- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Severn House Publishers Ltd (3 May 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0727865242
- ISBN-13: 978-0727865243
- Product Dimensions: 22 x 14.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 156,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Synopsis
The Emperor Septimius Severus has arrived in Britain, intending to conquer the troublesome barbarians in the north of the island once and for all. To Memnon, an African scout serving with a cavalry unit, the British expedition seems at first a continuation of his ordinary army life: he will continue to fight the Empire's enemies and plan elaborate jokes with his fellow soldiers. On a journey north, however, he saves the lives of a senior member of the Emperor's staff and a beautiful young attendant of the Empress. Through them he becomes aware of tensions within the imperial house, where two spoiled and arrogant princes are engaged in a ruthless struggle for power. The bitter war test all of them to the limit, and if any of them are to survive, it can only be through their friendship. Born in the USA, Gillian Bradshaw grew up in Washington, Santiago, Chile and Michigan. She is a Classics graduate from Newham College, Cambridge, and published her first novel, Hawk of May, just before her final term. A highly acclaimed historical novelist, Gillian Bradshaw has won the Hopwood Award for Fiction, among other prizes.She lives in Cambridge, England, with her husband and their four children.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Gillian Bradshaw's novel is set in Roman Britain at the time of the emperor Septimius Severus and the chief character, the African scout Memnon,is based on the protagonist in an incident said to have really happened to the emperor. It is a fine novel deserving of a wider readership. What did I like about this book? Memnon himself is human and humane, talented and flawed, a well rounded personality. The scene where he rescues the emperor's secretaries is tense, violent and exciting, yet realistic. The relationship which develops between these characters and other non Romans, such as the Caledonian and Pictish rebels allows the reader the opportunity to sympathise with the various peoples inside and outside the empire. The brutality of war, and the casual attitudes of those in command are not shirked. There is underlying tension and darkness to the plot, which does not follow predictable lines. However, it is rather episodic and some of the plot lines remain slightly underdeveloped, which cost it, in my opinion, the fifth star.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I am a huge fan of Gillian Bradshaw's Historicals. I never find any fault with them regarding historical accurateness and a thrilling plot. Again she wrote a winner. The story is about an african soldier (scout) in Britain fighting the barbarians and at the same time uncovering an intrigue within the imperial house. While doing this he has to cope with the prejudices and the superstition of the 'Barbarians' and the Romans as well who are not used to dark skinned people.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Gillian Bradshaw was born in the US and was brought up in Washington, Santiago, Chile and Michigan. She is a classics graduate from Newnham College, Cambridge. She has won much acclaim as an historical novelist. She lives in Cambridge with her husband and their four children.
This book is no different to Gillian Bradshaw's other novels (I had no idea she had written so many, until I checked the list) in respect of the fact that it is beautifully researched and written with the authority that only knowledge can bring.
The storyline takes place in Roman Britain, it is the year 208 AD and the Roman occupation of the island has been ongoing for some considerable time. As yet the Romans have been unable to subdue the barbarians of the north. The Emperor Septimus Severus has recently arrived in Britain and hopes that his presence will add support to the task in hand. Memnon, an African scout, has also arrived on the island with his cavalry unit.
When by chance Memnon saves the life of a young attendant of the Empress, he is drawn closer to the imperial house and this allows him to see the tensions and in-fighting that exist there. The war with the barbarians will test their mettle to the limit, it is essential that the back biting and internal rivalry of the Imperial party are put to one side . . .
This book is no different to Gillian Bradshaw's other novels (I had no idea she had written so many, until I checked the list) in respect of the fact that it is beautifully researched and written with the authority that only knowledge can bring.
The storyline takes place in Roman Britain, it is the year 208 AD and the Roman occupation of the island has been ongoing for some considerable time. As yet the Romans have been unable to subdue the barbarians of the north. The Emperor Septimus Severus has recently arrived in Britain and hopes that his presence will add support to the task in hand. Memnon, an African scout, has also arrived on the island with his cavalry unit.
When by chance Memnon saves the life of a young attendant of the Empress, he is drawn closer to the imperial house and this allows him to see the tensions and in-fighting that exist there. The war with the barbarians will test their mettle to the limit, it is essential that the back biting and internal rivalry of the Imperial party are put to one side . . .
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
another winner..
..for Gillian Bradshaw - one of our most accomplished historical novelists and who should be much better known and promoted in this country. Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2008 by Ethan Edwards
more Memnon!
I loved the character Memnon. You really got to like his antics throughout the story. I enjoyed the period of the Severan era as well. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2008 by Scott T. Hunter
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