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Thunderbolt: Torn Enemy of Rome
219BC—Carthage locks horns with Rome in a bloody war for survival…
When Carthage’s charismatic general Hannibal launches his army on a daring campaign across Spain to Gaul and over the Alps into Italy to bring predatory Rome to its knees, his cousin, noble-born teenager Malco is proud to take part in the glorious endeavor.
From the heat of the Libyan desert to the passion of great love, Malco—the Thunderbolt—battles corrupt politics, bears, wolves, dread mountain passes, and the massed Celtic tribes who would bar Hannibal’s path to victory. Through his eyes and the loves of his life—Giskon, hotheaded activist; Juba, Numidian warrior; and Trebon, dearest and eternal friend—this violent tale unfolds across the rich tapestry of history, of political intrigue, and brutal bloody war.
Finally, the deadly political infighting at home destroys Malco’s patriotic feelings, and he finds himself hating Carthage even more than his sworn enemy Rome. Malco is inexorably led to a moment of fateful choice that will determine the future course of his life, and that of those he loves.
Publisher’s note: This book contains some explicit gay sexual content.
When Carthage’s charismatic general Hannibal launches his army on a daring campaign across Spain to Gaul and over the Alps into Italy to bring predatory Rome to its knees, his cousin, noble-born teenager Malco is proud to take part in the glorious endeavor.
From the heat of the Libyan desert to the passion of great love, Malco—the Thunderbolt—battles corrupt politics, bears, wolves, dread mountain passes, and the massed Celtic tribes who would bar Hannibal’s path to victory. Through his eyes and the loves of his life—Giskon, hotheaded activist; Juba, Numidian warrior; and Trebon, dearest and eternal friend—this violent tale unfolds across the rich tapestry of history, of political intrigue, and brutal bloody war.
Finally, the deadly political infighting at home destroys Malco’s patriotic feelings, and he finds himself hating Carthage even more than his sworn enemy Rome. Malco is inexorably led to a moment of fateful choice that will determine the future course of his life, and that of those he loves.
Publisher’s note: This book contains some explicit gay sexual content.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2012
3 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Roger Kean
38 books86 followersAlso: http//www.cityboiz.com
Film maker, journalist, magazine and book publisher, Roger M. Kean settled down to pen gay fiction. To date he has written Felixitations, Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome, and the “Empire Trilogy” of late Victorian action-adventure novels A Life Apart, Gregory's Story, and Harry's Great Trek. In between battling through the deserts of Sudan, he wrote the 30,000-word novella about British Premier League football (soccer) What's A Boy Supposed to Do.
Both Felixitations and A Life Apart have been M/M Romance Group Books of the Month.
Writing under the pen name of his lifelong partner, internationally renowned gay artist Zack (a.k.a Oliver Frey), Kean’s “Boys of…” series extends to five full-length novels, graphically illustrated by Zack. The Adventures of Gil Graham and Mike Smith are set in the early 1980s: Boys of Vice City, Boys of Disco City, Boys of Two Cities, Boys of the Fast Lane, and Boy of the West End. After the demise of publisher Bruno Gmümder, these titles and some others under the ZACK pen name are either out of print or only available at ludicrous prices, but selected titles will be republished in due course during 2020.
Due to the same circumstances the BOYS OF IMPERIAL ROME series written under the name of Zack are also out of print in the original illustrated editions, but are now available under Roger M. Kean and Reckless Books imprint (not illustrated due to KDP print restrictions on graphic content):
Deadly Circus of Desire
The Satyr of Capri
The Wrath of Seth
The Wrath of Seth
Film maker, journalist, magazine and book publisher, Roger M. Kean settled down to pen gay fiction. To date he has written Felixitations, Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome, and the “Empire Trilogy” of late Victorian action-adventure novels A Life Apart, Gregory's Story, and Harry's Great Trek. In between battling through the deserts of Sudan, he wrote the 30,000-word novella about British Premier League football (soccer) What's A Boy Supposed to Do.
Both Felixitations and A Life Apart have been M/M Romance Group Books of the Month.
Writing under the pen name of his lifelong partner, internationally renowned gay artist Zack (a.k.a Oliver Frey), Kean’s “Boys of…” series extends to five full-length novels, graphically illustrated by Zack. The Adventures of Gil Graham and Mike Smith are set in the early 1980s: Boys of Vice City, Boys of Disco City, Boys of Two Cities, Boys of the Fast Lane, and Boy of the West End. After the demise of publisher Bruno Gmümder, these titles and some others under the ZACK pen name are either out of print or only available at ludicrous prices, but selected titles will be republished in due course during 2020.
Due to the same circumstances the BOYS OF IMPERIAL ROME series written under the name of Zack are also out of print in the original illustrated editions, but are now available under Roger M. Kean and Reckless Books imprint (not illustrated due to KDP print restrictions on graphic content):
Deadly Circus of Desire
The Satyr of Capri
The Wrath of Seth
The Wrath of Seth
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 23, 2014
I do not have the words...but I will try. This is a beautiful story and one that is beautifully told. Roger Kean has produced something that transends the genre of romantic-historical fiction and becomes a timeless tale of love and tragedy. Along side relationships like that of Achilles and Patroclus or Alexander and Hephaestion there is now Malco and Juba. There is a loyalty here that transcends the spirit of love and becomes something...holy.
The book could be seen as a coming-of-age story but to call it that would do it a great misjustice. When the story opens Malco has already come-of-age, or has just done so, and the story focus on the years that end up defining Malco for the rest of his life. In fact one could propose that the four years or so that this novel encompasses describe Malco in a liminal state but not necessarily one that is typically described as a coming-of-age state. This is a period that depicts a growing sense of disillusionment with his homeland and a growing sense of love for his dearest friend. These two forces work on Malco in ways that are often emotionally exhausting and Kean does a brilliant job intertwining these emotional journeys.
The book could be seen as a coming-of-age story but to call it that would do it a great misjustice. When the story opens Malco has already come-of-age, or has just done so, and the story focus on the years that end up defining Malco for the rest of his life. In fact one could propose that the four years or so that this novel encompasses describe Malco in a liminal state but not necessarily one that is typically described as a coming-of-age state. This is a period that depicts a growing sense of disillusionment with his homeland and a growing sense of love for his dearest friend. These two forces work on Malco in ways that are often emotionally exhausting and Kean does a brilliant job intertwining these emotional journeys.
July 12, 2013
Malco is indeed a bold warrior but he is also stunningly beautiful as the cover shows. At full size, Oliver Frey's masterpiece of cover art reveals a sparkle of fire in the young soldier's eyes that shows his commitment to bravery and passion in both love and war. Roger Kean has created a most singularly captivating young man in our hero Malco and a spectacular adventure of a war within a war in this historical rare gem. Malco is the cousin of the one of the greatest militarily leaders in history, Hannibal (247-182 BC.)
Malco was well trained before becoming an officer in Hannibal's army at age 20. It was said of young Malco while he was still in training,
Danger abounds in this adventurous tale of war. War is bloody and people die. Those who cannot accept the violence of battle scenes should avoid it and stick to romances where the only things that get wounded are feelings. Despite the uncertainty of combat there is no reason to fear for Malco's life because he is the narrator of the novel. The story is being told by an elderly Malco entertaining his grandchildren. Yes he has children and they have children. Hannibal had no problem with Malco's homosexuality so long as he carried on the tradition of family. When Hannibal informs him of his duty to marry and procreate, Marco bristles saying:
As for Malco:
Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome is the best historical romance I have ever read to date. It has the most real history and the most real love. Roger Kean is a genius.
Note: Since reading Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome Roger Kean has written A Life Apart which also became the best historical romance I have ever read to date. On July 17, 2013 the sequel to that book, Gregory's Story will be released and I expect that also will be the best historical romance I have ever read to date.
Malco was well trained before becoming an officer in Hannibal's army at age 20. It was said of young Malco while he was still in training,
"He handles a mean sword, swims like an otter, is a great endurance runner over distance, throws a javelin with unerring aim, and sends an arrow to the mark as well as the best Libyan archer." He also is a natural born leader who gains the respect of the soldiers under his command despite his youth."While the book is an historical account of the Second Punic War (Roger Kean is the author of a plethora of non-fiction history books) His historical novel, Thunderbolt: Torn Enemy of Rome is also an account of Malco's loves, particularly the love of his life, fellow soldier Trebon. He also forms a loving friendship with Juba, a Numidian tribesman who is a mercenary fighting with Hannibal's troops. Juba is completely dedicated to his friend Malco but is not blind to Malco's sometimes overeagerness in his fight against the Romans. Juba refers to Malco and says to Trebon,
"He has a fondness for getting into trouble."Malco loves Trebon with all his heart but sometimes war preempts his passion. Juba tells Malco that Trebon has been wounded by an arrow in his arm and urges Malco to go see him. Malco responds,
"I can't. I must get cleaned up and attend Hannibal with the other commanders."Malco of course does go see his beloved Trebon but only after reporting to his cousin and leader Hannibal.)
Juba sighed. "It's said when he thought you lost in the Rhône he considered taking his own life for failing you."
Malco steeled himself and glared at Juba. "He was ever for exaggeration."
Danger abounds in this adventurous tale of war. War is bloody and people die. Those who cannot accept the violence of battle scenes should avoid it and stick to romances where the only things that get wounded are feelings. Despite the uncertainty of combat there is no reason to fear for Malco's life because he is the narrator of the novel. The story is being told by an elderly Malco entertaining his grandchildren. Yes he has children and they have children. Hannibal had no problem with Malco's homosexuality so long as he carried on the tradition of family. When Hannibal informs him of his duty to marry and procreate, Marco bristles saying:
"...but you must never expect me to feel again for anyone as I loved Trebon."As the war drags on the leaders of Carthage make excuses and do not send Hannibal the supplies he needs to carry out the war. Once Malco fought for the glory of Carthage. Now he fights to honor Hannibal and the sacrifices of his comrades fallen in battle. As it becomes clear that Carthage has abandoned Hannibal Malco feels so betrayed that he has no more love for Carthage than he has for Rome. The one who remains true to Malco is his beloved friend Juba. While Juba could return to Africa a rich man, he refuses to go anywhere except to be with Malco.
Hannibal's smile faded a degree and his face took on a sterner expression.
[Hannibal replies]
"Then you must learn to separate love and sex."
As for Malco:
"But the warmth which moved his heart, which beat in the pulse and made life worth living... this came from Juba, the mutual release of their seed which transported him to the heavens."Having fought against Rome and then been betrayed by Carthage Malco longs for a place where "it's free and independent, where courage, manliness, and honor still count." That sums up Malco well, independent, courageous, manly, and honorable. But he is also generous with his steadfast love and gives his heart wholly to the man he loves.
Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome is the best historical romance I have ever read to date. It has the most real history and the most real love. Roger Kean is a genius.
Note: Since reading Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome Roger Kean has written A Life Apart which also became the best historical romance I have ever read to date. On July 17, 2013 the sequel to that book, Gregory's Story will be released and I expect that also will be the best historical romance I have ever read to date.
October 1, 2014
The Punic Wars are a time that seldom appears in modern classrooms, at least in my experience, but everyone has heard of Hannibal crossing the Alps with elephants. Military students still study Hannibal’s stratagems. In Roger Kean’s Thunderbolt: Torn Enemy of Rome, thousands of warriors from many different lands form the Carthaginian host, and Mr. Kean depicts them lovingly, with details of their armor, battle dress, weapons, and habits. This a bildungsroman with elements of classic men’s adventure stories, historical drama, and gay fiction. Notice I said gay fiction not gay romance or m/m romance. The rules for romance require a happily-ever-after, and the protagonist, Malco, lives to be a content ninety-year=old great-grandfather, but without the great love of his life.
Thunderbolt is a great journey, when lions roamed Africa north of the Sahara and wolves thronged across Europe. Carthage and Rome vie for the known world and while the reader knows how that ended, Mr. Kean paints how big a threat Carthage was. Through the eyes of young Malco Barca, an imaginary cousin of Hannibal Barca, the achievements of the Carthaginians and their allies come alive as well as the political frailties that were their downfall.
And then there are the romances. Yes, plural, get over it. Malco is a teen at the beginning of his tale, usually a serial monogamist (but not always). He cares deeply about these men, has lots of hot sex with them, and learns hard lessons when love and politics don’t mix, but only one man is his true love, Trebon.
There are many players and places in this book; it should be read when you can pay attention to the lavish details. Nicely formatted, it did have some missing quotation marks, which sometimes made it confusing on who was speaking. Nevertheless, it’s a great story and well done. Highly recommended.
Thunderbolt is a great journey, when lions roamed Africa north of the Sahara and wolves thronged across Europe. Carthage and Rome vie for the known world and while the reader knows how that ended, Mr. Kean paints how big a threat Carthage was. Through the eyes of young Malco Barca, an imaginary cousin of Hannibal Barca, the achievements of the Carthaginians and their allies come alive as well as the political frailties that were their downfall.
And then there are the romances. Yes, plural, get over it. Malco is a teen at the beginning of his tale, usually a serial monogamist (but not always). He cares deeply about these men, has lots of hot sex with them, and learns hard lessons when love and politics don’t mix, but only one man is his true love, Trebon.
There are many players and places in this book; it should be read when you can pay attention to the lavish details. Nicely formatted, it did have some missing quotation marks, which sometimes made it confusing on who was speaking. Nevertheless, it’s a great story and well done. Highly recommended.
January 20, 2013
3.5*
This is primarily an historical fiction about the second Punic war and the Barca (Barcid) family (Barca meant lightening or thunderbolt in Phoenician/Punic). The protagonist is Marco Barca, son of Himilco and cousin to Hannibal. Marco is presented as Gay in the modern sense and falls in love with his best friend Trebon, also an aristocrat of Carthage. The story is presented through the development of their relationship as they travel with Hannibal from Carthago Nova (Cartagena), thru Gaul, over the Alps into Italia until Hannibal's stalemate at Capua.
Through the life of Marco, Kean presents a reasonable, if superficial, overview of the history of the period and the political events causing and ending the 2nd Punic war. It helps if one is somewhat familiar with the happenings, geography and personages of the time. Maps are provided. It would have helped to have a glossary of historical names used in the novels and who is historical, who fictional. Having All of Wiki on your iPad or iPhone is a big help.
All in all, Thunderbolt is a fun romp around the Western Mediterranean during the 3rd century BCE with more than a hint of m/m romance.
This is primarily an historical fiction about the second Punic war and the Barca (Barcid) family (Barca meant lightening or thunderbolt in Phoenician/Punic). The protagonist is Marco Barca, son of Himilco and cousin to Hannibal. Marco is presented as Gay in the modern sense and falls in love with his best friend Trebon, also an aristocrat of Carthage. The story is presented through the development of their relationship as they travel with Hannibal from Carthago Nova (Cartagena), thru Gaul, over the Alps into Italia until Hannibal's stalemate at Capua.
Through the life of Marco, Kean presents a reasonable, if superficial, overview of the history of the period and the political events causing and ending the 2nd Punic war. It helps if one is somewhat familiar with the happenings, geography and personages of the time. Maps are provided. It would have helped to have a glossary of historical names used in the novels and who is historical, who fictional. Having All of Wiki on your iPad or iPhone is a big help.
All in all, Thunderbolt is a fun romp around the Western Mediterranean during the 3rd century BCE with more than a hint of m/m romance.
September 8, 2012
HISTORY BUFFS REJOICE!
For a reason I cannot yet fathom, I entered Malco Barca's life expecting a manly romance. There were a lot of manly characters but this is not a romance. Wonderful historical fiction yes, man-on-man romance no. And it's not the author's fault, he never advertised THUNDERBOLT as such. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.
This doesn't imply you will not find delicious boy bits ravished here and there, in superbly well-carried love scenes.
Nevertheless, what didn't make me love this story (more) was the constant depiction of battle strategies and maneuver details. This made the story kind of History schoolbook-ish for me. A simply matter of attraction.
If you are a history buff and love sexy scenes thrown in the middle of the discourse, this is the book for you.
For a reason I cannot yet fathom, I entered Malco Barca's life expecting a manly romance. There were a lot of manly characters but this is not a romance. Wonderful historical fiction yes, man-on-man romance no. And it's not the author's fault, he never advertised THUNDERBOLT as such. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.
This doesn't imply you will not find delicious boy bits ravished here and there, in superbly well-carried love scenes.
Nevertheless, what didn't make me love this story (more) was the constant depiction of battle strategies and maneuver details. This made the story kind of History schoolbook-ish for me. A simply matter of attraction.
If you are a history buff and love sexy scenes thrown in the middle of the discourse, this is the book for you.
May 2, 2014
A magnificent saga of a young man, the cousin of the famous military strategist Hannibal, whose aim is straight but his loves are not. I can't do a better review than the one posted by my colleague Boyd Walker so please read his review at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 14, 2012
Malco, elderly man, tells his grandchildren story of his youth when he joined his family and cousin Hannibal in fight against Rome. And he have a lot to tell.
I'm not familiar with setting (219BC) but I wasn't confused as author does good work of telling and showing what kind of life it was for young and noble Carthage man. Sometimes I would prefer much more of showing and less telling, for example, I would have liked to read how Malco and his company crossed the Alps but instead we have Malco telling his grandchildren how it was.
Change between young Malco's narrative and older Malco's comments were distracting.
Overall it is good read for these who likes ancient history and wouldn't be freaked out of some gruesome scenes.
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
I'm not familiar with setting (219BC) but I wasn't confused as author does good work of telling and showing what kind of life it was for young and noble Carthage man. Sometimes I would prefer much more of showing and less telling, for example, I would have liked to read how Malco and his company crossed the Alps but instead we have Malco telling his grandchildren how it was.
Change between young Malco's narrative and older Malco's comments were distracting.
Overall it is good read for these who likes ancient history and wouldn't be freaked out of some gruesome scenes.
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
October 11, 2024
accurate history
Felt like I was living there. The politics were intriguing and the sex standard stuff for the times. Could have made more of the elephants though, like how do you persuade them to go over the alps? And how much food did they have to cart along for them?
Felt like I was living there. The politics were intriguing and the sex standard stuff for the times. Could have made more of the elephants though, like how do you persuade them to go over the alps? And how much food did they have to cart along for them?
do-not-read
April 26, 2021Storytelling format is not my cup fo tea.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews