Justina: Daughter of Spartacus

Justina Saga #1

by Ryan Lew

THE STORY ROME NEVER WANTED TO BE REVEALED. For two thousand years, the rise and fall of Julius Caesar has captivated the world. All know his name. Few know the truth. Love. Honor. Treachery. Justina. A name lost to history. A young girl, barely a woman, raised in the Roman elite. When her true identity is discovered, the revelation will send her world spinning and propel her down a path toward her destiny...and Caesar. With enemies and lies encompassing her entire existence, her true past will determine her incredible future and that of the entire Republic. Power. Secrets. Betrayal. While Caesar builds his power in Rome, weaving a web of spies and alliances, one young girl's fate is on a collision course with his own. Rome's biggest challenge of the past 20 years came from a man known as Spartacus. Now, his unknown daughter threatens all that Rome has built. ********* Daughter of Spartacus is the first book in the epic Justina Saga. The story continues in Rebels of Part I and Rebels of Part II, both now available!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Ebooks

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2017

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the historical research and character development

Justina Daughter of Spartacus held my interest to the end. I enjoyed reading about known historical characters, as well as meeting the fictional family. There's obvious tension between family members and differences of opinion on how slaves are to be treated. We know from the start that Justina is the daughter of a slave. She doesn't have a drop of Roman blood. To make things more complicated, she and her oldest adopted brother fall in love with each other. She has a doting Roman father with a resentful Roman mother, who had no say in her adoption.

Justina has a slave, Antonia, who is like a sister to her. Between the hatred of her adopted mother and the hateful feelings of her youngest brother, this relationship becomes doomed.

The only ones who know her true origin are the Medicus and the head slave Cato, because they fought along side Spartacus and brought her to the family of the butcher Livius.

The thing I dislike about the book is that the dialogue becomes stilted toward the end and characters start sounding like Yoda. An example of this is:

“I will have conversation with Fabricius tomorrow, and if his mood does not reflect ending of sick relationship, he will get information that will change his mood.”

This stilted dialogue toward the end of the book is why I gave it a 4 instead of a 5.

[Britta · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a freebie. Started off ok, but nothing special. The dialogue always felt a but forced- trying too hard to fit as 'ancient Rome' but also sprinkling in very modern terms. Then it started going downhill- switched from ancient Rome to late caveman. Did AI write this? And the story was not engaging enough to compensate. All these supposed secrets. The characters just a bit too much. The last 20% were a super quick skim for me, it barely missed the dnf pile.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice idea well researched, badly written

This book needs major edits. It's written as though the author's first language is Russian, or the whole thing is an unedited translation. Indefinite and definite articles are missing or misplaced in many chapters. Some chapters are fine. It is inconsistent and irritating. But as a story, it is compelling. With some easy editing, this could be a best seller.

[Caroline Rebisz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline had potential and I would have loved to follow the journey of Justina. I had a real problem with the dialogue. There appeared to be missing words which stopped the flow and made the characters seem disjointed. Use of words like girlfriend and boyfriend were too modern for the time period.

[Adele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grammar too distracting to enjoy the story

I slogged through this story, which would have been better but for the distraction of the lack of the words "a" and "the" and others. I thought at first English was not the authors first language, but perhaps it was deliberate for some reason. I'm not going to continue the series.

[Carole Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a freebie and I had been craving an Ancient Rome tale. So why not!

Here we follow Justina. Her name was lost to history. She is a young woman raised in the Roman elite circle. When her true identity is discovered, her world is sent spinning and her path leads to Caesar. Her decisions and Caesar's decisions will impact the future of all of Rome.

For me....this was for sure mixed. I was absolutely hooked and couldn't stop reading! And then, like a speed bump, I slowed down. And then like a stop sign and the police watching me....I stopped. And stopped for a long time. After a few days, I went back and it was a struggle to finish reading.

I really can't point at what changed. I just wanted to be done. I found myself starting to skim some parts. The characters were diverse and complex which usually get me and make me happy. The story was perilous and dangerous (it IS Rome after all). So what was the problem? Maybe there was just too much going on? But I just know that couldn't find my rhythm that I had at the first 50% of the book.

But yes, I started out in love and then ended up being meh about this. Not sure I'll read the next. We'll see.

Rating? Mmmmm *does some complicated math* I'll stamp it with a 2. The last 50% I just couldn't care and just wanted to be done. I feel like this may have been a more me issue. It's me...I am the problem.

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining "What if"

Lee delivers a well written novel that skilfully describes characters, a few events and the differences between a Roman and slave. When those roles are blurred consequences add up. When the mistress of the house is spite full along with a couple sons, consequences multiply quickly. All this happens when a Roman warrior brings home an infant daughter of Rome's enemy to raise as his own daughter. The plot is excellent.
I docked serious points (a bit offset by the masterful delivery) because 1. The concept of dating did not exist then and terms like girlfriend or boyfriend should have been amica or amicus in keeping with the culture. 2. I could have easily recommended this book for older teens (mildly moderate description of violence) but including sex scenes removes it from that recommended age group.
I love ancient historical novels and enjoyed the book with the understanding many may want to know about the mature content.

[Jody Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was a good one. However, there were, in my humble opinion, a few glaring grammatical errors. The incorrect use of the word bare, for example: “Bare him no mind as little minds are consumed with meager thoughts.” (pg 18 in e-book) Also, when Lucilius found the axe in his mother’s head, his feelings were described as “more than he could bear”. Also, the use of the word “hardy” instead of “hearty” when describing a laugh. This happens twice.
I don’t know whether to blame the writer, the editor, or the proofreader.
I love historical fiction, and that was the reason I kept reading. It was somewhat difficult to keep up with all the Roman names, and I appreciated the cast of characters at the beginning. I did refer to that several times.
I would like to find out what happens to Justina next, but I don’t want to pay very much to do so.

[Cameron Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of the series. Spartacus is my favorite television show of all time so my review is a bias. Only thing that bothered me was the big revelation at the end was predictable and underwhelming. Hopefully we’ve yet to reach the real climax of the story whatever that may be. Interesting characters too. I thought each and every one of them fit the time period and era. For example some people respecting slaves, and others treating them less than human. This is where the book really shines in my opinion. But anyway I’m definitely picking up book 2

[CHERYL SNIPE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unable to put down

I love the whole Spartacus, gladiator, Roman history hence my love orchid story. I loved the fact that it is a continuation of Spartacus' story. It had the right amount of action and intrigue. It also gives an insight in his the Romans treated their slaves and their cruelty. Also Julius Ceaser is a part of the story. Plus it had its romance as well. Would recommend from young adults to adults to read.

[teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

What a creation! Walk with the daughter of Spartacus. Living in a Roman household with a slave as a friend. She is loved by her adopted father and lothed by her adopted mother and brother. Why does she want to be a warrior? and not a good Roman woman?
This was an excellent historical fiction novel and a must read.

[Helene · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been an interesting and compelling story, but the poor writing ruined it completely. Partial sentences, missing verbs, and more made it read as though someone who doesn't really speak (or write) English wrote it. I ended up paging through, just to find out the ending. I won't be continuing to read this saga.

[Amy Marcoux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought by accident

I accidentally purchased this book, and was I happy I did!! What an amazing book!!!!!!! I was completely in love with the characters, this book was written so well!!!! If your looking for an exciting read, this is it!

[Leah Moyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is engaging, with great suspense and fantastic character development. It leaves you wondering what will happen next with the strong-minded and determined Justina. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but overall a great read!

[Gina Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense.....

The characters are intense, but all have a purpose plotting and spying, love it! This storyline Just grabs me and won't let go, will definitely read the next book in this series.

[Peg Toscanini · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story is solid, the actual writing sounds like it was written with a stereotypical Asian inflection. Missing pronouns and other idiosyncratic grammar mistakes. I liked the story enough to finish reading, but I won't be continuing the series.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

a good story, but

This is the most poorly written book I have ever read. The plot is very good, and a better writer could have made it a five star book. Misused pronouns and missing articles remove the joy of reading.

[Mrs E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from page. Live in ancient Rome was very well portrayed snd thete was just enough cruelty to make you aware of life as a slave. Great ending, and the build up had my heart racing. I'm looking now fir the rest of the series.

[Stephanie Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started off interesting but the eventual slip into Yoda speak with missing words, especially articles became so annoying that you didn't care what happened to Justina or her overly annoying brothers.

Good premise but, needs editing.

[Camellia Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

As a lover of history...I loved the story and characters! Can’t wait to read the next installment!! The author did an amazing job!

[Mark Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

This was a great twist on writing about Spaticus’s daughter! I throughly enjoyed this book and can not wait to read the next one in this series!

[Carolyn G. Ronca · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book!

This develops an interesting story line.
I enjoy the historical fiction books. They really bring history alive for me .

[Anthony R Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historical novel. Great characters with multiple story lines.i love the historical time of Rome and Spartacus.

[cameron ross paton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Short and simple story. Gave it four stars .

[Sonia Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

This story was so full of hope of love for two people and then poof it was torn from them by a wicked mother.