On the day of her birth, Auriane received a mysterious amulet from a priestess-and a doubleedged prophecy of doom and glory. The daughter of a Germ...
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reviews
Apr 27, 2010
Andrea
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I'm really interested in the history of Ancient Rome and my favorite way to learn about history is through a well researched historical novel. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the Roman Emperors, Nero and Domitian.
Half of the story follows the heroine, Auriane, through her struggles against the Roman invasion of the Chattian tribe, of which she is a warrior. I liked her character. Dispersed between Auriane's story is another subplot that takes place in Rome from the POV of Marc More...
Half of the story follows the heroine, Auriane, through her struggles against the Roman invasion of the Chattian tribe, of which she is a warrior. I liked her character. Dispersed between Auriane's story is another subplot that takes place in Rome from the POV of Marc More...
Dec 23, 2009
Pbwritr
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A fascinating book, focused on ancient Germania and Rome in the 1st century A.D. Auriane is a young woman who becomes a warrior in her tribe, then a healer. Fighting against Roman legions, she's taken captive. Sent to Rome, she's forced to become a gladiator. Marcus Arrious Julianus is captivated by the tales of the Germanic tribes and of the warrior Auriane. When they meet, they fall in love. Julianus sets up a plot to kill the Emperor, Domititian, while Auriane is set on vengeance for her trib
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Jan 24, 2012
Judith
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This book beautifully illustrates the mores of both Roman and Germanic society. Auriane is a girl from the Chats (one of the Germanic tribes), who can feel the gods and goddesses surround her. The rushing of the wind through the trees is the laughter of Freya, the thunder in the sky an answer of Wodan. Rituals and divination are intertwined with day-to-day life, in the continuous battle against the Roman empire. Auriane has ideas to help them, but they lead her away from the normal life and norm
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Aug 24, 2008
Thanh
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I enjoyed The Light Bearer very much, not only for its classical setting, being something of a Classics scholar, but also for its entertainment appeal. It was a great word of historical fiction, and I especially applaud Gillespie on her extensive knowledge or Roman culture and history which as far as I can tell is fairly accurate. The dual storyline following the heroine of the Germanic tribes, Auriane, and the Roman senator and philosopher, Marcus Arrius Julianus, was highly enjoyable. My only
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Nov 05, 2007
Aiyaruk
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I rarely give books five stars, even if they're spectacular or have changed my life. I have strict criteria for the five-star book, and this is a perfect example of it. This book captured my imagination like none other, with a sense of realism and fantasy intermixed. When I read this book, I felt that the events taking place might possibly have really happened, even though there was a touch of fantasy! I was 14/15ish when I first read this book, and while I was probably a little young for
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Aug 18, 2010
Vicki
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Historical fiction is usually pretty far down on the list of books I prefer to read. Yet THIS, is my all time favorite book. Going back and forth between Rome and Germania, the settings and details are rich and vivid enough to make you *see* everything around you.
It's length may appear daunting but there's ALWAYS something going on, ALWAYS something you need to know about so you keep reading. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.
It's length may appear daunting but there's ALWAYS something going on, ALWAYS something you need to know about so you keep reading. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.
Dec 17, 2008
Susan
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If you're interested in the intersection of ancient Rome and the Germanic tribes, this is a wonderful fantasy novel about a young Germanic tribal priestess who is captured by Roman soldiers and forced to fight as a gladiatrix. Set in the time of Nero and Domitian, this book took author Donna Gillespie 12 years to research and write. It's a long book, but a fast-paced read, and is perfect for vacation or late-night reading.
Jan 03, 2011
South Regional
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Awhile ago I went through a huge historical fiction phase. While I still love the books I don't focus on only them so much any more. However, I rememeber this one as one of my favorite. Set during the time of the Roman Empire, this book is filled with gladiators, blood, violence, intrigue and love. I especially love the part when Auriane, the female main character, chokes another gladiator with her hair.
Dec 22, 2010
Lauren
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Awhile ago I went through a huge historical fiction phase. While I still love the books I don't focus on only them so much any more. However, I rememeber this one as one of my favorite. Set during the time of the Roman Empire, this book is filled with gladiators, blood, violence, intrigue and love. I especially love the part when Auriane, the female main character, chokes another gladiator with her hair.
May 22, 2009
Julia
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I have a master's degree in ancient history, so take this with a grain of salt... but this has been my favorite book since I was twelve. The sequal is equally as good, and the story hasn't been finished. I'm hoping for at least a third. The books have ancient Roman political intrigue, love, passion, war, action...
Jan 07, 2009
Larina
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I read this a while ago, but it was my first-ever historical fiction novel. I really liked it. The characters were great, and I actually learned a lot about Rome and the germanian tribes, and pagan lore of he time. Plus it was a fabulous adventure novel. I think I still have a copy somewhere.
Aug 06, 2011
Another well written historical novel of Ancient Roman and Germania.
The sequel was written many years later and I didn't think it was half as good.
A germanic woman in the circuses of Rome.
The sequel was written many years later and I didn't think it was half as good.
A germanic woman in the circuses of Rome.
Dec 24, 2008
Stacey
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If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a great read. The characters keep you interested. I learned a lot about how conquered tribes dealt with the invasion of the Romans. Great descriptions of Rome during this era.
Jun 26, 2008
Renee
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I think I read this around age 16, and at 1000+ pages, I think it is still the longest novel I've read. That said, I really think that it flew for me. Even in my teens, this novel was engaging enough to make me forget the fact that it was twice the size of most of the other books I read (I'm not squemish when it comes to larger novels, but most authors simply don't write them). I gave this four instead of five stars, because it seems to be a one time read. I tried to go back and re-discover
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Aug 24, 2011
Kara
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Very long, meaty historical fiction novel about the daughter of the chieftain of an early Germanic tribe, the Chattians, as they try to resist being conquered by the Roman Empire. Admirable amount of interesting historical detail about the times and a main character that you care about enough to stick with her for 700+ pages as her life undergoes many trials and tribulations... there is romance in this book, and you root for it, but I found it a tiny bit lacking... not enough time spent on devel
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May 15, 2011
Sherm
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This is a great book, very detailed with an incredibly absorbing story. This book takes you back in time. Well worth the effort.
Jan 17, 2011
Elisabeth
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Read this book numerous times before i even went to highschool, remains a favourite.
Mar 03, 2009
Suzanne
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I read this book in German when I was a teen and absolutely loved it.
May 13, 2011
Laura
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On the day of her birth, Auriane received a mysterious amulet from a priestess-and a doubleedged prophecy of doom and glory. The daughter of a Germanic tribal chieftain, Auriane witnessed unspeakable horrors committed against her people by ruthless invaders. And when tragedy tore her family apart, she took the oath of a warrior, and vowed revenge. Tales of her brilliant swath of conquest carried as far as Rome, to the renowned statesman Marcus Julianus-who felt his destiny intertwined with Auria
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May 16, 2011
Kaye
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Now I know why Rome fell. Certainly the author has done her research. There was a lot of violence in the book - a bit strong for many tastes. The plot and concern for the main character kept me turning pages.
Aug 11, 2011
Lisa
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I loved this book. I enjoyed the backdrop of the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. It was long but I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Jul 19, 2011
Kaity
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i loved this book! it has an amazing veiw from many different perspectives. I aslo loved how atune you start to get to the characters and how much you cry or cheer when they get hurt, die, or pull through. I did get confused on how it was writen because it was in like sections and it didnt tell you who was talking, but otherwise i loved this book so much!
Aug 28, 2011
Summer
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I really wanted to like this book. It's set in a time and place I'd like to read more about. The writing is pretty good too. The problem that it is very slooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow. And right now I have a very short attention span. So after a while I gave up. Perhaps it picks up later on but I just didn't care to get through it all.
Nov 21, 2009
I give up. The writing is not bad by any means, but it is just soooo wordy. I can read Dickens but this one was too much for right now and I really don't see myself picking it up in the future. I am kind of sad about this since it had such great ratings. I stopped at about 350 pages with over half-way to go.
Aug 02, 2011
Kendra
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Wow! Kind of a surprise since it took me so long to pick this book up, but it was a really enjoyable and detailed read. Covers the end of Nero and Domitian, and much of the conflicts with Germania. Strong characters, even the bad guys, and stronger good guys! Really enjoyed sinking into this book.
Dec 17, 2009
Cassie
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Absolutely amazing historical fiction. Gillespie spent 12 years researching this book, and it definitely shows when it comes to historical accuracy. I read the whole thing in 2 days because I couldn't put it down. If you love ancient Rome, you must read this book.
