What do you think?
Rate this book
Brothers of the Sands #3
Beasts From The Dark
A pulse-pounding historical adventure from master of the genre Robert Low, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow.
Drust, Kag and co are in the Alps, battered, bruised and fighting for their lives. Some things never change.
On the hunt for a rogue Roman officer, something goes terribly wrong and they are left stranded in the mountains, their escape route cut off. Only then does the true danger of their mission reveal itself.
Caught in the crossfire not just of the mountain tribes, but of the vicious power politics of Rome, they must use all their cunning and guile to save themselves from death’s icy clutches...
The gripping final instalment of the extraordinary, brutal, visceral historical epic series.
- GenresHistorical FictionRoman
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2020
28 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Robert Low
62 books287 followersRobert Low is a Scottish journalist and historical novelist, with novels based on the Viking Age. He was war correspondent in Vietnam and also several other locations, including Sarajevo, Romania and Kosovo, until "common-sense, age and the concerns of my wife and daughter prevailed". Now he writes novels full time. He's also a historical reenactor performing with the Scotland-based group, the Vikings.
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 17, 2020
This Roman adventure is the 3rd and amazing final episode of the "Brothers of the Sand" trilogy from the formidable Scottish author, Robert Low.
Once more you can find the details concerning this tale within the Historical Note and Glossary at the end of the book, and these same details are wonderfully implemented within this great story.
The author's story-telling is of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life within this Roman adventure, and the atmosphere of these Roman times comes splendidly off the pages.
This book is set in the year AD 225 during the reign of the (Boy)Emperor, Severus Alexander.
The story starts off in a fast-paced manner in the Province of Rhaetia in the year AD 225, and our protagonists, former gladiators, Drust, Kag, Dog, Manius, Quintus, Ugo, the Jew Kisa and Drust's wife, Praeclarum, find themselves ambushed due to treachery from, at that moment in time, an unknown source.
Due to this treachery they have to travel through the "Dark", which is populated with thick forests and wild dangerous striking tribes, before they are captured by the renegade General, and later on a lured self-proclaimed Emperor, Marcus Antonius Atyllus, and his allies, but Drust and his men manage to escape back to Italia with the help of the army, but sadly with the loss of his wife, Praeclarum.
What will follow is an action-packed and intriguing Roman adventure in which our protagonists are manipulated, as puppets on a string, by the sly and cunning, Julius Yahia, hleped by his henchman, Verus, and they themselves are puppets of the dangerous and formidable Mother of Emperors, the Almighty, Julia Mamaea, to find and deliver this Atyllus to them, and whether they will succeed or not and how the book will eventually end is for you to find out by reading this fantastic book.
Highly recommended, for this is an absolute wonderful ending of this trilogy in what is in my opinion: "An Awesome Final Gladiatorial Tribute"!
Once more you can find the details concerning this tale within the Historical Note and Glossary at the end of the book, and these same details are wonderfully implemented within this great story.
The author's story-telling is of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life within this Roman adventure, and the atmosphere of these Roman times comes splendidly off the pages.
This book is set in the year AD 225 during the reign of the (Boy)Emperor, Severus Alexander.
The story starts off in a fast-paced manner in the Province of Rhaetia in the year AD 225, and our protagonists, former gladiators, Drust, Kag, Dog, Manius, Quintus, Ugo, the Jew Kisa and Drust's wife, Praeclarum, find themselves ambushed due to treachery from, at that moment in time, an unknown source.
Due to this treachery they have to travel through the "Dark", which is populated with thick forests and wild dangerous striking tribes, before they are captured by the renegade General, and later on a lured self-proclaimed Emperor, Marcus Antonius Atyllus, and his allies, but Drust and his men manage to escape back to Italia with the help of the army, but sadly with the loss of his wife, Praeclarum.
What will follow is an action-packed and intriguing Roman adventure in which our protagonists are manipulated, as puppets on a string, by the sly and cunning, Julius Yahia, hleped by his henchman, Verus, and they themselves are puppets of the dangerous and formidable Mother of Emperors, the Almighty, Julia Mamaea, to find and deliver this Atyllus to them, and whether they will succeed or not and how the book will eventually end is for you to find out by reading this fantastic book.
Highly recommended, for this is an absolute wonderful ending of this trilogy in what is in my opinion: "An Awesome Final Gladiatorial Tribute"!
January 6, 2020
Beasts From the Dark is the third and final instalment in the Brothers of the Sands epic historical adventure series set amongst the chaos of ancient Rome from one of the masters of the genre Robert Low. To get the most from this trio of books I highly recommend reading them in chronological order as you will get the most enjoyment that way; that way you are privy to the introductions and evolution of the cast of characters and references made to events that took place in the preceding novels and therefore talk of prior incidents or plot developments will not merely leave you confused, lost or simply go over your head. The group are in the Alps searching for a rogue Roman officer when an incident leaves them unable to exit the area and they are blocked in a remote and freezing zone many meters above sea level. Being trapped in the mountains is extremely dangerous as it gives their enemies an easy way to reach them. Can they all make it out alive or will they die trying?
As alluded to above in the previous paragraph Robert Low has written another almost flawless ancient Roman tale of grit and drama with an impeccable sense of both time and place; I would never have thought I would've enjoyed these books as I am probably unlikely to be in his usual demographic, however, anyone with a penchant for detail, an exquisitely woven historical yarn and a cast of characters reminiscent of a Shakespearean play will find much to sing about within these pages. He is undoubtedly one of the genres most underrated writers. This is an action-packed read and the sheer amount of research that has been undertaken to ensure the story is believable is extensive and this really appears to be a stunning labour of love. A stunning amalgamation of compulsive plot and an iconic, refined backdrop, I am indeed warmly anticipating his next release. Those who appreciated any of the novels of Dan Brown i feel would find this worth picking up. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
As alluded to above in the previous paragraph Robert Low has written another almost flawless ancient Roman tale of grit and drama with an impeccable sense of both time and place; I would never have thought I would've enjoyed these books as I am probably unlikely to be in his usual demographic, however, anyone with a penchant for detail, an exquisitely woven historical yarn and a cast of characters reminiscent of a Shakespearean play will find much to sing about within these pages. He is undoubtedly one of the genres most underrated writers. This is an action-packed read and the sheer amount of research that has been undertaken to ensure the story is believable is extensive and this really appears to be a stunning labour of love. A stunning amalgamation of compulsive plot and an iconic, refined backdrop, I am indeed warmly anticipating his next release. Those who appreciated any of the novels of Dan Brown i feel would find this worth picking up. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
January 1, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Beasts From The Dark is the third historical novel in the Brothers of the Sands series by Robert Low. Due out 6th Jan 2020, it's 400 pages and available in ebook format.
This is an exquisitely plotted and meticulously researched and accurate novel. My notes from my read through are very sparse because I found almost nothing wrong. In fact, my reading notes look more like one long fangirl squeal from start to finish. I can't remember the last time I read an author with such a commanding grasp of tension and plotting. The characterizations are crisp, beautifully three dimensional and believable and the narrative arc is both twisty and straightforward at the same time. There are currents and undercurrents throughout and the whole is subtle and complex and thoroughly immersive.
There is a brooding threat of real violence as well as compassion and camaraderie. I found the book quite moving in a number of places. The focus on detail was impressive and never overwhelmed the overarching narrative. This is also an author who is definitely not afraid to kill his darlings. The whole is muscular and spare and very very well done. There are a number of scenes which were even more shocking than they would have otherwise been because they happened by contrast in an otherwise calm/peaceful surrounding.
There is a useful glossary included at the end of the book, but I didn't really need to consult it because the author is adept at defining things in context. There is quite a lot of violence (we're talking about the Roman Empire during the Severan period) as well as lots of political interplay and machination.
Beautifully written. Readable as a standalone, but I recommend the author's other work as well.
Five stars for the book, five for the series. Definitely an author to seek out.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Beasts From The Dark is the third historical novel in the Brothers of the Sands series by Robert Low. Due out 6th Jan 2020, it's 400 pages and available in ebook format.
This is an exquisitely plotted and meticulously researched and accurate novel. My notes from my read through are very sparse because I found almost nothing wrong. In fact, my reading notes look more like one long fangirl squeal from start to finish. I can't remember the last time I read an author with such a commanding grasp of tension and plotting. The characterizations are crisp, beautifully three dimensional and believable and the narrative arc is both twisty and straightforward at the same time. There are currents and undercurrents throughout and the whole is subtle and complex and thoroughly immersive.
There is a brooding threat of real violence as well as compassion and camaraderie. I found the book quite moving in a number of places. The focus on detail was impressive and never overwhelmed the overarching narrative. This is also an author who is definitely not afraid to kill his darlings. The whole is muscular and spare and very very well done. There are a number of scenes which were even more shocking than they would have otherwise been because they happened by contrast in an otherwise calm/peaceful surrounding.
