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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I was surprised to read that this was Conn Iggulden's first novel. He did a bang up job as a new novelist.
He begins the story of Julius Caesar when Julius (Gaius as he was known as a child) was still a young boy living on his father's minor estate. From there we follow him, and his childhood companion Marcus into the city of Rome and their immersion into the politics and the pitfalls of the city. Young Marcus, with no money of his own, and no family to help him rise, is the fist to join the legions and head out to make his name in the military.
Julius remains in the city and is taken under the wing of his mother's brother, a consul of Rome and a great General.
But Julius's life is thrown into doubt when Marius and his rival General Sulla, fight over Rome itself.
Colorful and nicely written, the time, the city and the boys come to life.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book was very readable and enjoyable. I cannot like the way he has messed with historical facts, but I will certainly read more by this author.
Interesting and complex story told very well, will be adding the rest of Emperor to my must-read list.
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
This guy is now my favourite author. He always pulls you into the storyline with effortless ease. I feel I know the characters and want to grab a sword to fight alongside them. His Civil War books were excellent but this series promises to be even better and I've already started book 2.
This book is an excellent start to an equally excellent series. The Gates of Rome follows the life of a young Julius Caesar. The tale starts off with the young man being brought up in Roman society, and leads to him becoming integrated in the affairs of the city. Iggulden allows the reader to watch Caesar grow up from a boy to a man, a man who will later change the Roman Republic forever. This is a good book to read if you want to try Historical Fiction, or are a classicist wanting to explore modern conceptions on Caesar. You can allow yourself to immerse in this important and gripping period in history. Overall, this book is a fantastic addition to historical fiction and worth reading.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced