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ninjamuse's review
4.0
In brief: Gaius Marcellinus has finally adjusted to life in the Native city-state of Cahokia. Mostly. He still believes the Roman Army will try for conquest again, that the nations of Nova Hesperia must unite to face them, and it’s his duty to Roma to make this happen. The Cahokians? Not so sure. Second in a series.
Thoughts: Whee! This is a well thought-out alternate history, and very fun to read. Smale’s managed not only to realistically, sympathetically recreate a Native culture and to portray the impacts Roman contact could have on one (literacy! infantry! saunas!), but he also tackles big issues like ethics, racism, sexism, colonialism, and autonomy and does them well. And it’s pretty fast-paced too, for a book that spans years! With some very excellent battle scenes, a good bit of travel narrative, and a balanced romance.
Also the Cahokians have an air combat division, which sort of makes everything better, even if I have to wonder if they actually did.
7/10
Thoughts: Whee! This is a well thought-out alternate history, and very fun to read. Smale’s managed not only to realistically, sympathetically recreate a Native culture and to portray the impacts Roman contact could have on one (literacy! infantry! saunas!), but he also tackles big issues like ethics, racism, sexism, colonialism, and autonomy and does them well. And it’s pretty fast-paced too, for a book that spans years! With some very excellent battle scenes, a good bit of travel narrative, and a balanced romance.
Also the Cahokians have an air combat division, which sort of makes everything better, even if I have to wonder if they actually did.
7/10
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