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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Эта книга заставляет меня задуматься зачем вообще я учился читать если трачу время на такое?
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Not much of a mystery in this one, especially for those who know the history surrounding the latter days of the Roman Republic. In fact, Decius Ceacilius Metellus the Younger discovers the culprits rather quickly, and spent most of the book inserting himself within their ranks to unravel their conspiracy in service to the State, quite on his own initiative. Decius's character improved from he previous book, I think, but he still has a weakness for beautiful women (which I don't blame him for), and remarkably seems to stumble into important historical events and famous/infamous historical figures quite often. I'd read another book a while back on this same subject, Steven Saylor's [b:Catilina's Riddle|102715|Catilina's Riddle (Roma Sub Rosa, #3)|Steven Saylor|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390066117s/102715.jpg|99033]. I enjoyed it far more, and found Saylor's take on it and mystery he developed around the Catiline Conspiracy superior, though Roberts's take with Decius was still entertaining, especially the incorporation of Decius's responsibilities as quaestor, and along with other rituals he must perform. Clodius is still a nasty little thorn, and I rather enjoy Roberts's fictional take on this historical figure.
I'm re-reading this old series which I've owned for 25 years. I've also re-read it many times which means I like it. But I feel differently after reading it this time with fresh eyes.
Spoilers/Summary: Our protagonist Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is an amateur sleuth in ancient Republican Rome. He solves mysteries, murders and political conspiracies. He's a nobleman which means we see ancient Rome from an aristocratic point of view. In a sense, he's a time travel guide giving us a contemporary lowdown to Republican Rome's politics, culture and historical figures from his point of view. I mean that's basically why I like the series, because he's guiding us through Rome as if I time traveled back a few thousand years with a chatty guide.
In this book he infiltrates the Catiline conspiracy which is the historical attempt of Catilina to overthrow the government. I've always enjoyed this book but in the latest reading I find the plot a bit simplistic. Decius infiltrates the conspiracy and acts as an undercover conspirator but the way that he does it is a bit simplistic and overly easy. But this book is only 288 pages and I expect a more realistic rendition would run 3-4 times as long. As it is, it's a light hearted and at times irreverent piece of historical fiction dealing with an actual event.
To use another reviewer's words, I learned a lot about ancient Rome and its culture, events and festivals and enjoyed it!
Spoilers/Summary: Our protagonist Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is an amateur sleuth in ancient Republican Rome. He solves mysteries, murders and political conspiracies. He's a nobleman which means we see ancient Rome from an aristocratic point of view. In a sense, he's a time travel guide giving us a contemporary lowdown to Republican Rome's politics, culture and historical figures from his point of view. I mean that's basically why I like the series, because he's guiding us through Rome as if I time traveled back a few thousand years with a chatty guide.
In this book he infiltrates the Catiline conspiracy which is the historical attempt of Catilina to overthrow the government. I've always enjoyed this book but in the latest reading I find the plot a bit simplistic. Decius infiltrates the conspiracy and acts as an undercover conspirator but the way that he does it is a bit simplistic and overly easy. But this book is only 288 pages and I expect a more realistic rendition would run 3-4 times as long. As it is, it's a light hearted and at times irreverent piece of historical fiction dealing with an actual event.
To use another reviewer's words, I learned a lot about ancient Rome and its culture, events and festivals and enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this second installment of J.M. Roberts' SPQR series. Though I was familiar with Catilina's character (the bearded suspects were no suspense for me anymore), there were a lot of very good parts in the novel; I had a good fill of history, witticisms, useful Latin adages, and plain clever humor (that made me laugh out loud a number of times).
The Catiline Conspiracy makes me look forward to the third book in this series, which is a great thing. It only means more of Ancient Rome for me.
The Catiline Conspiracy makes me look forward to the third book in this series, which is a great thing. It only means more of Ancient Rome for me.
Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is back in Rome, and although he is in charge of the treasury now, a chance discovery leads him to a conspiracy to topple the Roman government. When he links this to a series of murders, Decius' investigations lead him into a dangerous game of spying and infiltration that could lead to his own demise or that of one of his oldest allies.
Another excellent mystery set in the time of Rome. The complex nature of Roman society is easily explained by the author, yet the reader is not left feeling that they are reading a textbook. A great read for mystery and historical fiction fans.
Another excellent mystery set in the time of Rome. The complex nature of Roman society is easily explained by the author, yet the reader is not left feeling that they are reading a textbook. A great read for mystery and historical fiction fans.
Decius is back in Rome and almost immediately stumbles on a conspiracy against the state. He falls in with Catiline to investigate the grumblings of men who think they are being denied their birth right to rule by new men like Cicero. Bodies pile up as the conspiracy moves forward Decius himself is expected to prove his loyalty to the cabal by killing a friend.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What starts out as a mystery involving the deaths of several money lenders, expands into a conspiracy to pull down the Republic of Rome. Decius makes for an interesting investigative character, but it's the day to day like in ancient Rome that makes the book most interesting. The author put a lot of time into researching roman law, social structure, religions and mores.
Second in this very interesting series is a take on one of the most confusing incidents of ancient Roman history. Roberts' take on it offers new perspective on the subject and it is a fascinating read.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No