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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Didn't like it quite as much as the first two parts of Harris's Cicero trilogy but I still enjoyed it immensely, especially the last third of the book which I pretty much read in one breath. This is the kind of fiction that makes ancient Rome come alive. It wasn't just Caesar and crazy emperors, and this book shows just that. Also, the main hero is quite interesting, an honest but stubborn man who lives for his work (an aqueduct engineer) only, until he meets a daughter of a particularly repulsive rich man... And finally the highlight of the book - philosopher/admiral Pliny, who famously died after describing the explosion of Vesuvius - through him Harris shows what knack he has for bringing famous Roman writers alive (see his Cicero trilogy for much, much more). Overall, a great read.
I really liked Robert Harris's Cicero series but this book did not appeal to me.
I didn't really like Marcus, he was a bit annoying. I found the evil characters were too over the top and his love interest was insipid.
I did like the information on the aqueducts, which I find a fascinating subject but the suspense that the author tried to create through a mystery didn't work for me. Having history already inform me exactly why there were problems with the water supply ruined the suspense for me.
I also thought the end was a bit melodramatic.
Not a book for me but I do like this author.
I didn't really like Marcus, he was a bit annoying. I found the evil characters were too over the top and his love interest was insipid.
I did like the information on the aqueducts, which I find a fascinating subject but the suspense that the author tried to create through a mystery didn't work for me. Having history already inform me exactly why there were problems with the water supply ruined the suspense for me.
I also thought the end was a bit melodramatic.
Not a book for me but I do like this author.
A young aquarius is sent to replaced the last who has gone missing, the water supply is becoming faulty, omens are coming left right and centre but no one realises what it's a sign for. (One hint - the title of the book?)
This was an amazing book, and not just because as soon as seeing the title I knew this was exactly the book I wanted to read for my Latin bridging work...
The characters fit together so well and seemed to represent different types of people from the time they were from. The insights and philosophies provided are so quotable and thought provoking and overall it was a lovely read.
This was an amazing book, and not just because as soon as seeing the title I knew this was exactly the book I wanted to read for my Latin bridging work...
The characters fit together so well and seemed to represent different types of people from the time they were from. The insights and philosophies provided are so quotable and thought provoking and overall it was a lovely read.
I read this because of my interest in Pompeii/Herculaneum/the Vesuvius/etc.
However, I cannot say I found this novel an enjoyable read.
The characters were not so much fictional people as they were caricatures (either they're really really good/heroic/admirable/courageous... or they're really really awful/selfish/cruel/greedy...). The plot was more than predictable (and I am not talking about the vulcano erupting, because I'm pretty sure we all saw that one coming, why else would you read this book in the first place). Honestly, I could not care any less about what happened to the hero (/his love interest/co-workers/acquaintances) or the bad guy.
I do appreciate the research put into this work and the insights it gave me, but as to the story itself: I was glad it was over.
However, I cannot say I found this novel an enjoyable read.
The characters were not so much fictional people as they were caricatures (either they're really really good/heroic/admirable/courageous... or they're really really awful/selfish/cruel/greedy...). The plot was more than predictable (and I am not talking about the vulcano erupting, because I'm pretty sure we all saw that one coming, why else would you read this book in the first place). Honestly, I could not care any less about what happened to the hero (/his love interest/co-workers/acquaintances) or the bad guy.
Spoiler
The hero doesn't die, but frankly, if he had, I would've been more pleased. He was too much of a goody goody two shoes to be anything but annoying.I do appreciate the research put into this work and the insights it gave me, but as to the story itself: I was glad it was over.
Well-researched and interesting. Surprisingly compelling villain, considering the main plot point is assumed to be the volcano.
Historisch. Was leerzaam en vooral heel spannend. Ik ga meer van deze auteur lezen!
Even though everyone knows what happened to Pompeii, this is still an enjoyable read.
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I first read this when it came out 20 years ago, and was inspired to reread after visiting Pompeii.
It's gripping and fast-paced with silly characters - the nerdy engineer who turns into an action hero when the plot demands; the corrupt property developer who likes earthquakes because they destroy the competition; his one dimensional daughter who conveniently emerges from a pool in her underwear.
Some aspects haven't aged well. Particularly the fatphobia, biphobia, dismissal of sex work and an horrific dead wife and baby scene.
This made me laugh: "Something's happening to the mountain. I'm not sure what. Exomnius suspected it weeks ago. It's as if...it's coming alive. You'll be safer in Pompeii."
It's gripping and fast-paced with silly characters - the nerdy engineer who turns into an action hero when the plot demands; the corrupt property developer who likes earthquakes because they destroy the competition; his one dimensional daughter who conveniently emerges from a pool in her underwear.
Some aspects haven't aged well. Particularly the fatphobia, biphobia, dismissal of sex work and an horrific dead wife and baby scene.
This made me laugh: "Something's happening to the mountain. I'm not sure what. Exomnius suspected it weeks ago. It's as if...it's coming alive. You'll be safer in Pompeii."
I only read this because we were going to visit Vesuvius and I wanted some background, but I loved this historic retelling of the eruption of Pompeii. This is based on a legend, but the book does a great job of weaving together the factual data and character development.