I often have an interest in alternative historical fiction, especially when its subject and location is someplace other than Nazi Germany, which I fee...moreI often have an interest in alternative historical fiction, especially when its subject and location is someplace other than Nazi Germany, which I feel has been played out all too often to the same tune. But Fires of Alexandria thankfully takes us to ancient Roman Empire in Egypt, and while it’s a popular theme also, the author gives an interesting view with new dynamics. The writing is vivid and well-researched, and the enthusiasm and love for the story was clear.
I felt that fewer descriptions at times could have helped me, as the reader, focus on more important points, but the characters and events were easily visualized. The paragraph structuring did become an issue, as I would have preferred ones with more than one or two sentences each, especially when they contained the same ideas or actions taking place. I felt this would have improved the flow and overall appearance of the narrative, yet the plotting and pace drive you forward to a climax and resolution that satisfies.
Thomas K. Carpenter has created a solid basis for a new series in “Fires of Alexandria”, and I thought it was an enjoyable read with a sympathetic main character I truly came to care about. Further installments would definitely be on my list of anticipated reads.
A carefully planned and penned novel, shifting between stark declaration and descriptive narratives, this is the story of the final days of Rome as se...moreA carefully planned and penned novel, shifting between stark declaration and descriptive narratives, this is the story of the final days of Rome as seen through the eyes of Eudoxia and Eudocia, mother and daughter.
From personal or academic studies, many people know certain details regarding the fall of the Roman Empire and its sacking by the Vandals, but Dolores McCabe puts a more personal face on this event through the use of sympathetic characters. There were times when certain descriptions seemed a bit repetitive, and I felt the use of more transitions could have smoothed the flow, but for lovers of historical fantasy this is a worthy read. Ambitious, detailed and without a doubt, well researched, the author's passion for her subject shines through.
How do I know this? I was privileged to do an interview with Dolores McCabe. Please visit Flying With Red Haircrowfor the full transcript of the interview and review.
"The Woman Pope" is the rather improbable story of a woman who became pope, a fictional dramatization leading up to her appointment as the leader of t...more"The Woman Pope" is the rather improbable story of a woman who became pope, a fictional dramatization leading up to her appointment as the leader of the Church of Rome. Her father had been a learned, wandering man who taught his daughter to read, and in combination with her own determination and a sequence of events where she'd been advised to disguise herself as a man: her talents, knowledge and faith were rewarded with the office. Thoughout the centuries it's been debated, hotly at times, by those who believe it actually happened and others who completely discount the possibility.
I felt there was clear purpose and design in the story, which wasn't necessarily a difficult task as there are a number of documents, both secular and Catholic sources, as well as the numerous legends and "local tales," which give details about the life of "The Women Pope's", but I did have some issues with the work itself. Paragraph structure was a problem for me as well as the scarcity of transitioning phrases, so the read was rather "stuttered" from my perspective.
In this novel, you'll find plenty of descriptions of locations, people and society which were representative of the day: Saracens, witch hunting villagers, filthy city dwellers and the diseased, and the ever present hypocrisy of members of the church, but sometimes it seemed a bit of overkill to me. Certainly, a strong setting with authentic details are necessary in any work but I favor more characterization and what was offered simply didn't help me engage and empathize with Johanna. Her love story with Adrian...the choices they made, the mistakes and decisions, I rather grew exasperated with the naiveté displayed by the couple. I continued looking for elements, whether it was the secondary characters of the Church who attended the "pope", to make it believable for me, but I didn't find it. Dramatic events in and of themselves just don't work for me, I have to care about the players.
If one is a fan of historical fiction it might be a title to consider, or those who have an interest in legends of the Church of Rome. I found the story itself interesting enough, just like many legendary tales, but the writing style was a drawback in my opinion as I too often felt manipulated into some kind of emotional attachment.(less)
Loading...
