En el año 354, Juliano era un joven cristiano que estudiaba filosofía en Atenas, y el último superviviente de una sangrienta purga política que aniquiló a toda su familia. En Roma reinaba la confusión, el poder estaba corrompido y sus fronteras amenazadas. La vida de Juliano camba drásticamente cuando su tío, el emperador Constantino, lo pone al frente de las legiones para terminar con la amenaza de las tribus germánicas. Con voluntad, disciplina y la ayuda de su amigo y confidente Cesáreo, Juliano irá superando los obstáculos en el inevitable camino que lo llevará a convertirse en emperador y a renunciar a su fe.

Tells the tale of the Emporer Julian in 4th century AD. It was ok, but there was something about the book that I didn't like. Can't really say, but it didn't. I think I kept expecting more - but didn't get it. ( )

"Gods and Legions" is a well written book. Michael Curtis Ford is a capable writer who knows how to piece together a decent story. He had a good amount to work with in Emperor Julian, the last Roman Emperor to hold onto a polytheistic view on religion; and while the story moves along nicely, and the core characters have a reasonable amount of flesh, the aggregate just didn't pull me in.

I really enjoyed Ford's "The Fall of Rome". What his stories lack in emotional depth, he makes up for in the plot pace, and a good variation of action and politics.

I'd consider "Gods and Legions" a solidly average piece of Roman military fiction. ( )

Isn't it fun when a book takes you by surprise? I didn't really go into Gods and Legions expecting much, I had read a couple of Ford's other books and was just hoping for some nice, gruesome "historical" brain candy, but the book had quite a bit more depth than I expected.

The book is about the famous Julian the Apostate, so I probably don't need to go into what/who the storyline concerns. Let's just say he was a Roman emperor who maintained pagan beliefs in a time when Christianity was flourishing in Rome. This is what led to such an intriguing read, as the story is told by one of Julian's physicians - a Christian, who stands in awe of Julian's military and political prowess and revulsion at his barbaric pagan practices.

I won't say the book is perfect. I had difficulty connecting with the characters for awhile, I didn't like the pacing of the book, and there were a few raised eyebrows at some of the actions of the characters. I also can't argue for or against the historical accuracy of the book, as I've read so little nonfiction to know enough about the time period. If you're looking for an action-oriented historical novel with a bit more depth than usual though, Gods and Legions isn't a bad choice at all. ( )

This one is odd because I own it but its still packed, so I read it from the library. I like this guy's stuff. It isn't high art, which is good since I'm not a high artist. But it was pretty amazing to me the level of society and technology the Romans have in the 4th century vs what Europe would come up with in the Dark Ages.
I don't really like 1st person stories, and Ford likes to tell the story about the main character from the perspective of someone close to him. The Emperor Julian is pretty dislikeable, but how many Roman Emperors were warm and cuddly. And I LOVE his method of fighting against war elephants. I do find the notion of a Roman Emperor who spoke Latin badly and never saw Rome amusing. Rather like Victoria being Empress of India.
I've already got the next one of his to read. ( )