Roma Amor: A Novel of Caligula's Rome

Roma Amor #1

by Sherry Christie

As Marcus Carinna leads dusty troops past his family tomb, a voice whispers,"Your turn, little brother." READERS' FAVORITE SILVER MEDAL AWARD WINNERIndieBRAG MEDALLION HONOREEThe eerie whisper interrupts his triumphant return from the frontier, escorting a rebellious Aurima, the daughter of a Germanic chief, now hostage for a hard-won truce. Some uncanny presence also seems to alarm the troublesome girl. But Marcus shrugs off the notion that it’s a warning from his older brother, who had committed suicide to escape a treason charge. Cynical young Romans don’t believe in ghosts.And who could be uneasy in a city that’s deliriously happy? Handsome young Caligula Caesar is celebrating his confirmation as emperor of Rome with generous handouts, chariot races, and lavish gladiatorial games.Few know that the new ruler's upbringing amid mortal threat has given him a deep fear of betrayal. Hoping to steady him, Marcus’s ambitious father had groomed his ill-fated older son to be Caligula's trusted companion. Now black-sheep Marcus must take his place.Yet how can Marcus forgive Caligula, once his brother’s closest friend, for failing to save him from a dishonorable death?In this novel of 37 AD, he will grapple with secrets, treachery, and vengeance that threaten his family, the firebrand maiden he desires, even his life . . . and may bring chaos to the young Roman Empire.An outstanding portrayal of loyalty, honor, and hidden love, Roma Amor is a rich experience for readers who enjoy losing themselves in another world.

PRAISE FROM "Powerful writing, strong characters -- especially Marcus himself, Marcus's twin sister Nina, and Aurima, the German hostage -- gorgeous and vivid, often lyrical descriptions" -- Goodreads review"A story that captivates and enthralls.... Marcus is an amazing character, passionate, intelligent and fascinating" -- Book Lovers Paradise"Right up there with some of my favorite authors in the same genre like Kate Quinn and Ben Kane. I loved it!" -- Bookfever"A complete page turner.... I found myself reading until two or three in the morning sometimes, unable to put it down" -- Historical Fiction Obsession

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ancient, Historical

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2016

About the author

I work from a barn in a coastal Maine village, surrounded by Rome-related artifacts and pictures—great inspiration for ROMA AMOR, AMBER ROAD, and a third novel now in the works.

I’ve always been a writer, first on a magazine, then in advertising, and eventually as a freelance copywriter. Over the years I've also co-written seven nonfiction books. But all the while, I was working on a novel about Ancient Rome. Revising it. Rewriting it. Starting over. And so on. Until finally, ROMA AMOR: A NOVEL OF CALIGULA'S ROME emerged.

If you like high-stakes suspense combined with vivid characters, unusual circumstances, romantic tension, and a splash of humor, why not follow me into the "Roma Amor" world? Sign up on my website to grab a free e-novella!

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...a man who would be great must have both the 'Roma' and the 'Amor.' But he must be able to balance them; duty to what is eternal with love of what is mortal and flawed. A balance my father found at the end and which I must find in myself." So muses Marcus Licinius Carinna in the poignant last chapter of the novel.

This novel was a pleasant surprise to read! No battles in this one, but a marvelous evocation of Rome through the story of a particular patrician family, the Licinii Carinnae--from the nuclear family to their slaves and servants. Set during the reign of Caligula, who here exhibits his tendencies towards narcissism, arrogance, and even madness. The elder son Publius, convicted of treason through a foolish remark overheard by someone, has been commanded to kill himself and so commits suicide. Marcus, his younger brother, returns from military duty as Senior Tribune [Laticlavius] on the Danube frontier to his home, bringing a hostage and her entourage. Passing a cemetery he hears: "You too, brother." Marcus is shaken and all through the novel thinks of different reasons why Publius' spirit might be whispering to him. Several more times he hears the same whisper with different words. His father denigrates his time in the military and wants him to follow the cursus honorum as his brother would have done. The father wishes him to become a friend to Caligula; subsequently, Marcus is appointed quaestor, a kind of glorified financial clerk, the lowest rung on the cursus, and enters Caligula's confidence. Caligula charges him with discovering if his adopted son is loyal to him or conspires against him. Defamatory biting satires of Caligula circulate and Marcus is told to find out the identity of the author, a certain "Phoenix." Had that name had been chosen because the emperor's signet ring bore the engraving of a phoenix? He chafes against his father's restrictions but obeys him and the emperor. As a Mithraist and "Soldier of the Truth" he tries to discover the truth behind his brother's death--what had motivated it and the treason charge in the first place and Publius' guilt or innocence. The rest of the novel is filled with drama: assassination attempts, mystery, murder, romance, betrayal, and a bit of spookiness at the Fishpond incident.

I couldn't fault the author: powerful and often stately writing, strong characters--especially Marcus himself; Marcus' twin sister Nina; and Aurima, the German hostage; gorgeous and vivid, often lyrical, descriptions which pulled me into the Rome of that era. I compliment the author on the excellent proofreading; nothing to distract me from the trajectory and pacing of the story.

Highly recommended. This is a novel to keep and to reread in future.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to beat around the bush, this book was simply amazing. It ended up as a top favorite of mine. It's also one of the best books I've read about Ancient Rome. It's right up along with some of my favorite authors in the same genre like Kate Quinn and Ben Kane. I loved it!

This book takes place during the reign of one of the most infamous Roman emperors, Caligula. It is written in the point of view of Marcus Carinna who's older brother (and Caligula's closest friend) commited suicide after being charged with treason. Marcus' father tells him to befriend Caligula and earn his trust. It's then that Marcus starts to unravel a lot of secrets and conspiracy involving his family.

I loved reading about Marcus. He was strong-willed and all he wanted was to lead legians against the barbarians but obviously his father had other plans for him. I was in awe of his devotion to find out what exactly happened that lead to the accusation of treason against his brother. I also liked the scenes between Marcus and his father. They had they had a lot of differences but his father clearly loved him.

One of my favorite characters aside from Marcus himself was the Germanic priestess Aurima. I really liked her relationship she eventually has with Marcus. Their chemistry was off the charts. But more than that I loved how strong she was and knew what she wanted. She really stood out. And I also just have to say that I really enjoyed reading about everything related to Harman a.k.a. Arminius because I've been quite intrigued by this historical figure and the people around him.

Another female character that I really liked was the sister of Marcus, Nina, because in the story she really wants her voice to be heard but as a woman in ancient Rome, she didn't really have much of a chance for that since women in this era basically only could be heard through their husband or other men. But she did get her voice out in the world in the story so this felt really important to me.

Overall, Roma Amor by Sherry Christie really had it all. Historical fiction at its finest.Obviously this era was very well-researched. It had a lot of mystery, especially concerning Marcus' brother. There was action and drama too and a bit of romance as well. The writing was also superb. Really, I couldn't have asked for a better book.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked this one up, I got much more than I was expecting. I got an in-depth read of a time and place that has been talked about over the history of this world. Rome. The intricacies of the rise and fall, the makings of the politics involved, the allegiances, the backstabbing, the loyalties. You can feel the world painted come to life with the words and the detailed paid to the surrounding atmosphere.

I found this to be one of the best if not the best book on ancient Rome that I have ever read. The richness and depth of the research that went in to such a project. The details made the various scene stand out.

I loved Nina and Aurima. Even with them being woman in ancient Rome. I loved these two women for the strength they showed. The battles that had to endure just to be heard. The characters breathed into them. I would love to learn more about both these women.

Christie did a fabulous job bringing this time to live and giving a realness to the drama and intrigue that took place. The hints of romance. The acts of action took thing over to a more profound level. This was once reading experience that will hold close to the soul. This taste if history was reviving and filling.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot to unpack in this book, and it's a lengthy read to boot.

Marcus Licinius Carrina is returning to Rome with captives from a Germanic tribe. One of them is the priestess Aurima, whose strength and courage Carrina has come to admire.

Carrina is beset by feelings of guilt over his brother Publius' suicide, and so he reluctantly accepts a magisterial position in Caligula's court. Caligula was Publius' friend, and Carrina feels beholden to the emperor for the sake of his family. He even saves the emperor's life a time or two.

Soon, though, Caligula falls ill with the "brain fever" that is often blamed for his complete change in personality and the court becomes a depraved place from which Carrina is determined to protect Aurima as the two fall in love.

On top of all that, a new poet is writing vicious satires about Caligula (this is treasonous), and Carrina is charged with finding out who it is.

This novel is replete with murder and intrigue, and sexy-times pretty much happen off the page except by inference. The pages are populated with flawed characters; even the "good guys" have their dark sides, and the "bad guys" see themselves as doing the right thing. It's clear that the author has done her homework, too.

Those interested in the ancient era will find much to like with this book.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that ROMA AMOR: A NOVEL OF CALIGULA’S ROME by Sherry Christie is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Elysium · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcus Carinna isn’t happy when his father orders him to leave the army life behind and come back to Rome and befriend the new Caesar Caligula. Three years ago Marcus’ brother (and Caligula’s best friend) committed suicide after charged with treason and Marcus hasn’t forgiven his father that he let it happen. It’s after he becomes Caligula’s friend he starts to unravel old family secrets.

I liked Marcus who was so devoted to learning the truth about his brother’s death. He had earned quite a reputation in Rome but seemed committed to reforming his name and to live up to his father’s expectations. When Marcus develops an interest in the Marcomanni Priestess called Aurima, his father is less than pleased.

I really liked Aurima and the chapters with the so-called barbarians. We see that women had much more rights in their life than the Roman women. I’ve never read books with Caligula with in it so this was new. Didn’t really make me like Romans more than usually…

In the end, I really loved this and it was quite a quick read too.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
"Ms Christie’s characters are well portrayed, with the everyday life in Rome equally as intriguing, from slave to Emperor. The streets, the homes, the palaces are all well drawn and feel believable. There are some exciting descriptions and scenes, some romance, some fighting, some adventure… enough to please most readers who enjoy novels about Rome."

Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

[Dani Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie captures the crazed Caligula perfectly in this divinely tragic tale. How horrifying to be under the scrutiny of these powerful madmen. Although one should be rather proficient in their knowledge of Ancient Rome before tackling this novel, it is quite the page turner.

Marcus Carinna has been called home from his German campaign by his father in preparation for the Princep, Caligula's death. Marcus finds Caligula recovered but perhaps a tad crazed by his brush with death. Marcus is asked to restore the family honor by befriending Caligula. To befriend Caligula goes against Marcus' entire being as three years previously his older brother, Publius, was forced to kill himself by Tiberius and Caligula, Purblius' best friend, did nothing. Not only does Marcus have to deal with his overbearing father and Caligula's dire mood, but he is slowly falling in love with his barbarian priestess hostage.

Marcus' first task as Caligula's new and trusted friend is to flush out plots against the princeps. Among those deemed a threat are Gemellus, Caligula's adopted son and Silius, Marcus' former friend and lover. Caligula becomes more irrational and Marcus must try to hold together the princeps feeble mind while being caught in the court intrigue.

Roma Amor is a tale of the tragedy Marcus must go through for love and honor as he faces down the ghost of his beloved brother. Christie has created a set of fascinating characters, some who truly existed in Caligula's Rome, and others a work of pure fiction; regardless she brings them to life with true passion. I very much enjoyed this story and would recommend to any historical fiction lover. Christie has really done her homework to create a marvelous tale.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I think of Caligula, I see John Hurt's I,Claudius portrayal, one of a madman ruling an empire. In Roma Amor, we find a different Caligula, one who is still working out how to be Emperor while trying to keep at bay the tormenting demons in his mind. This story, while it is certainly about Caligula, is more than that. Marcus Carinna returns to Rome, a successful military campaign completed and hostages in tow and finds himself in a struggle to find the truth about his family and the truth behind Caligula's rise to power. It is also a tale of loyalties, mostly misspent loyalties, to the greater good of Rome. I found it easy to like Carinna and likewise felt the pain and anguish he experiences throughout the book. Indeed, that is one of the strengths of the story, that the characters, real and fictitious, are believable; no matter their station or role. The plots and subplots keep the reader guessing as Carinna and Caligula head into a clash of wills; a clash that an emperor usually wins...but I will leave it at that. 3.8 stars

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engrossing book kept me up all night! The characters are sympathetic and well-drawn, and throughout the novel, I was hoping for a happy ending.

There are many novels set in ancient Rome. Sometimes these are unintentionally hilarious (a few authors write about people driving chariots around the city like cars, or wearing togas to all occasions). The author’s knowledge of this historical period is extensive and faultless and her love for this world is apparent. This novel creates a vivid and detailed experience of the ancient world without overwhelming readers with information.

This reminded me of Donna Gillespie’s international bestsellers from some years back (Lady of the Light and the Light Bearer) and I enjoyed this story as much as Gillespie’s work.

[Claudine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was well written, and I enjoyed the time period. The author really gives you a sense of what it was like to have lived in Rome during Caligula's reign. My only criticism is that the book is quite long. I think it could have been paired down a bit. Otherwise, it was a great story and I hope to see more from this author.

[Alana White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly entertaining and beautifully written historical novel set in 37 AD, when Caligula Caesar is Rome's new master. Very highly recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with all the elements needed for a interesting historical nov l.

[Malacima · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Roma Amor: A Novel of Caligula’s Rome", is a complete page turner by author Sherry Christie! I had shied away from reading historical fiction set during the Roman Empire the past couple of years, but I thought this one sounded interesting, so I gave it a chance. So glad I did! I feel like I was able to learn so much about the inner workings of the Roman Empire as I read, but never once did I feel as though it lagged or became overly text book like. Prior to this novel, my only experience with Caligula was a movie I picked up at Family Video with the title “Caligula.” What a mistake that was! It was a 1970’s or 80’s film, and it was basically a soft core porno! It wouldn’t have been so bad, except for the fact that I had sat down to watch it with my parents, thinking it would be an interesting historically based movie! I think I turned 10 shades of red before finally making an awkward exit up to my bedroom. This book was a MUCH better experience than that one!

Marcus’ character is definitely one that draws female attention. He’s strong, wealthy, from the upper class, a warrior, and a bit of a bad boy. However, he is set on reforming himself, and making his father as proud of him as he was of his first son, Publius, who had been sentenced to death by the previous Roman Emperor, Tiberius. Marcus also develops a fascination with a Marcomanni Priestess named Aurima, who is a hostage of Rome after being taken prisoner during battle. His fascination leads him to do things that could possibly have serious consequences for his family’s good name, and possibly his life, but he finds that he is drawn to her, and unable to stop thinking about her.

"Roma Amor" is definitely one of the better books I’ve read recently. I found myself reading until two or three in the morning sometimes, unable to put it down for the night. Though it is a good sized book, I finished it quickly, because it was impossible to walk away from! If you are a fan and/or have interest in historical fiction, especially history dealing with the Roman Empire, than I would highly suggest getting this book. The author’s writing is fantastic, and never feels stiff or uneven, and the characters are so well-written that you can truly believe they were all real people, straight out of the past. Without a doubt, this is a FIVE out of FIVE STAR novel!

[Jenny Q]

Gods, Ghosts, and Germans in Caligula’s Rome, a guest post
by Sherry Christie plus a giveaway @ Let Them Read Books!

[Evenstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written novel that provides a glimpse of ancient Rome.