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Masinissa #2
Masinissa: Ally of Rome
Masinissa: Ally of Rome resumes the story of the Numidian Prince at a moment when he is beginning to question his alliance with the Carthaginian Empire during the Second Punic War. He has been fighting as a cavalry commander on the Iberian Peninsula for several years but the fortunes of war and his own clandestine meeting with the Roman consul Scipio Africanus, ostensibly his sworn enemy, has led him to reconsider his loyalties. His love for the Carthaginian aristocrat Sophonisba, which had blossomed during his period of exile in Carthage, has remained strong during his absence from North Africa. He is due a period of leave in that city shortly to formalise his engagement to her.
At this moment in the war, the Carthaginian forces are attempting to reform their military strength in North Africa and in the strategically important and historically allied southern Iberian city of Gades (present day Cadiz.) For his part, Masinissa has recently retrieved one of the sacred cups of Melqart (Hercules) which had been hidden in a fortress now occupied by the Roman legions. He is presently taking a small contingent of his most loyal troops to the temple dedicated to Melqart which is located close to the city of Gades to return the cup to its proper religious location. The mood of both he and his men on the journey is mutinous.
At this moment in the war, the Carthaginian forces are attempting to reform their military strength in North Africa and in the strategically important and historically allied southern Iberian city of Gades (present day Cadiz.) For his part, Masinissa has recently retrieved one of the sacred cups of Melqart (Hercules) which had been hidden in a fortress now occupied by the Roman legions. He is presently taking a small contingent of his most loyal troops to the temple dedicated to Melqart which is located close to the city of Gades to return the cup to its proper religious location. The mood of both he and his men on the journey is mutinous.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2020
4 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Rob Edmunds
4 books345 followersI'm an author with two recently published novels about the Numidian King Masinissa and the Carthaginian aristocrat Sophonisba.
Both are quite significant figures from history whose lives have been depicted by many artists and writers over the centuries. For instance, Sophonisba has had 15 operas and 2 ballets made about her life and she was the central character in the very first epic movie, Cabiria, which played to audiences worldwide in 1914.
Masinissa is still revered today across North Africa as the founding father of the Amazigh/Berber people. His decision to abandon Carthage and instead ally with Rome during the Second Punic War could be considered one of the most significant moments in history. Following the defeat of Carthage, he became the first ruler of a unified Numidia and during his long reign of 54 years he turned his kingdom into the breadbasket of Rome.
Both are quite significant figures from history whose lives have been depicted by many artists and writers over the centuries. For instance, Sophonisba has had 15 operas and 2 ballets made about her life and she was the central character in the very first epic movie, Cabiria, which played to audiences worldwide in 1914.
Masinissa is still revered today across North Africa as the founding father of the Amazigh/Berber people. His decision to abandon Carthage and instead ally with Rome during the Second Punic War could be considered one of the most significant moments in history. Following the defeat of Carthage, he became the first ruler of a unified Numidia and during his long reign of 54 years he turned his kingdom into the breadbasket of Rome.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 28, 2022
Provided in digital form by the author for the purpose of reviewing, the second of Rob Edmunds' Masinissa books, this continues the story of the Numidian Prince during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
Masinissa had been impressed with the military prowess of Scipio, the Roman commander, and had met with him in a parlay late in book one. Early in this book, Masinissa is still weighing the opportunity to switch allegiance from Carthage to Rome. This he does after much deliberation, taking his military force with him. On balance, Rome offers a better pathway for the self rule of the Numidian Kingdom. As ally of Rome, Masinissa turns his military efforts back on his former comrades, and most importantly, the father of his lover, the Carthaginian aristocrat Sophonisba.
The level of detail in the story is consistently good, the narrative well planned and although we enter battle after battle, the narrative offers enough variance in the way it describes them to retain interest. Masinissa and Sophonisba and their interactions and relationship are also more prevalent in the second book, although the situation is different once Masinissa has changed sides and Sophonisba is married to another.
Anyone who has familiarity with the history of Masinissa will have an inkling how this story ends, after the victory of Rome over the Carthaginians. The factual end is poignant, and was a suitable point of history in which to stop the story. If you haven't researched Masinissa, and intend to read the books, it is probably better left until after to see how much is factual and how much fiction is woven through.
I enjoyed the second installation, but perhaps not quite as much as the first book. In the first we are meeting new characters and seeing their development much more that this one. It does, of course, tie up the loose threads of the story from the first book, which is satisfying. Even more satisfying the lack of a single typo or editing issues - incredibly rare for self published work.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
Masinissa had been impressed with the military prowess of Scipio, the Roman commander, and had met with him in a parlay late in book one. Early in this book, Masinissa is still weighing the opportunity to switch allegiance from Carthage to Rome. This he does after much deliberation, taking his military force with him. On balance, Rome offers a better pathway for the self rule of the Numidian Kingdom. As ally of Rome, Masinissa turns his military efforts back on his former comrades, and most importantly, the father of his lover, the Carthaginian aristocrat Sophonisba.
The level of detail in the story is consistently good, the narrative well planned and although we enter battle after battle, the narrative offers enough variance in the way it describes them to retain interest. Masinissa and Sophonisba and their interactions and relationship are also more prevalent in the second book, although the situation is different once Masinissa has changed sides and Sophonisba is married to another.
Anyone who has familiarity with the history of Masinissa will have an inkling how this story ends, after the victory of Rome over the Carthaginians. The factual end is poignant, and was a suitable point of history in which to stop the story. If you haven't researched Masinissa, and intend to read the books, it is probably better left until after to see how much is factual and how much fiction is woven through.
I enjoyed the second installation, but perhaps not quite as much as the first book. In the first we are meeting new characters and seeing their development much more that this one. It does, of course, tie up the loose threads of the story from the first book, which is satisfying. Even more satisfying the lack of a single typo or editing issues - incredibly rare for self published work.
3.5 stars, rounded down.
December 11, 2021
This amazing historical novel is the 2nd volume about the life and deeds of Masinissa, unknown to me before but now a historical figure to remember, for this man will play a crucial part in realising his aim and dream of a united Kingdom of Numidia, uniting Masinissa's Massyli and Masaesyli of enemy King Sypohax.
Storytelling has again been of a superb quality, all figures, whether real Carthaginian, Roman or Numidian and/or fictional ones, come splendidly to life in this tale which is set in the 2nd Punic War between Carthage and Rome, which lasted from 218 until 201 BC, and the battle scenes described in this tale are wonderfully constructed and pictured by the author.
In this tale the War between Carthage and Rome will get heavier and heavier with the Roman General Scipio Africanus in the ascendancy and the Carthaginians more and more on defending their territory.
While still being member of the Carthaginian army Masinissa is ridiculed by his future father-in-law Hasdrubal Gisco, and this same army he will encounter disastrous decisions when fighting the Romans, and so while being humiliated personally and as a coalition, Masinissa will set his mind and feelings towards the Romans with the intelligent General Scipio Africanus.
When the opportunity arises for Masinissa and his closest men to switch sides, and turn their backs on Carthage, his conscience is clear that only with General Scipio he can gain his Kingdom of Numidia.
Another disturbing factor will be Masinissa's supposedly future wife, Sophonisba, but due to their victories with Rome and Carthaginian defeats, Scipio demands Masinissa makes a choice of whether she will be made a triumph through Rome or she will be given the kind of death that took the life of Socrates.
What is to follow as a whole is an outstanding historical adventure, told by the author in a most captivating fashion, in which Masinissa will pave in a courageous and cunning kind of way his claim towards becoming the King of a united Kingdom of Numidia, in that endeavour he will break vows to make new ones to make his destination come true.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific tale about Masinissa's destiny, and that's why I like to call this wonderful story: "A Stunning Masinissa Sequel"!
**Thank you to the author for this digital copy without any obligations, still my review is unbiased and honest!**
Storytelling has again been of a superb quality, all figures, whether real Carthaginian, Roman or Numidian and/or fictional ones, come splendidly to life in this tale which is set in the 2nd Punic War between Carthage and Rome, which lasted from 218 until 201 BC, and the battle scenes described in this tale are wonderfully constructed and pictured by the author.
In this tale the War between Carthage and Rome will get heavier and heavier with the Roman General Scipio Africanus in the ascendancy and the Carthaginians more and more on defending their territory.
While still being member of the Carthaginian army Masinissa is ridiculed by his future father-in-law Hasdrubal Gisco, and this same army he will encounter disastrous decisions when fighting the Romans, and so while being humiliated personally and as a coalition, Masinissa will set his mind and feelings towards the Romans with the intelligent General Scipio Africanus.
When the opportunity arises for Masinissa and his closest men to switch sides, and turn their backs on Carthage, his conscience is clear that only with General Scipio he can gain his Kingdom of Numidia.
Another disturbing factor will be Masinissa's supposedly future wife, Sophonisba, but due to their victories with Rome and Carthaginian defeats, Scipio demands Masinissa makes a choice of whether she will be made a triumph through Rome or she will be given the kind of death that took the life of Socrates.
What is to follow as a whole is an outstanding historical adventure, told by the author in a most captivating fashion, in which Masinissa will pave in a courageous and cunning kind of way his claim towards becoming the King of a united Kingdom of Numidia, in that endeavour he will break vows to make new ones to make his destination come true.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific tale about Masinissa's destiny, and that's why I like to call this wonderful story: "A Stunning Masinissa Sequel"!
**Thank you to the author for this digital copy without any obligations, still my review is unbiased and honest!**
January 9, 2022
This is the 2nd novel about Masinissa and it was just as enjoyable as the first.
Well written with exceptional detail and riveting storytelling. Again I found myself completely emerged with each chapter. Thank you Rob for writing and sharing this wonderful book . A book filled with passion and adventure.
Well written with exceptional detail and riveting storytelling. Again I found myself completely emerged with each chapter. Thank you Rob for writing and sharing this wonderful book . A book filled with passion and adventure.
September 30, 2021
This was just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the first in this series. The Numidians return to North Africa, as do the rival generals Scipio and Hannibal, but are now fighting on the other side. There are more romantic and tender moments in this one. The conclusion to the personal story is very moving and the battlefield finale is riveting.
October 20, 2021
The second part of the story of Masinissa turned into a real tour de force. It starts with a pilgrimage of sorts, with a little nod to Hercules. The author explores the motivations and perceptions of the various characters on their journey very well before dramatic changes occur. A few of the scenes in this one are also highly cinematic with a few clear inspirations being detectable. The story interweaves the romance between Sophonisba and Masinissa with the historical events much more frequently in this sequel than in the first book. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical and literary fiction.
January 31, 2023
This is a novel which manages to blend quite a few elements. At one level, it is an historical adventure which is full of exhilarating moments described in great and, apparently, quite accurate historical detail and, at another it is a highly emotional exploration of one man’s experience of conflict. In this second instalment, this quest for meaning is deepened. On the surface, the novel begins with a kind of mythological pilgrimage which underscores the hero and his entourage’s belief in the deities of the time, in this case the Phoenician version of Hercules. At a deeper level is the hero’s struggle to find a sense of identity and meaning as his allegiance to one ancient empire switches to another. His quite passionate attachment, which is now apparently seriously compromised, to his Carthaginian lover, is also given greater prominence which adds further depth and anguish to the story. The emotions of the soldier and lover are given equal status, both seemingly equally helpless and desperate. The middle section includes a wonderful and rather unique chase scene and the final contrasting chapters conclude the story very well. The final battle is as vividly described as any aficionado of ancient warfare would like and the concluding scene is as moving as any you will read. It was quite a finish and a story I would highly recommend. It was great to learn more about this period of history and its significance for the Roman world. The narration is also of the highest calibre. It’s a very ambitious work which I’m sure I will return to again at some point.
February 1, 2024
I have little to say about this book that I not already said about the first one, the book does feel rather as two halves of one book rather then two books. That is not a bad thing per se but it is best suited to read quickly one after the other as characters from the first book are expected to be known to you immediately.
An important thing that I did omit from my commentary from the first book, the figure of Sophonisba. I would be the worst to be asked to judge a romance in either book, movie or games as most become quickly boring to me but it does serve a point here even if I find their scenes together to be nothing but passion. As a character you learn next to nothing about Sophonisba; what does she think about her father, the demise of her brother, the future of carthage? We never know, she shows no agency nor wishes other then passion towards Masinissa. The historical figure, as limited as that is, at least shows some form of agency but even that is stripped away from her book counterpart.
I found the books to be a mixture of styles, on the one hand it wants humanize historical figures with slang, crass jokes, moments of introspection mixed with expression of raw emotion but the romance and how it is describes is as if I was watching a 1950/1960ties sandle movie like Ben Hur, the woman is a saint and object of desire for the protagonist. I was most reminded of Jean Simmons role in Spartacus but even there, how limited even as it was she had more of a voice then Sophonisba has.
I do still think it is good book and I do somewhat hope that a third book is under way as Masinissa's story is far from over and his actions late in his life helped seal the end of Carthage. If he has moments of something in between remorse and reluctance now, I do wonder how an old Masinissa would feel looking back.
An important thing that I did omit from my commentary from the first book, the figure of Sophonisba. I would be the worst to be asked to judge a romance in either book, movie or games as most become quickly boring to me but it does serve a point here even if I find their scenes together to be nothing but passion. As a character you learn next to nothing about Sophonisba; what does she think about her father, the demise of her brother, the future of carthage? We never know, she shows no agency nor wishes other then passion towards Masinissa. The historical figure, as limited as that is, at least shows some form of agency but even that is stripped away from her book counterpart.
I found the books to be a mixture of styles, on the one hand it wants humanize historical figures with slang, crass jokes, moments of introspection mixed with expression of raw emotion but the romance and how it is describes is as if I was watching a 1950/1960ties sandle movie like Ben Hur, the woman is a saint and object of desire for the protagonist. I was most reminded of Jean Simmons role in Spartacus but even there, how limited even as it was she had more of a voice then Sophonisba has.
I do still think it is good book and I do somewhat hope that a third book is under way as Masinissa's story is far from over and his actions late in his life helped seal the end of Carthage. If he has moments of something in between remorse and reluctance now, I do wonder how an old Masinissa would feel looking back.
February 21, 2024
This is the second and concluding (I believe) novel in the Masinissa series by Rob Edmunds. The author certainly created a high bar in the first story which ended at a bit of a cliff-hanger, or a moment of triumph and uncertainty at least. The second resumes and introduces some more of the social and religious context of the time, particularly in regard to the Punic gods. It was enjoyable to explore some of the locations in Southern Spain and Andalucia where some of these scenes are situated. There is greater variety in this novel. We’re now much more familiar with many of the characters and the story flows nicely. The main character is again wonderfully drawn but his decisions, his fugitive renegade moments and the ecstasies and agonies of his love affair make him quite the hero, and one for any age. The final chapter is, as it should be, the best part of both novels. A fabulously crafted story that brings to life a long lost figure and, in the case of this part of it, two lost figures as the romance between Masinissa and Sophonisba becomes more to the foreground.
November 5, 2021
The further adventures of Masinissa are a blast, and a very well researched blast at that! There is plenty of mythology, war and romance to enjoy here. The hero's demise and resurrection is a well worn literary trope but it is described here with great style and verve. It was great to see how well the threads of the first book came together here, sometimes bitterly. It's action packed and very well written. I would recommend this book equally to lovers of literature and history, particularly Roman history of course.
January 15, 2022
I don't read a lot of historical books, often preferring fantasy tales, however this book is a reminder that our own history in this world is full of amazing heroic figures. Masinissa, a Numidian prince from ~200 BC, is portrayed as a thoughtful and soulful soldier living in an often brutal world of bloody warfare. The book captures you and transports you to this ancient time with vivid dialog and descriptions of war and the inner thoughts of Masinissa. His romance with Sophonisba, is poignant and heartbreaking. I will definitely read more of this author.
November 14, 2020
As with the first book ("Masinissa: Ally of Carthage"), I struggled with this one. "Masinissa: Ally of Rome" is a good follow-up, but I was disappointed. I hoped I would enjoy this one more, but, sadly, I didn't. I don't think this is a bad series, it's just not for me. I like Rob Edmunds's writing, so I'd be interested to read more of his work in the future.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
November 17, 2021
Now, having read the first book, we can place Masinissa in world history, we come to the second part of his story. Here Rob Edmunds continues a convincing narrative, a mixture of historical fact, a little fiction, and a lot of creative empathy. The author places us in an ancient world vividly realised, and gives us the central personality of an honourable man disillusioned with old loyalties, looking for a better way forward. A compelling read of a time where honour and nobility are mixed with cruelty and barbarism.
May 5, 2022
The second book in the Masinissa series fulfills the promise of the first and fleshes out some of the characters very well. Sophonisba, Scipio Africanus and Hannibal all feature more as do several of the Numidian soldiers who have maintained their loyalty to Masinissa.
There is a little of the Wild West style to some of this one when the group are in the hills of North Africa fighting a guerilla action before Scipio arrives. The culmination is, in turns, thrilling and emotional.
There is a little of the Wild West style to some of this one when the group are in the hills of North Africa fighting a guerilla action before Scipio arrives. The culmination is, in turns, thrilling and emotional.
May 21, 2022
Gripping
Couldn't put it down. Full of history and emotion with twists along the way. I learned a great deal whilst reading.
Couldn't put it down. Full of history and emotion with twists along the way. I learned a great deal whilst reading.
January 19, 2023
Great sequel that’s better than the first book. Political intrigue and the machinations of love and war on an epic scale. This is very fine historical writing that is thoroughly gripping.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews