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David McK (3425 KP) rated Tribune of Rome in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Ever since (roughly) about a decade ago - when the movie 'Gladiator' first came out - I've been noticing more and more Roman-themed books, from Simon Scarrow's 'Macro and Cato' series to Conn Iggulden's 'Emperor' quartet to Ben Kane's 'Forgotten Legion Chronicles' (and now 'Enemy of Rome' series) to John Stack's 'Masters of the Sea' series to Anthony Riches' 'Empire' series to Harry Sidebottom's 'Warrior of Rome' series to ...
... you get the picture.
To that list, we can now also add Robert Fabbri with his planned 'Vespasian' series of books, of which this is the first. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also going to state that (from the above list of authors) I've read at least one book in their respective series. Of those all - and, including, now, this book - I have to say, I've found Scarrow's novels to be the most entertaining.
As a novel, I found this one could be split into three distinct sections: the beginning was set during Vespasians early years in the Roman country-side and mainly concerning the relationship between him and his brother, before the setting moves to Rome proper when the two brothers get embroiled in Roman politics, and then (in the latter half of the book), following Vespasians early military career. It was probably this latter aspect of the book that is the most enjoyable, even if it does still suffer from seemingly stilted conversations that are used to move the plot along - that, and some 'Oh, come on! As if ...' moments (one in particular!).
While I read some more of this series? Possibly, but also I'm not going to be going out of my way to look for them.
... you get the picture.
To that list, we can now also add Robert Fabbri with his planned 'Vespasian' series of books, of which this is the first. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also going to state that (from the above list of authors) I've read at least one book in their respective series. Of those all - and, including, now, this book - I have to say, I've found Scarrow's novels to be the most entertaining.
As a novel, I found this one could be split into three distinct sections: the beginning was set during Vespasians early years in the Roman country-side and mainly concerning the relationship between him and his brother, before the setting moves to Rome proper when the two brothers get embroiled in Roman politics, and then (in the latter half of the book), following Vespasians early military career. It was probably this latter aspect of the book that is the most enjoyable, even if it does still suffer from seemingly stilted conversations that are used to move the plot along - that, and some 'Oh, come on! As if ...' moments (one in particular!).
While I read some more of this series? Possibly, but also I'm not going to be going out of my way to look for them.
HIS Fantasy (HIS #8)
9.0
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From Romantic Suspense BEST-SELLING and AWARD-Winning Author • Can one man capture the heart of...
romance military dudes it had to end somewhere
Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall
7.7
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Adolf Hitler: My Part on His Downfall is volume One of Spike Milligan's outrageous, hilarious,...
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Hers, United (Hers, #5) in Books
Sep 16, 2022
So good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Hers series. It can be read as a stand alone, but personally I recommend you read the other books first.It will give you a better picture of this world and how much it has changed.
Riley is called into work to talk to two hybrids who want to kill each other. Talon has been tasked with bringing dagger back to face his punishment for abandoning his post. But there is more going on with these two than they will admit, at first, but Riley will get to the bottom it, and have them for herself. Assuming of course, she can keep them!
I love this series, I really do. The books change tack every time and twist and turn and pull you along for a very enjoyable ride!
While Dagger is a little more forthcoming with how he feels, it does take Talon a lot longer to finally admit to himself, at least, what he feels for Dagger. It takes Dagger's life being in danger for him to admit to Riley though!
I loved that we got to catch up with Kaitlyn and Roth. They both play a part here, but none of the other characters are mentioned. The previously troublesome Traditionalists are causing problems again, and things are bought to a head.
It's steamy, oh yes! Dagger is a perfect sub, although that title isn't given him, he does call Riley Mistress. It does mean he gets put in his place a time or two!
A thoroughly enjoyable, 4 star read. Not quite as good as book 4, but so close!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 5 in the Hers series. It can be read as a stand alone, but personally I recommend you read the other books first.It will give you a better picture of this world and how much it has changed.
Riley is called into work to talk to two hybrids who want to kill each other. Talon has been tasked with bringing dagger back to face his punishment for abandoning his post. But there is more going on with these two than they will admit, at first, but Riley will get to the bottom it, and have them for herself. Assuming of course, she can keep them!
I love this series, I really do. The books change tack every time and twist and turn and pull you along for a very enjoyable ride!
While Dagger is a little more forthcoming with how he feels, it does take Talon a lot longer to finally admit to himself, at least, what he feels for Dagger. It takes Dagger's life being in danger for him to admit to Riley though!
I loved that we got to catch up with Kaitlyn and Roth. They both play a part here, but none of the other characters are mentioned. The previously troublesome Traditionalists are causing problems again, and things are bought to a head.
It's steamy, oh yes! Dagger is a perfect sub, although that title isn't given him, he does call Riley Mistress. It does mean he gets put in his place a time or two!
A thoroughly enjoyable, 4 star read. Not quite as good as book 4, but so close!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Israel - God's Heart in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I loved this little book! It's full of beautiful, vibrant pictures and I can't say enough how much I loved looking at all of them. It's not a big book, small and perfect for your end table or coffee table. God's beautiful land in Israel is wonderfully portrayed in this eye catching book.
With pictures taken of history, sometimes on land and sometimes aerial, this book gives the reader some Scripture and details about the pictures to coincide. As I looked through this wonderful little book, I felt like I was able to visit the Holy Land without leaving my home. It was so beautiful to see. God's Heart is a wonderful way to describe what I saw in the pages of this book.
This is definitely a 4 star book that I would recommend to those who love pictures of different places. The photos are crisp and detailed, leaving you feeling as though you are the one that took the picture, like you are the one that was there. I would love to see more books like this one to lay out so my guests can enjoy them as much as me! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-israel-gods-heart-landscapes-and-legacy-of-israel-by-ron-gafni-kathleen-barrett/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
With pictures taken of history, sometimes on land and sometimes aerial, this book gives the reader some Scripture and details about the pictures to coincide. As I looked through this wonderful little book, I felt like I was able to visit the Holy Land without leaving my home. It was so beautiful to see. God's Heart is a wonderful way to describe what I saw in the pages of this book.
This is definitely a 4 star book that I would recommend to those who love pictures of different places. The photos are crisp and detailed, leaving you feeling as though you are the one that took the picture, like you are the one that was there. I would love to see more books like this one to lay out so my guests can enjoy them as much as me! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/litfuse-blog-tour-review-israel-gods-heart-landscapes-and-legacy-of-israel-by-ron-gafni-kathleen-barrett/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Dana (24 KP) rated Illuminae: The Illuminae Files: Book 1 in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book has an interesting way it was written in the way that it is more like documents compiled together rather than being all prose. I enjoyed seeing this different style of writing, plus it made for a very quick read.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated I Lost My Tooth! in Books
Nov 6, 2018
Unlimited Fun and Learning with Mo Willems' New Series
Zoom Squirrel has lost one of his front teeth. Once his friends understand his problem, they pitch in to help find it, especially when they learn it is a baby tooth! Can they find this baby (tooth) before it gets too frightened?
Fans of Mo Willems won't be surprised at the first two thirds of this book. It may introduce us to a new set of characters, but the storytelling, humor, and fun are classic Mo, including the easy to read dialogue driven action. I was trying hard not to laugh in public as I finished it up. The rest of the book consists of some fun jokes and a couple of sections that tell us about teeth and quiz us on some animal teeth. It's actually quite interesting, and presented in a fun way, so kids will enjoy learning about it as well. They might even get interested in learning more on their own, which is a good thing. I didn't love it as much as I've loved some of his other picture books. I think my issue is, this isn't an Elephant and Piggie book. I certainly can't find another reason not to like this book, and I think kids will have so much fun they won't care.
Fans of Mo Willems won't be surprised at the first two thirds of this book. It may introduce us to a new set of characters, but the storytelling, humor, and fun are classic Mo, including the easy to read dialogue driven action. I was trying hard not to laugh in public as I finished it up. The rest of the book consists of some fun jokes and a couple of sections that tell us about teeth and quiz us on some animal teeth. It's actually quite interesting, and presented in a fun way, so kids will enjoy learning about it as well. They might even get interested in learning more on their own, which is a good thing. I didn't love it as much as I've loved some of his other picture books. I think my issue is, this isn't an Elephant and Piggie book. I certainly can't find another reason not to like this book, and I think kids will have so much fun they won't care.