The Sword of Revenge

Republic #2

by Jack Ludlow

Rome has lost its greatest warrior - for Aulus, the doom-laden prophecy of forty years earlier has come to pass. It is now left to Lucius to defy the oracle's curse alone, and the corrupt and powerful senator leaves nothing to change in his bid to survive. But one boy, alone in the world, holds the key to his fate, and the future of the Roman Republic.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Ancient, Historical

505 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2011

About the author

JACK LUDLOW is the pen name of writer David Donachie, who was born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has had a variety of jobs, including selling everything from business machines to soap. He has always had an abiding interest in the naval history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he drew upon for the many novels he has set in that period. The author of a number of bestselling books, he now lives in Deal with his wife, fellow A&B author Sarah Grazebrook.

Reviews

[Margareth8537]

Audiobook read by Nick Boulton
Very good sequel

[Brent Henry]

The second book in a three book series, this edition continued the story with just Lucius as his childhood friend and ally was killed in the previous book.

I was a bit disappointed by the cover picture and title, as they make it seem that an Excalibre-like sword will emerge. That doesn't happen.

One thing I will say is that the ending was quite fitting, given previous events. The characters were developed further from the first book, though I feel that Gadoric had potential to be a lot more than what he was, character-wise. That took away from the story.

Overall, I thought that this was a good leisure read and I enjoyed the book. If you like Roman history, it think this book does a very good job of capturing various cultural elements really well.

[Jason Micallef]

I felt like this story lagged much direction. Not much happened.
And I really dislike the writing style. Sentences are waaayy too long and time jumps are easily overlooked.
The series claims to be a top ten best-seller but I sort of doubt it.
Will finish the series but definitely my least favourite book I have read recently.

[René]

Some good passages showing how life more than likely was for slaves in Rome's empire. However, it remains a plot built on too many unlikely coincidences, with a very short ending to this volume when one expected more.

[Karin Jenkins]

A satisfactory continuation of the story started in Pillars of Rome

[Denise]

Book two of the trilogy "Republic"--a story of Rome before the time of Julius Caesar. Two young friends form a friendship as children that continues into manhood. One, Aulus Cornelius Macedonicus, is a shining example of Roman honor and dignity. He becomes one of Rome's greatest generals and helps to conquer the lands that will shortly become part of an empire. The other, Lucius Falerius Nerva, goes into politics and dreams of being the leading man in Rome. He has learned to control and subdue as he moves through the levels of political office. And along the way he has willingly sacrificed much of his honor as he fell sway to the siren song of power and intrigue.

A skillfully told story filled with descriptions of Roman society and family life along with the power struggles as the Republic begins it's slow death.

[Tim Dunn]

This book is the second in the Series, and to me was fantastic. However, there are times when it drags a little and you might find yourself reading words and paragraphs at a time while thinking what you have to do tomorrow, or what's for dinner....but generally that's not the case.....just sometimes.

[Gordon Chambers]

A good read, but not as good as Simon Scarrow or Conn Iggulton. Well researched and written. I always find the Roman Empire a facinating subject. I thought the story line a little weak in places.

[Masen Production]

“Sequel to "Pillars of Rome". Very Painful....... onto the final part.”

[Carole]

good read