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Nero #1
Deposed: An Epic Thriller of Power, Treachery and Revenge
In a darkened cell, a brutally deposed dictator lies crippled—deprived of his power, his freedom—and his eyes.
On the edge of utter despair, his only companion is the young boy who brings him his meager rations, a mere child who fears his own shadow. But to one who has held and lost the highest power, one thing alone is crystal clear: even emperors were mere children once.
Ten years later, the new ruler’s son watches uneasily over his father’s empire. Wherever he looks rebellion is festering, and those closest to him have turned traitor once before.
To this city in crisis comes a hugely wealthy senator from the very edge of the empire, a young and angry ward at his heels. He is witty but inscrutable, generous with his time and money to a leader in desperate need of a friend—and he wears a bandage over his blinded eyes.
The fallen emperor’s name is Nero.
But this isn’t his story.
On the edge of utter despair, his only companion is the young boy who brings him his meager rations, a mere child who fears his own shadow. But to one who has held and lost the highest power, one thing alone is crystal clear: even emperors were mere children once.
Ten years later, the new ruler’s son watches uneasily over his father’s empire. Wherever he looks rebellion is festering, and those closest to him have turned traitor once before.
To this city in crisis comes a hugely wealthy senator from the very edge of the empire, a young and angry ward at his heels. He is witty but inscrutable, generous with his time and money to a leader in desperate need of a friend—and he wears a bandage over his blinded eyes.
The fallen emperor’s name is Nero.
But this isn’t his story.
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Published November 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 3, 2018
I can't praise this superb novel enough. Original, thrilling, clever and steeped in ancient Rome.
January 14, 2019
A "what-if" novel, most original and enthralling. It posits what might have happened if Nero hadn't committed suicide [he did so [with help] and instead had been taken, blinded and imprisoned, with only a young boy as his jailer. One plotline in the later 60s, finds Nero and Marcus, the boy, attempting to find out who did this to him, and another plot in the late 70s with Vespasian's son Titus, trying to find out the why and wherefore of such evil omens as a dog carrying a man's hand into the forum and the disappearance of a senator. During those years there comes from Spain a wealthy blind senator Lucius Ulpius Traianus [Nero in disguise] accompanied by his son, Marcus. Nero's revenge against those who have wronged him will have to do with Marcus; history will hear more of the young man in his own right...
A pulse-pounding novel. History has noted three "False Neros". In fact another famous, now somewhat dated, novel has been written about one of them in 1936 by Lion Feuchtwanger: Der Falsche Nero, translated as The Pretender or, alternatively The False Nero.
Highly recommended.
A pulse-pounding novel. History has noted three "False Neros". In fact another famous, now somewhat dated, novel has been written about one of them in 1936 by Lion Feuchtwanger: Der Falsche Nero, translated as The Pretender or, alternatively The False Nero.
Highly recommended.
February 22, 2020
A thriller set in Rome where the emperor Nero has survived his assassination attempt and plots his revenge in secret? Sign me up! As original ideas go that one is a doozy. And yet not even all that implausible. There were at least three False Neros under the Flavians (mostly in the East) so at least some contemporaries would have found it conceivable that he survived. I enjoy books that take a new approach to things.
This book is a thriller and relies heavily upon thriller tropes. There’s an air of danger lurking in the wings. Someone’s plotting in the background (whoever could it be?) and the evidence of their plots is disturbing and not a little confusing. It helps that the only time we hear from Nero’s viewpoint is in the immediate aftermath of his deposition and blinding. Chapters tend to be short and end well before we want them to.
The book has a very odd way of handling POV. We see the story told through a variety of viewpoint characters, but rather than being told in the third person each character has their own first person viewpoint. Even being told at the beginning of the chapter who the viewpoint character is I find this confusing. Third person gives you a variety of viewpoints, first person gives you a more intimate story. Trying to mix the two is like having your cake and eating it too. It’s neither as intimate as first person nor as clear as third person. And the added confusion of having the whole thing told in the present tense (ala Wolf Hall) doesn’t help.
The various characters are well defined even if the narrative voice robs us of physical descriptions. Nero himself is an obnoxious bastard, not really the struggling artist of history and more a puppetmaster. You have to wonder how a man this clever could ever have lost the throne in the first place. Titus seems more suited to rule. What I found interesting about him is that his vision of himself seems utterly at odds with how the world sees him. He’s a gruff soldier who’s often the only one recognizing the dangers yet handles them with honor. Outside viewers find him something of a vindictive brute. You can understand both viewpoints. That’s some pretty good character work.
While there is much that is positive to say about this book, I lost a lot of my enthusiasm by the halfway point. Once the scenario is revealed anyone with a basic background in Roman history can spot where it’s going. The only question becomes how long it will take to reveal this to the rest of the audience. Once it started drifting into much broader conspiracy theories the book lost me. I was fine with having a half-mad Nero sitting in the background plotting revenge. But a mad blood-sacrifice cult? A hidden Carthaginian treasure? Kidnapped senators popping out of treasure boxes in front of the emperor? These requires you to strain credulity too much. I realize that’s a fluid line for most people. Many will be okay with a book that embraces the absurdities of a thriller plot placed in an even more absurd first-century setting. But for me the book just seems too realistic to be so absurd.
Thematically, the book also seems a bit unfocused. It seemed clear at the beginning that Nero was the villain of the piece and our heroes had to expose him to survive. But that’s not really how it plays out. It avoids the cooky sort of conspiracy where everything is part of one giant plan, but only in the sense that there are at least three different plans! And Nero’s is only one of them. As such, he’s as much hero as villain. Which raises the question of who we’re meant to root for. Sure, you can have a Game of Thrones-type deal where all sides have their strengths and weaknesses, but to do that you need to have these guys together at the same time. With two sets of characters separated by about a decade, it is very hard to compare goals and characters.
I really liked this book at first. It grabs you and draws you in quickly and effectively with compellingly dark scenarios and a genuine sense of mystery. While you know part of the secret due to your insider status as a reader (good for you!) that additional knowledge leaves you only slightly better equipped to interpret the goings on. But as the pieces start to come together you begin to realize that the story’s not going to be able to pull together a satisfying ending. And the flashbacks to Nero’s recovery start to feel less like the most vital part of the book and more like unnecessary expansions on conclusions that were rapidly becoming obvious from the future story. Some people may have less qualms about this than I do. I just have no patience for, or interest in, the sort of irrational conspiracy theory nonsense that sees everything as one big interconnected web. And this comes dangerously close to that. On the other hand, it is never anything less than well written, and if I dislike the stylistic choices the author made you sort of get used to it after a while. The book is probably worth a read if you’re looking for something outside your ordinary high political drama.
This book is a thriller and relies heavily upon thriller tropes. There’s an air of danger lurking in the wings. Someone’s plotting in the background (whoever could it be?) and the evidence of their plots is disturbing and not a little confusing. It helps that the only time we hear from Nero’s viewpoint is in the immediate aftermath of his deposition and blinding. Chapters tend to be short and end well before we want them to.
The book has a very odd way of handling POV. We see the story told through a variety of viewpoint characters, but rather than being told in the third person each character has their own first person viewpoint. Even being told at the beginning of the chapter who the viewpoint character is I find this confusing. Third person gives you a variety of viewpoints, first person gives you a more intimate story. Trying to mix the two is like having your cake and eating it too. It’s neither as intimate as first person nor as clear as third person. And the added confusion of having the whole thing told in the present tense (ala Wolf Hall) doesn’t help.
The various characters are well defined even if the narrative voice robs us of physical descriptions. Nero himself is an obnoxious bastard, not really the struggling artist of history and more a puppetmaster. You have to wonder how a man this clever could ever have lost the throne in the first place. Titus seems more suited to rule. What I found interesting about him is that his vision of himself seems utterly at odds with how the world sees him. He’s a gruff soldier who’s often the only one recognizing the dangers yet handles them with honor. Outside viewers find him something of a vindictive brute. You can understand both viewpoints. That’s some pretty good character work.
While there is much that is positive to say about this book, I lost a lot of my enthusiasm by the halfway point. Once the scenario is revealed anyone with a basic background in Roman history can spot where it’s going. The only question becomes how long it will take to reveal this to the rest of the audience. Once it started drifting into much broader conspiracy theories the book lost me. I was fine with having a half-mad Nero sitting in the background plotting revenge. But a mad blood-sacrifice cult? A hidden Carthaginian treasure? Kidnapped senators popping out of treasure boxes in front of the emperor? These requires you to strain credulity too much. I realize that’s a fluid line for most people. Many will be okay with a book that embraces the absurdities of a thriller plot placed in an even more absurd first-century setting. But for me the book just seems too realistic to be so absurd.
Thematically, the book also seems a bit unfocused. It seemed clear at the beginning that Nero was the villain of the piece and our heroes had to expose him to survive. But that’s not really how it plays out. It avoids the cooky sort of conspiracy where everything is part of one giant plan, but only in the sense that there are at least three different plans! And Nero’s is only one of them. As such, he’s as much hero as villain. Which raises the question of who we’re meant to root for. Sure, you can have a Game of Thrones-type deal where all sides have their strengths and weaknesses, but to do that you need to have these guys together at the same time. With two sets of characters separated by about a decade, it is very hard to compare goals and characters.
I really liked this book at first. It grabs you and draws you in quickly and effectively with compellingly dark scenarios and a genuine sense of mystery. While you know part of the secret due to your insider status as a reader (good for you!) that additional knowledge leaves you only slightly better equipped to interpret the goings on. But as the pieces start to come together you begin to realize that the story’s not going to be able to pull together a satisfying ending. And the flashbacks to Nero’s recovery start to feel less like the most vital part of the book and more like unnecessary expansions on conclusions that were rapidly becoming obvious from the future story. Some people may have less qualms about this than I do. I just have no patience for, or interest in, the sort of irrational conspiracy theory nonsense that sees everything as one big interconnected web. And this comes dangerously close to that. On the other hand, it is never anything less than well written, and if I dislike the stylistic choices the author made you sort of get used to it after a while. The book is probably worth a read if you’re looking for something outside your ordinary high political drama.
May 10, 2020
This was a pretty good who-done-it/alternate history taking place in Ancient Rome, after Nero's demise.
I liked the characters and the alternate history. It was interesting and I learned a bit about the time period and the chaos that ensued after Nero's death. Unfortunately I didn't realize this was a who-done-it which is not my favourite kind of book. I also found the story and mystery to be very simplistic and unrealistic at times. And for a while Nero seemed like a Roman Hercules Poirot which was just wrong.
But overall entertaining and interesting characters. Would recommend and I might even read the second book.
I liked the characters and the alternate history. It was interesting and I learned a bit about the time period and the chaos that ensued after Nero's death. Unfortunately I didn't realize this was a who-done-it which is not my favourite kind of book. I also found the story and mystery to be very simplistic and unrealistic at times. And for a while Nero seemed like a Roman Hercules Poirot which was just wrong.
But overall entertaining and interesting characters. Would recommend and I might even read the second book.
October 28, 2017
DEPOSED is an imaginative tale that starts in 68 AD, when the 31-year-old emperor Nero is secretly kidnapped, blinded, and imprisoned, and continues through his return to Rome in 79 seeking revenge, disguised as a wealthy foreigner named Ulpius. During this decade, after several usurpers’ short-lived reigns, Vespasian has become emperor.
The author switches back and forth, showing us how Nero—whom the world believes to have killed himself—survives with the help of a young slave named Marcus and a few loyal retainers. The Rome they return to is vividly portrayed as a snakepit of treachery and murder. While Nero and his allies pursue those who betrayed him, they become aware of bloody conspiracies targeting Vespasian. Alternating chapter by chapter among different characters’ accounts of the past and present, the author kept me turning pages to witness Nero’s retribution and learn the identity of the mastermind(s) behind the plots.
DEPOSED’s dust jacket points out, “This isn’t [Nero’s] story.” But it’s impossible for him not to be the central character, given the MacGuffin of his falsified death and disguised return. What was he like before his sudden fall from the highest height? How did becoming a crippled non-person affect him? Nero himself sums up late in the book: “I was spoilt, unfair, vengeful, lazy. I was profligate . . . . I was selfish, mean, close-minded, cynical. I was a tyrant . . . .” As we see him, though, he’s patient, sagacious, self-confident, and generous almost from the start of his captivity. Maybe his self-description was too harsh, or his personality changed quickly. In any case, the pace and ingenuity of the plot twists are what matter in this tale.
I liked the author’s fluent style, minimally marred by a few errors along the lines of “College of Augers” and “Temple of Caster.” As for the comment that this isn’t Nero’s story, Mr. Barbaree hints that the slaveboy Marcus, now known by the assumed family name of Ulpius Traianus, is likely to be heard from in the future. Hmm, I wonder . . . .
The author switches back and forth, showing us how Nero—whom the world believes to have killed himself—survives with the help of a young slave named Marcus and a few loyal retainers. The Rome they return to is vividly portrayed as a snakepit of treachery and murder. While Nero and his allies pursue those who betrayed him, they become aware of bloody conspiracies targeting Vespasian. Alternating chapter by chapter among different characters’ accounts of the past and present, the author kept me turning pages to witness Nero’s retribution and learn the identity of the mastermind(s) behind the plots.
DEPOSED’s dust jacket points out, “This isn’t [Nero’s] story.” But it’s impossible for him not to be the central character, given the MacGuffin of his falsified death and disguised return. What was he like before his sudden fall from the highest height? How did becoming a crippled non-person affect him? Nero himself sums up late in the book: “I was spoilt, unfair, vengeful, lazy. I was profligate . . . . I was selfish, mean, close-minded, cynical. I was a tyrant . . . .” As we see him, though, he’s patient, sagacious, self-confident, and generous almost from the start of his captivity. Maybe his self-description was too harsh, or his personality changed quickly. In any case, the pace and ingenuity of the plot twists are what matter in this tale.
I liked the author’s fluent style, minimally marred by a few errors along the lines of “College of Augers” and “Temple of Caster.” As for the comment that this isn’t Nero’s story, Mr. Barbaree hints that the slaveboy Marcus, now known by the assumed family name of Ulpius Traianus, is likely to be heard from in the future. Hmm, I wonder . . . .
September 29, 2019
Excelente novela de ficción histórica. Una narración a dos tiempos muy bien trabajada, por un lado los acontecimientos de la caída de Nerón en el año 68 d.C. y por momentos no lleva a lo que sucede en el 79 d.C con una cuidadosa descripción y recreación de la Roma de esos años en cuanto a lo cotidiano como costumbres, lugares geográficos, vestimenta, etc, y también todo lo relacionado con la corrupción política del gran imperio.
El tema del argumento es la venganza, y la trama está llena de detalles que hacen que la novela cierre perfecto por todos lados y no decaiga nunca. Excelente libro, excelente autor.
El tema del argumento es la venganza, y la trama está llena de detalles que hacen que la novela cierre perfecto por todos lados y no decaiga nunca. Excelente libro, excelente autor.
November 8, 2017
Ha sido todo lo que esperaba y más: historia, poder, traición y venganza, y unos personajes increíbles. Destaca sobre todo esa manera de narrar, a dos tiempos y varios personajes que hablan en primera persona y presente, lo que al principio desubica para luego atrapar. Increíble que sea la primera novela de su autor. Yo la clasificaría como thriller histórico, muy cuidado, que consigue situarnos perfectamente en la Roma de los años 69 y 79 a través de la acción de sus personajes.
Opinión completa:
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
Opinión completa:
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
May 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I found the wit and innuendos used by the author added another layer of depth to the characterization of Nero and the story overall. It contained a lot of intrigue as well as historical facts. The time period skipped around so on occasion I had to flip back and check which decade I was reading about. But that didn't take away from the story. It also alternated points of view depending on which character's perspective you were in at the time. I appreciated the author making that clear at the beginning of each segment.
The style of writing was very readable, but not overly simple. The author has a way with words and with dialog that makes you forget - at times - that you are reading. I ended up kind of liking Nero's character by the story's end. That was not something I expected to happen. Nero changed a lot because of his humble circumstances and figured out that what is most important in life is the people you care about and the legacy you leave behind. His relationship with Marcus changed him into a softer-hearted man because over time he became a father figure to Marcus.
I liked how the characters were the same historical characters as in several other books I've read about ancient Rome (by Kate Quinn.) The details came back to me as I read and it felt like I was spending time with old friends. The cultish part of the story (regarding the "dark arts" practiced by the Germanic people) was sick, yet fascinating. I have read about some of these barbaric practices in other books so I know the cult did exist. I can't begin to imagine the horror of watching human sacrifices to the pagan god.
I read this book pretty quickly. Normally I don't plow through a story like I did with this one, but I kept finding myself wanting to pick it up and find out what happens next. Deposed contained intrigue and brutality that were coupled with the politics of the time period. I loved how Nero managed to work his way back into the lives of some of the very people that sought to depose/kill him in the first place. The fact that he was a cripple due to blindness made him virtually unrecognizable to many.
For lovers of ancient Roman history, this book is for you. I just ignored some of the words that didn't fit the time period (like some f-bombs) as they managed to pull me out of the setting. Other than that small criticism, this book exceeded my expectations. I would read another book by this author.
The style of writing was very readable, but not overly simple. The author has a way with words and with dialog that makes you forget - at times - that you are reading. I ended up kind of liking Nero's character by the story's end. That was not something I expected to happen. Nero changed a lot because of his humble circumstances and figured out that what is most important in life is the people you care about and the legacy you leave behind. His relationship with Marcus changed him into a softer-hearted man because over time he became a father figure to Marcus.
I liked how the characters were the same historical characters as in several other books I've read about ancient Rome (by Kate Quinn.) The details came back to me as I read and it felt like I was spending time with old friends. The cultish part of the story (regarding the "dark arts" practiced by the Germanic people) was sick, yet fascinating. I have read about some of these barbaric practices in other books so I know the cult did exist. I can't begin to imagine the horror of watching human sacrifices to the pagan god.
I read this book pretty quickly. Normally I don't plow through a story like I did with this one, but I kept finding myself wanting to pick it up and find out what happens next. Deposed contained intrigue and brutality that were coupled with the politics of the time period. I loved how Nero managed to work his way back into the lives of some of the very people that sought to depose/kill him in the first place. The fact that he was a cripple due to blindness made him virtually unrecognizable to many.
For lovers of ancient Roman history, this book is for you. I just ignored some of the words that didn't fit the time period (like some f-bombs) as they managed to pull me out of the setting. Other than that small criticism, this book exceeded my expectations. I would read another book by this author.
April 3, 2017
I received a free E Arc from Netgalley of this novel.
Wow, what a stunning debut novel.
I've never read any Roman themed novels before the last few weeks, but it would seem that they are both very popular and really rather numerous (I think this is now my sixth or seventh). That said, the books that I've read have, more of less, dealt with similar time periods and events. In the case of this novel, I've not long since read The Young Nero by Elizabeth George which follows Nero through his younger years and this novel seemed quite a perfect follow up.
This novel, however, is far more wickedly complicated and an absolute delight to read. It has a fast pace and is a very easy read. A note for future readers - do take account of the chapter headings - the novel moves through many different points of views and through two different time periods, as well as occasionally going backward in that time period. It sounds complicated, but it's a brilliant way of unravelling the events of the novel.
I think it would be fair to say it's a fairly simple story told in a complicated way - it's about intrigue in the Roman Government during the AD 60's-70's - but it is also so much more than that because of the multiple point of views. This allows the author to decipher events as others see them, with all their attendant prejudices, worries and fears. It is, it must be said, as complex as the House of Cards and as much fun. The portrayal of the corrupt nature of the Roman Government is done very well - I garnered much more from this novel about events in Rome and the wider Roman Empire than I did The Young Nero.
The two timelines, interwoven throughout the novel, eventually offer explanations to the events taking place in the later timeline and while some may find the storyline a little far-fetched, I found it to be told in such a believable way that I had no problem allowing the author to take me down a slightly unconventional route.
My only slight gripe is that I'd assumed this was a standalone novel, and clearly it isn't, which means I'll have to keep my eye out for the next novel because I am incredibly keen to read more about Barbaree's reimagining of Ancient Rome and his Deposed Nero.
Wow, what a stunning debut novel.
I've never read any Roman themed novels before the last few weeks, but it would seem that they are both very popular and really rather numerous (I think this is now my sixth or seventh). That said, the books that I've read have, more of less, dealt with similar time periods and events. In the case of this novel, I've not long since read The Young Nero by Elizabeth George which follows Nero through his younger years and this novel seemed quite a perfect follow up.
This novel, however, is far more wickedly complicated and an absolute delight to read. It has a fast pace and is a very easy read. A note for future readers - do take account of the chapter headings - the novel moves through many different points of views and through two different time periods, as well as occasionally going backward in that time period. It sounds complicated, but it's a brilliant way of unravelling the events of the novel.
I think it would be fair to say it's a fairly simple story told in a complicated way - it's about intrigue in the Roman Government during the AD 60's-70's - but it is also so much more than that because of the multiple point of views. This allows the author to decipher events as others see them, with all their attendant prejudices, worries and fears. It is, it must be said, as complex as the House of Cards and as much fun. The portrayal of the corrupt nature of the Roman Government is done very well - I garnered much more from this novel about events in Rome and the wider Roman Empire than I did The Young Nero.
The two timelines, interwoven throughout the novel, eventually offer explanations to the events taking place in the later timeline and while some may find the storyline a little far-fetched, I found it to be told in such a believable way that I had no problem allowing the author to take me down a slightly unconventional route.
My only slight gripe is that I'd assumed this was a standalone novel, and clearly it isn't, which means I'll have to keep my eye out for the next novel because I am incredibly keen to read more about Barbaree's reimagining of Ancient Rome and his Deposed Nero.
January 7, 2021
The authors writing is really nice, it flows, and he’s obviously well written - however, this book was boring. I got no enjoyment from reading it and the pace was monotonous. It felt like I was reading a history text rather than a historical fiction.
June 1, 2017
The book moves between two timelines: AD 68 which follows Nero when he is imprisoned and blinded in his cell. AD 79 follows Emperor Vespasian’s son Titus who is obsessed uncovering murderous plots against his father. While there is a huge cast with changing POV’s and changing timelines it was easy to follow and it’s clearly stated in what year we are on.
This is a book about what if Nero had lived it was really fascinating. I don’t know that much about this era in Roman history so can’t tell how well it kept with real history.
Marcus is a slave boy who brings Nero’s food when he is imprisoned. When Nero escapes, he takes the boy with him. No longer a slave, Marcus has some troubles adjusting to his new life and to Nero’s expectations of him. Nero has a plan to get back at the people who blinded him and Marcus has a role in it.
My only gripe about the book is that at some parts I felt the story was little far fetched and everything came so easily for Nero. But otherwise, I thought this was a great book and fabulous debut book.
This is a book about what if Nero had lived it was really fascinating. I don’t know that much about this era in Roman history so can’t tell how well it kept with real history.
Marcus is a slave boy who brings Nero’s food when he is imprisoned. When Nero escapes, he takes the boy with him. No longer a slave, Marcus has some troubles adjusting to his new life and to Nero’s expectations of him. Nero has a plan to get back at the people who blinded him and Marcus has a role in it.
My only gripe about the book is that at some parts I felt the story was little far fetched and everything came so easily for Nero. But otherwise, I thought this was a great book and fabulous debut book.
April 8, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
In a cell a tortured and blind man lies alone. The only companion he has is his cell warder, a very shy and nervous young boy who gives him water, food and empties his chamber pot. The blind man’s name is Nero.
It is now ten years later and a son watches over his father’s empire. We are in Rome and the father is the new emperor. The empire is in unrest, lawlessness reigns, crimes are plenty and unrest is a daily occurrence. Into this situation enters a very wealthy senator and his companion.
This book is very well written. It moves between two time periods and gives an excellent description of both. It is about the unrest and disquiet during the 1st Century. The story is told from varying points of view so that the reader is treated to differing personalities and points of view.
This is a brilliant novel and is suspenseful and gripping. It is fascinating reading. I am not sure how closely the author kept to the “real” story, but this novel makes for very exciting reading.
An aside is this: this is not a one-off novel. It appears to be one of a series of novels about this time period in Roman history. I look forward to reading David Barbaree’s next book in this series.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre/Twenty7 for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
In a cell a tortured and blind man lies alone. The only companion he has is his cell warder, a very shy and nervous young boy who gives him water, food and empties his chamber pot. The blind man’s name is Nero.
It is now ten years later and a son watches over his father’s empire. We are in Rome and the father is the new emperor. The empire is in unrest, lawlessness reigns, crimes are plenty and unrest is a daily occurrence. Into this situation enters a very wealthy senator and his companion.
This book is very well written. It moves between two time periods and gives an excellent description of both. It is about the unrest and disquiet during the 1st Century. The story is told from varying points of view so that the reader is treated to differing personalities and points of view.
This is a brilliant novel and is suspenseful and gripping. It is fascinating reading. I am not sure how closely the author kept to the “real” story, but this novel makes for very exciting reading.
An aside is this: this is not a one-off novel. It appears to be one of a series of novels about this time period in Roman history. I look forward to reading David Barbaree’s next book in this series.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre/Twenty7 for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
October 10, 2020
Solid four stars. The author built up the characters very well, and I enjoyed the different perspectives of the cast of characters (though I could have done with another female character - there was only Domitilla and while I like her characters, her chapters are far in between and not as exciting as the rest). The plot of politics and intrigue pulled me in and it was satisfying to see everything slowly unraveling; the two timelines were managed well. And as for the historical setting, I'm a hoe for Rome and I loved it, I think the author kept a good balance between historical facts and artistic freedom.
June 24, 2019
Set in Ancient Rome, this story gives a fictitious account of Nero. A great read and fabulously written. 4/5
January 25, 2021
Clever, dark and compelling.
July 25, 2019
I really loved this book, mostly because the premise is one that is actually possible. The Story is half about one time: AD68/9, and part another: AD79, but the author doesn't let the reader get confused - each section is seperated, so you know where you are and there is no doubt.
The writing is good, with plenty of action and plots galore, as you'd expect in Ancient Rome, and plenty of twists and turns and 'oh no, he didn't!' moments, as well as mysteries to guess on - this would be great for anyone who loves crime novels and anyone who just wants something to read regarding ancient Rome! The atmosphere is good, different characters' points of view are clearly set, so you know whose eyes you're looking from, and all in all, this is an interesting and well-written book hence the five stars - something I think makes it a must read for lovers of the genre x
The writing is good, with plenty of action and plots galore, as you'd expect in Ancient Rome, and plenty of twists and turns and 'oh no, he didn't!' moments, as well as mysteries to guess on - this would be great for anyone who loves crime novels and anyone who just wants something to read regarding ancient Rome! The atmosphere is good, different characters' points of view are clearly set, so you know whose eyes you're looking from, and all in all, this is an interesting and well-written book hence the five stars - something I think makes it a must read for lovers of the genre x
January 3, 2018
This book is so unique it is brilliant. Told in the 1st person from multiple POV’s, from the emperor to a slave. In both past and present tense as the book hops from the now back into the past.
The concept of the plot is great, what if Nero didn’t die? There were numerous ‘false Nero’s’ is the years after his death, what if he really did escape? There is no hard evidence to suggest he actually died.
Cannot recommend this book highly enough, one of my best reads of 2017.
The concept of the plot is great, what if Nero didn’t die? There were numerous ‘false Nero’s’ is the years after his death, what if he really did escape? There is no hard evidence to suggest he actually died.
Cannot recommend this book highly enough, one of my best reads of 2017.
June 1, 2017
A.D 68. A deposed emperor lies in a prison cell, betrayed and newly blinded by those who were sworn to protect him. He is now crippled and deprived from power, left completely on the edge of despair with a frightened young slave named Marcus as his only companion. Ten years later and it is Emperor Vespasian who wears the purple. Things may have settled since the civil war but Vespasian’s son Titus is plagued with worry about plots to murder his father. Gruesome atrocities and mysterious disappearances are ripe throughout Rome; it is a city full of falsehoods and intrigues with the fear of rebellion lurking beneath the surface. Furthermore, a man who used to be emperor still lives – a blind man who everyone believes to be dead. His name is Nero and he seeks revenge against those who wronged him.
Ancient Rome is a fascinating historical period and in my opinion, it’s not any easy task to write a convincing novel set during this time. Deposed however manages just that. It is undoubtedly a superb novel that deals with just a short period in Rome’s vast history and creates a story full of mystery and suspense. David Barbaree takes both the facts and the missing details from this period and moulds them in to something that feels convincing and simultaneously entertaining. It’s original and gripping – I was amazed that this is the work of a debut author.
Deposed is a complex piece of work yet it is cleverly done; it moves back and forth between the years and follows different characters who gradually come together as the story moves forward. It’s written in a mix of first and second person which along with the vast number of characters did confuse me a little in the beginning, but it comes together nicely after the first few chapters. Plus, there is a list of all the characters and their positions in the back pages of the book which was helpful. This is a dense piece of historical fiction but it really works – it’s full of subplots, it has a vast set of diverse characters, and its timeline weaves back and forth over a period of ten years. A novel this complex could very easily become a sea of confusion but David Barbaree makes it work. I don’t know how he did it but he really pulled it out of the bag and managed to write a stunningly intricate novel.
Each character has their own unique voice which allows them to hold a chapter on their own without it falling flat. We follow characters that are based off historical figures and completely fictional characters but all of them drive the story. Everything in this book felt real; the beautiful palaces, the crowded streets, the temples, and the prisons all belong to a world that existed long ago but they are brought to life within the pages of this book. The entire tone of the story is dark and melancholy; the intrigues and conspiracies that run throughout create a menacing feel that hangs over the story, giving it the weight that is so difficult to achieve in historical novels.
Deposed is fantastic debut and although it works wonderfully on its own, there is a hint that a sequel may follow in the future. David Barbaree is a new author worth looking out for and I highly recommend you check this one out if you’re a lover of historical fiction.
Deposed was sent to me for review by The Bookbag.
Ancient Rome is a fascinating historical period and in my opinion, it’s not any easy task to write a convincing novel set during this time. Deposed however manages just that. It is undoubtedly a superb novel that deals with just a short period in Rome’s vast history and creates a story full of mystery and suspense. David Barbaree takes both the facts and the missing details from this period and moulds them in to something that feels convincing and simultaneously entertaining. It’s original and gripping – I was amazed that this is the work of a debut author.
Deposed is a complex piece of work yet it is cleverly done; it moves back and forth between the years and follows different characters who gradually come together as the story moves forward. It’s written in a mix of first and second person which along with the vast number of characters did confuse me a little in the beginning, but it comes together nicely after the first few chapters. Plus, there is a list of all the characters and their positions in the back pages of the book which was helpful. This is a dense piece of historical fiction but it really works – it’s full of subplots, it has a vast set of diverse characters, and its timeline weaves back and forth over a period of ten years. A novel this complex could very easily become a sea of confusion but David Barbaree makes it work. I don’t know how he did it but he really pulled it out of the bag and managed to write a stunningly intricate novel.
Each character has their own unique voice which allows them to hold a chapter on their own without it falling flat. We follow characters that are based off historical figures and completely fictional characters but all of them drive the story. Everything in this book felt real; the beautiful palaces, the crowded streets, the temples, and the prisons all belong to a world that existed long ago but they are brought to life within the pages of this book. The entire tone of the story is dark and melancholy; the intrigues and conspiracies that run throughout create a menacing feel that hangs over the story, giving it the weight that is so difficult to achieve in historical novels.
Deposed is fantastic debut and although it works wonderfully on its own, there is a hint that a sequel may follow in the future. David Barbaree is a new author worth looking out for and I highly recommend you check this one out if you’re a lover of historical fiction.
Deposed was sent to me for review by The Bookbag.
August 28, 2021
Un extraordinario relato entorno a una de las figuras históricas más controversiales del Imperio Romano: el emperador Nerón, último de la dinastía Julio-Claudia.
Yo creo que todos tenemos una concepción negativa de Nerón, y es justamente eso lo que este libro no solo quiere lograr revertir, sino que lo logra con creces. Asimismo, no solo deja bien parado a uno de los mas grandes “villanos” de Roma, sino que logra hacer lo opuesto con personajes sumamente queridos, como lo es Nerva, el primero de los Cinco Buenos Emperadores (y que en este libro, es por lejos el tipo más turbio que hay).
AMÉ la relación de Nerón con Marco, y como de a poco el libro nos va revelando y dejando pistas que el plan de Nerón de venganza es, finalmente, que su hijo adoptado se convierta en emperador (y como sabemos, así sería, pasando a ser el famoso emperador Trajano, segundo de los Cinco Buenos Emperadores, y quien logró extender el Imperio a su más alto punto (territorialmente hablando).
En cuanto a la dinastía Flavia, me llama la atención como se presentó a Vespasiano (en volá yo siempre lo había mirado con mejores ojos; creo que tendré que leer más sobre él para formarme una mejor opinión), pero me encantó leer desde el punto de vista de Tito (un emperador que pasa demasiado desapercibido; inclusive, yo ni estaba segura que él había sido emperador, juraba que después de Vespasiano de inmediato Domiciano había tomado la púrpura) y de Domitila (queeeeeenaza, sigo esperando que inicie algo con el bátavo). Me intriga cómo y qué caracterización le dará Barbaree a Domiciano en el segundo libro, pues acá apenas sale pero todos sabemos que está dentro de los peores emperadores de Roma (según la historiografía, junto con Calígula y Nerón, pero ya sabemos que Barbaree ha intentado limpiar el nombre de uno de ellos, so who knows si intentará lo mismo con Domiciano?).
Totalmente recomendado este libro, sumamente entretenido y lleno de misterios (que aun no se resuelven del todo; no sé cómo, pero TENGO que conseguirme la secuela). Si eres de esas personas a las que le encanta leer historia ficción, con algunas libertades de los autores pero tampoco taaantas, y ante todo, buscas formarte tu propia opinión sobre ciertas figuras históricas de las que solo podemos especula, este libro te encantará.
Yo creo que todos tenemos una concepción negativa de Nerón, y es justamente eso lo que este libro no solo quiere lograr revertir, sino que lo logra con creces. Asimismo, no solo deja bien parado a uno de los mas grandes “villanos” de Roma, sino que logra hacer lo opuesto con personajes sumamente queridos, como lo es Nerva, el primero de los Cinco Buenos Emperadores (y que en este libro, es por lejos el tipo más turbio que hay).
AMÉ la relación de Nerón con Marco, y como de a poco el libro nos va revelando y dejando pistas que el plan de Nerón de venganza es, finalmente, que su hijo adoptado se convierta en emperador (y como sabemos, así sería, pasando a ser el famoso emperador Trajano, segundo de los Cinco Buenos Emperadores, y quien logró extender el Imperio a su más alto punto (territorialmente hablando).
En cuanto a la dinastía Flavia, me llama la atención como se presentó a Vespasiano (en volá yo siempre lo había mirado con mejores ojos; creo que tendré que leer más sobre él para formarme una mejor opinión), pero me encantó leer desde el punto de vista de Tito (un emperador que pasa demasiado desapercibido; inclusive, yo ni estaba segura que él había sido emperador, juraba que después de Vespasiano de inmediato Domiciano había tomado la púrpura) y de Domitila (queeeeeenaza, sigo esperando que inicie algo con el bátavo). Me intriga cómo y qué caracterización le dará Barbaree a Domiciano en el segundo libro, pues acá apenas sale pero todos sabemos que está dentro de los peores emperadores de Roma (según la historiografía, junto con Calígula y Nerón, pero ya sabemos que Barbaree ha intentado limpiar el nombre de uno de ellos, so who knows si intentará lo mismo con Domiciano?).
Totalmente recomendado este libro, sumamente entretenido y lleno de misterios (que aun no se resuelven del todo; no sé cómo, pero TENGO que conseguirme la secuela). Si eres de esas personas a las que le encanta leer historia ficción, con algunas libertades de los autores pero tampoco taaantas, y ante todo, buscas formarte tu propia opinión sobre ciertas figuras históricas de las que solo podemos especula, este libro te encantará.
April 12, 2018
Una novela de ficción histórica que retoma el polémico personaje de Nerón, César de Roma, y cuenta su versión detrás de los hechos. Porque lo cierto es que si conocen algo de historia lo más probable es que por Nerón no sientan ni un poco de simpatía. Sin embargo, lo que intentó David es mostrarnos el lado humano del césar y volverlo el protagonista de la historia, no el antagonista.
Sin ser experta en historia un aspecto notable que destacar es como reconstruyó la Roma antigua. Tanto en aspectos como los días, las horas; las costumbres, la comida, la forma de vestir, la ambientación… todo está exquisitamente detallado, sin volverse complejo o tedioso. Eso fue lo primero que noté. Es un libro histórico que se lee como cualquier thriller o novela contemporánea. No cansa ni aburre con descripciones que dan contexto porque casi no las hay. Todo el contexto lo obtenemos de las mismas observaciones de los personajes. El lenguaje es fluido, así como las conversaciones entre los estos.
El libro está narrado en dos tiempos distintos: 68 d.C. y 79 d.C. (al menos al comienzo). El primero cuenta el secuestro de Nerón y va avanzando en su plan de venganza, mientras que en el segundo, tenemos al nuevo césar y su hijo que intenta sofocar las revueltas y traiciones que pueden estar armándose en su contra. Además, el narrador es en primera persona y son varios los personajes que narran: Nerón, Marco, Tito, Caleno, César Vespasiano, etc. Por lo que no hay limitación en los puntos de vista.
Es interesante que Nerón fuera el protagonista, porque sentí pena por él y luego quería que lograra todo lo que planeaba. Aunque fuera Nerón y lo odiara debido a mis pocos conocimientos de historia. Eso no significa que el personaje fuera agradable y que se ganara el cariño del lector al tiro, no. Sigue siendo déspota, egocéntrico y le cuesta mucho ponerse en el lugar de otros. Sin embargo, por todo lo que pasa le enseña mucho y lo obliga a madurar.
Lo que más me gustó fue la relación de Nerón con Marco, y el plan detrás de todo lo que el excésar hizo. Me encantó. Además, me gustó la explicación del autor detrás de esta nueva versión del mito de Nerón. El como lo poco que se sabía de él se vio manipulado y ya no tenía fundamento. Realmente, fue un libro muy bueno.
