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David McK (3227 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.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Daughters of Rome (The Empress of Rome, #2) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This is the second book in Quinn's Rome series, but confusingly the action here takes place chronologically before the first one. The setting for this book is 69AD - the Year of the Four Emperors, so plenty of plotting and back stabbing all round.
Many of the characters in this novel did exist historically. Obviously the further back in time you go, the less information there is generally available about what actually went on, which I suppose is a good thing for the historical novelist! The novel centres around four female cousins; two sisters and their two first cousins to be precise. The sisters really did exist, although more is known about one than the other (this is clear when you have read the book and read the historical note at the end). The cousins are invented to drive the plot along; Lollia starts off almost like a WAG - seemingly a bit empty headed and marrying whoever is in favour that month, but she does develop into a more likeable, rounded character. While Diana is difficult to dislike she is a pretty flat character; she's beautiful and completely obsessed with horses and 'The Reds' chariot racing team - a bit like a football bore today I suppose! The sister-in law, Tullia, is another very one-dimensional character, probably best summed up as 'fishwife'.
Many events are based on historical fact, but there are some bits, like the cousins escaping from Rome, that seems a bit unrealistic.
Overall, I found this quite a quick (for a 400 page novel) and entertaining read, but I suspect that like Quinn's Mistress of Rome, I may well be pushed to remember any plot details in a few months time and I probably wouldn't read it again.
Many of the characters in this novel did exist historically. Obviously the further back in time you go, the less information there is generally available about what actually went on, which I suppose is a good thing for the historical novelist! The novel centres around four female cousins; two sisters and their two first cousins to be precise. The sisters really did exist, although more is known about one than the other (this is clear when you have read the book and read the historical note at the end). The cousins are invented to drive the plot along; Lollia starts off almost like a WAG - seemingly a bit empty headed and marrying whoever is in favour that month, but she does develop into a more likeable, rounded character. While Diana is difficult to dislike she is a pretty flat character; she's beautiful and completely obsessed with horses and 'The Reds' chariot racing team - a bit like a football bore today I suppose! The sister-in law, Tullia, is another very one-dimensional character, probably best summed up as 'fishwife'.
Many events are based on historical fact, but there are some bits, like the cousins escaping from Rome, that seems a bit unrealistic.
Overall, I found this quite a quick (for a 400 page novel) and entertaining read, but I suspect that like Quinn's Mistress of Rome, I may well be pushed to remember any plot details in a few months time and I probably wouldn't read it again.
Kevin Phillipson (9961 KP) rated Fast X (2023) in Movies
May 25, 2023
Vin diesel (1 more)
Jason momoa
Watched today what can I say about fast x still trying to get over what I've just seen including the twists and there are twists I didn't see coming no spoilers from me the film not my favourite fast movie that's the 4th one this one as even more wilder stunts especially in Rome and then there's Jason momoa as the villain of the movie Dante who is seriously having a good time playing the villain I loved the bring on the next one
David McK (3227 KP) rated The War Prince (Warrior #3) in Books
May 30, 2023
I think I'd posted previously that I'd heard (read) that Simon Scarrow and Tj Andrews 'Warrior' series of e-book novellas was to be a series of five.
If so, we're now at the halfway point.
(The previous entries being The King in Rome and The Druid's Lair).
We're also now past Caratacus' childhood and teenage years, with the protagonist hearing recounting how his training at the hands of the Druids came to an end when he was summoned home in order to participate in an assembly of tribes in an attempt over the, uhhh, 'ownership' of Lhandain.
Whilst all concerned do, initially (pre assembly), agree to abide by the resolution reached by the Druid High Council, this soon falls by the wayside when it is discovered that those on the council are just as venal and corrupt as any other (with Caratacus, as he recounts the tale, laying the blame squarely on Rome).
I'll continue reading these - I do also have to say, I'm intrigued by the 'modern day' (well, modern day to the historian in Nero's Empire who is documenting the story, not modern day to us) opening and closing of each novella - is he bringing unwelcome attention to himself?
If so, we're now at the halfway point.
(The previous entries being The King in Rome and The Druid's Lair).
We're also now past Caratacus' childhood and teenage years, with the protagonist hearing recounting how his training at the hands of the Druids came to an end when he was summoned home in order to participate in an assembly of tribes in an attempt over the, uhhh, 'ownership' of Lhandain.
Whilst all concerned do, initially (pre assembly), agree to abide by the resolution reached by the Druid High Council, this soon falls by the wayside when it is discovered that those on the council are just as venal and corrupt as any other (with Caratacus, as he recounts the tale, laying the blame squarely on Rome).
I'll continue reading these - I do also have to say, I'm intrigued by the 'modern day' (well, modern day to the historian in Nero's Empire who is documenting the story, not modern day to us) opening and closing of each novella - is he bringing unwelcome attention to himself?
Arianna Huffington recommended Meditations in Books (curated)
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated To Rome with Love (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Before I even begin, I have something to admit, I am not very knowledgeable about Woody Allen. Sure, I have seen the occasional film and have overheard gossip but I am not a Woody Allen buff. To remedy this, I considered running out and renting every one of his films in an attempted cinematic cram session. But I decided not to. There are some people who go to the movies just to enjoy themselves and that is as good of a reason to see a film as any other.
Offering amplified versions of reality, “To Rome with Love” simultaneously feels close to home and utterly foreign. And this ebb and flow defines the entire picture.
With a blend of actors the film runs a marathon of bipolar juxtaposition. From familiar Hollywood faces, playing characters so typified that they needn’t be explained, to European actors, who bring honest perspective to the tourist filled environment.
And “To Rome with Love” is unexpected. There’s a Baldwin in a self-reflective role. Roberto Benigni plays a character that is downright drab. All while sharing a series of stories that question the absurd nature of the human experience.
The film shakes viewers up by exposing them to moments so stereotypic that are simple to grasp yet impossible to believe. And the result is effortless comedy.
Moreover, using only simple effects, strategic angular tricks and precise framing of scenes, “To Rome with Love” gets the audience thinking. The result is an hour and forty minutes that fly by like a dense vacation, too good to explain to your friends back home.
While I will avoid the pretentious research and amplified hyper analysis that follows Woody Allen, I do want to make one point clear; this is a film that anyone, regardless of interest in film study, is apt to enjoy, sure to find funny, and for a few might, even serve as a launch pad to into the cinema of the human condition.
Offering amplified versions of reality, “To Rome with Love” simultaneously feels close to home and utterly foreign. And this ebb and flow defines the entire picture.
With a blend of actors the film runs a marathon of bipolar juxtaposition. From familiar Hollywood faces, playing characters so typified that they needn’t be explained, to European actors, who bring honest perspective to the tourist filled environment.
And “To Rome with Love” is unexpected. There’s a Baldwin in a self-reflective role. Roberto Benigni plays a character that is downright drab. All while sharing a series of stories that question the absurd nature of the human experience.
The film shakes viewers up by exposing them to moments so stereotypic that are simple to grasp yet impossible to believe. And the result is effortless comedy.
Moreover, using only simple effects, strategic angular tricks and precise framing of scenes, “To Rome with Love” gets the audience thinking. The result is an hour and forty minutes that fly by like a dense vacation, too good to explain to your friends back home.
While I will avoid the pretentious research and amplified hyper analysis that follows Woody Allen, I do want to make one point clear; this is a film that anyone, regardless of interest in film study, is apt to enjoy, sure to find funny, and for a few might, even serve as a launch pad to into the cinema of the human condition.
Merissa (11765 KP) rated Finding You (Bewitching Women #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 12, 2023)
This is book 3 in the Bewitching Women series. This book is the story of Becca and Rome who both have issues caused by paranormal problems although neither of them know this to start with. The fireworks are in immediate evidence when Becca and Rome meet and it doesn't take much for the spark to turn into a flame. The attraction is instant and HOT!
Of course, like I said, they both have issues, not least of which is an ex-wife from hell and a witchfinder. Lost family members, relationships, death, friendship - this book just doesn't slow down from the moment you open it up. There is always something happening and usually Becca has a quip to go with the occasion.
There are so many adjectives that go with this book and most of them are paradoxical to each other - hot, sweet, contemporary, paranormal, friendship, romance, deceit, betrayal. It's all here.
This is very well-written with wonderful characters that leap from the page, including a brief cameo from old friends.
Definitely recommended! and I'm hoping for more to come in this series because I thoroughly enjoy it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 05, 2015
Of course, like I said, they both have issues, not least of which is an ex-wife from hell and a witchfinder. Lost family members, relationships, death, friendship - this book just doesn't slow down from the moment you open it up. There is always something happening and usually Becca has a quip to go with the occasion.
There are so many adjectives that go with this book and most of them are paradoxical to each other - hot, sweet, contemporary, paranormal, friendship, romance, deceit, betrayal. It's all here.
This is very well-written with wonderful characters that leap from the page, including a brief cameo from old friends.
Definitely recommended! and I'm hoping for more to come in this series because I thoroughly enjoy it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 05, 2015
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin's Creed 2 in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Best saga ever
I played the first Assassins Creed and thought it was great if a little repetetive, but this one oh wow.
They really stepped it up in terms of gameplay and story, this game felt so immersive.
Almost as if you were in renaissance Italy.
From the start in Florence to the middle part in Monteriggioni to the final part in Rome this game just draws you in.
Lots of interesting history to pick up as well from the Pazzi to the Borgias, and of course the interesting interjections from Leonardo da Vinci.
Requiescat in pace Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
They really stepped it up in terms of gameplay and story, this game felt so immersive.
Almost as if you were in renaissance Italy.
From the start in Florence to the middle part in Monteriggioni to the final part in Rome this game just draws you in.
Lots of interesting history to pick up as well from the Pazzi to the Borgias, and of course the interesting interjections from Leonardo da Vinci.
Requiescat in pace Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Assassin's Creed Brotherhood in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Battling the Borgia
This game is fantastic, once again drawing you in to renaissance Italy.
Great story and this is where you really take the fight to the Borgia foiling their plot to take control of Rome and Italy as a whole.
Lots of good battles in this and some new weapons added into the mix.
There are some epic scenes and Leonardos war machines make for some interesting missions, taking down early designs on gatling guns and tanks.
Character inclusion is also very much expanded with such historic figures as Niccolo Machiavelli, Dante Alighieri, The Borgias and the return of Leonardo da Vinci.
Epic sequel
Great story and this is where you really take the fight to the Borgia foiling their plot to take control of Rome and Italy as a whole.
Lots of good battles in this and some new weapons added into the mix.
There are some epic scenes and Leonardos war machines make for some interesting missions, taking down early designs on gatling guns and tanks.
Character inclusion is also very much expanded with such historic figures as Niccolo Machiavelli, Dante Alighieri, The Borgias and the return of Leonardo da Vinci.
Epic sequel
David McK (3227 KP) rated Odin's Wolves in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The final(?) novel in Giles Kristian's Raven series of books, this continues - and, maybe, ends - the story first began in <i>Raven: Blood Eye</i>.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.
Again presented as the older titular character retelling the tale of his younger years, this sees Sigurds wolf-pack of the sea continue their voyage, moving down now into Europe proper, before experiencing Rome and finally ending the tale in the city of Miklagard (i.e. Constantinople). If you've read any of the precious entries in the series, you'd know pretty much what to expect: however, and somewhat unfortunately, I have to say that I felt this particular entry to out-stay it's welcome somewhat.