Books Like...

"The Twelve Caesars" by Michael Grant is a modern reinterpretation of the major sources of information about the early Roman Empire, focusing on the twelve rulers profiled by the ancient Roman historian Suetonius. Grant revisits these rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian, discussing them from the standpoint of modern scholarship and supplementing Suetonius' account with additional sources like Tacitus, Juvenal, and Plutarch. delves into the backbreaking duty of being a Roman Emperor, portraying the complexity of the Caesars as multi-faceted characters who all started with good intentions but were ultimately broken by the responsibilities of their rule.

"Augustus" by John Williams is an epistolary novel that offers a unique and intimate portrait of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Through fictional letters and journal entries, the novel delves into Augustus' rise to power, his relationships with friends and enemies, and the political maneuverings that shaped the Roman Empire during his reign. The writing style is praised for its historical accuracy and detailed exploration of Augustus' personal life, providing a rich and immersive reading experience for those interested in ancient Roman history.

Quo Vadis is a historical fiction novel set in Rome during the time of Emperor Nero, focusing on the love story between Roman Marcus Vinicius and Christian Lygia. The book provides a vivid depiction of the contrast between Roman corruption and emerging Christian teachings, involving a detailed narrative about the persecution of Christians during Nero's reign.

The plot revolves around Vinicius' journey of coming to terms with his love for Lygia, his conversion to Christianity, and the challenges faced by early Christians under Nero's rule. The story also delves into the historical events of the burning of Rome, the blaming and torture of Christians, and the rise of the Christian faith amidst the decadence of Roman society.

The Sea-Hawk by Rafael Sabatini is a swashbuckling tale set in the late 16th century, following the story of Sir Oliver Tressilian who is wronged by his half-brother Lionel and sold into slavery on a Spanish ship. After surviving as a galley slave, he is liberated by Barbary pirates and becomes a feared pirate known as Sakr el Bahr, the Sea Hawk. Seeking vengeance, Sir Oliver faces betrayal, danger, and unexpected twists as he navigates through a world of deceit and treachery, all while trying to reunite with his lost love, Lady Rosamund Godolphin.

The novel is described as a romantic adventure filled with betrayal, misunderstandings, and daring escapades. Despite being written in 1915, the book still captivates readers with its engaging plot, vivid descriptions of sea battles, and the transformation of the protagonist from a victim of injustice to a formidable pirate seeking retribution. The story unfolds with elements of betrayal, racism, and sexism typical of the time it was written, yet it offers an enjoyable escape into a different era of swashbuckling adventures and heroic deeds.

Claudius the God by Robert Graves is a historical fiction novel that serves as a sequel to I, Claudius. The book follows the reign of Emperor Claudius from 41 A.D. to 54 A.D., depicting a world where life is cheap and morals are questionable. The story is narrated through the eyes of Claudius, showcasing his rise to power, struggles with manipulation from those around him, and his ultimate fate. Graves weaves a tale filled with intrigue, scandal, and historical accuracy, providing insights into the complexities of Ancient Rome during Claudius' rule.

The writing style of Claudius the God is praised for its ability to bring historical characters to life, making the reader feel immersed in Ancient Rome. The book is described as a rich continuation of the story, seamlessly picking up from where the first installment left off. Through detailed characterization and engaging storytelling, Graves paints a vivid picture of Claudius' reign, highlighting his personal challenges and political triumphs in a world filled with power struggles and betrayals.

'Scaramouche' by Rafael Sabatini is a swashbuckling tale set during the French Revolution, following the life of the protagonist, Andre Louis Moreau. After his friend is killed in a duel by an aristocrat, Andre seeks revenge and embarks on a journey that leads him to become an actor, a fencing master, a politician, and a revolutionary. The book is filled with adventure, romance, political intrigue, and historical events, providing a vivid portrayal of Revolutionary France. The writing style is described as clever, engaging, and fast-paced, with witty dialogue and a complex protagonist that evolves throughout the story.

Published four years after The King Must Die, this book picks up the thread of Theseus' story once again. Having brought down the ancient Cretan house of Minos, he comes home to Athens flushed with glory, accompanied by his loyal team of bull leapers, the Cranes. But the joy fades quickly Theseus is greeted by news of his father's premature death and, for all the Cranes, the Athens they return to seems smaller and more provincial than the city they left... For the rest of the review, please see my blog http theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk 2014 03 the bull from sea mary renault.html

Another excellent picture of Ancient Greece, this time concentrating on the life of Theseus after he returned from Mycenae, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Theseus is bigger than life, as a mythical hero should be, but Renault manages to make him seem almost human with some very real and strong emotions. Most of the other characters are rather flat, thus the 4 stars. The author's strength was always her storytelling and world building. Of special note here are the more or less plausible explanations of some of the myths e.g., the centaurs . This will appeal to anyone interested in Ancient Greece and or Classical Mythology.

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace is a historical novel that intertwines the life stories of a Jewish charioteer named Judah Ben Hur and Jesus Christ. It explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and faith as Ben Hur's family is wrongly accused and convicted of treason during the time of Christ. The narrative follows Ben Hur's journey to clear his family's name and his eventual inspiration by the rise of Jesus Christ and his teachings. The book is set against the backdrop of ancient Rome and Judea, capturing the struggles and triumphs of its characters amidst historical events.

Centennial by James A. Michener is a sprawling historical fiction novel that spans from prehistoric times to the 20th century, focusing on the fictional town of Centennial, Colorado. The book delves into the geology, history, and diverse cultures that shaped the region, including Native Americans, settlers, ranchers, and miners. Michener weaves together the lives of various characters over generations, providing a comprehensive look at the development of the American West. The writing style incorporates detailed historical facts and vivid descriptions of the landscape, making the story immersive and educational.