Sword of Rome by Douglas Jackson
Please comment on the blog if you would like to win a signed copy!
Please comment on the blog if you would like to win a signed copy!
Jackson has quickly become one of my favourite authors – his books are the kind that lodge in your mind so months or years later you can still fondly remember where you were when you were reading them (for some reason I always seem to be on holiday/off work when I get hold of them).
I gave the previous book, Avenger of Rome, a five star review just a few months ago, but there were a couple of things I felt could be improved on in future outings. Firstly, I was hoping Serpentius, Valerius's right-hand man would play a bigger role, and I'm pleased to see he does here, using his own particular deadly skills to great effect throughout the book, although there's still plenty of scope to delve deeper into the man's character as the series progresses.
Secondly, I thought the pacing in the previous book was a little off – it started at breakneck speed, with every chapter being a breathless cliff-hanger, and after a while the effect wore off (although things righted themselves eventually). Well, Sword of Rome again seems like the pacing could have been better: this time the middle section slows down, with a lot of politics being discussed, until, as before, things get back on track and the book ends on a fantastic – and unexpected - climax.
The historical aspects are very well done, never becoming boring while retaining the air of meticulous accuracy throughout, and the many action sequences are wonderfully described. The characters themselves – even Valerius – aren't particularly well developed but it doesn't really matter since everyone except our hero and his sidekick are bit-part players anyway.
What we have here is another in what is my favourite Roman-based fiction series just now, and it lives up to the previous efforts. Despite the slow middle section, I'm glad to see Serpentius taking on more of a central role and the cracking ending has me really looking forward to what Jackson will come up with for the Hero of Rome next time.
Highly recommended, 4.5 / 5 stars!
Steve A. McKay is the author of the Amazon “War” chart number 1, Wolf's Head.
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Absolutely love novels set in ancient Rome by the likes of Scarrow & Kane etc). Judging from Stev's excellent review I need to acquaint myself with Mr Jackson's work. Vendi. Vidi. Excili a comment.
ReplyDeleteGreat review of a book that I too have read. I love the pace of Douglas Jackson's books, but unfortunately if you are going to read them, make time, because it is extremely difficult to put them down. As Steven says, they are stories that stay with you, and you will remember them for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Rob! Paula please enter me in the giveaway too :-)
ReplyDeleteI rarely read Roman novels but this is a good review and could tempt me.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a tremendous read. The only ancient Roman tales I read are the Falco books by Lyndsey Davis but I do like the sound of this series. Shared and tweeted.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, it's a great series.
ReplyDeleteI discovered Douglas Jackson a few years ago now, largely because he is (almost) local - but I haven't got this particular book, so would love to enter the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI also don't read so many books about Rome, but I think I shall have to start doing!!! Sounds like a magnificent series. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway. Please enter my name. I have loved reading about this time period, since we studied Rosemary Sutcliff's"Eagle of the Ninth" in school, many, many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI have not read much from this period, I think only McCollough's "The First Man in Rome comes to mind". This does sound very interesting though, would love to give it a go.. All history is good as far as I am concerned.
ReplyDeleteJust to say, it's actually a signed copy of HERO of Rome that Douglas is giving away, which is the first in the series (that's the book I asked him to giveaway when I contacted him), sorry for any confusion.
ReplyDeleteThis has just come out in paperback so there's no excuse not to get it!
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