There’s still political and domestic intrigue, and some male narrative, but there’s a more human and intensely personal face as well. The second gives voice to many of the women, especially Augustus’ adult daughter, Julia. The first is mostly political scheming and battle tactics, told and spun by men. (I have not investigated where it departs from or adds to authenticated history.) They are from a wide variety of protagonists, some written at the time, and others with the benefit of hindsight: all the key events, and many apparently trivial ones, are described by friend and foe, as they happened, and immediately contrasted by another view, written decades later. It is told via letters, memoirs, poems, military orders, doctor’s orders, journals, memos, senatorial proceedings, consular orders, petitions, and poems. In between there are complex machinations: rumours, political plots, wars, marriages and divorces of convenience, births, deaths, assassinations, friendships forged and broken, rituals, parties, and journeys - literal and metaphorical. The story ends when Octavius, now Emperor Augustus, dies aged 76. He is young (18), academic rather than martial, with slightly poor health, quietly spoken, inscrutable, loyal to friends, but is shrewd. The story starts just before the murder of Julius Caesar, leaving his great nephew and adopted son, Gaius Octavius, as heir. The storytelling is like Charon’s gently rocking boat, like Augustus’ final journey: the shimmering reflections are disorienting, and the direction is unpredictable, but the destination is sure. There is an agonising sacrifice, a cruel example of being hoist by one’s own petard. There’s a woman’s sexual awakening: her acknowledgement and embracing of it, regardless of taboos and risks.Īn adoring father ensures his daughter has the education usually denied to girls. It’s a scrapbook of documents and fragments in different styles, and for different purposes (a little like the Bible). It is non-linear: like a narrative tapestry, sewn with backstitch. Versailles, perhaps: another palace of opulence and intrigue. Or maybe it’s more like a hall of mirrors and windows, where you’re barely sure which is which and what distortions there may be. There are myriad perspectives: it’s like viewing the ancient world through a kaleidoscope or the facets of a gemstone. (I’m requesting to them that the next installment feature elves.How to describe this painstakingly detailed, compellingly readable, simply complex, fictionalised biography, that explores the high price of duty, and is set in ancient times but is painfully relevant in 2017? Not like that. I truly enjoyed the book it’s one I’ll read time and again. It isn’t a romance, but the chemistry between them is genuine and flows naturally. The characters are memorable and relatable, possessed of charming individuality and believable dynamism. It’s engaging and fast-paced, perfect for a good fantasy tale - but it’s still easily digestible and I found that when I had to put it down, so to speak, when I picked it back up, I was instantly engrossed again. It makes for a very immersive read, without being long-winded or self-aggrandizing. The narrative is elegant, unique, with a classy, almost archaic tone I haven’t read anywhere else in I don’t know how long. I expected a more somber tale, but this one left me feeling rather refreshed. ‘The Recalcitrant Wizard’, now ( weeps) available on .įor me, it’s been a brilliant adventure through the familiar themes in fantasy - revitalized with a new and unexpected flourish. If you are a reader who enjoys the fantasy genre, please give consideration to, I was catching up with a dear friend of mine and I am overjoyed to announce that they while I was absent, they have officially e-published the wonderful book that I had always, always hoped they would finish.
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