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Icarus
122 AD. A rebellious teen makes his mark in the streets of Roman Londinium.
Hooligan or Vigilante? Icarus’s gang associations are plagued with rivalries that propel him into the sinister clutch of dark magic. The enmity of a ruthless moneylender brings the full force of Roman justice upon his head. Amidst gladiator battles and skirmishes with barbarians, Icarus’s plight leads him along a path of full-blooded adventure.
Will his efforts to save his father from an oppressive extortion racket bring him to ruin? Or can he rise above the tragic fate of the Icarus legend and unfold his true destiny?
A gripping, coming-of-age tale set in an Iron Age world that shaped western history. A time when building a border wall from coast to coast was but a fuzzy dream in Emperor Hadrian’s head...
Hooligan or Vigilante? Icarus’s gang associations are plagued with rivalries that propel him into the sinister clutch of dark magic. The enmity of a ruthless moneylender brings the full force of Roman justice upon his head. Amidst gladiator battles and skirmishes with barbarians, Icarus’s plight leads him along a path of full-blooded adventure.
Will his efforts to save his father from an oppressive extortion racket bring him to ruin? Or can he rise above the tragic fate of the Icarus legend and unfold his true destiny?
A gripping, coming-of-age tale set in an Iron Age world that shaped western history. A time when building a border wall from coast to coast was but a fuzzy dream in Emperor Hadrian’s head...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
11 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Chris Turner
83 books85 followersChris is a prolific author of fantasy, adventure and science fiction. His books include: Swords and Skulls, The Starship Rogue series, Bindu, Haloband, The Dragon Sea Chronicles, The Alien Alliance series, Icarus, The Relic Hunter series, Beastslayer, Rogues of Bindar, Future Destinies, Fantastic Realms and Denibus Ar.
Chris is also a prolific painter, with nearly a thousand oil art works to his name. He has been involved in extensive studio recording. After graduating from University of Waterloo in Honours Mathematics and Computer Science he backpacked and biked throughout Europe and Asia in the 90s before teaching computer programming courses in Ottawa, Canada.
Chris’s other interests are guitar, cycling, meditation, canoeing and tennis.
Chris is also a prolific painter, with nearly a thousand oil art works to his name. He has been involved in extensive studio recording. After graduating from University of Waterloo in Honours Mathematics and Computer Science he backpacked and biked throughout Europe and Asia in the 90s before teaching computer programming courses in Ottawa, Canada.
Chris’s other interests are guitar, cycling, meditation, canoeing and tennis.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 28, 2019
Life was too short to burden myself with hopeless unknowns. Live today, die tomorrow. The only thing is, things never go to plan. - Icarus
A historical fiction. A story that spans from the Roman empire. A struggle of an adolescent in becoming a man. A story that could be related to gangster nowadays.
I struggle too in reading because it's too draggy to read. And I'm contemplating when this reading will be going to finish.
It's not a great read but not a bad one either. Its just that too many things happen in the story and too many names too remember. From the gang to school, to brothels and society corrupts, from being a gladiator to a Viking.
3 stars for an average read for a historical setup. This one gives me a headache. CT is a great writer but this one is not for me. I love historical fiction but sometimes too much of a story to contemplate with is hard too.
I got this ARC from shifted sheets/book funnel. This is my honest review. Life is a struggle but who said it will be easy.
A historical fiction. A story that spans from the Roman empire. A struggle of an adolescent in becoming a man. A story that could be related to gangster nowadays.
I struggle too in reading because it's too draggy to read. And I'm contemplating when this reading will be going to finish.
It's not a great read but not a bad one either. Its just that too many things happen in the story and too many names too remember. From the gang to school, to brothels and society corrupts, from being a gladiator to a Viking.
3 stars for an average read for a historical setup. This one gives me a headache. CT is a great writer but this one is not for me. I love historical fiction but sometimes too much of a story to contemplate with is hard too.
I got this ARC from shifted sheets/book funnel. This is my honest review. Life is a struggle but who said it will be easy.
February 27, 2019
“Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all.”
-Aristotle
This is a great historical/fantasy fiction, full of action with philosophical references and profound and thought provoking connotations. A group of audacious teens,
tradesmen’s and statesmen’s sons by day, holy terrors and ghosts by nightfall, they call themselves the Equalizers.
Horrifying scenes, evil magic, curses and spells, celts and druids, the misfits encounter and get into all kinds of terrifying situations, a wondrous outcome of their lives, a thirst for vengeance..fear, anger, hatred, strong emotions run deep, all which transcends within the background of Roman occupied London era, a society thoroughly and perfectly described, a great mystical and deplorable era. I was mesmerized from the beginning, the story pulling me deeper and deeper with its turn of events and twisted reality. A must read!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
-Aristotle
This is a great historical/fantasy fiction, full of action with philosophical references and profound and thought provoking connotations. A group of audacious teens,
tradesmen’s and statesmen’s sons by day, holy terrors and ghosts by nightfall, they call themselves the Equalizers.
Horrifying scenes, evil magic, curses and spells, celts and druids, the misfits encounter and get into all kinds of terrifying situations, a wondrous outcome of their lives, a thirst for vengeance..fear, anger, hatred, strong emotions run deep, all which transcends within the background of Roman occupied London era, a society thoroughly and perfectly described, a great mystical and deplorable era. I was mesmerized from the beginning, the story pulling me deeper and deeper with its turn of events and twisted reality. A must read!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
July 4, 2023
The bully boys of old London town…
What, if anything, has changed? Man continues to disturb the natural order, invade lands, kill, maim, weaken. The only difference I see is that the boys’ toys cause more destruction and in quicker time.
“Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of
all.”
---- Aristotle
The historical aspect includes the beliefs, cultures, education, games, and religions of the period. What we call today the “fantasy” element of their folk tales have things such as curses, druids, ghouls, possession, voodoo dolls, and witches.
Fave line:
‘All Plato’s and Socrates’s wisdom pales when compared to the complexity of the female.’
Readers get maps at beginning and a Historical Note at the end with a really cool compare/contrast regarding Boudicca and Icarus.
I have some of the author’s other works to enjoy ‘The VX Wars (Tales of the Far Future #1)’, ‘Thetis 3 (Starship Rogue #1)’, ‘The Huntress of Caerlin (The Relic Hunter)’, ‘Haloband’, ‘The Dim Zone (Alien Alliance #2)’, ‘Bindu’, ‘Denibus AR’, and ‘Avenger (Swords and Skulls)’ plus ‘Dragonsea Chronicles’.
What, if anything, has changed? Man continues to disturb the natural order, invade lands, kill, maim, weaken. The only difference I see is that the boys’ toys cause more destruction and in quicker time.
“Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of
all.”
---- Aristotle
The historical aspect includes the beliefs, cultures, education, games, and religions of the period. What we call today the “fantasy” element of their folk tales have things such as curses, druids, ghouls, possession, voodoo dolls, and witches.
Fave line:
‘All Plato’s and Socrates’s wisdom pales when compared to the complexity of the female.’
Readers get maps at beginning and a Historical Note at the end with a really cool compare/contrast regarding Boudicca and Icarus.
I have some of the author’s other works to enjoy ‘The VX Wars (Tales of the Far Future #1)’, ‘Thetis 3 (Starship Rogue #1)’, ‘The Huntress of Caerlin (The Relic Hunter)’, ‘Haloband’, ‘The Dim Zone (Alien Alliance #2)’, ‘Bindu’, ‘Denibus AR’, and ‘Avenger (Swords and Skulls)’ plus ‘Dragonsea Chronicles’.
March 1, 2019
Action, magic and Roman history
This book has a lot of action. The characters are well developed and it flows well. Chris makes you feel like you are there. Icarus and his gang defend the people from the soldiers who enjoy tormenting them. He has some morals that the rest of his gang lack. His club is really a gang. They get into trouble just like his father thought he would if he didn't change his ways. The gang likes to fight and so they make ideal gladiators. They manage to survive when the odds are against it.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This book has a lot of action. The characters are well developed and it flows well. Chris makes you feel like you are there. Icarus and his gang defend the people from the soldiers who enjoy tormenting them. He has some morals that the rest of his gang lack. His club is really a gang. They get into trouble just like his father thought he would if he didn't change his ways. The gang likes to fight and so they make ideal gladiators. They manage to survive when the odds are against it.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 25, 2019
This is a really good story, full of action and filled with historical facts that will amaze you. This novel will entertain you from start to finish and you will want for more. Great job on storytelling and fleshing out the characters so that you feel one with them. I felt like I was a character in the gang, not always liking what we were doing but getting caught up in the excitement of living. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and think you will too.
January 31, 2025
Spellbinding tale of a young man’s journey through the streets of Londinium. I was lost in this rich, multi-layered world of the ancient past. It comes alive in the author’s magical writing style, his attention to detail and vivid characterizations. Plenty of action, gladiator battles and the supernatural. Excellent read! Recommended for all those with a love for historical fiction and Conan-like adventure.
February 6, 2025
Had me on the edge of my seat.
A gang of young hoods seeks vengeance against a moneylender and get caught up by the Roman justice system. There is magic and violence and strange twists that lead the main character down a dark path. Amazing story. The brotherhood among the gang members (and rivalry) keeps the story well-knit together. That, and the battles and action kept my interest till the very end.
A gang of young hoods seeks vengeance against a moneylender and get caught up by the Roman justice system. There is magic and violence and strange twists that lead the main character down a dark path. Amazing story. The brotherhood among the gang members (and rivalry) keeps the story well-knit together. That, and the battles and action kept my interest till the very end.
April 23, 2019
Are they rebels or just being mischievous? He has risen up the ranks and he tries to fight for others. They will be drawn into dark magic. Will it be helpful to him? Can he has it for good? Will it take him over? Watch and follow him
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2023
Chris Turner does a great job in creating this world, I had enjoyed how good everything connected and I was glad I got to read this. The characters were what I was expecting and worked well in the world. It left me excited to read more from Chris Turner.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2019
This PG13 male coming-of-age in second century Londinium can be read in two days and is heavy on brute battle scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2019
Great read
I really do love historical fiction. What's better than truth with a bit of fantasy mixed in. Ancient Roman history is one of my favorites. Me thinks I was born in the wrong time period.
I really do love historical fiction. What's better than truth with a bit of fantasy mixed in. Ancient Roman history is one of my favorites. Me thinks I was born in the wrong time period.
April 30, 2019
Gritty,entertaining page-turner! Unusual and recommended...
December 21, 2024
Where do you draw the line between a good guy and a bad guy? This story investigates this. The young rebel is a member of a violent gang but he doesn’t feel like the bad guy. He protects those around him. Yes, he’s tempted by gang rivalry and bad influencers, but these are grim times. I've never quite read a book like this. Action and world-building make this a gripping novel.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews