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Warrior of Rome #8
The Burning Road
AD265 - In the shadow of Mount Etna, slaves are rising up. As the rebel leader declares Sicily the new land of the free, men and women are slaughtered, and cities across the island are sacked and burned.
When a ship is wrecked off the island's west coast, all but two survivors are cut down in the surf by the rebel slaves. Ballista, an experienced Roman soldier, has always found a way to survive against the odds - but his son Marcus is still just a boy.
With the burning road stretching out ahead of them, father and son must cross the war-ravaged island in a race against time to save the rest of his family, and somehow find a way to extinguish the brutal rebellion, before it all goes up in flames.
When a ship is wrecked off the island's west coast, all but two survivors are cut down in the surf by the rebel slaves. Ballista, an experienced Roman soldier, has always found a way to survive against the odds - but his son Marcus is still just a boy.
With the burning road stretching out ahead of them, father and son must cross the war-ravaged island in a race against time to save the rest of his family, and somehow find a way to extinguish the brutal rebellion, before it all goes up in flames.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
65 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Harry Sidebottom
40 books517 followersHarry 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 3, 2021
Historical fiction at its best! Harry Sidebottom is an excellent researcher and author, who's story about Ballista and his son Marcus kept me at the edge of my seat.
It all starts when their ship, heading for their family on Sicily, gets wrecked in a huge storm. You can practically feel the wind and the water, hear the sounds and experience the pain of the dying men aboard the ship.
But Ballista and Marcus survive, barely. After only a few minutes on the beach they encounter a group of man, a band of escaped slaves that gathered under the leadership of one of them. He calls himself Soter, and proclaims to be a god.
Well, it is the year 265 and although some masters treat their slaves as actual human beings, most of them do not and the slaves' lives are short and horrible. No wonder there were several uprisings. The author mentions a few interesting books where he got his inspiration for this book from.
Needless to say, the - sometimes literally - burning road is long and difficult and although there are happy moments, there is a lot of grief and pain.
The book is not only well-researched but also well-written, with lots of factual information but not so much that reading gets tedious. On the contrary, it makes me want to read more about this interesting (to say the least) period in history.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
It all starts when their ship, heading for their family on Sicily, gets wrecked in a huge storm. You can practically feel the wind and the water, hear the sounds and experience the pain of the dying men aboard the ship.
But Ballista and Marcus survive, barely. After only a few minutes on the beach they encounter a group of man, a band of escaped slaves that gathered under the leadership of one of them. He calls himself Soter, and proclaims to be a god.
Well, it is the year 265 and although some masters treat their slaves as actual human beings, most of them do not and the slaves' lives are short and horrible. No wonder there were several uprisings. The author mentions a few interesting books where he got his inspiration for this book from.
Needless to say, the - sometimes literally - burning road is long and difficult and although there are happy moments, there is a lot of grief and pain.
The book is not only well-researched but also well-written, with lots of factual information but not so much that reading gets tedious. On the contrary, it makes me want to read more about this interesting (to say the least) period in history.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
December 21, 2021
This fabulous fast-paced Roman "Ballista" adventure is the 8th volume of the amazing "Warrior of Rome" series, featuring as our main character, Marcus Clodius Ballista.
At the beginning of the book you'll see two very well drawn maps, one of Sicily in AD 265 and the second one of Syracuse and its layout, followed by some important statements.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Afterword, where the historical details, places, and events are documented, and these are explained by the author in his own knowledgeable fashion.
Storytelling is of a superb quality from this scholar/author, all figures, whether they are real historical or fantastic fictional, come vividly to life in this tale of insurrection in the Roman world of AD 265.
The story itself starts off at the beginning of November, AD 265, with the rise and begin of the slave revolt in Sicily.
Around the same time Ballista and his eldest son, by cognomen Marcus, and by praenomen Isangrim, are travelling by ship from Ostia to Sicily, when they are caught in a huge storm at sea, and that storm will be cause that they will be shipwrecked, but somehow they will survive this ordeal, only to be followed with an assault on their lives by the revolting slaves as soon as they land on firm ground.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced Roman adventure, (I myself prefer the author's earlier books with extensive and educational Historical Afterword and Glossary, but that's my honest opinion), in which Ballista and his son must somehow seem to survive this insurrection, and at the same time to try to get as fast as possible to Tauromenium to save the Familia, only to find the place empty with only the old servant Hilarus, and this same Hilarus will inform them that the Familia has gone to Syracuse, and what eventually will happen in Syracuse is an eventful and warlike situation in which Ballista, his son, friends, old colleague and the inhabitants will all fight for their lives and thus survive this insurrection, and thus restore Roman Law and the Roman way of life.
Highly recommended, for this is another top-class Roman Ballista adventure, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Tremendous Thrilling Revolt"!
At the beginning of the book you'll see two very well drawn maps, one of Sicily in AD 265 and the second one of Syracuse and its layout, followed by some important statements.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Afterword, where the historical details, places, and events are documented, and these are explained by the author in his own knowledgeable fashion.
Storytelling is of a superb quality from this scholar/author, all figures, whether they are real historical or fantastic fictional, come vividly to life in this tale of insurrection in the Roman world of AD 265.
The story itself starts off at the beginning of November, AD 265, with the rise and begin of the slave revolt in Sicily.
Around the same time Ballista and his eldest son, by cognomen Marcus, and by praenomen Isangrim, are travelling by ship from Ostia to Sicily, when they are caught in a huge storm at sea, and that storm will be cause that they will be shipwrecked, but somehow they will survive this ordeal, only to be followed with an assault on their lives by the revolting slaves as soon as they land on firm ground.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed and fast-paced Roman adventure, (I myself prefer the author's earlier books with extensive and educational Historical Afterword and Glossary, but that's my honest opinion), in which Ballista and his son must somehow seem to survive this insurrection, and at the same time to try to get as fast as possible to Tauromenium to save the Familia, only to find the place empty with only the old servant Hilarus, and this same Hilarus will inform them that the Familia has gone to Syracuse, and what eventually will happen in Syracuse is an eventful and warlike situation in which Ballista, his son, friends, old colleague and the inhabitants will all fight for their lives and thus survive this insurrection, and thus restore Roman Law and the Roman way of life.
Highly recommended, for this is another top-class Roman Ballista adventure, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Tremendous Thrilling Revolt"!
August 15, 2024
This is a pure adventure story: you can care about Ballista and his coming-of-age son as people, but flight and fight interrupt every scene for a rollercoaster of a story. What makes Sidebottom's books so good is that the excitement, surprises, violence, and intrigue are all vividly based in third-century Rome. Here, a slave revolt is spreading across Sicily and Ballista must cross the island to protect his family through hostile defense forces and roving bands of murderous slaves.
October 12, 2021
I've always been a fan of Harry Sidebottom's novels, which so perfectly mix his impressive knowledge and insight into the Roman world with adventure and action. The Burning Road sees our old hero Ballista return to Sicily, with his older son Marcus, to rejoin his family. But the island is aflame with a slave revolt. I picked this book up on Sunday and I didn't move until I finished it. It is thrilling, absolutely engrossing, so exciting and so fascinating. The author fills these pages with unobtrusive details about Sicily's history and mythology, as well as Rome's society, based on slavery and a distrust of the barbarian or outsider. It is a rich read as well as being a brilliant Roman thriller. With no hesitation at all, I can declare The Burning Road my favourite of the author's novels. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
October 26, 2021
Perfidious Angle
It’s been quite a few years since Ballista’s family removed to Sicily and his older son is now approaching manhood. As the novel opens Ballista and his sulky teenage boy are on board ship on their way to Sicily to join the rest of the family after a long absence. Unknown to them, however, the whole island has risen in a slave revolt, and the ruling classes are fair game for slaughter, while villas burn and chaos increasingly rules. There are no armed troops on the island and no-one to stop the rampaging slaves.
Cue a storm at sea, shipwreck, and a long journey through hostile territory in an attempt to save the rest of the family before the slaves get them. Add father and son bonding, heroic struggles against the odds with rebel Germanic warriors, Messianic leaders, treacherous slave catchers, as well as the mountains and the elements in general. Then, too, there is a tour of late Roman Sicily, a leavening of provincial colour, and a spirited siege to round things off.
The author admits that he was influenced by McCarthy’s The Road, and there are some passages which clearly reference that work. I think too, there is a strong influence from a much older novel, Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, and perhaps, also, Philostratus’ Life of Apollonius of Tyana.
As for Ballista, who is now beginning to feel his age, cunning is very much to the fore, and treacherous and untrustworthy as his enemy might be, just remember that Ballista’s descendants became the English! Thus my title above.
It’s been quite a few years since Ballista’s family removed to Sicily and his older son is now approaching manhood. As the novel opens Ballista and his sulky teenage boy are on board ship on their way to Sicily to join the rest of the family after a long absence. Unknown to them, however, the whole island has risen in a slave revolt, and the ruling classes are fair game for slaughter, while villas burn and chaos increasingly rules. There are no armed troops on the island and no-one to stop the rampaging slaves.
Cue a storm at sea, shipwreck, and a long journey through hostile territory in an attempt to save the rest of the family before the slaves get them. Add father and son bonding, heroic struggles against the odds with rebel Germanic warriors, Messianic leaders, treacherous slave catchers, as well as the mountains and the elements in general. Then, too, there is a tour of late Roman Sicily, a leavening of provincial colour, and a spirited siege to round things off.
The author admits that he was influenced by McCarthy’s The Road, and there are some passages which clearly reference that work. I think too, there is a strong influence from a much older novel, Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, and perhaps, also, Philostratus’ Life of Apollonius of Tyana.
As for Ballista, who is now beginning to feel his age, cunning is very much to the fore, and treacherous and untrustworthy as his enemy might be, just remember that Ballista’s descendants became the English! Thus my title above.
September 30, 2021
SYNOPSIS: After surviving shipwreck on the island of Sicily, Ballista and his oldest son, Isangrim (Marcus) find themselves on the opposite side of the island to the rest of Ballista's familia. But a slave uprising as erupted on the island. Leading the slave revolt is the self imposed leader Soter. Chased all across the island, will Ballista and Isangrim escape the slaves’ clutches and save their family from the resenting fury that has swept the isle of Sicily?
REVIEW: In a change to the normal settings of battle fields and pitched battles, The Burning Road is a tale of a father and sons’ relationship. From the absent father due to warring in far off lands, the son being brought up in the upper echelons of Rome, the tale bonds Ballista and Isangrim together. It shows the regrets of a father who has missed out on so much on his son’s life. The son who does not know how to live up to his fathers’ expectations and who, due to the influence of the Roman elite’s schooling, loathes his father’s barbarian origins. As the story progresses it relates the inevitable dawning realisation that every child must grow up. And Ballista now watches his eldest son transition from child into a young man.
That said, The Burning Road is still packed with action scenes as Ballista and Isangrim make their way across the island. The threat of constant capture, not knowing who to trust, and the inevitable culminating final confrontation between the slaves and Ballista.
The book also shows the brutality and inhumanity of slavery. How low mankind can go in the way they treat one another. And yet over 1500 years later slavery still exists in ways the Romans could never imagine.
VERDICT: 4****/5 A rollercoaster of emotions and thrilling action. The Burning Road is a homage to the bond between all fathers and sons.
REVIEW: In a change to the normal settings of battle fields and pitched battles, The Burning Road is a tale of a father and sons’ relationship. From the absent father due to warring in far off lands, the son being brought up in the upper echelons of Rome, the tale bonds Ballista and Isangrim together. It shows the regrets of a father who has missed out on so much on his son’s life. The son who does not know how to live up to his fathers’ expectations and who, due to the influence of the Roman elite’s schooling, loathes his father’s barbarian origins. As the story progresses it relates the inevitable dawning realisation that every child must grow up. And Ballista now watches his eldest son transition from child into a young man.
That said, The Burning Road is still packed with action scenes as Ballista and Isangrim make their way across the island. The threat of constant capture, not knowing who to trust, and the inevitable culminating final confrontation between the slaves and Ballista.
The book also shows the brutality and inhumanity of slavery. How low mankind can go in the way they treat one another. And yet over 1500 years later slavery still exists in ways the Romans could never imagine.
VERDICT: 4****/5 A rollercoaster of emotions and thrilling action. The Burning Road is a homage to the bond between all fathers and sons.
February 7, 2022
I received a copy of The Burning Road from Allen & Unwin Australia to review.
Rating of 4.75.
One of my favourite historical fiction authors, Harry Sidebottom, returns with another epic and intense historical adventure, The Burning Road, a fun-filled, action-packed thriller.
Sicily, 265 AD. Throughout the strategic volcanic island, a call of freedom has been heard as a charismatic slave starts to rally his fellow enslaved workers. The various estates and towns are in a state of uproar as vicious slaves and captured barbarian warriors rise up to kill their masters. As the revolution gains strength and results in greater bloodshed, the fate of the island may rest in the hands of a legendary warrior, Marcus Clodius Ballista.
After years of fighting for corrupt emperors and battling deadly Roman politics, Ballista is finally free from his responsibilities, determined to enter retirement. Whilst travelling with his eldest son, Marcus, to his estates on Sicily, their ship hits a terrible storm, forcing it aground on the west coast of the island. Barely surviving the rough surf and destructive storm, Ballista and Marcus are soon thrust into even greater danger when a band of armed slaves mercilessly kills the other shipwrecked survivors.
Barely escaping the rampaging slaves, Ballista leads his son inland, hoping to discover what chaos has befallen Sicily. They soon discover that the entire island is in revolution, with any non-slave at risk at being killed or brutalised. Determined to keep his son alive and rescue his family on the other side of the island, Ballista and Marcus attempt to cross the entirety of Sicily on foot. Constantly harassed by marauding bands of former slaves, the two Romans must find a way to survive and reach their family before it is too late. But can the old veteran and rash youth work together to survive and save all of Sicily, or will one of Rome’s greatest warriors finally be finished off by rampaging slaves?
Wow, now this was a fun and intense novel from Sidebottom, who once again highlights his skill as a particularly inventive author of Roman historical fiction. I deeply enjoyed The Burning Road, especially as Sidebottom once again combines compelling historical elements with an impressive and action-packed thriller storyline.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/02/07/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.75.
One of my favourite historical fiction authors, Harry Sidebottom, returns with another epic and intense historical adventure, The Burning Road, a fun-filled, action-packed thriller.
Sicily, 265 AD. Throughout the strategic volcanic island, a call of freedom has been heard as a charismatic slave starts to rally his fellow enslaved workers. The various estates and towns are in a state of uproar as vicious slaves and captured barbarian warriors rise up to kill their masters. As the revolution gains strength and results in greater bloodshed, the fate of the island may rest in the hands of a legendary warrior, Marcus Clodius Ballista.
After years of fighting for corrupt emperors and battling deadly Roman politics, Ballista is finally free from his responsibilities, determined to enter retirement. Whilst travelling with his eldest son, Marcus, to his estates on Sicily, their ship hits a terrible storm, forcing it aground on the west coast of the island. Barely surviving the rough surf and destructive storm, Ballista and Marcus are soon thrust into even greater danger when a band of armed slaves mercilessly kills the other shipwrecked survivors.
Barely escaping the rampaging slaves, Ballista leads his son inland, hoping to discover what chaos has befallen Sicily. They soon discover that the entire island is in revolution, with any non-slave at risk at being killed or brutalised. Determined to keep his son alive and rescue his family on the other side of the island, Ballista and Marcus attempt to cross the entirety of Sicily on foot. Constantly harassed by marauding bands of former slaves, the two Romans must find a way to survive and reach their family before it is too late. But can the old veteran and rash youth work together to survive and save all of Sicily, or will one of Rome’s greatest warriors finally be finished off by rampaging slaves?
Wow, now this was a fun and intense novel from Sidebottom, who once again highlights his skill as a particularly inventive author of Roman historical fiction. I deeply enjoyed The Burning Road, especially as Sidebottom once again combines compelling historical elements with an impressive and action-packed thriller storyline.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/02/07/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
October 3, 2021
I was eagerly awaiting the return of Ballista, and this tale doesn't disappoint. It goes without saying that Harry Sidebottom's scholarship ensures an authentic feel to the background, but it never feels laboured. The characterisation of the protagonists and the pacing of the story keeps the reader engaged and invested in what happens, and I raced through this story in a couple of days. This tale has, at it's heart. the institution of slavery and the effects it has on both the victims and the masters, giving plenty of chances to examine the human condition throughout the story, but again without being laboured.
I've had the chance to meet Harry on a number of occasions, and I've begged him to allow Ballista, after all the traumas he's been through, a happy ending! Not yet it seems...
I've had the chance to meet Harry on a number of occasions, and I've begged him to allow Ballista, after all the traumas he's been through, a happy ending! Not yet it seems...
October 10, 2021
A old friend returns, and within the first few pages it was as if he had never been away, just a little bit older . Set on the island of Sicily in AD265 Ballista is on his way to his villa at Tauromenium with his son Isangrim but the ship that they are on is wrecked off the island`s west coast , and they are washed up on to the shore and into a slaves upraising. Father and son must cross the war-ravaged island in a race against time to save the rest of his family, and somehow find a way to extinguish the brutal rebellion, before it all goes up in flames. Dr Harry Sidebottom is for me a master of storytelling , add to that great research and we have a page turner of the highest order ,that i could not put down. More please Harry, i look forward to your next offering, which i hope will not be to long in coming.
September 7, 2021
Sicily AD265 and the slaves have risen up killing and looting as they stream over the Island, nobody appears safe. Off the coast of Sicily Ballista (hero of many previous novels) is shipwrecked with his son Marcus, expecting to find safe haven on shore they find a land in chaos, and a dangerous one at that. Their family is on the island and so commences a desperate race to try and find them, not even knowing if they are still alive.
There is a lot to enjoy in this, as you would expect from the deft hand of the author. The background of the Rebellion is fascinating, that rare loss of control over the slave community and a stark reminder that the slaves had miserable lives and were worth less than animals. And it’s tense as the two try to find safety on their journey with no idea about who to trust and lacking both food and weapons. But it’s also about a father and son who don’t really know each-other. Ballista has been away on campaigns for so long his son is almost a stranger to him and neither are comfortable in their relationship. It gives an interesting perspective because Ballista takes a strategic view to everything but Marcus pushes back with a lot of “why” questions and as a reader you can see his conflict.
Despite the root here being slaves trying to overcome their (often) cruel masters the author gives you plenty to want and hope our pair survive their ordeal.
Good addition to the series.
There is a lot to enjoy in this, as you would expect from the deft hand of the author. The background of the Rebellion is fascinating, that rare loss of control over the slave community and a stark reminder that the slaves had miserable lives and were worth less than animals. And it’s tense as the two try to find safety on their journey with no idea about who to trust and lacking both food and weapons. But it’s also about a father and son who don’t really know each-other. Ballista has been away on campaigns for so long his son is almost a stranger to him and neither are comfortable in their relationship. It gives an interesting perspective because Ballista takes a strategic view to everything but Marcus pushes back with a lot of “why” questions and as a reader you can see his conflict.
Despite the root here being slaves trying to overcome their (often) cruel masters the author gives you plenty to want and hope our pair survive their ordeal.
Good addition to the series.
July 3, 2022
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2022/07/0...
Non è facile scrivere la recensione della nuova opera di una saga arrivata ormai all’ottava uscita. Il primo romanzo, Fuoco a Oriente, narrava di un ufficiale romano di origini barbariche, Marco Clodio Balista, inviato in una missione quasi suicida durante il regno di Valeriano (253-260 d.C.): un romanzo d’esordio molto brillante, che miscelava competenza storico di primo ordine (l’autore è un noto accademico inglese) con uno stile per nulla pedante e anzi, a tratti, ricco d’azione.
Nel corso dei romanzi della saga abbiamo visto Balista impegnato negli intrighi politico-militari alle frontiere orientali, tra Sasanidi e usurpatori; poi in diverse peripezie alle frontiere e anche oltre le frontiere: dalle montagne del Caucaso alla steppa popolata dai nomadi Alani ed Eruli fino ai mari del Nord. Infine, il ritorno nell’impero e, dopo un’ultima avventura a Roma, narrata nel settimo volume della saga, la meritata concessione, da parte dell’imperatore, della “pensione”. In tutti questi libri, in cui il nostro protagonista, così come i numerosi comprimari che attorno a lui ruotano, ha avuto un’importante evoluzione psicologica, la parola “Sicilia” ha sempre evocato l’immagine di una terra idilliaca, dove la sua famiglia ha un rifugio sicuro, lontano da sicari imperiale e invasori barbarici e in cui il nostro, dopo tanto peregrinare, sogna di potersi ritirarsi.
E finalmente, con questo ottavo volume, si arriva in Sicilia; ma, ovviamente, di pace se ne trova pochissima. La nave che trasporta il nostro insieme al figlio maggiore, Marco-Isangrim (il primo è il praenomen romano, il secondo il nome anglo), incappa subito in una tempesta che avrà effetti disastrosi. Nel frattempo, una rivolta di schiavi scuote l’isola da capo a fondo. La strada per Tauromenio, dove si trova la famiglia del nostro (la moglie Giulia, nobile patrizia romana, il secondo figlio Dernhelm e le fidate guardie del corpo, anch’esse di origine barbarica), diventa così un percorso da incubo costellato di pericoli. La tensione, in questa prima lunga fase, è palpabile e ben costruita.
Il romanzo è anche il racconto del rapporto tra Balista e il figlio Marco-Isangrim, cresciuto negli ultimi quasi senza il padre. Non a caso, l’autore scrive non pochi capitoli dal punto di vista del ragazzo, che in effetti vive un vero e proprio periodo di formazione, ancor più acuito dalla sua duplice natura: origine barbarica, ormai quasi dimenticata, ed educazione romana.
Tema centrale del romanzo è la condizione schiavile. Sidebottom non indorisce la pillola: la schiavitù nelle campagne era spesso durissima e chi vi era ridotto, considerato al pari di un oggetto, si trasformava rapidamente in una bestia. Le numerose figure incontrate dal duo dei nostri protagonisti incarnano diverse realtà del mondo schiavile: i già citati abbruttiti nelle campagne, i barbari fatti prigionieri alle frontiere, gli schiavi domestici meglio trattati, i fugitivarii, catturatori di schiavi fuggiti. Come di consueto, l’autore inserisce non poche “divagazioni culturali”, che in generale arricchiscono la narrazione (anche grazie a delle illuminanti note finale), almeno per il sottoscritto.
Un altro punto di merito è la descrizione della Sicilia. Non aspettatevi scenari desolati e brulli, bruciati dal sole oppure spiagge assolate: questa è la Sicilia contemporanea, nata dalla deforestazione dell’epoca moderna. Nell’antichità l’isola era ricchissima di foreste ed insomma molto diversa da oggi; più “nordica” di quanto non sia oggi! Un aspetto che mi ha molto sorpreso.
Libro non perfetto, comqunque. Avrei preferito maggior approfondimento dedicato alla figura di “Soter”, il misterioso sobillatore degli schiavi e “cattivo”, se così si può definire, della storia. È uno dei pochi difetti che riconosco a Sidebottom: il bilanciamento delle varie parti della trama, che non sempre mi ha convinto. Senza svelare nulla è difficile da spiegare, mi limito a dire che alcuni capitoli avrebbero potuto essere tagliati e altri avrebbero meritato (a mio giudizio) un’espansione.
Stilisticamente, ho ben poco da appuntare all’autore, considerando che è mediata da una traduzione. La prosa di Sidebottom è asciutta nell’azione, essenziale nei dialoghi. I fronzoli sono costituiti soltanto dalle divagazioni culturali di cui ho detto sopra e che per il sottoscritto non sono un difetto, anzi…
Altra questione importante: si può godere del romanzo senza aver letto gli altri? In generale sì. I riferimenti alle precedenti avventure ci sono e sono anche importanti (in questo romanzo viene recuperato il rapporto tra Balista e il figlio maggiore), ma la trama può essere compresa anche senza averli letti.
In definitiva, I ribelli di Roma è consigliato a tutti i lettori, appassionati e non della saga o del periodo storico tardo-imperiale.
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2022/07/0...
Non è facile scrivere la recensione della nuova opera di una saga arrivata ormai all’ottava uscita. Il primo romanzo, Fuoco a Oriente, narrava di un ufficiale romano di origini barbariche, Marco Clodio Balista, inviato in una missione quasi suicida durante il regno di Valeriano (253-260 d.C.): un romanzo d’esordio molto brillante, che miscelava competenza storico di primo ordine (l’autore è un noto accademico inglese) con uno stile per nulla pedante e anzi, a tratti, ricco d’azione.
Nel corso dei romanzi della saga abbiamo visto Balista impegnato negli intrighi politico-militari alle frontiere orientali, tra Sasanidi e usurpatori; poi in diverse peripezie alle frontiere e anche oltre le frontiere: dalle montagne del Caucaso alla steppa popolata dai nomadi Alani ed Eruli fino ai mari del Nord. Infine, il ritorno nell’impero e, dopo un’ultima avventura a Roma, narrata nel settimo volume della saga, la meritata concessione, da parte dell’imperatore, della “pensione”. In tutti questi libri, in cui il nostro protagonista, così come i numerosi comprimari che attorno a lui ruotano, ha avuto un’importante evoluzione psicologica, la parola “Sicilia” ha sempre evocato l’immagine di una terra idilliaca, dove la sua famiglia ha un rifugio sicuro, lontano da sicari imperiale e invasori barbarici e in cui il nostro, dopo tanto peregrinare, sogna di potersi ritirarsi.
E finalmente, con questo ottavo volume, si arriva in Sicilia; ma, ovviamente, di pace se ne trova pochissima. La nave che trasporta il nostro insieme al figlio maggiore, Marco-Isangrim (il primo è il praenomen romano, il secondo il nome anglo), incappa subito in una tempesta che avrà effetti disastrosi. Nel frattempo, una rivolta di schiavi scuote l’isola da capo a fondo. La strada per Tauromenio, dove si trova la famiglia del nostro (la moglie Giulia, nobile patrizia romana, il secondo figlio Dernhelm e le fidate guardie del corpo, anch’esse di origine barbarica), diventa così un percorso da incubo costellato di pericoli. La tensione, in questa prima lunga fase, è palpabile e ben costruita.
Il romanzo è anche il racconto del rapporto tra Balista e il figlio Marco-Isangrim, cresciuto negli ultimi quasi senza il padre. Non a caso, l’autore scrive non pochi capitoli dal punto di vista del ragazzo, che in effetti vive un vero e proprio periodo di formazione, ancor più acuito dalla sua duplice natura: origine barbarica, ormai quasi dimenticata, ed educazione romana.
Tema centrale del romanzo è la condizione schiavile. Sidebottom non indorisce la pillola: la schiavitù nelle campagne era spesso durissima e chi vi era ridotto, considerato al pari di un oggetto, si trasformava rapidamente in una bestia. Le numerose figure incontrate dal duo dei nostri protagonisti incarnano diverse realtà del mondo schiavile: i già citati abbruttiti nelle campagne, i barbari fatti prigionieri alle frontiere, gli schiavi domestici meglio trattati, i fugitivarii, catturatori di schiavi fuggiti. Come di consueto, l’autore inserisce non poche “divagazioni culturali”, che in generale arricchiscono la narrazione (anche grazie a delle illuminanti note finale), almeno per il sottoscritto.
Un altro punto di merito è la descrizione della Sicilia. Non aspettatevi scenari desolati e brulli, bruciati dal sole oppure spiagge assolate: questa è la Sicilia contemporanea, nata dalla deforestazione dell’epoca moderna. Nell’antichità l’isola era ricchissima di foreste ed insomma molto diversa da oggi; più “nordica” di quanto non sia oggi! Un aspetto che mi ha molto sorpreso.
Libro non perfetto, comqunque. Avrei preferito maggior approfondimento dedicato alla figura di “Soter”, il misterioso sobillatore degli schiavi e “cattivo”, se così si può definire, della storia. È uno dei pochi difetti che riconosco a Sidebottom: il bilanciamento delle varie parti della trama, che non sempre mi ha convinto. Senza svelare nulla è difficile da spiegare, mi limito a dire che alcuni capitoli avrebbero potuto essere tagliati e altri avrebbero meritato (a mio giudizio) un’espansione.
Stilisticamente, ho ben poco da appuntare all’autore, considerando che è mediata da una traduzione. La prosa di Sidebottom è asciutta nell’azione, essenziale nei dialoghi. I fronzoli sono costituiti soltanto dalle divagazioni culturali di cui ho detto sopra e che per il sottoscritto non sono un difetto, anzi…
Altra questione importante: si può godere del romanzo senza aver letto gli altri? In generale sì. I riferimenti alle precedenti avventure ci sono e sono anche importanti (in questo romanzo viene recuperato il rapporto tra Balista e il figlio maggiore), ma la trama può essere compresa anche senza averli letti.
In definitiva, I ribelli di Roma è consigliato a tutti i lettori, appassionati e non della saga o del periodo storico tardo-imperiale.
LINK: https://narraredistoria.com/2022/07/0...
October 9, 2021
Can the tales of Ballista get any better? YES! After what seems like an age, Ballista is back. Caught up in the slave uprising, on a journey home with his son, and none of his bodyguards to begin with. A brilliant book, well written and researched as always. Harry when will you write the next one please?
March 29, 2022
Held me spellbound to the last page!
Fascinating story of a slave revolt in Sicily during reign of Emperor Gallienus. Excellent character development, story pounded along like a freight train driven at top speed. Highly recommend!
Fascinating story of a slave revolt in Sicily during reign of Emperor Gallienus. Excellent character development, story pounded along like a freight train driven at top speed. Highly recommend!
February 11, 2022
This is the second book I have read from Harry now and have enjoyed them both, I'm glad I have come across them. I love the adventure in the stories and the twists and turns it always keeps you interested.
October 3, 2021
A trip back in time to the 300's AD, When Rome ruled most of the known world and The slaves in Sicily were in rebellion. Ballista and His son Marcus were heading home after ten years away Ballista served the Empire's Army and His son at school.
The welcome wasn't the best Shipwrecked then attacked they have to find their way back home to his wife and family whilst being careful to not get killed. This is obviously important if you want to get home, but even a hero of Marcus's stature is not safe when the rebels gather. However he has experience and is battle savey where the slaves are not, but they have the numbers a few thousand against 2 and whoever they can find, and keep alive.
So this is full of action adventure and new experiences specially for the son 13 years of age yet determined to prove he is a man. There are some henace characters and some classic that you’ll want to meet just some from the safety of a book. I did enjoy this book hence 5 stars the suspense was well worked and built up plenty of edge of the seat moments. Loved the tunnels and other imaginative plots that grabbed your attention longer than you'd expect.
I'd describe this as highly recommended a 5 star read that would be great addition to your library if you like historical fiction from the Romans or of that hilke or sort. I think you will love it.
The welcome wasn't the best Shipwrecked then attacked they have to find their way back home to his wife and family whilst being careful to not get killed. This is obviously important if you want to get home, but even a hero of Marcus's stature is not safe when the rebels gather. However he has experience and is battle savey where the slaves are not, but they have the numbers a few thousand against 2 and whoever they can find, and keep alive.
So this is full of action adventure and new experiences specially for the son 13 years of age yet determined to prove he is a man. There are some henace characters and some classic that you’ll want to meet just some from the safety of a book. I did enjoy this book hence 5 stars the suspense was well worked and built up plenty of edge of the seat moments. Loved the tunnels and other imaginative plots that grabbed your attention longer than you'd expect.
I'd describe this as highly recommended a 5 star read that would be great addition to your library if you like historical fiction from the Romans or of that hilke or sort. I think you will love it.
December 20, 2022
Another cracking great read!
This is a fast paced action thriller that I tore through. Ballista is a great character, always complex enough to carry a story, but doesn’t seem out of place. The story pulses with a great energy, and you really do want to keep turning the page.
Might need to go back to some of the earlier adventures.
This is a fast paced action thriller that I tore through. Ballista is a great character, always complex enough to carry a story, but doesn’t seem out of place. The story pulses with a great energy, and you really do want to keep turning the page.
Might need to go back to some of the earlier adventures.
October 10, 2021
Marcus Clodius Ballista is on his way to Sicily to see his family when his ship is wrecked of the coast of the island.
After surviving the wreck, he and his son are attacked by men on horses and have to flee before capture.
Unbeknown to Ballista there has been a slave revolt on the island and no one is safe.
With no one he can trust, he must use his wits and vast experience to avoid capture in the vain hope he will be in time to rescue his family before they are taken. At the same time he somehow needs to figure out how to put down the slave rebellion. With the odds massively against him this might be the most dangerous undertaking of his life.
A truly outstanding book. The writing is exceptional. The scenes in the book are intense, fast-paced and hard hitting and has an enthralling main character that can only be described as superb.
This is a quite remarkable book by Harry Sidebottom and in my opinion no one writes Roman fiction better. Truly outstanding.
November 28, 2021
The latest instalment in Harry sidebottoms warrior of rome series find Marcus Clodius Ballista on his way to sicilia to begin his retirement into social life.
Accompanied by his son Marcus, ballista finds himself stranded in the middle of a slave uprising.
Not yet knowing the severity of his predicament, he must fight his way through considerable odds and try to reach his family before all is lost.
As with all of Harry's books, The Burning Road certainly doesn't disappoint. With great action, fantastic and magnetic story telling, Harry delivers another novel that as a reader, I could not put down. With an eye for accuracy and a massive knowledge of geography, Harry shows his genius at captivating his readers with another masterpiece.
Highly recommend book and series.
Accompanied by his son Marcus, ballista finds himself stranded in the middle of a slave uprising.
Not yet knowing the severity of his predicament, he must fight his way through considerable odds and try to reach his family before all is lost.
As with all of Harry's books, The Burning Road certainly doesn't disappoint. With great action, fantastic and magnetic story telling, Harry delivers another novel that as a reader, I could not put down. With an eye for accuracy and a massive knowledge of geography, Harry shows his genius at captivating his readers with another masterpiece.
Highly recommend book and series.
April 2, 2022
Eighth part of the "warrior of Rome" series, Balista is going to his wife`s estate with permission to finally retire. He and his older son get shipwrecked, and emerge in slave mutiny in Sicily. They are being targeted and hunted, as they try to reunite with the rest of the family. It is a race against time and death for them in the latest (I hope not final) book of Balista`s adventures. Nothing more was reviled (or I did not find it) regarding Demetrius-es whereabouts. I expected much from this book and did not get disappointed. It`s marvelous how Mr. Sidebottom finds new ways to pack Balista`s adventures in new surroundings, roles and situations. But do not be fooled by it`s fiction category. Many history facts can be found in these books, and lot can be learned about ancient Rome. Philosophical point of view must not be neglected since there are many of quotations of greatness as Marcus Aurelius , Longinus, Cicero and others....
February 5, 2022
I found this book to perhaps the most enjoyable of Harry Sidebottom’s Ballista books.
A great adventure of a “Road” story Ballista and don moving to reunite the Familia in a revolting Sicily ( slaves not the ambiance😎).
Interesting as always on the value adding details of life and culture of the day.
The theme of an absent father and reconciliation of all resonates as real I felt.
To extent the big battle staff whilst fun was the main story.
There is as always some subtle humour threaded below the surface✌🏼
A great adventure of a “Road” story Ballista and don moving to reunite the Familia in a revolting Sicily ( slaves not the ambiance😎).
Interesting as always on the value adding details of life and culture of the day.
The theme of an absent father and reconciliation of all resonates as real I felt.
To extent the big battle staff whilst fun was the main story.
There is as always some subtle humour threaded below the surface✌🏼
October 13, 2021
Centered around the slave uprising in Sicily in AD265, it thrusts our hero Ballista accompanied with his son Marcus, fighting their way through the uprising to meet up with the rest of their family. The author, Harry Sidebottom, has excellently captured and portrayed the prelevant customs and general character attitude of the time and to add rich text to the narrative.
Worth at least a read
Worth at least a read
October 22, 2021
Excellent.
Ballista is back and his eldest son is with him. Just his luck, he gets shipwrecked at the same time as a slave revolt takes place. Fast moving and enthralling, I couldn't put it down.
Ballista is back and his eldest son is with him. Just his luck, he gets shipwrecked at the same time as a slave revolt takes place. Fast moving and enthralling, I couldn't put it down.
June 5, 2022
Excellent. One of the best. I hesitated to get into this after the previous two books in the series, where the grim and lonely travels of Ballista in exile and his return to the land of his birth are engrossing and action packed, but quite dark. Here he is back in top form (for a 42 year old) The relationship with his son Marcus is particularly well done as the latter seeks to create his own identity (Roman or son of a Barbarian?)
January 9, 2022
Really enjoyed this historical fiction. It is obvious a great deal of research has gone into writing this book about such a small window of time in Sicily. Not too much gory war details but believable & interesting. Loved the stories & superstitions scattered throughout.
September 11, 2021
This was an action packed story about a slave uprising in Sicily in Roman times and was quite bloodthirsty. The hero Ballista travels to Sicily to be with his family and ends up becoming the leader of the fightback against the slaves and to the city of Syracuse. Interesting story..
June 6, 2022
A good book to read. Plenty of exciting parts and good to see ballistas son growing up and taking a good part in the book
November 4, 2021
Ballista is the Best - Road Trip Through Sicily
I really enjoyed this book and love this series. This is what you get when you combine a classically trained archeologist with a guy who knows how to write fiction. A historically grounded romp through Roman history, in this novel 265 Sicily. Sidebottom recreates the time period in such a way that we see and feel what our characters are doing and seeing. I was transported. This is also a well paced story with just all the right elements. It is not until you think back that you see a lot has happened. I won't spoil the story but I do hope we see more of this cast and his now adult son. Julia ah we love her. I hope we are reading this series for years to come Harry. Good maps always appreciate when those are included. Well done.
I really enjoyed this book and love this series. This is what you get when you combine a classically trained archeologist with a guy who knows how to write fiction. A historically grounded romp through Roman history, in this novel 265 Sicily. Sidebottom recreates the time period in such a way that we see and feel what our characters are doing and seeing. I was transported. This is also a well paced story with just all the right elements. It is not until you think back that you see a lot has happened. I won't spoil the story but I do hope we see more of this cast and his now adult son. Julia ah we love her. I hope we are reading this series for years to come Harry. Good maps always appreciate when those are included. Well done.
February 12, 2022
A Must Read
I enjoyed reading this book and it made me more aware of the geography of Sicily... Set in Roman times the story of a father and son returning .....through turbulent times.... To their home town and their wife and mother, is fraught with dangerous rebels and unforeseen dangers. Definitely one I would recommend.
I enjoyed reading this book and it made me more aware of the geography of Sicily... Set in Roman times the story of a father and son returning .....through turbulent times.... To their home town and their wife and mother, is fraught with dangerous rebels and unforeseen dangers. Definitely one I would recommend.
October 22, 2022
This was a brilliant and exciting story. I just loved all the description and action that this novel held. I couldn't put it down and had to binge read it in one sitting. I really loved how early into the story that the action started and remained throughout the book. It is the first book that I have read by the author and it certainly won't be the last. I just can't wait to read more. It was obvious that this author knew alot about roman history. It was sowell wrote that it played like a movie in my head. I forgot I was reading a book. The story has an amazing pace to it but it's so interesting that you will definitely won't want to stop reading this page turning novel. There characters were brilliant and realistic and so life like. I also loved how the author incorporated the eruption of Mt etna to the book. It was great reading about the author before and after the book it made the book better to understand and I got more involved in its progress. What better its like a real life history book and a real roller coaster ride that you are left wanting more. It was so close to a 5 star book but my head for some reason wouldn't let me give it.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a brilliant fast pace novel that made me feel emotionally invested in its development. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this very talented author.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a brilliant fast pace novel that made me feel emotionally invested in its development. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this very talented author.
August 14, 2023
This novel had a slightly more intimate feel in the Ballista series, enjoyed the character development between the former and his eldest son Insangrim. It was action packed and page turning from the start, loved the maritime archaeology nod with the starting treacherous end of season passage across the middle sea.
Again well researched and great themes discussed, trying to grasp how the Roman world was viewed from different perspectives, loved the main theme regarding the slavery revolt. So difficult writing to an audience who will already have preconceptions.
Not a fan of the new map layout- preferred the nerdy to scale archeological plans, but I guess a wider market would find that a bit grey. Also miss the definitions, feel like the publisher is pushing a more mainstream audience so less of the Latin terminology. But still a very good portrayal of society in Sicily during social unrest during the mid 3rd century AD crisis.
Already reaching for the next one... interested to see if Ballistas boys are going to be used as political pawns the older that they get. I also love the portrayal of Julia and Ballista, how the relationship is told through the loud silence that strong Roman women had, running the household behind their mainly absent strong partners.
Again well researched and great themes discussed, trying to grasp how the Roman world was viewed from different perspectives, loved the main theme regarding the slavery revolt. So difficult writing to an audience who will already have preconceptions.
Not a fan of the new map layout- preferred the nerdy to scale archeological plans, but I guess a wider market would find that a bit grey. Also miss the definitions, feel like the publisher is pushing a more mainstream audience so less of the Latin terminology. But still a very good portrayal of society in Sicily during social unrest during the mid 3rd century AD crisis.
Already reaching for the next one... interested to see if Ballistas boys are going to be used as political pawns the older that they get. I also love the portrayal of Julia and Ballista, how the relationship is told through the loud silence that strong Roman women had, running the household behind their mainly absent strong partners.
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