Reviews

Emperor by Stephen Baxter

mikimeiko's review against another edition

I liked the idea, but it read more like a history book that a novel, and I just couldn't get into it.

junglefabrixxx's review

adventurous informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is the first book set on the Roman Empire that I read. It was totally worth it. A prophecy woven into the tapestry of time brings together two families, who with each changing generation, influence the future of life as they know it.

The inclusion of real-life characters (in this case, the emperors) was refreshing and added a layered depth into the storyline. As well as love, which was ever present, but for some reason, couldn't end the way we all wanted.

I can't wait to continue reading the saga and see what happens with the aforementioned prophecy.

bontle's review

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A bit jolting but interesting themes and intriguing plot

rhihill's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence

sirlancelot2021's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

mechankily's review against another edition

4.0

quite good. takes places in several parts over a 400 year period in Roman Britain, roughly following people who are decended from each other.

mrfreshness007's review

4.0

Thoroughly enjoyed the details of Roman society. (I guess the HBO series Rome got me in the mood.)

I know some folks knock Baxter for limited character development, but I think his writing style is more an emphasis on human characters as events as opposed to people. Get that? What I'm saying is that he uses the characters more for their actions to define ideas than go into serious depth into the characters themselves. Anyway...
I liked the linking of each generation back to the 1st and how the 'family' developed over time.

Looking forward to the next books in the series.

reubend1ca9's review

3.0

Recommeded if you like history from a human perspective. Reads like a miniature James Michener novel.