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The Hun and The General
Livianus is bored and longs for action. His reward for serving Rome is the governorship of a quiet corner of Gaul, but as he whiles away his days at his sumptuous villa, his thoughts turn to Attila the Hun, the feared barbarian with whom Livianus once enjoyed an intimate friendship. When a desperate emperor asks him to return to Pannonia to broker a truce with Attila, Livianus's old passion flares.
Attila is losing the will to go on. He is tired of being a tyrant but his people's future depends on him. The arrival of Livianus renews Attila's spirit as he prepares to march on Constantinople. Livianus has nothing to bargain with, but when the emperor's sister delivers a proposition for Attila, a new and brighter future seems to lay directly ahead. For the people, and especially for the two men.
But the deadly hand of the emperor isn't interested in peace, and as their plans are destroyed, only one course of action remains open to the Hun and the general.
Attila is losing the will to go on. He is tired of being a tyrant but his people's future depends on him. The arrival of Livianus renews Attila's spirit as he prepares to march on Constantinople. Livianus has nothing to bargain with, but when the emperor's sister delivers a proposition for Attila, a new and brighter future seems to lay directly ahead. For the people, and especially for the two men.
But the deadly hand of the emperor isn't interested in peace, and as their plans are destroyed, only one course of action remains open to the Hun and the general.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2011
About the author
Tristram La Roche
8 books40 followersTristram La Roche was born in London and spent much of his childhood in Europe. His career has included tourism and yacht charter, as well as a brief period working as a freelance journalist. His interests include travel, art, music, opera, cinema, books and current affairs, and he is passionate about the rights of the GLBT community. La Roche's work pushes the boundaries of traditional romance, aligning him more with writers of gay literature such as Hollinghurst and Rupert Smith. On My Knees, his debut contemporary romance published by Etopia Press, was a Kindle UK bestseller. He has just re-released On My Knees in a refreshed version. Fixed, his third novella, explores a more masculine side of gay love while his latest, an historical work entitled The Hun and The General, published in December 2011 by Etopia Press, has already been hailed by some as his finest yet. June 2013 saw him join forces with Daniel deLoite to release an anthology - MANTHOLOGY in eBook and paperback.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 22, 2012
3.5 stars
I had to say, once again I wasn’t filled with hope for a happy ending for this one! I knew absolutely nothing about Attila the Hun other than I had been spelling it wrong all my life and that he probably had nothing in common with Yul Brynner. So I found the period interesting to read about.
The voice is quite modern, in a way–which is certainly allowable when no one is speaking the language of the story any longer. The translation works well–it may not be in the words they actually used, but I’m quite sure the meaning still remains the same. There were a couple of too modern expressions that jarred, but in the main it works all right.
I found Livianus a bit difficult to like, and I think that’s possibly he’s a little more at arm’s length in the book, or it seemed so from my angle. The author is fond of Attila, and he’s anxious to portray him as a firm (very firm, and I don’t mean that as a double entendre, but more in the way of “you’ve pissed me off, so I’m going to impale you” kind of way) ruler but while being firm, as fair and just as any tyrant might be. He has an abiding passion for promoting and looking after his people. He’s caught in a dilemma in a changing world. Do the Huns continue their nomadic existence, continually fighting everyone who wants a piece of land in a world that’s rapidly filling up, or do they “do as the Romans do”, settle down, build stone houses, put down roots, establish cities? No idea if Attila had this crisis of confidence, but it’s convincingly put. I rather lost my respect for such a ruthless tyrant when he got tears in his eyes when he had to part with Livianus for a few months, but then I’m hard-hearted.
I liked the way there was no attempt to pretty up the protagonists. We have a good idea of what Attila may have looked like and he’s portrayed in much the same way, scrubby beard and all. We are told that Livianus is an older man, too, although still fit and healthy–these are not young studs with buff perfect bodies, they are men who have been through campaign after campaign and have the scars to show for it.
It’s the slightly mangled history that I couldn’t get my head around. Knowing nothing about Attila, I went to look up the details afterwards, because the book had piqued my interest. Honoria was Valentinian’s (the Western Roman Emperor) sister, and not, as is stated Theodosius’s (Emperor of the Eastern Empire) sister. She wasn’t killed before Attila reached Constantinople, she was exiled (although possibly killed later, as she drops off the history books). The envoy that she sent wasn’t murdered by Livianus but returned to Rome and was tortured by Valentinian order to find out the details and then beheaded.
Now, I know that historical fiction often inserts a fictional character to take part in great events that happened, but I’d prefer that the events that are happening actually, you know, happened. Or the author adds a note as to why things have been changed.
There were a couple of other things that made me blink with surprise, one of them using mud as anal lubricant. It would be fine (I suppose, although i wouldn’t like to try it) with processed filtered mud you can buy from The Body Shop but mud from the ground–with all the grit? Ouchie.
Although it’s not a Happy Ever After, it’s a hopeful ending for the pair of lovers, although knowing the date of Atilla’s death, it wouldn’t have been very “ever after.”
So, all in all an decent enough romp through a small section of Attila’s life, but don’t take the history as gospel, but anyone who likes alpha men getting it on will probably enjoy it.
I had to say, once again I wasn’t filled with hope for a happy ending for this one! I knew absolutely nothing about Attila the Hun other than I had been spelling it wrong all my life and that he probably had nothing in common with Yul Brynner. So I found the period interesting to read about.
The voice is quite modern, in a way–which is certainly allowable when no one is speaking the language of the story any longer. The translation works well–it may not be in the words they actually used, but I’m quite sure the meaning still remains the same. There were a couple of too modern expressions that jarred, but in the main it works all right.
I found Livianus a bit difficult to like, and I think that’s possibly he’s a little more at arm’s length in the book, or it seemed so from my angle. The author is fond of Attila, and he’s anxious to portray him as a firm (very firm, and I don’t mean that as a double entendre, but more in the way of “you’ve pissed me off, so I’m going to impale you” kind of way) ruler but while being firm, as fair and just as any tyrant might be. He has an abiding passion for promoting and looking after his people. He’s caught in a dilemma in a changing world. Do the Huns continue their nomadic existence, continually fighting everyone who wants a piece of land in a world that’s rapidly filling up, or do they “do as the Romans do”, settle down, build stone houses, put down roots, establish cities? No idea if Attila had this crisis of confidence, but it’s convincingly put. I rather lost my respect for such a ruthless tyrant when he got tears in his eyes when he had to part with Livianus for a few months, but then I’m hard-hearted.
I liked the way there was no attempt to pretty up the protagonists. We have a good idea of what Attila may have looked like and he’s portrayed in much the same way, scrubby beard and all. We are told that Livianus is an older man, too, although still fit and healthy–these are not young studs with buff perfect bodies, they are men who have been through campaign after campaign and have the scars to show for it.
It’s the slightly mangled history that I couldn’t get my head around. Knowing nothing about Attila, I went to look up the details afterwards, because the book had piqued my interest. Honoria was Valentinian’s (the Western Roman Emperor) sister, and not, as is stated Theodosius’s (Emperor of the Eastern Empire) sister. She wasn’t killed before Attila reached Constantinople, she was exiled (although possibly killed later, as she drops off the history books). The envoy that she sent wasn’t murdered by Livianus but returned to Rome and was tortured by Valentinian order to find out the details and then beheaded.
Now, I know that historical fiction often inserts a fictional character to take part in great events that happened, but I’d prefer that the events that are happening actually, you know, happened. Or the author adds a note as to why things have been changed.
There were a couple of other things that made me blink with surprise, one of them using mud as anal lubricant. It would be fine (I suppose, although i wouldn’t like to try it) with processed filtered mud you can buy from The Body Shop but mud from the ground–with all the grit? Ouchie.
Although it’s not a Happy Ever After, it’s a hopeful ending for the pair of lovers, although knowing the date of Atilla’s death, it wouldn’t have been very “ever after.”
So, all in all an decent enough romp through a small section of Attila’s life, but don’t take the history as gospel, but anyone who likes alpha men getting it on will probably enjoy it.
December 5, 2011
Tristram la Roche is a prolific writer of M/M fiction. His latest, “The General and the The Hun”, must surely stand out as his best yet.
This time he’s taking his reader back to ancient Rome and he’s taken on two formidable main characters: Attila “The Scourge of God” the Hun and influential Livianus the Roman General and Governor. Our image of Attila is not altered by la Roche who throws no “fairy dust” over these two battle-worn characters. Attila remains short, broad-chested, small eyes and thin beard, while Livianus is no beauty. Yet the characters shine with their depth of spirit, bravery, quick wittedness, intelligence and sharp tongues. Intrigue and suspense abound in a fast paced plot. I found myself holding my breath as Livianus crossed the line into the territory of the Huns, renowned for their cruelty and “take no prisoners” tactics.
I read this novel feverishly, it pulled me in and held me captive right to the end at which time I wondered (and hoped) if there’ll be a sequel. Tristram la Roche proves to be a craftsman at story-telling and that he’s carving a deserved niche in literature.
This time he’s taking his reader back to ancient Rome and he’s taken on two formidable main characters: Attila “The Scourge of God” the Hun and influential Livianus the Roman General and Governor. Our image of Attila is not altered by la Roche who throws no “fairy dust” over these two battle-worn characters. Attila remains short, broad-chested, small eyes and thin beard, while Livianus is no beauty. Yet the characters shine with their depth of spirit, bravery, quick wittedness, intelligence and sharp tongues. Intrigue and suspense abound in a fast paced plot. I found myself holding my breath as Livianus crossed the line into the territory of the Huns, renowned for their cruelty and “take no prisoners” tactics.
I read this novel feverishly, it pulled me in and held me captive right to the end at which time I wondered (and hoped) if there’ll be a sequel. Tristram la Roche proves to be a craftsman at story-telling and that he’s carving a deserved niche in literature.
January 26, 2015
I wanted to read this book out of sheer curiosity. Attila the Hun in M/M erotic romance? Attila the Hun? Seriously? Seriously ? Did not see that one coming. And I'll admit, I was a little bit skeptical. From what I know about Attila the Hun (and I'll admit it isn't a huge amount) I couldn't picture him as a sex symbol. But then I found the Gerard Butler version:
and I was like "Okay, I'll buy it!". And apart from being awfully improbable, it's not the worst thing I've read this week.
and I was like "Okay, I'll buy it!". And apart from being awfully improbable, it's not the worst thing I've read this week.
December 5, 2011
The Hun and The General is a plot driven novella and marches along at a swift pace – at the same time we get to know the characters, and their inner thoughts and feelings, intimately. I love the way the power dynamic between two strong men, Attila and Livianus, plays out. Their scenes together are full of chemistry and masculine sensuality whilst being powerful and tender. These were harsh, violent times, but the eroticism alongside the brutality of the time works to great effect. Will we get to see more of this pairing? I hope so.
March 15, 2012
I like to think that there is a good side to everyone; it's just harder to see in some than in others. It’s easy to see the good in someone like Mother Theresa or The Dali Lama; but what about someone like Attila the Hun? Known for his bloodthirsty quest for power and cold-blooded disregard for life, it's hard to conceive that he may, indeed, have had a softer side. In 'The Hun and the General', Tristam LaRoche paints a very atypical image of Attila and manages to do so with little compromise to his malevolent reputation. Tristam reminds us that everybody needs somebody sometime, and, in Attila's case, it's the very unlikely choice of a Roman general named Livianus.
Calling this a love story would be stretching the definition to the limit. Their relationship was certainly one of respect, trust, and lust, but it was far from what most of us would call romantic. Yet, even though it was difficult for me to become emotionally attached to either character the way I have in most books I've read, Tristam did an excellent job of portraying the relationship between Attila and Livianus as mutually satisfying. I could feel Attila's great relief when Livianus arrived, especially in a time when Attila desperately needed counsel and physical satisfaction. He needed someone whom he could 'let his hair down' with. Livianus is the one person on earth that Attila feels no need to impress and most certainly the only one with whom Attila can satisfy his desire to be submissive. In the cruel times in which they live, where nothing and no one was sacred, that is a rare gift indeed. Livianus recognizes it as such too, and cherishes their bond as much as Attila does. They have found a special place in each other's heart, whatever anyone may call it, where no one else is permitted to be and that alone is noteworthy.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It's bold, brutal, and cruel, yet Tristam's portrayal of these events makes it compelling because even with the dark side of the story, it is so well written that I wanted to see it through. I'd recommend 'The Hun and the General' to anyone who can appreciate a graphically told history lesson, intertwined with a great deal of poetic license to create a dynamic effect. Thank you, Tristam, for a very unique look into this era of time.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Calling this a love story would be stretching the definition to the limit. Their relationship was certainly one of respect, trust, and lust, but it was far from what most of us would call romantic. Yet, even though it was difficult for me to become emotionally attached to either character the way I have in most books I've read, Tristam did an excellent job of portraying the relationship between Attila and Livianus as mutually satisfying. I could feel Attila's great relief when Livianus arrived, especially in a time when Attila desperately needed counsel and physical satisfaction. He needed someone whom he could 'let his hair down' with. Livianus is the one person on earth that Attila feels no need to impress and most certainly the only one with whom Attila can satisfy his desire to be submissive. In the cruel times in which they live, where nothing and no one was sacred, that is a rare gift indeed. Livianus recognizes it as such too, and cherishes their bond as much as Attila does. They have found a special place in each other's heart, whatever anyone may call it, where no one else is permitted to be and that alone is noteworthy.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It's bold, brutal, and cruel, yet Tristam's portrayal of these events makes it compelling because even with the dark side of the story, it is so well written that I wanted to see it through. I'd recommend 'The Hun and the General' to anyone who can appreciate a graphically told history lesson, intertwined with a great deal of poetic license to create a dynamic effect. Thank you, Tristam, for a very unique look into this era of time.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 5, 2012
I read Tristram La Roche's first novella, On My Knees,some time ago now. I was excited when I heard that The Hun And The General was on the way as I have a soft spot for ancient historical stories. This is ancient history with a bit of a twist. We certainly see a different side of Attila the Hun - and I loved that aspect of the story. I'm not a fan of romance as such, but this is a story about two men who love each other, set in violent, brutal times. The chemistry between Attila and Livianus is well written. The erotic scenes are sensual and down to earth. I enjoyed reading!
December 9, 2011
Tristram La Roche takes us far back in time for his latest novella and does an excellent job of it too. This is certainly not the history your teacher told you about! It is creative, imaginative and the sex is hot, urgent and earthy (there is a pun there but you'll have to read the story to find out. I don't do spoilers!). La Roche just keeps getting better. The tone of this novella is distinct from any of his previous work and the language he uses works well in this setting. Looking forward to the next from this already prolific author. Highly recommended for adults.
January 15, 2012
Enter contest here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
I found the historical setting fascinating and could see how with more development the story could have rated higher for me. I would have loved to see more of the back story actually told and more of what happened next. If there is a sequel at some point, I am invested enough in their story to want to read it.
I found the historical setting fascinating and could see how with more development the story could have rated higher for me. I would have loved to see more of the back story actually told and more of what happened next. If there is a sequel at some point, I am invested enough in their story to want to read it.
September 20, 2013
I'm sorry where was the rest of the book? At least an epilogue that explains that Atilla never took Constantinople and later invaded Gaul and Italy only to die mysteriously in 453. See wikipedia is your friend. But I shouldn't have had to wiki that at all if the book was completed.
Either way, this just wasn't for me.
Either way, this just wasn't for me.
March 12, 2012
Really entertaining twist on history with sexy characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews