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nwhyte's review against another edition
http://nhw.livejournal.com/857436.html[return][return]The story of Vercingetorix vs Julius Caesar, not really successful because Spinrad can't quite make up his mind whether it is fantasy or not, and whether it is for adults or young adults.
souljaleonn's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
brian's review
3.0
Mix of historical fiction and fantasy as Vercingetorix goes up against the Roman legions of Caesar.
As the tribes of Gaul are split into disparate groups, Vercingetorix tries to unify them to fight against the invading Romans.
Lots of portents and visions as he learns the ways of the druids to guide his people, and also learns from Caesar how to wage a war.
The story flows quite well from one scene to another, but some of the characters could use more fleshing out. One of them always shouts they should go heroically to meet the armies of Rome and another says they should wait and see, while Vercingetorix tries to find a middle ground.
The Romans are done similarly, while a younger Brutus is there for Caesar to explain his plans to.
As the tribes of Gaul are split into disparate groups, Vercingetorix tries to unify them to fight against the invading Romans.
Lots of portents and visions as he learns the ways of the druids to guide his people, and also learns from Caesar how to wage a war.
The story flows quite well from one scene to another, but some of the characters could use more fleshing out. One of them always shouts they should go heroically to meet the armies of Rome and another says they should wait and see, while Vercingetorix tries to find a middle ground.
The Romans are done similarly, while a younger Brutus is there for Caesar to explain his plans to.
jameseckman's review
4.0
This might be Spinrad's only historical novel, it's a smashing one! I wouldn't want to see the movie though because I'm sure Hollywood would mess it up.
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