There is a useful glossary included at the end of the book, but I didn't really need to consult it because the author is adept at defining things in context. There is quite a lot of violence (we're talking about the Roman Empire during the Severan period) as well as lots of political interplay and machination.
Beautifully written. Readable as a standalone, but I recommend the author's other work as well.
Five stars for the book, five for the series. Definitely an author to seek out.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 29, 2021
The final tale of the ex-Gladiators brothers of the sands. We find the brothers in the depths of what was known as the , The Dark during Rome's Campaigns in the Germanies.
They are neck deep in more plots and twists regarding the latest power of Rome, they are found to be cut off in these mystic woods of the Germanies, with beast men hunting them down whilst they themselves track down a rogue Roman General and his horse eating cohort. Ultimately leading them to further bloody battles, desperate situations, grief, heart ache and finally to Rome.
For them they re trend familiar grounds , where they all began. Further trouble rears its head which ends to a windfall of their previous owner. As the various plots unfold themselves, it becomes clear to our main man Drust what needs to be done and the only route to this is through a final bloody brawl known as the circle of treachery and gladiatorial slavery once again.
This has been a nail biting read I've thoroughly enjoyed. I will miss the Brothers of the sands, i will forever live in hope that MAYBE Mr Low will give us another, their tale is one that gripped me and wouldn't let go. The historical notes throughout and at the end are always greatly appreciated and really ground the tales that are told through the eyes of these brothers.
They are neck deep in more plots and twists regarding the latest power of Rome, they are found to be cut off in these mystic woods of the Germanies, with beast men hunting them down whilst they themselves track down a rogue Roman General and his horse eating cohort. Ultimately leading them to further bloody battles, desperate situations, grief, heart ache and finally to Rome.
For them they re trend familiar grounds , where they all began. Further trouble rears its head which ends to a windfall of their previous owner. As the various plots unfold themselves, it becomes clear to our main man Drust what needs to be done and the only route to this is through a final bloody brawl known as the circle of treachery and gladiatorial slavery once again.
This has been a nail biting read I've thoroughly enjoyed. I will miss the Brothers of the sands, i will forever live in hope that MAYBE Mr Low will give us another, their tale is one that gripped me and wouldn't let go. The historical notes throughout and at the end are always greatly appreciated and really ground the tales that are told through the eyes of these brothers.
January 21, 2020
Cracking.
All 3 books are cracking reads. Drust, Sib, Manius, Kag, Dog, Ugo and co. All ex-gladiators who, having received their freedom, work for Servilius Structus, their original owner. Sent on what we would term suicide missions, they have to fight for survival using intelligence and violence. They are a family, fighting only for each other, hoping this mission will be the last.
A brilliant group of characters that you cheer for, laugh and cry with and even grieve with.
I can't recommend highly enough. I'm going to miss them.
All 3 books are cracking reads. Drust, Sib, Manius, Kag, Dog, Ugo and co. All ex-gladiators who, having received their freedom, work for Servilius Structus, their original owner. Sent on what we would term suicide missions, they have to fight for survival using intelligence and violence. They are a family, fighting only for each other, hoping this mission will be the last.
A brilliant group of characters that you cheer for, laugh and cry with and even grieve with.
I can't recommend highly enough. I'm going to miss them.
December 26, 2019
I love historical fiction set in Ancient Rome and this was an excellent book that kept me hooked till the end.
I liked the well researched historical background, the well thought cast of characters, and the fast paced and action packed plot.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well researched historical background, the well thought cast of characters, and the fast paced and action packed plot.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 4, 2022
I am not sure how historical this is. It seems unlikely celts would allow some foreign champions to come in and subdue their foe - rather they would be tribal minded and not trust them. What was sad was that all the heroes were ends justified the means cold blooded civilian killers so bo heroes in the book. I guess if you are a wasteland hater you can make the protagonist an ally in your mind and this is a four star not a three star book/ but for me all the characters were wretched and not heroically good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2020
Brothers indeed.
Five stars to cover the trilogy. Robert Low is as good among the gladiators as he is among the Vikings of the Whale Road! What next Robert?
Five stars to cover the trilogy. Robert Low is as good among the gladiators as he is among the Vikings of the Whale Road! What next Robert?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews