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Slaves to Love #3
Warrior Prince
Set in the early turbulent years of the Roman Empire, and seen through the eyes of three men, Warrior Prince tells the story of a love that will not be denied, of courage in the face of adversity, of political intrigue, betrayal and death. Against this backdrop of death and mayhem, Lucius and Callistus, two estranged lovers, meet at last, but can their love overcome the enormous odds they must face when it seems that every man - and the gods - are determined to tear them apart once more?
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2009
6 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Bowie
137 books233 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 20, 2020
BITTERSWEET EXPERIENCE...
I loved this story. For me to say that I loved a story takes a miracle, but I really did. I was moved from the very beginning. I was quickly overwhelmed and found myself carried away, travelling back in time to Ancient Italia, Iberia and Gaul. The Roman Empire era is my weak spot and my tender spot at the same time; writing about it is the easiest way to earn some good credits from me, yet it is the hardest way to please me.
I loved this story, I would have rated it 5 stars ... easily ... if there weren't several deficiencies:
1 - The prologue was very badly written. It's the way any history book could be started, but not a historical fiction ... not even a sequel. There were much better ways to start a book. I am sure the author could have done a much better job judging by the rest of the story.
2 - The choice of the author to write in first person was a mistake in this story. Writing in third person is more convenient for a historical fiction. I know, writing one in first person is not a sin, but a lot of mistakes would have been avoided in this story if the author wrote it in third person.
3 - The hardest while writing a historical fiction is definitely the historical scope. Not everyone can write one and writing it takes a lot of time, energy, historical studies/researches and, also, an acting work. Feeling the emotions of the characters is crucial. I avoid writing historical fictions myself because it's the trickiest genre. I saw all the mistakes that I fear to make in this novel. The vocabulary, as the plinth of every story and the soul of every historical fiction, was very poor in this novel. It was very "modern" in contrast with the epoch in which the story is set. Added to the choice of words, the dialogues weren't very Roman. The quotes and expressions are contemporary to us and the religious side wasn't well defined either. The approach of the characters to religion and love wasn't Roman at all, unfortunately. I have to make the same observation in what relates to the Gaulish side. The Gaulish names, just to name that, weren't very "Gaulish", and the personality of Callistus, as a Gaulish leader, wasn't efficiently crafted in this sequel. It disappointed me that his mug was all that it was about.
For all these reasons, I can't rate this book more than 3 stars although I did really love the storyline.
I loved this story. For me to say that I loved a story takes a miracle, but I really did. I was moved from the very beginning. I was quickly overwhelmed and found myself carried away, travelling back in time to Ancient Italia, Iberia and Gaul. The Roman Empire era is my weak spot and my tender spot at the same time; writing about it is the easiest way to earn some good credits from me, yet it is the hardest way to please me.
I loved this story, I would have rated it 5 stars ... easily ... if there weren't several deficiencies:
1 - The prologue was very badly written. It's the way any history book could be started, but not a historical fiction ... not even a sequel. There were much better ways to start a book. I am sure the author could have done a much better job judging by the rest of the story.
2 - The choice of the author to write in first person was a mistake in this story. Writing in third person is more convenient for a historical fiction. I know, writing one in first person is not a sin, but a lot of mistakes would have been avoided in this story if the author wrote it in third person.
3 - The hardest while writing a historical fiction is definitely the historical scope. Not everyone can write one and writing it takes a lot of time, energy, historical studies/researches and, also, an acting work. Feeling the emotions of the characters is crucial. I avoid writing historical fictions myself because it's the trickiest genre. I saw all the mistakes that I fear to make in this novel. The vocabulary, as the plinth of every story and the soul of every historical fiction, was very poor in this novel. It was very "modern" in contrast with the epoch in which the story is set. Added to the choice of words, the dialogues weren't very Roman. The quotes and expressions are contemporary to us and the religious side wasn't well defined either. The approach of the characters to religion and love wasn't Roman at all, unfortunately. I have to make the same observation in what relates to the Gaulish side. The Gaulish names, just to name that, weren't very "Gaulish", and the personality of Callistus, as a Gaulish leader, wasn't efficiently crafted in this sequel. It disappointed me that his mug was all that it was about.
For all these reasons, I can't rate this book more than 3 stars although I did really love the storyline.
October 25, 2011
I loved this book even more than the prequel that I complained about the ending of. Now I feel silly but so happy that my heroes got their HEA. The writing in this was sound and interesting and held my attention as the relationship I already loved grew more and more precious in my heart. I have a soft spot for these two beautiful men and I'm sure I'll revisit this book again and again.
Read
May 29, 2009Warrior Prince is the sequel of a previous novella by J.P. Bowie, part of a two novellas anthology, Slaves to Love: Erotic Love Stories of Ancient Rome. Shame on me I didn't read the previous book, but the author took pity to the like me, and wrote a brief but comprehensive prologue. And since I'm a total looser with happily ever after, I'm almost happier like that, since now I know that in the first novella Lucius and his lover Callistus were separated, and I probably wouldn't like at all to read a story with such an end.
So at the beginning of this new book (novel lenght, so we have plenty to read), Lucius, a young capuan teacher, is mourning his lost lover Callistus; Lucius is from a patrician bu impoverished family and three years before he had the chance to meet a rebellious gladiator, Callistus, a Gaul who joined the Spartacus' mutiny. Lucius helped Callistus, but above all he fell in love; probably Callistus didn't want to subject Lucius to an unknown destiny and after an heartbreaking night of passion, he left. There is also the "little" problem that, at home, Callistus is a "prince", the only heir to the command of his tribe, and so he must marry and produce an heir. And Lucius, on his side, is the only caretaker of his family, a widow mother and two little sisters, and he can't leave them alone. So Callistus can't stay in Capua, and Lucius can't go in Gallia, the only reasonable solution is to break their relationship.
After three years, Lucius has seen the three marriages of both his sisters and his mother, and after "selling" himself to a rich merchant, he has also paied off his father's outstanding debt. So now he is free to do as he likes, and what he likes is to find his Gaul lover. In his quite naive mind, the perfect solution is to join the Roman's army which is fighting with the people of Callistus. After seducing, or being seduced, by a Roman's general, he joins the Army in a rather privileged position, but still he is not far from danger, and infact, before rejoining with his lover, he will have to go through some trouble. But all in all Lucius has a good star that watch upon him, and truth be told, he is luckier than a lot of other people in his same situation.
This novel has quite an epic feelings, battlefield and gladiators, starcrossed lovers and betrayal, it has all the ingredients for a good historical romance. It has not perhaps the cruelty that sometime I found in stories setting in the same period, even if some events that happen around Lucius are far from being "nice", but all in all, as I said, Lucius is lucky enough to always get out of trouble with little inconvenient. Maybe since Lucius arrives to me like a man willing to "compromise"; he has his ideals, and he puts love in front of all, but he is not an intolerant man, he doesn't see things in black and white. For example, he whored himself to pay his father's debt, but he saw it like a barter and remained friend with the counterpart. And when he falls in captivity, even if for a brief time, he faces that time with willingness and openmindness, even if he has not idea of how he will escape, if ever he will have the chance. Even in his private life, he has the same attitude, he knows that, if he wants to have a life in common with Callistus, he has to consider a possible future wife for his lover (even if we don't read of it...), but he again faces that chance as it is, an unavoidable event; and it's like that, the readers with "modern" mind has to not forget that this is an historical romance, and even if maybe homosexual lovers are seen in a different way in Roman Empire, there are still the bound of family to be followed.
Even if the story is often told from different points of view (Lucius, Callistus and even Flavius, the man Lucius seduces), it's Lucius' voice the one that is stronger. Callistus comes out like a loyal man, both to his people that to Lucius, but probably he would sacrifice his love for Lucius (but not Lucius, mind you), for the good of his people. He is a total unselfish man and he tends to protect Lucius, but Lucius is quite a stubborn man and tends to not stay where he is put.
There is also a lot of sex, very detailed and direct: not fancy words or embellishment, when Lucius wants something (since usually he is him that prompts) he tends to take it as soon and as much he can... there is even a sex scene soon after Lucius received a mild concussion on his head, talking about slow down things! But well, in such time of danger, you reach for what you can when you can...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193453188X/?...
So at the beginning of this new book (novel lenght, so we have plenty to read), Lucius, a young capuan teacher, is mourning his lost lover Callistus; Lucius is from a patrician bu impoverished family and three years before he had the chance to meet a rebellious gladiator, Callistus, a Gaul who joined the Spartacus' mutiny. Lucius helped Callistus, but above all he fell in love; probably Callistus didn't want to subject Lucius to an unknown destiny and after an heartbreaking night of passion, he left. There is also the "little" problem that, at home, Callistus is a "prince", the only heir to the command of his tribe, and so he must marry and produce an heir. And Lucius, on his side, is the only caretaker of his family, a widow mother and two little sisters, and he can't leave them alone. So Callistus can't stay in Capua, and Lucius can't go in Gallia, the only reasonable solution is to break their relationship.
After three years, Lucius has seen the three marriages of both his sisters and his mother, and after "selling" himself to a rich merchant, he has also paied off his father's outstanding debt. So now he is free to do as he likes, and what he likes is to find his Gaul lover. In his quite naive mind, the perfect solution is to join the Roman's army which is fighting with the people of Callistus. After seducing, or being seduced, by a Roman's general, he joins the Army in a rather privileged position, but still he is not far from danger, and infact, before rejoining with his lover, he will have to go through some trouble. But all in all Lucius has a good star that watch upon him, and truth be told, he is luckier than a lot of other people in his same situation.
This novel has quite an epic feelings, battlefield and gladiators, starcrossed lovers and betrayal, it has all the ingredients for a good historical romance. It has not perhaps the cruelty that sometime I found in stories setting in the same period, even if some events that happen around Lucius are far from being "nice", but all in all, as I said, Lucius is lucky enough to always get out of trouble with little inconvenient. Maybe since Lucius arrives to me like a man willing to "compromise"; he has his ideals, and he puts love in front of all, but he is not an intolerant man, he doesn't see things in black and white. For example, he whored himself to pay his father's debt, but he saw it like a barter and remained friend with the counterpart. And when he falls in captivity, even if for a brief time, he faces that time with willingness and openmindness, even if he has not idea of how he will escape, if ever he will have the chance. Even in his private life, he has the same attitude, he knows that, if he wants to have a life in common with Callistus, he has to consider a possible future wife for his lover (even if we don't read of it...), but he again faces that chance as it is, an unavoidable event; and it's like that, the readers with "modern" mind has to not forget that this is an historical romance, and even if maybe homosexual lovers are seen in a different way in Roman Empire, there are still the bound of family to be followed.
Even if the story is often told from different points of view (Lucius, Callistus and even Flavius, the man Lucius seduces), it's Lucius' voice the one that is stronger. Callistus comes out like a loyal man, both to his people that to Lucius, but probably he would sacrifice his love for Lucius (but not Lucius, mind you), for the good of his people. He is a total unselfish man and he tends to protect Lucius, but Lucius is quite a stubborn man and tends to not stay where he is put.
There is also a lot of sex, very detailed and direct: not fancy words or embellishment, when Lucius wants something (since usually he is him that prompts) he tends to take it as soon and as much he can... there is even a sex scene soon after Lucius received a mild concussion on his head, talking about slow down things! But well, in such time of danger, you reach for what you can when you can...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193453188X/?...
April 18, 2010
The story begins three years after Lucius and Callistus met on opposing sides of Rome’s campaign for world dominance. They met, fell in love and were parted. However, in the three-year span which followed their parting, Lucius has remained loyal and deeply in love with the handsome warrior that he knew for all too brief a time. Although fairly certain of the fact he and Callistus are unlikely to ever meet again, Lucius remains true to his heart and has no desire to find someone to replace his long lost warrior. Thus he has been living somewhat statically trying to provide for his family in the aftermath of his father’s death without contemplating his own future too deeply.
All of that changes when Lucius is introduced to Flavius, a Roman officer who will soon be returning to the campaign against the Gauls, and against Callistus. Seizing the opportunity to potentially be reunited with his true love, Lucius re-enlists with the Roman military in hopes of accompanying Flavius on his campaign. Unfortunately, Lucius is sent in the opposite direction and encounters one of many problems that exist in his journey to find Callistus again.
This is an interesting story about lovers who only have a handful of exchanges yet fall deeply in love with each other. There are years between their encounters yet it doesn’t diminish their feelings in any way. Callistus is the stereotypical hero with his gruff manners, yet tender heart. He is willing to make any and all sacrifices for his people and his only weakness is Lucius. Despite slavery, marriage, time, distance, and opposing forces, the theme of this book speaks to an undying love between Lucius and Callistus who find a way to be together.
While the pacing and dialogue were entertaining and quick, the author seems to throw obstacle after obstacle at the duo, as if testing their emotions. Lucius’ motivations and emotions are well fleshed out with considerable thought; however, the character suffers from overly dramatic gestures and feminine overtures. Instead of coming across as the capable, intelligent and stalwart warrior he’s often referred to as being, Lucius often is hysterical, stubborn, foolish and given to clingy, irrational behavior. His behavior is too feminine and frail and he’s often surviving battles by being knocked out early on. He’s unfortunately not the strong, capable warrior standing at the side of a great ruler as he’s depicted in several scenes.
Additionally, there are problems with Lucius’ continued ability to save Callistus from dire straights. The resolutions are quick, unbelievable and lend weight to the feminine stereotype Lucius is unfortunately thrust into. Several questions arise within the story pertaining to the characters and their future but are ignored or left to the readers’ imagination for their eventual resolution. However, for all these faults, the book is an engaging read with interesting characters. The pacing was well done and alternating points of view added a depth to the characterization. Although I had some problems with the story, I doubt this will detract many from an interesting and entertaining read.
All of that changes when Lucius is introduced to Flavius, a Roman officer who will soon be returning to the campaign against the Gauls, and against Callistus. Seizing the opportunity to potentially be reunited with his true love, Lucius re-enlists with the Roman military in hopes of accompanying Flavius on his campaign. Unfortunately, Lucius is sent in the opposite direction and encounters one of many problems that exist in his journey to find Callistus again.
This is an interesting story about lovers who only have a handful of exchanges yet fall deeply in love with each other. There are years between their encounters yet it doesn’t diminish their feelings in any way. Callistus is the stereotypical hero with his gruff manners, yet tender heart. He is willing to make any and all sacrifices for his people and his only weakness is Lucius. Despite slavery, marriage, time, distance, and opposing forces, the theme of this book speaks to an undying love between Lucius and Callistus who find a way to be together.
While the pacing and dialogue were entertaining and quick, the author seems to throw obstacle after obstacle at the duo, as if testing their emotions. Lucius’ motivations and emotions are well fleshed out with considerable thought; however, the character suffers from overly dramatic gestures and feminine overtures. Instead of coming across as the capable, intelligent and stalwart warrior he’s often referred to as being, Lucius often is hysterical, stubborn, foolish and given to clingy, irrational behavior. His behavior is too feminine and frail and he’s often surviving battles by being knocked out early on. He’s unfortunately not the strong, capable warrior standing at the side of a great ruler as he’s depicted in several scenes.
Additionally, there are problems with Lucius’ continued ability to save Callistus from dire straights. The resolutions are quick, unbelievable and lend weight to the feminine stereotype Lucius is unfortunately thrust into. Several questions arise within the story pertaining to the characters and their future but are ignored or left to the readers’ imagination for their eventual resolution. However, for all these faults, the book is an engaging read with interesting characters. The pacing was well done and alternating points of view added a depth to the characterization. Although I had some problems with the story, I doubt this will detract many from an interesting and entertaining read.
February 25, 2011
Gerry B's Book Reviews - www.gerrycan.wordpress.com
This is the first J.P. Bowie novel I have read, but judging from “Warrior Prince” [MLR Press, 2009] I conclude that he is an accomplished writer. Certainly his prose is well constructed and also flows along at an easy-to-read pace. Moreover, the characters are quite well developed, and for the most part believable.
Lucius, a middle-class Roman, leads a quite comfortable life except for an unrelenting longing for his departed lover, Callistus. The latter is a former fugitive slave with Spartacus’s defeated uprising, and Lucius is uncertain whether he is alive or dead.
Reminiscent of a decadent, pre-Christian Rome, a vastly wealthy merchant introduces Lucius to a handsome tribune, Flavius Sedonius, who is sexually indifferent between male and female, and after a brief affair with Lucius, Flavius mentions that he is that he is marching back to Gaul to do battle with a Prince Callistus.
Encouraged by evidence that Callistus lives, Lucius signs-up with the army in the hope of finding Callistus, but ends up in another part of Gaul, while Flavius is captured by Callistus in the other. In another twist of fate that Roman Legions free both, and Callistus is taken back to Rome to die in the arena.
I won’t spoil the ending by talking about the outcome, but it does add a touch of drama to a fairly tame romance by imperial Roman standards.
Overall it is a good read with some interesting twists, some drama, and enough sex and romance to satisfy. My strongest quibble, however, is that it takes some unacceptable liberties with the period. This is particularly so regarding such anachronistic phrases as “to tie the knot,” referring to a marriage, which dates from about the 13th century, A.D. Also, “he should make an honest woman of her,” which the Online Etymology Dictionary dates from about the 17th century.
Having said that, I recommend Warrior Prince as a good read. Three and one-half stars.
Gerry Burnie
"Two Irish Lads" & "Journey to Big Sky"
This is the first J.P. Bowie novel I have read, but judging from “Warrior Prince” [MLR Press, 2009] I conclude that he is an accomplished writer. Certainly his prose is well constructed and also flows along at an easy-to-read pace. Moreover, the characters are quite well developed, and for the most part believable.
Lucius, a middle-class Roman, leads a quite comfortable life except for an unrelenting longing for his departed lover, Callistus. The latter is a former fugitive slave with Spartacus’s defeated uprising, and Lucius is uncertain whether he is alive or dead.
Reminiscent of a decadent, pre-Christian Rome, a vastly wealthy merchant introduces Lucius to a handsome tribune, Flavius Sedonius, who is sexually indifferent between male and female, and after a brief affair with Lucius, Flavius mentions that he is that he is marching back to Gaul to do battle with a Prince Callistus.
Encouraged by evidence that Callistus lives, Lucius signs-up with the army in the hope of finding Callistus, but ends up in another part of Gaul, while Flavius is captured by Callistus in the other. In another twist of fate that Roman Legions free both, and Callistus is taken back to Rome to die in the arena.
I won’t spoil the ending by talking about the outcome, but it does add a touch of drama to a fairly tame romance by imperial Roman standards.
Overall it is a good read with some interesting twists, some drama, and enough sex and romance to satisfy. My strongest quibble, however, is that it takes some unacceptable liberties with the period. This is particularly so regarding such anachronistic phrases as “to tie the knot,” referring to a marriage, which dates from about the 13th century, A.D. Also, “he should make an honest woman of her,” which the Online Etymology Dictionary dates from about the 17th century.
Having said that, I recommend Warrior Prince as a good read. Three and one-half stars.
Gerry Burnie
"Two Irish Lads" & "Journey to Big Sky"
February 13, 2016
It is safe to say that Lucius and Callistus really come into their own in Warrior Prince. A tale of knowing what you want and going after it even if you know your chances are not good. On the surface, Lucius does not appear to be your typical Roman soldier but when he goes that route to try and find his past love, Callistus, he finds out just what he is capable of. The friendship between Lucius and Flavius leads the lovers on paths that were not expected but definitely amazing to read. I hated to see the last page appear but when it did, I knew that I had just finished a well written journey of tragedy, friendship, and love.
November 17, 2018
So I reread this and am now changing my stars to 4 from 5, maybe because I really can’t stand HFN’s and this is very open ended. Now if this were to have a definitive happy ending for the guys or a sequel with one, I’d totaly put it up to 5 stars again, but for now it’s only a 4 for me.
February 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this tale of a man trying to reunite with his lover. Though I'm not sure of the historical accuracies, I felt like I was back in time and I enjoyed the battle and struggle. I must also mention this can be read as a standalone, although there is a unhappily ended prequel out there.
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