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Drusus #1
Cast Not the Day: A Novel of Love and Tyranny
By the middle of fourth century AD, Britain and the Roman Empire had been ruled for a generation by Christian emperors. Now, at last, with the force of the state behind it, the Church was strong enough to suppress all opposition to its power. But in Britain there was still resistance...
Seen through the eyes of Drusus, a young British Roman, and set against the backdrop of imperial civil war and the growing threat from Rome's enemies beyond its frontiers, the followers of faith and reason clash and the old values of classical enlightenment are called into question.
And it is Drusus who is there to witness the cracks as they begin to split the great monumental edifice of the Roman Empire...
Seen through the eyes of Drusus, a young British Roman, and set against the backdrop of imperial civil war and the growing threat from Rome's enemies beyond its frontiers, the followers of faith and reason clash and the old values of classical enlightenment are called into question.
And it is Drusus who is there to witness the cracks as they begin to split the great monumental edifice of the Roman Empire...
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2009
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Paul Waters
23 books22 followersPaul Waters was born and schooled in England, but says his real education did not begin until he was seventeen, when he ran away to sea.
He spent the next two years travelling the world on a tramp steamer. It was during this time, somewhere in the Indian Ocean, that he picked up a copy of Herodotus, and began a love affair with the classical world of Greece and Rome.
Later he returned to England and studied Classics at University College London. Since then he has lived and worked in France, Greece, America and southern Africa. He now lives in Cambridge, England.
He spent the next two years travelling the world on a tramp steamer. It was during this time, somewhere in the Indian Ocean, that he picked up a copy of Herodotus, and began a love affair with the classical world of Greece and Rome.
Later he returned to England and studied Classics at University College London. Since then he has lived and worked in France, Greece, America and southern Africa. He now lives in Cambridge, England.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 19, 2025
"The people have no care for your reason and your complicated truths. They want certainty - simple, easy certainty - and I give it to them. That is why I shall triumph in the end, and that is why you and your chattering philosopher friends will fail."
This quote encapsulates perfectly what this book is about and also feels uncomfortably relevant right now.
Drusus is a boy growing up in a changing world. Christianity is on the rise and at least where he lives they're basically not better people than the ones who used to persecute them. They destroy the old temples and attack people and the more power they get, the crueler they become.
Drusus might not be super deep into the Gods (he does believe in them!), but he is not Christian either, so coming to live in the house of his uncle and aunt who are, after his father was executed by the new Emperor Constans, his only family is hard for him. His uncle is okay, but he has no friends, his aunt hates him and his cousin only thinks of himself. He has decided to become a soldier, but they don't even take him seriously.
The reader basically follows his life from the age of 14 to around 20. It has his ups (finding friends, getting his dream job, finding respect, falling in love) and downs (losing friends due to his own fears, jealousy, his aunt being cruel, someone trying to frame him for treason), but our main character is basically never bored.
Everything about this sounds exciting, right? And technically it was. The character concepts and the plot were pretty solid, BUT what seriously bugged me was the writing. It was pretty flat and un-engaging. It makes me really sad, because the story is right up my alley otherwise.
There were some interesting scenes and opinions here and there, but they were written as if the author was a bored highschool student writing a paper about a topic that doesn't interest him. Or like a business report.
There was so much tragedy and drama in this book and I felt nothing. Drusus battling with his feelings for Marcellus for a long time should have made me shed at least a little tear for example, but it was written in such a clinical way and cut away in the most emotional (for this book) moments, that it was almost baffling. I actually checked if this book was written in the early 90s, because I have often seen books from that period dancing around homosexual relationships exactly like this. But it came out in 2009. Super weird.
What really did work was making me hate all those self righteous religious people, but then, they're always easy to hate.
Some characters also stood out by somehow being more 'alive' than the others, like Marcellus' grandfather or the soldier who taught Drusus how to fight. A few scenes with Drusus and Marcellus also almost worked in the depth department.
ANYWAY, despite all this, this book was not bad and I'm perfectly willing to read other books by this author. Maybe even soon.
Warning: There is a scene with a child prostitute in this. It's not shown in a positive light at all, but some people might be sensitive to it.
This quote encapsulates perfectly what this book is about and also feels uncomfortably relevant right now.
Drusus is a boy growing up in a changing world. Christianity is on the rise and at least where he lives they're basically not better people than the ones who used to persecute them. They destroy the old temples and attack people and the more power they get, the crueler they become.
Drusus might not be super deep into the Gods (he does believe in them!), but he is not Christian either, so coming to live in the house of his uncle and aunt who are, after his father was executed by the new Emperor Constans, his only family is hard for him. His uncle is okay, but he has no friends, his aunt hates him and his cousin only thinks of himself. He has decided to become a soldier, but they don't even take him seriously.
The reader basically follows his life from the age of 14 to around 20. It has his ups (finding friends, getting his dream job, finding respect, falling in love) and downs (losing friends due to his own fears, jealousy, his aunt being cruel, someone trying to frame him for treason), but our main character is basically never bored.
Everything about this sounds exciting, right? And technically it was. The character concepts and the plot were pretty solid, BUT what seriously bugged me was the writing. It was pretty flat and un-engaging. It makes me really sad, because the story is right up my alley otherwise.
There were some interesting scenes and opinions here and there, but they were written as if the author was a bored highschool student writing a paper about a topic that doesn't interest him. Or like a business report.
There was so much tragedy and drama in this book and I felt nothing. Drusus battling with his feelings for Marcellus for a long time should have made me shed at least a little tear for example, but it was written in such a clinical way and cut away in the most emotional (for this book) moments, that it was almost baffling. I actually checked if this book was written in the early 90s, because I have often seen books from that period dancing around homosexual relationships exactly like this. But it came out in 2009. Super weird.
What really did work was making me hate all those self righteous religious people, but then, they're always easy to hate.
Some characters also stood out by somehow being more 'alive' than the others, like Marcellus' grandfather or the soldier who taught Drusus how to fight. A few scenes with Drusus and Marcellus also almost worked in the depth department.
ANYWAY, despite all this, this book was not bad and I'm perfectly willing to read other books by this author. Maybe even soon.
Warning: There is a scene with a child prostitute in this. It's not shown in a positive light at all, but some people might be sensitive to it.
January 9, 2012
I usually don't like historical piece. Books of such genre are written in a way where at end I have no idea what they are talking about and it becomes a drag to follow the storylines.
Not Paul Waters' work. I felt his work rich and he was so careful with his story-telling, I was hooked. He made the characters so likable, that I wished the lover for the main character came much earlier in the book, instead of pages later. I found myself unable to put down the book too long, and constantly finding time to come back to the book as soon I could.
Not Paul Waters' work. I felt his work rich and he was so careful with his story-telling, I was hooked. He made the characters so likable, that I wished the lover for the main character came much earlier in the book, instead of pages later. I found myself unable to put down the book too long, and constantly finding time to come back to the book as soon I could.
May 7, 2020
At the age of fourteen, Drusus is sent to live with his mother's family in London while his father returns to Rome to face the Emperor. He finds a kindly uncle, a malicious aunt and a stupid cousin. He makes friends at the local bath house and learns about the underhanded tactics of the Christians who use violence and threats to get what they want. This was a decent novel set in the latter part of the Roman Empire when Britain was starting to have problems from within with the Christians and without with the invading Saxons. It was a bit of a coming of age story and a bit of a social commentary. The writing was almost like a young adult novel but there were some scenes of sex and violence and some LGBT undertones so it may not be suitable for some.
July 15, 2025
I randomly picked this up from a local street library.
I'm so glad I did! Historically so interesting, as it's set in around 350AD, and the Roman prescence in Britain is waning.
I'm encouraged now to read Seutonius' 12 Caesars, which I've had on the shelf for ages.
I'm so glad I did! Historically so interesting, as it's set in around 350AD, and the Roman prescence in Britain is waning.
I'm encouraged now to read Seutonius' 12 Caesars, which I've had on the shelf for ages.
May 27, 2019
Excellent novel sent in early dark age Britain after the Romans have left but before the tide of Sacons sweep all before it.
Reminiscent in scope of Mary Renault.
A luscious and entertaining read.
Reminiscent in scope of Mary Renault.
A luscious and entertaining read.
October 10, 2011
This book is historical fiction, set near the end of the Roman empire (4th century ad), in London. At about twelve, our main character is forced to move from his estate to london when the emperor of western rome takes a disliking to his father and his father is killed. Drusus is sent to live with his dead mother's relative, an uncle, which is ruled by his mean christian wife. this is the beginning of when Christianity took over, and it's so interesting to see it wavering in power back and forth even over a few years. The christians are painted in a very bad light - tearing down ancient temples, art, destroying libraries, eschewing all the great learning, not washing and closing down the baths, mobbing and beating people, shutting down schools, taking all of the money, just about doing everything bad you can think of. this is probably a bit one sided, but at the same time, it really is pretty much what happened. it's very sad. running through the story of london, rome, and history, there is the side story of Drusus learning to become a man, furthering his career at an amazingly young age, and falling in love. I was also amazed at how nonchalantly everyone was towards gay men. no one cared. no one treated them any differently, and they were still considered tough, leaders in the army, drinking buddies, etc. the whole homophobia thing must have come with the widespread christianity. the only thing in the whole book about it was Drusus's boyfriend's mother pressuring him to marry a woman just to beget an heir because she was ambitious and he was the last of his line. but really, that isn't the most important part in the book, it's just what struck me. Very good book. by the ending, i'm thinking this might turn out to be the first in a series. i hope so, or at least i'd like to read more by this author.
June 18, 2021
This is Biggles in ancient Rome - the hero protagonist Drusius bounces from one arch-villain to the next against a backdrop of Imperial politics. The plot structure is like a series of small waves, rather than the traditional couple of hills and then the mountain, and this significantly reduces the dramatic tension because each villain or problem is usually resolved by the end of the chapter.
Drusius' male love interests have little impact on his character development and practically none at all on the plot; so obliquely referenced, they are nearly written out of existence by Waters and at the conclusion of Drusius’ journey there is no great sexual awakening, or even much sex. This is no great love story.
Drusius is also painfully perfect: he can defeat the best wrestler in the army, is pretty (in his own words), finely built and a privileged male whose father just happened to be a Roman governor. His career is served to him on a plate to the extent that he is a tribune before he is 20, and yet Drusius does not blush when Waters writes:
"Being youngest of the tribunes of the fort, I was determined I should give no man cause to say I had been promoted beyond my ability, or because of whom I knew."
Indeed, except it's true.
Meanwhile, all female characters are marginalised, spiteful and unpleasant - there is a pattern developing here.
Finally, historical fiction is always challenging because of the traps and pitfalls of backwards-looking anachronism. Waters' faults here are mostly to be found in the phrasing: must his characters "pad" across the room, and must soldiers call themselves "comrade"? It is also highly doubtful that rosary beads existed in the mid-Fourth Century and Drusius is far too hung up about sexual tastes and desires for a pagan Roman.
"Cast not the day" disappoints.
Drusius' male love interests have little impact on his character development and practically none at all on the plot; so obliquely referenced, they are nearly written out of existence by Waters and at the conclusion of Drusius’ journey there is no great sexual awakening, or even much sex. This is no great love story.
Drusius is also painfully perfect: he can defeat the best wrestler in the army, is pretty (in his own words), finely built and a privileged male whose father just happened to be a Roman governor. His career is served to him on a plate to the extent that he is a tribune before he is 20, and yet Drusius does not blush when Waters writes:
"Being youngest of the tribunes of the fort, I was determined I should give no man cause to say I had been promoted beyond my ability, or because of whom I knew."
Indeed, except it's true.
Meanwhile, all female characters are marginalised, spiteful and unpleasant - there is a pattern developing here.
Finally, historical fiction is always challenging because of the traps and pitfalls of backwards-looking anachronism. Waters' faults here are mostly to be found in the phrasing: must his characters "pad" across the room, and must soldiers call themselves "comrade"? It is also highly doubtful that rosary beads existed in the mid-Fourth Century and Drusius is far too hung up about sexual tastes and desires for a pagan Roman.
"Cast not the day" disappoints.
June 10, 2024
‘It is by our tasks that we come to know our powers.’
The central character of this novel, set in the middle of the 4th century CE, is Drusus. Drusus is a young British nobleman of Roman birth whose mother died when he was born. As the novel opens, Drusus is fourteen years old, and his father, Appius, has been summoned to the emperor’s court at Trier ‘to answer certain … questions.’ Drusus is sent to his great uncle in London, Lucius Balbus. He will never see his father again.
By this period, Britain and the Roman Empire have been ruled by Christian emperors for a generation. The Christian church continues to grow in strength and has suppressed most of its opposition. And, while much of the population in Britain worships the old gods, the Christian church, with the support of the emperor, is now attempting to destroy the old beliefs by force. As the story unfolds, Drusus finds himself involved in both religious and civil conflict. He becomes a soldier, finds love, and comes under suspicion.
The Western Roman Empire is beginning to crumble. There is civil war within the empire after the death of Constantine in 337 CE and Drusus and his lover Marcellus become caught up in the political intrigue and the fighting.
I enjoyed this novel. I do not know much of the history of this period, and Mr Waters has me wanting to know more about the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Drusus himself is an interesting character, as is Marcellus’s grandfather Aquinus.
And now I need to read the second novel in the duology to see how it ends.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The central character of this novel, set in the middle of the 4th century CE, is Drusus. Drusus is a young British nobleman of Roman birth whose mother died when he was born. As the novel opens, Drusus is fourteen years old, and his father, Appius, has been summoned to the emperor’s court at Trier ‘to answer certain … questions.’ Drusus is sent to his great uncle in London, Lucius Balbus. He will never see his father again.
By this period, Britain and the Roman Empire have been ruled by Christian emperors for a generation. The Christian church continues to grow in strength and has suppressed most of its opposition. And, while much of the population in Britain worships the old gods, the Christian church, with the support of the emperor, is now attempting to destroy the old beliefs by force. As the story unfolds, Drusus finds himself involved in both religious and civil conflict. He becomes a soldier, finds love, and comes under suspicion.
The Western Roman Empire is beginning to crumble. There is civil war within the empire after the death of Constantine in 337 CE and Drusus and his lover Marcellus become caught up in the political intrigue and the fighting.
I enjoyed this novel. I do not know much of the history of this period, and Mr Waters has me wanting to know more about the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Drusus himself is an interesting character, as is Marcellus’s grandfather Aquinus.
And now I need to read the second novel in the duology to see how it ends.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 27, 2016
I had read the sequel, the philosopher prince, before I read this one so it was interesting to see how the characters developed. It's a great novel, expertly written and you just feel like basking in it:)
The story starts with a young Drusus, whose father told him he's going away. He never saw his father again as he was executed for a false crime. In this book we see a lot of men's true nature; we see the good people resisting and seeking the good and those that want to destroy thing and those that are merely afraid.
With the church taking over and a change in an emperor (or two), there is chaos. In this chaos, Drusus grows and so does his relationship with Marcellus. It's not explicit, he thinks about his feels a lot but whatever happens, is done slowly and naturally and there is such a companionship between these two!
Aquinus is a great character. He's Marcellus' grandfather and he does amazing thing, though he is let down a bit. I can see how he influences both Drusus and Marcellus.
There were other great characters that added to the growth of the character of Drusus. I liked Heliodora best though, she was a woman that sought wisdom and was not afraid to die for it. Marcellus' mother, although we only meet her briefly is another strong character that is then developed more in the second book.
All in all, a great story of growth, chaos and the dark side in men, stand up to it and not meeting violence with violence sometimes.
The story starts with a young Drusus, whose father told him he's going away. He never saw his father again as he was executed for a false crime. In this book we see a lot of men's true nature; we see the good people resisting and seeking the good and those that want to destroy thing and those that are merely afraid.
With the church taking over and a change in an emperor (or two), there is chaos. In this chaos, Drusus grows and so does his relationship with Marcellus. It's not explicit, he thinks about his feels a lot but whatever happens, is done slowly and naturally and there is such a companionship between these two!
Aquinus is a great character. He's Marcellus' grandfather and he does amazing thing, though he is let down a bit. I can see how he influences both Drusus and Marcellus.
There were other great characters that added to the growth of the character of Drusus. I liked Heliodora best though, she was a woman that sought wisdom and was not afraid to die for it. Marcellus' mother, although we only meet her briefly is another strong character that is then developed more in the second book.
All in all, a great story of growth, chaos and the dark side in men, stand up to it and not meeting violence with violence sometimes.
April 6, 2016
It's okay. An easy read that follows the young Drusus from childhood to adulthood in a city where the violent Christians gain power. Young Drusus is a poor orphan sent to live with his greedy merchant Uncle and his cruel Christian Aunt. He has a random encounter with a heathen god in the woods which only serves to get him beat up in the city. It isn't mentioned again. I don't know why it even happened. Wait, I know! it helps Drusus run into a cute, rich boyfriend while snooping an old shrine! And everything starts looking up, the Christian emperor is murdered and Drusus moves away from the awful relatives-until the even worse, even more fanatical brother of the dead emperor takes over and the Christians take over the city and smash everything beautiful and kill a lot of people. Even a random Hypatia stand-in! (aka brilliant, brave, lady teacher who stays in a city full of Christians until she's violently murdered by a mob of Christians) Then, at the last minute things in the city turn sour for the bad guys which is nice, but everything is broken now and books are burnt and people are dead. The book ends with Drusus and his boyfriend looking at the messed up city and thinking, well shit. Essentially.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
Years ago, when I was a freshman in English Lit, I had this idea that simple straightforward books without any complicated system of plot and characterization are not worthy to be read (under the influence of T.S Eliot I guess)! But during the recent years I have come across the books which give so much away only by their content, but not their style of narrative and this book was definitely one of them. While it explores the conflict between paganism and Christianity, it describes vulnerability in a society where people have lost their faith and cannot trust one another. While the whole story is based on historical facts, Waters have written a text in which the reader becomes mesmerized by the beauty of simplicity and contemplation.
June 2, 2012
350 BC a briton roman man comes to age and observes first hand the struggles as the old roman ways perish. There are some interesting historical details but overall the book is just so poorly written that the overall experience is rubbish. So much better out there.
July 11, 2024
Written in the style of Ammianus Marcellinus (derogatory) with the objectivity of Zosimus (derogatory). Reads like bad fourth century anti-Christian propaganda (there is much better fourth century anti-Christian propaganda out there). Totally wooden. Theoretically interesting as a period piece, but in practice fails to transport. Competently but badly written, c.f. the main villain is interrupted while eating and "stare[s] angrily, his eyes wide and unblinking, like a bird of prey disturbed at its meal." Such similes abound. The love story may as well be between two statues for how little emotion there is, and how completely idealized they both are. The book attempts a third act conflict between the two; it is embarrassing.
I read this because I like the period and am obsessed with Paulus Catena. But the Paulus Catena portrayal is terrible. Somehow Waters bungles the explanation of Paulus' cognomen, even though Ammianus Marcellinus gives two separate explanations of it. And messes up the confrontation between him and the governor. Terrible. Other historical inaccuracies include
1. The currency is far too stable; most taxes were paid in kind by this point. 2. Where is the early Feudalism that had developed by this point? The main characters should be feudal landlords 3. Waters has it backwards: most temple desecrations happened in the countryside, not the cities. 4. Way too early for this level of interfaith conflict in Britain. The Church in Britain was poor and small, and we're just 40 years after the largest Christian persecution ever.
And many more. Honestly I don't know why this was written. Every point this book wants to make it beats to death, but by far the deadest is the... attack on Christianity? and not even the traditional (now marginal) Gibbon theory that Christianity destabilized Roman traditions &c&c, this is like old-school Voltaire, Julian the Apostate, Libanius style anti-Christian polemicism. Just weird. Why?
I read this because I like the period and am obsessed with Paulus Catena. But the Paulus Catena portrayal is terrible. Somehow Waters bungles the explanation of Paulus' cognomen, even though Ammianus Marcellinus gives two separate explanations of it. And messes up the confrontation between him and the governor. Terrible. Other historical inaccuracies include
1. The currency is far too stable; most taxes were paid in kind by this point. 2. Where is the early Feudalism that had developed by this point? The main characters should be feudal landlords 3. Waters has it backwards: most temple desecrations happened in the countryside, not the cities. 4. Way too early for this level of interfaith conflict in Britain. The Church in Britain was poor and small, and we're just 40 years after the largest Christian persecution ever.
And many more. Honestly I don't know why this was written. Every point this book wants to make it beats to death, but by far the deadest is the... attack on Christianity? and not even the traditional (now marginal) Gibbon theory that Christianity destabilized Roman traditions &c&c, this is like old-school Voltaire, Julian the Apostate, Libanius style anti-Christian polemicism. Just weird. Why?
January 4, 2019
Wonderful novel! A well-written, engaging, fast-paced story about a young nobleman in Roman Britain named Drusus who falls on hard times when his father falls out of favour with the new Emperor and the Church. The characters are compelling and authentic, and so is their struggle to survive in a quickly changing and hostile world. Cast Not the Day isn't just Drusus' story, but the story of ordinary people from different walks of life made victims of changing regimes, religions, cultures, and customs. Many novels set in antiquity or the middle ages focus on the lives of those in power, but I think it's far more interesting to read about those without power, or those who have it taken away by force. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
November 27, 2022
Seven months ago, I finished my first Paul Waters novel and set about trying to find another. It took seven months and 3 failed attempts to track down this book and its sequel. A week ago, I started reading it and I have not been disappointed. The book demanded my attention and filled every spare moment. I loved the character development, liked the good guys and hated the baddies.
As always, I checked on historical facts and found none of them lacking.
Thank you, Mr Waters, for an enjoyable week. I am really looking forward to becoming engrossed in the sequel.
As always, I checked on historical facts and found none of them lacking.
Thank you, Mr Waters, for an enjoyable week. I am really looking forward to becoming engrossed in the sequel.
December 15, 2018
Roman Britain near the end with the author, Paul Waters, identifying the government monopolisation of religion as a key player in the coming downfall of the international administration. Prior to this action the Roman Empire had a very free-for-all position concerning its subjects choice of religion.
June 28, 2023
Historically speaking, It was accurate and enjoyable and set a good representation of early dark age Britain after Roman settling, however it seemed quite slow.
July 4, 2013
In the mid fourth century, in Roman Britain, young Drusus is sent to live with his uncle in London when his father is called to Trier in Gaul, charged by the current emperor Constans with treason for supporting Constantine II. Uncle Balbus is a merchant and seems fond of the boy, but his wife is unfriendly in the extreme and his son Albinus torments Drusus. Drusus meets another teenager Marcellus and they become fast friends (and more). There's a good bit of religious strife between the ascendant Christians and the believers in the old Roman gods - the Christians seem like bullies and hooligans. The book presents a picture of what happens when an orderly society breaks down, and it's not nice. You really get the sense of being there - Waters does a good job of describing what it was like.
July 23, 2013
Loved it! The story if a young man's journey from innocent child to worldly young man in late Roman Britain.
This is an exceptional story of a young Roman aristocrat, Drusus, who is forced to leave all he knows for Roman Britain and a family he knows nothing about and who are not at all welcoming. He learns to adjust to this society (a far cry from that he left behind) and learns to make the best of it. Along the way he finds the strength to forge a new life for himself.
With Drusus, we experience the highs and lows of young love in its first bloom. We follow Drusus as he embarks on a career as a soldier and faces the threat of invading Saxons and rebellion within the Empire.
The story comes to a spellbinding climax as Drusus battles enemies within - will he succeed or will his sacrifice be in vain. Read on you will not be disappointed.
This is an exceptional story of a young Roman aristocrat, Drusus, who is forced to leave all he knows for Roman Britain and a family he knows nothing about and who are not at all welcoming. He learns to adjust to this society (a far cry from that he left behind) and learns to make the best of it. Along the way he finds the strength to forge a new life for himself.
With Drusus, we experience the highs and lows of young love in its first bloom. We follow Drusus as he embarks on a career as a soldier and faces the threat of invading Saxons and rebellion within the Empire.
The story comes to a spellbinding climax as Drusus battles enemies within - will he succeed or will his sacrifice be in vain. Read on you will not be disappointed.
June 15, 2012
It is set in a period of Roman history I don't know much about, which is mainly why I picked it up. At first I was a bit disappointed as the story starts slowly, but once the young hero, Drusus, moves to London the pace picks up and I became involved with the characters. The author certainly knows his stuff and is good at making this long-lost world come alive. I finished the book tonight and it has been an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2014
Having started this book in September last year, I finally finished it! I didn't like the story, & if I had stuck to my usual strategy of just closing it and starting a new one (once it was clear I didn't like it), I probably would have read a lot more good books since then ... never mind.
February 13, 2016
Cast not the day was a very fascinating book mainly because it was based on historical facts, it showed me different sides of what life was like back in those days and how the religious side of things was a very dangerous thing to behold. The characters were developed in some parts but it was a bit confusing while reading. All in all this book was an okay one but I suggest people read is book about 2-3 times to understand it fully.
February 6, 2015
This is the first Roman novel that I've read and I quite enjoyed it. There was very little action, mostly it was about political intrigue and clashes between Christians and the old gods.
It was well written with some interesting characters. I shall probably read more.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (thebluepencil.co.uk)
It was well written with some interesting characters. I shall probably read more.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (thebluepencil.co.uk)
September 18, 2012
Although this took me 2 months to read; because I have been so busy at work, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is a very intense and intriguing book which explores concise historic elements alongside a brilliant storyline. I loved it.
December 30, 2013
I kept reading this book hoping it was leading somewhere. It never did. However, Waters did paint an interesting picture of Britain in the time of the Roman occupation.
June 22, 2016
Interesting book about the rise of Christianity and the decline of the sophisticated culture of Rome and Greece. Unfortunately the plot about Drusus was a bit too shallow.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews