Reviews

Master and God by Lindsey Davis

krobart's review

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3.0

See my review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/09/23/day-975-master-god/

minnejenny's review

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emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

What better way to prepare for a trip to Italy, than to dive into the country's history. I appreciate getting to know an emperor (Domitian) that I've never heard of and getting a glimpse of a day-in-the life of a soldier and hairdresser in 80 AD. 
I almost stopped reading because of the dialogue. I get that we might not understand the terminology and idioms from 2000 years ago, but the expressions and language used in this book was way too modern. It took me out of the scene. I eventually could ignore that fact, but it was cringeworthy. 

tamaralgage1's review

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4.0

This scores on many levels with me. First, I wanted Roman history. This provided nice glimpse into Roman life through the eyes of a soldier and a hair dresser. Their intertwined life across 16 years explored the use of Firefighters; Roman Laws; persecucion; life of slaves and freedmen; (surprise) women were treated like crap. But, you do get to learn history of Rome between 78 AD - 96 AD. There were two rulers during this period and through the main characters you get to see the impact their decision had on the citizens.

Next I have to appreciate the skill the female character show in forging a life for herself independant of real support. She was observant and articulate in communications. I think you will appreciate this character.

Finally, the male character was a strong and honest man that served as a solider in many capacities. Like the female character, he was wise and very observant. Regardless of his position, he was honorable and fair. In the end, you find yourself holding your breath and cheering for him to succeed in his final endeavor.

Good book....

grant1917's review

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emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

sweetpeppah's review

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3.0

2.5 stars rounded up because i like her. obviously extremely well-researched. as much a history book as a novel, which i struggled with a bit. she's best at human dialog and relationships and everyday interactions.. but it kept wandering off into the bigger political and historical picture. it also had some strangely charming reoccurring details involving flies!

aashpitel01's review

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funny relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

olivermacdougall's review

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2.0

2.5 stars

lisaebetz's review

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4.0

A different kind of tale than her usual mysteries but with the same vivid settings and characters I have come to enjoy. And of course her wickedly funny style. Who else can write an enjoyable chapter on a housefly?
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