- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press (Sep 5 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0593065158
- ISBN-13: 978-0593065150
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 481 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #189,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
Praise for Douglas Jackson:
"If I were Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow, I'd be rather worried by the new kid on the block."
—Scotsman
"If I were Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow, I'd be rather worried by the new kid on the block."
—Scotsman
Product Description
The new book in the Roman trilogy, from the highly acclaimed historical novelist, Douglas Jackson.
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a 'Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was -- scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition. Nero calls on his 'Hero of Rome' to become a 'Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
Gaius Valerius Verrens returns to Rome from the successful campaign against Boudicca in Britain. Now hailed a 'Hero of Rome', Valerius is not the man he once was -- scarred both physically and emotionally by the battles he has fought, his sister is mortally ill, his father in self-imposed exile. And neither is Rome the same city as the one he left.
The Emperor Nero grows increasingly paranoid. Those who seek power for themselves whisper darkly in the emperor's ears. They speak of a new threat, one found within the walls of Rome itself. A new religious sect, the followers of Christus, deny Nero's divinity and are rumoured to be spreading sedition. Nero calls on his 'Hero of Rome' to become a 'Defender of Rome', to seek out this rebel sect, to capture their leader, a man known as Petrus. Failure would be to forfeit his life, and the lives of twenty thousands Judaeans living in Rome. But as Valerius begins his search, a quest which will take him to the edge of the empire, he will discover that success may cost him nearly as much as failure.
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4.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good but not his best!, Sep 19 2011
By Aristotle S Spencer - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
I have read all of Douglas Jackson's books and found `Hero of Rome' especially enjoyable. His sequel `Defender of Rome' left me disappointed.This book lacked the energy and passion that made his previous novel so successful. His main character `Valerius' excels in battle scenes of great magnitude. Such opportunities did not present themselves in this novel. The storyline is predominately based on politics and intrigue.
The subject matter of the early Christian Church and its persecution by the emperor Nero was a reasonable theme to pursue but, an author should enter such a highly sensitive topic with caution and especially when such an author is willing to add an `author's license' to these historical events.
It's clear that in the early church disagreements did take place between Paul and Peter over the inclusion of gentiles into the faith established by Christ. But, the author's willingness to portray Paul, a willing participant in the capture of Peter, knowing it would be followed by torture and execution by the emperor's decree, is an author's licence taken too far.
Would an author of fiction take the same licence with Muhammad and the Islamic faith?
I look forward to Douglas Jackson's next novel where his main character `Valerius' can be portrayed at his best, in battle scenes that threaten the Roman Empire.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Political intrigue and evil in Rome, Mar 4 2012
By J. Groen "Jerry Groen" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This book is a sequel to the book, Hero of Rome, which you should read prior to this one. It continues with the experiences of Valerius, the Hero of Rome.In this book, Valerius is in Rome and summoned by Nero and told that he has a task - which will impact his future (life or death). His task is to find the leader of a "rebellious sect" known as Christians. Their leader is called "Petrus" or to many of us, St. Peter.
The remainder of the book is spent on Valerius' attempts to find St. Peter, his run ins with the Pratorian Guard and their evil and corrupt and dangerous leaders and his travels to Seneca's villa, the Danube and finally to the villa of Neros wife's family outside of Naples. It is at this final location that the climatic struggle occurs between Valerius and his men and the leaders of the Pratorian Guard and 20 of their men.
Nero is depicted properly as the personification of evil. He is sickly gross, maniacal, sadistic, etc. There is no reprehensible action that is beyond his capability. At one point, he makes sexual overtures to Valerius while in drag. At another point, he revels in the Christians being eaten by lions. And then, he sickly enjoys the burning of Christians who are tied to stakes and covered with pitch. Around him, as expected are further reprehensible individuals including his leader of Pratorian Guard plus his second in command.
On the other side, St. Peter is depicted as a strong but saintly individual who is very hard to find. However, at the end, he agrees to come back with Valerius and be turned in because Nero has threatened to kill 20,000 Jews in Rome if St. Peter doesn't give himself up.
There are some criticisms of this book that I have and the reason that I can't given it the highest marks. First, the book depicts St. Paul as a conniving individual who is in cahouts with Seneca - highly unbelievable, at least for me. Second, the traditional story was that Nero only pursued persecuting the Christians after the burning of Rome. This story all occurs prior to that. Third, the book depicts that there were many top Romans who became Christians at this time, including Nero's wife - this last item was hard for me to believe but it makes for a good ending of the story.
However, in spite of these criticisms, I do recommend this book for anyone interested in Roman history written in a lively, action oriented manner. If you are interested in this historical context, the book draws you in and keeps you interested.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great sequel, looking forward to book three., April 7 2012
By nolakat - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
I enjoyed this book. As a sequel, the author focuses on the development of the main character rather than military history and battle scenes. While there is still a great deal of action, there is a greater emphasis on Valerius' family background and dynamics. You see what influences him from childhood and forms the basis of his character.In this sequel, Valerius experiences anger, fear, depression and grief because of the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges he faces. This gives depth to the main character and makes him more human and more likable, in my opinion. I am looking forward to the next novel involving this character.
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