Sin ser experta en historia un aspecto notable que destacar es como reconstruyó la Roma antigua. Tanto en aspectos como los días, las horas; las costumbres, la comida, la forma de vestir, la ambientación… todo está exquisitamente detallado, sin volverse complejo o tedioso. Eso fue lo primero que noté. Es un libro histórico que se lee como cualquier thriller o novela contemporánea. No cansa ni aburre con descripciones que dan contexto porque casi no las hay. Todo el contexto lo obtenemos de las mismas observaciones de los personajes. El lenguaje es fluido, así como las conversaciones entre los estos.
El libro está narrado en dos tiempos distintos: 68 d.C. y 79 d.C. (al menos al comienzo). El primero cuenta el secuestro de Nerón y va avanzando en su plan de venganza, mientras que en el segundo, tenemos al nuevo césar y su hijo que intenta sofocar las revueltas y traiciones que pueden estar armándose en su contra. Además, el narrador es en primera persona y son varios los personajes que narran: Nerón, Marco, Tito, Caleno, César Vespasiano, etc. Por lo que no hay limitación en los puntos de vista.
Es interesante que Nerón fuera el protagonista, porque sentí pena por él y luego quería que lograra todo lo que planeaba. Aunque fuera Nerón y lo odiara debido a mis pocos conocimientos de historia. Eso no significa que el personaje fuera agradable y que se ganara el cariño del lector al tiro, no. Sigue siendo déspota, egocéntrico y le cuesta mucho ponerse en el lugar de otros. Sin embargo, por todo lo que pasa le enseña mucho y lo obliga a madurar.
Lo que más me gustó fue la relación de Nerón con Marco, y el plan detrás de todo lo que el excésar hizo. Me encantó. Además, me gustó la explicación del autor detrás de esta nueva versión del mito de Nerón. El como lo poco que se sabía de él se vio manipulado y ya no tenía fundamento. Realmente, fue un libro muy bueno.
June 29, 2017
As books concerning the Roman Empire go, this wasn't the best because - truth be told, it was damned confusing for the first couple of hundred pages! The author - in his first published work - kept jumping back and forth in the timeline......first it would be 68 A.D., then the next chapter would be 11 years later in 79 A.D., then it would be back to 68 A.D. It's kind of like one of those movies you go to where the story suddenly shifts back in time to establish a backstory and it's 5 minutes before you realize that's what has happened. By the time you get to about page 200, it all starts coming together although the time shifting continues.
Other than that,its an interesting look at political machinations in the Roman Empire following the departure of Nero (supposedly, according to history, one of the worst rulers of the Empire to that point - only Caligula was worse) who didn't commit suicide as legend would have us believe, but instead escaped and has returned after 11 years, blinded, and suddenly a much kinder, gentler person than the emperor who spent much of his time as a would-be thespian and who built numerous magnificent edifices to his own glory, among other sins and crimes.
Assuming another identity, he grooms a young slave to someday become Emperor while setting about to punish those whom he believes wronged him.
Written entirely in the first person, each character tells his or her own story in that convoluted timeline and that doesn't help either.
The author has potential, but needs to work on not confusing the reader quite so much. As mentioned, it does offer a fascinating look at the time and ancient Rome, so in that respect, he does get credit for having done his research, despite a couple of minor errors. For the time being, if you're interested in books on ancient Rome, may I recommend (in order) books by Ben Kane, Ian Ross or Simon Scarrow. They aren't nearly as confusing and read much smoother.
Other than that,its an interesting look at political machinations in the Roman Empire following the departure of Nero (supposedly, according to history, one of the worst rulers of the Empire to that point - only Caligula was worse) who didn't commit suicide as legend would have us believe, but instead escaped and has returned after 11 years, blinded, and suddenly a much kinder, gentler person than the emperor who spent much of his time as a would-be thespian and who built numerous magnificent edifices to his own glory, among other sins and crimes.
Assuming another identity, he grooms a young slave to someday become Emperor while setting about to punish those whom he believes wronged him.
Written entirely in the first person, each character tells his or her own story in that convoluted timeline and that doesn't help either.
The author has potential, but needs to work on not confusing the reader quite so much. As mentioned, it does offer a fascinating look at the time and ancient Rome, so in that respect, he does get credit for having done his research, despite a couple of minor errors. For the time being, if you're interested in books on ancient Rome, may I recommend (in order) books by Ben Kane, Ian Ross or Simon Scarrow. They aren't nearly as confusing and read much smoother.
June 29, 2023
📕
En esta ficción histórica, y primera novela de David Barbaree, publicada en 2017, el autor se imagina una Roma en la que Nerón no se suicida tras ser derrocado. Tras ser apresado y dejado ciego por sus captores, el emperador consigue escapar….. para regresar a su querida Roma 10 años después, convertido en un riquísimo senador, y a la manera de un conde de Montecristo, llevar a cabo su terrible venganza contra todos los que se conjuraron contra él. Ahora en la capital del imperio gobierna Vespasiano, y su hijo, Tito (futuro emperador también) es el prefecto de su cuerpo de guardaespaldas.
🔪
Interesante premisa, que, de hecho, no es tan fantástica. No hay ninguna fuente digna de crédito sobre el supuesto suicidio de Nerón. Todas fueron escritas muchos años después y bajo la censura de los nuevos regímenes. También ha quedado constancia de al menos tres “falsos” Nerones que reclamaron su vuelta al poder, y que fueron perseguidos por los emperadores posteriores. Todo un misterio digno de estudio.
🙄
El problema que he tenido con esta novela es que, a pesar de que está bien escrita (a pesar de que abusa del uso de la primera persona en sus diferentes protagonistas), la trama no me ha llegado a absorber en ningún momento. No he encontrado la “chispa” que te obliga a engancharte a la lectura. Y eso que la ambientación está bastante conseguida también. Pero ha tenido momentos en que perdía el interés. Más de uno y más de dos.
A pesar de tener la continuación de esta novela también en mi poder (“Los exiliados”, 2019), no sé si acometeré su lectura. Y si lo hago, no será con prisa. No me ha dejado con demasiadas ganas de ver en qué acaba la cosa. Y ya es pena, pues el personaje de Nerón siempre me ha fascinado. Veremos. O no.
👀
3 🌞🌞🌞
November 26, 2018
3.5 stars.
