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The Caspian Gates (2011)

by Harry Sidebottom(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0718155912 (ISBN13: 9780718155919)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Michael Joseph

series

Warrior of Rome

review 1: Caspian Gates is the weakest book in the Warrior of Rome series by Harry Sidebottom (though I am still to read the sixth one), and really feels more like a collection of three short stories, as Sidebottom transports Ballista and his familia throughout and beyond the imperium.Not only is there a lack of overall story arch, but the characters are not as well described as in other books - with the exception of Pythonissa, the 'princess' of the Suani. Generally, there are just too many to keep track of between the Suani, Alani, and Persians (including Prince Narseh), not to mention the Goths in their longboats...Instead, Sidebottom spends a lot of time on Ballista's new accensus (secretary) Hippothous and his study of physiognomy, which - while interesting at first - becomes q... moreuite dull quickly.There are still some funny lines, but I had to push to get through this one to get to #4My advice - just skip it. You won't miss much.
review 2: So many times i have read reviews for Harry that say..."too detailed".."Too much like a text book" etc...I have no idea what book it is these people are reading!While Harry Sidebottom is not your typical swords and sandals writer, his books are full of action pace, great characters and a plot that leaves the reader begging for more.I struggled to put the book down, had to force it closed at 2am etc.. that for me is the sign of an excellent book.Ballisata could have been used as a character and kept in the confines of the empire for some more of what we have seen from others, but Harry sidebottom has taken the risk to take him away from the confines of the empire,a nd its life on the fringe of the empire that gives this series its power and energy.Not only did this book thrill and entertain, but at the end it sets the reader up for the next book, and I'm looking forward to Book 5 so much more than any of the previous 4, for me that shows the improvements this series and this author have shown with each book.Roll on Book 5 (2 a year Harry???)Highly recommended(Parm)Product Description: (From Back of Book)Product DescriptionAD262 - the Imperium is in turmoil after the struggle for the throne. Furthermore, Ephesus, Asia's metropolis, lies in ruins, shattered by a mighty earthquake. Its citizens live in fear as the mob overwhelms the city, baying for blood to avenge the gods who have punished them.Yet an even greater threat to the Empire advances from the North. The barbaric Goth tribes sail towards Ephesus, determined to pillage the city. Only Ballista, Warrior of Rome, knows the ways of the barbarians, and only he can defeat them.The Goths' appetite for brutality and destruction is limitless and before long Ballista is locked into a deadly bloodfeud, with an enemy that has sworn to destroy him - and the Imperium - at all costs. less

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