Great story

I enjoyed the author’s knowledge of the Roman Empire in Britain and was fascinated. I also liked the way that both the author and narrator made me feel as if I was there.

1 person found this helpful

Very disappointing

I was very disappointed in this book, doubly so since I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Gaius Valerie's Verrens series and had high expectations for this work. About a third of the way in, I realized my expectations were not going to be satisfied. I soldiered through, but it became a real struggle to finish. I couldn't wait for the end, but not in a good way, only to get it over with and put it out of my misery. The plot was decent, but just, and the Houdini-esque escapes and almost ludicrously snatches of victory from the jaws of defeat were almost unbearable. I have rarely found a man character more unlikable or more cartoonist, not to mention two dimensional. I really only found one character interesting, the queen of the Picts. The others were unremarkable and totally forgettable ( in fact, as I write this, having just slogged through to the finale), I already cannot recall them. One semi-saving grace was the narration, but the best narrator in the world cannot transform a sow's ear into the proverbial silk purse. But try he did, valiantly actually, but destined to be in vain, sadly. I write this with a heavy heart (and a heavy hand) because the dashing of high hopes is a painful experience. I will not let this writing faux pas taint my appreciation of Jackson's other works, but I hope he can return to form in future and, as it were, get his game back. I, however, have no desire to pursue this series.

1 person found this helpful

Good story

I liked the story but story was sometimes difficult to follow. I enjoyed the description of the role of the army in the late 400s but the Dux Britanicum seemed like a superfluous character and served only to confuse.