A remote prison in the scrubland outside Rome, 68 AD. The kind of place that you’re sent when the world wants to forget that you even exist. One afternoon, as young Marcus runs errands at the jail, he sees a new prisoner brought in. A man who has been blinded and brutalised, whom the guards treat with scorn as they leave, who has been brought here to be forgotten. A man named Nero. Eleven years later, Rome has settled into the rule of Vespasian, though the struggles of rival would-be emperors are fresh enough to make life difficult for his son Titus, who has taken charge of keeping the peace. Old factions die hard in Rome. And then, one day, news comes of a new arrival in the city. A senator from distant Spain, unknown to anyone. A blind man, with a young man named Marcus at his side, who has come with a great fortune to play his part in Rome’s future....
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/11/26/d...
A remote prison in the scrubland outside Rome, 68 AD. The kind of place that you’re sent when the world wants to forget that you even exist. One afternoon, as young Marcus runs errands at the jail, he sees a new prisoner brought in. A man who has been blinded and brutalised, whom the guards treat with scorn as they leave, who has been brought here to be forgotten. A man named Nero. Eleven years later, Rome has settled into the rule of Vespasian, though the struggles of rival would-be emperors are fresh enough to make life difficult for his son Titus, who has taken charge of keeping the peace. Old factions die hard in Rome. And then, one day, news comes of a new arrival in the city. A senator from distant Spain, unknown to anyone. A blind man, with a young man named Marcus at his side, who has come with a great fortune to play his part in Rome’s future....
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/11/26/d...
November 28, 2019
This book was amazing and will defiantly be reading again..
Review for Readers First:
Oh my, I love this book! I have fallen in love with Marcus and his development. And I know its bad but Nero has gone up in my eyes.
This book is set in Rome years after Nero 'committed suicide' but plot twist what if he never died. Emperor Nero is back, along with his adopted son Marcus, and Rome is the center of plots and murders. We follow many characters for a few months and as each of there lives unfold we learn more about them and the world they are living in. I really enjoy books with multiple perspectives I find it adds a unique flavour to the characters by seeing them through others eyes.
This book is set over two time periods roughly, going to the end of Nero's reign and his journey then ten years later to the 'present' day. This and the character switching can make it hard to know what's going on.
Overall this is a great book and I highly recommend.
Review for Readers First:
Oh my, I love this book! I have fallen in love with Marcus and his development. And I know its bad but Nero has gone up in my eyes.
This book is set in Rome years after Nero 'committed suicide' but plot twist what if he never died. Emperor Nero is back, along with his adopted son Marcus, and Rome is the center of plots and murders. We follow many characters for a few months and as each of there lives unfold we learn more about them and the world they are living in. I really enjoy books with multiple perspectives I find it adds a unique flavour to the characters by seeing them through others eyes.
This book is set over two time periods roughly, going to the end of Nero's reign and his journey then ten years later to the 'present' day. This and the character switching can make it hard to know what's going on.
Overall this is a great book and I highly recommend.
February 8, 2020
Me encantó!!!
Un libro muy intenso, con personajes carismáticos, trama absorbente y narración muy agradable.
Por si no lo haz leído aún, y te atrae la historia romana, lo recomiendo absolutamente. Sólo hay que tener en cuenta que la historia ocurre entre 2 tiempos, por lo que a veces estaremos en el pasado, y luego presente( o futuro), saltando 10 años.
La historia es del Emperador Nerón, recomiendo ver algún documental sobre él y sobre el año de los 4 emperadores para entrar mejor en el contexto.....
Sin spoilers, me ha fascinado el libro, emocionado mucho y encariñado enormemente con sus personajes, así que empezaré prontamente con el sgte. Libro del autor.
Un libro muy intenso, con personajes carismáticos, trama absorbente y narración muy agradable.
Por si no lo haz leído aún, y te atrae la historia romana, lo recomiendo absolutamente. Sólo hay que tener en cuenta que la historia ocurre entre 2 tiempos, por lo que a veces estaremos en el pasado, y luego presente( o futuro), saltando 10 años.
La historia es del Emperador Nerón, recomiendo ver algún documental sobre él y sobre el año de los 4 emperadores para entrar mejor en el contexto.....
Sin spoilers, me ha fascinado el libro, emocionado mucho y encariñado enormemente con sus personajes, así que empezaré prontamente con el sgte. Libro del autor.
August 19, 2017
Thanks to Goodreads for a free copy of this book.
This is a very interesting story about what could have occurred had Nero lived. It switches between two time periods which I did find a little confusing and when reading chapters did have to refer back to remind myself which era I was reading about. Other than that I have to say I really enjoyed this book. The characters evolved well and I found myself engrossed in their lives in days of old, always wanting to know more.
I am really glad to have read this book.
This is a very interesting story about what could have occurred had Nero lived. It switches between two time periods which I did find a little confusing and when reading chapters did have to refer back to remind myself which era I was reading about. Other than that I have to say I really enjoyed this book. The characters evolved well and I found myself engrossed in their lives in days of old, always wanting to know more.
I am really glad to have read this book.
October 20, 2017
This is a very outstanding novel. The author presents a renewed version of The Count of Monte Cristo, now set in the Roman Empire and the main character is Nero, the deposed emperor. This is a Nero quite amazing: he is selfish and nasty but quit clever and looking for revenge. Although the plot is full of tricks the ride is fun. In the end, it is a nice story with well developed characters, each one giving us their point of view. However I have a complaint: I was really disappointed when I finished the novel because I did not know this is not a one-off novel.
January 6, 2021
Nero, instead of suiciding, is blinded and imprisoned where young slave Marcus brings him food. 10 years later, a rich, blind Spanish senator and his entourage appear in a Rome where Vespasian and Titus confront conspiracy. This is a brilliant semi-alternate history with thoroughly convincing characters and a rich patchwork of subterfuge, politics and deceit as the story of the missing decade from 69 enthrallingly unfolds with the imperial family, duplicitous senators and other chancers creating a great mosaic. Engrossing!
June 6, 2024
I had fun with his book. I don't know why it took me so long to read though. I started it during my a levels, put it down and kept forgetting i was actually reading it. But that is nothing to do with the book, just my life getting a tad hectic. I thought this book was an enjoyable discussion and look into life in Rome during the Roman era and how mysteries were handled. I enjoyed the character work throughout as well.
May 17, 2017
Beautifully written debut novel. The author brings to life the ancient Roman world of plotting and deceit, hierarchy and daily life in such a personable, believable way. The use of two timelines which merge by the end add depth to the characters and strengthen the plot. Was definitely a page-turner. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews