Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull

Getorix: Celtic Adventure in Ancient Rome #1

by Judith Geary

Getorix (15) has one last opportunity to earn his father's regard and welcome into the Otherworld He must face death with courage at the end of the Roman triumph. Instead the gods throw him a different challenge Can Getorix accept friendship from the Roman who spares his life if the cost is his honor? Getorix has one last opportunity to gain his fatherOs respect and earn welcome into the Otherworld as a man. At almost fifteen winters, he marches beside his father, a defeated Celtic leader, in the Roman triumph parade -- a celebration that ends in death. To face the ordeal of death before the Romans will truly be his man-making. Instead, the gods throw him an entirely different challenge Can Getorix accept friendship with the Roman who spares his life if the cost is his honor? GetorxOs adventure leads young readers of any age into the Roman world at the dawn of the Empire. Authentic history with the lure of fantasy.Unique opportunity for young adult readers to experience the Roman world at the dawn of Empire. Supported with glossary and authorOs notes about Roman life. Competing cultures, embodied in the Roman aristocratO son and the Celtic captive, find understanding in this adventure. in ancient Rome at the dawn of the Empire.

Genres: Historical Fiction

279 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2006

About the author

Judith Geary has close to 25 years of experience in the classroom, teaching courses in communication at the university level, using applied problem solving as the primary instructional tool. She is currently the scenario director for the NC affiliate of Future Problem Solving International and an international evaluator. She draws on eight years experience editing fiction for Ingalls Publishing Group, a small traditional publishing company she helped found (as High Country Publishers) in 2001. She holds an M.A. in Education from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and continued graduate work in writing, literature and editing."

Reviews

[Joan L Huffman MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getorix: The Eagle & The Bull

A fascinating read intertwining history and fiction. Young Getorix is much braver than he believes himself to be and I trust we will see more of his courage in the second novel.

[J.L. Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read, intertwining history and fiction. Young Getorix is much braver than he believes himself to be and I trust we will see more of his courage in the second novel.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back cover blurb:

Getorix has one last opportunity to gain his father's respect and earn welcome into the Otherworld as a man. At almost fifteen winters, he marches beside his father, a defeated Celtic leader, in the Roman triumph parade--a celebration that ends in death. To face the ordeal of sacrifice before the Romans will truly be his man-making. Instead, the gods throw him an entirely different challenge.

Can Getorix accept friendship with the Romanc who spares his life if the cost is his honor?

Getorix, The Eagle and the Bull, is an award winning historical fiction novel for young adults, but it also holds a certain appeal for older readers too. I know I learned from it; everything from Roman and Celtic traditions to the Roman slave culture. One of the things I found most interesting was the insight into everyday Roman life--what they ate--did you know dormice were considered a delicacy?--how they dressed--both the Romans and their slaves dressed in togas, but the Celts wore pants, at least the men did, and it was one of the things Getorix missed sorely after he became a Roman slave--their daily rituals--including bathing and quite a bit about their sewage system, more than I ever wanted to know, but the sewers played a very important part of the story!

It is evident Ms. Geary did a remarkable job researching the history of Rome. Using what she learned, she added a few fictional characters and events to the historical ones, and wove them together, creating a fascinating story; one I hated to see come to an end.

[Vicki Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a young adult book about the 15-year old son, Getorix, of a Celtic leader and takes place in Rome in 101 BC. Both Getorix and his father had been captured by the Romans after a battle; the father was killed during the ensuing triumph of the victorius generals Marius and Catulus, and the son was taken as a slave for Catulus' son. The story is about the boys' growing relationship. A very interesting part of the book is seeing Rome and Romans through the eyes of the "barbarian" Getorix.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really excellent and engaging historical novel for young adults. I was taken with Getorix and his struggle to understand how to honor his fallen father, and found myself rooting for him. The Romans and characters from other tribes were interesting as well. Looks like it is set up for a sequel - hope so.

[Vipsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I liked the most about this book set in ancient Rome was that it was written from the perspective of a captured Gaul. Very insightful.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched historical novel by Judith Geary about a Gaelic boy thrown into the world of the powerful Romans when taken prisoner while fighting alongside his father and siblings. Riveting plot and character development. Should be required reading by all middle-grade or even high school students.