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motionsickgayboy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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? Yes
4.5
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book because it interested me and I like to watch television shows on this type of genre. In the beginning I was enthralled by the story and what was happening. Yet I then became distracted and put the book down. In fact, I stopped at chapter 6 and did not come back to the book for a while. If it was not because of my interest and the fact that I wanted to give this book once more chance then I would have stopped.
Marcellinus did nothing for me in the beginning. It took a while for me to warm up to him. If it was not for the story itself and the other characters and Marcellinus interaction with the land then I would have stopped reading.
Also, I can admire the author's expanded vocabulary but I could have done without the big words like "ignominiously" and "contemptuous". They did not really add to the story other than to just seem like the author was showing off. Overall, a slow start but it does pick up as the story progresses.
Marcellinus did nothing for me in the beginning. It took a while for me to warm up to him. If it was not for the story itself and the other characters and Marcellinus interaction with the land then I would have stopped reading.
Also, I can admire the author's expanded vocabulary but I could have done without the big words like "ignominiously" and "contemptuous". They did not really add to the story other than to just seem like the author was showing off. Overall, a slow start but it does pick up as the story progresses.
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I like alternate history books. What if this, what if that? In this what if Rome never fell, instead it continued to conquer and spread its wings. And now the Northmen whose countries they also conquered bring tales about the land across the sea. Let's go forth and conquer.
But let's think about it, yes they can send a legion, but they are still alone in a vast land, getting picked of one by one. Yes they do have superior skills in some ways, but as you can see from the blurb it all goes to hell and Gaius is the only one left standing...
I admit, I know nothing about early American history, north at least. I know more about South American, I do know what the Hopi was up to, but this, nope, nothing. Like those mounds that Gaius come across and the author gave them more of a history now. And came up with some new interesting things too.
Of course this will all go to hell again wont it. Like Rome would let it go like that, like they let anything go. And then there is the fighting between tribes. I have no idea what this series will end like...no idea at all. But then he can invent anything really. I wonder if Rome will go fight the Aztects next. Ok I am digressing.
So this is a book about a stranger in a strange land, he needs to leans customs, language, and staying alive. He learns to appreciate a new culture all while knowing they might be doomed.
Interesting.
But let's think about it, yes they can send a legion, but they are still alone in a vast land, getting picked of one by one. Yes they do have superior skills in some ways, but as you can see from the blurb it all goes to hell and Gaius is the only one left standing...
I admit, I know nothing about early American history, north at least. I know more about South American, I do know what the Hopi was up to, but this, nope, nothing. Like those mounds that Gaius come across and the author gave them more of a history now. And came up with some new interesting things too.
Of course this will all go to hell again wont it. Like Rome would let it go like that, like they let anything go. And then there is the fighting between tribes. I have no idea what this series will end like...no idea at all. But then he can invent anything really. I wonder if Rome will go fight the Aztects next. Ok I am digressing.
So this is a book about a stranger in a strange land, he needs to leans customs, language, and staying alive. He learns to appreciate a new culture all while knowing they might be doomed.
Interesting.
beingshort's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
fantasyfunk's review against another edition
3.0
Overall I liked this book well enough. The main character was sympathetic, the action scenes were fantastic, and it moved along at a decent pace. But something kept me from becoming fully engrossed in the story.
It was good. Just not great.
I feel like this is slightly unfair, because I can't really put my finger on why I didn't love this book more. I think it might slightly stem from the fact that this book wasn't really what I was predicting when I started it. As much as it's an alternative history about the Romans fighting Native Americans, Roman culture feels really left behind. The book to me read more like Dances with Wolves, only this time it's a Roman falling in love with Native American culture.
Not that this is all a bad thing. The Cahokian culture is definitely well-researched and thought out (with a slight glossing over the why of their alternative history technological advances). In comparison, the Roman culture is just as well-researched, at least militarily, but it seems to have stagnated at the height of the Empire even though it's now 1218 A.D. So much in me railed against the fact that apparently the world didn't miss out on anything with the fall of the Empire. I just can't believe this to be true and I think it had a lot to do with the book falling flat for me. It would have worked a lot better to say what if one of the earlier emperors had a secret exploring itch and sent a legion west.
If the premise of the book sounds interesting to you, I still recommend you pick it up and give it a shot. I think I'm having a weird personal issue with the premise and the "what if" of the book which of course is the whole point. =) Most of the actual story seemed to work quite well although I think more POVs would also have made the book stronger, especially a Native American POV since the book seemed so centered around their culture. I'm not sure if I'll be picking up the next one as my TBR pile is a mountain, but I don't think I would walk away if I saw it on sale.
It was good. Just not great.
I feel like this is slightly unfair, because I can't really put my finger on why I didn't love this book more. I think it might slightly stem from the fact that this book wasn't really what I was predicting when I started it. As much as it's an alternative history about the Romans fighting Native Americans, Roman culture feels really left behind. The book to me read more like Dances with Wolves, only this time it's a Roman falling in love with Native American culture.
Not that this is all a bad thing. The Cahokian culture is definitely well-researched and thought out (with a slight glossing over the why of their alternative history technological advances). In comparison, the Roman culture is just as well-researched, at least militarily, but it seems to have stagnated at the height of the Empire even though it's now 1218 A.D. So much in me railed against the fact that apparently the world didn't miss out on anything with the fall of the Empire. I just can't believe this to be true and I think it had a lot to do with the book falling flat for me. It would have worked a lot better to say what if one of the earlier emperors had a secret exploring itch and sent a legion west.
If the premise of the book sounds interesting to you, I still recommend you pick it up and give it a shot. I think I'm having a weird personal issue with the premise and the "what if" of the book which of course is the whole point. =) Most of the actual story seemed to work quite well although I think more POVs would also have made the book stronger, especially a Native American POV since the book seemed so centered around their culture. I'm not sure if I'll be picking up the next one as my TBR pile is a mountain, but I don't think I would walk away if I saw it on sale.
emnii's review against another edition
4.0
If you're of the type that believes the 'Fantasy' genre must strictly remain within the realm of medieval drama, or swords & sorcery, this book might not be for you. It's deep within 'Alternate History' or 'Historical Fiction', but it's not without its own speculations. It may even be 'Military Fantasy'. Regardless, what drew me to Clash of Eagles was its premise of a Roman empire that doesn't end and its first encounters with Native American societies, and it turns out to be a pretty good read.
In Clash of Eagles, the story follows Gaius Publius Marcellinus, Roman Praetor, as he leads the 33rd Fighting Legion deep into Nova Hesperia (known to us as North America) where he searches for cities of gold, or anything else of worth to Roma. Marcillenus and his legion carve a bloody path deep into Nova Hesperia, but they reach the city of Cahokia low on supplies. The Cahokians, however, are not unprepared to welcome the legion with arms and weapons unseen by any Roman, and Marcellinus's legion is wiped out. He is spared from the slaughter, but then must cope as the only Roman in Nova Hesperia, literally surrounded by a foreign people and culture.
Since Roman and Cahokian societies are not complete unknowns, the novel wisely draws on history for details like how a Roman legion marches across a continent, and how Cahokians lived. Being a fictional encounter, some bits and pieces are obviously extrapolated from history books, but Smale provides appendices on Cahokian society, Roman military operations and terms, and further reading on both subjects. This background really makes the story feel right. The Romans are expansionists, and Nova Hesperia is just another land to be subjugated and conquered. Even after his defeat, Marcellinus considers how Cahokia will serve Roma when the next legion arrives. However, the Cahokians are not simple savages as Marcellinus believes at the start, and their seemingly disorganized response handily trumps his legion without much contest.
Marcellinus is an interesting character. Early on, he's portrayed as a tough, but pragmatic leader. After his defeat and rehabilitation, the toughness must necessarily fall away but he remains pragmatic. Smale excellently portrays him as a fish out of water, but still trying to swim. The question of his loyalties comes up often and it's dealt with in a realistic manner. His internal conflicts are convincing as he must face how he got to where he is, and what he intends on doing now that he's there.
The Cahokians are likewise well portrayed. Early on, their motives are fairly inscrutable. Marcellinus can't necessarily communicate with them, and I was also left wondering why they would keep him alive. As the story progresses, the communication barriers are lowered and different forms of cooperation begin. If it seems like I'm glossing over some of the Cahokian's names, its because some of the twists in the story involve the roles of the characters. While Marcellinus is the clear leader of the invading Roman army, Cahokian society is more complex and the power struggle between Cahokians and their captive is part of the plot.
Being a story about the invasion of Romans on North American territories, Clash of Eagles is full of conflict. Again, the historical references to what is known about how Roman military operation and Cahokian society give the battles a feeling of authenticity. There are speculative elements in some of the Native American weaponry, but it's all fairly restrained. The descriptions of the battles are clear and well-written. They are simultaneously chaotic but not impossible to follow since the perspective is largely focused on Marcellinus and what happens around him.
If there were one thing I would change about the story it is that it ends rather abruptly and without a clear resolution. Between the Iroqua and the potential return of the Romans, the Cahokians have no lack of enemies and none of them are completely resolved. However, I am willing to forgive this open-ended conclusion as this book is the first of a trilogy. Still, I didn't feel the brakes until I noticed that I was approaching the last 20 pages, and it felt like there was enough momentum to go for another 50.
Clash of Eagles excellently weaves a story of two cultures colliding with a respect to historical background. Perhaps I am a bit biased as I live close enough to the Cahokia region that I've visited their ancient mounds, but Clash of Eagles is an excellent start to this trilogy and I want more.
In Clash of Eagles, the story follows Gaius Publius Marcellinus, Roman Praetor, as he leads the 33rd Fighting Legion deep into Nova Hesperia (known to us as North America) where he searches for cities of gold, or anything else of worth to Roma. Marcillenus and his legion carve a bloody path deep into Nova Hesperia, but they reach the city of Cahokia low on supplies. The Cahokians, however, are not unprepared to welcome the legion with arms and weapons unseen by any Roman, and Marcellinus's legion is wiped out. He is spared from the slaughter, but then must cope as the only Roman in Nova Hesperia, literally surrounded by a foreign people and culture.
Since Roman and Cahokian societies are not complete unknowns, the novel wisely draws on history for details like how a Roman legion marches across a continent, and how Cahokians lived. Being a fictional encounter, some bits and pieces are obviously extrapolated from history books, but Smale provides appendices on Cahokian society, Roman military operations and terms, and further reading on both subjects. This background really makes the story feel right. The Romans are expansionists, and Nova Hesperia is just another land to be subjugated and conquered. Even after his defeat, Marcellinus considers how Cahokia will serve Roma when the next legion arrives. However, the Cahokians are not simple savages as Marcellinus believes at the start, and their seemingly disorganized response handily trumps his legion without much contest.
Marcellinus is an interesting character. Early on, he's portrayed as a tough, but pragmatic leader. After his defeat and rehabilitation, the toughness must necessarily fall away but he remains pragmatic. Smale excellently portrays him as a fish out of water, but still trying to swim. The question of his loyalties comes up often and it's dealt with in a realistic manner. His internal conflicts are convincing as he must face how he got to where he is, and what he intends on doing now that he's there.
The Cahokians are likewise well portrayed. Early on, their motives are fairly inscrutable. Marcellinus can't necessarily communicate with them, and I was also left wondering why they would keep him alive. As the story progresses, the communication barriers are lowered and different forms of cooperation begin. If it seems like I'm glossing over some of the Cahokian's names, its because some of the twists in the story involve the roles of the characters. While Marcellinus is the clear leader of the invading Roman army, Cahokian society is more complex and the power struggle between Cahokians and their captive is part of the plot.
Being a story about the invasion of Romans on North American territories, Clash of Eagles is full of conflict. Again, the historical references to what is known about how Roman military operation and Cahokian society give the battles a feeling of authenticity. There are speculative elements in some of the Native American weaponry, but it's all fairly restrained. The descriptions of the battles are clear and well-written. They are simultaneously chaotic but not impossible to follow since the perspective is largely focused on Marcellinus and what happens around him.
If there were one thing I would change about the story it is that it ends rather abruptly and without a clear resolution. Between the Iroqua and the potential return of the Romans, the Cahokians have no lack of enemies and none of them are completely resolved. However, I am willing to forgive this open-ended conclusion as this book is the first of a trilogy. Still, I didn't feel the brakes until I noticed that I was approaching the last 20 pages, and it felt like there was enough momentum to go for another 50.
Clash of Eagles excellently weaves a story of two cultures colliding with a respect to historical background. Perhaps I am a bit biased as I live close enough to the Cahokia region that I've visited their ancient mounds, but Clash of Eagles is an excellent start to this trilogy and I want more.
kortirion's review against another edition
1.0
This is alternate fiction that explores some interesting what-ifs. What if the Roman Empire didn't fall, but stayed in power till the 1300s when the Vikings were a thing, and then the Romans went to the Americas to conquer (or attempt to conquer) the native people there? It's an interesting idea but the execution is bogged down by a complete lack of character development, an obsession with battle tactics and technology, and the idea that one single Roman could bring so many new technologies to another culture.
romanvs91's review
3.0
Could be better
I began this book for the premise. It’s an interesting alternative history, but pretty soon it just becomes a tale of a man from a technologically advanced society joining one which he thinks is less advanced, but discovers that is is not.
I began this book for the premise. It’s an interesting alternative history, but pretty soon it just becomes a tale of a man from a technologically advanced society joining one which he thinks is less advanced, but discovers that is is not.
pakebrokenshire's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25