Rey de reyes. Guerrero de Roma II

Warrior of Rome #2

by Harry Sidebottom

Rare book

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman, War, Fantasy, Audiobook

576 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Harry Sidebottom is Lecturer in Ancient History at Merton College, Oxford, and part-time lecturer in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He has written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2010, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Warrior of Rome" series.

Once more are the historical details very well researched and documented by the author, and these are brilliantly implemented within this great tale, while also a glossary will explain a lot of interesting things.

This tale is set in the year AD 256, after the loss of the stronghold of Arête, during the reign of Emperor Valerian in the East, and the Roman Empire full with men seeking power behind the Emperor's back.

At the same time the Persian forces are still threatening and pressing forward along the eastern frontier, when Ballista returns to court where important people rather see him dead than alive.

All too soon Ballista will be caught in a web of treason, intrigue and religious fanaticism, and in this deadly environment Ballista's loyalty and courage will be tested in his ultimate bid to save the Emperor and the Roman Empire.

What is to follow is a fascinating Roman historical adventure, with all its history, treachery, political machinations and assassinations, and in this world of enemies from without and within Ballista must somehow seem to confront these dangers, and so do his utmost to keep Emperor Valerian on the Throne as Emperor, and at the same time to keep his own life in tact to live and fight for another day.

Highly recommended, for this is a fabulous addition to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this great episode: "A Superb Warrior Of Rome Sequel"!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seamless continuation from volume 1. There were several main adventures; but this book gave us some character development of Ballista--his struggling to be accepted; his sometimes insecurity; his decency and integrity--his statement of and actions showing he is "living by a code", something Calgacus has taught him since boyhood. Of course, his military ability goes without saying. Sometimes his opinion is ignored by the emperor and council.

He is first given the mission of fighting Sassanids at Circesium. After a difficult journey to reach there, he is upstaged by an arrogant, know-it-all, highly insubordinate aristocratic officer. The officer is thought to be the hero of the day, although the man only snatched a partial victory. Next, a stint as deputy to governor of Ephesus and persecution of "atheistic" Christians ends in failure, as he feels he cannot persecute them as viciously and completely as others want him to. He is demoted but assigned to an expedition to defeat the Great King at Emesa. That battle goes badly and I got the impression they really weren't wanted. He and the field army accompanying him escape the city by night but are betrayed, with shattering outcome.

I thought this a good exposition of more aspects of his character. Someone is really out to kill him, as there are several assassination attempts--instigated by the same person? He is hated by several people. I thought it strange how several individuals in the first section just disappeared without a trace. Will they resurface later on? There is some unfinished business. The novel ended in a cliffhanger, but I want to follow Ballista and company in further episodes.

Highly recommended.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a big Rome mood and I remembered that i hadn't continued with the series so I decided to give it a go and I was not disappointed. I gave the first 3.5 stars and I enjoyed this a bit more. Don't know how long it will take until i pick up the third

[Beorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a bit of a double-edged sword to Harry Sidebottom's Roman books.
They're full of information on the late third century Roman Empire including the various terminology, but sadly at the expense of any depth to the characterisation or immersiveness (Yes, auto-correct I know that's not a real word).

The fact that he is an academic writing a story isn't an automatic negative thing, unless it becomes far more of a recitation of facts and statistics than a riveting read.

It's only been a couple of months max since I read the first book in this series and it had such little impact that, though I can recall elements of almost every other Roman book I've read both good and bad, 'Fire In The East' sank without a trace.

There's none of the immersive rich cinematic detail of an M.C. Scott novel, none of the straight to the point machismo viscerality of Simon Scarrow, none of the earthy, gritty and realistic style of Anthony Riches...

It's not altogether poorly written, it does feel more like a story than say Tim Severin's style of hammering the reader with fact after fact. However it does feel like there's far more import given to using the absolutely precise Latin terms for each character - dux ripae, ab admissionibus etc - and explaining the imperial & political setup than giving the reader something emotionally tangible to grab hold of and engage themselves with.

It's at times like this that you're not only surprised that this series has been stretched out to SIX whole books long but that you wasted your money getting them all based on how bland they've been so far.

For anyone looking for a Roman series to throw themselves into, go for Anthony Riches, M.C. Scott/ Manda Scott, Conn Iggulden or Ben Kane. Far more immersive, enjoyable, and most importantly memorable!

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I’m in the mood for them these books are shaping up to really satiate the brain itch I occasionally get for bloody military-focused historical fiction. They’re a little long and don’t always move at the pace I want them to but I always end up feeling very pleasantly “full" when I finish them. Sidebottom obviously knows his shit front to back, and can write a very solid adventure story with equally likable and hateable characters. This particular period and setting in history was also a brilliant choice, as most fiction I’ve encountered that deals with Rome tends to kind of hang around the same general period of time (late Republic/early Empire) and the so-called crisis of the third century cries out to be fictionalized. I also don’t know a lot about it, which really enhances the educational aspect of these books! Heartily recommended for lovers of swords-and-sandals stuff and more broadly people who like authors like Iggulden or Cornwell.

[Mars · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
Das ist jetzt schon die zweite Reihe in Folge, die im römisch-historischen Bereich spielt, die nicht weiterübersetzt wird.
Wirklich äusserst schade, da die beiden Bücher bisher sehr gut historisch recherchiert sind und gut ausgebaute Charaktere haben.

[Boudewijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its finest

After finishing the first part I immediately went over to my local library to get the second volume. I have read the odd number of Roman historical fiction novels (for example this one) but I must admit this one surely is on the top.

Marcus Clodius Ballista, our protagonist in the first series, returns to Antioch after the fall of Arete and meets the Eastern Emperor, Valerianus. Instead of becoming a hero, he is merely a nuisance. It dawns upon him that he should have died at Arete, saving the Roman empire from an all-out attach from the Sassanids. Upon return, he immediately makes a few enemies and falls into dishonour. To his surprise he is appointed to prosecute the Christians in Efeze, only to come to the conclusion that it's not his cup of tea. After that he is sent to the East, where a Roman army under the command of Valerianus himself is defeated in the Battle of Edessa, and the Roman emperor is captured by the Sassanids.

Although somewhat less exciting than the first novel, Harry Sidebottom again succeeds in delivering a succesfull story. I enjoyed this one and will certainly continue with reading the series.

[Daniel Tothill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again enjoyed this more than I expected. In some ways very similar to the first novel: a focus on history, deep descriptions, somewhat lack of character development. But in others very different: highly political, numerous locations and characters, a genuine intriguing mystery. At first I wasn’t sure i would enjoy it as much but if you have any interest in Rome I can’t recommend it enough to just enjoy a deep representation of the world and culture. Ballista is still a great character and whilst little changes those on the page, their political relationships are weaving, the friendships are believable and all are full of personality. I even got a bit emotional at the end. The novel is also divided into 3 sections which are basically mini arcs that tie together. I felt this kept the book fresh and engaging, and felt like 3 connecting episodes of the continuing warrior of Rome series. I really liked this approach.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ballista the bada$$; barbarian bred, but Roman raised, now in disfavor with Valerian, has a new assignment - persecuting the dangerous religious cult, Christianity.  Not a happy situation for him or his familia given that he is a warrior and a battle hardened commander.  An administrative job, given to him under suspicious circumstances, has him requesting and then conniving to be replaced.  Book two of Warrior of Rome adds to the intrigues of the imperial court and sets Ballista on a collision course with the narrow minded, noses in the air Roman patrician class, and which eventually culminates in a surprising and shocking turn of events (that I will not divulge - spoilers, you know).  As in the first book, Fire in the East, the author shines in his portrayal of the Roman court, and the events that lead to the inevitable clash with Shapur, King of Kings.  4.7 stars

[Henry Parrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of the first book in the Warrior of Rome Series was "a 4.5 star siege book in an otherwise 2 star novel".

King of Kings is a better novel than Warrior of Rome, but with many of the same flaws.
The author still tries too hard to show he is a proper historian, and uses unnecessarily complicated language. The characters are still one dimensional, the women are badly written and the author is still obsessed with breasts.

Despite this, I found myself turning over page after page. Unlike the first book, with its dull ponderous first half, King of Kings has quite a rapid plot, with multiple mini-adventures, action scenes and an interesting cliff hanger.

Are there better historical fiction books out there? Definitely. Would I recommend you buy this book? Probably not. But if you're looking for a light Roman holiday read, you could do worse.

[J S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much enjoyed this second part of the series. A shift of pace and depth as the author rounds out the other characters in the book to be self standing actors in their own right. The action sections are as good as any Jack Reacher series and the depth of historical knowledge extraordinary.
(Spoiler alert) the cliffhanger at the end meant I had to buy and download #3 immediately. So, read them back to back.

[Ozymandias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alas, not all is well for Ballista in book two of the Warrior of Rome series. Unfortunately, all is not well for the series either. Ballista, being a perpetual outsider, works far better as an independent warrior than as peripheral general in an imperial campaign. It was a mistake to place him so close to imperial authority. The manipulations and backroom dealing at the center of the Roman state does not make for interesting reading because Ballista can have no part in it. This means the author has to drag him around the East (mainly in Asia Minor) finding various political tasks for him to do away from the throne. It's not all bad material, but it's not very focused nor does it offer a clear direction for the plot to flow. Essentially it's just a delaying action until the final campaign. It's also the first sign of Sidebottom's biggest problem as a writer: his tendency to overexplore everything. The man's an Ancient Historian so he naturally wants to explore all those areas where he's constrained by having to stick only to the facts. Here this means he directs the story to an area of interest (in this case mainly the Christian persecutions) and just expands endlessly on the topic. Here at least, it feels more like a harmless digression while he's waiting for the big plot to take off. Later on it will not be so easy to dismiss.

[M.G. Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series begins immediately where the first left off. We are thrown straight into a desperate dash across the desert to reach Antioch and tell the (Eastern) Emperor how Arete had fallen to the Sassanids.

Though still incredibly well written, this book does tend to sag in the middle as Ballista is sent off on what at first glance seems an unnecessary mission to persecute Christians following a quick battle with the Sassanids. Though short and kind of interesting, it detracts from what we have come to expect from this series, that is, the excellently detailed and flowing battle scenes that Sidebottom gave us in part 1. Perhaps the real Marcus Clodius Ballista was indeed sent off to put Christians on trial but it makes this series feel a little bloated as it gets bogged down too much in the politics that until that point had gelled rather well with the action.

Looking forward to the third book in the series already though!

See more of my book reviews at my blog

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in Sidebottom's Roman series. The political intrigue deepens with each chapter as Balista makes even more enemies at court. The characters around the Emperor are scheming and treacherous and Batista needs to maneuver around each just to stay alive. At times I wanted Balista to just reach out and choke a few of them. I do hope that just desserts are in store for his adversaries in future books.

Balista's time in the east is also spent persecuting Christians which he finds distasteful. Unspeakable cruelty is inflicted but it is the crowds' desire for it that really fleshes out Roman life at the time. Apparently, watching these specticals built character and to turn away was indicated as weakness. Really bizzare times.

Overall a very good read and I look forward to the next one.

[Clive Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suitably exciting follow-up to the opening story in the barbarian turned roman, 'Ballista' series. Stirring action and a wealth of historical detail make this tale of the clash of cultures and empires, within which our hero's star rises and falls a compelling read or listen. It was the latter for me, and whilst the narrator was generally excellent, he did make the main character sound uncannily like a certain T800 cyborg sent from the future, which was a little off-putting!

[Mark Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best. Realised I've been reading these out of sequence but happily have the next in the series to read in the next week or 2.... When I was reading about the Roman army marching by the Euphrates how much of the story could be transposed to the British Empire. Much like the British the Romans lost battles but not many wars, winning through discipline and often better technology. Wonder why there isn't a better series of books set at that period. Going back to the book, hard to put down when you start and like the best historical fiction you learn something too!

[Steve Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book. As enjoyable as the first in the series. The depth of detail about the period is impressive. Great read, just starting the third volume.

[Anuski65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soberbio, esperando a leer el tercero.

[Louisa Crichton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action pack with good twists. Although not my normal read it did keep me wanting to read the next step.

[Mark Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as action packed as the first. A lot of down time. Ends on a good cliffhanger though

[Tess Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, much like a Robert Harris; very informative, well written, well constructed, intriguing and exiting interwoven fictional storyline. Great character building. Can not wait to read the next one in the series. However, the ending is very similar to the last, where the main protagonist is downtrodden by the failings not of his own but of his faith in the Roman Empire. Loving the tale of the third century crisis, portrayed from the east empire fringes via the eyes of a barbarian roman general!

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read the first book in this series, Fire In The East. I'd enjoyed it...good characters, interesting descriptions of ancient Roman siege craft, and set in the later Roman Empire, a period I'd not read much on. At times the author, a Classics professor at Oxford, spent a bit too much time on historical detail, slowing the plot. But a rousing, cliff-hanging ending led me to read this, the second volume in the series. What a treat! With the history far better integrated into the story, which, by the way, rarely slows down, I have to say that in this book Sidebottom approaches the level of Bernard Cornwell. The Warrior of Rome series has everything I look for in historical fiction...great characters, fast action, an absorbing sense of place and time, and believable history. Volume three, Lion of the Sun, is on my desk now!

[Lindsay Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of Kings is the second book in Harry Sidebottom's Warrior of Rome series - and, as with the first book, I just loved it. In the 'Historical Afterword', Mr Sidebottom pays homage to two historical novelists whose work has given him great pleasure: Bernard Cornwell - "What makes Cornwell stand so far above a horde of inferior imitators is the jewel-like level of historical detail that can only come from a genuine knowledge and love of history"; and Alfred Duggan - "One of the great pleasures of Duggan's writing was the subtlety and depth of his characterisation". I could say the same thing about you Mr Sidebottom, on both counts. Your work gives me great pleasure too. The only problem I have with it is deciding what to read next. Everything else pales by comparison.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the Warrior of Rome series "Fire in the East," as now I have been introduced to all the main characters. Also I really do like the way Harry Sidebottom tells his story with just the right mix of History and Fiction. Harry Sidebottom leaves you with four threads to look forward too in the next book of the series "Lion of the Sun." Who will live? Will there be a new Emperor? Are just a few of the un-answered questions. Lastly this story has gotten me interested in reading more about the history of the Roman Emperor Valerian and his Military blunders caused by power hungry advisers.

[Gordon Chambers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was sorry that I just couldn't get into this book. Perhaps it was just my mood at the time, and the fact that this is not the first of the series, but to my mind it lacks the depth of story and exicitement of Simon Scarrow's 'Eagle' series or Conn Iggleden's 'Emperor' series which were excellent.

[Blair Hodgkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich in historical detail and interesting characters like its predecessor and likewise well-written, but one is left with the impression the main character is a little too much at sea in the politics and machinations surrounding him. I trust he will become cannier as the series proceeds. A good read.

[Dimitri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story is allright, but portraying Zoroastrians as proto-islamists is uncalled for!

[Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Harry, a great follow up.
Another cracking yarn.

[Sasa Borjanovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of a reading virus that will keep going. Excellent, thrilling, unbelievable masterpiece from ancient Rome.

[Vic Velvet Panther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book. I finished the one before this yesterday and immediately started this. They are v good - filled with history, strategy and yes violence and sex.