Ubalblog

[  Mood: Silly ]
[  Currently: Listening to CBC Radio – Canadian Budget ]

In case you didn’t know, I have two history degrees. So I approach historical fiction with a weary eye. Too often they scarifice historicity for dramatic action. This drives me bananas. Still, there are some very nice historical pieces out there. The Other Boleyn Girl, In the Company of the Courtesan, and the Legion series.

So it was with a little concern and a little hopw that I picked up Emperor: The Gates of Rome

Author Conn Igguldun takes a look at Julius Ceasar’s early life creating a young boy who grew up on a small estate outside of Rome. His best friend is Marcus, a foster child of the family. Together they run around the estate, getting into trouble and having a good life.

Then tragedy strikes when Julius’s father dies. This thrusts both boys into adulthood and the politics of Rome. Marcus ends up in an Eastern legion and Julius ends up in his Uncle Marius’ legion.

I found this quite gripping and was quickly engrossed by the story. For an author’s first novel, this one manages to avoid some the new author pitfalls. The twist at the end was interesting, but might be stretching my disbelief a wee bit too much.

We will see what happens in the second installment.