Caesar were certainly blood thirsty killing mothers, fathers and children. And Nero? Would he not have been better off just being a musician?
I found this to be a well- written piece about Nero and his history. The offspring of Julius Caesar were certainly blood thirsty killing mothers, fathers and children. And Nero? Would he not have been better off just being a musician?
August 3, 2017
Very interesting
I found this story absorbing, even though the character names were sometimes confusing. Overall, I liked the historical focus of Rome and Nero's reign and the engaging twists and turns of the era.
I found this story absorbing, even though the character names were sometimes confusing. Overall, I liked the historical focus of Rome and Nero's reign and the engaging twists and turns of the era.
September 29, 2017
Long but very interesting
At first it's hard to remember who is who. As you read, they all come to life. Knowing that it is based on facts, it seems to fill in what might have happened.
At first it's hard to remember who is who. As you read, they all come to life. Knowing that it is based on facts, it seems to fill in what might have happened.
April 4, 2018
Interesting concept
And indeed, a beautiful finish. An elementary mistake between Odysseus and Oedipus makes one passage slightly less effective. Mr. Knipe finishes strong after wavering.
And indeed, a beautiful finish. An elementary mistake between Odysseus and Oedipus makes one passage slightly less effective. Mr. Knipe finishes strong after wavering.
August 2, 2012
I liked it. It got a teensy bit turgid from time to time, but overall it captured the era and the settings vividly and convincingly.
June 23, 2017
A super read about the life and times of Nero. A page turner for sure. I highly recommend that you read this book. It's full of intrigue, debauchery, chicanery, and astrology.
February 16, 2018
Historical
Lots of history.
Very interesting.
The author kept the pages moving.
It even describes elements of Religion.
Clearly an enjoyable read.
Lots of history.
Very interesting.
The author kept the pages moving.
It even describes elements of Religion.
Clearly an enjoyable read.
September 3, 2018
A great book.
This book brings ancient Rome to life. It is full of horoscopes, intrigue and debauchery. What else would you need?
This book brings ancient Rome to life. It is full of horoscopes, intrigue and debauchery. What else would you need?
January 7, 2019
The Nero Prediction is historical fiction at its best. The book states a story in a period of time in ancient Rome and Greek and makes the world come real before us with its vivid imageries and descriptions. The book is obviously a piece of fiction, but so well written that it appears to be true. Hence, we get to study the ancient world in an interesting manner. There are many things about Rome and Greek which I had not known earlier probably because I did not take the time to research them. However, the book informed as well as entertained. I came to know the crucification was a normal practice of punishment. A man's arm was cut off as punishment for violating laws. The victims in the rings (comprising of runaways, slaves, criminals, and trash) were given a feast before the gladiatorial games. And the huge number of soothsayers rampant in the country.
The story is basically about a sixteen-year-old slave who has the capacity to imitate people's handwriting. Placed in the powerful hands, the slave is manipulated into changing royal orders and this starts a beginning of the political play. The book is big and there are surprises and secrets at almost every page. Worth reading
The story is basically about a sixteen-year-old slave who has the capacity to imitate people's handwriting. Placed in the powerful hands, the slave is manipulated into changing royal orders and this starts a beginning of the political play. The book is big and there are surprises and secrets at almost every page. Worth reading
January 3, 2019
It’s been awhile since I read a historical fiction novel that so expertly transported me into the halls that these characters walked through. A prediction is made about a boy who will be born at a specific time and place and who will be instrumental to the survival of the empire. Setting out to find this fated boy, the emperors man Tigellinus finds a librarian slave named Epaphroditus and promptly takes him to train and serve as Nero’s aide and confidant. The author certainly seemed to know about the era in which he set his story, I was captivated and followed along with the court intrigue and the plots to murder different individuals. Knowing next to nothing of emperor Nero it was very interesting and I did not feel like I was missing out in background knowledge. The writing style was well done, and I didn’t have any issues reading this book that would jar me out of the story. Great Job!
January 5, 2019
Very interesting story, I really enjoyed reading!
In my opinion, it’s the great idea and unique writing. Thanks to the talented author Humphry Knipe for The Nero Prediction. The book contains a lot of events. Also, an interesting component is astrology, which I didn’t like before, but it was indescribably interesting to me to learn and read. Actions take place in ancient Rome, which gave this book an extra charm.
I liked the description of the characters and their interactions. I won’t tell the story, because you can read it by yourself, but I can say that it is the interesting story that will make you immerse yourself in The Nero Prediction. The book also explores the early Catholic church and the battle of Nero against it.
I advise everyone to read The Nero Prediction, because I could not stop reading. You will probably get another understanding of everything after reading. Fascinating reading!
In my opinion, it’s the great idea and unique writing. Thanks to the talented author Humphry Knipe for The Nero Prediction. The book contains a lot of events. Also, an interesting component is astrology, which I didn’t like before, but it was indescribably interesting to me to learn and read. Actions take place in ancient Rome, which gave this book an extra charm.
I liked the description of the characters and their interactions. I won’t tell the story, because you can read it by yourself, but I can say that it is the interesting story that will make you immerse yourself in The Nero Prediction. The book also explores the early Catholic church and the battle of Nero against it.
I advise everyone to read The Nero Prediction, because I could not stop reading. You will probably get another understanding of everything after reading. Fascinating reading!
January 17, 2019
Let me start by saying that I’m a History lover and, particularly, Ancient History. When I read the summary of the book, I felt immediately intrigued and drawn into it. It did not disappoint me.
The Nero Prediction sheds a different light over the famous stories over Emperor Nero and his life. The author does a brilliant job with his descriptions of Roman everyday life, bringing the Empire, the city and the characters to life. It’s very interesting the perspective on the Astrology and the importance given. As someone who doesn’t know much about the topic, I felt a bit lost at times, but it certainly helps the book, bringing a unique perspective to it. The storyline is clear and very well-written, giving chance to understand the characters’ motivations and manipulations and bringing everything together. I’m sure that, by the end of 2019, this book will remain on my list of the best books of the year.
The Nero Prediction sheds a different light over the famous stories over Emperor Nero and his life. The author does a brilliant job with his descriptions of Roman everyday life, bringing the Empire, the city and the characters to life. It’s very interesting the perspective on the Astrology and the importance given. As someone who doesn’t know much about the topic, I felt a bit lost at times, but it certainly helps the book, bringing a unique perspective to it. The storyline is clear and very well-written, giving chance to understand the characters’ motivations and manipulations and bringing everything together. I’m sure that, by the end of 2019, this book will remain on my list of the best books of the year.
January 20, 2019
This is historical fiction, so if you are familiar with the genre, you know basically what to expect. Nero Prediction delivers on all fronts when it comes to expectations, but also intrigued me with subject matter I didn't came across often in any type of fiction, and that is astrology. Astrology is a crucial element of the story here, the author shows how important it was in ancient Rome and how many things revolved around it. Of course, most readers will already be familiar with Nero and his infamous deeds, but the author crafts a good plot around other characters as well. I don't know how historically accurate this book is, I am not really that much familiar with that time period, but I liked the feel and atmosphere that the author managed to create. For a historical fiction, it is actually not a long book and that lends to good pacing and just a few moments where the story drags a little, but overall, it is engaging and pleasant to read. Nice surprise and a firm recommendation.
June 5, 2018
Awesome
I have been away from historical novels for awhile and worried that my enthusiasm was influenced by my absence. I have decided not. This is really a good novel.
The writer did a great job with picking an interesting historical character. He followed that with a plausible life experience for the main character and demonstrated the experiences of daily life in the period. It was well done, as almost every historical fiction that I have read has been. It's hard work and doesn't reward shortcuts.
I hope that I find writers of science fiction that devote as much effort to universe creation. That would have to create so many more unforgettable stories. In the meantime, I will be reading more of this genre.
I have been away from historical novels for awhile and worried that my enthusiasm was influenced by my absence. I have decided not. This is really a good novel.
The writer did a great job with picking an interesting historical character. He followed that with a plausible life experience for the main character and demonstrated the experiences of daily life in the period. It was well done, as almost every historical fiction that I have read has been. It's hard work and doesn't reward shortcuts.
I hope that I find writers of science fiction that devote as much effort to universe creation. That would have to create so many more unforgettable stories. In the meantime, I will be reading more of this genre.
January 4, 2019
The story of Nero, historical fiction
This is a good historical fiction based on the life of Nero and his rise to the throne. The slave , epaphroditus, was chosen to help Nero is his rise and he stood by Nero through his entire life. The story takes a look at the rise of Nero through the sacrifice of his mother. As the fall of Rome began, Epaphroditus stood by and assisted Nero in his ultimate death. I found this book to be a good read and some fun historical descriptions of the time and lives of the era. I found this an enjoyable read and would recommend this one to all the history buffs out there. Check this one out folks. It's a good read with some fun facts.
This is a good historical fiction based on the life of Nero and his rise to the throne. The slave , epaphroditus, was chosen to help Nero is his rise and he stood by Nero through his entire life. The story takes a look at the rise of Nero through the sacrifice of his mother. As the fall of Rome began, Epaphroditus stood by and assisted Nero in his ultimate death. I found this book to be a good read and some fun historical descriptions of the time and lives of the era. I found this an enjoyable read and would recommend this one to all the history buffs out there. Check this one out folks. It's a good read with some fun facts.
January 21, 2019
The Nero Prediction was an interesting historical fiction type take on the Roman empire around 40 AD. While I felt like the concept could of been interesting, I found there to be too many challenges as I read. The characters names were a mouth full. I had trouble thinking of how to even start pronouncing them, making a fluid reading experience challenging.
Another challenge is I felt the author was more interested in creative sentences than constructing the book as a whole. This was only made worse with the editorial errors.
I would love to have given this book another chance, but some editing by a proper editor could drastically improve this book.
Another challenge is I felt the author was more interested in creative sentences than constructing the book as a whole. This was only made worse with the editorial errors.
I would love to have given this book another chance, but some editing by a proper editor could drastically improve this book.
April 8, 2023
I got this book 9 years ago. I tried reading it back then... and couldn't. I decided to try it again...No dice...this is unreadable. There is absolutely no cohesion to the story at all. Things just happen without any build up or explanation. The author tries covering too much ground, too fast and skips any detail that allows the reader to actually develop a connection with the characters. I honestly didn't even get a quarter of the way through this time around and couldn't take it any longer. Maybe there is a plot further into the book, but getting through the excruciatingly disconnected beginning doesn't even make it worth it. Glad I got it for $0.00 9 years ago.
May 11, 2019
There is so much about Nero that was never taught when I went to school. He was pretty much glossed over with " Fiddling While Rome Burned" and that was about all that was taught. He was a Visionary and a man before his time.
This book brings to light, all of his musical achievements during his rhein. Interesting and wonderfully written.
This book brings to light, all of his musical achievements during his rhein. Interesting and wonderfully written.
November 12, 2022
I enjoyed this piece of historic fiction. He does a lot of character development. Unfortunately what he fails to do is give us a sense of Rome the city. I found he's not that big on visuals so you don't really "see" any of these places. That's too bad because Rome must have something to see (well, to imagine.)
April 9, 2019
4 star
Not sure it is accurate to say I liked this, but although it was far darker than probably was good for my mood at present, I was unable to put it down much. Unsure of total accuracy but a credible and interesting read.
Not sure it is accurate to say I liked this, but although it was far darker than probably was good for my mood at present, I was unable to put it down much. Unsure of total accuracy but a credible and interesting read.
March 31, 2019
Great roman fiction
Really neat rendition of the life of Nero, who isn't really a sympathetic hero, but if this book is a better retelling, then maybe he should be.
Really neat rendition of the life of Nero, who isn't really a sympathetic hero, but if this book is a better retelling, then maybe he should be.
August 17, 2019
Wow! Really enjoyed it. Beautiful exploration of a historical figure through the eyes of a companion
July 5, 2021
Good read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had a 'very real' feel to it. A touch of I Claudius and also First Man in Rome.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had a 'very real' feel to it. A touch of I Claudius and also First Man in Rome.
October 6, 2018
Amazon Order Details Order #D01-1869618-4419455
Placed on Saturday, May 5, 2018
Placed on Saturday, May 5, 2018
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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