James Mace
Auteur de The Legionary
Séries
Œuvres de James Mace
Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt: A Novel of the Twentieth Legion During the Rebellion of Sacrovir and Florus (2008) 31 exemplaires
Soldier of Rome: Rebellion in Judea: Book One of The Great Jewish Revolt (Volume 1) (2014) 6 exemplaires
Soldier of Rome: Reign of the Tyrants: The Year of the Four Emperors - Part I: Volume 1 (2015) 4 exemplaires
Étiqueté
Partage des connaissances
- Sexe
- male
- Pays (pour la carte)
- United States of America
- Lieux de résidence
- Boise, Idaho, USA
- Courte biographie
- James Mace is a life-long historian and the author of twenty books, including seven Ancient History best-sellers, and two South African History best-sellers. He penned the initial draft of his first novel, "Soldier of Rome: The Legionary", as a cathartic means of escapism while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. His works span numerous eras, from Ancient Rome to the British Empire.
He can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net
Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks
Twitter: @LegionaryBooks
Blog: http://legionarybooks.blogspot.com/
Membres
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Soldier of Rome: Legionary by James Mace (reviewed by readafew) à Reviews reviewed (Juillet 2011)
Critiques
This story of Verus, a captive gladiator in empirical Rome, was well written and exciting. It was obvious the author did his research, and very little exposition was needed to keep the story on pace. Instead, the third-person POV was used to cut away from the main character and bring us glimpses of the emperors in order to show the bigger picture.
The characters were somewhat archetypical, but I still cared whether or not the "good guys" survived in the arena.
Settings were described adequately, and I'm glad there is no such thing as "smell-o-book" to add to the atmosphere of blood, sweat, and worse.
The Kindle format was presented very well, with few errors throughout.
There is obviously quite a bit of violence, but it was only appropriate given the subject matter and it was not egregious. The occasional foul language might have added for the sake of authenticity, but was somewhat grating, especially for a woman reader, and I think it could have been toned down, or perhaps other choices could have been used. No real sex; although the author could have gone this direction, I'm glad he didn't.… (plus d'informations)
The characters were somewhat archetypical, but I still cared whether or not the "good guys" survived in the arena.
Settings were described adequately, and I'm glad there is no such thing as "smell-o-book" to add to the atmosphere of blood, sweat, and worse.
The Kindle format was presented very well, with few errors throughout.
There is obviously quite a bit of violence, but it was only appropriate given the subject matter and it was not egregious. The occasional foul language might have added for the sake of authenticity, but was somewhat grating, especially for a woman reader, and I think it could have been toned down, or perhaps other choices could have been used. No real sex; although the author could have gone this direction, I'm glad he didn't.… (plus d'informations)
Interesting novel of Legions IX and XX of Roman army fighting united tribes in Western Britannia under Caratacus several years after the Roman Conquest. The story moved among indigenous tribes, legates and Governor, Emperor Claudius, and a Centurion Magnus Flavianus. Magnus, although born in Ostia had ancestors who came from the northlands [Jutland?]. He is in his 40s, very close to retirement age. He is fighting deep sorrow and nightmares at the death of his pregnant lover and mourning the loss of various good friends over the years. Every one is gone. The main story was the pursuit of and fighting against the wily Caratacus; he united disparate tribes and was a master of guerrilla warfare. This novel was satisfactory but nothing special. It seemed to me Magnus was a pale copy of the character Ballista in Harry Sidebottom's series Warrior of Rome. Battle scenes were insipid as compared to others I've read elsewhere. Some of the name choices were odd and out of place here--for instance, a sister named Svetlana [Slavic], her friend named Ana [Spanish]; he sees them when he goes to his grandfather's homeland to visit family on leave.
I did like the fact that the language put into the mouth of a captured king was Welsh, rather than Gaelic. The natives probably would have spoken an old [or obsolete] version of Welsh. The author did make the natives sympathetic. I liked the author's "Historical Afterward [sic.]"--what finally happened historically to several characters and to several tribes.… (plus d'informations)
I did like the fact that the language put into the mouth of a captured king was Welsh, rather than Gaelic. The natives probably would have spoken an old [or obsolete] version of Welsh. The author did make the natives sympathetic. I liked the author's "Historical Afterward [sic.]"--what finally happened historically to several characters and to several tribes.… (plus d'informations)
Most of what I know about Roman legionnaires comes from an interest in archaeology, so I had no understanding or real knowledge of the era represented here. I received this book from a friend with more widespread interests than mine ( I know some USMC, US Rev War, and Norse). That being said, I enjoyed the inter-regimental politics, insight into how things were done and perceived by the men in the field. More knowledgeable reviewers attest to the historicity of events and are pleased with this rendering. My personal view is that I now wish to read more of this series, from the first onward.
Patterson's performance is excellent, of course. Clear precise speech and audio interpretation of personages and emotions bring the tale to life and enhance reader understanding.
One man can make a difference, regardless of standing or century.… (plus d'informations)
Patterson's performance is excellent, of course. Clear precise speech and audio interpretation of personages and emotions bring the tale to life and enhance reader understanding.
One man can make a difference, regardless of standing or century.… (plus d'informations)
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Statistiques
- Œuvres
- 23
- Membres
- 213
- Popularité
- #104,444
- Évaluation
- 3.7
- Critiques
- 14
- ISBN
- 34
This is a hefty book, coming in around 500 pages, and is full of rich, well-researched detail. Though a novel of fiction, the events described in Brutal Valour did happen. This isn't a war I was familiar with, and I found it quite fascinating (as well as irritating. Reading stuff from colonial times can do that to me. The unmitigated arrogance of trying to take over so-called 'less civilised’ countries because you want their resources, and thinking of these people as less. Just, no, son. Chill.)
Reading this inspired me to look further into this time and place in history. It's such a shame that, despite a victory at Isandlwana, the Zulu suffered such horrific losses, and this set into motion a domino effect that would lead to eventual defeat in the overall war. Mace has an engaging writing style that made for easy reading. Interspersed are photos, maps, and drawing that help put perspective and a sharper focus on the reality underlying the story.
Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction or military fiction, especially of this era.
***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (plus d'informations)