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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I first enjoyed this series when I was much younger, and it was one of the influences that turned me into an amateur Rome enthusiast. After seven years learning Latin, quite a few Roman histories, and listening to Dan Carlin's excellent Death Throes of the Republic' series of his 'Hardcore History' podcast, I got the urge to revisit the novels that started it all off.
I'm pleased to report that The Gates of Rome is just as fresh and exciting now as it was to ten-year-old me. Iggulden's fictionalisation is excellent, thankfully devoid of cliché and with well-rounded characters. Yes, he uses considerable artistic license with dates and events (Marius died when Caesar was 12, of natural causes! Caesar's dad died as he bent to tie his shoelaces, not in a battle to defend his estate!), but this is by-the-by. I want a historical novel, not a history.
I did pick up on some minor annoyances though: for example, it may sound petty but Romans did not shake hands, as Iggulden has them do a few times during the course of the novel - the custom was to clasp forearms. I told you it was petty, but I can't help thinking that it wouldn't have been much of a sacrifice to get this detail right. Secondly, I feel here was some simplification of the characters of Marius and Sulla. There was no explanation of the origin of their enmity - their rivalry over the Jugurthan campaign could have been mentioned in passing, at least. There is also one point where soldiers from the Primigenia swear to fight on for Marius' cause, but it isn't explained what his cause is. It is earlier suggested that their soldiers' loyalty was so strong because Marius had abolished the land-requirement for joining the military, but the impression I got was that the Primigenia (like Marius himself) were only really in it for the treasure and glory - strange that they should fight to the death.
Nonetheless, a hugely enjoyable read. I will look forward to continuing the series.
I'm pleased to report that The Gates of Rome is just as fresh and exciting now as it was to ten-year-old me. Iggulden's fictionalisation is excellent, thankfully devoid of cliché and with well-rounded characters. Yes, he uses considerable artistic license with dates and events (Marius died when Caesar was 12, of natural causes! Caesar's dad died as he bent to tie his shoelaces, not in a battle to defend his estate!), but this is by-the-by. I want a historical novel, not a history.
I did pick up on some minor annoyances though: for example, it may sound petty but Romans did not shake hands, as Iggulden has them do a few times during the course of the novel - the custom was to clasp forearms. I told you it was petty, but I can't help thinking that it wouldn't have been much of a sacrifice to get this detail right. Secondly, I feel here was some simplification of the characters of Marius and Sulla. There was no explanation of the origin of their enmity - their rivalry over the Jugurthan campaign could have been mentioned in passing, at least. There is also one point where soldiers from the Primigenia swear to fight on for Marius' cause, but it isn't explained what his cause is. It is earlier suggested that their soldiers' loyalty was so strong because Marius had abolished the land-requirement for joining the military, but the impression I got was that the Primigenia (like Marius himself) were only really in it for the treasure and glory - strange that they should fight to the death.
Nonetheless, a hugely enjoyable read. I will look forward to continuing the series.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audiobook
Overall, if one can overcome the obvious historical inaccuracies, then it is an enjoyable story of Gaius and Marcus. It kept my interest and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Overall, if one can overcome the obvious historical inaccuracies, then it is an enjoyable story of Gaius and Marcus. It kept my interest and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
I enjoyed this for the most part. The characters weren't incredibly deep, and not particularly likeable, one of the downsides of writing about real people. The battles were many, and ok. Not as raunchy as some books, but had some scenes I could do without. I may read the sequel, but not right away.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes