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reachersaid_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
katya_s's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Rome is in turmoil, Emperor Claudius is dead and his adopted son, Nero, has been declared Emperor. However rumour has it that Claudius was poisioned by his wife/niece Aggripina to disinherit Claudius' natural son, Britannicus, in favour of her own son. As rebellion is in the air Prefect Cato is claimed by both sides as his influence is needed but as he trusted friend Macro is framed for murder and his son is kidnapped Cato struggles to know which side to ally with.
Scarrow is a greatly loved author and this was the first of his books that I have read. Day of the Caesars is the 16th in a long running series about the characters in the Roman Army an, in common with many long running series, there is a lot of detail that has appeared in previous books and which is hinted at in this instalment. For this reason I found it difficult to engage with the book at first, characters appeared fully formed and their relationships and previous experiences were alluded to. However after persevering I became engrossed in the tale which blended fact and fiction seamlessly. Scarrow is a very entertaining writer, the smells and atmosphere of Rome are vivid and the politics that form such a key component of Roman life are explained in a way that does not confuse. The fight scenes are visceral and the characters are actually well-rounded.
Scarrow is a greatly loved author and this was the first of his books that I have read. Day of the Caesars is the 16th in a long running series about the characters in the Roman Army an, in common with many long running series, there is a lot of detail that has appeared in previous books and which is hinted at in this instalment. For this reason I found it difficult to engage with the book at first, characters appeared fully formed and their relationships and previous experiences were alluded to. However after persevering I became engrossed in the tale which blended fact and fiction seamlessly. Scarrow is a very entertaining writer, the smells and atmosphere of Rome are vivid and the politics that form such a key component of Roman life are explained in a way that does not confuse. The fight scenes are visceral and the characters are actually well-rounded.
souljaleonn's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
3.5
traveller1's review
4.0
Great read--but terribly disappointed. Cato and Macro put Nero on the throne, when they could have helped restore the Republic!
strath's review
4.0
Cato & Macro stick in again
Fantastic historical adventure for our two heros. This time in the Eternal City itself. Loved the intrigue and machinations in the turmoil of Nero's reign.
The reason I have it a 4 star was that the very end of the climax was a bit predictable.
Still it is a great read.
Fantastic historical adventure for our two heros. This time in the Eternal City itself. Loved the intrigue and machinations in the turmoil of Nero's reign.
The reason I have it a 4 star was that the very end of the climax was a bit predictable.
Still it is a great read.
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