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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Fourth in the Roma Sub Rosa historical mystery series set in ancient Rome and revolving around Goridanus the Finder.
My Take
It's sad to read of Rome's descent into such corruption. It started with such wonderful ideals, and now it's just a sewer. I hate to say it, but the U.S. seems to following the same path.
Reading Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa provides a more personal look at why the Republic fell. It's one thing to read historic tomes and memorize dates, but to read even a fictional account of a family's life at such a time brings it down to a level that's more easily understood. I know it always makes the facts zing into place for me, giving me a better understanding of the whys and effects of war and political decisions.
It's a bit Sherlock Holmesian the way Gordianus determines the identities of his visitors, and I continue to be impressed with Saylor's depiction of Roman culture, dress, food, and manners. No, it's not an area of expertise for me, but there is something about his presentation that just rings true.
Oh, I don't know why I'm surprised. Pedophilia is not a new vice, and the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians certainly had different ideas about what was acceptable sexually. Do be aware that while there is no overt sex in this, there is a lot of talk of it in a pornographic sense. Hey, they're Romans… I must confess that I find the switching of sides and betrayals to be a worse deceit...and ain't that sayin' somethin'...eek...
For the most (and overt) part, it's all politics between Rome and Egypt. Who's in power and who's aiming for power. How they're going to grab power degenerates into sabotage and assassination against a group of Eygptian delegates as well as a trial between two Romans with all the salacious gossip and innuendo they can dig up or invent.
The Egyptians don't want to become a Roman colony, and the Romans are slavering at the thought of all the plunder it represents.
Hmmm, I didn't know Bethesda was such a social climber. At the start, she's referring to Clodia as an old whore, and near the end of the story, they're best friends. Eco has great fun giving his father a hard time.
This tale will twist back and forth, making a case for and against people, a shell game with an ending that is totally unexpected.
The Story
Gordianus is becoming more and more careful the older he gets, so when an old friend from Alexandria asks his help in staying alive, Gordianus turns him down.
The Fates however have a different idea in store, and when Gordianus returns from a visit with Meto, he is talked into investigating his old friend's death, a case that will involve seduction, lies, perversions, and poisonings. And a tremendous shock for Gordianus.
The Characters
Gordianus the Finder is fifty-four now and still dips his toe in to investigate now and again. Belbo is still his bodyguard, although Gordianus is considering making him his doorkeeper soon. His daughter, Gordiana, nicknamed Diana, is thirteen now and as beautiful as her mother, Bethesda, was at that age. Meto is serving Julius Caeser in Illyria, and Gordianus wants to see his son. Eco is Gordianus' eldest son; he's taken over the majority of the Finding. He's married to Menenia, and they have four-year-old twins: Titania, and Titus.
Dio of Alexandria is the ambassador from Egypt and a philosopher with whom Gordianus once passed time and thought in debate when he lived in Alexandria (see The Seven Wonders, 0.5). Lucius Lucceius (his wife tells Gordianus the truth about that night and about her husband) and Titus Coponius are two of Dio's hosts in Rome. Juba and Laco are Lucius' kitchen slaves who are suddenly sent to the mines. Philo is Coponius' doorkeeper; Zotica is the slave who was abused.
Trygonion is a eunuch (a gallus) and a priest at the Temple of Cybele in Rome. He's also in love with Clodia.
Publius Clodius is Clodia's younger brother. He's a thug with a bad reputation. Clodia is a widow and notorious in Rome for her scandalous dress, affairs, and parties; Chrysis is her faithful, cheeky slave. Rumors abound as to how her husband, Quintus Metellus Celer, truly died. Marcus Caelius is her latest rejected lover. Barnabus is Clodia's doorkeeper.
Cicero has recently returned from exile, and he's rebuilding his house. Tiro is still his secretary.
Publius Asicius is the first to go on trial; he's a friend of Marcus Caelius who has an apartment down the road which he rents from the Clodii. Bethesda thinks Marcus Caelius is hot, and we first met him in Catilina's Riddle, 3, when he was spying on Catilina for Cicero. Licinius is another of Caelius' friends.
Lucius Sempronius Atratinus is seventeen and prosecuting Caelius to defend his father, Bestia. Lucius Herennius Balbus and Publius Clodius (a freedman with Clodia's brother's name) are his co-prosecutors.
King Ptolemy has been run out of Alexandria, leaving it in Pompey's hands. Vibennius, a.k.a., Busy Fingers, is part of a thieving team; he knows Catullus, a poet who is also in love with Clodia.
The Cover
The cover is dark with its navy background and a a deep purple bare chest. To be honest, I can't tell if it's a man, a woman, or perhaps a eunuch.
The title is a gambling reference, a wager and trust in the goddess of love with The Venus Throw.
My Take
It's sad to read of Rome's descent into such corruption. It started with such wonderful ideals, and now it's just a sewer. I hate to say it, but the U.S. seems to following the same path.
Reading Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa provides a more personal look at why the Republic fell. It's one thing to read historic tomes and memorize dates, but to read even a fictional account of a family's life at such a time brings it down to a level that's more easily understood. I know it always makes the facts zing into place for me, giving me a better understanding of the whys and effects of war and political decisions.
"Character assassination is the cornerstone of Roman jurisprudence."Think of it as a combination Jerry Springer and the Enquirer with its characters tossing rumors, gossip, and slanderous innuendo back and forth.
It's a bit Sherlock Holmesian the way Gordianus determines the identities of his visitors, and I continue to be impressed with Saylor's depiction of Roman culture, dress, food, and manners. No, it's not an area of expertise for me, but there is something about his presentation that just rings true.
Oh, I don't know why I'm surprised. Pedophilia is not a new vice, and the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians certainly had different ideas about what was acceptable sexually. Do be aware that while there is no overt sex in this, there is a lot of talk of it in a pornographic sense. Hey, they're Romans… I must confess that I find the switching of sides and betrayals to be a worse deceit...and ain't that sayin' somethin'...eek...
For the most (and overt) part, it's all politics between Rome and Egypt. Who's in power and who's aiming for power. How they're going to grab power degenerates into sabotage and assassination against a group of Eygptian delegates as well as a trial between two Romans with all the salacious gossip and innuendo they can dig up or invent.
The Egyptians don't want to become a Roman colony, and the Romans are slavering at the thought of all the plunder it represents.
Hmmm, I didn't know Bethesda was such a social climber. At the start, she's referring to Clodia as an old whore, and near the end of the story, they're best friends. Eco has great fun giving his father a hard time.
This tale will twist back and forth, making a case for and against people, a shell game with an ending that is totally unexpected.
The Story
Gordianus is becoming more and more careful the older he gets, so when an old friend from Alexandria asks his help in staying alive, Gordianus turns him down.
The Fates however have a different idea in store, and when Gordianus returns from a visit with Meto, he is talked into investigating his old friend's death, a case that will involve seduction, lies, perversions, and poisonings. And a tremendous shock for Gordianus.
The Characters
Gordianus the Finder is fifty-four now and still dips his toe in to investigate now and again. Belbo is still his bodyguard, although Gordianus is considering making him his doorkeeper soon. His daughter, Gordiana, nicknamed Diana, is thirteen now and as beautiful as her mother, Bethesda, was at that age. Meto is serving Julius Caeser in Illyria, and Gordianus wants to see his son. Eco is Gordianus' eldest son; he's taken over the majority of the Finding. He's married to Menenia, and they have four-year-old twins: Titania, and Titus.
Dio of Alexandria is the ambassador from Egypt and a philosopher with whom Gordianus once passed time and thought in debate when he lived in Alexandria (see The Seven Wonders, 0.5). Lucius Lucceius (his wife tells Gordianus the truth about that night and about her husband) and Titus Coponius are two of Dio's hosts in Rome. Juba and Laco are Lucius' kitchen slaves who are suddenly sent to the mines. Philo is Coponius' doorkeeper; Zotica is the slave who was abused.
Trygonion is a eunuch (a gallus) and a priest at the Temple of Cybele in Rome. He's also in love with Clodia.
Publius Clodius is Clodia's younger brother. He's a thug with a bad reputation. Clodia is a widow and notorious in Rome for her scandalous dress, affairs, and parties; Chrysis is her faithful, cheeky slave. Rumors abound as to how her husband, Quintus Metellus Celer, truly died. Marcus Caelius is her latest rejected lover. Barnabus is Clodia's doorkeeper.
Cicero has recently returned from exile, and he's rebuilding his house. Tiro is still his secretary.
Publius Asicius is the first to go on trial; he's a friend of Marcus Caelius who has an apartment down the road which he rents from the Clodii. Bethesda thinks Marcus Caelius is hot, and we first met him in Catilina's Riddle, 3, when he was spying on Catilina for Cicero. Licinius is another of Caelius' friends.
Lucius Sempronius Atratinus is seventeen and prosecuting Caelius to defend his father, Bestia. Lucius Herennius Balbus and Publius Clodius (a freedman with Clodia's brother's name) are his co-prosecutors.
King Ptolemy has been run out of Alexandria, leaving it in Pompey's hands. Vibennius, a.k.a., Busy Fingers, is part of a thieving team; he knows Catullus, a poet who is also in love with Clodia.
The Cover
The cover is dark with its navy background and a a deep purple bare chest. To be honest, I can't tell if it's a man, a woman, or perhaps a eunuch.
The title is a gambling reference, a wager and trust in the goddess of love with The Venus Throw.
munchkindad's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
umrapazquele's review
5.0
5 estrelas!!
Vá lá, é só MAIS UM livro do Saylor de 5 estrelas, nada de mais.
Claro que este é um dos meus autores favoritos... É simplesmente genial.
Este final foi dos melhores dos livros dele... Totalmente inesperado
Vá lá, é só MAIS UM livro do Saylor de 5 estrelas, nada de mais.
Claro que este é um dos meus autores favoritos... É simplesmente genial.
Este final foi dos melhores dos livros dele... Totalmente inesperado
lostinthelibrary's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's been a while since I last visited this series so it took me a bit of time to find my feet but once I did I found this another solid entry in this historical mystery series. The format of this series is to take a well known event from this period of history and to link it to a smaller personal dispute of the time. It is a really fun premise which continues to intrigue. I find myself learning a lot about the time period while also being sucked into the mystery, characters and the societal reflections they offer. I won't leave it so long before next returning to Gordianus and Co.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Rape, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
kuutar's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
awwhh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
inesbeato's review
4.0
Mais um volume extraordinário da série Roma Sub Rosa, protagonizada por Gordiano o Descobridor. Com muito mais mistério e acção que o livro anterior, "O Mistério de Catilina", este "Lance de Venus" mantém o leitor completamente agarrado à história e na expectativa até ao final surpreendente, passando, durante as investigações, pelos meandros da política e dos tribunais da Roma Antiga.
Acho fantástica a forma como Steven Saylor consegue combinar ficção e factos históricos, bem como misturar personagens reais com personagens ficcionadas, baseando-se em relatos, discursos e cartas da época que chegaram até aos nossos dias para construir os seus enredos.
É um autor para continuar a seguir, sem dúvida!
Acho fantástica a forma como Steven Saylor consegue combinar ficção e factos históricos, bem como misturar personagens reais com personagens ficcionadas, baseando-se em relatos, discursos e cartas da época que chegaram até aos nossos dias para construir os seus enredos.
É um autor para continuar a seguir, sem dúvida!
sarajesus95's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
claudiap's review
2.0
I read this book as part of the second task of Book Riot's 2018 Read Harder Challenge (#A book of true crime). This was the second book I read of this series, and it was undoubtedly the weaker of the two. In this book the Gordianus is a mere spectator of the unfolding story. The characters are uninteresting and the speeches of the Roman court very extensive. The end also left me unsatisfied.
smcleish's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog here in November 2000.
The Venus Throw is probably the best of Saylor's series of novels featuring Roman private detective Gordianus the Finder. Once again, its subject is one of the famous cases for which Cicero was an advocate at the trial. Rome in the first century BC was a fascinating place, full of interesting people and tumultuous events leading to the formation of the Empire. It is a good illustration of the Chinese curse about interesting times; it was a supremely dangerous place to be, as unscrupulous men and women played political games for really high stakes.
The particular trial in The Venus Throw involves some of the most colourful characters of the time, Clodia and her brother Clodius, immortalised as Lesbia and Lesbius in the poems of Catullus. Coming from a distinguished patrician family, the Claudii, they had changed the spelling of their name so that Clodius could sound more plebian, mark working class, and attract the popular vote in elections. The pair were famous for their licentiousness as well as for their beauty, and were rumoured to be incestuous lovers. The devotion and disgust Clodia in particular could inspire is one of the major inspirations in the greatest of Catullus' poems.
Gordianus is involved because part of the trial is connected with the murder of the Egyptian philosopher Dio. occurred on a night when Gordianus was leaving Rome to visit his son Meto, on the staff of Julius Caesar in Illyria; Gordianus feels personally involved not just because Dio was an old friend whom he had met in Alexandria in his youth, but because the philosopher had come to visit him that evening in fear for his life.
Investigating what happened to Dio at Clodia's instigation leads Gordianus in all kinds of directions, including wondering what Clodia's interest is. Dio was in Rome as part of a delegation from Egypt trying to influence Rome's interference in that country's affairs, but the members of this party have gradually been killed off, presumably at the instigation of exiled Egyptian king Ptolemy, now living in Rome. But the difficulties are to prove this, and to work out which of the various Roman political factions are involved.
The background, always one of Saylor's strengths, is particularly well drawn in The Venus Throw; the characterisation of Catullus is one reason for this. The sense that the reader has of being involved in events is one of the strongest of any historical novel I have ever read.The characters, the new ones in this novel (especially Clodia and the brilliant, disillusioned Catullus) as well as the established series ones, are vivid and believeable. The puzzle is difficult, well presented and sensibly thought out. This is historical detective fiction at its best.
The Venus Throw is probably the best of Saylor's series of novels featuring Roman private detective Gordianus the Finder. Once again, its subject is one of the famous cases for which Cicero was an advocate at the trial. Rome in the first century BC was a fascinating place, full of interesting people and tumultuous events leading to the formation of the Empire. It is a good illustration of the Chinese curse about interesting times; it was a supremely dangerous place to be, as unscrupulous men and women played political games for really high stakes.
The particular trial in The Venus Throw involves some of the most colourful characters of the time, Clodia and her brother Clodius, immortalised as Lesbia and Lesbius in the poems of Catullus. Coming from a distinguished patrician family, the Claudii, they had changed the spelling of their name so that Clodius could sound more plebian, mark working class, and attract the popular vote in elections. The pair were famous for their licentiousness as well as for their beauty, and were rumoured to be incestuous lovers. The devotion and disgust Clodia in particular could inspire is one of the major inspirations in the greatest of Catullus' poems.
Gordianus is involved because part of the trial is connected with the murder of the Egyptian philosopher Dio. occurred on a night when Gordianus was leaving Rome to visit his son Meto, on the staff of Julius Caesar in Illyria; Gordianus feels personally involved not just because Dio was an old friend whom he had met in Alexandria in his youth, but because the philosopher had come to visit him that evening in fear for his life.
Investigating what happened to Dio at Clodia's instigation leads Gordianus in all kinds of directions, including wondering what Clodia's interest is. Dio was in Rome as part of a delegation from Egypt trying to influence Rome's interference in that country's affairs, but the members of this party have gradually been killed off, presumably at the instigation of exiled Egyptian king Ptolemy, now living in Rome. But the difficulties are to prove this, and to work out which of the various Roman political factions are involved.
The background, always one of Saylor's strengths, is particularly well drawn in The Venus Throw; the characterisation of Catullus is one reason for this. The sense that the reader has of being involved in events is one of the strongest of any historical novel I have ever read.The characters, the new ones in this novel (especially Clodia and the brilliant, disillusioned Catullus) as well as the established series ones, are vivid and believeable. The puzzle is difficult, well presented and sensibly thought out. This is historical detective fiction at its best.