The early fifth century. The Western Roman Empire has been overrun by German tribes. Too weak to expel them, the Imperial government has been forced to grant federate status to the invaders. Aetius, the last of the great Roman generals, becomes the virtual ruler of the West over the heads of a vicious but weak emperor and his ambitious mother. In a series of brilliant campaigns, he takes on the German tribes and forces them to settle down peacefully. Meanwhile, his old friend Attila, leader of the Huns, launches a devastating attack on the Eastern Empire, before turning on the West. He is confronted by Aetius, now his bitter enemy. In the epic battle which ensues, Attila is beaten and dies soon after. Time runs out for Aetius too when he is murdered by his jealous emperor. The empires of both the Romans and the Huns rapidly disintegrate into chaos. This arresting historical novel deals with the rivalry between two great men whose friendship turns to enmity as one (Attila) becomes corrupted by power, while the other (Aetius) is ennobled by it. Ross Laidlaw's masterful portrayal of these two figures is based on his intimate knowledge of the times and is written in a narrative style that vividly evokes the brutality, decadence and desperation of this fascinating period of history.
Attila: The Scourge of God
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Review
‘A tremendous story . . . the incursion into the empire of the strangest and most frightening of the barbarian invaders – and he tells it with great verve and vigour. His prose has a pace, he has a keen eye for the significant detail, and manages the big scenes confidently.’ (The Scotsman )
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About the Author
Ross Laidlaw was born in Aberdeen and educated at Cambridge University. He has worked and travelled extensively in Southern Africa and currently lives in East Lothian. He has published a number of novels, including the much acclaimed The Lion is Rampant (1979), The Linton Porcupine (1984) and Aphra Behn - Dispatch'd from Athole (1992).
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By S. Lavigne
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Probably the best historical novel based on a Roman Empire setting I have read since "I, Claudius" by Robert Graves.
The strength of this book lies in the research work that was performed by the author. The story takes place during the downfall of the Empire and provides a lot of insight on the political situation of that period. The story itself is interesting but the character development was a bit too idealistic for my tastes, although this does not impair on the overall quality of the historical portrayal made by the author.
The strength of this book lies in the research work that was performed by the author. The story takes place during the downfall of the Empire and provides a lot of insight on the political situation of that period. The story itself is interesting but the character development was a bit too idealistic for my tastes, although this does not impair on the overall quality of the historical portrayal made by the author.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.7 out of 5 stars
3 reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Well Researched and Well Written Book
Feb 7 2005
By J. Chippindale
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This is a book to get your teeth into, not something to pick up and put down. It is a book about two great men, Attila, King of the Huns and Flavius Aetius one of the great Roman Generals, friends, who turn into bitter enemies.
The book is set in the early 5th century. The German tribes are overrunning the Western parts of the Roman Empire. Nothing and no one can stop the might of their forces. The government of Rome is forced to grant them federate status.
Aetius becomes the power in Rome even over the heads of a weak and viscious emperor and his mother. In a series of campaigns he takes on the might of the Huns and forces them to settle peacefully. His one time friend Attila, now his bitter enemy launches an attack on the Eastern part of the empire and in the ensuring battle both men have everything to lose if they are defeated.
The novel portrays brilliantly the brutality of war and the blatant disregard for human life in this period of history and is a must for anyone interested in that period.
The book is set in the early 5th century. The German tribes are overrunning the Western parts of the Roman Empire. Nothing and no one can stop the might of their forces. The government of Rome is forced to grant them federate status.
Aetius becomes the power in Rome even over the heads of a weak and viscious emperor and his mother. In a series of campaigns he takes on the might of the Huns and forces them to settle peacefully. His one time friend Attila, now his bitter enemy launches an attack on the Eastern part of the empire and in the ensuring battle both men have everything to lose if they are defeated.
The novel portrays brilliantly the brutality of war and the blatant disregard for human life in this period of history and is a must for anyone interested in that period.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a very good read
Jan 9 2008
By T. J. Miller
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
well researched with interesting notations and nice little side stories within the main plot. Well worth the time & price.
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not up to par!
April 2 2007
By D. DesLauriers
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been reading historical fiction for a while. Pressfield is to Grrek history as Cornwell is to ancient Brit. However, this writer is neither. The story rambles, stumbles and falls several times per chapter. I make it a practice to never quit on a book, and this one tested my resolve. Attila must be turning in his grave!
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Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews
3.7 out of 5 stars
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