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Nero #2
The Exiled
A.D. 79. Parthia is gripped by civil war. One king vying for the throne, desperate for help, welcomes an alliance from an unlikely source: a man claiming to be Nero, the dethroned Roman emperor.
Meanwhile, young Gaius wishes he could spend his summer on the Bay of Naples amongst his books. Instead Pliny, the famous admiral, has sent him to befriend the nephew of Ulpius, the mysterious blind senator from Spain. A man Pliny does not trust.
But when a Parthian hostage is nearly killed, days before Parthian emissaries are expected, and as rumours of the False Nero entering the land reaches Rome, Gaius and Pliny race to learn how these events are connected.
As the political intrigue comes to a head, something happens that only the mysterious clairvoyant Sibyl could have foreseen: Mount Vesuvius erupts, and black ash fills the sky . . .
Meanwhile, young Gaius wishes he could spend his summer on the Bay of Naples amongst his books. Instead Pliny, the famous admiral, has sent him to befriend the nephew of Ulpius, the mysterious blind senator from Spain. A man Pliny does not trust.
But when a Parthian hostage is nearly killed, days before Parthian emissaries are expected, and as rumours of the False Nero entering the land reaches Rome, Gaius and Pliny race to learn how these events are connected.
As the political intrigue comes to a head, something happens that only the mysterious clairvoyant Sibyl could have foreseen: Mount Vesuvius erupts, and black ash fills the sky . . .
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 27, 2019
4.5 stars
According to Suetonius, Emperor Nero committed suicide on hearing the troop of cavalry who were coming to arrest him arrive at the villa in which he was hiding: 'Hark to the sound I hear! It is the hooves of galloping horses'.
Their orders: take him alive.
But it was too late.
A letter, which had arrived moments before the soldiers, informed Nero that he had been declared a public enemy by the Senate and was to be punished in the 'ancient style' (stripped naked, head thrust into a wooden fork, flogged to death with sticks). And so, to avoid that dire fate, Nero:
'with the help of his secretary Epaphroditus, [...] stabbed himself in the throat and was already half-dead when a cavalry officer entered [...] he died, with eyes glazed and bulging from their sockets, a sight which horrified everybody present' (Suetonius, Nero, 49).
Now that's all well and good, perhaps true or perhaps not, but either way David Barbaree is having none of it. His Nero is taken that day, and tortured, but remains alive...
It's an idea with a long tradition, with men proclaiming themselves 'Nero' almost from the moment of the emperor's death in 68 CE. A rather problematic issue for the new dynasty, as you might imagine. And it's precisely this that forms the basis of the book. Here, the rise of a False Nero complicates an already dangerous civil war in Parthia, the deadly threads of these plots weaving through the highest echelons of Roman politics.
This is a world of prophesy, conspiracy, and secrets. Danger abounds. But they don't know what we know, that the real Nero lives... and still has moves to make. Let the games begin.
***
Ok, so the book started somewhat unfavourably. The prologue and the opening perspective were both hugely dramatic, with declarative speechifying and limited connection to the characters. I worried because this is how and why so much historical fiction of this period fails-- because authors are too desperate to cram in all the things which seem strangest to us, like oracles and harems, rather than keeping the focus on what brings genuine feeling and emotional attachment...the people.
Thankfully, the next perspective brought relief: Pliny's young nephew, Gaius, was an immediate hit and his are the eyes through which we see most of the story unfold. Yet he is just one of a number of fascinating characters, a variety which includes a Parthian hostage, Vespasian's daughter, Domitillia, Senators, gladiators, soldiers and more. The multiple POVs work exceptionally well together, each voice distinct and genuine, every one bringing something valuable to the story. It felt like real people doing real things. The thrilling vitality of this recreated world and its inhabitants is brilliantly realised, enhancing the horror of the disaster that hangs heavy over them all. For this is another thing we know and they don't. The setting is, after all, is the Bay of Naples. In Baiae, our characters live as they always have. Pompeii thrives. And Vesuvius looms in the background like a dark shadow, while earthquakes shake the earth with a little more energy every time.
As the tendrils of the plot draw together and the tension heightens, the omens of catastrophe grow ever more clear. Until the fateful day arrives...
***
Historical fiction is all about choices-- what to include or not, how to present a well known figure, what 'truths' are best to twist or ignore, what needs to stay the same-- and the author makes some interesting ones.
The Nero in these pages was not the one I expected. He's clever, mysterious, full of schemes, but nevertheless, likeable. Actually, that bit could well be right to a certain extent, he was popular in the early days, especially with the plebs, and his reputation has been effectively maligned by later writers. On the other hand, this is an emperor 'known' for his cruelty, later on in his reign at the very least. His 'highlights' include possible involvement in burning down Rome, kicking his pregnant wife to death, and killing his mother. These are not little things. There's no sense of that here, but perhaps he is a man reborn. Having everything taken from you, including your eyes, may well change your personality somewhat. Either way, it's a bold choice to keep him alive AND then possibly rehabilitate his character. I liked it. And why not? Go all in, I say. Basically, it just makes me want to sit down with the author and pepper him with questions. Most of which start with 'why....?'
Some of those might have been answered in Deposed, the first in the series. I didn't realise this was the second book until I started, and it didn't affect my enjoyment of this instalment at all, but I clearly missed a few things. Or maybe we'll find out more about Nero in the future, because there's definitely more to come. The last sections of this book brutally educate the reader about the whims of fortune, illustrating why historical fiction has such a delicious inevitability about it. Real life doesn't always include happy endings. And anyone who knows the list of emperors, knows that it goes as follows: Titus. Domitian. Nerva. Trajan. I think readers will recognise some of those names... and wonder how the author plans to get us there. I'm ALL in.
An imaginative and exciting read, a truly fun addition to the tales of this turbulent period.
Now bring on the next...
ARC via Netgalley
According to Suetonius, Emperor Nero committed suicide on hearing the troop of cavalry who were coming to arrest him arrive at the villa in which he was hiding: 'Hark to the sound I hear! It is the hooves of galloping horses'.
Their orders: take him alive.
But it was too late.
A letter, which had arrived moments before the soldiers, informed Nero that he had been declared a public enemy by the Senate and was to be punished in the 'ancient style' (stripped naked, head thrust into a wooden fork, flogged to death with sticks). And so, to avoid that dire fate, Nero:
'with the help of his secretary Epaphroditus, [...] stabbed himself in the throat and was already half-dead when a cavalry officer entered [...] he died, with eyes glazed and bulging from their sockets, a sight which horrified everybody present' (Suetonius, Nero, 49).
Now that's all well and good, perhaps true or perhaps not, but either way David Barbaree is having none of it. His Nero is taken that day, and tortured, but remains alive...
It's an idea with a long tradition, with men proclaiming themselves 'Nero' almost from the moment of the emperor's death in 68 CE. A rather problematic issue for the new dynasty, as you might imagine. And it's precisely this that forms the basis of the book. Here, the rise of a False Nero complicates an already dangerous civil war in Parthia, the deadly threads of these plots weaving through the highest echelons of Roman politics.
This is a world of prophesy, conspiracy, and secrets. Danger abounds. But they don't know what we know, that the real Nero lives... and still has moves to make. Let the games begin.
***
Ok, so the book started somewhat unfavourably. The prologue and the opening perspective were both hugely dramatic, with declarative speechifying and limited connection to the characters. I worried because this is how and why so much historical fiction of this period fails-- because authors are too desperate to cram in all the things which seem strangest to us, like oracles and harems, rather than keeping the focus on what brings genuine feeling and emotional attachment...the people.
Thankfully, the next perspective brought relief: Pliny's young nephew, Gaius, was an immediate hit and his are the eyes through which we see most of the story unfold. Yet he is just one of a number of fascinating characters, a variety which includes a Parthian hostage, Vespasian's daughter, Domitillia, Senators, gladiators, soldiers and more. The multiple POVs work exceptionally well together, each voice distinct and genuine, every one bringing something valuable to the story. It felt like real people doing real things. The thrilling vitality of this recreated world and its inhabitants is brilliantly realised, enhancing the horror of the disaster that hangs heavy over them all. For this is another thing we know and they don't. The setting is, after all, is the Bay of Naples. In Baiae, our characters live as they always have. Pompeii thrives. And Vesuvius looms in the background like a dark shadow, while earthquakes shake the earth with a little more energy every time.
As the tendrils of the plot draw together and the tension heightens, the omens of catastrophe grow ever more clear. Until the fateful day arrives...
***
Historical fiction is all about choices-- what to include or not, how to present a well known figure, what 'truths' are best to twist or ignore, what needs to stay the same-- and the author makes some interesting ones.
The Nero in these pages was not the one I expected. He's clever, mysterious, full of schemes, but nevertheless, likeable. Actually, that bit could well be right to a certain extent, he was popular in the early days, especially with the plebs, and his reputation has been effectively maligned by later writers. On the other hand, this is an emperor 'known' for his cruelty, later on in his reign at the very least. His 'highlights' include possible involvement in burning down Rome, kicking his pregnant wife to death, and killing his mother. These are not little things. There's no sense of that here, but perhaps he is a man reborn. Having everything taken from you, including your eyes, may well change your personality somewhat. Either way, it's a bold choice to keep him alive AND then possibly rehabilitate his character. I liked it. And why not? Go all in, I say. Basically, it just makes me want to sit down with the author and pepper him with questions. Most of which start with 'why....?'
Some of those might have been answered in Deposed, the first in the series. I didn't realise this was the second book until I started, and it didn't affect my enjoyment of this instalment at all, but I clearly missed a few things. Or maybe we'll find out more about Nero in the future, because there's definitely more to come. The last sections of this book brutally educate the reader about the whims of fortune, illustrating why historical fiction has such a delicious inevitability about it. Real life doesn't always include happy endings. And anyone who knows the list of emperors, knows that it goes as follows: Titus. Domitian. Nerva. Trajan. I think readers will recognise some of those names... and wonder how the author plans to get us there. I'm ALL in.
An imaginative and exciting read, a truly fun addition to the tales of this turbulent period.
Now bring on the next...
ARC via Netgalley
June 27, 2019
Historical fiction can be hit or miss especially when its characters are from ancient periods or based on real figures. In this instance, however, it’s a total hit. I absolutely relished this political thriller and its twists and turns. Having all the plotting, fighting, and treachery set against such an infamous volcanic eruption made for a truly thrilling read.
As an archaeologist and historian with a soft spot for Pompeii, this book was right up my alley. Some of the history was tweaked, but the author had a disclaimer at the beginning advising he changed some historical events to fit his narrative. The alterations were so minor that it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this fantastic novel in the slightest. If anything, his changes made me enjoy it even more.
I didn’t realise when I started reading this that it’s the second novel in a series, but enough of the backstory was given in The Exiled that I didn’t feel lost. From what I gather, the previous book surrounds the False Nero legends.
Whilst not the focus of The Exiled, the parts of the plot concerning the false Nero- and of Nero surviving after being deposed- were captivating. The actual history of this legend has always fascinated me, as has Nero himself. To imagine him surviving and going full Count of Monte Cristo on those who betrayed him is nothing short of delicious.
Even though there were a lot of characters in this tale, they were all fully fleshed out and believable. I became very attached to several of them, especially shrewd Domitilla and the larger than life Pliny the Elder. More than once they and the others elicited quite a bit of sympathy from me as they tried to survive in the tumultuous political climate of Rome- where not even the emperor is safe.
As for the devastation in Pompeii, the descriptions of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius were incredible . Of all the times I’ve been to Pompeii, I’ve never felt as fully immersed in the devastating chaos as I did whilst reading this. I pretty much held my breath during those chapters as our characters desperately tried to escape the ash and fire. We focus so much on Pompeii itself but the entire region was affected, the seas thrashing so much that no one in the bay could escape by boat. Instead, they had to crawl their way on land in the oppressive heat and darkness caused by the ash clouds.
With the land around them erupting in such a violent, lethal way it’s not hard to imagine why everyone in the region thought the world was coming to an end. It must have been like the gates of Hell opening.
When the ash finally settled and the world was still there, all the rivalries and deception in Rome launched back into full force. Man, were those Romans a devious bunch. The reader is thrust right back into it all, right up until the dramatic ending that leaves itself open for further installments; installments I’ll be eagerly waiting for.
Read my full review on my blog!
Thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for a review.
As an archaeologist and historian with a soft spot for Pompeii, this book was right up my alley. Some of the history was tweaked, but the author had a disclaimer at the beginning advising he changed some historical events to fit his narrative. The alterations were so minor that it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this fantastic novel in the slightest. If anything, his changes made me enjoy it even more.
I didn’t realise when I started reading this that it’s the second novel in a series, but enough of the backstory was given in The Exiled that I didn’t feel lost. From what I gather, the previous book surrounds the False Nero legends.
Whilst not the focus of The Exiled, the parts of the plot concerning the false Nero- and of Nero surviving after being deposed- were captivating. The actual history of this legend has always fascinated me, as has Nero himself. To imagine him surviving and going full Count of Monte Cristo on those who betrayed him is nothing short of delicious.
Even though there were a lot of characters in this tale, they were all fully fleshed out and believable. I became very attached to several of them, especially shrewd Domitilla and the larger than life Pliny the Elder. More than once they and the others elicited quite a bit of sympathy from me as they tried to survive in the tumultuous political climate of Rome- where not even the emperor is safe.
As for the devastation in Pompeii, the descriptions of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius were incredible . Of all the times I’ve been to Pompeii, I’ve never felt as fully immersed in the devastating chaos as I did whilst reading this. I pretty much held my breath during those chapters as our characters desperately tried to escape the ash and fire. We focus so much on Pompeii itself but the entire region was affected, the seas thrashing so much that no one in the bay could escape by boat. Instead, they had to crawl their way on land in the oppressive heat and darkness caused by the ash clouds.
With the land around them erupting in such a violent, lethal way it’s not hard to imagine why everyone in the region thought the world was coming to an end. It must have been like the gates of Hell opening.
When the ash finally settled and the world was still there, all the rivalries and deception in Rome launched back into full force. Man, were those Romans a devious bunch. The reader is thrust right back into it all, right up until the dramatic ending that leaves itself open for further installments; installments I’ll be eagerly waiting for.
Read my full review on my blog!
Thanks to Zaffre and NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for a review.
June 23, 2019
This an excellent follow up to Deposed, the novel that began this brilliant series on 'what if' Nero had survived the coup that destroyed him and came back for slow, slow vengeance. But there's so much more to it than that and the central figure in this novel is Gaius, or Pliny the Younger, who follows his beloved uncle Pliny, his tutor, around, trying to make him proud. It all culminates in the eruption of Vesuvius. Thoroughly exciting, tense and, at times, shocking Roman thriller, watched over by Nero, who quietly plots in the wings. Loved it. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
June 30, 2019
It was always going to be a big task to produce a novel quite as good as Deposed (which was excellent and fully worthy of five stars.)
The Exiled does a good job of trying to be as good as the first book, but somehow, and despite, or perhaps because of, the sheer amount of political intrigue going on, it does not match up to the sheer audacity of Deposed. Indeed, for quite a large swathe of the book, I was wondering if it was a standalone novel and not at all related to Deposed. But, I pressed on, hopeful that it would improve.
And it did. From about 50% the book picks up and the seemingly disparate events begin to fall into place, and the careful plotting and planning of the book begin to reveal themselves.
While some of the characters remain underdeveloped, and some of the chapters feel 'too thin,' it can't be denied that the story is both clever and solidly told, and the ending is unexpected.
I hope that this series continues.
Thank you for my review copy Netgalley.
The Exiled does a good job of trying to be as good as the first book, but somehow, and despite, or perhaps because of, the sheer amount of political intrigue going on, it does not match up to the sheer audacity of Deposed. Indeed, for quite a large swathe of the book, I was wondering if it was a standalone novel and not at all related to Deposed. But, I pressed on, hopeful that it would improve.
And it did. From about 50% the book picks up and the seemingly disparate events begin to fall into place, and the careful plotting and planning of the book begin to reveal themselves.
While some of the characters remain underdeveloped, and some of the chapters feel 'too thin,' it can't be denied that the story is both clever and solidly told, and the ending is unexpected.
I hope that this series continues.
Thank you for my review copy Netgalley.
September 29, 2019
I think David Barbaree might just be the best Roman historical fiction author writing right now. His books are so fresh, so different to what you get from the others. He tells a story to vibrantly, the sights and smells of the ancient world really come alive on the page. There are many POV characters, but each told from the first person point of view, and reading the book you get a feel the author was really in tune with the people he was trying to bring alive.
This book covers the events leading up to the infamous eruption of Vesuvius and the devastation it caused, and also explores the last days of Pliny the Elder's life. Again, I have read many a book with Pliny in, but never has been brought so brilliantly to life.
All in all I feel this book is even better than The Deposed, and I can't wait to see what David does next.
This book covers the events leading up to the infamous eruption of Vesuvius and the devastation it caused, and also explores the last days of Pliny the Elder's life. Again, I have read many a book with Pliny in, but never has been brought so brilliantly to life.
All in all I feel this book is even better than The Deposed, and I can't wait to see what David does next.
May 14, 2019
If this is anything like David's first book, Deposed, we are all in for a TREAT!! I can't wait to get my hands on this book. I've already pre-ordered my copy and think I may just have to read Deposed again while I sit in anticipation!!
August 26, 2019
Death in the bay of Naples
This is the second of David Barbaree’s trilogy set at the end of the reign of Nero and running, I presume, to the accession of the emperor Trajan, through the period of the Flavian dynasty and also featuring the so-called false Neros. The premise is that Nero did actually survive his overthrow in 68 AD and that while others claimed his name, he himself took another identity and quietly plotted his return to power, albeit behind the throne.
Like the first in the series, Deposed, this is a fast moving thriller, fairly well written and packing a number of major surprises. Here we have Parthian exiles, plotting senators and members of the imperial family, bustling around the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. I did feel that at times the story was rather forced, even implausible, but as an adventure story set in the Roman Empire it has an original theme and an ambitious plot, even if there is an air of inevitability about how it will all conclude.
This is the second of David Barbaree’s trilogy set at the end of the reign of Nero and running, I presume, to the accession of the emperor Trajan, through the period of the Flavian dynasty and also featuring the so-called false Neros. The premise is that Nero did actually survive his overthrow in 68 AD and that while others claimed his name, he himself took another identity and quietly plotted his return to power, albeit behind the throne.
Like the first in the series, Deposed, this is a fast moving thriller, fairly well written and packing a number of major surprises. Here we have Parthian exiles, plotting senators and members of the imperial family, bustling around the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. I did feel that at times the story was rather forced, even implausible, but as an adventure story set in the Roman Empire it has an original theme and an ambitious plot, even if there is an air of inevitability about how it will all conclude.
March 9, 2020
A powerful novel of ambition and treachery indeed!
February 22, 2020
3,5 estrellas
Si eres aficionado a la novela histórica, si te gusta Roma y su sociedad, si eres lector de novela negra o de intriga, o si lo tuyo es descubrir nuevos textos, lee a David Barbaree.
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
Si eres aficionado a la novela histórica, si te gusta Roma y su sociedad, si eres lector de novela negra o de intriga, o si lo tuyo es descubrir nuevos textos, lee a David Barbaree.
https://millibrosenmibiblioteca.blogs...
July 27, 2019
Author Bio: David Barbaree’s debut work is the first volume in a historical trilogy. Deposed is set in Ancient Rome, ten years after the downfall of the emperor Nero. It is a novel of breath-taking scope, showcasing meticulous research and commendable erudition, as well as consummate writing skill and carefully crafted, vivid characters. It was published by Bonnier in May 2017.
Review:
I was provided an ARC through Bonnier Books, my thanks to them for this excellent novel!
This novel is one of those bittersweet endings that does not end up in a happy tale. It is a tale of tragedy, loss, and betrayal.
It is also a story that is so immersive, that you are immersed in the world of Ancient Rome. The novel, in my opinion, has its strengths when it focuses on the individual characters through each chapter. By the end, I had grown a certain fondness for Pliny and Ulpius, who I will not reveal. It is best that you discover who Ulpius is. There are many viewpoints throughout the novel, though I had more sympathy for the Parthian’s point of view. David has done a tremendous amount of research for this novel.
I applaud David for breaking the conventional rules and showing each viewpoint through their point of view. It felt like a memoir, a diary of sorts. I was listening to the HBO soundtrack while listening to this. Its not easy to summarize a novel like this. The story structure is different and the pacing is unusually different. While the novel may feel at the start as a standalone, I would disagree with this. It is a different style that I cannot describe in a simple sentence.
The prose of the second person is David’s great strength in the novel. At many points, you’ll laugh, chuckle and feel sadness. Some of the weaknesses held with Gaius, who I felt could have needed more scenes in the book. I feel we did not get to spend enough time with him. Likewise, the relationship between Domitilla and the Batavian needed a deeper connection, I would have liked to see more interaction between the two. And Titus’s opposition to this relationship. It is there, but to improve the stakes for this could also have been a more powerful cliff-hanger.
With Barlaas, I think he could have been given more of a motivation to run his ambitions to escape Rome. However, this is my general thought. Over-all, this novel is a complicated but enjoyable novel. When I mean complicated, think of it like looking at a 400 page hardcover of a new fantasy book, if this was a fantasy novel, I can guarantee you this would be an excellent debut.
This is definitely one of the best novels I’ve read on Rome, and this tops the rest. Compared to the other authors, this is AMAZING!
I enjoyed this novel, and my rating is 4.5/5
My reviews can be found here:https://alalhambrabookreviews.home.bl...
Review:
I was provided an ARC through Bonnier Books, my thanks to them for this excellent novel!
This novel is one of those bittersweet endings that does not end up in a happy tale. It is a tale of tragedy, loss, and betrayal.
It is also a story that is so immersive, that you are immersed in the world of Ancient Rome. The novel, in my opinion, has its strengths when it focuses on the individual characters through each chapter. By the end, I had grown a certain fondness for Pliny and Ulpius, who I will not reveal. It is best that you discover who Ulpius is. There are many viewpoints throughout the novel, though I had more sympathy for the Parthian’s point of view. David has done a tremendous amount of research for this novel.
I applaud David for breaking the conventional rules and showing each viewpoint through their point of view. It felt like a memoir, a diary of sorts. I was listening to the HBO soundtrack while listening to this. Its not easy to summarize a novel like this. The story structure is different and the pacing is unusually different. While the novel may feel at the start as a standalone, I would disagree with this. It is a different style that I cannot describe in a simple sentence.
The prose of the second person is David’s great strength in the novel. At many points, you’ll laugh, chuckle and feel sadness. Some of the weaknesses held with Gaius, who I felt could have needed more scenes in the book. I feel we did not get to spend enough time with him. Likewise, the relationship between Domitilla and the Batavian needed a deeper connection, I would have liked to see more interaction between the two. And Titus’s opposition to this relationship. It is there, but to improve the stakes for this could also have been a more powerful cliff-hanger.
With Barlaas, I think he could have been given more of a motivation to run his ambitions to escape Rome. However, this is my general thought. Over-all, this novel is a complicated but enjoyable novel. When I mean complicated, think of it like looking at a 400 page hardcover of a new fantasy book, if this was a fantasy novel, I can guarantee you this would be an excellent debut.
This is definitely one of the best novels I’ve read on Rome, and this tops the rest. Compared to the other authors, this is AMAZING!
I enjoyed this novel, and my rating is 4.5/5
My reviews can be found here:https://alalhambrabookreviews.home.bl...
October 10, 2019
What responsibility does the writer of historical fiction have to the historical record? This tautly written, rather bleak thriller of Imperial Roman politics raises that question for the reader. In his author’s note, David Barbaree inform the reader that The Exiled is a work of fiction and that he has taken liberties that a novelist is allowed. But since many readers of historical fiction read the genre to be informed as well as to be entertained, it behoves the writer to inform his reader where he has taken these liberties. Unfortunately, Barbaree does not. So the unsuspecting reader might believe that Domitilla, the sister of the Emperor Titus, was alive and a key player in the events of his reign, including the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, when in fact so far as we know she died a decade before all the events of this story took place. Barbaree’s entertaining fancy as to the true fate of the Emperor Nero, which was the focus of his first novel, The Deposed, continues in The Exiled, and its inclusion is more understandable given the world he has constructed. Perhaps the book is best taken as an imaginative working out of the ‘What if?’ scenario that Nero did not die, but lived on, working behind the scenes of Imperial politics. As such, the book might perhaps be best thought of as historical fantasy, sans dragons and gods and nymphs, but with similar scant regard for what probably happened. Readers allergic to the use of the present tense and modern-day vocabulary in historical fiction might also want to be wary.
April 25, 2023
Un libro leggibile a parte un inizio un pochino lento con tanti punti di vista e ”spiegoni” evitabili.
Preso poi il ritmo scorre bene ed è intrigante. Buonissima anche la parte di finzione che si incastra con gli eventi realmente accaduti a Pompei...anche se alla luce delle nuove scoperta sulla data dell’eruzione andrebbe tutto rivisto.
Preso poi il ritmo scorre bene ed è intrigante. Buonissima anche la parte di finzione che si incastra con gli eventi realmente accaduti a Pompei...anche se alla luce delle nuove scoperta sulla data dell’eruzione andrebbe tutto rivisto.
April 1, 2020
Awesome book, I rated 4 stars only because it couldn’t be as good as the first one, but absolutely enjoyable. So fun to continue Ulpio’s story in this quite different setting now with more and new interesting conspiracies....
I’ll be waiting the third one! Recommended 100%
I’ll be waiting the third one! Recommended 100%
April 28, 2020
Una excelente novela histórica.
April 5, 2025
Started and finished date - 30.03.25 to 01.04.25.
My rating - Two Stars.
I found this book very boring and I hate cover of book also the paced of plot was bit slow for my liking. The writing was okay and the atmosphere was fine. The ending of book was okay. The characters was okay but I would have them to flash out bit.
My rating - Two Stars.
I found this book very boring and I hate cover of book also the paced of plot was bit slow for my liking. The writing was okay and the atmosphere was fine. The ending of book was okay. The characters was okay but I would have them to flash out bit.
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