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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Entertaining. The prose is functional. Speaking about the complete series, I did appreciate the overall arc of the story and how it explained Brutus's motivation and Julius's personality, but I do wish there were fewer liberties taken with the known history. There were some glaring anachronisms- in particular there's a mention of Roman soldiers eating corn mush, which really shook my confidence in the author's historicity. This slip up was in the first novel of the series, and I read the remainder of the series with the feeling of "yeah but, ..." never really daring to believe anything I was reading, because if you can put corn in Europe 50 BC, what other things might you mix up?
***3 1/2 Stars***
[b:Emperor: The Gates of Rome: A Novel of Julius Caesar|6868339|Emperor The Gates of Rome A Novel of Julius Caesar|Conn Iggulden|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320459282s/6868339.jpg|1808829] really flew by for me, and I was very engaged in the story of the early lives of Julius Caesar and his good friend, Brutus. Having virtually no knowledge of the young characters prior to reading this book, I felt that Iggulden brought history to life, especially the battles, in an entertaining way where the reader learns in spite of themselves. It was almost like reading a movie script--the dialogue between the characters was often witty and sometimes foretold the future. Unlike some historical fiction novels tackling ancient Rome, this book was easy to follow, and though filled with colorful characters it was possible to keep those characters straight in the reader's mind without creating a detailed chart showing the hierarchy of the Roman Senate. The only real complaint I have about this book is that there were some liberties taken with known historical events that may have seemed necessary for the novel's plot line, but threw me off as a reader a bit. I'm also a lover of some sappy romance thrown in, so we'll have to see if there is more of that in the rest of the series. I'll probably read more, because the characters' are so passionate about every aspect of life that you can't help but be drawn into their world.
[b:Emperor: The Gates of Rome: A Novel of Julius Caesar|6868339|Emperor The Gates of Rome A Novel of Julius Caesar|Conn Iggulden|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320459282s/6868339.jpg|1808829] really flew by for me, and I was very engaged in the story of the early lives of Julius Caesar and his good friend, Brutus. Having virtually no knowledge of the young characters prior to reading this book, I felt that Iggulden brought history to life, especially the battles, in an entertaining way where the reader learns in spite of themselves. It was almost like reading a movie script--the dialogue between the characters was often witty and sometimes foretold the future. Unlike some historical fiction novels tackling ancient Rome, this book was easy to follow, and though filled with colorful characters it was possible to keep those characters straight in the reader's mind without creating a detailed chart showing the hierarchy of the Roman Senate. The only real complaint I have about this book is that there were some liberties taken with known historical events that may have seemed necessary for the novel's plot line, but threw me off as a reader a bit. I'm also a lover of some sappy romance thrown in, so we'll have to see if there is more of that in the rest of the series. I'll probably read more, because the characters' are so passionate about every aspect of life that you can't help but be drawn into their world.
I don't have much to say about this book. This won't be much of a review as it will be a rant. I love historical fiction, but I don't like when people mess up with the 'historical' part and transform it mostly in fiction. I didn't care about the characters at all and I found the book extremely boring to read. I'll wait for the next ones, see if it gets better.
If you like tales of power, barbarism and loyalty, read this book.
The coming of age story of Gaius Julius Caesar, complete with juvenile spats and first sexual experiences. What it has over most coming of age stories is the killing and training to become a warrior.
Ancient Rome is a fascinating time and place to read about because while in many ways it seems to archaic and toxic in its patriarchal society, the similarity to modern civilization is boggling. It makes it more real (I mean, most of the events of Emperor are based in reality) and brings with a gratitude to the liberties that most of our 2020 world enjoy.
While Iggulden has taken massive liberties in the interests of crafting a flowing narrative, the details of the era shine through and make for splendid adornment over what is sometimes a story fueled by atavism.
Loved it. Excited to read the next one.
The coming of age story of Gaius Julius Caesar, complete with juvenile spats and first sexual experiences. What it has over most coming of age stories is the killing and training to become a warrior.
Ancient Rome is a fascinating time and place to read about because while in many ways it seems to archaic and toxic in its patriarchal society, the similarity to modern civilization is boggling. It makes it more real (I mean, most of the events of Emperor are based in reality) and brings with a gratitude to the liberties that most of our 2020 world enjoy.
While Iggulden has taken massive liberties in the interests of crafting a flowing narrative, the details of the era shine through and make for splendid adornment over what is sometimes a story fueled by atavism.
Loved it. Excited to read the next one.
Romarrikets historia berättad genom älskvärda karaktärer och proppat med en himla massa krig. Ja tack!
I won this book as a First Reads giveaway and I really enjoyed it. I've been reading a lot of heavy and somewhat disturbing books lately and this was a nice change of pace. It probably isn't a book I would've picked up on my own, but I'm glad I read it. That's the great thing about book giveaways and sometimes just reading what falls into your lap, you might discover something new. The Gates of Rome is an exciting, swashbuckling novel about the childhood and early adulthood of Julius Ceasar. The characters are great and I'm definitely going to pick up the other 3 books in the series to see how this turns out.
my first venture into historical fiction and should say it was a worthy one..!
will soon begin with the next book in the series.!
will soon begin with the next book in the series.!
Don't be fooled by the inexplicably good reviews, this book is crap. Nothing is right historically and Iggulden actively says he changes stuff for a better story. That should be a bad sign.
DNF. I wish I had the mental fortitude to finish it to tear it to shreds more effectively, but I don't.
DNF. I wish I had the mental fortitude to finish it to tear it to shreds more effectively, but I don't.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This introduces to the life of Julius Caesar and Marcus Brutus from childhood to their teen years, but this is a fictional take on it.
This is a cool way to get the story of the famous Emperor and his friend, though in the author's note he does admit that he had to change and tweak things. Historian probably struggle with finding enough information about this period in history. Gaius Julius and Marcus were relatable and likable male characters. They're frustrating, admirable, and sympathetic all in one. Renius, whom the author said is made up for the story, is a character whom I hated at first but grew appreciate later. His relationship with complex and endearing once he wasn't brutally training them. Marius is a character I have mixed feelings on. I like how we explore a little bit of other cultures like Greece and I assume this is historically accurate that Brutus went to Greece. The writing is simple and not flowery, but good descriptions. Since this is a war book so there is gore, but it is not overly detailed. It's the first book in a four book series, so it ends on a cliff hanger.
This is a cool way to get the story of the famous Emperor and his friend, though in the author's note he does admit that he had to change and tweak things. Historian probably struggle with finding enough information about this period in history. Gaius Julius and Marcus were relatable and likable male characters. They're frustrating, admirable, and sympathetic all in one. Renius, whom the author said is made up for the story, is a character whom I hated at first but grew appreciate later. His relationship with complex and endearing once he wasn't brutally training them. Marius is a character I have mixed feelings on. I like how we explore a little bit of other cultures like Greece and I assume this is historically accurate that Brutus went to Greece. The writing is simple and not flowery, but good descriptions. Since this is a war book so there is gore, but it is not overly detailed. It's the first book in a four book series, so it ends on a cliff hanger.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced