The Crucible of Man

by Mark J. Moe

Just an innocent, young boy when Roman invaders killed his father, Carpathimos fights back when they return to his island paradise to take away his sister and mother. While fighting to save them, he is captured and taken back to Rome where he is forced to kill in the Circus Maximus. He fights to win his freedom and ironically finds love and friendship in a place he never expected. Deceit, murder, and suspicion surround him as the Roman Republic fights to establish itself as a Mediterranean power, catching Carpathimos in the middle. Finally, allowed to return home, he must fight to survive one last time, but what he loses sends him back to Rome with vengeance in his heart. The Crucible of Man vividly portrays one man's evolution from innocent fisherman to a warrior capable of changing the very future of Rome. As one man fights to preserve his innocent life amid the islands of the Mediterranean, the growing powers from Rome and Carthage force him to evolve into the very thing he despises most: a warrior

292 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

Born the third son of a teacher and farmer on the wind-swept plains of western Minnesota, Dr. Moe matriculated through medical training at the U of MN, and now practices and lives with his wife and children near the small towns where he grew up.

The Crucible of Man and East to Lydia, two novels conceived within his vast imagination, are products of his enjoyment of the written word, his fascination with ancient history, and a salute to his creative writing professor who instilled within him the courage to attempt such an endeavor.

Reviews

[TLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is captivating. It allowed me to read and learn about some history while enjoying action, romance, deceit, and so much more. The writing is very descriptive in his text it takes me right to the scene of each chapter. What a fantastic first novel for this author. It was a page turner and I didn't want to put it down. Truly a great book! I hope to see another book from him soon!

[John]

Review available on IndieReader (url to be updated)

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressively written self-published novel. The writing offers effortless visualization of the scenes.